Geneva Magazine - Winter 2014

G WINTER 2014

GENEVA

Driven to Succeed

MAG A Z I N E

Accessible, Affordable and Admired

Dan LaRue ’76 Dan will never forget the first time he visited Geneva as a confused teenager looking for a college home. Something about the campus, the people and the atmosphere resonated deeply with him. “It’s hard to explain,” he says, but Geneva was obviously where he was meant to come.

During his high school years in Lebanon, PA, friendships had been difficult for Dan, heightened by the swirling social unrest pervasive in the country at the time. But when he arrived at Geneva in 1972, Dan discovered a caring, Christian community that was exactly what he needed.

“The healing power of the friendships I found at Geneva made me into the person I am,” he says.

In addition to those special classmates with whom he still keeps in touch, including Bible professor Dr. Byron Curtis ’76, Dan credits faculty members such as Dr. Jack White ’58 for wisely guiding him through the turmoil.

Dan will also never forget how God’s hand was at work during his college years: “The Lord is with us in all the things we go through.” He majored in German and Spanish, intent on becoming a missionary, but health considerations prevented this. His interest in missions remains, but Dan’s life work is as a 24-year (and counting) career librarian.

Recently, Dan drafted his will and named Geneva a beneficiary. He hopes others will “consider how Geneva was important in their lives and give back.” If the Geneva community has had a profound impact on your life, consider joining Dan in making a planned gift to Geneva.

Please visit Geneva.edu/give or contact the Office of Planned Giving at 724.847.6514.

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G WINTER 2014

CONTENTS

Driven to Succeed

25

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ANNIVERSARY

12 I N EV E RY ISSUE

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16

IN TH IS ISSU E

2

From the President

10

Not Just Middle-of-the-Road

20

A Tale of Two Tornadoes

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In Brief

12

22

Within Reach, Beyond Measure

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In Motion

Adult Degree Programs— Silver Anniversary

24

Choosing the Right Apple

It All Has Value

14 16

Mission Accomplished

25

In Service

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Class Notes

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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.

EDITOR Greg Wise ’95 DESIGNER Kristen Lang EDITORIAL REVIEW BOARD Dr. ADEl AikEN ’75 Dr. Ken Carson ’79 Larry Griffith ’85 Cheryl Johnston DR. Jeff Jones Dave Layton ’88 Missy Nyeholt Rebecca (Carson ’85) Phillips DAN WILLIAMS ’07 Van Zanic ’93

Your feedback is greatly appreciated. Please send your correspondence to editor@geneva.edu or Geneva Magazine, Geneva College, 3200 College Ave., Beaver Falls, PA 15010.

G from the president

Value is a catchword in higher education

pleased to share stories demonstrating

today—and it’s easy to appreciate

how Geneva earned this admiration.

why. With so much uncertainty in the

In addition to outlining our tradition

economy, escalating costs for both

of accessibility, there is a recap of

providing and obtaining a college

the Geneva Across America team’s

degree, and concern over rising

transcontinental ride, which raised over

debt, students and their families

$50 thousand for a new scholarship

understandably want to ensure that

(“Mission Accomplished,” page 16). And

they will receive a solid return on their

that is just one of many stories in this

investments. Because Geneva College

issue about keeping Geneva affordable.

pursues its mission of equipping

Throughout, you will also read about the

students for faithful and fruitful service

positive impact that a Geneva education

in order to glorify God, those of us in

makes on the lives of our graduates,

this academic community do our utmost

such as Kevin Host (“It All Has Value,”

to offer them the best value we can.

page 24), the Martinezes (“A Tale of Two Tornadoes, page 20), and others.

Geneva has a long and storied history of offering students of all types this brand

As the landscape of higher education

of high quality, Christ-centered education

continues to change, I hope for Geneva

(“Within Reach, Beyond Measure,” page

to thrive. For only through flourishing

22). And lately, those whose business

can we best prepare our graduates to be

is recognizing colleges and universities

successful in their kingdom building. So

for being leaders in the field are taking

please pray for the Lord’s blessing and

notice. For 2014, U.S. News & World

wisdom on the Geneva community as we

Report identifies Geneva as a Top 20

look for the best methods of continuing

North Regional College with a national

these traditions.

Top 100 Best Undergraduate Engineering Program, as well as a Top 10 Best Value

In His Service,

School out of all North Region colleges.

In this issue of Geneva Magazine, “Driven to Succeed: Accessible,

Dr. Ken Smith ’80

Affordable and Admired,” we are

President

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

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VALUE

Geneva receives national recognition for quality of education.

High value has always been an objective at Geneva College, which strives to provide students the best academics possible for an affordable cost. Several recent studies highlight the college’s effectiveness in pursuing this goal.

in brief

CAMPUS NEWS

engineering program reached the Top 100 Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs rankings.

Accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, Geneva’s engineering program has received this recognition for the second successive year, and hopes to continue building premium value for the college in years to come.

The 2014 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges ranked Geneva as a Top 10 Best Value School in the North Region. The organization’s metric compared academic quality with the 201213 net cost of attendance for students receiving the average level of need-based financial aid. The same report also placed Geneva at number 17 in the Top 20 Regional Colleges in the North geographical group.

In addition, AffordableCollegesOnline.org (AC Online), a resource for college affordability and financial aid information, took a look at Geneva’s focus on value. The organization placed Geneva on its Highest Return on Investment Colleges in Pennsylvania list. Fourhundred and two schools were analyzed, and out of the 81 schools ranked, Geneva placed in the top 45.

Furthermore, one of the programs behind Geneva’s consistent value was singled out by the U.S. News & World Report. The

For more information about the value of a Geneva education, visit Geneva.edu/excellence.

The Cabinet celebrates 135 years.

Center for Urban Biblical Ministries (CUBM) celebrates 25th anniversary.

One thing has existed through the many changes at Geneva College over the past 135 years—the student newspaper. In 1878, the first issue of The Geneva Cabinet rolled off the printing press as a monthly magazine. The publication described itself as “Twelve pages of fine print, with bristling editorials, interesting personals, and valuable selected articles.”

Along with the Adult Degree Programs,the Center for Urban Biblical Ministries (CUBM) also celebrated an anniversary in 2013—25 years of fruitful ministry in the Greater Pittsburgh area.

From the beginning, The Cabinet has been a source of happenings on campus, as well as a venue for student opinions.

When a dormitory for women was built in 1888, The Cabinet remarked on the “seclusion of women” and the poor quality of the dormitory food. Early discussions also included library hours, the improvement of the campus’s appearance with the addition of janitors and editorials regarding U.S. involvement in World War I.

The celebration featured Dr. Cleophus J. LaRue, Princeton Theological Seminary’s Francis Landey Patton Professor of Homiletics. LaRue specializes in African-American preaching and worship styles and speaks frequently across the country.

The Cabinet recently underwent a significant transformation when Editor-in-Chief Joel Shannon headed efforts to launch GenevaVoice (GenevaVoice.com). This website brings together student-created content from a variety of sources. Joel feels that this is an effective way to reach a larger audience, and also track how much attention each article generates. Another convenience is the ability of staff writers to cover events as they happen and publish articles immediately.

Feedback on the website has been positive, especially from alumni who are now regularly able to stay connected with campus news.

But that doesn’t mean that the print version will disappear anytime soon. Joel reports that some students and staff prefer to have a physical copy to read: “There’s just something satisfying about it.”

Also featured was the premier of The CUBM Story, a program history written by Assistant Director Dr. John Stanko. He writes, “CUBM has provided a wonderful model in the city of what can happen when people cross all kinds of boundaries—neighborhood, ethnic and denominational—to work toward a common goal.”

Since 1988, Geneva College and CUBM have partnered to provide urban students a Christ-centered education. Students can earn an Associate of Arts degree in Christian ministry, business administration or human services. These degrees are designed for individuals aspiring to be future urban-church leaders. Possibilities are open to continue education at Geneva upon completion.

CUBM is housed within the Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary in Pittsburgh. For more information, visit cubm.org.

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2013 Homecom ng GE NE VA C O L L E G E

7 1 The Rock 2 5K Walk/Run for breast cancer awareness 3, 9 Fun for Little Golden Tornadoes 4 Class of 1998 Reunion 5 President Smith ’80 with Distinguished Service Award winner Dave Layton ’88, AVP for Enrollment 6 Morgan Men Reunion 7 The GTs take the field!

8 Homecoming king and queen married couple Kyle and Molly Beckhusen 10 President Smith with Distinguished Service Award winner Charles Hartzell ’63, Ph.D. 11, 16 Students cheer on the GTs 12 Student Ministry Reunion 13 Class of 2003 Reunion 14, 17, 19, 20 Alumni connect around campus 15 Music on Memorial Lawn 18 Genevans Concert in the College Hill RP Church 21 The College Hill Festival

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Mark your calendars for Homecoming 2014!

October 11 20

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Kudos

DR. RALPH ANCIL, Professor of Economics, published “Humane Economy versus Economism” in Humanitas and “Wilhelm Roepke as Front Porch Economist” at Front Porch Republic (frontporchrepublic.com).

DR. ELIZABETH BELCASTRO, Assistant Professor of Education, co-wrote “The power of verbal scaffolding: ‘Showing’ beginning readers how to use reading strategies,” which was published in Early Childhood Education Journal. She also co-presented “Marching to the Beat of My Own Drum” at the Pennsylvania Council for Exceptional Children.

DR. LUTITIA (MYLES ’75) CLIPPER (MSOL ’00), Adjunct Professor of Leadership Studies, was honored by the Shale Media Group (SMG) at the inaugural Women in Natural Gas Awards (W.I.N.G.).

DR. JOHN GALLO ’92 (MSOL ’00), Dean of Graduate, Adult and Online Programs, published “You lead; I’ll follow: Why followership is such a dirty word” in Engage Magazine.

DR. GREGORY JONES ’05, Instructor of History and Humanities, completed his Ph.D. in history at Kent State University.

DR. JAMES MATTA, Assistant Professor of Psychology, Counseling and Human Services, was re-appointed by Governor Tom Corbett to a second term on the State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors.

DR. DENISE MURPHY-GERBER, Associate Professor of Business, gave a presentation on international marketing to a local chapter of Kiwanis International.

DR. KAREN (MAKOWKSI ’79) SCHMALZ, Professor of Education, presented ‘Writing Quality IEPs” at McGuire Memorial School.

DR. YVONNE TROTTER, Associate Professor of Education, published “The Call to Advocacy” in Teachers of Vision.

DR. RODNEY AUSTIN, Associate Professor of Chemistry, and DR. MARIO OYANADER, Associate Professor of Engineering, along with several students, presented “Analysis of select metals in Beaver River sediment” at the Student Symposium on the Environment.

DRS. SCOTT SHIDEMANTLE, BYRON CURTIS ’76 and JONATHAN WATT, Professors of Bible, led a group of 31 students and alumni on a two-week trip to Israel and Jordan.

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Geneva names International Admissions Counselor.

Geneva College announces Jonathan Dodd ’05 as its new International Admissions Counselor. Dodd will be doing a mix of marketing, traveling, counseling and networking around the world to identify prospective students. He will also walk them through the application process and help prepare them for living in the United States.

“My overall goals for the position are to recruit international students to come to Geneva and to help them succeed as ambassadors for their countries and for the Kingdom,” says Dodd. “I want to see them excel in their studies, their relationships, to grow in their walk with the Lord, and for the Geneva community to benefit from their presence on campus.”

The aim of International Student Services is to enable foreign students, missionary kids and other students coming from outside of the U.S. to be comfortable and successful at Geneva. Students receive academic, immigration and personal guidance in an atmosphere that encourages their adjustment to a new culture.

Dodd has a B.A. from Geneva College in writing. After graduation, he spent a total of three years in China. One was spent in Beijing at the 21st Century School, where he taught English as a Foreign Language (EFL) classes to Chinese kindergarten students and worked with Chinese teachers to develop curriculum and lesson plans that introduced Western teaching methods. A few years later, he went back to Harbin, China, at Heilongjilang East College as the Head Foreign Teacher, where he was for two years.

Most recently, Dodd worked as a relocation specialist for American International Relocation Solutions in Pittsburgh.

in motion

athletic news

Time to Pay the Piper

by C a l e b M u s s e l m a n ’12

Geneva College’s Athletic Department named Dr. Piper Kilpatrick ’05 as Head Team Physician at the beginning of this academic year. Piper brings a wealth of fine-tuned sports medicine expertise, complimenting Geneva’s already stellar athletic training staff. And he has travelled a unique and adventurous road on the way back to his alma mater.

Piper, the son of Geneva professors Drs. Paul ’71 and Shirley (Langford ’74) Kilpatrick, received his undergraduate degree in chemistry with a minor in biology. After graduation, he enrolled in St. George’s University School of Medicine in True Blue, Grenada, where he earned his medical degree in sports medicine. After his time abroad, Piper moved back to Western Pennsylvania for a residency at Pittsburgh’s UPMC Saint Margaret Hospital.

Topping off his extensive medical training, he also participated in a Sports Medicine Fellowship at UPMC Shadyside, partnering with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Robert Morris University and Mt. Lebanon High School. Subsequent to experiencing the field of sports medicine in so many unique scenarios, Piper was hired by ASP Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, through which Geneva contracts him.

So what does being Head Team Physician entail? In Piper’s words, “The day-to-day care is still managed primarily by the onsite athletic trainers. My job deals with the managerial aspects

of the athletic training room, as well as any unique or severe athletic injuries that require special medical attention.”

Lisa Karlinsey, Geneva’s Head Athletic Trainer, is thrilled to have Piper join her in working with student-athletes: “He wants to be very involved here at Geneva, and we couldn’t be happier about his enthusiasm and expertise. Having him on our staff gives us an immediate connection to our own doctoral care, and that is a very special commodity at the Division III level.”

In Piper’s eyes, the role of Head Team Physician for a collegiate institution is a very natural and appropriate career progression.

“My Sports Medicine Fellowship at UPMC was specifically designed to prepare us for a team physician role with a sports organization,” he says. “My experience with Robert Morris and the Pittsburgh Penguins was invaluable as I transitioned into my new role at Geneva.”

As Geneva’s Athletic Department continues to strive for excellence on the field and on the court, Piper is pleased to be part of that journey toward success. “It is special to work for the program that I have had such a close connection with in the past as a studentathlete. It has been a great experience to begin working in an environment where many relationships have already been created and can now be cultivated at a professional level.”

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in motion

2013 Fall

Athletic

Wrap-Up

by C H R I S T Y LEA R ’11

The fall 2013 accomplishments of Geneva student-athletes did not disappoint those looking for stand-out performances. Golden Tornado football, volleyball, men’s soccer, women’s soccer, tennis and cross country teams all received high honors during the season of competition in the Presidents’ Athletic Conference (PAC).

Members of the football team were decorated with 15 all-conference honors and shattered single game, season and career school records. Rocco Colavecchia, Dillon Goodell, Mike Underwood, Montias Jackson, Tim Martin, Zack Hayward, Lemuel Fuller, Brandon Martin, Dylan Jones, Brett Alberti, John Onufer, Ed Schusuter, Rashad Briscoe and Zachery Taylor made up Geneva’s 2013 All-Conference award winners. In addition to his All-PAC Second Team award, first-year player Tim Martin received the 2013 PAC Newcomer Award for his tremendous freshman campaign: Martin led the league in both interceptions (6) and passes defended (20), ranked second in all of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division III in passes defended per game (2.0), and made the PAC Scholar-Athlete list. For the second straight season, senior linebacker Dillon Goodell led the PAC in tackles with 108, and was also honored with the PAC Scholar-Athlete award. Quarterback Zack Hayward dominated the singlegame record book setting the top four single-game passing records. Also etching his name record book, senior all-purpose offensive threat Rocco Colavecchia visited the end zone an outstanding 23 times as a rusher, passer and receiver with 294 rushing yards and 535 receiving yards. Colavecchia also broke the career points record previously held by Gerard Muschette, compiling 292 career points during his three years as a Golden Tornado.

The volleyball team continued its tradition of success, finishing second in the conference and taking five All-Conference honors and six slots in the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA). And the small senior class of Deanna Briody and Ashley Davis finished the season stronger than ever. Briody reset Brandi Snavely’s 2002 career assists record of 3,690 to 4,424. Powerhouse outside hitter Davis grabbed the spotlight among national competitors in being selected as the first student-athlete in Geneva’s history to be named the Sports Imports/American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Division III Women’s Player of the Week. Davis obtained a 5.17 kill, 2.83 dig-a-set average while serving seven aces equaling a .401 hitting percentage after a stainless 4-0 week facing Washington & Jefferson, Thomas More, Waynesburg and Grove City.

While leading the Golden Tornadoes to a 22-10 overall record, Davis finished as number one in the conference in overall kills (395) and kills per game (3.76).

In addition, Briody earned the PAC Scholar-Athlete award by achieving a 4.0 GPA, and Davis was awarded First Team NCAA Division III Academic All-District honors from Capital One College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA), one of only six from Pennsylvania.

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On the women’s soccer field, sophomore Heidi Mann was awarded the title of PAC Scholar-Athlete and was selected for the prestigious Women’s Soccer First Team NCAA Division III Academic All-District honors from Capital One CoSIDA, one of only12 from Pennsylvania to receive this honor. In only her second season, Mann finished the regular season ranked seventh in the PAC in points, with six goals and five assists, while maintaining a remarkable 3.96 GPA.

In men’s soccer, the team earned its third consecutive trip to PAC post-season play.

Four student-athletes were given all-conference honors: Garrett Masters, Jeremey Troutman, Bryan Butler and Jesse Herman. Troutman was named to the 2013 NSCAA/Continental Tire NCAA Division III Men’s All-Great Lakes Region Third Team and the NCCAA East Region Team. In addition, the program was honored with the National Soccer Coaches Association (NSCAA) Team Academic Award for its 3.24 team GPA.

Geneva’s tennis team capitalized on its history of success. Geneva’s 2013 third-place finish was the program’s highest in the PAC Championship Tournament. The team earned a doubles runner-up finish (Brittany Kress and Courtney Light) along with two singles second-place finishes (Christine Bullock and Kress). In addition, three student-athletes—Brittany Kress, Courtney Light and Megan Hinds—earned NCCAA Player of the Week honors.

In cross country action, Alayna Merkle finished second out of 93 conference runners in the women’s 6K at the PAC Championships, with a 22:46.40 final time. This is the highest PAC finish ever for a Geneva cross country runner.

Overall, 55 fall-sport student-athletes committed to working hard in the classroom and achieved at least a 3.6 GPA during the semester. Geneva is proud to be part of the lives of these student-athletes as they worked heartily “as working for the Lord” (Colossians 3:23).

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Not Just Middle-of-the-Road

by A da m R ow e ’14

Robert N. Peirce Jr. ’59 knows that completing an education within middle-income means can sometimes be difficult considering our current economic atmosphere.“If a student is really bright, there are scholarships for that, and if a student is experiencing significant economic struggles, there is financial aid for that,” he states.

However, the students who fall in the middle often end up with less monetary aid.And those students are the ones for whom the Peirce Family Foundation was established.

The Peirce Foundation Scholarship, first launched in 1999, is aimed at students from middle-income families.A total of $100,000 is offered each year, and Geneva provides a list of candidates who come from middle-income families in the tri-state area and have above-average grades.The scholarship provides recipients half of their financial aid as a grant, and half as an interest-free loan to be repaid within five years of graduation.

Robert’s own experience inspired him, along with his wife Joan, to found the Peirce Family Foundation. His education was also aided through monetary benefits.“I attended Geneva on a partial scholarship and attended Duquesne Law School on a loan,” Robert further explains.“This is a way of giving back.”

The recipients of the Peirce Foundation Scholarship, the number of which can vary on a yearly basis but averages 15 to 20 per year, are grateful for the opportunities that the foundation provides.

“I am so blessed to have been involved in the grant!” exclaims Peirce Foundation Scholarship recipient and junior psychology major Elaine Smith.“I know that without the generosity of people like this in the world, I would never be able to get the education that I need to follow my passion for therapy and serve God in this way.”

This freedom goes beyond the ability to pursue a chosen major, as senior music business major Isaac Fritsch clarifies. By easing the financial burden of tuition, the scholarship is allowing Isaac to go on the once-in-a-lifetime, May 2014 mission trip to the Philippines with Geneva College’s student choir,The Genevans.“This grant has made the difference in my ability to pursue all that I have wished to pursue,” he says.

Another goal of this scholarship is to aid students who may have fallen through the cracks of other financial aid packages because of hardship.

GRANT INTEREST-FREE LOAN

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“This is a way of giving back.”

“Due to losing my father in high school, my family hit some hard times financially,” senior business major Justin Fink says.“Because of this, I am paying my own way through college.The Peirce Foundation Scholarship is phenomenal because of the amount of money given without any interest on the loan end of the agreement.”

Throughout their time at Geneva College, the myriad recipients of the scholarship have all demonstrated one similar trait, best summed up by the thanks of elementary education major Lydia Steele.“I’m honored and thankful to have received this prestigious award,” she says of the Peirce Foundation Scholarship, before explaining its benefit.“Earning this award has taught me to be determined to reach the unreachable and never give up. I’ve learned that with diligence, hard work and patience, anything is attainable.”

Diligence and dedication define the scholarship recipients over the years: out of the over 200 recipients since the scholarship’s inception, only one graduate has failed to repay the loan.“Some people are very successful,” Robert adds,“and we enjoy hearing from them.”

Robert’s own success lies in the fields of law and politics. Having attended Duquesne Law School after graduating from Geneva, he

built a career practicing law. He then served from 1975 to 1979 as the Allegheny County Commissioner, and still practices law at Robert Peirce and Associates, a firm of 11 lawyers run by his son.

Although Geneva has changed significantly since Robert’s graduation with a business administration degree in 1959—“It was a commuter school then”—the quality of the education provided has not. And now, through his family’s foundation, many more middle-income Geneva students each year experience this same rigorous and affordable Christ-centered education. G

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Adult Degree Programs— A Silver Anniversary

By G r e g Wi s e ’ 95

In 2013, Geneva College’s Adult Degree Programs, which offers both classroom-based and fully online majors, celebrated 25 years of helping adult students earn bachelor’s degrees. On October 24, 1988, the first group of students gathered in the basement of the College Hill Reformed Presbyterian Church for class with Dr. Harry Farra, the primary faculty member of what was then known as the Degree Completion Program.

Three other respected professors joined Farra in offering one off-campus and three on-campus classes that inaugural year— Peter Croisant, Dr. Howard Mattsson-Bozé and Dr. James Sterrett.

The Degree Completion Program was administered by Robert Hough, Emeritus Dean of Adult and Continuing Education.

Regarding this milestone celebration, he says, “Who could ever have guessed what God hath wrought with this adult program at the end of 25 years as an integral part of a Geneva education all across Western Pennsylvania.”

Hough attributes much of the success of the program, recently renamed Adult Degree Programs, to the “never-ending support and encouragement” of Dr. Jim Boelkins, then Vice President of Academic Affairs.

“Without a question the program has had a significant impact on both Geneva and the many adult students who achieved a dream of completing a college degree,” adds Boelkins.

Boelkins also acknowledges the contributions of others “who believed in the value and importance of adult education”:

“… delivering a rigorous Christian education program in places and times that are accessible to working adults still drives what we do from day to day.”

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ANNIVERSARY

John Gallo

Dean of Graduate, Adult and Online Programs John Gallo ’92 (MSOL ’00) has been promoted to the position of Dean of Graduate, Adult and Online Programs, having previously served Geneva as Program Director of several Adult Degree Programs and the point person in establishing online programs and courses. In his new role, John will oversee Geneva’s nontraditional programs, with the primary goal of increasing enrollment in these important programs.

In addition to his administrative responsibilities, John has regularly taught in both the adult and traditional undergraduate programs. For his high level of performance as an Assistant Professor, he received Geneva’s 2012 Excellence in Teaching Award.

Provost Dr. Ken Carson ’79 says, “John is well positioned for this leadership responsibility. Over the last two years, he has quietly and competently assumed a leadership role in the college’s online initiatives, and I look forward to working with him in this new capacity.”

Virginia (Montini ’68) Caldwell, Dr. James Dittmar ’76, Joann Doedyns (ADP ’97, MSOL ’00) and Andrea Korcan-Buzza ’74.

From its humble beginnings two-and-a-half decades ago, the Adult Degree Programs has expanded to offer three in-demand majors in a fully online format—Organizational Leadership, Human Resources and Christian Ministry Leadership—and four in an evening classroom format at 11 convenient locations across Western Pennsylvania—Human Resources, Organizational Development, Human Services and Christian Ministry Leadership.

Over that span, more than 3,000 students have earned their bachelor’s degrees from Geneva through the program.

Current Director of the Adult Degree Programs Dr. Ralph Phillips ’71 says, “Sure, many details have changed along the way, but the basic idea of delivering a rigorous Christian education program in places and times that are accessible to working adults still drives what we do from day to day.”

So even though the program has grown significantly over the course of 25 years, students completing degrees in both formats still receive personal attention and support from Geneva professors, resulting in an impressive graduation rate that is consistently above the average. G To find out more about the Adult Degree Programs, visit Geneva.edu/adultdegree.

John earned his bachelor’s in sociology and master’s in organizational leadership, both from Geneva. In addition, he received an MBA from Northcentral University in 2010. Before returning to Geneva as an Adult Degree Programs director in 2007, John gained administrative experience as Executive Director/ CEO of Healthy Home Resources, Admissions Director at Bluefield College, and Executive Director of the Beaver Initiative for Growth. He is also a Ruling Elder in the Presbyterian Church of America (PCA).

Regarding his plans for his new role, John says: As I think about the future of higher education, I see incredible change on the horizon. In the past, Geneva has been responsive to the needs of working adults through the creation of the Adult Degree Programs, and then the development of graduate degrees. Recently, we recognized the need of some adult students to be able to complete their degrees online.

However, demographics change, the skill set and degrees that industries demand changes, and the ability of students to complete their degree changes. It is my hope that Geneva College will continue to be responsive to its environment, to create innovative programs that reach new populations of students and equip them for the demands of the 21st Century. But most importantly, to do all these things from a decidedly Christian perspective that furthers Geneva’s mission and glorifies God. There is incredible change ahead of us, but at Geneva College, we know who holds the future. I am looking forward to working with talented faculty, staff, and administration in these areas to make our adult, graduate and online programs the best they can be.

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Choosing the Right Apple

By Am a n da ( K a s k a l av ich ’0 6) F l i n n e r

Some say you can’t put a price on education, but people struggling to pay for college know better.You can, and it’s often a big one.

But the good news is that an education at Geneva is affordable.

And no one knows that better than John Westurn, because practically no one has researched the topic better. As an alumnus of Minnesota’s Northwestern College, John not only knows the financial cost of a Christian education, but also knows its invaluable worth.

“I had been a believer maybe less than a year when I decided to go to a Christian school, and that was instrumental in shaping my faith, shaping who I am,” says John, who now serves as Executive Pastor at Pathway Church in Beaver Falls.“My whole thought process and worldview was shaped because of the Christian school, so my wife and I had really wanted, if possible, to have that for our kids.”

He hit the college pamphlets hard and crunched numbers ’til they would crunch no more, determined to find his kids, Josh and Rachel, the best education that would leave them with the least amount of debt.The results were shocking. Keeping loans in mind, the price difference between Geneva and other schools— including local Penn State Beaver—was negligible.

“Apples to apples,” John explains.“That was probably the eyeopener. When I started doing my homework and comparing tuition, minus the scholarships, then it became a no-brainer.”

Admittedly, it took a while for John to open his eyes to Geneva.

He had lived in Minnesota for 40 years and never heard of the school until moving to the area six years ago. It didn’t take long to meet up with loyal Geneva followers. Several staff members and students attend Pathway Church and would plant a bug in John’s ear when he began his college search for his two youngest children (he also has an older daughter, Melanie).

He didn’t doubt that Geneva was a worthy choice, but he assumed the cost would be too high to consider and, frankly, it was so close to home that he almost overlooked it.“The prophet is never honored in his own country,” so to speak. He and his wife, Michele, had always imagined sending their kids away to school so that they could each stand on their own two feet and soak in the college experience. How would they fare with going to a school that was in driving distance from their home with mom and dad?

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The Westurns: Rachel, Michele, Josh, John (l-r) Very well, actually. Standing on their own two feet? Try running.

Josh, a senior majoring in psychology and minoring in ministry, is practically dripping with school spirit.“You name it, he’s probably done it,” John laughs.

This includes everything from intramural sports to volunteer work at Tiger Pause, a local youth ministry program. And he doesn’t plan on slowing down after graduation this summer. He’s getting married in June and hopes to enter the ministry like his dad. But John points out that it was Professor of Biblical Studies Dr.Terry Thomas who helped foster a love of ministry in Josh.

“I don’t think we expected the individual attention from some of the professors,” John says.“We were surprised with the amount of personal interaction and genuine care for the students.”

Rachel, a sophomore communications major, had the same experience. She was feeling down when she arrived at the campus’s Summer Preview. She hadn’t picked a major and was worried she wouldn’t know what to choose.Then in swept Professor of Communications Jeff Schindel like a Golden Tornado.

Rachel confided her wish to become a wedding planner and he introduced her to the world of public relations.

She took one look at PR, and sparks flew.

“We were surprised with the amount of personal interaction and genuine care for the students.”

“I declared my major in PR that day, and I absolutely love it!”

Rachel exclaims.“Jeff has been a wonderful advisor, helping me to plan out my schedules to allow me to graduate a semester early, as well as just really being encouraging every step of the way. I love Geneva so much mainly because I love my major!” She hopes to find an internship at a PR firm this summer to see what her “big girl job” will look like.

Even John and Michele have been drawn into the Geneva vortex. As leaders of Pathway’s college ministry, their own home has become a haven for student life away from the campus as they host over 50 students every week.The church also offers internship positions, many of them occupied by Geneva students.

In October, they even joined the school’s new Parent Advisory Council to help answer questions and guide curious parents through the Geneva experience.

“I don’t think people know how valuable a Geneva education really is, particulary related to the whole worldview of what it means to be a follower of Christ,” John says.“I think they do a great job with students, to help them think from a biblical standpoint.”

As far as advice goes, John encourages parents to pray fervently for their kids and to be careful to not underestimate or undervalue the role of Christian education. He warns:“With as many kids and people who are leaving their faith during their college years, many are seeing that the public universities and the secular universities are doing a great job of trying to inundate and almost help kids sway away from their Christian faith.”

On the cost end, he tells them to know their financial situation and do their research. It might be as simple as choosing an apple, but the nourishment will last a lifetime. G

15

“…our humble initial the new scholarship

goal of $25,000 to start was more than doubled …”

15

Mission Accomplished

By Dr . M ik e Lo o mi s , D e a n o f St u d e n t D e v e lo pm e n t

Over a year ago, we announced the opportunity for an epic adventure, Geneva Across America (GAA)—a more-than-3,600 mile bicycle trip across the county.The objectives for GAA were pretty simple: experience Christian community through adventure education; spread the name of Geneva College from coast to coast; take on the personal challenge of riding a bicycle across the United States; and, finally, raise money for a new endowed scholarship. At this time I am happy to report, mission accomplished!

The team of nine riders trained over 11,670 miles, and then rode for nine weeks, through 14 states, covering 3,654 miles—from San Francisco, CA, to Bethany Beach, DE. We battled through wind, rain, snow, cold as little as 35 degrees and as hot as 106 degrees. We saw awesome vistas, met some incredible people, worshipped in a variety of churches, encouraged other riders on the road and enjoyed the company of a very intergenerational team.

By way of reminder, each of our riders paid their own expenses for the trip which enabled us to place all of the money raised into the scholarship fund. We were also assisted by 25 corporate donors that gave to the scholarship fund or donated products to the team. In the end, our humble initial goal of $25,000 to start the new scholarship was more than doubled as the team was able to raise in excess of $52,000…praise God! GAA stands for Geneva Across America. As I continue to reflect on this trip, I have discovered that GAA also stands for: Grateful—for so much support from the college, family, friends, corporations and contributors, strangers, and, most of all, God; Awestruck—at the majesty of God’s creation, by the beauty of our great nation; and Amazed—at the way it all came together and the fact that we completed this epic adventure! G

“I did it because it was for Geneva, and because I would be riding with likeminded people.”

J I M AND R EWS ’76

“I was excited about promoting Geneva and making it possible for more students to pay for college.”

BE C K Y C ASE ( M A H E ’07 )

“This was a personal goal made even better by the opportunity to help Geneva.”

BOB COLL I NS

“The Lord provided an incredible opportunity, and it is a true joy to see the ways he is using the ripples created by this scholarship ride to bring Him glory and to bless Geneva.”

C H R I S T Y COULT E R (MAHE ’12)

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“So what’s next?”

It is my pleasure to announce the answer to this question posed by President Ken Smith ’80. We are happy to present the inaugural Geneva Across America— Pennsylvania! On June 24, 2014, we will gather in Erie, PA, and ride south to Morgantown, WV, from June 25–28. Geneva invites students, staff, faculty, alumni and friends of the college to ride together as we cross the Commonwealth. GAA— PA will cover some 350 miles over four days and give riders a great taste of tour cycling. Prizes will be awarded at various levels of fundraising and, just like last summer, each rider will pay the $400 cost so that all money raised will go straight to the scholarship fund! Mark your calendars now, and look for details and registration information at Geneva.edu/GAA.

13

A Tale of Two Tornadoes

By R ich a r d Lo u th e r ’15

Brittany (Sterling ’13) Martinez Brittany felt right at home at Geneva College after coming from a small Christian-school background. Plus the financial aid package made Geneva more affordable than other colleges to which she applied. And once she was here, Brittany excelled.

No less than a year after graduating, Brittany is pursuing her doctorate in neuroscience through a highly selective, five-year paid Ph.D. program at Penn State Hershey College of Medicine.

And she’s thankful that her undergraduate education prepared her well for this path.

Originally a biology major, Brittany switched to biopsychology after taking an introductory psychology course.“I became fascinated with the underlying biology of psychological disorders, diseases and behaviors,” she reflects.

She applied to seven graduate schools, including Penn State Hershey, which is where biology professor Dr. Brian Yowler had done his graduate work. He was helpful in preparing her for the application and interview process. She made it to the last round of interviews with two other candidates, but only one spot was available.

After a few days of waiting and a lot of prayer, Brittany received the news that she had been accepted.“I was extremely excited,” she shares.“My husband Kevin was able to get a great job nearby, so I just felt that God was putting everything perfectly into place.”

Now, one semester into the doctorate program, Brittany reports that things are going well.

She also expresses that her experience at Geneva was invaluable.

She worked campus jobs, and says that her position as an intern in the Events Office provided her with the necessary professional skills for graduate school, including managing her time.

Furthermore, Brittany is grateful for the relationships she cultivated:“The friends I made at Geneva will always be some of the best friends I have ever had, and I think that Geneva provided the environment for us to become close on both a personal and spiritual level.”

Brittany concludes,“The education I received from Geneva was a wonderful blessing that provided me with a clearer perspective on the world and how we as Christians are to play a role in showing Christ to others. Geneva truly challenged me to do better and has helped to bring me to where I am today.” G

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“I just felt that God was putting everything perfectly into place.”

Kevin Martinez ’13 Many college students are focused solely on their academic responsibilities. However a few, like Kevin, are called to serve their country as well. Kevin graduated from Geneva with a computer science major and was also a member of the U.S. Army Reserve.

Though being both a student and a soldier was not easy, Kevin believes that the experience was worth the extra effort. While he was not deployed during his time in college, for which he is thankful, he did take off the first semester of his sophomore year for training. But Kevin was determined to graduate in four years, so he took classes over Christmas break and even took 22 credits one summer.

Kevin became interested in computer programming while in high school.This interest was sparked when he began using MySpace, a social networking site that allows users to edit profiles using HTML. Kevin pursued programming further by taking a class on HTML and FLASH animation, and studying at a vo-tech school during his senior year of high school.

After visiting both Geneva and a larger university, Kevin realized that he wanted to have professors who knew him and did not see him as just a face in a classroom. After testing out a few majors, Kevin settled on a major in computer science with a concentration in Web technology.

And despite all of his commitments as a student and a soldier, Kevin remained very involved in campus activities. He was a multicultural educator for the Multicultural Student Services Office, and worked with prospective students as a student ambassador. In addition, he had an internship with Geneva’s Events Office, just as his future wife Brittany.

“... the experience was worth the effort.”

Kevin and Brittany met and started dating during their freshman year.Though it was difficult when Kevin went to basic training during the fall of their sophomore year, they both feel that it made their relationship stronger. After dating for two-and-half years, Kevin proposed to Brittany in front of a large part of the student body during Geneva’s Tenth Avenue North concert— her favorite band—and they were married in June 2013.

Currently, Kevin works as a Network Engineer and IT Consultant for RKL eSolutions. He feels that he was well prepared for the position:“Due to the nature of my job, being able to understand software and web applications greatly helps my recommendations as I consult with my clients.” G

21

Within Reach, Beyond Measure

By G r e g Wi s e ’ 95

Throughout its more-than-165 year history, Geneva College has remained committed to providing a Christ-centered education that is not only high quality, but also available to students from all backgrounds. Although the school’s founding in 1848 was similar to most American colleges established in the midnineteenth century, this unique charge soon set the institution apart from its contemporaries. And since opening its doors on Thursday, April 20, 1848, Geneva’s dedication to educating students without regard to gender, race or creed has earned the college a well deserved reputation for accessibility.

As with individuals from many denominations, Reformed Presbyterians decided to create an institution to prepare their children for pursuing their chosen professions and leading faithful Christian lives. But while many colleges, especially private ones in the Northeast, became increasingly exclusive by focusing on the wealthy, Geneva heeded God’s call to serve the broader community with quality programs. A Geneva education, therefore, was not only for the then-typical young, white male students, but was also offered to women, African Americans and adults long before this became standard practice.

For example, only three years after opening its doors, Geneva established a Female Seminary. Just as noteworthy, considering societal norms, by all accounts this program provided women an education comparable to the one offered to men. And in 1865, Geneva became a fully co-educational institution.

Around the same time Rev. John McCartney, one of the owners of Geneva Hall—the college’s original building in Northwood, Ohio—proposed that Geneva open itself to freed slaves from the South. As noted in Dr. David Carson’s popular written history of Geneva, Pro Christo et Patria, McCartney “was deeply moved by the plight of the freedmen in the South, no longer slaves, but without education, without leadership, and often without the gospel.” This was an uncommon practice in the post-Civil War period but, again, Geneva put its commitment to accessibility into practice.

Throughout the twentieth century, Geneva expanded offerings to meet vocational needs and provide access to educational programs that could promote upward social and economic mobility.Training for teachers that met the rising public school standards was added and the school calendar was adjusted so that teachers could attend special classes. In 1920, Geneva established the Department of Engineering, which is now recognized as

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“… committed to providing a Christcentered education that is not only high quality, but also available to students from all backgrounds.” one of the Top 100 programs in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.The creation of the Department of Business Administration soon followed.

In addition, H.W. Wylie, who came to Geneva in 1909 as the head of the education department, began an Extension Program that helped many students achieve a college education. Wylie’s description in the 1921 Genevan shows that the program attracted students from a variety of backgrounds, including “day laborers, office workers, school supervisors, Sunday School workers, clerks, librarians, housewives.” The Extension Program, which became increasingly popular following World War II, provided a path for thousands of working-class people and veterans to earn degrees over the decades.

As the twenty-first century approached, Geneva addressed the needs of the growing population of adult students with the Degree Completion Program, now known as the Adult Degree Programs (see “Adult Degree Programs—A Silver Anniversary” on page 12). As with the Extension Program, Geneva endeavored to make college education available to non-traditional students by offering classes at convenient times and locations. Most recently, the Adult Degree Programs extended Geneva’s influence even further through the addition of fully online majors.

A Commitment to an Affordable Geneva Education Geneva Freezes Tuition in 2014-2015

Fall 2013

To this day, the pledge to serve the students whom God sends to Geneva extends to all graduate and undergraduate programs. While academic performance is an important factor in making admissions decisions, other considerations are also taken into account when determining which students may thrive at Geneva.“There are countless stories of students on whom Geneva took a chance,” says Executive Vice President Larry Griffith ’85.“God then used Geneva to shape their minds and hearts, making an indelible impact on their lives on earth and for all eternity.This is a proud heritage.”

It’s a heritage that Geneva’s faculty, staff and administration is working hard to carry on, even as the landscape of higher education changes dramatically. In order to be accessible, college must be affordable, which is the reason Geneva recently instituted a freeze on tuition for the 2014-15 academic year (see sidebar).“And this is just a beginning,” says President Ken Smith ’80.“Geneva is committed to holding down the cost of tuition long term and you will be hearing about more innovations and announcements in the future.”

So while so much of the future is uncertain, students can rely on Geneva to keep a respected college degree rooted in the inerrant truth of God’s word within reach. G

Spring 2015

On the morning of Saturday, November 2, 2013, President Ken Smith ’80 announced to a room filled with over 300 students and their family members that there will be no tuition increase for the 2014-15 academic year in any of the traditional undergraduate programs.

The result of this policy is that both new students and those continuing their Geneva educations will pay the 2013-14 tuition rate for this academic year, effectively reducing the total price paid for a Geneva degree.

“The cost of getting a college education is becoming more burdensome and if it continues, will be a barrier to average people getting a degree— and this is something that Geneva College is deeply concerned about and addressing. So with a commitment to making a Geneva education affordable and accessible, Geneva is freezing the cost of tuition next year,” said Dr. Smith.

Along with the tuition freeze, Dr. Smith noted that there will be no reduction of student aid in the form of Geneva scholarships and grants.

Geneva awards over $12 million in grants and scholarships from college funds, with over 50 percent of new students being awarded academic scholarships each year. Including federal, state and private grants, nearly 100% of Geneva’s students receive some type of Geneva aid.

Over the past 35 years, the cost of obtaining a degree has increased by 1,120 percent. And, according to The College Board®’s “Trends in College Pricing 2013,” the 10-year historical rate of increase at private, nonprofit colleges is approximately five percent per year. Geneva has consistently demonstrated its ability to keep its yearly increases below the average reported by other private institutions of similar size.

Dr. Smith reminded the families that Geneva has a history of making higher education accessible to the broader community, rather than just elite students.“Before it was common, Geneva was educating freed slaves and women. Geneva served local industry with night school, allowing many blue collar workers and military veterans to complete their education.”

His summation was news that new and upper-class students alike welcomed:“We are committed to continuing to make a quality, Christ-centered Geneva education affordable and accessible.”

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It All Has Value

By J e s s ic a Dri s co l l ’14

Geneva students are very familiar with the concept of worldview—so much so that some who’ve been here a while may tune out when it’s mentioned. However, as Kevin Host ’07 (MSCS ’09) explains, the formation of this perspective is much more valuable than these students realize.

“The emphasis on worldview integration into my daily life has helped me stay true to who I am,” says Kevin.“It has also helped in the workplace because it has allowed me to recognize that not all worldviews are the same.”

Kevin is currently an International Board of Heart Rhythm Examiners (IBHRE) Certified Electrophysiology Specialist for Biosense Webster.

Employing more than 1,300 professionals in 40 countries, this company is recognized as a worldwide leader in the science behind the diagnosis and treatment of cardiac arrhythmias. And Biosense Webster is also known for its dedication to bringing the best healthcare options in the most ethical ways possible.

He helps create 3-D electronanatomical maps of the heart for patients with irregular heartbeats.These maps, which provide realtime, color-coded views of a heart’s electrical activity, allow doctors to better see from where an irregular heartbeat is originating so that they can provide targeted treatment.

Kevin entered Geneva with medical school in mind. But with the guidance of biology professor Dr. David Essig, he identified the cardiovascular program as a better fit. Geneva has a partnership with INOVA Heart and Vascular Institute in Fairfax,Virginia, that combines the college’s Christ-centered curriculum with training at one of the leading cardiovascular institutes in the country. Kevin says,“I am very grateful to Geneva and Dr. Essig for pointing me in their direction because it allowed me to have the career that I have today.”

VALUE

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Kevin with friends: Slush, Megan Sedello and Twinkleton (l-r)

YIELD

“Never let an opportunity pass because you are afraid of what it might bring.”

While at INOVA Heart and Vascular Institute, Kevin was able to study for a certificate in cardiovascular science, as well as earn a master’s degree.“During my first year there, the institution decided to add a second-year option for a Master’s of Science in Cardiovascular Science. I loved what I was doing, so I went for it,” he says.

Kevin lists a number of attributes of Geneva that made his education valuable and for which he is grateful. One of the reasons he chose Geneva was the atmosphere that enables personal relationships between students and professors.“That was huge for me,” says Kevin.

Of even greater value, Geneva facilitated the growth of his faith.

“Coming into Geneva, I did not have a very personal relationship with God. I went to church and helped in the community, but always felt that I was missing something,” he says.“Being at Geneva really helped me develop that personal relationship and apply it to all aspects of my life.Without attending Geneva, I would not have the deep relationship I have with God today.”

Kevin points to the importance of this relationship in his career.

“Working in the medical field, I believe that faith is a huge part of everyday activities, even if it goes unspoken. I personally am always asking God for guidance through a procedure,” he says.

Looking back on his time at Geneva, Kevin shares with students what he believes to be one of the most valuable lessons that he learned.“Never let an opportunity pass because you are afraid of what it might bring. If you continue to work hard and keep your faith in God, it will always work out in the end.” G

Christy Coulter

in service (MAHE ’12)

by Ly n s e y Au e l l ’14 What do a 3,816-mile, 10-week transcontinental bicycle trip and working for Geneva College’s Academic Counseling Center & Educational Support Services (ACCESS) Office have in common?

More than Christy Coulter, ACCESS Director and Geneva Across America team member could have guessed.

Prior to becoming Director of ACCESS in 2012, Christy was a Residence Director at Geneva for three years while she completed her Master’s in Higher Education. Throughout all of this, she finds that the key to growth and success lies in setting and building upon small goals. Christy attributes the results of this “scaffolding process,” as she defines it, to the triumphs in her personal life, but also to the accomplishments she has witnessed in the lives of hundreds of students who have walked through her doors.

“Biking across the country reinforced my understanding of achieving goals—it takes time,” says Christy, who biked at least four times a week for two years in preparation for Geneva Across America. Although hardships and setbacks were inevitable: “We did the biking and the Lord provided our strength; I just kept one peddle in front of another.”

Christy also implements this step-by-step mentality with the students who seek academic support and disability services through the ACCESS Office. “College is ultimately about achieving something” she says. And she implements it in her personal life, her leadership style with her staff, and as she encourages students and equips them for college success.

“I approach every goal relationally to help others catch on to the vision our office has to uniquely care, support and provide tools for the students to achieve their expectations while in college.”

Coming from a family of educators, Christy has always had a “passion of sorts” for academics, but wasn’t sure that she felt called to teach fulltime. As graduation from the higher education program drew near, however, she felt called to continue working at Geneva.

“Staying here was natural,” she explains. “I believe in the education Geneva is producing and how leaders are being cultivated, so I applied for the position and asked God to take it from there.”

Although she was nervous about the transition, Christy recognized that her experience in leadership, as well as cycling, had equipped her with many skills that were easily transferable to the work that is required in ACCESS office. “Often we doubt ourselves and fail, but each day is a fresh start to press on towards our goals,” says Christy. “This is the grace that Christ offers us, a chance to try again.”

And if she ever feels that she is losing sight of the ultimate vision, she reminds herself of the hundreds of examples of students taking steps forward and growing—“That’s where I hang my hat.” With the same drive that motivated Christy to keep getting on her bike every day despite the obvious challenges ahead, her ability to see the bigger picture helps her lead the ACCESS office with a deep sense of purpose and passion deeply rooted in her “desire to help people grow into better versions of themselves.”

“What do you want to achieve and how can we help you get there?”

“I love all the growth and transitions that people go through in college,” she says. Christy and her staff ease this transition through disability services; academic support; classroom, testing; tutoring services; and academic coaching. After meeting with students, the ACCESS office pieces together plans catered to individual needs.

“We ask the students, ‘What do you want to achieve and how can we help you get there?’”

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class notes

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

1951 Mary (Mecklem) Zapsic and her late husband Robert Zapsic ’55 welcomed great-granddaughter Lily Elizabeth Ford on May 30, 2012.

1956 Raymond Straile resides in Johnson City, TN.

1958 Charles “Chuck” Shaffer resides in Crestview Hills, KY with wife Esther. Chuck has an M.Ed. from Xavier University. The couple has one child.

1967 Robert Clarke was recently named a National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) Board Leadership Fellow. Bob and wife MaryLynn reside in Destin, FL. The Very Reverend Canon John H. Park retired as the Dean of the Anglican Cathedral of the Good Shepherd in Lima, Peru.

He and wife Susan reside in Ambridge, PA.

1972

Douglas and Nancy (Thompson ’74) Jesch reside in Indianapolis, IN, where Nancy is self-employed as a Production Editor. The couple has six grown children.

Charles McShane resides in Salem, OH.

1974 Rev. Mark Brown continues to be the pastor of Westminster Orthodox Presbyterian Church in Hollidaysburg, PA, a church he planted 36 years ago. He and wife Joan reside in Duncansville, PA. They have two daughters.

Wendy (Fowler) Calvo resides in Winslow, ME, with husband Charles and son Kyle. Wendy is a School Bus Driver for the KVCS-Winslow Public Schools.

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Carol (Fulk) Classen resides in Denver, CO, with husband Galen and daughter Kiera. Carol retired as a Reading Specialist from Cherry Creek Schools.

Thomas and Barbara (Gillespie) Linko reside in New Brighton, PA, where Barbara is the Executive Director for Family Services of Beaver County. The couple has two grown sons.

Paul Coblentz resides in Westerville, OH, with wife JoAnn.

Mary (Hargrave) Manchester retired as an Elementary Teacher from MadridWaddington Central School. She and husband Phil reside in Lisbon, NY.

Barry Cody is the Senior Estimator at Bruce & Merrilees Electric. He and wife Pamela have two grown children and reside in Wampum, PA. Patrick Coyle and wife Rebecca reside in Finksburg, MD. Patricia (McKim) DiGiovine recently retired as the Music Teacher at Weems Elementary School in Manassas, VA, where she currently resides. She was a music educator in Manassas for 27 years and also taught in East Palestine, OH. In 2005, Patty was honored to be awarded a grant for a $16,000 piano keyboard lab to use in her classroom.

Cherie (Popa) Dobish is an Account Executive for Medicity, Inc. She and husband Michael reside in Beaver, PA. Thomas Donaldson was elected Mayor of Butler, PA, on November 5, 2013. Tom and wife Elaine have five children and reside in Butler.

Robert “Eck” Eckardt is the pastor of Redeemer Orthodox Presbyterian Church in Beavercreek, OH. He and wife Karen have three children.

Jack and Jacqueline “Jackie” (DiCicco) Fullen were married in July 2013. They reside in Beaver Falls, PA, where Jackie retired from Blackhawk School District as an English Teacher.

Barbara Miller resides in Newtown, PA. David Reed resides in Galion, OH, with wife Laura.

David Silvestri and wife Joan reside in Beaver, PA. The couple has two daughters.

Patricia “Patti” (Lockard) and Rex Slaughter attended the spring convention of The Apostolic Churches of the Lord Jesus Christ. Bishop Rex was appointed to the Board of Bishops and Patti was named Minister of Outreach for the organization.

The couple resides in Brookville, PA, where Rex is the Pastor of the Apostolic Gospel Church in Brookville and Patti serves as the Assistant Pastor of the church and is also the Assistant Editor of the Jeffersonian Democrat.

Sarah (Wuest) Staples resides in Kalamazoo, MI, with her husband.

Terry and Cheryl Wardle reside in Ashland, OH, where Terry is a Professor of Practical Theology at Ashland University.

The couple has three grown children.

1977

Sharon Givler is the Director of Career Services at Lebanon Valley College in Annville, PA. She resides in Lancaster.

Rev. Charles Hanna Jr. took an early retirement at the end of 2010 after 35 years as a Pastor in the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. He and wife Joyce reside in Rome, NY. Edward “Ed” Hardesty is a real estate entrepreneur in Mars, PA, where he resides with wife Doris (Ammons). The couple has four children.

Rev. Robert Harting Jr. is the Pastor of Grace Orthodox Presbyterian Church in Middletown, DE, and a Chaplain with Heartland Hospice in Newark, DE. He and wife Linda reside in Middletown.

Nancy (Thompson) Jesch-See Jesch ’72

Hendrika “Rita” Schalkwyk recently completed her Bachelor of Social Work degree from University of Calgary. She is a Youth and Family Counselor for Parkland Youth Homes. Rita has eight children and resides in Alberta, Canada.

1978 Sallie (Lowry) Matko recently celebrated 35 years with Bechtel Bettis on August 2, 2013. She had the lead for constructing two new chemistry facilities that were completed last year and is currently working on the

construction of two new office buildings for the engineering and scientific communities.

She and husband Martin recently became grandparents. The Matkos reside in Belle Vernon, PA.

adopted Alisha ‘Ali’ Marie Spear on November 5, 2013. The Spears served as Ali’s foster parents since she was four days old. The Spear family has four other children and resides in Johnstown, PA.

1979

1987

Dr. Kerry and Melinda “Mindy” (Matthews ’80) McMahon thank God for His help in the past and present, including homeschooling their daughters Valerie and Carolyn ’13. Kerry is an Associate Professor of Chemistry at Geneva and a recent songwriter of spiritual songs. Mindy is training to be a Home Health Aid for BeHome Partners. The McMahons reside in Harmony, PA, near family.

Lisa Blaufuss was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant at Garden State Correctional Facility, where she has been employed for 11 years. Lisa resides in Delran, NJ, with son Christopher.

1988 Rebecka “Kay” Johnson is a Sr. Program Analyst with Erie Insurance Group in Erie, PA, where she resides.

1980 Melinda (Matthews) McMahon-See McMahon 1979

1981

Martha McNally Rowe has been made a Corporate Policy Officer by the National Security Agency. She serves as the lead Classification Advisory Officer in its Information Assurance Directorate. Martha has worked for the NSA for almost 27 years.

1984

Christina (Pinon) Bouwens graduated on August 3, 2013 from the University of Central Florida with a Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering. Her area of specialization is Systems Operations and Modeling. Christina has also accepted a new position as Chief Technologist with a small consulting firm and is performing System of Systems Analysis for the US Army.

1985

David and Donna (Adams) Spear

James and Mikel Lynn (Davis ’91) Langan married in March 2013. The couple resides in Johnstown, PA, where Jim is a Librarian at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown and Mikel Lynn is a Producer at Forever Broadcasting.

Steven Schappell married Shari Parker on November 24, 2012. The couple resides in Palmyra, PA.

1989

Rev. Douglas Dragan is the Founding/ Lead Pastor at Living Water Fellowship in Aliquippa, PA. He and wife Nathalie have two daughters and reside in Monaca, PA.

1992 Natalie (White) Austin and husband Raymond welcomed fourth son Max into the world in 2013. Natalie is employed at UPMC as a Physician Assistant. The Austins reside in Bradford Woods, PA. Tracy Eckard and Wilson Isaac were united in marriage on June 24, 2013. Tracy recently co-founded Hope in Christ Ministry in Nagpur, India, an organization that provides counseling and support for Gracy Memorial Orphanage and rescued victims of child sex-trafficking in India.

1994 Jeni (Stevenson) and Mark Richline relocated from Costa Rica to Montevideo, Uruguay, to begin church planting. The couple works with the Committee on Foreign Missions OPC. Jeni and Mark have four children: Sabrina, Joshua, Julia and Isaiah.

1996 Christen Adels was appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of MAYA Group LP, a professional services firm in Pittsburgh. She is also Head Coach of the boys and girls varsity volleyball teams at Beaver County Christian School. Christen resides in Beaver Falls, PA. Aubrey Lowry resides in Pittsburgh, PA.

Denise (Littleton) Miller recently completed her Masters of Education in Athletic Administration. She is the Aquatics Coordinator at The Athletic Club of York and is a Para-Educator at the City of York School District. Denise resides in Spring Grove, PA, with husband Andrew and daughters Rebecca and Katelyn. Rebecca recently arrived on campus as a freshman biology/ pre-veterinary major and cross country and track team member.

1991

Mikel Lynn (Davis) Langan-See Langan 1988 John and Alisha McBurney were married June 15, 2013. Scott McBurney ’85 served as the best man, and Timothy Vincze ’92 was a groomsman. The McBurneys met at the Reformed Presbyterian International Conference July 2012 and now reside in Indianapolis, where Alisha works as an athletic trainer and John teaches instrumental music for Christian schools and homeschool families.

David Widmer was named President-Elect of the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying. David is currently President of Widmer Engineering Inc., a consulting firm based in Beaver Falls. David and his family reside in Rochester, PA.

1997 Jason Smith resides in Colfax, IN, with his family.

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1999

2003

Russ and Bethany (Canzanella) Warren welcomed third child Violet on September 11, 2013. She joins big sister Olivia and big brother Asher.

2004

Remington High School in Candia, NH, where she resides.

2007 Leah (Bopp) Albert (MAHE #010) resides in Oakmont, PA.

Ashleigh (Verrillo) Meeker resides in Durham, NC. Benjamin Brozich was awarded the JETTV “Golden Apple Award” in January, as well as “Teacher of the Year” at the awardwinners banquet in May 2013. Ben has been a full-time classroom teacher for the past 12 years. He is currently a fifth grade teacher at Springfield Elementary School. Ben and wife Kendra reside in East Springfield, PA, with their three children.

Dr. Joshua Van Ee graduated with a doctorate degree from the University of California in San Diego. He and wife Heidi (Yoder) reside in Escondido, CA, with their children.

2000 Joshua Abebe and wife Amanda welcomed fourth child Hudson Sawyer into the world on July 7, 2013. Josh took a position in July with Panduit Corporation as District Sales Manager for Indiana and lower Ohio. The Abebes live in Fishers, IN. Gary Hoffman (MSOL #006) resides in Harmony, PA, with wife Pam. Rev. Richard Wingfield (DCP#001) received his D.Min. from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary in May 2013. He is currently Senior Pastor at Unity Baptist Church in Braddock, PA. Richard welcomed granddaughter Ceres Evangeline Wingfield on September 8, 2013. He and wife Vanessa reside in Monroeville, PA.

2001

2005

John and Deborah (Sweigart ’09) Perkins welcomed daughter Julia on April 2, 2013. She joins big sister Emaleigh.

Gregory Townsell (CUTS #034) was appointed Pastor at Church At The CrossRoads in Beaver Falls, PA, in July 2013. Gregory has a master’s in Bible from Philadelphia Biblical University and master’s in Counseling from Liberty Univeristy. He and wife Tanesha reside in Beaver Falls with their six children.

Travis York (MAHE ’07 #010) graduated from Penn State University with a Ph.D. in Higher Education. He is employed by Valdosta State University as an Assistant Professor of Higher Education. Travis resides in Valdosta, GA.

2006 J. Daniel Reed is the Executive Development Officer for the Morris Animal Foundation. He lives in Denver, CO, with wife Melissa and daughter Emma, born in 2012.

Jeffrey Robinson is teaching scripture usage in Tanzania, Africa.

Mark Harley is forming the Pittsburghbased Schneck Harley Immigration Law Firm alongside fellow immigration attorney Kristen Schneck. Mark is the immediate past chairman of the Pittsburgh Chapter of the American Immigration Lawyers Association.

He and wife Kelley reside in Freedom, PA, with daughter Abigail Claire.

2002 Elizabeth (Miller) and John Prickett (MAHE #004) were united in marriage on June 23, 2012. Elizabeth is an Alternative Media Specialist at Victoria College. The couple resides in Victoria, TX.

28

2008

Crystal (Proudfoot) Naugle and husband Kevin welcomed son Carter Reid into the world on July 19, 2013. Crystal is employed with PA Distance Learning Charter School as a Title Teacher.

2009 Courtney (Tobias) Baker-See Baker 2010 Rima (Warren) Campbell resides in Brooklyn, NY. Deborah (Sweigart) Perkins-See Perkins 2007

Susan Wilderman was recently awarded the Timothy Award for demonstrating excellence in advancing Christian schooling from the Granite State Christian Schools Association. Susan is a teacher at Jesse

Amanda “Tink” (Tinker) married Mark

Reinard on July 13, 2013. Amanda is employed by Tompkins Community Action Head Start as a teacher. The couple lives in Willseyville, NY.

Anastasia into the world on November 23, 2012. The Hardwigs reside in Pittsburgh, PA.

were united in marriage on June 1, 2013.

The couple resides in South Park, PA.

Leyenda (Sleight) Hayden-See Hayden 2012

2010

Benjamin McCauley was married on October 12, 2013. Ben is a Software Engineer with Garmin International. He and his wife reside in Lenexa, KS.

Samuel and Leyenda (Sleight ’11) Hayden were united in marriage in the summer of 2013. The couple resides in Finksburg, MD.

Caleb and Courtney (Tobias ’09) Baker welcomed first child Vera in 2011 and are expecting another child in April 2014. Caleb is employed by Midnight Sun Council, Boy Scouts of America as the District Executive.

The Bakers live in Fairbanks, AK.

Alysa (Myers) Roush-See Roush 2010

Samuel and Cally (Cooper ’13) Shouse were united in marriage on May 26, 2013. The couple resides in Butler, PA.

2013

Bethany (O’Neill) Hardwig-See Hardwig 2011

Julie (McCracken) Brown-See Brown 2012

Seth and Alysa (Myers ’11) Roush welcomed daughter Eloise Lea Roush on July 19, 2013. Seth is the Youth Director at Mt. Carmel Presbyterian Church in Aliquippa, PA. The Roushes reside in Beaver Falls, PA.

Andrew Fischer resides in Akron, OH. Elizabeth Jabco resides in Pittsburgh, PA.

2011 Amy (Lasure) married Todd Coleman on August 28, 2013. The couple lives in Orlando, FL. Kelly Glisson resides in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Nicole (Terranova) and Seth Stokes were married on July 2, 2011. The couple recently relocated to Papua New Guinea to be tribal church planters and Bible translators though their work with New Tribes Mission.

Elizabeth (Gild) and Dennis Krzywicki (ADP #269) were married on September 21, 2013. Elizabeth is a Clinical Review Specialist for UPMC Healthplan in Pittsburgh. The couple resides in Bethel Park, PA.

2012

Kevin and Brittany (Sterling) Martinez were married on June 21, 2013. The couple resides in Palmyra, PA, where Brittany attends Penn State Hershey College of Medicine. (see page 20) Patrick and Bethany (O’Neill ’10) Hardwig welcomed daughter Evelyn

Luke and Julie (McCracken ’13) Brown

G E N E VA

Women

Cally (Cooper) Shouse-See Shouse 2012

Photos appear within or before the corresponding class note.

These graduates and friends of the college share a common vision for supporting current Geneva students.The group meets throughout the year for fellowship and to raise funds for various student programs and projects.

For information on joining the Geneva Women, please contact Alumni Relations at alumni@geneva.edu.

Geneva.edu/geneva_women 29

class notes

In Memoriam

30s Bessie M. Burrows ’37 on September 1, 2013 Robert M. Hemphill ’38 on September 3, 2013

40s Thomas J. Davidson ’40 on July 22, 2013 Jeanne D. (Fleischer ’42) Atkinson on June 22, 2013 Elojeane L. (Mateer ’42) Weaton on November 27, 2013 Donald G. Weimer ’42 on July 10, 2013 Elliott A. Young ’43 on September 15, 2013 Ruth B. (Graham ’46) Duncan on November 3, 2013 John R. “Jack” Grab ’46 on November 6, 2013 James M. Locke Sr. ’46 on July 27, 2013 Dorothy J. (Kennedy ’46) Meeder on October 11, 2013 Calvin C. Smith ’46 on June 15, 2013 Henry J. Lightner ’47 on November 24, 2013 John N. Rayz ’47 on August 7, 2013 Edith E. (Ellis ’48) Beighly on October 29, 2013 Chester M. Anderson ’49 on August 17, 2013 Franklin G. “Boby” Leidigh ’49 on December 9, 2013 A. Dale Musselman ’49 on December 2, 2013

30

Aloha J. (Roush ’49) Widmer on August 17, 2013

50s

Dr. Tom B. Jones ’55 on September 5, 2013 John C. Shields ’55 on October 22, 2013

Victor L. Arcadi ’50 on September 11, 2013

Nicholas R. Pavick ’56 on June 1, 2013

Dinos G. Dickos ’50 on September 5, 2013

Earl F. Ketterer Jr. ’57 on September 6, 2013

Paul D. Pisano ’50 on September 3, 2013

Donald L. Thompson ’57 on October 26, 2013

Herbert D. Shumaker ’51 on July 25, 2013

Leroy B. Waddell ’57 on August 13, 2013

Andrew T. Seech ’52 on August 20, 2013

J. Ellis Walrond ’57 on August 5, 2013

Thomas Skinner ’52 on August 23, 2013

William A. Johns ’58 on August 4, 2013

William H. Zinkham Jr. ’52 on August 18, 2013

Peter S. Kazas ’58 on July 23, 2013

Merle R. Byerle ’53 on June 5, 2013

Alexander J. Simko ’58 on July 7, 2013

Anthony H. Codespote ’53 on October 6, 2013

Earl E. McElwain ’59 on June 3, 2013

Jean I. (Craig ’53) Edwards on September 2, 2013

Dr. Edward L. Phillips ’59 on June 15, 2013

Donald W. Gouge ’53 in October 2013

Donald H. Stewart Jr. ’59 on September 2, 2013

Donald P. Harrington ’53 on November 5, 2013

60s

Samuel S. McBride ’53 on September 28, 2013

Janice (Vankirk ’60) Swauger on October 27, 2013

John Charles Richard ’53 on August 20, 2013

William C. Haddox ’61 on July 30, 2013

Neda (Burneson ’54) Freed on June 18, 2013

Michael W. Mitchell ’61 on October 11, 2013

Thomas O. Hornstein ’54 on October 18, 2013

Edward B. Valentich ’61 on August 3, 2013

Joseph S. Lanzi ’54 on September 9, 2013

Rachel A. (Hoffman ’62) Delaney on August 2, 2013

Anthony “Tony” Rubino ’54 on August 5, 2013

Charles G. Ankney ’65 on October 21, 2013

Marian L. (Crissman ’65) Hartenbach on June 29, 2013 Barbara J. Bruce ’66 on May 12, 2010 Jack L. Mendenhall ’67 on September 17, 2013 Samuel B. Adkins Jr. ’68 on October 1, 2013

00s Arthur N. “Beezil” Pugh ’02 on June 9, 2013 Annette H. Horevay ’07 (ADP #206) on August 15, 2013 Blake R. McMahan (M.Ed. ’09) on June 17, 2013

Lois A. Connelly ’68 on August 19, 2013

Friends

Dr. Charles B. Hennon ’69 on May 14, 2013

Marilyn K. Butcher on July 8, 2013

Jill P. (Patterson ’69) Maxwell on August 18, 2013

Wilbur C. Copeland on October 20, 2013

70s Dr. Dana L. Stoddard ’70 on November 6, 2013

Class Notes Information To share your news, visit 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.

Gerline H. Gehr on August 22, 2013 Beverly Walley Tannehill on June 28, 2013

Alfred G. “Fred” Clerici ’71 on December 3, 2013 William R. Lawson ’71 on November 28, 2013 Ruth S. (Stiening ’72) Dodds on June 29, 2013

Denotes members of the

Heritage Society,

Katherine D. (Moshis ’72) Kostos on October 19, 2013

which recognizes the valuable

Dolores B. (Hult ’73) Kelly on July 3, 2013

friends who include Geneva

Ruth E. (Long ’74) Younts on October 19, 2013

contributions of alumni and in their estate and/or financial plans by gifts made through annuities, charitable trusts, gifts

90s Jacqueline M. Dahlin (M.A. ’90) on July 22, 2013 Steven L. Six ’96 (ADP #059) on September 28, 2013

of life estates, undivided partial interests in real estate or life insurance, and gifts made through their wills.

31

in conclusion

Career Development Promotes Faith & Trust

by J oy ( EN T W I S T LE ’0 5) D oy l e ( M BA ’12), Dir e cto r o f C a r e e r D e v e lo pm e n t “What am I going to do with my life? How am I supposed to know what God wants me to do?” These are common questions that we hear in our office when people come for an appointment. Our team is equipped to encourage them with the Scripture, “’For I know the plans I have for you,’ says the Lord….” We also strive to remind them to focus on the verse, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and He will direct your paths” (Proverbs 3:56). Hearing a reminder of God’s faithfulness, they begin to take hold of the hope that God is moving in their lives.

Our team is intentional about building relationships and equipping people to find and fulfill their calling and vocation. Through a variety of services, our office provides the direction and focus necessary for professional development. Our team is here to assist our students—freshmen through seniors—as well as our alumni; we look forward to doing so with anticipation of all that God is going to do in and through our department.

The Career Development Center: • Supplies thousands of job and internship postings via the online database, Geneva Job Link • Conducts MyPlan career assessments to help determine how values, personality and skills match with career options • Provides resume and cover letter critiques • Offers assistance with the job search process Geneva.edu/career 724.847.6572 cardev@geneva.edu

“Our team is here to assist our students— freshmen through seniors—as well as our alumni.”

P.S. We welcome alumni who are interested in mentoring current students and encouraging them in their occupational pursuits.

Contact us if you are interested in offering internships or job opportunities to other Geneva students and alumni.

32

G E N E VA C O L L E G E

CELEBRATION W E E K E N D

Spring 2014

Events for Alumni March Florida Regional Events

8

Sister Act at the Kravis Center, West Palm Beach

12

Coopertown Boat Tour, Miami/Ft. Lauderdale

13

MAY 9-10, 2014

Dinner at Heathrow Country Club, Orlando

Reconnect, Rediscover and Renew!

14

Dessert Reception, Hilton at Longboat Key

Join us for reunion events and a special dinner program.

15

Pirates Game at McKechnie Field, Bradenton

April

4

Opening Week Pirates Game, PNC Park

May

1954 and 1964 CLASS REUNIONS

9 – 10

Celebration Weekend 2014, Geneva College

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.

r me G E N E VA CO LLEGE Semester in Rome

Geneva.edu/rome

GENEVA COLLEGE 3200 College Avenue, Beaver Falls, PA, 15010 • rome@geneva.edu • 724.847.6891 • Geneva.edu/rome

G e ne va C o lle ge

Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage

3200 College Avenue Beaver Falls, PA 15010

PAID

Beaver Falls, PA Permit No. 16

GENEVA COLLEGE

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If you’re ready to further your career...

A master’s degree from Geneva...

up to

UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS

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SPRING 2014

ADULT DEGREE PROGRAMS

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