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16 W HAT AN HONOR How Messiah’s Honors Program Grows Students
24 BOOKENDS OF 2 TEACHING CAREERS Coming out of retirement to help a student teacher
Artificial intelligence
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How higher ed can use it for good
MESSIAH UNIVERSITY ALUMNI MAGAZINE VOLUME 3 2023
APRIL HOOPER ’22
INSIDE LOOK
Through Messiah’s Into the City trip in October, students visited Boston, Massachusetts, where they networked with alumni and visited Morgan Stanley, the Celtics and Bruins front offices and many other sites across the city.
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MESSIAH UNIVERSIT Y A LU M N I M AG A Z I N E
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TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Office of Marketing and Communications One University Avenue Mechanicsburg, PA 17055 717.691.6027 | www.messiah.edu PRESIDENT
Kim S. Phipps V I C E P R E S I D E N T F O R A DVA N C E M E N T
Jon C. Stuckey
A S S O C I AT E V I C E P R E S I D E N T O F M A R K E T I N G & C O M M U N I C AT I O N S
Carla E. Gross EDITOR
Anna Seip C R E AT I V E D I R E C T O R
Becca Powell ’03
GRAPHIC DESIGNERS
Curt Rohrer, Matt Logan M.A. ’17 DIRECTOR OF A L U M N I & PA R E N T R E L AT I O N S
Jay McClymont ’92 CONTRIBUTORS
Natalie Frank ’25, Molly McKim ’23 and Samantha Neal ’24
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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.
F E AT U R E S
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.
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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.
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN HIGHER ED
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.
In Christian higher education, what are the ethical implications of artificial intelligence and how can it be used for good?
© 2023 Messiah University
COVE R:
The Bridge is printed on recyclable paper: 50/25 PCW EFC
Artificial intelligence recreated this self-portrait of Vincent Van Gogh.
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HONORS AT MESSIAH Learn about Messiah’s Honors Program and how it helps students explore fundamental questions, engage in conversation and so much more.
F R O M T H E E D I TO R AS WE NAVIGATE A WORLD OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (WHICH YOU CAN READ ABOUT ON P. 10), IT’S EASY TO GET OVERWHELMED AND WORRIED ABOUT WHERE TECHNOLOGY IS HEADING. WHAT HAPPENS TO ART AND LITERATURE IF THEY CAN BE SO QUICKLY REPLICATED AND MANIPULATED? DURING TIMES WHEN I FEEL WORRIED ABOUT HUMANITY, IT HELPS TO GET AWAY FROM MY SCREENS AND HANG OUT WITH SOME REAL PEOPLE.
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D E PAR TM E NT S
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FROM THE PRESIDENT
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OUR CAMPUS
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Heard Around Campus
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Faces and Places
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Campus News
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Brain Waves
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OUR ALUMNI
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Alumni Profiles
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Alumni News
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From the Archives
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ONLINE EXTRAS
MESSIAH.EDU/THE_BRIDGE To learn more about Messiah’s Honors Program, visit messiah.edu/honorsprogram Check out video of Messiah’s ornithology field trip by scanning the QR code on p. 9. Give to Messiah’s Warmer Welcome campaign by going to messiah.edu/warmerwelcome
At a recent video shoot, I had the pleasure of hanging out in Larsen Student Union with Director of Multicultural Student Programs Cherisse Daniels (pictured with me below) and Amy Nicols, Director of International Student Programs. After 14 years working as the editor and interviewing countless people on and off campus, Cherisse is the first person I’ve met who had Bridge articles taped to her office wall. I was truly touched. We talked a bit about why she chose those particular pieces for her wall, and then I interviewed her for the video. While ChatGPT could certainly replicate an editor’s note for me, what it can’t do is account for all the tiny sparks of human connection that make up a person’s day. And it’s those sparks that artificial intelligence can’t quite grasp — or write about. Speaking of intelligence, our second feature highlights Messiah’s Honors Program, wherein students add to their rigorous academic experience with special programming, study abroad opportunities and community of scholars. You can read about the Honors Program on p. 16. We hope you enjoy this issue.
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FROM THE PRESIDENT
It is my pleasure to address the employees “Faithfulness to Jesus requires of Messiah University each August and upsetting both extremes. Being in give the State of the University speech. the middle, like Messiah, is about Below is an excerpt of my 2023 address; more than avoiding extremes; it’s I invite you to read it in its entirety at about adopting a compelling vision messiah.edu/president. that is truth-seeking and hospitable.” The ancient Greek Heraclitus, the — Campus Pastor Emily Bingham Old Testament book of Ecclesiastes and the singer Bob Dylan offer rigorous academics, sincere faith and a similar conclusion: change is gracious hospitality, Messiah has inevitable. Heraclitus explains that the opportunity to defy the negative you can never step into the same river narratives about higher education twice because the river is in constant and demonstrate how a Christian flux. In Ecclesiastes 3, King Solomon university can provide value by notes that there is a time and season remaining true to its identity and for everything. And many of you mission in the midst of rapid cultural know the familiar tune penned by change. First, we must continue to Bob Dylan that reminds us, “the times, distinguish ourselves as a university they are a-changin’.” of the liberal and applied arts and We’ve experienced significant sciences. Second, we must nurture a change at Messiah University during community ethos of compassion and the last few years. Many of the changes civility, which informs the ways we have been positive and some have been think and speak in this age of discord. very complicated. As Christ-followers, And finally, our missional emphasis I believe that our attitude and response on reconciliation must continue to to change reflects a faith defined by compel us to seek restoration with God hope — a hope that rests in knowing and humanity. and trusting the promises of God. As we embrace these tensions I believe that this particular season and occupy our “middle” space in in time is Messiah’s moment! Although winsome, gracious ways, we appeal to a many have become suspicious of wonderfully diverse mix of prospective Christianity and increasingly averse students and generous donors and to Christian ideals and language, we friends who enable us to maintain a embrace this moment and the privilege solid financial position and a strong of demonstrating an alternative way institutional profile. of Christ-centered being, knowing and With God’s faithfulness as our doing. Campus Pastor Emily Bingham anchor of hope, we can be enriched, says of Messiah, “Faithfulness to Jesus equipped and encouraged to meet requires upsetting both extremes. the changes and challenges of the Being in the middle, like Messiah, is upcoming academic year. This is about more than avoiding extremes; Messiah’s moment! it’s about adopting a compelling vision that is truth-seeking and hospitable.” Because we willingly occupy a middle ground of combining K I M S. PH I PPS, PRESIDENT 4 | VO L U M E 3 2 0 2 3 • T H E B R I D G E • M E S S I A H U N I V E R S I T Y
PHOTO: NICK GOULD PHOTOGRAPHY
Change is inevitable, but Messiah remains true to its mission
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WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED ABOUT OTHER PEOPLE SINCE COMING TO COLLEGE?
“I’ve learned how to interact with many different types of people and learned more about myself from those interactions.”
— Amanda Palmer ’26, Chinese Studies
“Everyone in MCC is so welcoming. There’s not anyone who you don’t feel comfortable saying hi to.” — Chrislin Daniel ’25, psychology
— Miriam Haines ’23, studio art
“I learned about common interests and experiences that I share with others.”
“I’ve been able to meet people from different cultures and go to lots of fun events.”
— Sebastian Tow ’25, philosophy
— Bailey Coop ’23, HDFS
— Tom Durika ’24, math with secondary education
“There’s a strong feeling of unity. You see people around, and even if you don’t know them, you feel a sense of community.”
“I can still be close with people who have different views from me. I learned how to find people who work well with me. A big thing I realized is that there are people who can love me unconditionally that I’m not related to.”
“I enjoy learning about people’s background and life experience and expanding my perspective. Maybe not everyone is so bad entirely.” — Janelle Missinger ’25, digital media
“Even in the same religion, there can be many different belief systems that are different from yours, and I have learned how to reconcile that within Christianity.”
“I think everyone comes here with different perspectives, backgrounds, levels of faith or different faiths entirely, so I’ve learned to be intentional about sharing the love of Jesus with others and taking time to get to know others and their stories.” — Rachel Fleagle, graduate assistant
“Here at Messiah, I’ve been exposed to more diverse cultures than I would be exposed to at home.” — Leah Huyett ’24, studio art
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Expansion of Engle Center marks new era CARRYING ON LEGACY OF CARING FOR STUDENTS WHILE RECOGNIZING GROWING NEEDS OF A GENERATION Messiah dedicated the expansion of the Engle Center for Counseling and Health Oct. 12. The original building dedication for the Engle Center was October 18, 1996, 27 years ago almost to the day. The namesake of the Engle Center is Dr. Harold (Doc) and Mary Elizabeth Engle in recognition of their meritorious lives of service to both humanity and to Messiah University.
“I had the privilege of meeting with Doc many times with President Phipps. He was the ‘kind of kind man’ that reminds us of what God calls us to be. Truly, both Doc and Mary Elizabeth were instruments of God’s peace: where there was hatred, they brought the love of the Lord; where there was despair, they brought hope in the Lord; and where there was darkness, they brought the Light of the Lord. We are honored to maintain their legacy at the Engle Center,” said Jon Stuckey, vice president for advancement at Messiah University. Co-chairs for the Engle Center expansion included Dr. Emerson Lesher and Dr. Ruth Detweiler Lesher and Dr. Joe and Dr. Nancy Huerter.
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The Leshers are longtime advocates of Messiah University. A psychologist and aging services executive, Emerson served as a Trustee of Messiah for many years and received the 2011 Messiah Alumni Christian Service Award. Ruth has been an advocate for mental health services as a psychologist and partner in a behavioral healthcare group practice for many years. She also has been a national leader for Mennonite Central Committee, a global organization focused on supporting the disadvantaged and oppressed. “A special connection is that Emerson lived in what is now the Engle Center when his father was a student at Messiah. We are profoundly grateful to Emerson and Ruth for their remarkable acts of generosity and are pleased
to name the new Emerson Lesher and Ruth Detweiler Lesher Medical Wing in their honor,” said Stuckey. THE HUERTERS
Joe and Nancy Huerter have been long involved in the Messiah Trustee community. They are also parents of Michael, a 2014 graduate of Messiah. They not only agreed to co-chair the fundraising effort for the Engle Center, but they also led the effort to name the counseling wing in honor of their longtime friends, Lowell and Anna Jean (AJ) Mann, who both graduated from Messiah in the 1940s. Lowell went on to Thomas Jefferson Medical School, and AJ was a medical technologist. They moved to India to serve as medical missionaries in 1959 where they worked at Madhepura
“Truly, both Doc and Mary Elizabeth [Engle] were instruments of God’s peace. ... We are honored to maintain their legacy at the Engle Center.” — Jon Stuckey, vice president for advancement for Messiah University
ADDITIONAL NEW SPACES IN THE ENGLE CENTER INCLUDE:
• The Joe & Nancy Huerter Conference Room • The Tony & Susan Schiano Waiting Area • The Student Government Association Reception Area • The Tom & Heather Mann Medical Director Office • The Larry & Priscilla Bashore Dietitian Office • The Ken & Renee Moreland Testing Lab • The Todd & Marian Lehman Employee Breakroom • The Nevin & Doneen Dourte Counseling Director Office With the 1,800-square-foot addition to the 4,400 of existing space, the Engle Center can now accommodate more services for students’ well-being and care. — Staff report
PHOTOS: NICK GOULD
Christian Hospital. He worked as a physician, and she established a tuberculosis clinic. After returning to Pennsylvania, Lowell had a family practice in Elizabethtown while they raised their two sons, Eric ’87 and Tom ’88. Lowell then furthered his medical training with a psychiatry residency. He worked for many years in mental health and medical education at Penn State Hershey Medical Center. They also volunteered their services to BIC World Missions in addition to their local congregation, the Elizabethtown Brethren in Christ Church. Throughout their lives, they recognized the need for spiritual, physical and psychological care, living it out in their service to others. Messiah dedicates the Lowell and AJ Mann Health Services Wing of the Engle Center in their honor and memory.
The co-chairs of the Engle expansion include (top right) Dr. Joe and Dr. Nancy Huerter and Dr. Emerson Lesher and Dr. Ruth Detweiler Lesher (top right). The expansion includes new counseling and examination rooms.
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GOVERNOR PRESENTS AWARD TO PRESIDENT KIM PHIPPS DISTINGUISHED DAUGHTER OF PENNSYLVANIA INDUCTION HELD AT GOVERNOR’S RESIDENCE Messiah University President Kim S. Phipps, Ph.D., was recognized by Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro as a Distinguished Daughter of Pennsylvania, Class of 2023. Phipps (second from left) was inducted as one of 10 new members during a luncheon at the Governor’s Residence in Harrisburg Oct. 11, 2023.
ABOUT THE DISTINGUISHED DAUGHTERS OF PENNSYLVANIA Distinguished Daughters of Pennsylvania was organized in 1949 to honor women who had given distinguished service through their careers to their communities, the commonwealth and the nation. In the 75 years since then, a total of 555 extraordinary women of Pennsylvania have been recognized for their professional and volunteer accomplishments.
“For 75 years, the Distinguished Daughters have recognized the achievements of Pennsylvania women — leaders who make a difference in our communities every day,” said Shapiro. “This new class of inductees builds upon that long tradition, and Lori and I are pleased to welcome an incredible group of women — leaders in public service, health care, business and education — into the ranks of Pennsylvania’s Distinguished Daughters. Your hard work showcases what we can accomplish for the good people of Pennsylvania when we all come together.” — Staff report
2023 Alumni Awards FOUR LEADERS RECEIVE HONORS AT NOVEMBER EVENT ELISABETH ZIMMERMAN ’26
At the Alumni Awards dinner at Martin Commons in Eisenhower Campus Center Nov. 3, Messiah presented the Alumni Awards to the following: Young Alumna Achievement Award: Rachel L. Thompson ’08, J.D.; Distinguished Alumnus Achievement Award: Dennis R. Hoover ’90, Ph.D.; Alumni Christian Service Award: Layne A. Lebo ’88, D.Min.; and Alumni Appreciation Award: Randall G. Basinger, Ph.D. The event is sponsored by the Office of Alumni and Parent Relations. 8 | VO L U M E 3 2 0 2 3 • T H E B R I D G E • M E S S I A H U N I V E R S I T Y
B R A I N WAV E S
Fulbright takes biology professor to Malaysia
BOTTOM LEFT: EFIRED/STOCK.ADOBE.COM RIGHT: COURTESY OF ERIK LINDQUIST
MESSIAH MEETS METHODIST COLLEGEKUALA LUMPUR During the summer, Distinguished Professor of Biology and Environmental Erik Lindquist took his sixth trip to Malaysia — his first time there without Messiah students — on a six-week Fulbright Specialist award to teach and train students and faculty at Methodist CollegeKuala Lumpur (MCKL). “It was one of the greatest honors of my professional career. We love Malaysia. We have longstanding friendships that extend to my undergraduate experience,” he said. The Fulbright Specialist Program, which is part of the larger Fulbright Program, provides qualified U.S. academics and professionals with an opportunity to share their expertise by carrying out projects requested by host institutions abroad. Lindquist spent six weeks in Malaysia teaching about
biodiversity, conservation and endangered/threatened species. “They use a textbook that’s very American, so I made sure the lectures had a Malaysian sense. I spent lots of time writing lectures and really engaged the students on thinking through this, a theological necessity of being scripturally minded,” he explained. Lindquist also gave the keynote address in a public forum with 100+ attendees. As part of the Fulbright award, the professor is paired with a specialist who shares their expertise and assists with strengthening links between U.S. and foreign host institutions. In this case, the specialist was an MCKL professor. “It was nice to work with another professor, Di Lin Ng,” he said. Lindquist trained the larger faculty on experiential pedagogy, and he took the students on a field experience in a national park. “We spent the whole day talking through how to use field experiences — museums, public parks — and gave them ideas of why you should get your students out of the classroom to have these kinesthetic learning experiences,” said Lindquist. “We teach
and interpret the mangroves we were in. We come back to the classroom to discuss how you can use these living experiences to improve the classroom.” He says education abroad — whether to Malaysia or anywhere — is integral to the holistic student experience. “I have been teaching either research, classes or service trips abroad since 1999. I have done 51 of those and I’ve led 535 students,” he said. “I know every single name of every single student. It’s transformative.” He’s hoping to have professors from MCKL come to Messiah in a reciprocal way. “The most important thing is networking and an ongoing relationship. We want to improve connections between Messiah and them. How can we improve their biology program with cooperation between my department and theirs? There’s the possibility of co-teaching in our future, as well. Messiah would be really blessed to have these folks come and teach here,” he said. — Anna Seip
ORNITHOLOGY — BIOL 456 DID YOU KNOW EVERY OTHER SPRING ERIK LINDQUIST TEACHES ORNITHOLOGY — A CLASS ALL ABOUT BIRDS? The course examines modern birds (Neornithes) through cladistic and taxonomic approaches, while emphasizing avian morphology physiology, ecology, biogeography and behavior. Field and laboratory experiences will develop the skills and knowledge necessary for professional application. Faculty and staff are invited to come along on the field trips, which include banding birds and a camping and bird-watching trip in Cape May, just to name a few. “We meet at the science parking lot, and we fill a van or two. We’re going out constantly,” said Lindquist.
TO SEE A VIDEO OF LINDQUIST’S BIRDWATCHING FIELD TRIP
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THE NEVER-ENDING POSSIBILITIES OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE ar·ti·fi·cial in·tel·li·gence (AI)
The theory and development of computer systems able to perform tasks that normally require human intelligence, such as visual perception, speech recognition, decisionmaking and translation between languages. By Molly McKim ’23 LEFT: PUBLIC DOMAIN: SELF-PORTRAIT WITH A STRAW HAT, VINCENT VAN GOGH, 1887, OIL ON CANVAS, 16 X 12 1/2 IN RIGHT: IMAGE GENERATED WITH AI
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hough seemingly easy to define, AI is certainly difficult to explain and fully understand. It may be helpful to think of generative AI (Gen AI) as the logical progression of the virtual assistant technology like Apple’s Siri and Amazon’s Alexa. The digital voice assistant programs both rely on natural language generation and processing and machine learning, forms of AI, in order to operate and perform better over time. Unlike Siri or Alexa’s auto formatted response, Gen AI searches all available online information to craft customized responses. In addition to being able to play any song of your choosing, add things to your online shopping cart, or set up a reminder through just the sound of your voice, Gen AI is being used in a wide variety of industries today. Though a still relatively new field, Gen AI is being used in healthcare to diagnose diseases and provide personalized care, in finance to
detect fraud and manage risk, in retail to personalize recommendations and optimize inventory, in transportation to develop self-driving cars and optimize traffic flow, and more. Thousands of conversations are being had about how AI could affect all sorts of careers: art, engineering, business, communications, and even computer science. When Stanford professor John McCarthy coined the term “artificial intelligence” in 1955, no one could have predicted that in less than a century, AI would become such a big part of our lives. Unbeknownst to Professor McCarthy, teachers and professors are now faced with a big challenge as AI continues to rise in popularity and accessibility. GEN AI IN EDUCATION
Gen AI’s quick adaptations and applications mean that its potential impact, both good and
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bad, is growing exponentially. Already we can see how generative AI systems can (and will) have expansive implications for how schools function, how teachers work and how students develop personally and professionally for tomorrow’s work world. Regardless of its increasing popularity, Gen AI has been used in education spaces for more than a decade. AI-powered systems, like Carnegie Learning or Turnitin (used right here at Messiah!) can analyze student responses and assignments and provide feedback on their needs. Perhaps the most popular AI tool used in education spaces today is ChatGPT, created by the company OpenAI. ChatGPT pioneered the way for many other companies to replicate its versatile and user-friendly AI writing tool. David Owen, professor of computer science at Messiah, has mixed feelings about the software. “I think ChatGPT is an amazing thing,”
RIGHT: IMAGE MODIFIED WITH AI
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PUBLIC DOMAIN: UNDER THE WAVE OFF KANAGAWA (KANAGAWA OKI NAMI URA), OR THE GREAT WAVE, FROM THE SERIES THIRTY-SIX VIEWS OF MOUNT FUJI (FUGAKU SANJŪROKKEI), KATSUSHIKA HOKUSAI, CA. 1830–32, WOODBLOCK PRINT; INK AND COLOR ON PAPER, 10 X 15 IN
he said. “It’s really hard to believe it works so well, and the brilliant and creative people who have made it possible (going all the way back through the history of computer hardware and software development) should be honored and appreciated.” “At the same time, something like ChatGPT should be understood in the context of the wide range of technologies developed over the last 150 years or so that have made it possible to automate tasks that could previously have been done only by humans, if at all.” Joanna Behm, an assistant professor in the Master of Occupational Therapy Program, believes that Gen AI is a tool that is not a solution to all of our problems. “Just like any tool, students need to learn how to use it ethically and responsibly,” she said. “I believe it’s the educators’ job to bring up the “elephant in the room” and to discuss AI with students, including how to use it, the parameters regarding when they can/cannot use it, and demonstrate the benefits and challenges.” Other Gen AI tools, Midjourney and DALL-E are actively affecting art students. Midjourney and DALL-E are Gen AI tools that create images based on user text prompts. In order to complete its task, the AI program is fed thousands of images from human artists and pieces them together to create a new piece based on the prompt. Both programs are easily accessible to students, companies, and organizations alike. Despite this, Hong Huo, assistant professor of graphic design and digital media, finds Gen AI to be an entryway to new ideas and spark creativity, but also draws a line at the copyright and ethicality of Gen AI art. “As an intelligent machine/tool, AI technology opens new opportunities for artists to be creative in a very unique way — to create things humans are not capable of making, especially in a short amount of time,” she said. “AI is a living collage machine, where ‘new’ products are generated and collaged together based on a large body of data being fed into the machine. It challenges the way we perceive digital art and other visual art mediums due to its high capability of imitating any image style.” “There are still too many gray areas in the copyright and ethics for AI-generated images/ art. According to the U.S. Copyright Office, AI-generated works are not protected by IVAN/STOCK.ADOBE.COM IMAGE GENERATED WITH AI
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copyright, as only human-made creations are eligible for copyright.” Where can an ethical line be drawn when using AI programs in academia, for professors, and for students? It’s up to our educators to make that decision. AI AND CHRISTIAN ACADEMIA
As awareness and its use in education grows, many Christians are wondering about AI’s purpose in personal and professional life. It is natural to have concerns about rapid advancements in AI, especially due to the ethical implications of the creation of human-like and intelligent machines and the potential loss of jobs as the technology advances. Some Christian educators see AI’s personalized capabilities as a “reflection of God’s design” and a “tool that acknowledges the uniqueness of each student’s talents and gifts.” Others find AI can cause harm through spiritual confusion and isolation. “As a Christ-follower, I think AI has brought some good challenges but also sparked some new ideas about how we view the technology we have access to with the light of faith,” said Huo. “Deep down, I believe we as God’s image bearers want to imitate Him, especially in how He creates. In Genesis, we see how God created the universe and us by simply ‘says and done,’ this miraculous mystery of creating is intriguing and impossible for us to imitate ... so we have more and more smart tools to help us create great things in a shorter amount of time, like our computers, smartphones, now AI technology. We are fascinated by this action of ‘says and done,’ and it is true that we can create things in a very short time with the help of technology, but we cannot fully control it, not yet. That is the biggest difference between God and His creation — He is always in full control, no matter how we struggle to understand it.” The software utilizes natural language processing to create written content based on the user’s prompt. The tool is enjoyed by students and writers to overcome writer’s block and generate creative ideas. However, some students are unethically using the program to complete entire assignments. Some are asking whether Gen AI programs like ChatGPT can be used in the completion of homework assignments, writing summaries, or proofing essays in ways that aren’t plagiarism. MANHO/STOCK.ADOBE.COM IMAGE GENERATED WITH AI
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“The cheating concern is probably at the top of educators’ list,” said Behm. “One important thing to note is that right now, AI detectors do not work and can lead to false accusations. Some ways to mitigate these concerns could be to ask students to cite whatever AI tool they are using just like they would any other resource, turn in the chat history, turn in the actual references cited and have those reference materials annotated, or turn in the AI draft and then their updated personal draft which explains what changes they made and why they made them.” In addition to concerns about cheating and completing assignments, Owen believes our primary concern about ChatGPT should be about finding purpose in doing work. “For the people whose work involves studying, doing research, learning or synthesizing information, to produce a written summary of their
EXAMPLES OF AI AND ART FROM PROFESSOR HUO:
Some good examples are Refik Anadol’s Unsupervised (installation at MoMA), where the artist worked with a team of engineers and computer scientists to “teach” the machine to “animate” almost random in-between morphing transitions based on the MoMA’s art collection data; and Xu Bing’s Artificial Intelligence Infinite Film Project, which also involves a large team of people working collaboratively to create this interactive installation, where the spectator becomes the producer and, with AI, they can freely generate whatever film genre, plots, narrative, etc. they want to see. Lastly, I want to give you what I included in my syllabus, written by my chair David Kasparek to all our students:
understanding ... is that [still] meaningful work? If so, it’s unfortunate that it can now be automated.” He also shares a concern for his future computer programming students. “In the future, much of the programming now done by humans will likely be done automatically by Gen AI tools. So, the ability to write computer programs will be less important, while the ability to analyze a program you didn’t write, will be much more important. Unfortunately ... it’s harder and less fun to analyze a program you didn’t write.” IS AI HERE TO STAY?
Despite citing both benefits and challenges to AI in education, Behm finds that AI is here to stay in the classroom. “Although there are many challenges to using AI, I do think
the benefits far outweigh them. I personally believe that using AI has made me a better educator and has improved my pedagogy.” Huo feels similarly about AI and art. What’s most important is that “artists should see it as an opportunity to collaborate with the machine, and use it in a way that it celebrates diversity in creative expression with respect to dignity to other beings, and keep reflecting about the truth behind our art-making processes,” she said. It is unpredictable how advanced the technology will get in the future. For now, teachers across the globe have been thrown into another experiment. They need support from all angles to figure it out, but that doesn’t mean it’s the end of academia; it’s a new beginning.
CONSIDERATIONS/REMINDERS FOR AI AND ART
AI can generate but not create. AI does not compose. It recomposes. AI can replace/mimic mediocre work, but not truly excellent work. AI cannot provide true creative leadership. AI is VERY artificial, but only narrowly intelligent. AI is not clever. AI is not strategic. AI is amoral. AI does not have empathy. AI does not have free will. AI does not have fine dexterity (especially hand-eye coordination). AI is more effective in the domain of Data and Information, but not so much in the realm of Knowledge and Wisdom AI should be used as a tool and not as an end. AI can change or make untrue all of the above statements as it evolves, unfolds or develops.
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PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE MESSIAH UNIVERSITY HONORS PROGRAM
WHAT AN HONOR FOR 25 YEARS, A HOLISTIC APPROACH HAS ALLOWED MESSIAH’S HONORS PROGRAM TO HELP STUDENTS EXCEL By Natalie Frank ’25
ILLUSTRATIONS: FIRST LAST
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HONORS
What does it mean to be a member of Messiah University’s Honors Program? Is it just another embellishment for a student’s resume? A VIP pass to campus social networks and exclusive events? Or does it hold a deeper significance as an opportunity for growth and personal development? Messiah’s alumni, students and faculty weigh in.
Established in 1998, the program currently boasts an enrollment of 400 students from myriad majors at the University.
WHAT THEY DO
Professor of American History James B. LaGrand began directing the program in 2018 and still manages to find time to build relationships with all of the Honors students. “I pick my spots within the time that I have, and I try to offer students something that meets them where they are, that challenges them, that’s both in and out of the classroom,” he said. The mission of the program follows six themes: 1. Exploring fundamental questions 2. Facing disputed questions 3. Cultivating a Christian worldview 4. Growing and applying talents 5. Engaging in conversation 6. Enjoying community. A key component of the Honors Program is the 15–20 events they host each semester. Within this framework, program participants are encouraged to attend at least two.
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The program invites guests from all professions to come and speak to Honors students. Previous lecturers have included Google Vice President Greg Moore and MIT physicist Ian Hutchinson. “A lot of the events, the programming, and the activities in the program particularly focus on these two categories of questions [fundamental and disputed],” said LaGrand. “We try to frame questions in a way that makes people pause and say, ‘I’d like to hear some smart people on both sides respond to this and make up my own mind.’” HONORS ADMISSIONS
So, how do students get in to the Honors Program? “We have a holistic approach,” said LaGrand. “It’s not simple or mechanical.” While a candidate’s high school GPA and SAT, ACT or CLT score are taken into
“We have a holistic approach. It’s not simple or mechanical.” — James B. LaGrand, director of the Honors Program
account, admission is based on a range of considerations. “[Admission] also has to do with a student’s experiences, what he or she was involved with in high school,” said LaGrand. Students must complete the Messiah University application process before Feb. 1. Qualified students are invited to come to campus for an honors day event to interview with a faculty member. While on campus, candidates must write a short essay responding to one of the six themes. THE HONORS CURRICULUM
Messiah’s program sets itself apart from other institutions by prioritizing the preservation of students’ time and energy, affording them the necessary flexibility to excel in preprofessional programs while maintaining a rigorous academic experience. Rachel Huang ’24, a biomedical engineering major, found a good balance between her hobbies and the Honors Program. “I play French horn for the symphony orchestra and wind ensemble at Messiah,” said Huang. “I’m really happy to be able to continue playing, because if I wasn’t able to add that to what I was doing in college I think I would end up dropping music entirely.” Rigorous academics in the program also helped students solidify career choices. “The Honors Program definitely influenced my decision to pursue law and, more recently, public service as a government lawyer. I was always challenged to write persuasively and think critically,” said Ryan Rich ’02. Psychology major Amy Sumner ’21 says that her time in the Honors Program allowed room to include leadership opportunities. “Throughout my time in the program, I was able to identify as an Honors student and as a Falcon [to] balance involvement in several clubs, hold several leadership positions and still reap the benefits of a rigorous education. I learned a lot about my potential as a scholar. I was supported by the Honors faculty,
1381
average SAT score
for honors students
31
average ACT score for honors students
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HONORS
Honors students representing
28 states
throughout the academic year, sparking intellectual growth, conversation and connection among members in the program. STUDENT BENEFITS
The program offers unique opportunities for students, such as an education abroad trip to Rome. The five-week trip counts as seven credits that are gained through classwork in Christ and Roman Culture; a course of a student’s choice at the American University of Rome; and working with missionaries on a service-learning opportunity. “I took art in Rome, where we went to a different historical site in the city every class, and our professor explained the historical and artistic significance,” said Sydney Sefing ’24, a biopsychology major who went on the trip in June of 2022.
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who listened to my ideas, challenged me to become a stronger writer and encouraged me to pursue my dreams,” said Sumner. The program customizes several general education classes, which are mandatory for all students, to cater to those in Honors. This approach alleviates the need for students to incorporate extra classes into their schedules while ensuring they still encounter academic challenges. Four interdisciplinary courses specific to the program include First-Year Seminar, an Ethics and the Common Good class, a new category called Intercultural and a Culminating University Honors Experience, in which students complete their senior Honors project or seminar. “The idea here is to encourage students to have for their own well-being and portfolio some high-level, relevant experience that wraps up their whole education,” said LaGrand about the senior project. For example, a student who majored in art and chemistry came up with a unique final Honors project. “She did this impressive study on the role of chemistry in art conservation that would benefit art museums and curators as they seek to use scientific knowledge to protect their treasured projects,” he said. Beyond the required courses, the Honors Program requires first-year students to participate in the Book of the Year program. Students read an important book together
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Outside of the classes, her study abroad group enjoyed weekend-long trips through International Studies Abroad. “These trips included traveling to the oldest vineyard in Tuscany, touring the ruins of Pompeii, exploring Florence, cliff-jumping off of the coast of Sorrento and swimming off the island of Capri,” she said. Alongside fun study abroad opportunities, students in the program get incredible academic and extracurricular support. The program helps students pursue prestigious awards, such as the Rhodes and Marshall scholarships. BUILDING A COMMUNITY
In keeping with the sixth theme of “enjoying community,” the Honors Program recognizes the significance of developing lasting friendships at college.
“I was never at a loss for friends with which to have deep and interesting conversations. My first-year seminar group remained tight throughout our years at Messiah, and I keep in touch with some of them even to this day,” said Philip Graybill ’05, an assistant professor of engineering at Messiah. Those looking for ways to connect even more with peers from the program can apply to join the Harbor House, an Honors-based special interest housing option on campus that hosts events each semester. “For students who want a little bit more of a common touch Honors culture, that’s one way to have it,” said LaGrand. The program also encourages building relationships with faculty members. Each spring semester, members of the program usually gather for a day trip. On one of these trips — to the Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C. — Honors student Emmy
Varner ’25 decided to change her major. Although she initially came to Messiah as an elementary education major, she met former Messiah professor Ted Davis, who served as an exhibit advisor and talked to the Messiah students who visited that day. That visit sparked an interest in Varner to work in a museum setting. After that trip, she met with Associate Professor of History Sarah Myers and felt at peace with the decision to switch her major to public history. “She was so supportive,” Varner said. Sefing agreed that college is a great time to stretch and explore options, and the Honors Program is a great way to do that. “Some of the best relationships and most life-changing experiences have come out of my connections to the Honors Program,” said Sefing. MORE THAN A PROGRAM
While the Honors Program has a well-developed curriculum, engaging events and excellent networking opportunities, the students breathe life into the program. “Every year, it’s just so encouraging for the future to have these students that have this wonderful combination of a positive, good spirit,” said LaGrand. “They don’t need a lot of time on the rudimentary stuff. We can just take off, and they take off with me.”
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE HONORS PROGRAM: MESSIAH.EDU/HONORSPROGRAM
“My first-year seminar group remained tight throughout our years at Messiah, and I keep in touch with some of them even to this day.” — Philip Graybill ’05
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PHOTO COURTESY OF DRU DEITCH ’15
ALUMNI PROFILES
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WHO WERE YOUR MENTORS?
Music teacher: “My professors at Messiah me academically, a day in the life challenged encouraged me in my efforts to ALUMNA STAYS CLOSE TO MESSIAH ROOTS Dru Deitch ’15, music education graduate with an M.M. from Colorado State University, recently began working as the music teacher at Camp Hill School District. The daughter of two alumni, she describes her journey from one campus to another. WHY MESSIAH?
“Messiah has always been a part of my life journey. Both of my parents are Messiah College graduates, and my mother’s wedding photos are in front of the red covered bridge. In elementary school, I spent summers attending Messiah basketball camps, eating in Lottie Nelson dining hall and sleeping in the dorms. My fifth-grade yearbook states, ‘I want to go to Messiah College and become a teacher.’ I absolutely loved my Messiah College experience. It will always be a very special place for me and my family.”
become a music educator, have supported me in my professional career and have demonstrated the grace of Christ through their teaching and example. Two of the most impactful professors in the music department included Dr. Rachel Cornacchio and Linda Tedford. These women continue to support me today. “After graduating from Messiah, I continued singing choral music with Linda Tedford in the Susquehanna Chorale. This opened the opportunity to conduct the Susquehanna Young Women’s Chorale and now the Susquehanna Youth Chorale. Mrs. Tedford’s deep-rooted passion for choral excellence has inspired me to be the best director I can be. She continues to serve as a role model for my life. Similarly, Dr. Cornacchio shaped my educational philosophy and approach to teaching music at the middle- and high-school level. Her high-energy style is something I try to emulate in my teaching today. She has encouraged me in my faith and in my profession countless times.
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I value her leadership and enjoy singing in the Threefold Chord Women’s Choir that she conducts. I feel lucky to call her a colleague and a friend.” TELL US ABOUT YOUR CAREER JOURNEY.
“I started in the fall of 2015 at Eagle View Middle School in the Cumberland Valley School District. I directed the sixth-, seventh- and eighth-grade choir, taught general music to all three grades, directed the school musicals (with my Messiah College roommate and best friend Kayla Desko ’15) and directed the middle school select choir called the Eagle Singers. I held this position for eight years and loved my time at Cumberland Valley. In 2016, I started as the conductor of the Susquehanna Young Women’s Chorale. At that time, the ensemble rehearsed at Camp Hill High School. I continued conducting the Women’s Chorale for six seasons. In 2022, I changed roles in the organization and started as the conductor of the Susquehanna Youth Chorale. I continue to work with the youth chorale today. In 2022, I learned that the Camp Hill Middle and High School position would become
available. I applied and was thrilled to be offered the position. I started in April, and I am enjoying my first full year as the director of vocal music. The students and faculty are dedicated, talented and always strive for excellence. I am so grateful to continue my career as a Camp Hill Lion!” DESCRIBE YOUR WORK DAY.
“There is a learned finesse to teaching middle school and high school in the same day. A typical day begins with sixthgrade general music. I then teach a section of high school music technology. This is followed by high school concert choir. After lunch, I teach a second section of music technology, then seventh- and eighth-grade choir (the Mixed Choir) and end the day with sixth-grade choir (the Treble Makers). After school on Wednesdays, I work with the singers in the a cappella ensemble RoaR.” For any student who wants to pursue music education as a career, I can’t recommend Messiah highly enough.” — Anna Seip
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VETERINARIAN CREDITS MESSIAH’S SCIENCE PROGRAM FOR CAREER, FAITH GROWING UP ON A DAIRY FARM PREPPED ALUMNA TO SERVE AS A STEWARD OF GOD’S CREATURES Biology major Danielle Delp ’18 says she has always wanted to work with animals. After completing veterinary school this year at the University of Pennsylvania, she began her career at Dairyside Veterinary Service, a practice in Martinsburg, Pennsylvania, that caters to large animals such as cattle, goats, sheep and pigs. During a gap year after graduation, she worked at two dairy farms, in addition to Dairyside, where she shadowed throughout her four years in veterinary school. She now works there full time. “It comes down to trusting in the Lord’s timing,” she said. “It will be perfect, and things will happen when they’re meant to happen.” She says no two days are the same — and that’s what she likes about the job. “Take yesterday, for instance. I had scheduled a herd check, where we go out into the field and check the cattle for pregnancy and injuries, as well as general herd health. After that, we had emergencies. We were visiting a farm setting up a vet-client relationship, and
emergencies arose, and we had to sit and decide whose schedule was getting changed,” she said. “After that, there were several emergencies. My colleagues and I had to sit down and decide how our remaining schedules could be altered to accommodate those calls.” Since she grew up on a dairy farm in Williamsburg, Pennsylvania, she’s used to adapting to animals’ needs and emergencies. “My parents point out to me that it’s funny that I chose a career that’s the same lifestyle as when I was a kid,” she said. In her undergraduate college search, Delp says she wanted a place that would give her a strong science background while also incorporating Christian faith. “Some of my peers in veterinary school had attended larger state programs with more animal-specific coursework. My time at Messiah gave me a strong foundation in science. I also did research with Drs. Mylin and Harms, which helped me a lot,” she said. Her passion for caring for animals is deeply connected to her faith. “I view the animals as God’s creation. He instilled in us the calling to care for and be stewards of them as best we can. Part of that is giving the animal the best life possible while they’re on this earth,” she said. She has a heart for people, too. “People ask me, ‘Why veterinary medicine?’ As I got through high school and shadowed at clinics, I found that I loved interacting with people through their animals. We both love and care for this animal, and we can connect over that. We care for the animal, but we also care for the client.” — Samantha Neal ’24
“I view animals as God’s creation. He instilled in us the calling to care for and be stewards of them as best we can. Part of that is giving the animal the best life possible while they’re on this earth.” — Danielle Delp ’18, veterinarian
PHOTO COURTESY OF DAIRYSIDE VETERINARY SERVICE
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AMBER SMITH ’23
Bookends of 2 teaching careers AN ADJUNCT COMES OUT OF RETIREMENT TO HELP A STUDENT TEACHER A family and consumer sciences (FCS) education major in her senior year, Amber Smith ’23 heard about a full-time teaching position at Delone Catholic, only 10 minutes from her house in Hanover, Pennsylvania. Because of the FCS teacher shortage, Delone wanted her to start immediately. While she really wanted the job, she hadn’t completed her student teaching or her degree yet. Couldn’t she just student teach at Delone? Ideally, yes, but the school didn’t have a full-time FCS teacher there to serve as Smith’s cooperating teacher/supervisor. Smith called Joan Hammond, a retired FCS teacher and a Messiah adjunct in textile arts. The two had a shared history together as Smith had taken Hammond’s textile arts course — during the pandemic. “Sewing online is very difficult. Mrs. Hammond actually dropped off a sewing machine at my house, went extra mile to keep me enrolled. There was patience between us,” said Smith. THE MENTORSHIP CONTINUES
Was Hammond willing to come out of retirement to help out a member of the next generation of FCS teachers? “I said, ‘If you could, if you would like to, even,’ and she’s
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been an amazing grace by saying yes,” said Smith. Hammond didn’t waste any time thinking it over. “I accepted because I have great respect and admiration for Amber. Lots of trust and respect, which made it easier to say yes. It’s the right thing to do, so that she’ll have a job. Lots of schools are dropping these programs because they don’t have teachers. We feel very supported by the school,” said Hammond. Together, they teach in 80-minute periods, imparting life skills such as laundry, sewing, personal finance and nutrition. Since it’s a long class period, they take turns teaching and then reflect on the class together afterward. “It’s not core SAT curriculum, but everyone will learn something they can use in their daily life. They’re practicing their core
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skills, as well, because they’re reading, writing, doing math,” explained Smith. After she graduates in December, Smith will have a full-time position at Delone — all because she took the initiative to ask a Messiah contact to help her. “Amber took the bull by horns, because this will be her classroom,” said Hammond. “She’s taken it upon herself to do initial planning, and we always communicate, balancing out each other’s strengths and learning from each other. I’d encourage anyone with experience to continue to be advocates for today’s youth, whether in teaching profession or in business. We have so many things to teach each other, by compromising and working together, we can make this world a much better place.” — Anna Seip and Samantha Neal ’24
THE BRIDGE CENTER FOR CONTINUING EDUCATION Connecting Messiah with the needs of adult learners and regional partners The Bridge Center at Messiah University coordinates programming designed to meet current and future needs of adult learners and partners in central Pennsylvania and beyond, including: • customized workforce development • continuing education • reskilling and upskilling programming
To learn more about programs offered or explore the needs of your organization, visit messiah.edu/bridgecenter.
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Make Messiah University’s legacy a part of your own
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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.
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Messiah University Homecoming & Family Weekend
Alumni and students gathered to celebrate Messiah’s Homecoming and Family Weekend Oct. 6-7. The time of reunions and fellowship during the fall weekend included more than 1,500 participants from 25 states and three countries. PHOTOS: FRED SCHMITT ’88, SARAH ECKENROTH ’28, ELISABETH ZIMMERMAN ’26, LU-ZHENG LAU ’25
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Reunion Row
Golden Grad Reunion
Varsity Women’s Soccer Instrument Petting Zoo Jazz Ensemble Concert
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for strategic partnerships and applied research
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FROM THE ARCHIVES the
The SEH Symposium HOW IT STARTED — AND WHERE IT IS NOW In April, Messiah held its 20th annual School of Science, Engineering and Health (SEH) Symposium, which hosts all the research projects conducted by students in STEM fields. The SEH symposium has taken many forms over the years. Here’s a timeline of its development.
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for strategic partnerships and applied research
for strategic partnerships and applied research
Engineering students formed teams for real-world projects — an effort that later became the Collaboratory. These projects replaced the senior engineering design projects.
1993
1996
The first specialized engineering conferences, known as Conferences on Senior Engineering and Design, were held. Engineering seniors would present their senior engineering design projects in the spring as a culmination of their degrees.
“We set up a one-credit research class where you prepared for your research, and then you would sign up for the senior research credit. This approach gave students a lot more time to work on their projects. The question then became, ‘How do students present what they’re doing at the end of the semester?’ That’s why we started the Senior Research Symposium.” — Larry Mylin, professor of biology
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The department of natural sciences facilitated independent research, which allowed for multisemester research projects. This research was presented at the senior research symposium, held at the end of each semester.
1999 “What does it mean to be a follower of Jesus in our discipline? In other professions, people would serve the underserved. Surely, there were people in the world who were loved by God who needed access to an engineer and couldn’t get one by way of the market, so we thought we could offer something for that.” — David Vader, professor emeritus of engineering
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The present-day School of Science, Engineering and Health consolidates its two scholarship days into the SEH Symposium.
2005
2010
2023
Messiah reorganizes and creates the School of Health and Natural Sciences (SOHNS), resulting in the unified event of a senior research symposium. Because the School of Math, Engineering and Business also was formed at this time, they, too, created their own scholarship day.
The 20th Annual SEH symposium was held.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Decades after, in 2023, the tradition of student engagement with research and experiential learning is more robust than ever before. While organizational changes
may have altered the appearance and structure of the symposium, the mission has remained the same: to showcase students’ creativity and hard work in their respective fields.
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Let’s give...
A WARMER WELCOME A campaign honoring Messiah’s legacy of commitment and success Help us provide a welcoming atmosphere for our athletes, students, fans and campus visitors. We are working to raise $7.3 million to fund this much-needed project which will include: • A new Stadium East Building, including an additional concession area; locker rooms for home and visiting teams; restrooms; indoor tailgating space; and spaces for officials and athletic training staff • New seating for lacrosse fans (renderings above) • New seating for softball fans and improved dugout areas for the baseball team
DID YOU KNOW? Messiah offers matching gift monies and on-site donor recognition opportunities for gifts/ pledges at or above $15,000. To learn more or give online, visit messiah.edu/warmerwelcome, or scan this QR code.
