Messiah University's The Bridge - Vol. 2 2023

INSIDE LOOK

During Welcome Week Aug. 17–25, students arrived on campus to move in, complete orientation, start classes — and have some fun kicking off the 2023–2024 academic year.

MESSIAH UNIVERSITY ALUMNI MAGAZINE

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Office of Marketing and Communications

One University Avenue Mechanicsburg, PA 17055 717.691.6027 | www.messiah.edu

PRESIDENT

Kim S. Phipps

VICE PRESIDENT FOR ADVANCEMENT

Jon C. Stuckey

ASSOCIATE VICE PRESIDENT OF MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS

Carla E. Gross

EDITOR

Anna Seip

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Becca Powell ’03

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

Curt Rohrer

Matt Logan, M.A. ’17

DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI & PARENT RELATIONS

Jay McClymont ’92

CONTRIBUTORS

Jake Miaczynski ’20, Molly McKim ’23, Molly Pavlovich

The Bridge (ISSN-0279-3938) is published three times a year by the Messiah University Office of Marketing and Communications for alumni and friends of the University, free of charge. Please contact us at aseip@messiah. edu or 717-691-6027. Items for the alumni news section should be identified by class year and sent to the Messiah University Office of Alumni and Parent Relations, One University Avenue Suite 3023, Mechanicsburg PA 17055. You may email them to alumni@messiah.edu or fax them to 717-796-5371.

As its name suggests, The Bridge connects alumni, parents and donors with Messiah University. It also serves to build the University’s image with these audiences. It does this by publishing accurate news about the University and about alumni and by offering interesting feature articles that are issue- or University-related for readers’ continued education. Messiah University accepts news submissions from alumni and the broader community but reserves the right to edit or decline to print materials at its discretion.

Messiah University is a Christian college of the liberal and applied arts and sciences. The University is committed to an embracing evangelical spirit rooted in the Anabaptist, Pietist and Wesleyan traditions of the Christian Church. Our mission is to educate men and women toward maturity of intellect, character and Christian faith in preparation for lives of service, leadership, and reconciliation in church and society.

Messiah University does not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, color, disability and national or ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic or other University-administered programs.

© 2023 Messiah University

FEATURES

UNDERGRADUATE COMMENCEMENT

After surviving a pandemic for most of their college years, 553 students receive degrees at Starry Field.

GRADUATE COMMENCEMENT

181 students gather in Brubaker Auditorium to celebrate master’s and doctorate degrees.

THE COMMENCEMENT ISSUE IS ONE OF MY FAVORITE ISSUES OF THE YEAR. IT’S SO MUCH FUN TO INTERVIEW STUDENTS EMBARKING ON THE NEXT SEASON OF LIFE AS THEY START THEIR CAREERS. I PLANNED TO INTERVIEW MOLLY MCKIM ’23 (BELOW), MY WORK-STUDY OF THE PAST FOUR YEARS, AS ONE OF THIS YEAR’S SENIOR SPOTLIGHTS.

Even though her byline has appeared in several issues (including this one), she declined to be interviewed. Instead, she prefers to write the stories, which is what she’s doing for a living now as a communications editor for a foundation in Harrisburg. We met for lunch recently, and she showed me pictures of her office. The seniors I did get to interview for this issue run the gamut of experiences from a theatre major who grew up in Dubai and spent the summer working at the Texas Shakespeare Festival (p. 22) to an adult degree student who received her bachelor’s in business administration (p. 16) as her three grown children cheered her on from the audience at Commencement. Another student, Jasa Gibson ’23 (p. 23), finished the R.N. to BSN program and is now pursuing an MSN.

I met her when we ended up in a graduate leadership class together in the summer. There’s so much to celebrate and so many stories to tell during Undergraduate and Graduate Commencement. We hope you enjoy this issue.

ANNA SEIP , EDITOR

Class of 2023, embrace humility, curiosity, lifelong learning

An excerpt from the President’s Undergraduate Commencement charge to the Class of 2023 delivered May 6, 2023:

I am filled with joy having witnessed your diligent persistence as you pursued your degrees, but I am also genuinely sad as I look upon your faces and realize how much we will miss your daily presence on campus. As a graduating class, you have witnessed difficulties and challenges such as unparalleled gun violence, the outbreak of war in Ukraine, escalating racial tensions, rampant discord and disrespect in politics, divided churches and a global pandemic that significantly altered life for several years. Of your four university years, three were defined by COVID-19. We placed our steadfast hope in God through all of the turmoil. We will not forget desperately trying to recognize each other despite the face coverings; trying to have private conversations while maintaining the 6-foot Falcon wingspan; participating in choir and band practices held on the outdoor tennis courts; experiencing heartbreaking disappointment when sports seasons were canceled; and embracing the fun of a spring break staycation in Grantham! We learned to depend on God and each other as we mourned, lamented, adapted and responded to the challenges of the day.

In the Old Testament, the prophet Samuel acknowledges God’s faithfulness in a tangible way. The Israelites were repeatedly defeated by the Philistines, but God intervened in miraculous ways, and the ark of the Lord or covenant was eventually returned.

1 Samuel 7 tells of the Philistines drawing near to the Israelite’s camp one last time. The Lord thundered so

loudly, the Philistine troops were thrown into panic and were subsequently defeated. Samuel then did something simple but significant: he took a stone, called it ebenezer, which means “stone of help”— and placed it at the site of the Philistines’ defeat, reminding the battered Israelite people: “Thus far the Lord has helped us.”

Today, as we reflect on the difficulties of recent years, we also celebrate how the Lord helped us as individuals and as a Christ-centered educational community. I pray that your time at Messiah University will serve as an ebenezer to you.

At Messiah, you experienced intellectual growth when you encountered new ideas and perspectives, wrestled with challenging theories and constructs, and mastered concepts and practices relative to your field of study and to the central human questions of life. Continue to embrace the posture of a lifelong learner defined by humility and curiosity. Nurture your skills of analysis and critical thinking and increase your capacity for empathy. Demonstrate to our fractured world how a person of vibrant Christian faith pursues and embodies grace and truth. Seek opportunities to serve as God’s agents of reconciliation. Set the example by creating communities who embrace all of God’s children. Class of 2023, you are ebenezers for me. You possess all the promise and potential of the leaders, servants and reconcilers that this world and the church desperately need, and this ceremony bears witness to your faithfulness and God’s. Congratulations, class of 2023, we love you!

AT UNDERGRADUATE COMMENCEMENT, WE ASKED STUDENTS, “HOW ARE YOU FEELING RIGHT

“I’m nervous to take the next steps and I’m leaving all the friends I met at Messiah and that’s kind of sad to do, but I’m excited and happy to move into the next step of my journey.”

“First

“ It’s really surreal and it hasn’t fully sunk in that this is actually happening, but it’s really exciting to be here with all the people I’ve gone through college with.”

“I’m so excited and so proud of the class of 2023.”

– Alli Cassel ’23, public relations major

I was sad because it’s all ending, but now I’m super excited. I know I’ll be sad after, but right now I’m having a ball.”

– Chloe Patti ’23, art education K-12 major

NOW?”

“I’m feeling good because I’m on to the next steps of my life.”

– Tanner Garlinger ’23, business administration major

– Emmaline Sharp ’23, art education K-12 major

“I’m feeling good and I’m glad to see everyone here enjoying their time getting some last conversations in. It’s a good day, and God is good.”

– Jarrett LoConte ’23, sports management major

“I’m very squarely in the denial phase and acting like it’s not happening right now. Then it’ll hit later and it’ll be sad but I’m doing fine now.”

– Reid Burger ’23, computer and information science major

– Tyler Kuykendall ’23, nutrition and dietetics major

“I’m feeling very nostalgic and excited for what the future holds.”

– Megan Conley, ’23 public relations major

“Happy and relieved to be done.”

– Andrew Coldsmith ’23, computer and information science major

“Scared because it’s the real world and that’s very daunting, but also enthusiastic.”

– Emma Hehn ’23, musical theatre major

THREE EXPERIENCED LEADERS JOIN PRESIDENT’S CABINET

EACH BRINGS DEEP KNOWLEDGE OF MESSIAH TO GROUP

Three new members of the President’s Cabinet have been announced recently.

MARCELLE GIOVANNETTI, VICE PROVOST OF STUDENT SUCCESS AND ENGAGEMENT

After several years of working at Messiah as an assistant professor of counseling, Marcelle Giovannetti was promoted to the vice provost of student success and engagement July 1. She came to the United States from India in 1996, unsure of what field she should pick.

“When you grow up in a country with limited options especially at that time in India — counseling as a profession didn’t exist,” she explained. “I always say to my students that I didn’t know what I wanted to be when I grew up.”

After starting at Elizabethtown College, she found that she enjoyed her psychology courses the

GARY NOWICKI, VICE PRESIDENT FOR FINANCE AND PLANNING

As an investment banker for 30 years whose clients were all in higher education, Gary Nowicki was familiar with Messiah before he ever started working here.

“I’ve worked with most colleges in Pennsylvania in that capacity, so I’ve already worked with Messiah for years,” said Nowicki. “This is where God wants me to be.”

He began his role on campus as the vice president for finance and planning, overseeing procurement, budgeting, accounting, investor relations and more, in October of 2022.

most and then chose that as her undergraduate major. She holds a master’s in clinical mental health counseling and an Ed.D. in counselor education and supervision, both from Shippensburg University. While she was working on her master’s in 2012, she came to Messiah as an intern in the Engle Center, where she later worked as a full-time counselor. After years of working as an adjunct, she switched to teaching full-time in Messiah’s graduate counseling program in 2020.

“As an educator, you get to teach counselors, and they get to impact others. The scope of influence in providing care and support is much wider,” said Giovannetti, who maintains a private counseling practice. She says she is enjoying serving students in her new role. “Being the advisor of SGA has helped me remain deeply connected to the student experience at Messiah,” said Giovannetti.

From Pittsburgh, he has a bachelor’s in chemistry from The Pennsylvania State University and an MBA from Carnegie Mellon University. He worked as a chemist before switching to investment banking.

As someone well-versed in the fiscal health of higher ed, he sees a bright future for Messiah.

“We have 94 private universities in Pennsylvania,” he said. “There’s a lot of competition, and we have a shrinking population. We’ll definitely have challenges going forward, but we are special. We are different. We have our competitors, but we do a very good job of differentiating ourselves.”

JON STUCKEY, VICE PRESIDENT OF ADVANCEMENT

Although he began working as the vice president of advancement in January, Jon Stuckey began at Messiah in 2000 when he started the grants program on campus. He then moved to the director of advancement, a position he held since 2007.

In addition to advancement, he oversees the Office of Alumni and Parent Relations and the Office of Marketing and Communications.

“Mostly what I do is advocate for our directors and still advance the mission of Messiah University through fundraising with our alumni and parent/ friend community,” he said.

He holds a bachelor’s in psychology from Malone University along with a master’s and Ph.D. in sociology, both from Case Western Reserve University.

“When I am out with alumni where they’re working, where they’re serving the Lord, it’s a very energizing and encouraging part of this work to see what our alumni are doing for the Kingdom and throughout the world.”

— Staff report

University adds new degree in robotics engineering

Undergraduates at Messiah University can now earn a Bachelor of Science in Robotics Engineering (BSRE) starting in the 2023–2024 academic year. Messiah previously offered five engineering degrees: engineering, biomedical engineering, civil engineering, electrical engineering and mechanical engineering.

“The robotics major is designed to equip students as interdisciplinary engineers, capable of performing at the intersection of mechanical design, electronics, and control. This highly sought-after combination of skills will open doors for our students in many tech-related industries,” said Ryan Farris, assistant professor of the engineering department.

As a robotics engineering major or minor, students will learn

about designing, building and programming robotic systems. They will explore robotics and automation with software strategically managing sensors and actuators in the system.

Also known as mechatronics, this discipline is a combination of electrical engineering, mechanical engineering and computer programming.

KEYNOTE

HIGH CENTER

Messiah began the renovation of the Engle Center. Scheduled for completion by the start of the 2023–2024 academic year, the addition will provide much-needed space for expanded student health and counseling services.

President Kim Phipps welcomed journalist Jane Pauley to campus for the High Center Keynote Lecture April 11. Broadcasting and journalism major Rosie Schiano ’25 helped moderate questions from the audience.

Messiah now offers a bachelor’s degree in robotics engineering.

“This highly soughtafter combination of skills will open doors for our students in many tech-related industries. ”

— Ryan Farris, assistant professor of engineering

Alum starts new chapter

AS ANNABELLE DIONISIO ’23 WRAPS UP MCC ROLE, SHE STARTS TEACHING CAREER

When COVID brought many things to a halt in 2020, students at Messiah were still attending classes online. Something English major Annabelle Dionisio ’23 had to figure out was a way to get more student engagement through social media as a member of the Multicultural Council (MCC).

So, in order to create a sense of community online, she started doing weekly Instagram lives to connect with her peers through the MCC Instagram account. Almost three years later, she sat as the MCC chair.

Being a Martin Scholar, she says the multicultural programs and multicultural scholarships influenced her decision to come to Messiah.

“Multicultural programs are important at universities because they exist in a space that strikes such a delicate balance between being a safe space and being an educational resource,” she said. “MCC is a student-led club that is community-oriented. This includes being a familiar familial space for multicultural, international and students of color, as well as a welcoming space for the cultural majority of campus. Multicultural programs are often the lifeblood of global majority communities on university campuses. It is where students, advocates for themselves, may hopefully be heard and prioritized.”

Her work for MCC as a freshman and sophomore led to her election as president of the Asian Student Association (ASA) and eventually her position as MCC chair her senior year. As chair, she planned events, attended cabinet meetings and met with student groups.

Her goal for MCC this past year was to figure out

what multicultural students are still wanting out of the program.

“I saw this year as seeing what we have done; what has worked; and either holding onto it and improving it; or moving on from it,” she said. “We were also seeing a rise in student engagement in MCC events, and there’s an increase of multicultural students coming to Messiah. We saw that there was more of a need of MCC.”

Dionisio also wanted to see more engagement among the clubs under the MCC umbrella: the African Student Union (ASU), ASA, Black Student Union (BSU), Caribbean Student Association (CSA), International Student Association (ISA) and La Alianza Latina (LAL).

“I wanted there to be more connections between cabinets and club members,” she said. “We’ve gotten to a really good place where you can go to a club member’s meeting, but around

the room it’s a beautifully diverse group. That’s brought me a lot of joy, seeing the support that these clubs have for one another. We’re starting to develop traditions that we didn’t know we had.”

In addition to majoring in English, she spent four years studying to be a teacher through the teaching certification program. “I feel passionate about education,” she said, “and I feel called to education, but with English, I just love it. I’m also passionate about it but more in a sense of a personal growth thing for me. Teaching is a bit more of a vocation.”

She says her philosophy of education is based around a culturally sustaining pedagogy. Centered on the histories, languages, literacies and cultures of Black, indigenous and students of color, the philosophy indicates that those aspects of their lives are not just an addendum, but

“In the classroom amongst my students, I get really excited. Even if I’m exhausted, even if it’s a really hard day.”

Annabelle Dionisio ’23

PHOTOS COURTESTY OF ANNABELLE DIONISIO ’23

something that is relevant and active in teaching and assessing.

Inside her future classroom, she hopes to foster a creative, playful, but respectful environment. “I think that the classroom is kind of the rehearsal before you go on stage of real life. What happens in the classroom is still real and power structures outside the classroom are replicated inside the classroom. But it’s a bit safer, a bit more insular, a bit more private. I think the classroom is a place where students can try,” she said.

She says an English classroom should be more than just teaching students how to

read Shakespeare.

“It’s not just telling them synonyms and antonyms, SAT words.

It’s meant to teach students how to converse with one another and how to express themselves and do it well,” she said.

After shadowing and student teaching in urban schools, she looks forward to working in a Harrisburg school after graduation. Mostly, she’s just excited to jump into working as a teacher full time. “When I’m in the classroom amongst my students, I get really excited,” she said. “Even if I’m exhausted, even if it’s a really hard day. At the end of the day, I have this experience with other people, and we are going to learn something whether we like it or not.”

— Molly McKim ’23

at Messiah

WHAT’S NEW FOR THE 2023–2024 ACADEMIC YEAR

As the new chair of the Multicultural Council (MCC), Kiersten Gilmore ’24 will oversee the cabinet members of the African Student Union, Asian Student Association, Black Student Union, Caribbean Student Association, La Alianza Latina and the International Student Association.

“For me, MCC can be easily described in one word, and that word is ‘family,’” said Gilmore, who previously served as the president of the Black Student Union. “Our job on campus is to create a safe space for students of color to thrive.”

Gilmore started at Messiah in 2020 in the midst of the pandemic, when MCC wasn’t able to meet and operate at full capacity. In light of watching the MCC regain its footing during her college experience, she came up with a fitting theme.

“We will be focusing on the word ‘legacy’ for the duration of this year and how we can actively be the change that we want to see on campus and in our society. This theme came about because we quickly realized that every student that is now involved with MCC doesn’t know

what the organization looked like prior to the pandemic. This year will be the year that we create the foundation and set the trajectory for the years to come,” she explained.

In addition to a summer renovation of the MCC office/safe space and the planning of the International Gala, Gilmore has a lot of plans.

“Some things that you can expect from MCC this year are open council discussions that are based on current events that are happening around the world, members meetings focused on educating our student body and events that have been created to celebrate and appreciate the legacy of each of our cultures,” she said.

Getting involved in MCC is easy. Students can follow @multiculturalcouncil on Instagram, and each club is listed in the highlights of the main page.

“Everyone is invited to come to our meetings and events, regardless of race or ethnicity,” said Gilmore. “I think that parents of potential students should know how family-oriented MCC is. We are going to be in their student’s corner for the entirety of their Messiah career.”

— Anna Seip

Annabelle Dionisio ’23 is pictured with Kerry HaslerBrooks, associate professor of English.

The 2023–2024 MCC cabinet has many activities in store this academic year. Read all about it in the sidebar on the right.

Meet Messiah

Lifeways’ first student-inresidence

WHAT KELLY ANDERSON ’25 DID DURING SUMMER VACATION

Kelly Anderson, a junior nursing major at Messiah University and Messiah Lifeways’ inaugural student-in-residence, has always described herself as an old soul.

“I always tell people that I was born at age 80. So, I’m probably like 100 right now,” she joked. “But really, I have always felt like I connected better with those who are older than me.”

When she learned of the opportunity that Messiah Lifeways is piloting to live on the Messiah Village campus in a resident’s cottage, work in one of its nursing neighborhoods and fully immerse herself in the life of a retirement community, she was eager to apply.

Learn more about her in the Q-and-A below:

WHERE’S YOUR HOMETOWN?

“Home for me is Cherry Hill, New Jersey.”

HOW DO YOU ENJOY SPENDING YOUR FREE TIME?

“As a nursing major, my free time is often limited, but when I do have a moment of free time, you can probably find me reading. I love the classics, and if I had to pick a favorite although, it’s

difficult for me to think of just one I’d say ‘Count of Monte Cristo’ by Alexandre Dumas. When I’m not reading, I like spending time outside and going for long walks.”

WHAT IS YOUR DREAM JOB?

“I’m really hoping to be a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA). I’d start as a critical care nurse for four or five years and then hopefully apply to CRNA programs.”

SHARE A FUN FACT ABOUT YOURSELF.

“I love working. I’ve actually worked 12 jobs in my life at a pizza shop, a skating rink, a gym, a swim club and a hospital and I’ve worked as a maid and a few others that I can’t remember off the top of my head. A lot of people, when they get to work they’re thinking ‘I can’t wait to go home,’ but when I go home after work,

I’m genuinely thinking ‘I can’t wait to go back to work.’”

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE SPOT ON THE MESSIAH VILLAGE CAMPUS?

“I enjoy sitting in the grass and reading by the Frisbee golf course and pond.”

WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO TAKE AWAY FROM THIS EXPERIENCE AS A STUDENTIN-RESIDENCE?

“I want to look at life from a different perspective. It’s interesting to experience this different lifestyle during the stage of life

I’m in. It’s so similar to college in some ways, but most residents’ time is filled with hobbies and leisure. Most people my age are so focused on finishing college and finding a career that we don’t think about what life looks like down the road. But it’ll be cool to see and take part in that in such an immersive way.”

— Molly Pavlovich

EXCERPTED FROM MESSIAH LIFEWAYS’ 5/18/23 BLOG POST WITH PERMISSION

Nursing major Kelly Anderson ’25 (far left), pictured with Messiah Village resident Joyce Miller, serves as a student-in-residence, living immersed in the retirement community (above).

GOT A FAVORITE SUPER BOWL AD?

IN A NEW BOOK, ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF MARKETING DETAILS WHY CERTAIN ADS WORK

What do Super Bowl commercials have to do with Shakespeare? A lot more than you might think.

In the recent book “Brand Storytelling: Integrated Marketing Communications for the Digital Media Landscape,” Messiah’s Associate Professor of Marketing Keith Quesenberry discusses the research he conducted with co-author Michael Coolson, a professor of marketing at Shippensburg University. They conducted a research study of 155 viral YouTube videos.

Studying ads is nothing new to Quesenberry, who worked in advertising for 17 years. He says the success of ads used to be hit or miss. What, exactly, made an ad seep into the collective consciousness? Turns out, it was storytelling. Ancient storytelling.

“Our research is inspired by a dramatic storytelling framework begun in Aristotle’s ‘Poetics’ and refined by [German playwright Gustav] Freytag’s pyramid, a five-act story structure,” said Quesenberry.

Used in Shakespeare’s plays such as “Romeo and Juliet,” the five-act structure is made of exposition, rising action, climax, falling action and denouement. With that dramatic framework, an advertiser can tell a story and then weave the brand into it.

“The keys to the framework are characters an audience can relate to. What moves from act one to act two is the inciting moment — the plot twist, tension forms, rising action. The climax is the decision. If it’s good, it’s a comedy. If it’s bad, it’s a tragedy,” he said.

Their research began as a study, “What Makes a Super Bowl Ad Super for Word-of-Mouth Buzz? Five-Act Dramatic Form Impacts Super Bowl Ad Ratings,”

“IF YOU CAN RELATE TO THE

CHARACTERS AND THE STORY, YOU HAVE A GOOD FEELING ABOUT THE BRAND.”

Keith Quesenberry, associate professor of marketing

published in the spring 2014 issue of the Journal of Marketing Theory and Practice.

As they compared the ratings numbers of the 100+ commercials, the authors found the more acts that the commercials had, the higher the ratings (and presumably the likability) of the ad.

Their second study, published in the Journal of Interactive Marketing in 2019, looked at viral videos. The findings, which confirmed and added to their understanding, led to writing “Brand Storytelling.”

“If you can relate to the characters and the story, you have a good feeling about the brand. This is the narrative transportation theory. The consumer says, ‘I can relate to

the brand. The brand really gets me.’ And that leads to action,” said Quesenberry.

Although some communications professionals might have been using the five-act framework intuitively through years of trial and error, the book which will be used primarily as a textbook for undergraduate and graduate students can serve as a built-in storyboard for those pursuing a career in marketing communications.

“We can teach the next marketing, advertising and PR professionals this framework from the beginning,” explained Quesenberry. “This makes the difference.”

— Anna Seip

Keith Quesenberry, associate professor of marketing, co-wrote a book about ads that follow a five-act storytelling format.

UNDERGRADUATE COMMENCEMENT

Messiah University celebrated its 114th Commencement May 6, conferring degrees on 553 graduating seniors at Starry Field.

TO SEE A PHOTO GALLERY FROM UNDERGRADUATE COMMENCEMENT, VISIT: MESSIAH.EDU/UGCOMMENCEMENT.

Kate Bowler, Ph.D., professor of American religious history at Duke University; podcast host; and New York Times bestselling author of several books, including “Everything Happens for a Reason: And Other Lies I’ve Loved,” served as the Undergraduate Commencement speaker.

SPECIAL RECOGNITIONS:

DR. ROBERT AND MARILYN SMITH AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING TEACHING:

Tina Keller, chair, Department of Education and associate professor of TESOL Education

Doug Phillippy, professor of mathematics

OUTSTANDING COCURRICULAR EDUCATOR AWARD:

Orlando Williams, assistant director of multicultural student programs

DONALD AND ANNA ZOOK ALUMNI MERIT AWARD:

Noah D. Smith ’23

“Rise to the heights! Live full lives, full in the fullness of God. God can do anything, you know — far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us.

Glory to God in the church!

Glory to God in the Messiah, in Jesus!

Glory down all the generations!

Glory through all millennia! Oh, yes!”

— President Kim Phipps’ charge to the Class of 2023, from the book of Ephesians 3, as paraphrased in “The Message”

SENIOR SPOTLIGHTS

LORI BORDNER ’23

BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION WITH A CONCENTRATION IN ACCOUNTING MECHANICSBURG, PENNSYLVANIA

A couple of years ago, Lori Bordner ’23 was struggling in an economics class. One of the homework assignments just wasn’t clicking. Feeling anxious and stressed, she texted her professor. This was her first class at Messiah as part of the adult degree program in business administration.

“She texted back, ‘Call me right now,’“ said Bordner. “She said to me, ‘Don’t you dare struggle. If you are having any issues, you reach out to me, whatever I can do to get you through this.’ From that point forward, my mind was at ease. She said, ‘We’re not here to see you trip and fall.’ That made all the difference.”

That wasn’t her experience in the 1980s during her first attempt at college right out of high school. After attending for four years, she left, a few credits shy of a degree. She got married, raised two children and had two successful careers as an administrative assistant to a controller and as a cosmetologist.

Besides her extensive resume and wealth of skills, she was always aware of coming so close to getting a degree.

“I always finish what I start,” she said. “It had always bothered me.”

Once her children were grown and out of college themselves, she realized she had some extra time on her hands. She was running the salon at Messiah Lifeways and saw an ad for Messiah’s adult degree program. She could complete her degree online, something that hadn’t been an option all the other times she’d considered going back to school while working full-time.

“I was terrified. I hadn’t been back in school in 35 years. Because I’m a lifelong learner, I had always taught myself,” she said.

But she says she found everyone at Messiah to be encouraging and uplifting.

“Especially the other adult learners. We all helped each other out. We used those strengths and weaknesses to help each other,” she said.

What’s next? Like many of the graduates who walked across the stage that day, she’s starting a new job as an office manager at Control Systems 21 in Dillsburg, Pennsylvania. Unlike new grads just starting

their careers, however, she brings a breadth of experience to the table.

“The degree tells the rest of the world I know what I’m doing, but I’ve never been afraid to change jobs,” she said. “They need me more than I need them. I’m not going to know how to act when the only thing I have to do is go to work.”

She also experienced the joy of having her husband, children, sister and parents watch her come full circle academically at Commencement.

“I have to giggle. I never gave any thought to who wanted to be at my graduation. I truly did this for myself,” she said. “Then my kids said, ‘Are you kidding, Mom? Do you think we’re gonna miss this?’ It’s been humbling, overwhelming and incredible.”

— Anna Seip

“The degree tells the rest of the world I know what I’m doing.”

Lori Bordner ’23

CLASS OF 2023

SAM ZERCHER ’23

APPLIED HEALTH SCIENCE WITH A PRE-PROFESSIONAL HEALTH CONCENTRATION

MECHANICSBURG, PENNSYLVANIA

As a fourth-generation Messiah graduate, Sam Zercher ’23 says that the Grantham campus has always been a large part of his life. He did look at a few other schools, though, before officially deciding on his family’s alma mater.

“I chose this major because I love learning about the way the body works and applying this knowledge in hands-on ways. At Messiah, I knew I was going to be able to get involved in research opportunities, and this was exciting for me. I was also offered a spot on the baseball team, which contributed to my decision,” he said.

Not only was he offered a spot, he served as the team captain during his senior year. With 11 homeruns in his senior year, he also set the single-season homerun record in his last game.

“Being a part of a group of men that has helped to move the program forward on and off the field was an incredibly rewarding experience. Seeing the program develop into

something I am proud was one of the best parts of college,” he said.

Baseball combined with his degree in applied health science will come in handy during his gap year while he works as an assistant coach for the Messiah men’s baseball team and at a physical therapy clinic.

“I am excited to apply the knowledge I have gained over the last few years to serve those in the community around me. I am also excited to be a part of the same baseball program as both my brothers [Isaiah ’25 and Henry ’27] for the first time in our lives,” he said.

After the gap year, he plans to attend graduate school. He says his biggest inspiration is another doctor, his grandfather.

“He spent many years as a surgeon in Tanzania during the 1970s and to hear about the lengths he went to, to serve those around him, inspires me to serve those around me,” he said. “He and my grandmother are strong in their convictions and went to great lengths to further the Kingdom, and, if I am able be half the person they are, I’d be happy.”

— Anna Seip

“I am excited to apply the knowledge I have gained over the last few years to serve those in the community around me.”

Sam Zercher ’23

PHOTOS COURTESY OF MESSIAH ATHLETICS

KRISTIN BUTLER ’23

FAMILY AND CONSUMER SCIENCES EDUCATION

LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK

Growing up in Long Island, Kristin Butler says she learned to love baking, sewing and tending to her baby cousins.

“Family and consumer sciences perfectly combines so many facets of what I love to do. Naturally, whenever I began diving deeper into the content of foods and nutrition; fashion and textiles; budget and finance; and human development, I was enthralled! I grew very passionate about the subject and have been eager to learn more ever since,” she said.

As she began her college search, she says she was impressed with Messiah’s family and consumer sciences major.

“They are one of only two schools in Pennsylvania that offer FCS as a major. Beyond that, I was struck by the intentionality of the department through their handwritten notes and genuine care for me,” she said.

She also pursued a minor in web development, which was outside her comfort zone.

“It was challenging to switch from my creative human development and family sciences brain to a very analytical computer science brain. It pushed me to grow in so many ways

and I am proud of what I have been able to accomplish through it,” she said.

CAREER READY

As a student, she taught a full range of grade levels, which gave her a sense of which age she would be best suited to teach.

“Through my child development courses, I taught at a local preschool. As part of my senior seminar internship, I was able to teach elementary-aged refugee students. My senior year, I student taught at East Pennsboro Area Middle School, and as part of my Junior Field Experience, I had the opportunity to teach high-school level FCS courses at Central Dauphin Senior High School,” she said.

Butler also put in motion a project that she hopes benefits future Messiah students.

“While working as a faculty assistant for our department chair, Dr. Hamon, I was able to create ‘alumni roundtable’ events where alumni from the department come back and share what they are up to within their careers with the current students at Messiah,” she said. “I can envision myself coming back for one of these events to share my advice with Messiah students.”

In the fall, she started as a family and consumer sciences teacher at Cedar Crest

High School in Lebanon, Pennsylvania.

“I am excited to put this degree to work and to finally take all of the information and care that was poured into me and, in return, pour it out into my own classroom,” she said.

— Anna Seip

FUN FACT: “My biggest accomplishment, aside from graduating, is probably the half marathon that I ran last March. It was not easy because I am not a natural runner by any stretch, but it did teach me a lot about discipline and perseverance that I truly believe I can take with me as I move forward in life.”

“I’m excited to put this degree to work and to finally take all of the information and care that was poured into me and, in return, pour it out into my own classroom.”

Kristin Butler ’23

SARAH SHEAFFER ’23

FAMILY AND CONSUMER SCIENCES EDUCATION

CAMP HILL, PENNSYLVANIA

As Sarah Sheaffer ’23 said goodbye to her professors in May, she also had to say goodbye to her students. As a student teacher at Cumberland Valley High School, she had spent months working with students in grades 10–12.

“It’s a bittersweet feeling, especially with student teaching. I have a class of 100 students, and I know them all. I’m done, and they’re still learning as I leave,” she said. “I taught a culinary class, global foods and textiles. They were working on pieces for a fashion show when I left, so I went back for that. I could see their personalities shine through their work.”

A TRADITION OF MESSIAH

She says her biggest accomplishment so far is getting a degree.

“My dad went to Messiah and my nana went when it was the Bible academy,” she said. “I put in a lot of work and I think that’s something I’m most proud of. When you’re a freshman, you learn how much work it is to

be a college student. I have a great appreciation for a college degree now that I have one.”

For her, family and consumer science is an education in life skills, and that’s something she has tried to convey in her teaching.

“These are things that students no matter if they go into the workforce or if they go to college are going to use, especially human development. That gives you an edge in life. Trying to make friends and finding out who really is a good person. It’s important to understand people,” she said. “Family and consumer sciences teaches students how to be well-rounded. It’s more than just cooking. It’s a balanced meal. It’s more than just sewing. It’s how do your $20 jeans affect the environment.”

As someone who deals with food intolerances, she has a passion for nutrition and wellness.

“It has shaped the way I have gone into education. I wanted to learn as much as I can about food,” she said. “Cooking is something I really enjoy. It’s a good thing to understand, and it draws me to people with food intolerances and allergies.”

WHAT’S NEXT?

For now, she’s going to spend some time helping her mom take care of her grandparents and enjoy time with family. She’s also looking forward to figuring out who she is outside Messiah.

“I have a lot of my identity rooted in school and Messiah, which is awesome and I don’t want to lose that, but I’m leaving my students, leaving my friends. The community that’s at

“Family and consumer sciences teaches students how to be well-rounded.”

Sarah Sheaffer ’23

PHOTOS COURTESY OF SARAH SHEAFFER ’23

LILLY COLN ’23

ATHLETIC TRAINING ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI

Looking for a Christian school that allowed her to major in athletic training and play field hockey, Lilly Coln ’23 found exactly what she needed at Messiah.

“I played sports all though high school, and our athletic trainer at school answered my questions. I interacted with her a lot, because I was injured a lot,” she said.

Soon, she began her college career and joined the field hockey team.

She credits Director of Sports Medicine Megan Fowler with setting a great example as an athletic trainer and work-study supervisor during field hockey games, wrestling tournaments and track meets.

“Seeing how she interacts with athletes, if I’m even half the person she is, I’m doing pretty good,” said Coln. “She’s not perfect and doesn’t pretend to be. She has a lot of great qualities I look up to.”

Coln’s academic advisor, Brenda White, senior lecturer in athletic training, also played a pivotal role in her Messiah experience.

“If I’m struggling with something academically, emotionally or spiritually, she wants to know how we are, not just in academics but as people. She pushes me to do the more Christlike thing in a situation,” she said.

Why is Coln speaking in present tense? Because even though she just graduated with a bachelor’s, she’s continuing in the Master of Science in Athletic Training degree. So, immediately after Commencement, she started a May-term graduate class.

Hard work is something she’s used to. As a member of American Heritage Girls (AHG), a faith-based character development program, she earned the organization’s highest honor: the Stars and Stripes Award, which involves creating a community service project.

“It’s like being an Eagle Scout, but harder,” she explained. “You have to put in 100 hours total, but I did twice that.”

She created a Christian outreach tutoring program to help students with reading a

program that continues to this day in her hometown of St. Louis. As someone who was homeschooled until the 8th grade, she says she now sees all the hard work her mom put into her upbringing.

“We knocked heads a lot when I was growing up, especially in high school,” said Coln. “I’ve grown to appreciate her more. She’s a strong Christian woman. If I’m ever a mom, I’d want to do what she did.”

In another year, Coln will be a double alumna with an MSAT. She summed up her passion for the major with a single sentence: “Athletic training as a career is a way to stay around sports without playing sports.”

— Anna Seip

“Athletic training as a career is a way to stay around sports without playing sports.”

Lilly Coln ’23

LOGAN HORST ’23

CIVIL ENGINEERING RISING SUN, MARYLAND

Combining his appreciation for math, physics and transportation systems, Logan Horst ’23 decided to major in civil engineering.

“I’ve been fascinated with transportation systems since I was a young child. I would explore the road atlas in my parents’ office, draw roads on my train table and drive my Matchbox cars on them,” he said.

He also used to draw maps in church, while listening to the sermon, of course.

Growing up on a dairy farm in Maryland, he wanted an affordable college close to home that offered civil engineering.

“Messiah was actually the most financially feasible of the schools to which I was accepted. I suspect the University of Maryland would have been more affordable and that I would have gone there, but, after thinking I had applied there, I found out that my application was not received. I suspect God wanted me at Messiah,” he said.

After working on a farm, he had no problem balancing his studies with athletics.

“I participated in cross country and track & field, having success in both. While this took a lot of work, I couldn’t have done it without the abilities, people and other blessings God has provided me,” he said.

He learned his work ethic from his parents.

“My mom inspires me with her work ethic and selflessness. She works seemingly without ceasing in the house, on the farm and at church, to name a few and mostly for the benefit of others. Despite always having work to do, she is almost always willing to help me if I need anything,” he said.

Horst now works as a certified bridge safety inspector at NTM Engineering in Dillsburg, Pennsylvania.

“I graduated at a time when civil engineers are in demand. I would encourage those considering civil engineering. The job market is great!”

FUN FACT: “I have a very large family. My dad is one of 12 children, my mom is one of 5 children and I have about 60 first cousins!”

— Anna Seip

“I would encourage those considering civil engineering. The job market is great!”

Logan Horst ’23

ELISAVETA ALEKUMOVA ’23

ROSTOV-ON-DON, RUSSIA

Although she was born in Russia, Elisaveta Alekumova ’23 lived most of her life in Dubai but was homeschooled remotely via Lancaster, Pennsylvania. That’s how she learned about Messiah. She wanted a Christian university with a theatre major.

“With theater, there were certain things I didn’t want to compromise on because of my faith,” she explained. “My faith is part of my identity. It’s so deeply rooted into who I am as a Christian. My parents built that core in me.”

She arrived at Messiah with no theater experience.

“I learned so much coming from nothing into this. I started from scratch. Theatre was not as prominent in Dubai,” she said. “I was comparing myself to other theater majors who have directed something huge and have always gotten the lead. I had no idea what a stage manager was.”

She jumped right in, working on costumes, sets, props, hair and makeup for productions such as “Into the Woods,” “Crimes of the Heart,” “Silent Sky” and “Frog and Toad.” She also found a passion for directing.

“Directing is the biggest thing I’ve done,” she said. “My entire journey of directing was an accomplishment,” she said.

In her final semester, she and other Messiah theatre students participated in the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival. She was one of six student directors picked to direct a 10-minute stage reading.

“They paired us off with playwrights and actors, and we had two hours to direct before presenting our work in front of the whole festival,”she said. “As a director, how would I direct this play? You learn how to work with choreographers, how to work with a playwright.”

Out of the six, she was named a runner-up.

“It was cool to present my work to a bunch of strangers and be validated,” she said. She says Messiah provided her with more than the faith-based education she wanted.

“When it comes to having conversations with people, I became more open. You can have some really great relationships even if you’re not great friends. There are so many different perspectives at Messiah, different denominations. I grew in character,” she said. “I don’t know if I left a huge mark or not, but I know that Messiah has left a mark on me.”

After Commencement, she landed a summer job at the Texas Shakespeare Festival, which provided room, board and salary.

“Not only is it a professional setting where you get to learn from and be around these incredible artists, but you also are integrated into a wonderful community and develop new friendships,” she said.

She now has a contract as a production assistant with The Acting Company in New York City, her next U.S. adventure.

“My parents said, ‘You have your whole life ahead of you to learn. You are ready to go out there. I’m excited for my whole life ahead of me.”

— Anna Seip

“There are so many different perspectives at Messiah, different denominations. I grew in character.”

Elisaveta Alekumova ’23

R.N. TO BSN GLOUCESTER, VIRGINIA

A third-generation nurse, Jasa Gibson worked as a medic in the Army. She now works for Eastern Virginia Medical School, so Messiah’s R.N. to BSN program offered the flexibility she needs while working fulltime.

“As a nurse I have a little over two years of experience, half of which was working in the emergency room and the other half has been working in outpatient family medicine,” she said. “I was able to continue working full-time doing clinicals on the weekend.”

WHERE SHE BEGAN

At 14, Gibson attended Mary Baldwin University’s Program for the Exceptionally Gifted, a boarding school type of environment in Staunton, Virginia. She completed her R.N. at Thomas Nelson Community College. After working as a medic in the Army and at the Newport News Police Department as a 911

dispatcher, she decided to pursue the R.N. to BSN program.

“Having grown up locally, I was familiar with Messiah and knew it had a great reputation,” she said.

Gibson credits Assistant Professor of Nursing Brenda Elliott with being integral to her Messiah experience.

“She was really flexible and accommodating any time I had questions with registration or clinical rotations. She’s been very accessible as I’ve proceeded through the program,” said Gibson

THE NEXT STAGE

As she makes her way through graduate classes such as Strategic Thinking, Planning and Organizational Change, she’s finding her way as a leader.

“In my current role, I supervise two LPNs. When I initially joined the department, one of the LPNs had been a nurse for over 20 years. The politics while working together were complex because she was responsible for

training me on how to complete the visits. However, I was her supervisor and needed to make changes … to improve the care management workflow. These experiences present one of the challenges of working in a hierarchical organizational structure that also requires fluidity and active partnerships between the hierarchies,” she said.

Although she graduated in December of 2022, she decided to continue at Messiah and is on track to receive her MSN in December of 2024.

“There are growth opportunities in the organization I work for. Once I get my MSN, my eventual goal is to work in quality improvement,” she said.

— Anna Seip

“Having grown up locally, I was familiar with Messiah and knew it had a great reputation.”

Jasa Gibson ’23

JASA GIBSON ’23

FUN FACT: “I was born in China and adopted at 13 months old.”

GRADUATE COMMENCEMENT

At Brubaker Auditorium, the School of Graduate Studies honored the Class of 2023, where 181 graduates received their master’s and doctorate degrees May 13.

SPECIAL RECOGNITION:

HARRY AND NANCY PREIS OUTSTANDING GRADUATE TEACHING AWARD:

Marcelle Giovannetti, assistant professor of counseling and newly appointed vice provost for student success and engagement

Benjamin Thomas, D.Min., CEO of B2 The World and director of Kigali International Community School in Rwanda, served as the Graduate Commencement Speaker.

TO SEE A PHOTO GALLERY FROM GRADUATE COMMENCEMENT, VISIT: MESSIAH.EDU/GRADCOMMENCEMENT.

GRADUATE SPOTLIGHT

LISA MARTINEZ, M.A. ’23

COUNSELING

HARTLAND, WISCONSIN

Lisa Martinez, M.A. ’23 takes on many roles. While studying clinical mental health counseling for her graduate degree, she had the additional responsibilities of being a counseling intern and a yoga instructor. She also moved across the country twice during her years studying at Messiah.

“God has always watched over our family and brought us through a lot,” she said when asked about the complexity of balancing these roles.

Martinez studied cultural anthropology as her undergraduate at the University of Missouri-Columbia. However, she had no plans of stopping her education there.

“I wanted to be the first female in my family to get a master’s degree,” she said.

Shortly after enrolling in an English as a second language master’s program, she

became pregnant with her first son. Choosing to focus on supporting her family, she dropped out of the program.

Years later, she and her family suffered a tragedy as their fourth son passed away in a traumatic accident.

“When you lose a child in a tragic way, you need to feel really understood,” she said.

After discovering yoga, the meditative practice that helped her deal with the grief she experienced resulting from her loss, she developed a passion for counseling others.

“I thought, this is what I want to offer to help other bereaved parents,” she said.

Martinez’s biggest supporter, her husband, encouraged her to go back and get her graduate degree in counseling.

“He’s been a cheerleader for me…and knows that it’s my calling,” she said.

She searched for a graduate school that could fit all of her needs.

“It had to be a program where I could work full time while being a mom,”

explained Martinez. “I needed a program with flexibility.”

She also searched for a university that combined academics and faith. A meeting with Maya Georgieva, associate professor of counseling, provided insights into Messiah’s culture and its emphasis on and appreciation of faith.

“I wanted to bring faith into practice as it’s been so integral to me,” she said.

Martinez advises other students in the counseling program to be open to the growing experience that the courses provide.

“The counseling program digs into so much about who you are as a person,” she said, “and that’s purposeful, because in order to offer understanding and empathy to clients, you have to understand that for yourself.”

— Natalie Frank ’25

5 WAYS YOGA/MEDITATION HELPS THE BODY AND MIND

1. Regular practice of yoga movements and meditation techniques helped me understand that life is not about achieving, but about continual state of becoming through awareness and change.

2. Handstands and other challenging poses are scary and don’t ever have to be practiced in yoga but they can be fun and can teach you to work your body rather than against it.

3. The practice of yoga and meditation can increase emotional awareness so that you are more able to understand the emotions that arise in you and give you the ability to choose how to respond.

4. Learning about yoga and meditation techniques has broadened my appreciation for different cultural practices and has connected me with others from all walks of life.

5. Yoga is not about flexibility, and meditation is not about having a clear, calm mind. Both are tools to help build mobility in your body and awareness in your mind.

— Lisa Martinez, M.A. ’23

Messiah alum attends 2023 Tony Awards

JAKE MIACZYNSKI ’20

FINDS HIS FOOTING AT BROADWAY LEAGUE

Hanging out at the Tony Awards and seeing all the latest Broadway shows can sound like a dream come true for a theatergoer. For Jake Miaczynski ’20, a digital content associate at the Broadway League, those are perks of the job a role that combines his communications skills with his love of theater.

The Broadway League serves as the national trade association for the industry, with 700-plus members including theatre owners, operators, producers, presenters and general managers in North American cities. For this communications major, there’s no typical day.

“If a show’s opening or closing, I’m building those pages on the website. I’m getting their logos and production photos from press and marketing agencies. It’s, ‘Hey, I need the latest photos from this upcoming show,” he said. “I’m getting to know how this behemoth of an industry functions and learning to play the long game. It’s not so much about overnight success, but building a solid understanding of Broadway as a whole, which I hope will benefit the rest of my career.”

THE TONYS — IN THE HEIGHTS

Although he started in January, he quickly had to prepare for one of the league’s biggest events: the Tony Awards June 11.

“One of the best parts of my job is feeling like I belong, being in the know of what’s going on

in the industry. News will break at 11 p.m., and the next morning there’s this buzz in the office. We see all these shows, but we’re not Tony voters. It’s just fun to be part of this environment where everyone loves the build-up. People in the office have been

doing this for years, so I can’t believe I got to be in the room and be a part of it,” he said.

This year’s awards ceremony was extra special for several reasons. First, the show was held during the writers’ strike, which meant it ran unscripted. Also,

there was a change of venue from Radio City Music Hall to the more intimate United Palace Theater in Washington Heights, where Miaczynski lives.

“The Tonys came to my neighborhood! I could’ve walked to it. I was part of the first time the Tonys came to Washington Heights. I could see this neighborhood get excited about it,” he said. “The restaurants were full of members of the Broadway community. It was something special.”

Attending the blacktie ceremony is a marathon not a sprint.

“You have to get there at 4 or 5 o’clock, because the doors are locked at 6:30. You need to settle in and get your seat. When it’s over at 11 p.m., then you have the after party,” he explained. “We’re seeing this from the other side of the curtain. Just to know who was there. Aaron Rodgers was there! I walked by the red carpet. I mean, Joel Grey was there!”

After the show, there’s still more fanfare to come. The statuettes arrive at the league’s office.

“The actual Tonys come to our office, and we send them to the engraver,” he said, “and then get them back to the winners.”

CHANGING SOCIAL MEDIA FOR GOOD

On the heels on of the Tonys came the National High School Musical Theatre Awards aka the Jimmys in which students from all over the U.S. come to New York to compete. As part of the digital team, Miaczynski shoots and posts video on multiple social media platforms and his work is gaining notice.

“I’m the target audience. I live for this content just as much as the next theatre kid,” he said. “Last year, the Jimmy Awards had 1 million views across all platforms. This year, it’s 11.8

Jake Miaczynski ’20 works as a digital content associate at the Broadway League.

million. Just to see the reaction that my skillset helped produce that, it’s amazing. Some parent in California can say, ‘I felt like I was there.’ Those are the moments where I see my education coming through. I’m connecting people.”

MESSIAH TO BROADWAY, VIA WISCONSIN

After starring in his high school theater productions in Erie, he brought a love of Broadway to Messiah’s campus and found an ingenious way to get to New York City while he was a college student.

“I didn’t have a car for the first three years at Messiah. I would talk to my friends who had cars about going to New York for the weekend. They’d say, ‘That sounds fun, but I don’t want to drive.’ I said, ‘I’ll drive!’” he said.

He even planned an entire networking trip with Messiah’s public relations club, driving a van of students to visit a New York PR agency.

“When we got there, the PR people asked where Jacob was, because they were expecting me to be a professor,” he laughed.

After COVID altered his final semester at Messiah, he took a

job in communications at a large church in Wisconsin, riding out the pandemic far from Broadway.

“That’s where I learned most of the skills needed in my position at the league,” he said. “I had to trust that this was the path for me. Then, when the opportunity presented itself to come back east go to New York, I took it. And there are people there [in Wisconsin] who are still praying for me and encouraging me.”

IF HE CAN MAKE IT HERE

“My Messiah education taught me to look at everything with a redemptive lens. My first season

on Broadway, I felt like it was a gift. I could see in every show, redemption. Coming back from the pandemic, there was a lot of talk of ‘Broadway is back.’ We are a community. We have been through adversity, and we are still here. I also look through a redemptive lens at myself, graduating in 2020 and being disoriented and disillusioned for a couple years. Then, I’m suddenly sitting at the Tony Awards and ‘New York, New York’ is playing. There’s redemption and good,” he said.

— Anna Seip

SATURDAYS IN THE BRONX: A FIRST-PERSON ACCOUNT OF SERVICE IN THE CITY

During my time at Messiah, groups of students and I piled into 15-passenger vans and drove up to New York during our fall, winter and spring breaks. We’d serve with different organizations across the city, but one in particular, Manna of Life, was always my personal favorite. Located in the Bronx, Manna is a faith-based, non-profit program serving those less fortunate in the community.

After moving to New York recently, I reconnected with Manna, and now spend Saturday mornings back in the Bronx. Thankfully, a bus two blocks from my apartment takes me there in no time.

We spend Saturday mornings serving soup, handing out clothing and distributing prepackaged

pantry bags to members of the community. On occasion, we’ll go upstairs and have a church service. You may find me (attempting) to play the piano and leading worship before a pastor delivers the word. Lydia the woman who makes the soup every Saturday doesn’t hesitate to sneak me a donut or fill my water bottle with a super-sweet iced tea she just made.

In many ways, Manna has become my church community. On any given Saturday — and throughout the week you’ll find high schoolers, twentysomethings, moms, dads, grandmas and grandpas serving side by side, doing whatever they can to serve those in the neighborhood. And more than just serving together, the leaders and volunteers truly look out for one another, meaning that you’re never without a hug, a helping hand or a bagful of extra food to take home for you and your roommate.

Spending Saturday mornings at Manna is one way I’m able to continue the work of

reconciliation, something those at Messiah inspired me to do long after leaving campus. Mirna, a woman who I’ve known for six years now, says, “Here, it’s all love.” On the fence outside the building, Isaiah 58:10 continually reminds us, “…if you spend yourselves on behalf of the hungry

and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness and your night will become like the noonday.” I’m grateful to experience that light week in and week out here in New York.

— Jake Miaczynski ’20

Jake Miaczynski ’20 serves with the nonprofit Manna of Life in the Bronx.

FEEDING THE COMMUNITY

MEGHAN ZOOK ’15 WORKS IN DIETETICS AT SALVATION ARMY

What’s the best way to feed an entire community? Holistically.

In her role as a community health and nutrition administrator at the Salvation Army, Meghan Zook ’15 oversees the food pantry along with nutrition and health programming.

“Our biggest hurdle we have to constantly assess and deal with is the demand,” said Zook. “We’re continuously trying to figure out options for people to get food. People are struggling right now and they will continue to struggle. We will have to keep problem-solving.”

What’s a typical day like at a food pantry? It’s making sure that people in the community have access to free and healthy food — and offering it in a dignified way. One way to accomplish that is to allow people to shop in what looks like a small grocery store.

“You should be able to pick your food. I pay close attention to the client experience. Are you using their preferred language? Are we stocking the pantry with culturally appropriate foods?” asked Zook. “It’s hard to ask for help. We don’t want to make it any harder. We want them to come back.”

And that’s just the feeding side of things. Zook’s nutrition expertise comes into play by offering free health and cooking classes for all ages in an eight-station teaching kitchen at the Salvation Army. The classes include topics such as meal planning and eating healthy on a budget.

“Anyone of any budget can come to the classes,” she said.

She also helps oversee nutrition classes in afterschool programs, teen groups and summer

programs while partnering with the United Way on diabetes and heart disease classes.

Giving back to Messiah, she serves as a preceptor for the dietetic internship food insecurity rotation and on the University’s dietetics program advisory board.

Zook was recently recognized as one of Central Penn Business Journals Health Care Heroes as a Community Outreach Hero. Heroes are selected based on professional achievement, community involve ment and inspiring change areas where she clearly excels.

“Working with a nonprofit, they’ve given me an incredible opportunity to expand,” said Zook. “The flexibility and ability to be creative, that motivates me. Not many dietitians get to do something like this. The energy I get from interacting with the community, I can’t find it anywhere else. To teach people and to eat with people, I can tell it means a lot to them and it means a lot to me, as well.”

“You should be able to pick out your own food. Are we stocking the pantry with culturally appropriate food?”

— Megan Zook ’15, community health and nutrition administrator

At the Salvation Army, Megan Zook ’15 oversees the food pantry along with nutrition and health programs.

THE REVEREND DR. ROBERT B. IVES

1936–2023

Longtime senior pastor of the Grantham Church and Messiah’s college pastor for 30 years, the Rev. Dr. Robert B. Ives died on April 11. Bob was much beloved and known for preaching the Word, teaching and discussing literature (particularly C.S. Lewis), loving others as Christ loves us, and enjoying good coffee (long before it was popular!). Many Messiah students benefitted

from his scholarship as he spent decades teaching as an adjunct professor. He was perhaps best known for his “Oxford Christian Writers” course, but he also taught in biblical studies. Bob graduated with a chemical engineering degree from Drexel. He changed gears and went to Fuller Seminary, Princeton Seminary, and then the University of Manchester, England, to receive a doctoral degree in Church History in 1965. Bob was on the staff of Park Street Church in Boston and Tenth Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia before arriving at the Grantham Church and Messiah in 1971.

Dr. John Yeatts, himself a pastor at Grantham Church for four

years and Professor Emeritus of the Psychology of Religion, reflected, “In the 30 years that Bob Ives was pastor of Grantham Church, he had a clear and unwavering vision for a church focused on the Bible. Every ministry of the church — worship, Sunday school, small groups, children/ youth programs — all were centered on Bible study. As a result, Grantham Church remains biblically literate with a high respect for biblical truth.”

We offer our deepest sympathy to his wife of 60 years, Nancy ’81; daughter, Karen ’86; sons Brian ’88 and Jeffrey; and their extended family.

Messiah has a Doctor of Science in physical therapy designed to prepare and credential licensed physical therapists seeking academic or research positions in their field. The degree has concentrations in academic leadership or orthopaedic manual therapy

• Designed for practicing clinicians; coursework is offered predominantly or fully online

• Four- to five-year completion

• Orthopaedic manual therapy concentration courses count toward fellowship program (in partnership with NAIOMT)

• Faculty include experienced PT clinicians and educators as well as experts in higher education, leadership and health care.

• One of the few programs in the U.S. to offer a DSc in PT

• Flexible start dates

• No-fee tuition

PHOTO COURTESY OF MESSIAH UNIVERSITY ARCHIVES

Martha “Martie” Long

1927–2023

It is with sadness that we share the passing of Martha “Martie” M. Long May 6, 2023. She joined the Messiah faculty in 1964 and served as assistant professor of English for 29 years. Upon retirement she was bestowed the honor of assistant professor emerita of English. She also represented

Master of Science in nutrition and dietetics with a dietetic internship

Are you interested in a career as a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN)? Messiah University’s Master of Science in nutrition and dietetics with a dietetic internship (MS/DI) program is designed to prepare you to sit for the exam for RDN credentialing. Our program combines coursework with a minimum of 1,000 supervised practice hours in inpatient medical nutrition therapy, community nutrition, food service and nutrition management and food insecurity.

• 35 credits / 1,000 supervised practice hours

• MS/DI completion in 1 or 2 years

• Cohort-learning model

Accredited by ACEND

Messiah while teaching at Daystar University in Nairobi in 1987. In addition to teaching at Messiah and at Daystar, Martie taught at the Brethren in Christ Navajo Mission School for four years; in Southern Rhodesia (Zimbabwe) for two years; and at Cumberland Valley Junior High for two-and-a-half years. Her former colleague, Paul Nisly (professor emeritus of English), said, “Martie taught a number of different courses in the Language, Literature, and Fine Arts Department (as it was

then known). She was totally loyal, faithful, hardworking and completely dependable. She cared deeply about her students and made a special effort to help international students to adjust to their new environment. Never a showy person, Martie lived her deep Christian faith and served her students and faculty colleagues with devoted care.”

We are grateful for her lifelong commitment to teaching and take comfort in knowing this humble servant has safely arrived at home with the Lord.

• 5-year seamless B.S. to MS/DI pathway available

• Supervised practice placements provided

• No-fee tuition

The Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

RDN EXAM 2022

MESSIAHUNIVER

1970s

Carl ’74 and Pam (Keefer) Campbell ’75 retired from Wycliffe Bible Translators after 40 years of service in Papua New Guinea and the U.S. He now serves on the board of directors and with the care team for Push The Rock.

1980s

Kay (Swartz) Rentzel ’82 received a USDA Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee appointment from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

1990s

Laura Lanyon ’97 works as a family nurse practitioner at Teamhealth in Knoxville, Tenn. She and Aaron Wheeler Jr. married May 12, 2011.

2010s

Erika Campbell ’14 and Andrew Chiccitt married Dec. 31, 2022, in Beaver, Pa. She is a volunteer coordinator at Light of Life Rescue Mission in Pittsburgh, Pa.

LEGACY GIFTS COMPRISE OFMESSIAH’S ENDOWMENT 80%

Elizabeth Gutman ’18 and Patrick Raum ’18 married June 19, 2021. From left: The wedding party includes Molly (Gallagher) Ladeau ’18, Aaron Ladeau ’18, Zack Engle ’18, Trent Reber ’18, bride, groom, Maddie (Crocenzi) Lohr ’17, Amanda Strong ’18, Panney Katsifis ’18 and Sean McCormick ’18

Derrick Peterson ’18 and Kelly Krizmanich married April 15, 2023, in Pittsburgh, Pa.

2020s

Jessica (Becker) Lawson ’19 works as an assistant housing coordinator and resident director at Erskine College in Due West, S.C.

Melanie (Siegle) Velez ’20 works as a child life specialist at Nemours Children’s Health in Wilmington, Del.

Make Messiah University’s legacy a part of your own

Legacy gifts—bequests that have been left to Messiah University through individuals’ estate plans—have been critical to fulfilling our Christ-centered educational mission and have helped us provide much-needed resources and financial aid for students.

If you have included Messiah University in your estate plans, we invite you to join Messiah University’s Heritage Society. Members enjoy benefits such as access to trips, concerts, dinners—and creating a legacy of intellect, character and Christian faith for future generations of Messiah students and alumni.

to learn more visit messiah.giftlegacy.com/joinheritage

service

2023 Service Day by the Numbers A CAMPUS EFFORT

Hosted by the Agapé Center for Local and Global Engagement, Service Day was held April 13. Students, faculty and staff served as a collective community on campus and in the greater Harrisburg

3,259 total collective hours served

A LOOK BACK SERVICE DAY IN 2000

Service Day has remained a decades-long tradition at Messiah. In these archival photos from 2000, students, faculty and staff display the ethic of servanthood that's a hallmark of our campus community. Take a look and see if you spot anyone you know.

20 different service locations

989 registered volunteers 95 hours served

PHOTO CREDITS:

Calvin and Janet HIGH CENTER for Worship and Performing Arts

Mendelssohn Piano Trio: 25th Anniversary

Sept. 17, 4 p.m.

High Foundation Recital Hall

Sphinx Virtuosi

Sept. 30, 7:30 p.m., Parmer Hall

Keisha Blain, American Democracy Lecture

Oct. 26, 7 p.m., Parmer Hall

Jacob Keith Watson, Broadway tenor and the Messiah University Symphony Orchestra

Nov. 20, 7:30 p.m., Parmer Hall

Messiah University Christmas Concert

Dec. 3, 3 and 7:30 p.m., Parmer Hall

Christmas with the Annie Moses Band

Dec. 8, 7:30 p.m., Parmer Hall

Susquehanna Chorale Concert

Dec. 15, 7:30 p.m., Parmer Hall

Reginald Mobley, countertenor

Jan. 20, 7:30 p.m., Parmer Hall

Mendelssohn Piano Trio

“The American Experience”

Feb. 18, 4 p.m.

High Foundation Recital Hall

Philip S. Gorski: The American Project

Feb. 22, 7:30 p.m., Parmer Hall

“The Spitfire Grill”

Feb. 29, March 1–2, 5–7, 8 p.m.

March 2–3, 3 p.m., Miller Theater

“St. John Passion”

March 1, 4 p.m., Parmer Hall

An evening with Michael Beschloss

March 6, 7:30 p.m., Parmer Hall

Rhonda Sider Edgington, organist

April 27, 7:30 p.m., Parmer Hall

One University Ave. Mechanicsburg PA 17055

Let’s give...

A WARMER WELCOME

A campaign honoring Messiah’s legacy of commitment and success

A Warmer Welcome seeks to raise $7.3 million for a new Stadium East Building; new seating for lacrosse and softball fans; and improved dugout areas for the baseball team at Starry Athletic Complex. The goal is to create a level of hospitality and athletics facilities that reflect the caliber of Messiah athletics’ remarkable history of success.

To learn more or give online, visit messiah.edu/warmerwelcome, or scan this QR code to give now.

—Kelly and Nicholas Johnson, parents of Grant Johnson ’23

“With the Warmer Welcome campaign, we felt compelled, actually honored, to provide campus and athletic enhancements that could draw others into the Falcon fold.”