The GēDUNK April 2022

APRIL 2022

FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH

Grove City College

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Freshman Mary Margaret Bargery ’25 belts out a tune in the lead role of Princess Winifred in the Grove City College Theatre Program’s fall musical Once Upon a Mattress. The production was “sold out” for its entire run as live musical theater returned to the Ketler Auditorium stage.

April 2022

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M Grove City College

ESSAGE

F ROM

THE

PRES ID EN T

STRENGTHENED FOR A HISTORIC JOURNEY

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rove City College’s new strategic plan From Strength to Strength: Timeless Values and Historic Opportunities will guide us to 2026 when we celebrate the College’s 150th anniversary. And, with plans underway to launch a historic capital campaign later this year, the blessings of record-breaking annual giving, and a 20-year high in freshman applications, this is a time of tremendous opportunity for GCC. Lord willing, and with the full energy of our community, we can achieve our ambitious strategic goals.

This bold five-year plan calls for developing the most compelling academic programs, revitalizing and expanding campus facilities, and delivering an even more affordable GCC education, while enhancing our Christ-centered living and learning experience. The goals and objectives chart a course for where we aspire to go in the next five years. The tactics of the strategic plan suggest how we will get there. Key factors for our success will include innovation, flexibility, collaboration, and determination.

Are we up for the challenge? Yes, we most certainly are. After two years of pandemic hardship and widening divisions within our culture, it is understandable that higher education in general may be struggling with discouragement and a feeling of organizational fatigue. Many are more focused on surviving rather than thriving. However, in Psalm 84 we are given a different perspective and model: Pilgrims on their way to Zion are described as going “from strength to strength” in their journey. They are filled with anticipation, finding renewed vitality from the incomparable significance and joy of their mission. The centrality of their faith invigorates their community with each step they take towards their goal.

This is the inspiration that underpins the Board of Trustees’ new strategic direction and exciting plans for Grove City College. To read more about From Strength to Strength: Timeless Values and Historic Opportunities, see page 24.

Fortunately, our journey to this exciting next chapter in our history commences from a position of strength and confidence that what we do matters. We have countless testimonies of those who have been enriched by our distinctive mission. I recently received an encouraging note from the appreciative parents of a graduating student. “We could not have imagined a better college experience for [our daughter] and are exceedingly grateful that she has had the opportunity to become part of the GCC community,” they wrote. It is high praise from a remarkable family and a sentiment I often hear from students, parents, and alumni who share the transformational journey at Grove City College.

And, like the people on their way to Jerusalem in the psalm, it isn’t just the prized destination that inspires strength. God was with them along the way, equipping and encouraging them. They were fueled by faith. As the great English preacher Charles Spurgeon wrote in a meditation on Psalm 84, “When we have God’s ways in our hearts, and our heart in his ways, we are what and where we should be, and hence we shall enjoy the divine approval.”

This is our hope and prayer, as well, for Grove City College as we continue the educational pilgrimage that Isaac Ketler and his successors have boldly mapped out for nearly 150 years. Our destination is clear, and we move with purpose. We are so grateful for your willingness to travel alongside us on this incredibly special journey.

Paul J. McNulty ’80 President

EDITORIAL BOARD Jeffrey Prokovich ’89 Vice President for Advancement Melissa (Trifaro ’96) MacLeod Senior Director of Alumni and College Relations Jacki Muller Senior Director of Marketing and Communications EDITORIAL STAFF Nick Hildebrand Managing Editor Janice (Zinsner ’87) Inman Associate Editor, Class Notes, In Memory, Babies Brad Isles Associate Editor Joanie L. Baumgartner Director of Advancement Communications Amy Evans Associate Director of Advancement Communications OFFICE OF ALUMNI & COLLEGE RELATIONS Tricia Corey Charlene (Griffin ’83) Shaw Michelle (Jeffries ’19) Vogt COLLEGE ARCHIVES AND GALLERIES Hilary (Lewis ’09) Walczak OFFICE OF DEVELOPMENT Brian Powell ’03 John Coyne ’04 Karen (Irwin ’85) Daum Elizabeth (Smith ’81) Hanley Zach Jew ’11 DESIGN Justin Harbaugh Art Director/Graphic Designer ALUMNI ASSOCIATION Carol (MacGamwell ’79) Yannuzzi President James Dudt ’07 Vice President Interior photography by Jason Jones, Andrew Stein ’18, Matthew Schoonover ’22, Grace David ’24, Justin Harbaugh, Nick Hildebrand, Brad Isles, Kiley (Hajek ’19) Miranda

Grove City College 100 Campus Drive Grove City, PA 16127 724.458.2300 888.GCC.GRAD alumni.gcc.edu

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April 2022

’mid the pages

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FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH Grove City College’s new strategic plan From Strength to Strength: Timeless Values and Historic Opportunities sets five strategic goals and lays out objectives and possible tactics to achieve them. The plan’s introduction posits a clear purpose: “With a spirit of innovation, we continue to discern new opportunities while remaining firmly rooted in timeless values. By God’s grace, this plan will guide Grove City College in the next steps on its nearly 150-year journey.”

I NS I D E

| Upfront News from campus

31 | MECE to M.D. 32 | Q&A with Mikaela Jenkins ’25 34 | Class Notes Find out what fellow alumni are doing 42 | In Memory Friends we’ve lost and remember 48 | Li’l Wolverines Introducing our newest Grovers

Connect with us: The GēDUNK, an award-winning magazine published for alumni and friends of Grove City College, highlights College news and alumni achievements. Named after the on-campus gathering place / snack bar for students since the early 1950s, the word “Gedunk” made its way into the Grove City College vernacular when Navy veterans returned to campus and brought the term with them. For decades, the Grove City College Gedunk has been the place to come together to share news and ideas, live and learn, and this magazine strives to connect our family in similar style. College and University Public Relations and Associated Professionals (CUPRAP) has recognized the GēDUNK with awards for excellence in design and writing for five consecutive years.

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Grove City College

Change comes to College’s distinctive Chapel program

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ne of Grove City College’s most distinctive features – Chapel – is undergoing a major change this year to provide students with a more fulsome experience in Christian formation.

“We want to better serve students and provide some fresh ways to help them become the people that God has created and called them to be,” said Donald D. Opitz, senior director of Christian Formation.

Traditional, twice-a-week, 25-minute Chapel services are being replaced by multiple opportunities each week that are designed to help students develop a deeper understanding of biblical truth, nurture Christian community, and earn their required Chapel Credits, which have been reduced from 16 to 12 since Fall 2020.

The new schedule includes a Wednesday worship service in Harbison Chapel that Opitz said will be “anchored in the Word and that exalts Lord Jesus.” In addition to singing and preaching, he said the longer 50-minute service will make it possible to incorporate components such as a call to worship, prayers of confession and petition, testimonies, reflection, and, “yes, more music” into the experience. This move is intended to have a longer-term impact. “In order for Grove City College graduates to provide wise and creative leadership in the church, we are convinced that we need to model and include students in the leadership of robust, biblical worship,” Opitz said.

Another weekly opportunity will be Formation Fridays, in which students can participate in campus-wide group Bible studies and gatherings focused on scripture, reflection, and prayer addressing important issues of the day. The program will be augmented by an

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array of smaller groups led by faculty, coaches, administrators, and leaders from Student Life and Learning centered on a particular discipline, book, or spiritual practice.

Also in the mix is a convocation-style Faith for Life lecture series on Wednesday evenings. The series, which was launched in the fall, features a mix of speakers, including faculty and nationally known Christian thinkers who considering the implications of Christian faith for life in God’s world.

The changes are the result of an effort called for in the College’s 2016-21 strategic plan, a study of the program and student opinion conducted in 2019 by College administration and former Chaplain Rev. Dr. D. Dean Weaver ’86, and the work of Opitz and the reorganized and renamed Christian Formation Office.

“In order for Grove City College graduates to provide wise and creative leadership in the church, we are convinced that we need to model and include students in the leadership of robust, biblical worship.”

– Rev. Dr. Donald D. Opitz,

Senior Director of Christian Formation

April 2022

upfront

News about the College, alumni, students, campus, faculty, and sports

GCC’s innovative nursing program earns accreditation

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rove City College’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program earned initial accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).

The two-year-old program was thoroughly reviewed by ACEN evaluators to ensure that students are getting an education that meets health care industry standards and prepares them for fulfilling medical careers.

The BSN program was launched last year in response to student interest and a nationwide nursing shortage that’s only been exacerbated by the pandemic. It is offered by the College’s Charles Jr. and Betty Johnson School of Nursing in partnership with Butler County Community College under an innovative design that plays to each institution’s strengths.

During their first year, BSN students study the liberal arts and sciences, along with introductory nursing courses, at Grove City College. Then they begin their nursing education including their clinical experiences through BC3’s highly-regarded

“We are building a program to educate and train nurses who will demonstrate excellence as medical professionals and as caregivers with a solid intellectual and faith foundation.”

– Janey A. Roach, Nursing Program Director

and accredited nursing program. After year three, students graduate from BC3 and can take the national licensure exam to become a registered nurse. In their final year, they can choose to work as an RN while taking their final BSN courses online or at Grove City College and continue campus life.

Demand in the major’s second year was so great that the class size was more than doubled this fall, with 19 freshmen now seeking BSN degrees. They join nine sophomores on the BSN track, including Liz Mackey ’24 and Sara Layton ’24, who began taking classes at BC3 this semester. Both said their instructors have high expectations that challenge students. “But it ensures that our patients will be receiving the best care possible, and that’s really what matters most,” Layton said.

“Becoming a nurse definitely isn’t easy,” she said. “But it’s meant to be that way. If it were easy, everyone would be doing it.”

The concurrent campus experience provides “the best of both worlds,” Layton said. “BC3 exposes us to great hands-on labs where we get the chance to practice our skills and become comfortable with what we’re doing as well as getting real life experience at the hospitals in the surrounding area,” she said.

In February, the College signed an agreement with Cleveland Clinic that will allow students to do clinical work in one of the world-class healthcare provider’s hospitals or outpatient centers. In tandem with the agreement, an anonymous donor has established a need-based scholarship for senior nursing students who want to do their clinical work at a Cleveland Clinic hospital.

“The Pew Crile Nursing Scholarship Endowment honors the foundational leadership of two pillars of healthcare and higher education, J. Howard Pew and George Washington Crile,” Brian Powell ’03, senior director of development for the College, said.

Pew, a member of Grove City College’s class of 1900, was an oil industry pioneer and longtime benefactor of the College. Crile founded the Cleveland Clinic in 1921. Their legacies live on in the community sustaining institutions they were devoted to.

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Grove City College

Online MBA program builds on strengths

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GCC Racing hosts Baja Butler Bash

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rove City College Racing hosted the Baja Butler Bash in November, marking a milestone for students in a campus organization that designs, builds, and races off-road vehicles.

The College’s Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) club welcomed Baja racing teams from other colleges and universities to the daylong competition at an off-road track near campus. It was the first time that the College’s SAE club hosted a Baja event. It attracted student engineers from Pitt, Purdue, Miami of Ohio, Buffalo, Ohio Northern and other schools who put their cars through their paces alongside the GCC Racing team.

Club President Zach Sprys ’22, a Mechanical Engineering major from Pittsburgh, said the Baja Butler Bash was a unique event because it was for one day only and clubs could enter as many cars as they wanted. The main event was the endurance race, an our-hour non-stop race meant to test the car’s engineering and design to its limits. “If the team has a good car, it should go through no problem. But if it breaks, then they need to take it back to the pits, get it repaired and head back out to make up the lost laps,” Sprys said.

Getting cars in shape for the race and getting them back into the action when something goes wrong is at the heart of Baja SAE, which is really an engineering and design program. The club has three cars, with the newest one built in 2020. After the race, they retired their oldest car and are in the process of converting it to an electric vehicle.

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rove City College will begin offering its newest Graduate and Online Studies program this summer. The Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree is designed to give working professionals and new college graduates a valuable educational advantage that can help them achieve their career goals.

The MBA is a complement to the online Master of Science in Business Analytics which also helps students develop highly sought-after business skills.

The online MBA program provides the value and flexibility that are the hallmark of graduate and online programs offered by the College and the same commitment to academic excellence and exceptional student outcomes that has characterized its undergraduate programs for more than a century. The new MBA program builds on the College’s strong Business Program, which is led by faculty with national and regional business ties and leadership experience with top corporations .

“The MBA curriculum was created with input from our corporate network,” said Dr. Kenneth Carson, chair of the Business Program and professor of Management. “As a result, students can develop valuable skills that employers need immediately.”

Moving from strength to strength is the same approach the College took in 2019 when it created the Office of Graduate and Online Studies to expand existing online programs and establish graduate degree programs that offer exceptional job growth opportunities, high earning potential and strong return on investment for graduates.

In line with the College’s commitment to affordability, graduate programs are reasonably priced. Many students utilize their employer’s tuition assistance programs to cover the cost.

For more information or to apply, visit gcc.edu/advanced, email graduateprograms@gcc.edu, or call 724458-2027.

April 2022

BACKSTAGE WITH BARR | The 14th annual Ronald Reagan Lecture featured former U.S. Attorney General William P. Barr in an onstage conversation with College President Paul J. McNulty ’80 and Dr. Paul Kengor, professor of Political Science and chief academic fellow of The Institute for Faith & Freedom. The conservative legal icon and two-time attorney general discussed his work with four U.S. presidents and major events during his years of public service.

Wolverine Broadcast Network makes its digital debut

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fter more than a century “on air,” Grove City College radio is all digital to reach a wider listening audience that’s more likely to tap a screen than turn a dial.

The Wolverine Broadcast Network (WBN) made its official debut March 8 with a live broadcast from the Breen Student Union on campus.

WBN delivers a digital stream of audio programming created and curated by students, featuring an eclectic mix of music, podcasts, live and prerecorded coverage of campus events, including sports, and whatever else the students running the service can come up with.

While the technology is new, WBN builds on a long and proud tradition of Grove City College radio. The station that would become WSAJ FM made its first broadcast in 1920, months before regional radio giant KDKA, and remained on the air until last year, when it went silent to accommodate ongoing renovation work at Henry Buhl Library.

The streaming service provides advantages over traditional radio, including a wider potential audience, while providing students with 21st century broadcasting experience.

“The new platform allows us to not only do music shows, but also talk shows, podcasts, live sports broadcasting, input commercials, and express more audio creativity,” WBN

General Manager Maya Lindberg, a sophomore, said.

Beyond the unlimited range and enhanced freedom of the digital stream, WBN will meet the audience where it is most of the time – online and on their phones. Listen online at gcc.edu/wbn.

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Grove City College

ALL-AMERICA HONOR CAPS GUSTAFSON’S GREAT RUN

By Ryan Briggs ’02, Sports Information Director The College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA) selects an Academic AllAmerica of the Year for numerous sports in each of the three NCAA divisions, as well as for a non-NCAA college division every season.

Over 22,000 student-athletes competed in football for 239 NCAA Division III programs during the fall 2021 season. The player whose athletic and academic excellence rose above all others in 2021 called Robert E. Thorn Field home for the last four years.

Senior wide receiver Cody Gustafson capped his record-setting career at Grove City by earning CoSIDA Division III Academic AllAmerica of the Year, along with CoSIDA First Team Academic All-America honors for the third straight season.

Gustafson became the first Grove City College student-athlete to earn Academic AllAmerica of the Year.

“There are a lot of amazing studentathletes who have come through Grove City.

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It is an honor to be the first person to achieve this award,” Gustafson said. “I am super thankful for my professors, coaches and all of my teammates who have enabled me to achieve this.”

Gustafson caught 97 passes for 1,420 yards and 14 touchdowns in 11 games this season for Grove City.

Gustafson finished the season by leading all active NCAA players with 5,305 career Gustafson receiving yards. His 341 career receptions ranked second among active college football players.

He capped his career November 20 by recording 13 catches for 232 yards and four touchdowns in Grove City’s 49-7 win over Utica in the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) Scotty Whitelaw Bowl.

“We have a clear vision for our program, ’To glorify God in the pursuit of earning a

degree, building lasting relationships and competing for Presidents’ Athletic Conference championships,’” head football coach Andrew DiDonato ’10 said. “This vision includes spiritual, social, mental and physical development. Cody is a perfect model of living out this vision.

“Spiritually, he is our team chaplain.

Socially, his teammates unanimously selected him as a captain and he also recently got engaged. Mentally, he is a top student.

Physically, he’s helped lead us to three straight bowl wins while being an AllAmerican performer.”

Gustafson also became a semifinalist for the prestigious Gagliardi Trophy, which recognizes excellence in athletics, academics and community service in NCAA Division III football.

“Cody embodies the type of studentathlete that we hope to have as members of our teams at Grove City College. He is richly

April 2022

athletics blessed with academic and athletic abilities, along with an internal competitive fire that I have not encountered in many people,” Grove City Athletic Director Todd Gibson ’02 said.

“Further, he carries himself with a level of humility and faithfulness that is inspiring to others.

“Of the many awards that he has earned in his career at Grove City College, earning the most significant academic award that a student-athlete can earn in Division III football is a fitting capstone.”

Gustafson also accumulated plenty of recognition for his on-field performance. The American Football Coaches Association and Associated Press both named him as a First Team Division III All-American. D3football. com recognized Gustafson as an AllAmerican as well as First Team All-Region 2.

Gustafson earned Presidents’ Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Year recognition for the second straight season, as well as his fourth First Team All-PAC honor.

“I’m extremely thankful to have been blessed with skills on and off the field,” Gustafson said. “I’m glad that I was able to use the talents that God gave me in the way that I used them and ultimately be able to perform on the field and in the classroom.”

In the classroom, Gustafson has earned a 3.93 GPA while majoring in mathematics and finance. He has been named to the conference’s Academic Honor Roll in both football and track. Gustafson has also earned Dean’s List distinction.

Last spring, Gustafson earned CoSIDA Academic All-America honors in track and field after placing second in the triple jump and third in the long jump at the 2021 conference championships.

He is the first Grove City student-athlete to earn national recognition in two different CoSIDA Academic All-America programs.

“This recognition means a lot to the football program, the athletic department, and the College,” DiDonato said. “In college athletics, you often hear the term studentathlete. This award epitomizes that term to the highest degree. It provides an example of how you can achieve great success on the field at Grove City College while excelling in the classroom. It is fitting recognition for a young man who represents the many amazing student-athletes who have come through this great institution.”

LAX fundraiser aids in girl’s tumor treatment

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rove City College’s men’s lacrosse team helped raise more than $10,000 for 4-year-old Lowin Willoughby of Portersville, Pa., who has been battling a brain tumor for most of her life.

The Wolverines hosted the HEADstrong Foundation’s Nick Colleluori Classic games fundraiser with NCAA Division I Cleveland State University and NCAA Division II Seton Hill University on Oct. 23 at Robert E. Thorn Field. All proceeds from the exhibition, which marked the first time in over 20 years that Division III Grove City has hosted a Division I team, went to the Willoughby family for expenses related to Lowin’s treatment.

“The event was awesome. All of the teams were excited to be there and supporting a great cause. We didn’t keep score on the scoreboard, so while everyone might have known the score roughly, there was a purity to the games of just playing to compete and get better,” lacrosse coach Alec Jernstedt said.

Jernstedt was aware of Lowin’s story through his church, which the Willoughbys also attend, and thought it was a great opportunity for the team to live out its core values, which include loving deeply. The classic was an “opportunity for us to love their family well,” he said.

The teams met with Lowin during the exhibition. “Meeting Lowin and her family was a real privilege for the guys. She is so full of life and energy and spirit,” Jernstedt said. “For Cleveland State and Seton Hill it was great to get to meet her and see where their fundraising efforts were going.”

“It was great that Lowin and her parents and two brothers were able to be there, I think it meant a lot to them to see so many people there for them. Lowin continues to fight her battle but she is a warrior and we just keep praying that her tumor would decrease and even go away entirely through God’s healing power,” Jernstedt said.

HEADstrong Foundation is a non-profit organization that offers financial, residential, and emotional support to families affected by cancer.

You can follow Lowin’s treatment journey on the family’s Love for Lowin Facebook page.

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Grove City College

Belitz earns PAC Player of the Year and All-Region in men’s soccer

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unior forward Sam Belitz earned Presidents’ Athletic Conference Player of the Year honors. Belitz, of Independence, Ohio, led the conference with 15 goals and averaged a league-high 2.12 points per game. His 36 total points ranked second in the league. In conference play, Belitz led the league with 11 goals, six assists and 28 points during the nine-game schedule. The three-time First Team All-PAC honoree has 27 career goals in 43 career games at Grove City. Belitz is the first Grove City player to earn PAC Player of the Year since Dale Reese IV in 2016.

Wolverines take three PAC championships

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he Wolverines racked up a trio of Presidents’ Athletic Conference titles in February.

For the first time since 2015, the women’s track and field team emerged victorious at the conference championships, edging out rival Geneva College. Head coach Jessica Smith earned the conference›s Coach of the Year award.

The women’s swimming and diving team captured its 13th conference title in 14 years at PAC Championships held on campus in the College’s James E. Longnecker Pool. It is the team’s third straight conference crown.

The men’s swimming and diving team secured its fourth straight PAC title, finishing the three-day conference championships with 1,055 team points, outpacing Westminster College. Overall, the men’s team now has 29 all-time conference championships. In addition to 21 PAC titles, the Wolverines also won eight Penn-Ohio conference titles between 1955 and 1968.

Lydia Bennett earns All-Region in women’s cross country

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reshman Lydia Bennett has made a big impact on the crosscountry team in her inaugural season. The runner from Bethel, Maine, racked up a string of awards this fall, including Presidents’ Athletic Conference Newcomer of the Year, ECAC Rookie of the Month, and a handful of PAC Rookie of the Week titles before earning All-Region honors at the NCAA Division III Mid-Atlantic Region Championships. Bennett closed her rookie season by placing 28th overall at the NCAA title event and earning Mid Atlantic honors.

Bennett

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Women’s lacrosse begins inaugural varsity season

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rove City College’s women’s lacrosse team began its inaugural season as a varsity NCAA Division III program this spring.

Head coach Cassley Jackowski spent a year building a program on a foundation of veterans of the College’s club team and a field of freshmen recruits. The transition has been exciting, she said, and gave the team time to implement a foundation and grow through it. Jackowski said the program has three core values: to love well, serve well, and compete well. “We have a unique opportunity to be the first and be a light as soon as we step onto the field,” Jackowski said.

“We are very excited for the varsity debut for Women’s Lacrosse program,” Grove City College Athletic Director Todd Gibson ’02 said. “It is clear that a special culture is being built that will make our team stand out as we seek to glorify God and win championships.”

The Wolverines will compete in the Presidents’ Athletic Conference, which sponsored women’s lacrosse for the first time in spring 2019, and against other non-conference collegiate programs.

Women’s lacrosse is the College’s 23rd varsity sport.

April 2022

PORTRAIT OF A SCHOLARSHIP DONOR The Carl and Mildred Giesmann Scholarship Endowment was established at Grove City College with a legacy gift through the estate of Carl and Mildred Giesmann, former owners of the Giesmann Studio for Finer Photography, a business that operated in Grove City during the 1960s and 1970s.

Though Carl and Mildred did not attend the College themselves, their daughter Lois (Giesmann ’68) Strycula graduated from the College, and their son John Giesmann has two children (Matthew ’13 and Anna ’15) and a daughter-in-law (Amber [Durkee ’13]) who are alumni.

As part of the local community, the elder Giesmanns had witnessed over time the College’s steadfast commitment to the Christian faith and its mission to provide an authentically Christian education to its students. They endowed a scholarship to ensure that more students could experience the education that prepared their daughter and grandchildren for success.

Their son John and his wife Susan have chosen to continue his parents’ legacy recently through their own support of the scholarship. “Even though we aren’t Grovers, we see the great value of a Grove City College education in so many ways in our children and in our daughter-in-law,” said John. “Susan and I are thrilled that our children chose Grove City, and we’re pleased that my parents chose this way to support the College.”

You can read more about the Giesmanns’ story at giving.gcc.edu/legacystories.

It is easy to establish a lasting legacy through a scholarship at Grove City College!

For more information, please contact Senior Director of Development Brian Powell ’03 at (724) 458-2992 or bmpowell@gcc.edu. t h e G ēD UNK w w w. g c c.e d u | 13

Grove City College

Chuck ’79 and Cheryl (Abrams ’80) Hildbold snapped a selfie outside Harbison Chapel during a visit to campus. Cheryl’s posthumous book Ponderings from the Pastor’s Partner is one of many recently published by alumni authors.

BY THE BOOK(S) Alumni authors at the forefront

By Joanie Baumgartner

Grove City College graduates are launched into the world to have a transforming impact wherever they land, to become leaders who influence their communities and professional spheres for the common good. Many alumni have become thought leaders whose writing, inspired by their own experiences, research, and passions, adds to our collective wisdom.

These publications serve to encourage, entertain, challenge, and inform. It’s our privilege to spotlight some current alumniauthored works that are illuminating knowledge and ideas for people across a wide range of disciplines and stages of life.

Chuck Hildbold ’79 and his wife Cheryl (Abrams ’80) Hildbold were partners in ministry for 41 years, until Cheryl’s passing in June 2021 after a five-year battle with cancer.

Chuck and their four children, two of whom are also Grove City College alumni (Charlie ’05 and Caleb ’21), realized they had a treasure trove of inspirational and devotional

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writings by Cheryl in the form of weekly church newsletter entries she had penned across the span of 35 years as Chuck’s faithful partner in pastoral ministry.

The idea to collect Cheryl’s writings into a devotional book was formulated not long after Cheryl’s passing and has served as a way to make sure her love of God and nurturing spirit live on. She was a stay-athome mom who helped to raise all four of her children into godly men and women as she simultaneously taught Sunday School, sang at church, and supported Chuck in his pastoral work. Thanks to the 2021 book of her compiled writings, Ponderings from the Pastor’s Partner, more people can now learn from Cheryl’s unique faith journey and gain a valuable understanding of the “intersection of family life and the Christian faith,” a place where Chuck hopes many will learn to be like Cheryl was, a person who valued family, loved God, and inspired others to do the same.

In recent years, people have become familiar with the terms “virtual meeting” and “Zoom fatigue,” but Karin (Hawkins ’92) Reed, an Emmy-awardwinning broadcast journalist and CEO of Speaker Dynamics, began developing her expertise in the art of video communications before most of us had ever heard of Reed Zoom. Over the past four years, she has published three books on the subject, tackling everything from the use of video technology for business, on-camera tips and tricks for leading and participating in video calls, and managing the nuances of the now-common hybrid approach to work brought about by the pandemic.

Her subject matter is certainly timely for today’s business climate and was featured

by McKinsey and Company in their “Author Talk” podcast series which covered some of

April 2022

the best business books of the year. Reed’s titles include On-Camera Coach: Tools and Techniques for Business Professionals in a Video-Driven World, Suddenly Virtual: Making Remote Meetings Work, and Suddenly Hybrid: Managing the Modern Meeting. As the use of video in our everyday lives expands, Reed’s authoritative expertise helps to focus the lens on successful virtual business interactions.

Another alumnus driven to write by his desire to help Christians find deeper comfort and joy in the Gospel is Jonathan Shirk ’01. An evangelical Presbyterian minister based in Lancaster County, Pa., Shirk launched a trio of resources in 2021 – a book titled Predestined for Shirk Joy: Finding Comfort in a Controversial Doctrine, and a podcast and blog both called Small Town Theologian. His book hit #1 on Amazon’s New Releases in Christian Salvation Theory earlier this year, and he’s just published a new book, The Heidelberg Catechism: True Comfort for Life & Death, co-authored with Zacharias Ursinus.

Shirk first pursued a career in corporate America for a few years, but soon felt called to attend seminary and serve in full-time ministry. His writings reflect his ecumenical and reformed convictions while providing encouragement toward the exploration of some of the tougher biblical doctrines, and assurance of the comfort they were intended to bring Christians. Learn more about Shirk and the resources he offers at smalltowntheologian.org.

Dr. Caleb Fuller ’13, now assistant professor of Economics at Grove City College, wrote his latest book, No Free Lunch: Six Economic Lies You’ve Been Taught and Probably Believe, almost by accident. What began as lecture notes for his feature in the College’s Life of the Mind Fuller lecture series in February 2021 quickly morphed into plans for a book at the urging of a fellow economist. No Free Lunch lays to rest common economic misconceptions and gives readers a helpful foundation in basic economic principles to live by. It was Fuller’s goal to update Henry Hazlitt’s classic book, Economics in One Lesson, for contemporary audiences, and to present it with more modern, relatable

examples and up-to-date research.

“Economics is deadly serious business.

For many people in the modern world and throughout history, getting the economics right means the difference between life and death.” Inspired by Hazlitt and Frederic Bastiat before him, “I wanted to communicate the basic principles of economics, and what it tells us about human flourishing, to a new generation,” Fuller said. He hopes readers will gain an important sense of humility through the study of economics, and the realization that each of us is dependent on a vast network of economic connections for survival.

“Humility, coupled with curiosity, will never fail you in your study of economics. I hope my small book can provide a helpful nudge in that direction.” Fuller is considering a sequel to No Free Lunch that examines proverbs or pithy sayings from an economic perspective.

Another scholarly work by an alum, Assistant Professor of History at Taylor University Dr. Benjamin Wetzel ’09, is capturing attention because of the unique angle from which he examines the life of Theodore Roosevelt, our 26th president.

Part of the “Spiritual Lives” Wetzel series published by the Oxford University Press, Theodore Roosevelt: Preaching from the Bully Pulpit traces Roosevelt’s religious journey and its impact on the America of his time. Wetzel, whose specialty is 1860s – 1920s American history, consulted Roosevelt’s personal papers to supplement his research, many of which are held at Harvard University and remain largely unpublished. The book not only delves into Roosevelt’s spiritual doctrines and practices, but also how those beliefs informed his presidency and shaped commonly held conceptions of him by his religious contemporaries.

Wetzel is careful to give credit where it is due. “When I was a student at Grove City, (Professor Emeritus) Dr. Gary Scott Smith ’72 was one of my mentors. Gary has written several books about the faith of America’s presidents and was an early advocate and guide for me in this project. So, if I am in any way carrying on Gary’s legacy, that is very humbling.” Wetzel’s second book, American Crusade: Christianity, Warfare, and National Identity, 1860-1920, will be published by Cornell University press in 2022.

Dr. Josh Mayo ’10, chair of Grove City College’s Department of English, is convinced that great texts really can make one wise, and when it comes to those writings, you can’t do much better than the Bard. “The great poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge called William Shakespeare an Mayo ‘inexhaustible mine of… wisdom and intuition.’ That way of putting things seems about right to me. Shakespeare is an indispensable voice in the Christian literary tradition,” Mayo said. “Don’t live life without him.”

That regard for Shakespeare infuses Mayo’s book Good in Every Thing: Meditations on Shakespeare, a collection of essays on some of the Bard of Avon’s greatest plays. Many readers approach the classics as opportunities to be widely read or culturally literate, Mayo said.

“When we move beyond a merely academic reading of a classic, when we begin, in a sense, to allow the classic to read us, we have the chance to learn from – and not merely about – important works,” Mayo said. “I wanted to see what Shakespeare would teach me about education, imagination and the good life if I let him.”

Visit the Alumni Authors webpage at alumni.gcc.edu/authors to search for more titles. Let us know you have published a book at alumni@gcc.edu.

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Grove City College

M ESSAGE

F ROM

A LU MN I

A N D

C O LLEG E

R ELATIO N S

Dear Alumni and Friends,

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hen was the last time you came “back home” to campus? I ask this question frequently when meeting an alum. When the answer is, “It’s been a while,” I always encourage that person to come back (Homecoming 2022?!). You see, some things are very much the same, and the feeling of walking on campus is still just…special. But, depending on when you graduated, the campus sure has changed!

If you graduated in the 50s, you have no idea what we call Pew Fine Arts. If you graduated in the 80s, the Staley Hall of Arts and Letters is foreign. And if you graduated in the early 2000s, even Rathburn Hall is new.

Yet, somehow, despite these changes, the memory of being a student doesn’t change. Grove City College remains true to its founding roots of providing a solid foundation for our students in Christianity and truth. We provide a community that is unlike any other and one that continues to foster lifelong relationships.

That being said, as we launch our new strategic plan, we are looking for ways to continue this growth in our students and in our campus community. This issue of the magazine provides a closer look at that plan. We hope you’ll take time to learn more.

Our Alumni Council has been working hard to support both the work of the College and this strategic plan.

Just this summer, the Council restructured committees for opportunities to better serve the campus through Admissions, Student Life, and Advancement. To share your thoughts with this leadership group, you can email me directly at macleodma@gcc.edu. They want to hear your thoughts and concerns about the College as well as your hopes for our future.

We continue to seek ways to connect with more of our alumni, friends, and parents. Our external community is such an important part of the community of Grove City College. With new programs like our mentoring program for students, continued virtual programing, and, now, more in-person activities, I truly do hope to see you sometime soon.

Until then, please enjoy this little taste of campus. When you finish reading this magazine, share it with someone – a prospective student, employer, maybe a doctor’s office. Let’s do our part to spread the word. Many of you do this all the time, as we found out on Alumni Action Day this March. Your voice, your stories, make such a difference.

Now grab that refill of coffee and enjoy this issue of the GēDUNK!

Melissa (Trifaro ’96) MacLeod Senior Director of Alumni and College Relations P.S. I’m thrilled that people are willing to start to gather again.

We’ve heard from many who want to coordinate a Grover Gathering in their community. We are happy to support you!

Visit alumni.gcc.edu/grovergathering to learn how to get your event started!

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April 2022

alumni Never Forget: A 20th Anniversary Reflection on 9/11

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Challenge Accepted

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rove City College alumni and friends rose to meet the 2021 Wolverine Challenge and raised more than $2 million last year, shattering all previous records.

The College’s annual day of giving on Nov. 17 yielded a total of $2,015,538 for the annual fund, scholarships and other areas that improve the student experience. The College’s Office of Advancement raised nearly 25 percent more than the 2020 total thanks to the unwavering commitment of alumni, parents, and friends.

“The Challenge has grown exponentially since it was established and has become a critical end-of-year fundraising event that allows the College to serve students well, maintain our commitment to affordability and remain truly independent,” College President Paul J. McNulty ’80 said.

This year’s Challenge raised nearly four times what it did in 2015, the inaugural year. The Wolverine Challenge is intended to encourage more stakeholders – alumni, parents, and others who share the College’s mission, vision, and values – to become financial supporters. The number of donors has grown from over 700 in 2015 to more than 3,500 in 2021.

As in past years, fraternities and sororities compete for the highest percentage of alumni support. Sigma Theta Chi sorority won the Challenge Cup with 25 percent of their sorority alumnae making donations. This is the fourth consecutive year the sorority has earned the top spot. Greek alumni support is critical to the success of the Challenge, with 45 percent of all donors being members of one of the College’s 18 sororities and fraternities.

Grove City College faces unique financial pressures as one of just a handful of American colleges that does not accept any federal funding, including student grants and loans. Forgoing taxpayer support allows the College to be truly independent and pursue its foundational mission as a Christian institution of higher education. To support Grove City College, visit gcc.edu/give.

his past summer, the College Archives and Alumni and College Relations collaborated on a project to observe the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. They undertook the curation of a special online exhibit, the first of its kind at Grove City College, to document and preserve the College’s history in regard to the attacks of 9/11.

The aim was to tell the personal stories of those connected to the College, and to honor all those who lost their lives.

The powerful exhibit that resulted featured quotes, photos, oral history recordings with Director of College Archives and Galleries Hilary (Lewis ’09) Walczak, and a collection of firsthand accounts and remembrances of our very own alumni, faculty, and staff.

The 26-page exhibit features accounts from several teachers, two FBI agents, military personnel, a Pentagon employee, students and staff present on campus that day, commuters in the New York area, and even our own president Paul J. McNulty ’80. As then-U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, McNulty eventually prosecuted 9/11 conspirator and terrorist Zacarias Moussaoui.

The powerful, emotional stories that comprise the Never Forget exhibit will remain a permanent part of the College Archives, as will the over 100 submitted stories from alumni, friends, and staff.

The online exhibit was selected to be featured by the Anthology software company as an example of excellent design and web content curation.

Particularly poignant are the oral histories, now saved as podcasts and still available for listening within the online exhibit itself at alumni.gcc.edu/ neverforget911.

May we Never Forget.

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Twice as Nice

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t really was the “Best. Homecoming. Ever.”

With class reunions for double the usual number of class years gathered on campus, along with Greek alumni from seven different groups celebrating milestone anniversaries and over 3,000 alumni, friends, and students on hand, campus was alive with festivities. A little intermittent rain didn’t dampen the spirits of those who were eager to experience a “normal” Homecoming after a year’s hiatus due to the pandemic. It was anything but normal when the Wolverines trounced Geneva College 56-7 in the Homecoming football game, and when the first-place parade float, featuring the board game Monopoly, wowed the crowd with its robotic elements!

The 50th (1971) and 51st (1970) classes enjoyed their combined reunion dinner at the Carnegie Alumni Center and generously presented President Paul J. McNulty ’80 with checks totaling over $154,000 in support of the 1970 and 1971 class scholarships. President and Brenda (Millican ’80) McNulty enjoyed their 40th reunion, one year postponed, by hosting a gathering for the Classes of 1980 and 1981 at View the 2021 their home on campus.

Homecoming Video!

The 2020 and 2021 recipients of the Jack This year’s video was filmed Kennedy Memorial Alumni Achievement Award by alumni Joe ’91 and Jennifer and the Distinguished Service Award were (Barkham ’92) Klimchak. honored in a joint ceremony in Harbison Chapel, Take a look! the first time this special event has been held in that iconic location in a number of years. These seven notable alumni who have “brought honor to their alma mater” offered inspiring reflections on their success and what truly matters in life, just one more reason that this Homecoming was simply the best.

Greek Village was packed with tents, four food trucks provided guests with amazing eats, and the Best. Homecoming. Ever. will go down in history as the one where alumni jumped at the chance to gather together after a long separation.

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April 2022

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Grove City College

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April 2022

View 2021 Homecoming Photo Gallery! alumni.gcc.edu/HC21

SAVE THE DATE

SEPTEMBER 30 – OCTOBER 2, 2022

GROVE CIT Y COLLEGE

2022

Celebrating the Class Years ending in 2’s and 7’s and 4 Greek Milestones: Zeta Zeta Zeta 105th, Beta Sigma 100th, Alpha Beta Tau 75th, and Omicron Xi 75th.

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Grove City College

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ROVER gatherings

gatherings gatherings

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Ever wanted to get a group of alumni together in your area? We have something just for you: The Grover Gathering. You host the party; we’ll provide the necessary supplies, help with registration and lists, and guide you along to make it easy! This is a fun way to host an event of 10 or more people in an informal setting! Learn more at alumni.gcc.edu/grovergathering.

April 2022

alumni & friends events

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Old friends and new got together (1) at an alumni mixer in Warrendale, Pa.; Our newest alums, December graduates, were feted (2) in Carnegie Alumni Center; Jody Mathie ’77 opened her home (3) in Denver for a special alumni event last year; Eagle-eyed alums were locked and loaded (4) for a clay shooting event at Seven Springs Resort; Seniors – and soon-to-be alums – celebrated a milestone (5) at the 100 Days Out from Graduation dinner on campus; Student musicians entertained (6) Chairman of the Board Ed ’78 and his wife Lynn (Branstner ’78) Breen hosted alumni, parents, friends, and the Touring Choir for a dinner (6) at their hotel River House at Odette’s in New Hope, Pa. (7, 8) for the annual Santa Breakfast.

UPCOMING ALUMNI & FRIENDS EVENTS APRIL 16–30

Wolverine Tracks Alumni and Friends Virtual 5K

APRIL 22–MAY 3

Student Art Exhibit PFAC Gallery, Grove City College

APRIL 23

Alumni Tennis Classic Grove City College

MAY 13–14

Baccalaureate and Commencement Grove City College

TO SEE ALL ALUMNI EVENT OPPORTUNITIES, VISIT ALUMNI.GCC.EDU/EVENTS. t h e G ēD UNK w w w. g c c.e d u | 2 3

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April 2022

FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH

Grove City College is moving forward with a five-year strategic plan that aims to leverage the College’s strengths to sustain and advance its distinctive and vital mission.

By Nick Hildebrand

The key to understanding where Grove City College is going is in the title of a new five-year strategic plan approved late last year by the Board of Trustees: From Strength to Strength: Timeless Values and Historic Opportunities.

“They go from strength to strength,” the psalmist writes of pilgrims, “till each appears before God in Zion.” Their strength is recognizing God’s gracious provision and having faith in the abundancy of his goodness. Grove City College’s leaders share that faith and relied on it as they worked on the roadmap that will guide the College as it approaches its 150th anniversary in 2026.

“That’s where we get this idea from – ‘strength to strength’ – and we tie ourselves to the values that we’ve always cherished and to the exciting opportunities that lie ahead now,” College President Paul J. McNulty ’80 said, referencing the mission, vision, and values statements that accompany the new plan. (See page 30) “We’ve been greatly blessed, and we want to go to a higher level – to a better spot even than where we are – in our mission and in serving our students.

Strategic planning is relatively new to Grove City College – this is only the fourth plan approved by Trustees – but it is now seen as essential as both an aspirational and operational document, McNulty said. “There’s an expression that if you don’t know where you’re going, any road will get you there. The importance of a strategic plan is to stop and think: Where do you want to go as a school? Who do we want to be?”

To answer those questions, Grove City College assembled a committee of Trustees, administrators, faculty, staff, and alumni to examine current trends in higher education and the College’s baseline educational, spiritual, operational, residential, and financial positions.

Most colleges and universities are facing a common demographic and social reality right now.

There are fewer traditional college-age students, and they want greater value and more flexibility, often through technology, when it comes to higher education. The College has succeeded in this environment by providing conviction, consistency, and a highly personalized education in the pursuit of truth. But, as Board Chair Edward D. Breen ’78 noted, “past success does not necessarily guarantee future success.”

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Grove City College

Strategic goals, objectives, and tactics

Grove City College’s new strategic plan From Strength to Strength: Timeless Values and Historic Opportunities sets five strategic goals and lays out objectives and possible tactics to achieve them. The plan’s introduction posits a clear purpose: “With a spirit of innovation, we continue to discern new opportunities while remaining firmly rooted in timeless values. By God’s grace, this plan will guide Grove City College in the next steps on its nearly 150-year journey.”

Committed to the College’s vision, mission, and values, the planners agreed on a few points: Grove City College needs to be nationally competitive, offer programs that students want – and society needs – and provide an exceptional value. Board Vice Chair Craig W. Jones ’74 led the effort.

After more than a year of work they conceived a plan that leverages the College’s strengths – excellent academics, a Christ-centered community, financial discipline, responsible stewardship, and bold thought leadership – to create opportunities to better serve students and position the College for its next century and a half.

The outline for the future includes dozens of objectives and tactics to meet the plan’s five main goals, which include new academic programs, physical plant upgrades, enhanced faith formation and

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community cultivation opportunities, raising the College’s national profile and optimizing financial management and fundraising efforts to support students and maintain the College’s independence.

On the academic side, the plan calls for new interdisciplinary majors and minors to meet prospective student demand, including health sciences and new engineering programs. New graduate degrees and a review and restructuring of academic departments that is expected to result in new “schools,” including a school of business incorporating accounting, finance, management, marketing, and entrepreneurship, is also proposed. The plan also notes the need for a review of the core humanities curriculum, which is already underway, and technological improvements to serve new learning modalities.

The plan’s specific call to overhaul the Rockwell Hall of Science is

April 2022

STRATEGIC GOAL 1: Enrich Academic Excellence

Objective: Optimize existing academic structures, programs, and practices for effectiveness, vocational interest, and career preparation.

Tactics: Review majors and minors to determine opportunities to add new interdisciplinary degrees, refine programs, and innovate curriculum. Implement a new Learning Management System to optimize technology. Revise the core curriculum. Restructure academic departments and schools.

Objective: Expand undergraduate and graduate programs.

Tactics: Focus on new programs in public health, health sciences, engineering, graphic design, business, education, and applied math and data analysis. Assess and improve facilities, including Rockwell Hall of Science and Hoyt Hall of Engineering.

Objective: Enhance learning opportunities and support for academic initiatives.

Tactics: Expand undergraduate faculty/student research opportunities and funding. Develop an honors program, a Center for Teaching and Learning, and opportunities for public impact through scholarship. Recruit faculty capable of enhancing academic quality and national reputation.

noteworthy. The College’s first academic building – it dates to 1931 – is overdue for a renovation and the STEM students it serves need more space. Plans on the table include a complete renovation of Rockwell and new construction to link it with STEM Hall and create new lab and workshop space.

To strengthen community life, the plan calls for enhanced Christian formation opportunities. Changes to the Chapel program have already begun (see page 6) and enhanced discipleship, mission, and community service options are being developed. Support for international, multicultural, and minority students, rooted in biblical visions of unity, is a priority, as is addressing the need to renovate MAP café, improve housing – specifically Hopeman, Lincoln, and Ketler halls – and create more space for sports and fitness as the College’s growing athletic program puts pressure on the Physical Learning Center and Phillips Field House.

Enrollment, achieving and maintaining it, is critical, according to the plan. The College needs a reliable number of students and a reliable “pipeline” to maintain sustainable funding for everything that’s planned. Part of the process is determining the optimal student population and providing students who appreciate the College’s distinctives with the support they need to attend. The plan calls for developing the resources to provide at least 50% of unmet financial aid need through endowed scholarships.

The plan also focuses on expanding the College’s national influence through thought leadership and service to the common good. Two major existing avenues for this are The Institute for Faith & Freedom and the Project on Rural Ministry. IFF holds events, hosts speakers, and provides a steady stream of commentary from faculty, affiliated scholars, and alumni to advance the “faith and freedom” ethos and the plan sees an expanded role for the conservative think tank to advance this goal. The PRM, a Lily Foundation grant-funded effort, uses the College’s resources and talent to assist a group of 30

STRATEGIC GOAL 2: Strengthen Community Life

Objective: Strengthen and expand Christian formation opportunities.

Tactics: Restructure weekly Chapel programming and evaluate effectiveness. Enhance Christian formation opportunities including discipleship, missions, and community service.

Objective: Strengthen the structures of support for international, multicultural, and minority students.

Tactics: Establish reliable channels of communication for increasing awareness of student experiences and perceptions.

Encourage campus unity in which “every nation, tribe, people, and language” worship God in everlasting fellowship.

Objective: Improve the residential life of students.

Tactics: Explore options for upgrades to Hopeman, Ketler, and Lincoln residence halls. Optimize the dining experience and renovate MAP Café. Ensure adequate fitness opportunities and facilities.

Objective: Expand and improve facilities supporting varsity athletics.

Tactics: Pursue upgrades to lower campus athletics facilities and address inadequacies of the Physical Learning Center.

Objective: Optimize the value of the alumni and parent community in achieving strategic goals.

Tactics: Expand the role of the alumni and parent network in recruiting to increase geographical diversity and enhance student career opportunities.

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Grove City College

STRATEGIC GOAL 3: Achieve and Sustain Optimal Enrollment

Objective: Ensure that enrollment targets are aligned with and effectively supported by campus resources.

Tactics: Assess merits and consequences of differing levels of total enrollment and review of financial resources, staffing structures, and marketing to freshman enrollment goals.

Objective: Achieve sustainable success in meeting enrollment goals.

Tactics: Develop reliable financial aid resources to meet at least 50% of financial need to achieve enrollment targets and attract an academically strong and diverse student body.

Expand and optimize sustainable student recruitment tracks leveraging the College’s distinctive status in the marketplace.

Build up the existing alumni and family network to provide associational value to recruiting efforts.

STRATEGIC GOAL 4: Enhance Financial Sustainability Through Improved Management of Resources

Objective: Strengthen resource management.

Tactics: Maintain balanced operating budgets and effective expense allocation processes and improve balance sheet management to provide financial flexibility and sustainability.

Assess IT infrastructure, governance, and management to maximize the use of technology in supporting missional objectives. Develop long-term plan to address deferred maintenance and ongoing physical plant maintenance requirements. Increase financial contributions to support strategic priorities.

Objective: Increase financial contributions to support strategic priorities.

Tactics: Launch a major capital campaign to support strategic goals. Expand the College’s donor base beyond its current footprint. Explore third-party partnerships, sponsorships, and other collaborations to enhance academic excellence, ministerial, student life, and broader community experience.

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rural pastors in Appalachian, Rust Belt, and agricultural communities in the region.

Stewardship is critical to ensuring the College has a sustainable financial future and the plan calls for improved processes, practices, and tools to better manage operational, financial, and fiscal resources and an increase in private contributions to support and sustain strategic priorities, including achieving the plan’s goals.

One strength that runs throughout the plan is the alumni community and, in many ways, the success of From Strength to Strength depends on its support. “Our alums are tremendous resource for us, and we’re excited about how they can be even more involved in helping our students and we’re looking at some new ways of engaging them,” McNulty said.

The plan identifies ways that the College is hoping to leverage the alumni network, from identifying and recruiting prospective students to helping graduates achieve their professional ambitions and developing partnerships with business, industry, and organizations to advance the College’s goals.

On the admissions front, alumni are an invaluable asset. Studies have confirmed that most students who enroll have a personal connection to an alumnus and that that relationship played a role in their college choice. The plan calls for expanding the role of the existing alumni and family network to talk about the College and help recruit prospective students and attract students from around the country.

September 2021

STRATEGIC GOAL 5: Expand the College’s Identity as a Distinctive National Thought Leader and Innovative Servant of the Common Good

Objective: Increase the College’s intellectual contribution to public life emphasizing ideas foundational to free society.

Tactics: Expand the role and output of The Institute for Faith & Freedom in advancing first principles of American ideals.

Increase scholarship to raise the College’s profile as a thought leader. Strengthen the network and promotion of alumni thought leaders aligned with our mission. Expand online adult learning opportunities.

Objective: Expand the College’s pursuit of opportunities to serve the common good.

Tactics: Fortify engagement with and support of rural church leaders through the Project on Rural Ministry and identify and pursue new partnerships with regional community organizations. Enhance the College’s brand strength through proactive initiatives. Study the feasibility and value of moving from “college” to “university” status. Optimize and coordinate marketing and communications initiatives to increase awareness of the College’s distinctive values, characteristics, and programs.

“In the history of the College, we’ve never quite had a moment like this.

We have a lot in view, and we have a lot of excitement about being able to accomplish it. We have our plan laid out and we have a major campaign being organized to fund that plan. This is a big time for Grove City College.”

– Paul J. McNulty ’80 President, Grove City College The plan also looks to alumni to help expand the College’s role in providing national thought leadership. It calls for building stronger institutional bonds with – and promoting the work of – alumni thought leaders who are strongly aligned with the College’s vision and values and those working with like-minded institutions and organizations.

Alumni will also surely play a key role in helping Grove City College turn the five-year plan into a reality with their generous support. From Strength to Strength includes new construction, major renovations, financial aid goals, new and expanded academic programs, and community service and outreach initiatives that will serve the College for generations – and cost millions.

To finance the plan, the College will be embarking on a capital campaign that will dwarf previous fundraising efforts. While the plan includes increasing financial contributions from non-alumni donors and other untapped sources, the College will also be looking for support from those who know the value of a transformational Grove City College education and understand how important it is to ensure that it remains available and affordable for students now and in the decades ahead.

With the plan in place, McNulty sees the College at a pivotal – perhaps providential – moment.

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VISION STATEMENT Grove City College strives to be a highly distinctive and comprehensive Christian liberal arts college of extraordinary value. Grounded in permanent ideas and traditional values and committed to the foundations of free society, we develop leaders of the highest proficiency, purpose, and principles ready to advance the common good.

MISSION STATEMENT Grove City College equips students to pursue their unique callings through a Christcentered, academically excellent, and affordable learning and living experience.

VALUES FAITHFULNESS: By God’s grace, we remain committed to the same Christian faith embraced by the College’s founders and to seek, teach, and apply biblical truth in all that we do. While we continuously adapt our efforts in relation to the realities and challenges of this world, we serve a God who is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow.

EXCELLENCE: In everything we do, from classrooms to residence halls, from performance stages to sports venues, we are devoted wholeheartedly to the highest standards of excellence. “…[D]o all to the glory of God” (1 Cor. 10:31).

COMMUNITY: We foster life-long community engagement through a dynamic and welcoming campus experience marked by fellowship, service, hospitality, and abiding respect for others as God’s image-bearers.

STEWARDSHIP: We honor the financial support and commitment of families, alumni, and friends of the College by managing our resources wisely, especially in maintaining affordability and the beauty of the campus, as we secure the longterm sustainability of the College.

INDEPENDENCE: In pursuit of our mission, we value and safeguard our institutional autonomy as a blessing of America’s heritage of freedom.

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April 2022

FROM MECE TO M.D. Dr. Andy Sems ’95 to speak at commencement

By Nick Hildebrand Grove City College alumnus and renowned orthopedic surgeon Dr. Stephen “Andy” Sems ’95 will address graduates of the College’s 142nd Commencement exercise at 10 a.m. May 14 on campus.

Sems is widely regarded internationally for his innovative and revolutionary approach to treating people with congenital, developmental, and traumatic limb deformities. His work repairing and regenerating malformed and broken bones has improved countless lives.

“Dr. Sems is one of our most accomplished alumni. He is an amazing healer and teacher and a prime example of how one can succeed with the firm undergraduate foundation that a Grove City College education provides. His landmark work has revolutionized a field of medicine and the results are truly life changing for patients relieved of their suffering. He is an exemplar of the kind of servant leader that we seek to send out into the world to make a difference,” Grove City College President Paul J. McNulty ’80 said. “Dr. Sems’ academic focus and career path illustrate superbly the College’s strategic objective of connecting our outstanding engineering program with the field of health sciences.”

A native of Chardon, Ohio, Sems wanted to be a doctor since he broke his arm in sixth grade and, under local anesthetic, watched and listened as doctors operated. His career path took him to Grove City College, where he studied mechanical engineering with the aim of applying that knowledge to medicine. Sems was also a standout on the Wolverine football team and was named Sportsman of the Year in 1995.

After graduating summa cum laude from the College, Sems completed his medical training at The Ohio State University and his orthopedic

surgery residency at The Cleveland Clinic, with fellowships in Austria and at the University of Minnesota/Hennepin County Medical Center.

Since 2005, he has been affiliated with the world-famous Mayo Clinic, where he oversees the Limb Lengthening and Regeneration Clinic. He is part of team of doctors working to repair bones, improve and restore function, and allow normal alignment of the body. The process involves complex surgery and the use of implanted metal rods and external fixators – custom-designed devices that guide bone growth and require near daily adjustment.

Sems said he approaches his work “one patient at a time,” tailoring care to their individual needs and circumstances. Successful treatment, he said, can have a “massive impact on quality of life.” The effort requires surgical skill and mechanical know-how.

“A lot of the work involves mechanical engineering. There’s an intimate relationship between what I learned at Grove City College and what I do daily,” Sems said.

His years studying at the College prepared him for medical school better than most of his peers, Sems said. “Grove City taught me how to learn and how to think. It required me to learn and think,” he said.

“It forced me to use my mind in a problem-solving way, to have an understanding and an ability to find answers.”

Sems isn’t sure what he will tell graduates at commencement, but he’s likely to advise them to apply their education in service to others and “leave the world a better place than they found it” – just like he has.

He lives in Rochester, Minn., with his wife Heidi (Dymond ’93) Sems and their children Monica, Luke, Caroline, and Charlie. t h e G ēD UNK w w w. g c c.e d u | 31

Grove City College

PARALYMPIC CHAMPION DIVES INTO THE GROVER LIFE Q&A with Mikaela Jenkins ’25

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April 2022

Mikaela Jenkins, a freshman biology/health major from Evansville, Ind., had a good reason for starting the fall semester a few weeks late. The competitive swimmer was in Tokyo, where she was won two gold medals in the Paralympic Games. Jenkins was born with left Proximal Femoral Focal Deficiency, which impaired her limb growth and led to the amputation of her left foot when she was eight months old. She was walking independently with a prosthesis at 17 months and learned to swim when she was 4. She started competing at 8. At Grove City College, she’s a member of the swim team.

What was your initial win in your gold medal-winning 100-meter butterfly like?

It was just pure relief. People tell you it will be the most stressful three weeks of your life – like the most mentally and physically exhausting thing you will go through – they are right! By the time I touched and I saw that I placed I was like “OK, I’m done.”

How confident were you going in?

How did you perform under the pressure?

Oh, there’s so much pressure. I was expected to win because I walked in as the reigning world champion, so having that behind me did feel really good, but it’s still super nerve-wracking. You really just have to not think about it. Everyone has their own expectations. You just have to do what you’ve been training for.

What was your reaction to seeing your face on the front page of The Collegian and all over campus media when you got here?

I didn’t expect everyone was going to know who I was before I got here, until I was like, “My face is everywhere!” I know the swim team obviously knew who I was, but I didn’t think the whole campus essentially knew. That was a little odd, because I’d

never experienced this before. That was interesting. But everyone was really great.

It was interesting because I’ve done lots of press stuff before, but since it’s such a small campus, I thought it was cool, honestly. It’s great to know that I made a good impression coming in and that they’re supporting this.

It’s nice to see the Paralympic movement get represented and people excited about me going to the Paralympics. Grove City’s really embraced the Paralympics, which I really appreciate.

Paris 2024 will be right before your senior year. Do you plan on to swim in the Paralympics again?

Why did you choose Grove City College?

Actually, I have two. The chapel is one. I like it when it’s like super late at night and no one’s in there and you’re walking up and you see the lights come through the stained-glass window. And MAP South lobby.

It was the perfect combination of a great STEM program, a great solid Christian foundation, and an amazing swim team.

Also, I love the architecture here. It’s very like Ivy league-esque.

What are your future plans ? What do you intend to do with your degree?

Right now, the plan is to go to medical school. I’m also kind of into the idea of research, especially in genetics, so I thought about going into that, too. It kind of just depends on what I feel called to and led to at that point.

You’re a Paralympic athlete, but you’ve chosen to swim in Division III. To you, what sets Grove City Athletics apart from other schools?

Honestly, it was swimming coach Dave Fritz ’94 that was the big draw to the school for me, personally. He really knows what he’s doing and took a big interest into Para. He even said that I could do really good D III. … I know that if I work to become the best, that’s where I’m happiest. DI programs are amazing, but I want to be able to do really well in something.

I’m going to definitely try to swim in Paris in 2024, and I’m potentially trying to see if I can hold out for Los Angeles in 2028.

It depends on where I am physically. If I’m still swimming well, there’s so many things that can happen, but that’s the goal.

What is your favorite spot on campus?

Aside from swimming, what do you do in your free time?

Art, on my own, I haven’t really done any in a while because I’ve been super busy, but I enjoy it a lot. Swimming is usually my life, but I love reading, I love art, I kind of play piano as a hobby now. I used to do lessons, but now I just do it for fun.

What other interests or hobbies do you have that may have led you to consider a different career path?

Did you consider any other major or minor?

I considered going into art and getting my Ph.D. in art history, but I decided to go with STEM. I was talking to my parents a little bit about it and they told me that my first love in life should be my hobby, and my second love should be my job, so I never get tired of my hobby. That’s why I went the biology route.

Plus, I can do art on the side if I want to, or I can always go back to school if I want to.

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class notes 1943

KEEP IN TOUCH! We want to keep in touch with you electronically! If you have an email address, or have recently changed your address or work information, make changes through

alumni.gcc.edu/update.

Elizabeth (Summerville) Mayo celebrated her 100th birthday Jan. 4 with friends and family in Hamden, Conn. She taught French in Erie, Pa., schools, then moved to Washington, D.C., to work in the Treasury Department. She lived in London for three years with her family as her husband worked for Rank Xerox.

She has four children, five grandchildren, and one greatgrandchild.

1964

Rev. Barry Gruver, while retired, continues to work part-time calling on older members of his congregation at Trinity Presbyterian Church, Cherry Hill, NJ. He reports

that he continually promotes Grove City College and has 12 family members or young people from my churches who are now alumni.

athletic administrator, recently published Coaching within the Education-based Athletics Concept, which is his fifth book.

1967

1969

Bill Schultz received the 2021 Ernest A. Kehr Award from the American Philatelic Society.

He has introduced hundreds of people to the stamp hobby as an instructor with the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. A volunteer of his local Chester County Historical Society, he also is an APSaccredited judge and an award-winning exhibitor.

1968 Dr. David Hoch, retired adjunct graduate professor and former

Have exciting news? Submit a class note for the magazine and for viewing online at

office know that you are having a “Grover Gathering!” We’d love to send you some fun “stuff” for your event.

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William Ferree served in the Navy 24 years, taught NJROTC for four years, followed by a job as civilian professor at the Naval War College, Newport, R.I. After 20 years at the Naval War College, he was granted the Professor Emeritus award.

He continues to teach online courses for the University of Maryland Global Campus.

George Collins Jr., Esq., was selected by his peers for inclusion in the 28th edition of the Best Lawyers in America. He is a senior partner at Bouvier Law, LLP in Buffalo, N.Y., and has been selected each year since 2010. He resides in Buffalo.

Remember to let the alumni

more information.

1970

1973

alumni.gcc.edu/classnote.

Email alumni@gcc.edu for

Dr. William Paquette funded and attended the Sept. 4, 2021, dedication to his parents of the “Arthur and Dorothy Root Paquette Historic Documents Preservation Room” at the Allegany County History Museum, Andover, N.Y.

ADELPHAPALOOZA |

Food, pickleball, breakfast on the water, and Steelers were all on the docket at Adelphapalooza in early fall at the home of Thomas Weston ’73 in Deale, Md. Row 1, from left: Mike Mader ’75, Jim Ambrose ’74, Jim Colman ’72, Darryl Brown ’72, Bob Levis ’73, Lance Kebaugh ’72, Greg Dickey ’74, and Chip Paradis ’75. Row 2: Larry Fabrey ’74, Tom Cornelius ’74, Ken Wild ’73, Weston, Jim Wilmoth ’73, Rich Kantor ’76, Brad Butler ’76, Brian Backensto ’74, Dennis Weckerly ’73, Joe Lander ’73, and Eric Herstine ’75.

1977

Jim Jarrett, an associate broker with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices The Preferred Realty, was installed as the

April 2022

50TH BIRTHDAYS |

Eight 1993 grads proved “50 is fabulous” as they gathered for a fun-filled weekend in East Stroudsburg, Pa., to celebrate their birthdays. From left: Shawnee (Doutt) Wood, Jennifer (Morrone) Bates, Joy (Ellison) Pietropola, Amy (Mooney) Gergely, Kristen (Pillsbury) Barker, Sheri (Wolfe) Helmer, Melissa (Jenny) Kelly, and Liesl (Zook) Wolf.

111th president of the REALTORS Association of Metropolitan Pittsburgh. He also serves on the board of directors for the Pennsylvania Association of REALTORS and its legislative and finance committees.

Andy Toncic retired from Grove City College in November. He joined the College in 1988 and served in numerous capacities: admissions counselor, director of international students, director of campus security, head resident (resident director), dean of men, and director of student recreation (intramural & club sports). He also advised several student organizations and volunteered as an assistant coach and recruiter for the men’s basketball team.

1978 Dr. Robert “Tim” Yoho published a non-fiction book, Life After Death: The Laura and Caralyn Yoho Story. He recently retired as dean of the College of Podiatric Medicine at Des Moines University and was inducted into the Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine Hall of Fame.

1979

Lynn (Lhota) Abramovic has helped to detail her daughter’s health journey and the family’s faith journey in a book titled Head Strong Through Life, Love, and Brain Surgery.

Information is available at heatherheadstrong.com.

Beth Toland married Mike Dixon on Oct. 17, 2020. The couple lives in Somerset, Pa., and are enjoying retired life.

Beth retired in August of 2020.

1980

Lissa Hilsee operates Call Lissa, a strategic planning business in which she works with small businesses, solopreneurs, nonprofits, and artists to achieve their goals.

1981

Kristin (French) Divers received the Bill Creevy Award for Pastel Innovation and her work was part of the Pastel Society of America’s annual exhibit.

She holds Master Pastelist status from the society.

EARLY TURKEY | Alumni and spouses attended their 51st annual pre-Thanksgiving event with a turkey dinner at the home of Janice (Briggs ’73) and Paul Studt on Nov. 20, 2021, in Bethel Park, Pa. Seated: Chuck ’72 and Rosemary Whitmire, Bill ’72 and Mary Tackett, and Janice Studt. Row 2: Dale Abel ’72, Donald Kidner ’72, Nancy Abel, Peter Metzloff ’72, Gwen and Jack Wright, Dennis ’73 and Nancy (Hicks ’75) Kriek, and Paul Studt.

1982

Kevin Foust retired from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech), where he was the university’s first associate vice president for safety and security. Foust joined Virginia Tech in 2011 following a 24-year career with the FBI. He was appointed deputy chief of police and assistant director of security for the Virginia Tech Police Department. He was appointed chief of police and director of security 2015 and promoted to associate vice president in 2019. He and his wife, Lynda (Callahan ’83) Foust, reside in Christiansburg, Va.

1984

Patricia Premick is a missionary in Taiwan after spending 11 years in another country where she discipled and mentored young professionals. She is both a certified Advanced Open Water diver and Nitrox diver.

1985

Laura (Tarkett) Blumberg was promoted to vice president, Civil Space and Weather Information Systems, at Science Applications

International Corporation, Inc. She is now responsible for the growth and execution of its civil space portfolio of IT programs serving primarily NASA and NOAA. She has over 30 years of experience, including serving NASA customers for the last 19 years at the Langley Research Center in Hampton, Va., and is president of the Virginia Aerospace Business Association.

1986

Dr. Vaughn Bicehouse retired as a tenured professor of special education at Slippery Rock University. He was honored with the President’s Breaking Barriers Award for his 15 publications, service, and teaching excellence.

1988

Gregg Ruhl was named president and CEO of Algoma Central Corporation, a provider of marine transportation services.

The company owns and operates a fleet of dry and liquid bulk carriers operating on the Great Lakes – St. Lawrence Waterway and ocean dry-bulk vessels operating in international markets.

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Grove City College

EP WINTER GOLF |

SOUTHERN CHARM |

Adel brothers and spouses enjoyed Southern hospitality at an August reunion in Gatlinburg, Tenn. From left: Tom Ronksley ’77, Laurie (Kiebler ’78) Martin, Tim Martin ’78, Darcy (Truxal ’82) Kincaid, H.B. Kincaid ’81, Lisa (Laurich ’82) Donovan, Bill Donovan ’81, Debra (Lees ’82) Strange, Bob Strange ’80, and David Davies ’78.

HIKING HELLO |

Megan (Oyler ’03) Troxell, James Hendrickson ’00, Beth (Schoeneck ’02) Hendrickson ’02, and Nathan Troxell ’02, parents in the two families at left, spent time together at Yellowstone last summer. They bumped into Kristen (Rizzuti ’02) and Christopher Dening and family, right, while there. Interestingly, they all live within a couple blocks of each other in the Pittsburgh area.

TRAIL LIFE LEADERS |

James Dudt ’07, left, and Professor of Education Jarrett Chapman ’04 participated in the TrailLifeUSA Conquest Campout in Mills Run, Pa., in September. Both are leaders in the group – Dudt in Troop PA-1393 from McMurray and Chapman in Troop PA-1116 from New Castle. The College offers a scholarship for students who have taken part in TrailLifeUSA or American Heritage Girls.

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These Epsilon Pi brothers held their Winter Golf Classic in Orlando this February. Row 1, from left: Bill Hladio ’64, Todd Alexander ’64, Ron George ’66, Bruce Johnson ’60, Dick Horton ’65, Ron Lamanna ’62, John Galvanek ’66. Row 2: Jim Passilla ’60, Bill McNees ’65, Charles “Bud” Runyan ’62, Dick Danford ’67, Larry Kiefer ’67, Ron Gentile ’59.

DEEP CREEK REUNION | Sigma Phi Omicron friends held an August reunion at Deep Creek Lake in Maryland. Row 1, from left: Greg Knowlden ’03, James Boazzo ’03, Josh Grubbs ’03, and Aaron Jarvinen ’03. Row 2: Ryan Boyd ’04, Luke Michael ’04, Keith Davis ’04, Justin Wenger ’03, and David DiQuattro ’02.

MOLE HOLE FRIENDS |

Friends who formerly lived (or visited them) in the Mole Hole in the basement of MAP West their freshman year have celebrated their unique bond for five years. This fall, they met in Philadelphia for Evelyn (Anderson ’16) Sulaiman’s dental school graduation and residency. From left: Sarah Taylor ’16, Samara (Wild ’16) Pittman, Meagan Buehler ’16, Sulaiman, Lauren (Davis ’16) Ruhl, and Jessica (Allen ’16) Yelle.

April 2022 1991

Dr. Michael Leichliter was appointed superintendent of schools for the Harwood Unified Union School District in Waitsfield, Vt. He left Penn Manor School District in Lancaster, Pa., where he served as superintendent of schools for 13 years.

1995

60TH BIRTHDAYS | Gamma Sigma Phi ’83 sisters gathered in October 2021 in Arlington, Va., to celebrate their 60th birthdays. Pictured from left: Amy (Paulus) Pople, Susan (Kay) Morgan, Jodi (Harner) Henderson, Sandy (Burg) McKnight, Karen (Milich) Webb, Carole (Williams) King, Jackie (Graham) Fennell, Janet (Kable) Baileys, Joyce (Boyd) Zelnis, Nancy (Hawthorne) Morley, Meg (Sheets) Yeager, and Laura (Gardner) Ducray.

Dr. Stacey (Roland) Martin has been teaching in the Education Department at Lancaster Bible College for the past 10 years. She earned her Doctor of Education degree in Curriculum and Instruction in 2018 and was promoted to department chair in 2021.

During her time at LBC, she led two missions trips to South Africa, mentored students in the Lead Now program, launched the Early Childhood Education Student Organization, and wrote curriculum for new programs in Education.

Sallie (Norris) Wick was elected vice president of the Mars (Pa.) Area School Board in December, replacing outgoing vice president Kevin Hagen. Hagen was appointed to the Mars Planet Foundation for the third consecutive year.

Both were elected to the school board in 2019.

1996

WATERDAM CONNECTION | Grove City College alumni and students from Waterdam Church in Canonsburg, Pa., gathered during a fall building expansion celebration. Row 1: Kate Wilson ’23, Shelby (Walker ’15) Zielinski, Levi Zielinski ’11, Dave Kresh ’75, and Lew Wetzel ’94. Row 2: Hannah Wilson ’22, Jonah Hoskins ’23, John Miller ’23, and Danielle Zawodny-Wetzel ’93. Row 3: Melissa (Trifaro ’96) MacLeod, CJ Keffer ’99, and Russ Hummer ’83.

Dr. Jeffrey Stivason joined the board of directors for the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals. He is pastor of Grace Reformed Presbyterian Church in Gibsonia, Pa., and is a professor of New Testament studies for Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary in Pittsburgh.

1997

Diana Greene was promoted to area manager for TRIGO-SCSI, overseeing six John Deere facilities in Eastern Iowa/ Western Illinois.

John McCullough and wife Kristen welcomed son Alexander Joseph on Feb. 28, 2019.

2000

Amy (Bemis) Anderson was named CEO of the Allegheny County Library Association in Pittsburgh, Pa. She was formerly a regional director at the Tennessee State Library and Archives. In her new role, she works with the 46 member library systems in Allegheny County.

2001

Jacob Huebert is now president of the Liberty Justice Center, a national, nonprofit litigation firm headquartered in Chicago. His presidency began in March; he previously served as the Center’s director of litigation.

Jonathan Shirk published a new book, The Heidelberg Catechism: True Comfort for Life & Death, co-authored with Zacharias Ursinus.

2002

David Smith graduated with a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership from Columbia International University in August 2021. Dr. Smith is the head of school at Cornerstone Community School, a Christian elementary school in Tallmadge, Ohio.

2004

Kate (Oaks) Franc and husband James announce the birth of son Matthew Joseph on Oct. 17, 2021.

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Grove City College 2005

Charlie Hildbold graduated from Liberty University with his Master of Science in Sports Management.

Kelli (Gradel) Hoffman and her husband, Dave, are the parents of daughter Leah Joy, born April 30, 2021.

Jessica (Prol) Smith and her husband, Logan, welcomed son Caspian Robert on Feb. 14, 2020.

2006

Joshua Bergman was promoted to vice president of finance for RE2Robotics in Pittsburgh, Pa. He will oversee accounting, reporting, and finance functions for the mobile manipulation systems company.

Rachel Bovard received the Conservative Mind Award in October from The American Conservative. She is senior director of policy at the Conservative Partnership Institute.

Melissa (Hohman) and Daniel ’08 Byerly welcomed daughter Gloria June on June 11, 2021.

Kristin (Aljets) and Abram ’07 Elwell welcomed son Shepherd

KAP GOLF |

Haddon on Jan. 14, 2020. He joined siblings Asher, Annie, Rose, and Sally.

Betsy (Christian) Hicks and her husband, Nathan, announce the birth of twin sons, Conrad Christian and Cade Ray, on May 4, 2021.

Kristin (Jones) Mensonides was named a 2021 “40 Under 40” honoree by the Sacramento Business Journal. She is executive director of oncology services at the University of California-Davis Health.

Natalie “Tallie” (Dillon) Miller and her husband, Ryan, welcomed son Caleb Bradley on Aug. 17, 2021. He joins sisters Jordan and Devon.

Emily (Billmyre) Nehring and her husband, Bob, are the parents of daughter McKenna Grace, born July 15, 2020, and son William Isaac, 3.

Michael Ritter and his wife, Charoma, welcomed son Desmond Romael on May 3, 2021.

Alissa (Barton) and Gregory ’05 Sinsley welcomed daughter Ruth Taylor on April 22, 2021.

Erika (Heinzl) Tallerico and her husband, Michael, announce the birth of son Anthony Michael on Sept. 29, 2021.

2007

James Dudt joined Gilbane Building Company in its Pittsburgh office as a senior business development manager. He has over 13 years of construction industry experience with a background in mechanical engineering.

Dudt oversees the growth and development of Gilbane’s Pittsburgh presence.

Scott Fichter recently published his first book, The Weekly Game Plan, and became a #1 Best Selling Author and #1 New Release in multiple categories on Amazon.

Chantel (Sheatz) and Nate Miller are the parents of new daughter Blair Cecilia, born Dec. 16, 2021, as well as her siblings Brielle, 6, and Clark, 4.

Rachel (Wick) and Gregory ’06 Patterson welcomed daughter Abigail Grace on Feb. 4, 2020. Brother Isaac is now 4.

2008

Allison (Mock) Breeding and her husband, Jason, welcomed daughter Audrey Mae on June 29, 2021.The family resides in Lexington, Va., where Allison is an elementary school principal and Jason is a high school teacher.

Kimberly (Walsh) Crawford and husband, Ryan, are the parents of daughter Rylynn Kalia, born Sept. 14, 2021.

Cassandra (Cisek) Doggrell and her husband, Keith, welcomed daughter Willow Rose on Aug. 3, 2021.

Leah (McLaughlin) Fazio was named a “40 Under Forty”

by Crain’s Cleveland Business 2021. She is the general counsel at Vitamix Corporation.

Greg Kroleski, a Google Cloud project manager, again this year walked for 24 hours straight during his company’s Walktober employee walking competition. He dedicated this year’s challenge, and his team’s effort, to raise awareness for myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome. The team raised $14,000 and Kroleski logged over 204,000 steps.

Brittany (Anderson) Laseak and her husband, JJ, announce the birth of daughter Peyton Leigh on May 2, 2021.

Stephanie (Parker) McMillan and her husband, Jeriah, are the parents of son Josiah Simeon, born July 28, 2020.

Candice (Coholich) Weaver and her husband, Michael, welcomed son Matthew Ryan on Feb. 20, 2021.

Kappa Alpha Phi alumni golfers had a great, but soggy, outing July 17 at Cranberry Highlands Golf Club, with 58 brothers from 19682015 in attendance.

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April 2022 2009 Erin (Strang) and Cody ’12 Fleeger announce the birth of son William Burke on May 29, 2021. Sister Isabel is 3.

Karen (Bennett) and Jarrett Skorup are the parents of Reece Bennett, born Sept. 16, 2020.

Dr. Ben Wetzel published Theodore Roosevelt: Preaching from the Bully Pulpit (Oxford University Press). It is the first and only religious biography of the 26th president.

2010 Chantilly (Cobb) and Tom Alberti announce the birth of Ellora Madeleine “Ella” on April 1, 2021.

Rebekah (Seifert) Capeci and her husband, Andrew, announce the birth of son Asher Louis on May 28, 2021.

Becky (Kraft) and Jon Durfee welcomed daughter Dana Dorthea on Oct. 13, 2020.

Tyler Emerick and his wife, Jiprille, are the parents of son Slater David, born Sept. 14, 2021.

Rebekah (Newborn) and Ian Gilbert welcomed daughter Melody Ann on Aug. 27, 2021. Brother John Mark is 2.

Jacob Michalson and wife Elizabeth welcomed daughter Isabelle Grace on Sept. 24, 2021.

Rachel (Stelzer) and Shaun Mills announce the birth of son Asher Thomas on Sept.

30, 2021.

Emily (Klopsic) and Matt ’11 Skyrm announce the birth of daughter Lily Elizabeth on April 22, 2021.

Katie (Imler) Vizzerra and husband Michael announce the birth of daughter Elena Rose on Sept. 20, 2021.

2011 Natalie (Walten) and Daniel Bos welcomed son Calvin Daniel on May 26, 2021. He joins Juniper Darlene, 5, and Hollyn Gabrielle, 2.

Brittany (Cobb) and Andy ’12 Gunkler welcomed daughter Clarissa Joy on Jan. 7, 2022.

Jenna (Cooper) and Evan Harding welcomed twin sons, Nathaniel Cooper and Elliott James, on June 25, 2020.

Amanda (Deer) and Paul Harmon are the parents of son Micah Emmanuel “Manny,” born Aug. 9, 2020, and adopted July 27, 2021; and son Samuel Joseph, born Oct. 17, 2021.

Gabrielle (Welker) and Ross ’10 Kucks are the parents of son James Walter, born May 7, 2021.

Ryan McMorrow and his wife, Leeann, announce the birth of daughter Bridget Grace on Jan. 26, 2021.

Emily Stumpf and Wes Creedle were married Sept. 5, 2021, in Machipongo, Va.

EP GOLF |

Epsilon Pi Alumni Association held its annual golf outing July 31 at the Grove City Country Club. A total of 63 golfers played, including current active members. John Ellis ’77, Randy Fletcher ’77, Todd Powless ’77, and Bob Buchanan ’79 were the winning team.

Pictured from left are golfers Bruce Vetter ’82, Jim Palmer ’82, Mike Bartoo ’84, Scott Tovissi ’83, and Ellis.

2012

Kacie (McDougall) and Vincent Angelo are the parents of daughters Lucy James, born May 28, 2021, and her sister Stella Rose, 3.

Chelsea (Audet) and Ken Caldwell were married October 2020 and celebrated officially a year later in New Hampshire with friends from the Class of 2012.

Mike Grist and his wife, Brittany, are the parents of son Camden Miller, born July 27, 2021.

Megan (Haux) Snyder and her husband, Timothy, are the parents of daughters Elizabeth, born Jan. 15, 2019, and Lucille, born Dec. 2, 2020.

PAN ROUND UP | Pan Sophic brothers held a Round Up at Heinz Field before the December 5 Steelers game. Row 1, from left: Ryan Hutchison ’95, Paul Arnold ’99, Jimmy Sutman ’94, Matt Doz ’95, Brandon Haynes ’96, and Brian Ritz ’95. Row 2: Matt Collins ’95, Gregg Johnson ’94, Rob Aho ’96, Keith Zatawski ’93, Jon Kuhn ’95, Brian Wood ’96, Mark Cattron ’95, and Don Balla ’93.

2013

Melissa (Militello) Allen and husband Tony welcomed son Oliver Joseph on Sept. 28, 2011.

Jacob Choby and his wife, Renee, welcomed son Rhett Joseph on June 20, 2021.

Abram Denlinger and wife Katherine welcomed daughter Margaret Louise on Nov. 17, 2020. Sister Elizabeth is 3.

ACCOUNTING BOND |

Accounting majors turned friends thanks to Dr. David Baglia’s Intermediate Accounting course spent a girls’ weekend hiking the mountains of West Virginia. From left: Hannah Toney ’20, Taylor Horn ’20, Brittany Byer ’20, Liz Scherer ’20, Emily Stein ’20, and Julianne Cafaro ’20.

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Grove City College Katelyn (Renke) and David Durfee announce the birth of daughter Hayley Esther on Nov. 18, 2021.

Paul Gonnella and his wife, Amanda, welcomed son Malachi Nathanael on Sept.

28, 2021.

Kristy (Roman) and Andrew ’14 Moore are the parents of son James Anderson, born May 28, 2021.

Anastasia (Lease) and James ’10 Parkin welcomed son George Hayes Metcalf on April 27, 2020. He joins siblings Theodore and Penelope.

2014 Kate (Henry) and Christian ’15 Durbin welcomed son Luke Thomas on Dec. 7, 2021.

Collin Gingrich and his wife, Becky, welcomed son Zachary Brubaker on Oct. 9, 2020.

Chelsea Grayburn and Tucker Sigourney ’16 were married Feb. 21, 2021.

They reside in Columbia, S.C. John Green and his wife, Amber, announce the birth of son Shepard Timothy on March 21, 2020.

Leah (Witthohn) and Billy ’11 Kingzett welcomed son Liam Alexander on Aug. 25, 2021.

Kariah (Church) and Benjamin Manwaring welcomed daughter Eliza Mae on Sept. 15, 2020.

Her sister Vivian is 4.

Jack McCracken was promoted from supervisor to manager at Brown Schultz Sheridan & Fritz accounting and advisory firm in Westminster, Md. Patrick Neville and his wife, Elainea, welcomed daughter Charlotte Louise on May 21, 2021. Brother John “Henry” was born Oct. 18, 2019.

David Post and his wife, Elizabeth, welcomed daughter Eleanor Marshall on Oct. 19, 2021.

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Sarah (Rybaltowski) and Jacob ’13 Roberts are the parents of son Josiah Thomas, born Sept. 5, 2020.

2015

Alexandra (Clough) and Daniel ’14 Adams welcomed daughter Eloise Jaymes on Sept. 28, 2021.

Ariel (Wick ’15) Barcio and her husband, Nick, announce the birth of daughter Zoe Elizabeth on April 5, 2021.

Ben Crelin and his wife, Hope, are the parents of daughter Gwenyth Hope, born Oct. 4, 2021.

Kaitlyn (Powell) Hare and her husband, Cody, welcomed daughter Isla Rose on Nov. 28, 2020.

Emily (Dinger) and Jacob Nedley are the parents of son Joss Matthew, born July 3, 2021.

Stephanie Pitman and Ethan Rath, after rescheduling three times due the COVID pandemic, finally were married June 4, 2021, in Noblesville, Ind. Allison (Sheets) Prosser and her husband, Adam, welcomed daughter Leah Kay on March 9, 2021. Siblings are Micah Richard, 2, and Rebekah Ann, 4.

Victoria (Clauss) Roup and husband Gilbert welcomed daughter Penelope Rose on Nov. 16, 2021.

Wesley Suplit and his wife, Kelly, welcomed daughter Lindy Kathleen on March 29, 2021.

Kaylie (DeNuto) Weinstein and her husband, Nicholas, announce the birth of daughter Mallory Lynn on April 14, 2021.

2016

Karen (Meyer) and Jonathan ’17 Brutt welcomed son William Emerson on Dec. 1, 2021.

Cody Hufstetler and wife Erin announce the birth of son Lucas James on Feb. 11, 2022.

Alyssa (Brossman) and Stephen ’14 Lantz welcomed daughter Zoey Paige on Dec. 3, 2021.

Hope (Thurston) and Michael ’14 Koerth are the parents of daughter Clementine Lucille, born May 2, 2021.

Sarah (Trisler) and Andrew ’15 Reem welcomed daughter Skye Lucinda on Jan. 22, 2021.

2017 Justine Marsheck and Jeremiah Ravindranath were married Oct. 10, 2021.

Kira (Hellweg) and Bradley Smith announce the birth of son Nelson Mitchell on May 5, 2021.

Erin (McHale) and David ’16 Werner welcomed son Roland Edward on May 18, 2020.

2018 Megan Crutcher received a fully funded 5-year fellowship from Texas A&M University to undertake her Ph.D. in the Nautical Archaeology program of the Department of Anthropology. She earned her M.A. in public history from Duquesne University in 2020 and is in her second year of the Ph.D. She also was selected as a 2021 Southeastern Conference Emerging Scholar for her work on West African maritime archaeology.

Abby (Messinger) and Joel ’20 Kehr announce the birth of daughter Rosemary Elanor on June 5, 2021.

Katie Nolte and Tyler Weaver ’14 were married June 19, 2021, in Carlisle, Pa. Quinton Reed and Hanna Stucke are the parents of Emsley Monroe, born March 9, 2021.

Caitlin Washburn received her Master of Public Health degree (M.P.H.) from Vanderbilt

University in May 2021. For her capstone project, she investigated how to build a sustainable vision for community health workers during COVID-19, and she completed her practicum with the Metro Public Health Department and Siloam Health Organization. Washburn remained in Nashville to work as a project manager for Siloam Health.

2019

Michelle Jeffries and Daniel Vogt ’18 were married June 12, 2021, in Greenville, Pa. They live in Grove City, where Michelle is a staff assistant in the Grove City College Alumni Office and Daniel is the linebackers coach for the Wolverine football team.

Gretchen Stockschlaeder married Stephen Kress on Oct. 10, 2021, in Mount Pleasant Pa. The couple resides in the North Hills of Pittsburgh.

Leigh Trepanier qualified for USA weightlifting nationals in June of 2022, placing third 3rd overall and third in clean and jerk at a September competition in Albuquerque, N.M. This was her first inperson competition.

Miranda (Prough) and Anthony Schifano announce the birth of daughter Grace Inez on Aug. 14, 2021.

2020

Ivy Nowakowski and Brian Ferris ’19 were married on Jun. 13, 2021. They now reside in Pittsburgh, Pa. Mikala (Jensen) and Robert ’18 Graham are the parents of Tallis Adleline Petra, born July 10, 2021.

April 2022

Join us ’Mid the Pines!

The Office of College and Alumni Relations is proud to present the ’Mid the Pines podcast, featuring alumni and faculty thought leaders sharing their personal and professional stories. Several accomplished alumni have already been featured, with new episodes being recorded regularly. Listen to our current episodes and check back for more at alumni.gcc.edu/podcast. Episodes are also available on Podbean and Spotify. To share an external alumni podcast episode or to nominate an alumnus/a to be featured on ’Mid the Pines, please email the Office of Alumni and College Relations at alumni@gcc.edu.

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2022 THE DATE april 29 – MaySAVE 1, 2022 gcc.edu/familyweekend

EXPERIENCE AND ENJOY YOUR

STUDENTS’ HOME AWAY FROM HOME!

APRIL 29 - MAY 1, 2022

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Grove City College

in memory The Grove City College Alumni Association places a book in Henry Buhl Library in memory of each alumnus for whom the Office of Alumni and College Relations receives written notification of death, including a copy of the obituary. This pays tribute to the lives of deceased alumni while benefitting current and future students.

To notify the Office of Alumni and College Relations of the passing of a loved one, please send an obituary to alumni@gcc.edu.

Doris (McCann) Forshey ’42, Newark, Del., Sept. 18, 2021. She taught first grade for 25 years.

Aug. 27, 2021. She taught accounting for 31 years, retiring from North Hills High School.

Doris (Hoch) Richards ’43, Glen Allen, Va., Jan. 16, 2022. She was a vice president of the Charles B. Richards Company and, with her husband, cofounded Signature Kitchens of Charleston.

Frances (Ritchey) Smeak ’48, Birmingham, Mich., April 3, 2020.

Rev. Paul H. Wilson ’43, New Oxford, Pa., Feb. 9, 2022. He served Presbyterian churches in upstate New York and New Jersey, and in retirement, volunteered with the Heifer Project and Habitat for Humanity.

Margaret (Fithian) Bovard ’44, Malvern, Pa., May 25, 2021.

Survivors include daughter Lucinda (Bovard ’76) Deese.

Anna (Wartzenluft) Long ’44, Sinking Spring, Pa., Jan. 5, 2022. After early work as a chemist, she taught earth and space science in high school for 26 years.

Dagmar (Bryan) Marchant ’44, Houston, Texas, Aug. 19, 2021.

Elaine Young ’45, Sebastopol, Calif., July 10, 2021. She taught for English for 30 years, earning awards for her innovative teaching style.

Ruth (Moore) Yingst ’47, Lancaster, Pa., Oct. 15, 2021.

She taught elementary school in Westwood, N.J. Miriam (Campbell) Canning ’48, Cranberry Township, Pa.,

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Joylyn (Murphy) Zembower ’48, Mount Clemens, Mich., Nov. 10, 2021. She and her late husband operated Zembower’s Hardware in Cumberland, Md., for 25 years, and she was a hospital and hospice volunteer. Survivors include children Barry Zembower ’76, Rebecca Zembower ’77, and Darcie (Zembower ’79) West.

John G. “Jerry” Johnson ’49, Mercer, Pa., Oct. 19, 2021.

The WWII Army Air Corps veteran worked as a financial analyst and controller. He was a former Mercer County commissioner and the mayor of Mercer.

Marilyn (Fox) Rutherford ’49, Hightstown, N.J., July 1, 2021.

Dr. Russell G. Doyle ’50, Oxford, Pa., March 3, 2022. He spent 31 years in a family practice and served the Air National Guard for many years as a flight surgeon, retiring as a colonel. Survivors include daughter Lela Doyle ’80.

Alberta (Volk) Feightner ’50, Irwin, Pa., May 20, 2021.

She was a retired executive assistant from Teledyne Advanced Materials. Survivors include sister Elinore (Volk ’50) Beresford.

Thurlow T. “Turtle” Mayhood ’50, Brighton, Mich., Sept.

2, 2021. He worked at GE’s Armament Facility for 37 years, becoming program manager.

Mary Ann Porter ’50, Newport Beach, Calif., Jan. 3, 2022.

She worked as an analyst and translator for the National Security Agency before careers as a teacher and traveler.

Paul N. Zahniser ’50, Coatesville, Pa., Feb. 17, 2022. A World War II Army Air Corps veteran, he worked in marine insurance and with American Dredging Company.

Joan (Walker) Kaltenbaugh ’51, Sandy Lake, Pa., Aug. 21, 2021. She was a substitute teacher for Lakeview schools.

Vera (Metz) Kuhn ’51, Danville, Va., Nov. 4, 2021. She taught elementary school before raising her family.

Miriam (Kerr) McLaughlin ’51, Stoneboro, Pa., Jan. 21, 2021. She worked in accounting and taught at DuBois School of Business.

She retired from Earth Sun Moon Trading in Grove City.

William L. Morris ’51, Youngstown, Ohio, Oct. 15, 2021. The Coast Guard veteran was a retired industrial relations vice president with Universal Rundle, New Castle, Pa. Carol (Somers) Wilson ’51, Bluffton, S.C., Aug. 18, 2021. She spent 28 years with Diamond Shamrock in Cleveland and Dallas.

April 2022 Pauline (Nuckid) Yersky ’51, Tempe, Ariz.

Barbara (Small) Edwards ’52, Allison Park, Pa., Aug. 11, 2021. She taught elementary classes, then high school English, followed by work as a school librarian.

Rev. Dr. Frank S. Hamilton Jr. ’52, Santa Rosa, Calif., Dec. 31, 2021. He was a Presbyterian minister for 35 years and on staff for The Synod of California.

The Rev. Dr. Donald P. Flick ’52, Bethlehem, N.C., July 24, 2021. He established several churches, followed by work with United Church Homes, where he became executive director.

Kermit L. Taggart ’52, Washington, Pa., Sept. 19, 2021. The Marine Corps veteran taught social studies there and in Vermont. Upon retiring, he operated Taggart’s Orchard for 35 years.

Richard T. Betts ’53, Youngsville, Pa., Oct. 23, 2021. The Navy veteran retired after 55 years with the family business, Betts Industries, including time as president.

Floyd K. Collins ’53, Seneca Falls, N.Y., Sept. 15, 2021.

A Navy veteran, he worked as an engineer and manager of research and development for NA Philips.

Eugene B. Connelly ’53, Pittsburgh, Pa., Oct. 16, 2021. He worked as an engineer for US Steel.

Johanna (Campbell) Fuellgraf ’53, Sewickley, Pa., July 29, 2021. She was active in Butler, Pa., community groups.

Shirley (Roach) Gleditsch ’53, Pittsburgh, Pa., Jan. 16,

2022. A justice advocate, she worked with the Thomas Merton Center of Pittsburgh and founded the East End Community Thrift Store.

Ralph L. Brown ’55, Warren, Pa., Nov. 7, 2021. He was a teacher, vice principal, and principal with the Warren County School District.

Carolyn (Eddy) Johnson ’57, Warren, Pa., Dec. 27, 2021.

She taught for a few years and volunteered on local history projects.

Claire (Hatch) Moore ’53, Upper St. Clair, Pa., Dec. 31, 2021.

Survivors include son Scott Moore ’78.

The Rev. Roger R. Shaffer ’55, Charlotte, N.C., Aug. 4, 2021.

He served for 42 years in United Methodist ministry.

Michael D. Camp Sr. ’58, Beaver, Pa., Feb. 8, 2022.

Roger H. Nelson ’53, Akron, Ohio, Feb. 2, 2022. He worked as a chemical engineer for Goodyear Tire and Rubber.

Dr. Byoung-Hye “Peggy” Chang ’56, Seoul, South Korea, Jan. 3, 2022. She taught Japanese, published several books, and directed the Asian Bilingual Curriculum Development Center in South Orange, N.J.

Patricia (Walsh) Bowers ’54, Pittsburgh, Pa., Dec. 25, 2021. She was a retired faculty member of Butler County Community College.

Jessie (Sattele) Farmer ’54, Pittsburgh, Pa., Aug. 16, 2021. She worked in banking.

Dr. Richard B. Koitzsch ’54, Lansdale, Pa., July 8, 2021.

The Air Force veteran worked as a dentist for 30 years.

Robert E. Lees ’54, New Wilmington, Pa., Nov. 21, 2021. After Air Force service, he taught for 30 years in the Mohawk Area School District.

The Rev. Thomas E. MacAdam ’54, White Haven, Pa., Dec. 4, 2021. He served Presbyterian congregations in Pennsylvania and West Virginia.

Barbara (Langdon) Milan ’54, Volant, Pa., Aug. 12, 2021.

A chemist, she had worked at Carnegie Institute as a spectrometrist.

Diane (Whittenberger) Harper ’56, Charleston, W.Va., Nov. 12, 2021. She taught high school history and worked as a clothing buyer.

Richard B. Heasley ’56, Sept.

10, 2020.

Margaret (Jackson) Hicks ’56, Mount Pleasant, Mich., Aug. 18, 2021. She taught special education in both Ohio and Michigan.

Ronald E. MacKowiak ’56, Dunkirk, N.Y., July 7, 2021. A Marine Corps veteran, he had a 39-year career in accounting with AL Tech Specialty Steel.

Dale K. Parker ’56, Williamsburg, Mich., March 6, 2021. After serving in the Army Corp of Engineers, he worked in flooring for Armstrong World Industries.

John H. Senser ’54, Clearfield, Pa., Sept. 22, 2021. The Marine Corps veteran taught high school math and English for 25 years and wrote three books.

Shirley (Gills) Scott ’56, Morristown, N.J., July 2, 2021. She had a 23-year career with Nabisco, retiring as a senior financial analyst.

Survivors include daughter Cheryl (Scott ’79) Gerber.

The Rev. Richard F. Stone ’54, Saranac Lake, N.Y., July 31, 2021. He served with the Presbyterian Church in New York state, including 30 years in Canton.

Charles W. Gibbs Jr. ’57, Round Rock, Texas, Feb. 10, 2022.

An Army veteran, he worked as a claims adjuster and claims auditor for CNA and Erie Insurance.

Peter S. Koenig Sr. ’58, DeWitt, N.Y., June 27, 2021. He retired as director of medical administrative services for Community General Hospital.

David W. Lehto ’58, Greenville, Pa., Feb. 14, 2022. A former Army Reservist, he worked as a project engineer with Sharon Steel and owned a 150-acre dairy farm.

Ann (Miller) Popa ’58, Connellsville, Pa., Aug. 31, 2021. She was an income maintenance administrator for the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services.

Bruce A. Robinson ’58, The Villages, Fla., Dec. 28, 2021.

The Army and Army National Guard veteran worked with National Cash Register for 20 years and was an independent antique dealer.

Dale A. Ruesch ’58, Glen Allen, Va., Feb. 18, 2022. He worked in technical service, plus sales and marketing, for the chemical industry.

David D. Shields ’58, Staunton, Va., Nov. 12, 2021. The Navy veteran lived for many years in Quakertown, Pa. Survivors include wife Carolyn (Washburn ’55) Shields.

Kay (Kemp) Stiles ’58, New Castle, Del., Aug 29, 2021.

She worked as a medical technologist.

David C. Glessner ’59, Mill Hall, Pa., Dec. 27, 2021. He worked with the Pennsylvania Health Department, Department of Environmental Resources, and Department

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Grove City College of Environmental Protection for 36 years. Survivors include wife Carol (Homer ’59) Glessner.

William J. McCall III ’59, Oakmont, Pa., Sept. 26, 2021. He worked as a senior electrical engineer at Allegheny Ludlum Steel for 39 years and was an Air Force veteran.

Kathryn (Knoedler) McCullough ’59, Simpsonville, S.C., Sept.

30, 2021.

Albert R. Puntureri ’59, Hermitage, Pa. and Long Boat Key, Fla., Dec. 5, 2021. The Army veteran was founder, president, and CEO of Interstate Chemical Company and an active philanthropist.

He received the Jack Kennedy Alumni Achievement Award in 1995 and served as a College trustee from 2000-05.

Robert W. Riedel ’59, Covina, Calif., Aug. 4, 2021.

Joan (Campbell) Shawgo ’59, Grove City, Pa., June 14, 2021. She was a registered nurse who retired from Sewickley Eye Center.

Survivors include husband John Shawgo ’60.

Marilyn (Johnson) Bauer ’60, Bethlehem, Pa., Dec. 28, 2021. An education advocate, she taught business at Churchman Business School and Northampton Community College. Survivors include husband Ronald Bauer ’59.

Joseph C. Bochy ’60, Hermitage, Pa., Nov. 18, 2021. An Army veteran, he worked for 30 years as a commercial specialist for Firestone Tire and Rubber, Akron, Ohio.

Barbara (Owens) Hoffmann ’60, Richmond, Va., Jan. 10, 2022. She worked for the CIA and spent many years with the psychology department of Virginia Commonwealth University.

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Wanda (Umble) Heurich ’60, Frederick, Md., Oct. 23, 2021. She taught all grades in her career in Pennsylvania, New York, and Maryland.

Marilyn (Johnson) Bauer ’60, Bethlehem, Pa., Dec. 28, 2021. An education advocate, she taught business at Churchman Business School and Northampton Community College. Survivors include husband Ronald Bauer ’59.

Evelyn (Miller) Kotch ’60, Ventnor, N.J., Aug. 11, 2021. She taught school in Pennsylvania, Maryland, and New Jersey.

Donna (Daugherty) Martin ’60, Maineville, Ohio, Aug. 23, 2021.

The Rev. James E. Ryhal ’60, Springfield, Ohio, July 11, 2021. The Army veteran was a Methodist pastor who helped organize Metro Ministry. He also was an insurance agent and wrote two books.

Carolyn (Shelly) Shaffer ’60, Monroeville, Pa., July 8, 2021.

She was her church’s financial secretary for 25 years.

Warren A. Smith ’60, Butler, Pa., Oct. 28, 2021. He had a 40-year career traveling the world as a metallurgical engineer for U.S. Steel Corp.

Paul G. Davia ’61, Midlothian, Va., November 2021. After a career in the steel industry and water treatment, he was a realtor and substitute teacher.

Dr. Philip W. Hoovler ’61, Broomfield, Colo., Aug. 19, 2021. An Air Force veteran, he was a leader in Altoona, Pa., medical care and helped create Blair Medical Associates.

Richard K. Rudolph ’61, Naples, Fla., Aug. 28, 2021. He worked in marketing with Esso overseas, then in financial planning in

Florida. He served in the Air Force. Survivors include wife Edith (Davis ’61) Rudolph.

David L. Gropp ’62, Beaver, Pa., Feb. 9, 2022. He led a private law practice in Beaver for 50 years.

Bevery (Tirk) Nelson ’62, Greenville, S.C., Nov. 21, 2021. She raised her family and retired from JP Stevens.

Donna (Stoner) Pelkey ’62, Huntington Beach, Calif., Dec. 26, 2021. She raised her family then worked in the mortgage industry.

Dale K. Runge ’62, Los Angeles, Calif., Dec. 6, 2020. A Navy veteran, he worked as a systems engineer with IBM and, after retirement, with his J.D. he worked as a lawyer.

Ronald D. Smith ’62, North Canton, Ohio, Dec. 1, 2021.

He was a plant manager who had 38 years of service with Republic Steel/LTV. Dr. Aimee J. Wiest ’62, Jan 8, 2022. After a 35-year career as a high school English teacher, she was an adjunct professor of African American literature at several universities and was a talented pianist.

Dr. Thomas L. Caldwell ’63, Lansdale, Pa., Dec. 5, 2021.

An Air Force veteran, he established and ran his dental practice for 40 years.

Margaret (Green) Carlson ’63, Parker, Colo., Oct. 14, 2021. After raising children, she became a medical transcriptionist. Survivors include husband Eric Carlson ’63.

Suzanne (Jones) Echtenkamp ’63, Fort Wayne, Ind., Dec. 5, 2021. After raising her family, she taught high school business and worked in college admissions.

Gladys M. Johnson ’63, Prospect Park, Pa., Nov. 22,

2021. She taught at Harris Elementary for 30 years.

Survivors include brother Rev. Harvey Johnson ’59.

Samuel D. Neely ’63, Mechanicsburg, Pa., Dec. 22, 2021. An engineer, he retired from the Naval Sea Logistics Center after 30 years.

Robert L. Swestyn ’63, Carmichaels, Pa., June 26, 2021. He worked both as an electrical engineer and a mathematics teacher, the latter with Western Area Vocational Technical School.

Alan D. Clark ’64, Toledo, Ohio, Nov. 30, 2021. The Army veteran was a tire engineer with Firestone, including work in Italy.

John A. Clutz Jr. ’64, Westerville, Ohio, Sept. 4, 2021. He had worked with Nationwide Insurance.

George S. Geyer Jr. ’64, Cheyenne, Wyo., Aug. 20, 2021. He taught history and coached football. In Cheyenne, he worked in the state legislature.

Loel “Lori” (Hough) Greene ’64, Inverness, Fla., Aug. 5, 2021. A career educator, she managed and consulted on childcare services for the federal government.

After retirement, she ran a restaurant with her brother.

George E. Marshall ’64, Durham, N.C., Nov. 23, 2021. An engineer, he worked at XEROX in Rochester, N.Y., for 36 years.

Frank S. Povirk ’64, Eureka, Calif., March 10, 2022. A metallurgist, he worked for J&L, LTV, Davis-Walker, and Republic Engineered Steels.

Richard K. Robinson ’64, Millsboro, Del., Oct. 19, 2021. He retired as Sunoco’s

April 2022 Racing Fuel Division sales manager. Survivors include son Andrew Robinson ’92 and brother Tom Robinson ’62.

George A. Stevenson III ’64, Prospect, Pa., Dec. 13, 2021.

He was a lab technician with MSA and the pastor and founder of Beersheba Church.

David K. Stuart ’64, Stuart, Fla., Jan. 30, 2021. He was a retired executive vice president with PNC Bank, NA. Survivors include wife Olene (Hall ’65) Stuart.

David S. Taylor ’64, Green Cove Springs, Fla., Aug. 9, 2021. A Navy veteran, he had a degree in business administration and wrote two books.

Joyce (Connor) Bauman ’65, Beaver Falls, Pa., July 14, 2021. She operated a nursery school then taught first grade for Riverside schools.

Survivors include daughters Stephanie (Bauman ’96) Slear and Kathleen (Bauman ’99) Kildoo.

Joseph H. Ewing ’65, Greensburg, Pa., Sept. 5, 2021, and Virginia (Frazee) Ewing ’65, Greensburg, Pa., Feb. 28, 2022. He spent much of his career in marketing with IBM. She was as librarian for the Greensburg Salem and Hempfield Area school districts. Survivors include daughter Jennifer (Ewing ’03) Garman.

James F. MacRae ’65, Trussville, Ala., Jan. 1, 2022.

He was very active in playing bagpipes and with the Masons.

Survivors include wife Judith (Dawes ’65) MacRae. Rev. Gerald L. Niece ’65, Rocky Mount, N.C., Jan. 22, 2022.

He retired as coordinator and pastoral counselor with Sprint Mid-Atlantic Telecom and had been vice president of the National Institute of Business and Industrial Chaplains.

Kenneth J. Rodgers Sr. ’65, Orange Park, Fla., Sept. 5, 2021. After managing several retail businesses, he worked for 20 years with Service Master.

Survivors include wife Elizabeth (Sheasley ’65) Rodgers.

Harry E. Jones ’66, Roaring Branch, Pa., Oct. 6, 2021.

He was the chief juvenile officer with the Lycoming County Courts for 25 years, then taught drug and alcohol prevention programs.

Jack T. Lindgren ’66, Jupiter, Fla., June 17, 2021. The Army veteran held executive positions with Clorox Co., Pepsi Co., Edy’s Ice Cream, and Bunge.

Terry C. McNees ’66, Bonney Lake, Wash., Oct. 4, 2021. He had a 23-year Air Force career, followed by a second 24-year career with Boeing.

Loyal R. Mitchell Jr. ’66, Whitesboro, N.Y., April 6, 2021. He taught instrumental music at several Utica, N.Y., schools, becoming band director at Proctor High School. He played in and conducted local bands. Survivors include wife Bonnie (Odell ’66) Mitchell.

Jean (Dye) Andolsen ’67, Avon Lake, Ohio, Aug. 15, 2021. A social worker, she worked with the Cuyahoga Department of Job and Family services, then at New Life Community Services.

Lt. Col. James A. Cunningham (Ret.) ’67, Williamsburg, Va., Sept. 16, 2021. He served for 21 years in logistics with the Air Force, followed by work with Texas Instruments and Raytheon.

Richard L. Pease ’67, Naples, Fla., Jan. 10, 2022. An electrical engineer, he retired as a vice president of General Electric after 38

years of service. He received the College’s Jack Kennedy Memorial Alumni Achievement Award in 2004. Survivors include sister Shelvey (Pease ’59) Johnson.

William A. Zuzack ’70, Mechanicsburg, Pa., Feb. 21, 2022. He worked in research and development. Survivors include wife Christine (Pavlik ’73) Zuzack.

Thomas D. Vanecek ’67, San Diego, Calif., Aug. 16, 2021.

The Navy veteran had a long career with General Atomics.

William J. Evans ’71, Marietta, Ga., Sept. 7, 2021. He was an executive in human resources with Genuine Parts. Survivors include siblings K. James Evans Jr. ’70, Stephen Evans ’74, Anne (Evans ’84) Korenowski, and Jeffrey Evans (Pitt 1981). He was preceded in death by his mother Florence (Borland ’42) Evans.

Page Bishop ’68, Atlanta, Ga., June 11, 2021. She was both a CPA and a CFP during her career in banking.

James M. Miles ’68, North Ridgeville, Ohio, Sept. 19, 2021. He worked for LTV Steel then RT Patterson Engineering until retiring.

Jeffrey E. Stanley ’68, Gainesville, Fla., Dec. 28, 2021. An Army veteran, he spent 22 years with Bear Archery and later retired from Martin Electronics. Survivors include wife Beverly (Best ’70) Stanley.

Richard G. Edeburn ’69, Louisville, Ky., Aug. 28, 2021. An electrical engineer, he worked for Bessemer Railroad, Conrail, and retired from Safetran Systems.

Linda R. Thompson ’69, New Wilmington, Pa., Feb. 1, 2022. She was an English teacher in Maple Heights, Ohio.

Robert K. Geiser ’70, Willoughby, Ohio, Nov. 10, 2021. He spent 35 years in education as a teacher, athletic director, and assistant principal.

Charlotte (Friday) Hickman ’70, Glen Allen, Va., June 23, 2020. She gave 50 years of service to the Girl Scouts of America.

Robert J. Rowe Jr. ’70, Ohioville, Pa., March 6, 2022. He was an engineer retired from Eaton Corporation.

Nancy (Cassidy) Malec ’71, Gloucester, Va., July 10, 2021.

Barbara (Reed) McCoy ’71, Leesburg, Fla., Sept. 5, 2021.

She was a high school science and math teacher and special education advocate.

James E. “Mike” McGovern Jr. ’71, Hudson, Fla., Feb. 8, 2022. He worked in banking, retiring as vice president of First Bank in Washington, D.C. Howard W. Andrews ’72, Canton, Mich., April 7, 2021.

He worked 47 years at Ford Motor Company as an engineer and I.T. support.

Christine (Chilson) Berardinis ’72, Hinckley, Ohio, Dec. 17, 2021. She was an accountant with Compuplus for 30 years.

Robert A. Blair ’72, Cleveland, Ohio, June 18, 2021. After teaching, he became a partner with Pease Kerr insurance.

He also worked with Partners Insurance. Survivors include wife Peggy (Kyle ’75) Blair.

Gary E. Clay ’72, Elkins, W.Va., Nov. 11, 2021. He worked with Armstrong World Industries.

David S. Getty ’72, Lacey, Wash., Nov. 13, 2020. After service with the Marine Corps., he practiced law for several years.

Changing careers to social work,

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Grove City College he worked for the Washington State Department of Corrections and the Western State Hospital.

Survivors include wife Debra (Lloyd ’72) Getty.

Robert L. Simmers ’73, Valencia, Pa., Aug. 19, 2021.

The Navy veteran worked for the U.S. Postal Service’s Logistics and Distribution Center in Warrendale.

Donald E. Herman Jr. ’74, Friendsville, Md., July 25, 2021. He was general manager for Keystone Lime Co. Dr. Charles M. “Mike” Roland Jr. ’74, Waldorf, Md., Oct. 2, 2021. He had a prolific career in chemistry, joining the Naval Research Laboratory, where he led the Polymer Physics Section and was a senior scientist in soft matter physics. He earned 22 patents and received many awards.

William F. Brinkley ’75, Eau Claire, Pa., Feb. 17, 2022. He retired as a water treatment supervisor for Walter N. Heine Associates.

Richard L. Houston ’77, Sharon, Pa., Sept. 11, 2021. A Marine Corps veteran, he taught high school business.

Kristine (Knudsen) Reidenbach ’77, Glenside, Pa, Oct. 26, 2021. She worked at World Harvest Mission, as treasurer at New Life Glenside, and was a 20-year volunteer with Special Olympics swimming.

Survivors include husband Dennis Reidenbach ’76 and son Matthew Reidenbach ’06.

Sally L. Timbrell ’77, Akron, Ohio, Nov. 19, 2021. She taught elementary music in the Copley Fairlawn Schools for 35 years.

Mark A. Grimm ’79, Cabot, Pa., Sept. 29, 2021. He taught music in McDowell, W.Va., before retiring.

Dr. William B. Kennedy ’79, Columbus, Ohio, Oct. 4, 4 6 | w w w. g c c.e d u t h e G ēD UNK

2021. He was a professor of communication and director of theatre at Capital University for more than 25 years.

Joseph A. Marciano ’79, Greensburg, Pa., June 21, 2020. He worked in manufacturing.

Peter D. Varhol ’79, Nashua, N.H., Jan. 9, 2022. An Air Force veteran, he worked as a technologist, computer journalist, and author.

Dennis E. Carpenter ’81, Montoursville, Pa., Sept.

10, 2021. He was a high school band director and music teacher for 35 years in the Montoursville Area and Williamsburg Community school districts. Survivors include wife Gretchen (Phares ’84) Carpenter, and daughters Kayla Carpenter ’08 and Korinne (Carpenter ’13) Jones.

Timothy E. Meek ’81, Columbiana, Ohio, Jan. 4, 2022. He worked as a teacher, substitute teacher, and general handyman.

Stephen R. Smith ’81, Naperville, Ill., Sept. 14, 2021. He was vice president of marketing for Cabot Microelectronics, then switched to work for missionoriented nonprofits. Survivors include wife Betty Rae (Gray ’82) Smith.

Jack G. Waugaman ’81, Pittsburgh, Pa., Sept. 9, 2021. He was an IBEW Local 5 electrician for 36 years.

Survivors include son Matthew Waugaman ’17.

Donald P. Wiley ’81, Hudson, Ohio, Oct. 27, 2021. He was a partner at Baker, Dublikar, Beck, Wiley & Mathews Law firm in North Canton.

P. Wayne Gibson ’83, St. Joseph, Mo., Aug. 3, 2021.

He worked and partnered with several businesses in the telecom field.

Barbara J. Longnecker ’83, Arlington, Va., July 17, 2021.

She was a certified tour guide in the Washington, D.C., area, and licensed New York City tour guide. Survivors include mother Jean (Headley ’59) Longnecker, and three sisters, including Karen (Longnecker ’89) Lapcevic and Kelly Longecker ’90.

Phillip G. Tingley ’83, Cortland, Ohio, Jan. 20, 2022. He was a mechanical engineer for Trialon Corporation. Survivors include son Ethan Tingley ’15.

Laura (Spigelmyer) Warner ’84, Natrona Heights, Pa., Feb. 26, 2022. She worked as a youth musical director, church secretary, and for Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Alice “Pitter” (Harper) Caswell ’87, Myrtle Beach, S.C., March 7, 2022. She worked as a legal assistant. Survivors include sister Margaret (Harper ’84) McCarthy.

Donald R. Hullenbaugh ’87, Erie, Pa., Nov. 4, 2021. He held various pastoral roles, including senior pastor at Table of Grace Church.

Survivors include son Justin Hullenbaugh ’18.

Anthony P. Marterella ’88, Gaithersburg, Md., Oct. 21, 2021. He worked for 30 years in sales of commercial and electrical equipment at DDK Sales.

Janna Rae (Steinruck) Lifford ’89, Chesterland, Ohio, Jan. 8, 2022. With her J.D., she worked as an assistant prosecutor with the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office for nearly 17 years.

Nathan A. Weaver ’98, Emlenton, Pa., Jan. 14, 2022. He was vice president trust officer and manager of personal trust administration for Northwest of Erie.

Robert P. Scott ’99, Concord, Mass., Dec. 8, 2021. He and wife, Kimmie, founded, owned, and operated Haute Coffee in Concord.

Courtney (Onder) Wilbert ’00, Butler, Pa., Jan. 15, 2022.

Brian P. Smith ’01, Youngsville, Pa., Nov. 13, 2021. He was director of Children’s Community Based Services at Beacon Light and ran Hilltop Sunrise Farm.

Benjamin L. Brown ’13, Lancaster, Pa., Dec. 1, 2021.

He worked as a software engineer.

Katelyn (Stonkus) Needham ’19, West Chester, Pa., Jan. 14, 2022. She worked as an accountant and kept her love for soccer and animals.

William J. Marsheck IV ’20, Kingsville, Md., Dec. 17, 2021. Survivors include his parents William III ’88 and Kristine (Wolfe ’88) Marsheck; sister Justine (Marsheck ’17) Ravindranath; and grandmother Carole (Williams ’62) Wolfe.

April 2022

Former Dean of the Chapel Rev. Dr. Richard Morledge ’54 eulogized his classmate from the “Great Class of ’54,” friend, and longtime colleague, Nancy (Lee ’54) Paxton, during a memorial service this fall in Harbison Chapel to celebrate Mrs. Paxton’s life. She passed away in February 2021. Mrs. Paxton served Grove City College for 28 years as dean of students and vice president of student affairs before retiring in 2004 and had an immeasurable impact on generations of Grovers.

Friends Retired Chemistry professor Donald E. Chab passed away midSeptember 2021. He taught Chemistry and Engineering at the College from 1964-96 and advised the Adelphikos fraternity. He retired to Sarasota, Fla. Survivors include Mary Lou McFate ’68/’95. A scholarship has been established at the College in his name.

Retired Electrical Engineering professor Dr. Frank T. Duda Jr. died Oct. 7, 2021. He taught at the College from 1979 to 2011 and continued to live in Grove City. Survivors include wife Carol Duda ’89 and sons.

Former Trustee Robert McClements died Oct. 15, 2021.

The retired chairman, president, and CEO of Sun Company served the College from 1982-01.

Retired Physical Education professor Cindy Walters, Palmetto, Fla., died Feb. 3, 2022. Her 1966-98 tenure included directing the Synchronized Swimming program and chairing Parents’ Weekend activities. She helped to launch nine varsity women’s sports, was inducted into the College’s Athletic Hall of Fame and received the Florence E. MacKenzie Campus-Community Award.

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Grove City College

li’l Wolverines ‘mid the pines

Zoe Elizabeth Barcio Born 4-5-21 Ariel (Wick ’15) and Nick Barcio

Hannah Elainna Becker Born 12-29-20 Angela (Buckler ’08) and Jim Becker

Benjamin Cole Bennett Born 11-21-20 Cassandra Kenville ’18 and Zachary Bennett

Wyatt Curt Bush Born 7-18-20 Kelly and Christopher ’13 Bush

Sutton Ford Born 3-21-21 Allison (Eastham ’12) and Matthew Ford

Zachary Brubaker Gingrich Born 10-9-20 Becky and Collin ’14 Gingrich

Isla Rose Hare Born 11-28-20 Kaitlyn (Powell ’15) and Cody Hare

Eleanor Juliana Hay Born 5-22-20 Cara and Kyle ’13 Hay

Peyton Leigh Laseak Born 5-2-21 Brittany (Anderson ’08) and JJ Laseak

James William McLeod Born 5-31-20 Elizabeth (Dunn ’06) and Jonathan McLeod

James Anderson Moore Born 5-28-21 Kristy (Roman ’13) and Andrew ’14 Moore

Nicklaus Palmer Nettles Born 11-23-20 Sarah Elizabeth (Smith ’07) and Chuck Nettles

CONGRATULATIONS NEW PARENTS! Grove City College welcomes your new bundle of joy. We want to send your newborn a Grove City College T-shirt.

So between the feedings and late-night lullabies, be sure to send the Office of Alumni and College Relations your child’s name and date of birth. Shirts are available only in infant size.

Due to the popularity of the Alumni Babies feature, photos will be limited to babies under the age of 5 in Grove City College shirts only. Digital photos must be high resolution, 300 dpi. Please do not embed photos in the body of an email message, but rather attach a high-resolution image.

To request a baby shirt, visit alumni.gcc.edu/babyshirt.

Send pictures to alumni@gcc.edu.

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April 2022

Isaac and Abigail Patterson Born 8-2017 and 2-2020 Rachel (Wick ’07) and Gregory ’06 Patterson

Leah Kay, Rebekah Ann and Micah Richard Prosser Born 3-9-21, 5-11-17, 7-10-19 Allison (Sheets ’15) and Adam Prosser

Skye Lucinda Reem Born 1-22-21 Sarah (Trisler ’16) and Andrew ’15 Reem

Henry Riley Born 4-19-20 Lauren (Kramp ’11) and Tim Riley

E

xplore the world in the spirit of adventure and camaraderie! We have destinations to fit every interest and are partnering with some of the best educational travel companies. Each program works to combine air, hotels and tours into one comprehensive package that lets you leave the worry of planning, deadlines and connections to us. You'll also have the most informed and experienced guides and liaisons along for your journey. Start a new travel chapter with your alma mater and join us today!

July 21-29

National Parks and Lodges of the Old West October 19-27

Rosalie Ziye Roman Born 4-6-21 Eva and Michael ’11 Roman

Nelson Mitchell Smith Born 5-5-21 Kira (Hellweg ’17) and Bradley ’17 Smith

Italy and Apulia SAVE THE DATE FOR 2023 February 11-21 Egypt and the Ancient Nile River April 22-26 Southwest Parks Train Journey

Dotti Jean Smithula Born 11-14-20 Kelley (Smith ’09) and Michael Smithula

Madelyn Thomas Born 7-1-20 Grace (Janvier ’14) and Alvin ’14 Thomas

May 30- June 7 Italy’s Lake District June 23-30 Alaskan Cruise and Adventure December 3-11 Europe’s Holiday Market Cruise

Michael Josiah Tobin Born 7-5-20 Hillary (Wilson ’13) and Josiah ’13 Tobin

Maria Rosaria Vincenzi Born 7-16-20 Megan (McMahon ’13) and Marco Vincenzi

For details and more information,

visit alumni.gcc.edu/travel

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Grove City College

faith & learning An institutional perspective into the mission of Grove City College, the role of Christian scholarship in higher education, and the connection between faith and learning.

Why doesn’t Grove City College take federal funds?

By The Honorable Paul J. McNulty ’80

A

The Honorable Paul J. McNulty ’80 is the ninth president of Grove City College. Prior to assuming the role in 2014, he spent over 30 years in Washington, D.C., as an attorney in public service and private practice. He served as Deputy Attorney General, the second in command at the U.S. Department of Justice and the Chief Operating Officer of the department’s 100,000 employees, from 2005 to 2007. From 2001 to 2005 he was the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia and was a leader in our nation’s response to the terrorist attacks of Sept.

11, 2001. McNulty worked for more than 10 years as a senior attorney in the U.S. Congress, including as Chief Counsel and Director of Legislative Operations for the House Majority Leader, Chief Counsel for the House Subcommittee on Crime, and Counsel for the House Ethics Committee.

From 2007 to 2014, he led the global corporate compliance and investigations practice for Baker & McKenzie, one of the world’s largest law firms.

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merica is home to thousands of higher education institutions, but only a small handful reject funding from the federal government. Grove City College is the largest of this small group.

We are occasionally asked by other colleges and universities how we do it. After all, turning off the federal money spigot may require enormous determination and sacrifice, especially for countless schools where the funding flow is a heavy stream.

The Grove City model, without question, is highly distinctive.

The College has long believed that private organizations should steer clear of government handouts, but we reached the proverbial fork in the road on this principle in the 1970s.

In 1972, Congress passed the so-called “education amendments” to the federal civil rights laws prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sex in any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.

From our first days nearly a century and a half ago, Grove City College has strongly supported equal opportunity for all students.

A foundational truth of our faith is that every person is God’s image-bearer and possesses inherent worth and dignity. Nevertheless, when federal regulators subsequently demanded compliance with all future and unknown regulations relating to this prohibition, GCC demurred because it did not receive “federal financial assistance.”

But in 1984, after nearly 10 years of David v. Goliath litigation, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Grove City College v. Bell that financial aid awarded to eligible students constituted federal financial assistance to the College. This landmark decision blurred the line between public and private education when it comes to government control. If students used grants to attend GCC, the College would cease to be truly independent.

We would be giving the Department of Education a regulatory blank check, so to speak. As a result, the College chose the path

of independence and has declined all forms of federal financial assistance since 1984 and federal loans since 1997. (Learn more at www.gcc.edu/Supreme-Court-Case.)

There are many forms of financial assistance. They include financial aid for students, government-funded research grants, and even COVID-19 relief. For Grove City College, this means forgoing millions of dollars within just the past two years. With the College’s COVID costs alone exceeding $3 million, our deeply held convictions clearly come at a price.

Independence is a core value at Grove City College. We first opened our doors in 1876, the year of America’s centennial celebration, and we have been champions of freedom ever since. And just as the founders in 1776 envisioned independence as the necessary path for the prosperity of the new nation, so too has the College long cherished freedom for advancing our faithbased educational mission. Indeed, our motto is “faith and freedom matter.”

Safeguarding our mission is the most important but not the only reason why Grove City College does not accept federal funds. Financial sustainability and affordability are among the other justifications. Indeed, losing the Supreme Court case was one of the best things that has happened to our beautiful campus.

It seems counterintuitive to assert that declining federal funding has strengthened the College’s financial sustainability and affordability, but this is truly the case.

Our alumni and friends have stepped up magnificently to support vigorously the College’s independence. They have built and continue to build a substantial financial aid program that far exceeds what the federal government currently offers. We have also raised millions of dollars to replace federal grants for research and facilities.

Knowing that there will be no taxpayer bailouts or windfalls, we manage resources

April 2022

carefully to grow in excellence and affordability. Stewardship is another one of our core values. Current annual tuition is under $20,000, less than half of our top competitors, and approximately 80% of our students graduate within four years and 85% in six years – among the highest graduation rates in the country. More than 95% are employed or enrolled in graduate school within six months.

The College rejects the familiar higher education model of high sticker prices, steep discounts for a select group of students, and heavy reliance on the government for financial support of the rest. It is heartbreaking to observe young adults who have not progressed to a degree, but have a mountain of debt. Instead, we charge a reasonable price and fully fund financial aid rather than offering unfunded and uncertain discounts. This year’s students are receiving about $10 million in funded aid. This model, sustained in large measure through a healthy endowment, may not have been achievable if we had taken the path of government funding.

The absence of federal funding strengthens our financial discipline to remain affordable. We can’t count on the government to help fill our classrooms.

Value, undergirded by excellence, is our guiding star. And by exercising financial discipline, we are continually improving our

The absence of federal funding strengthens our financial discipline to remain affordable.

We can’t count on the government to help fill our classrooms. Value, undergirded by excellence, is our guiding star. sustainability. We avoid the accumulation of debt. The high costs of regulatory compliance are reduced. And we are blessed with ongoing generous support needed to grow our endowment.

Beyond those practices and commitments, faithfulness to our mission is the primary reason for treasuring independence. The College’s founders established a school that was non-sectarian, open to women and men, and sought to educate minds, hearts, and hands for the common good. The search for truth, the traditional core of a liberal education, would require focusing the learning enterprise on both the creation and the creator.

This mission has remained unchanged throughout the turbulent decades of the

past. Indeed, our mission today is to equip students to pursue their callings in a Christ-centered, academically excellent, and affordable learning and living environment.

It takes little imagination to foresee the real possibility of shifting public policy winds forcing independent colleges in new directions. And if federal assistance grows significantly, as many are working to make happen, the temptation for greater control will undoubtedly grow with it.

Independence does not equate to being anti-government. Even as the framers of our Constitution were securing the “Blessings of Liberty” by setting the boundaries of a limited national government, they announced the People’s intention of forming “a more perfect union.” Grove City College is thankful for the wisdom and sacrifice of public servants, and innumerable graduates have served in government positions. But people and institutions will often rise to new heights of flourishing when free from the long arm of the federal government.

Why does Grove City College not accept federal funds? Because we dare to be genuinely independent. And in so doing, we have experienced extraordinary growth, exceptional student outcomes, and, Lord willing, safeguarded our mission for generations to come.

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Grove City College Alumni Magazine Grove City College 100 Campus Drive Grove City, PA 16127 www.gcc.edu

BUHL-TIFUL!

The new bleacher staircase in Henry Buhl Library is just one of the improvements now being made to the storied campus facility.

The ongoing renovations have transformed the library’s ground floor into an updated reading and study space. Work is now underway on the first floor to create space for collaboration and instruction and a café. To contribute to the $9 million project, visit gcc.edu/give.

Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 869 Erie, PA