THE
14 F INANCIAL REPORT Review Messiah’s assets, charitable gifts, scholarships and more
PRESIDENT’S REPORT ISSUE
MESSIAH UNIVERSITY ALUMNI MAGAZINE VOL. III 2021
Imago Dei
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NYC artist Nick Sider ’10 paints God’s creation
INSIDE LOOK
During Homecoming and Family Weekend, alumni, students, fans and the greater Messiah community enjoy the fireworks display after the men’s soccer game at Starry Field.
PHOTO COMPOSITE BY TORI SIDELLA ’22
VO L . 1 1 3 , N O . 3
THE
PRESIDENT’S REPORT ISSUE MESSIAH UNIVERSIT Y A LU M N I M AG A Z I N E
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, Suite 3020 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
Barry Goodling ’79
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
Nancy Soulliard
GRAPHIC DESIGNERS
Deb Hartranft 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
Molly McKim ’23
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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
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.
PRESIDENT’S REPORT During the disruptive season of a global pandemic, Messiah concluded its fiscal year with a surplus. In our financial report, read about the trustees, donors and community who made that growth possible.
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 Universityadministered programs. © 2021 Messiah University
COVE R:
Nick Sider ’10 finds his niche in the NYC art world. The Bridge is printed on recyclable paper: 50/25 PCW EFC
FRED SCHMITT PHOTOGRAPHY
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F R O M T H E E D I TO R WHEN I INTERVIEWED NEW TRUSTEE JESSICA THOMAS ’08 FOR A PROFILE (ON P. 22) FOR THIS ISSUE, SHE DISCUSSED HER JOB AT NYC’S COUNCIL ON FOREIGN RELATIONS, WHERE SHE WORKS AS A DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION BUSINESS PARTNER. OUT OF CURIOSITY, I ASKED HER, “HOW DO YOU COMMUNICATE WITH PEOPLE WHO MIGHT NOT AGREE WITH YOU OR DON’T LIKE WHAT YOU HAVE TO SAY?”
Her answer came quickly and effortlessly. It stayed with me. So, I’d like to share, so we could all benefit from it: “If we don’t see eye to eye,” she said. “I just go one-on-one with them, finding a commonality. Just finding a way we can connect on a different level. We’re people at the end of the day. We’ve got likes, we’ve got dislikes. Let’s not let this one issue ruin the fact that we can work well togther.”
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D E PAR TM E NT S
ONLINE EXTRAS
4 FROM THE PRESIDENT
MESSIAH.EDU/THE_BRIDGE
5 OUR CAMPUS
To register for the Alumni of Color event, visit attend.com/AlumniOfColorWeekend
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Brain Waves
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Heard Around Campus
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Faces and Places
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Campus News
ive to Messiah’s capital campaign at G messiah.edu/MessiahCampaign
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OUR ALUMNI
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Alumni Profiles
ee the artwork of cover artist S Nick Sider ’10 at nicksider.com
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Class Notes
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From the Archives
Thomas’ words echo several of the articles in this President’s Report. In light of the Year of Reconciliation, Messiah will host an Alumni of Color Weekend in April (p. 9), a time of connection and fellowship. Please note the link in Online Extras on this page (left) to sign up. On p. 12, you can read thank you notes from students expressing gratitude for their scholarship aid, which is funded by Messiah University’s Learning for Life, Transforming the World capital campaign. Also, in the From the Archives section, we take a look back at the formation of the Black Student Union, a club that continues to hold conversations in a safe space, allowing for healing on campus and in the greater Messiah community. We hope you enjoy the President’s Report issue of The Bridge.
Learn more about children’s book author Jonathan Stutzman ’09 at jonathanstutzman.com
A N N A S E I P, E D I T O R
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FROM THE PRESIDENT
Journeying toward reconciliation together
“As Christians, we look to Jesus as our ultimate example. Jesus did not isolate himself among people who looked, sounded and believed like he did. He intentionally touched the sick, befriended the marginalized, spoke against injustice and with his words and actions he reconciled individuals to God and to each other.” — Kim S. Phipps
Reconciliation is a journey of listening, truth telling, lamenting and allowing our hearts and minds to connect with people’s stories of pain, marginalization and injustice as we pursue transformation that repairs and restores broken relationships and systems. When we are reconciled to God, we are prepared to do as Jesus instructed and to truly “love our neighbors,” regardless of what seemingly separates us. As Christians, we look to Jesus as our ultimate example. Jesus did not isolate himself among people who looked, sounded and believed like he did. He intentionally touched the sick, befriended the marginalized, spoke against injustice and with his words and actions he reconciled individuals to God and to each other. Jesus’ ministry of reconciliation disrupted expectations and destroyed social and religious taboos, requiring sincere conviction and bold courage he exhibited throughout his earthly ministry. The preeminence of Christ in our lives should inspire and empower us to participate in the sacred ministry of reconciliation. Now is the time to follow the commandment 4 | VO L U M E 3 2 0 2 1 • 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
of Matthew 22 to love God and love others by taking these personal steps toward reconciliation: • We must be attentive to the pain and injustice experienced by others. We cannot merely be bystanders who support the work of reconciliation but don’t engage it ourselves. We must acknowledge that people have legitimate, painful histories that deserve our attention and compassion. • We must listen. We must invite people to tell their stories and then genuinely listen when they do. By listening, we are not compromising any dearly held truths. (Pope Francis and Austen Ivereigh 57). • We must lament—personally and communally as Christ followers. The more we engage the pain of this world, the more we should grieve the world’s brokenness. Lament is not despair, but rather a cry to God. • We must be truth seekers and truth tellers who acknowledge the legitimate pain and bias experienced by marginalized people, especially if those experiences are vastly different from ours. • Ultimately, forgiveness must be extended and accepted for complete restoration of broken relationships, which contribute to the restoration of broken systems. The end goal is not merely a truce but a vibrant, genuine friendship (Emmanuel Katongole and Chris Rice 98). Imagine the story Messiah University will communicate to our constituents when they witness us intentionally and wholeheartedly leaning into reconciliation. Messiah: an educational community marked by stories of how all of our students and employees experience human flourishing. Messiah: a place of hopeful possibility where people recount their stories of transformation and the distinct kind of “heart, spirit and life that inspires and sustains” the difficult ministry of reconciliation (Emmanuel Katongole and Chris Rice 125). Most importantly, the Messiah story will point to and glorify our good and gracious God, who allowed Jesus to bear our sin so that we might experience true reconciliation with our Creator and each other.
K I M S. PH I PPS, PRESIDENT
PHOTO: NICK GOULD PHOTOGRAPHY
On Aug. 17, employees gathered for corporate worship, prayer, fellowship and the annual State of the University address. It was a sweet time of (masked!) togetherness. Below is a portion of my address, focused on our missional commitment to biblical reconciliation and the launch of our university-wide Year of Reconciliation. You can read the complete speech and see the accompanying presentation slides at messiah.edu/communityday. During this time of increasing division and vitriolic polarization within our nation and the Church, we must remember and affirm Messiah University’s calling to be a Christ-centered educational community that equips students to serve, lead and reconcile.
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TORI SIDELLA ’22
B R A I N WAV E S
Devin Manzullo-Thomas ’09 wrote a book, ‘Exhibiting Evangelicalism,’ that will be published in 2022.
History, memory and religion meet in new book DEVIN MANZULLOTHOMAS ’09 EXPLORES SITES OF EVANGELICALISM Devin Manzullo-Thomas ’09, assistant professor of American religious history and director of the Archives, will publish his first book, “Exhibiting Evangelicalism: Commemoration and Religion’s Presence of the Past,” in 2022. His book is the first written history of museums and historic sites created by evangelical Protestant Christians in the U.S. in the 20th and 21st centuries. Exploring the histories of five different sites, he argues that these museums
enabled religious leaders to develop a coherent identity for evangelicalism rooted in history. The book is a revised version of his doctoral dissertation, which he completed in 2020 at Temple University. He aims to write for public historians and scholars of religion who want to know more about how history, memory and religion can interconnect. “There have been some really good books about those three topics in the last 20 or so years, but almost none of them talk about history museums created by evangelical Protestants. My hope is that public historians will read this book, recognize the work that religious people have done to interpret their pasts in public and be inspired to tackle religious topics and themes in their own museums, archives and other historic sites,” he said. A Friends of Murray Library event in November featured him and his book.
“Devin’s presentation was a fascinating introduction to his book as he explained the purpose of evangelical museums and gave an illustrated glimpse into the first such museum honoring Billy Sunday as well as two museums that honor Billy Graham,” said Harriet Bicksler, Friends of the Murray Library Board chair. Manzullo-Thomas says he’s grateful to all his who encouraged, supported and challenged him during the writing process.
“I could not have completed this project without this kind of intellectual community,” he said. — Molly McKim ’23
“ MY HOPE IS THAT PUBLIC HISTORIANS WILL READ THIS BOOK, RECOGNIZE THE WORK THAT RELIGIOUS PEOPLE HAVE DONE TO INTERPRET THEIR PASTS IN PUBLIC AND BE INSPIRED TO TACKLE RELIGIOUS TOPICS AND THEMES IN THEIR OWN MUSEUMS, ARCHIVES AND OTHER HISTORIC SITES.” — Devin Manzullo-Thomas ’09 M E S S I A H U N I V E R S I T Y • T H E B R I D G E • VO L U M E 3 2 0 2 1 | 5
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IF YOU COULD SNAP YOUR FINGERS AND CHANGE ONE PROBLEM IN TODAY’S WORLD, WHAT WOULD YOU PICK—AND WHY? “ People’s ability to listen to each other and interpret intent and meaning accurately— solving this critical communication problem would also help alleviate tensions in relationships, in the workplace, between cultures and in society as whole.” — Nance McCown, professor and co-chair of Department of Communication
“ Illiteracy— because reading and writing is a gateway to opportunity.” — Josh McFadden ’23, public relations
“ Educational inequality. One of the greatest privileges I’ve experienced is the ability to pursue an education with no socioeconomic barriers at all, which then automatically opens the door for even greater opportunities in the future.”
“ Interpersonal depressioncausing coping issues. I strongly think if coping mechanisms weren’t as whack as they are, the world would be a more loving and open place for growth and sleep.” —R aytgia (Gigie) Gilles ’24, politics and international relations
— Mackenzie Christie ’24, English education
“ Conversations around disabilities. The stigma around disabilities is generally negative. There needs to be a change in language and attitude about the way we view disabilities and disabled individuals.” — Annabelle Dionisio ’23, English education
“ Becoming more educated on technological security. More and more people… are falling into debt, losing data, assets and money.”
— Alec Chappell ’22, cybersecurity
“ Racism, because it creates a divide in humanity and community.” — Jaden Collado ’23, music education
“ Pride. Not the sense of satisfaction that comes from having confidence in one’s character or abilities. I am referring to the kind of pride that places the love of power over the love of human beings. That aids in the destruction of one another or entire people groups (physically, psychologically or emotionally). That causes self-seeking behavior. That refuses to extend grace. That is unwilling to listen or see another’s point of view. That is unwillingness to apologize first.” — Rachel O’Connor, professor of art
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“ Global violence. People deserve freedom and the right to live.” — Kiley Arick ’24, social work
MATTHEW TENNISON
FAC E S A N D P L AC E S
From left: Camryn Wimberly ’23 and Associate Professor of English Kerry Hasler-Brooks enjoy the autumn weather on Messiah University’s campus.
Summer internship: Mapping out her future CAMRYN WIMBERLY ’23 WORKS AT CLERK’S OFFICE, PRESENTS AT WHEATON SYMPOSIUM An English major with minors in digital public humanities and Spanish, Camryn Wimberly ’23 made strides toward her career this summer, interning for her local clerk’s office in Mount Holly, New Jersey. As part of her internship, she wrote communication pieces such as a voter registration manual and a newsletter on voting processes for residents of New Jersey. She spent the majority of her time working in an archiving project, processing and recording information from original maps of townships in Burlington County. “The archiving project had actually been in progress for a couple of years, but there had not been a lot accomplished because there wasn’t anyone willing or able to commit to it,” she said.
“Throughout my time working at the office, I was able to take the lead on this project.” She and the team sorted the county’s archived maps, numbering and scanning the physical copies so community members could access them. By the end of the summer, she had completed and verified around 800 maps of the area. In addition to her internship, she spent five days of her summer participating in Wheaton College’s Interdisciplinary Liberal Arts Symposium, after applying and earning acceptance into the program with the help of Kerry Hasler-Brooks, associate professor of English at Messiah University. “I recommended Cam for the Wheaton symposium because she has a unique tenacity and
eagerness for learning. She approaches her education as an opportunity not only to develop professional skills but to grow her character, engage her faith, pursue the call to justice and develop thinking practices that are generous, critical and creative. I am excited to play a small part in
teachings of Aristotle and Plato; and visual and written rhetoric. Wimberly says she grew a lot over the summer through her internship and her attendance at the symposium. “Coming out of lockdown, it was wonderful to meet new people from all different walks of life, whether it was
“ I recommended Cam for the Wheaton symposium because she has a unique tenacity and eagerness for learning. ... She is a remarkable young woman.” — Kerry Hasler-Brooks, associate professor of English
her journey as a college student, and I already anticipate the ways she will serve beyond her time at Messiah. She is a remarkable young woman,” said Hasler-Brooks. At the symposium, participants gathered daily to discuss readings; current topics in higher education; the philosophical
my coworkers or clients. I also loved the wide range of tasks I was given, since there was always something different to accomplish,” she said. — Molly McKim ’23
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Dedicated to students RIBBON-CUTTING HELD FOR KIM S. PHIPPS ADMISSIONS AND WELCOME CENTER While the Board of Trustees were on campus, Messiah University students, faculty and staff were invited to attend the ribbon-cutting, dedication ceremony and dessert reception of the Kim S. Phipps Admissions and Welcome Center Oct. 15, 2021. A highlight of the event included honoring outgoing board chair
George Parmer, who received an award for his years of dedicated service to Messiah. “George has been an exemplar of Messiah’s mission,” said President Kim S. Phipps. “His desire to faithfully serve the University has been a blessing beyond measure.”
NICK GOULD PHOTOGRAPHY
Clockwise from left: A cross-section of campus attended the ribbon-cutting. President Kim S. Phipps stands in the building that bears her name. Former board chair George Parmer (left) receives an award for his years of service as he stands next to Vice President of Advancement Barry Goodling and Trustee Eunice Steinbrecher. President Phipps cuts the ribbon during the ceremony. Student Jadyn Jeffers 23 (left) and new BOT chair Craig Sider speak to the crowd.
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ALUMNI OF COLOR WEEKEND SET FOR APRIL 22-24 DAYS OF FELLOWSHIP, WORSHIP As part of the Year of Reconciliation theme, Messiah University will host an Alumni of Color Weekend April 22-24. “So many have reached out in the past year wanting to know how they can support current students of color, and this weekend will be a special way for all of us to come together in fellowship,” said Todd Allen, vice president for diversity affairs. The planning began months ago, when Allen gathered 20 alumni from a range of grad years via Zoom to talk about their Messiah experiences. “We were from all different decades. We just talked about our interest in wanting to help and connect,” said Gina Gilliam ’83, former chair of the Alumni Council, who was part of the call. For Carl Jefferson ’94, a pastor in Rhode Island who also joined the call, he says many diverse alumni left Messiah feeling disconnected. He says he hopes the event involves true reconciliation. “If any place should be dealing with love, reconciliation and loving our neighborhoods, Messiah should be the model of what racial reconciliation and healing and forgiveness look like—and a microcosm of what our country should look like,” he said. WHY NOW? The event also can serve to bridge alumni to current students. Jefferson says that after the death of George Floyd in May 2020, he began calling fellow alumni. He was worried about current students of color and how their experience might not have progressed much from when he was a student in the early ’90s. “The students would feel
an insurmountable burden,” he said. “I did not want students going back to Messiah [in the fall] feeling that way.” Gilliam has returned to campus to talk to students and let them know alumni of color came before them. “I hope these students know they have contacts when searching for a job after graduation. Get on LinkedIn and connect with me,” she said. “Many of us had the same issues they’re going through, but we can help them.” NO SUGARCOATING Some alumni of color express a bittersweet duality of their time at Messiah. Gilliam recalls being called the n-word during a movie on campus. Jefferson says students wrote anonymous, hateful messages on the Wittenberg Door, a bulletin board in the Eisenhower Campus Center. Delight Yokley ’98, a dean of the learning commons at Mt. Oliver University in North Carolina, recalls attending an orientation event where she couldn’t find a seat. The person facilitating the event did not offer her a seat but then welcomed a white student who came in after her. “She ran and got that student a seat. It still bothers me 20 years later. I decided in that moment that I wasn’t going to Messiah. I applied to other schools but neither could provide me the funding that Messiah did,” she said. She and her parents prayed about it, and she then ultimately attended Messiah, not because the institution welcomed her but
because a few special people she met reinforced to her, “You’re needed, you’re wanted here.” “We’re all telling the same stories: There were good times but there’s also a bit of hurt,” said Yokley. “I love Messiah, despite the bad, but question how does the institution move forward and support its current students of color?” What does reconciliation look like at this event? It might involve uncomfortable conversations. “We don’t sugarcoat it,” said Jefferson. “When we leave that weekend, maybe there’s some forgiveness and hope, some sense of connection of where we spent four years of our lives.” STAY TUNED The event’s theme is Connecting the Generations. “As a young alumni of color, I am appreciative of the intentional attempts of Messiah’s leadership to create events uniquely for the alumni population of color to find belonging and feel valued within the institution,” said Marianne
Ramirez Gomez ’19, a Messiah admissions counselor. The event will include a town hall with President Kim Phipps, panel sessions, a coffeehouse, a gospel concert, worship service and more. “During Messiah’s Year of Reconciliation, I can think of no better way to live out our missional commitments than to gather together as beloved children of God and encourage and spur one another on toward biblical reconciliation,” said Phipps. As alumni assist in living out Messiah’s mission, it’s an event you won’t want to miss. “I’m truly excited and looking forward to welcoming back alumni, many of whom have not visited the campus in some time. This weekend is a way to say we honor and thank you for your contribution to Messiah, first as a student and now as alumni,” said Allen. — Anna Seip
TO REGISTER, GO TO ATTEND.COM/ ALUMNIOFCOLORWEEKEND..
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runners in Homecoming 5K
20 FRED SCHMITT PHOTOGRAPHY
minutes of fireworks
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food trucks
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Homecoming and Family Weekend events
students in the White Out March
3,000+
people* at men’s soccer game *Department of Safety’s estimated crowd count
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CAMPAIGN BENEFITS STUDENTS MAKE A GIFT THAT WILL IMPACT GENERATIONS We are pleased to announce a successful launch of the public phase of our capital campaign– The Campaign for Messiah University: Learning for Life, Transforming the World. On Sept. 16, we shared our vision to raise $75 million by December 2022, which supports four main funding priorities – The Messiah Fund and Scholarship Aid; Scholarship and Program Endowments; New Facilities; and Estate Gift Planning. To date, we have raised $72 million toward our $75 million goal, for which we are deeply grateful and humbled. The focus in the coming months of our campaign is to increase funding toward The Messiah Fund and Scholarship
I am a f ir s t - y e student ar eng at Mes s ia h U n in e e r in g lo o k in g iv e r for a n d s c h w a r d t o le a r n in s it y . I a m e d u li n g g workp s k il la c e years a t M e s s ia ls in m y n e x t few h. That p o s it iv e ly way, I im p a c t Thank c t an he comp you for a n ie s I jo in . g iv in g a t o m e in s t e p p in g my yea sto r s here. have yo Wonderf ne ur supp ort on ul to t h is jo u rney! W a r m ly , R il e y , e n g in e e r in g 1 2 | VO L U M E 3 2 0 2 1 • 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
Aid; Scholarship and Program Endowments; and the Starry Athletic Complex hospitality and concession facilities. Our donors hold a special place within our Messiah community as their financial investments directly and positively impact the lives of our students for years to come. Join us throughout the campaign by visiting www.messiah.edu/MessiahCampaign. On these pages, we encourage you to read about the gratitude our students express for those donors supporting a Messiah University education.
LEARN MORE AND DONATE AT MESSIAH.EDU/MESSIAHCAMPAIGN.
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I am a sen ior interna tional stud you for you ent fr r kindness and generos om Malaysia. Thank tunities be ity. I lost m cause of C any opporovid-19. How financial su ever, beca pport, I wa u s e s of your still able t rience at M o get rese essiah. As arch expea first-gen developing eration stu country, it dent from is rare to ties. The e a get resear xperience I c h opportun g ained will b a career in ie beneficial clinical res as I pursu earch. Aft to get wor e er graduat k experien ion, I intend ce before a school to d pplying to g evelop furt raduate h er as a pe ulate into rson. I hope an M.D.-Ph.D to matric. program by 2023. Yo a differenc u have ma e in my life de . Best regar ds, Kally, mole cular biolo gy
M E S S I A H U N I V E R S I T Y • T H E B R I D G E • VO L U M E 3 2 0 2 1 | 1 3
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PRESIDENT’S REPORT
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PRESIDENT’S REPORT CONTENTS
16 Foreward, Donor Profiles 17 Revenues, Expenditures 18
Meet Our New Trustees
19 Net Assets 20
Lifetime Societies
Financial Aid, Board of Trustees 24 Charitable Gift Allocation
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MATTHEW TENNISON
23 New Heritage Society, Scholarships,
FINANCIALS
A PRESIDENT’S REPORT FOREWARD FROM TRUSTEE CRAIG SIDER
PHOTO COURTESY OF MATT AND TIFFANY STUCKEY
A Messiah University education makes a difference in a student … and in the world. 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. The ability of Messiah University to fulfill its mission is dependent, in part, on a solid financial foundation. The University is blessed to have significant groups of people involved in our solid financial position: alumni and friends who give generously and sacrificially; employees who steward their abilities and financial resources for maximum impact; and trustees who carefully oversee financial
DONOR PROFILE
Matt and Tiffany Stuckey When Matt ’01 and Tiffany (Bower) Stuckey ’02 were looking to attend college in the late 1990s, several factors were important to them. For him, it was a strong business major, and Messiah’s international business program seemed like a great fit. She was looking for a college that provided a great education with a Christian worldview. Both also have
affairs. It is this team effort that provides the opportunity for Messiah University to provide a world-class education to 3,276 undergraduate and graduate students. For the fiscal year that ended June 30, 2021, Messiah was blessed to end with a $1,486,000 cash flow operating surplus. In this disruptive season of a global pandemic, a combination of generosity, sacrifice and careful management made this surplus possible. We are grateful to God for His favor and every person in the campus community for their contribution. Net assets grew by 2.9% from $234,413,012 to $241,183,997. Messiah’s endowment grew from $129,929,547 to $140,197,914, reflecting a net increase of 7.9%. This positive growth enables us to provide a transformational experience for our students anchored in our motto, “Christ Preeminent.” We have much to celebrate with the completion of the Kim S. Phipps Admissions and Welcome Center. This beautiful building is
now a centerpiece for the “welcoming spirit” characterized by the Messiah community. The Board of Trustees initiated this project to honor our president, Kim S. Phipps, who so wonderfully reflects the spirit of hospitality for which Messiah University is known. This new building houses all campus teams designed to serve students as they arrive: the Registrar’s Office, Enrollment Management, Alumni and Parent Relations, Undergraduate Admissions, Student Financial Services and Financial Aid. On behalf of the Board of Trustees, please accept our gratitude for your contribution into the life of Messiah University. As we continue to look to the future, we are firmly committed to preparing students and alumni whose lives are characterized by service, leadership and reconciliation in church and society.
multiple family connections to Messiah University. His two brothers and a cousin followed him to Messiah. And Tiff Stuckey is part of a legacy family, having both parents and several siblings attend Messiah. Matt Stuckey found that the professors at Messiah were exceptional. He felt they really invested in him. For Tiff Stuckey, both professors and coaches had an impact on her. She also values the lasting friendships formed on campus. The Stuckey family owns several car dealerships throughout the Laurel Highlands and central region of Pennsylvania. When asked why they support Messiah, they explained, “We are very excited to be able to offer a scholarship for students to attend Messiah from the communities in which we conduct business. We’re excited to see the outcomes for those students as they obtain their degrees and enter the workforce.” Because of a special matching opportunity available to all donors, the Stuckeys’ endowment gifts for the Stuckey Family Scholarship Endowment have been matched,
dollar-for-dollar, thus doubling the impact of their generosity. It is a true gift when alumni invest in current students through scholarship aid and endowment. We are so thankful for their commitment to their alma mater.
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— Craig Sider, Trustee chair
“ We are very excited to be able to offer a scholarship for students to attend Messiah from the communities in which we conduct business. We’re excited to see the outcomes for those students as they obtain their degrees and enter the workforce.” — Matt ’01 and Tiffany Stuckey ’02
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REVENUES (IN 000S)
Net tuition and fees Government grants and appropriations Gifts and grants Capital gifts Endowment return designated for operations Investment Income Other sources Auxiliary enterprises Total operating revenues
58,022 4,052 2,649 329 9,920 559 1,842 17,921 95,294
60,883 2,456 1,783 2,792 7,495 594 3,104 17,762 96,869
59,916 967 2,209 1,346 7,365 (9) 4,563 21,477 97,834
34,248 8,521 21,132 1,520 16,170 17,003 98,594 (3,300)
36,920 9,089 21,101 1,909 14,529 15,972 99,520 (2,651)
39,120 9,385 21,211 2,772 16,078 14,353 102,919 (5,085)
EXPENSES (IN 000S)
Instructional Academic support Student services Public service Auxiliary enterprises Supporting services, institutional support Total operating expenses Net operating income
1,278
2,040
(9,032) (86) - 348 (395)
(1,708) (21) 196 (198)
(7,887) 309 (10,538) (4,776) 244,951 249,727 234,413 244,951
MATTHEW TENNISON
N O N O P E R AT I N G R E V E N U E S , E X P E N S E S A N D OT H E R C H A N G E S ( I N 0 0 0 S )
Endowment and life income gifts 1,488 Endowment investment returns, net of amount designated for operations 7,301 Change in value of beneficial interest in perpetual trusts 826 Other nonoperating income/(expense) - Investment return on trusts and gift annuities 1,302 Change in value of split interest agreements (Trusts and CGA’s) (846) Gain (Loss) on disposal of fixed assets Total nonoperating revenues, expenses and other changes 10,071 Total changes in net assets 6,771 Net assets, beginning of year 234,413 Net assets, end of year 241,184
Tuition and fees is net of financial aid of $44.9 million, $41.9 million and $41.9 million in 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
REVENUES
2020-2021 fiscal year 61% Net tuition and fees 19% Auxiliary expenses 10% Endowment return designated for operations 4% Government grants and appropriations 3% Gifts and grants 2% Other sources 1% Investment income
EXPENSES
2020-2021 fiscal year
35% Instructional 21% Student services 17% Supporting services, institutional support 16% Auxiliary enterprises 9% Academic support 2% Public service
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FINANCIALS
Rim HINCKLEY ’83 MEET OUR (NEW) TRUSTEES
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KAREN GARLINGER
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fter taking a year off after a 12-year term, Rim Hinckley returned to the Board of Trustees this year. Why? Because she believes in Christian education. “Reconciliation is even more important today. The whole education system has lost what the true meaning of education is. Institutions like Messiah need to stand out and stand firm in their truth,” she said. Education and faith have been intertwined in Hinckley’s life from the beginning. When her parents immigrated to Philadelphia from South Korea in the 1970s, the neighbors invited the family to church. Although her parents weren’t Christian at the time, they dropped her and her siblings off every Sunday in hopes the children would learn English by attending. At home, she learned four priorities: family, education, career and then religion. “Religion was fourth. Actually, that’s not the proper order,” she said. When it came time to attend college, she chose Messiah to deepen her faith. “I learned there are all different faith traditions, but they all love Jesus. Not everyone worships the same way. That was eye-opening,” she said. “I learned to depend on God alone, which I think is a great lesson at a Christian college,” she said. “Professors taught us how to think not what to think. Messiah teaches you how to live well, not just how to make a living.” She majored in mathematics with a certificate in secondary math and eventually opened her own school—The Geneva School of Manhattan—in 1996, which provides a classical Christian education from preschool through high school. “Serving on Messiah University’s board is an honor,” she said. “They are committed people who love God and love serving to help shape Messiah to where it is. I can play a small part.”
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NET ASSETS
S U M M A R Y S TAT E M E N T O F E N D OW M E N T F U N D S ( I N 0 0 0 S )
Donor endowment Board-designated endowment Total endowed funds Endowment percent change
47,253 92,945 140,198 7.90%
41,824 88,106 129,930 -5.81%
43,250 94,697 137,947 -0.10%
$ millions
250
ASSETS (IN 000S)
Cash and cash equivalents Notes and accounts receivable, net Promises to give, net Interest receivable Inventories Prepaid expenses and other assets Investments, gift annuities, and assets held in trust Loans receivable - students Deposits with trustee under debt agreements Beneficial interest in perpetual trusts Right-of-use assets Property and equipment, net Total assets
11,857 9,511 5,617 4,430 3,127 3,037 3,552 6,171 6,885 138 132 164 585 595 579 655 495 1,503 155,471 144,142 155,073 1,794 2,091 2,449 - - 232 4,697 3,871 3,957 5,486 148,480 152,206 151,264 337,145 322,341 330,760
200
150
LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS (IN 000S)
Liabilities: Accounts payable and accrued expenses Student deposits Funds held in custody for others Deferred revenue Annuities payable Funds held in trust for others Lease liabilities Long-term debt U.S. government grants refundable Other liabilities Total liabilities
7,772 2,213 56 1,685 4,096 213 5,486 70,304 1,493 2,643 95,961
10,275 2,668 61 1,342 3,780 389 - 64,330 1,879 3,204 87,928
6,360 1,345 76 1,655 3,861 304 66,577 2,535 3,096 85,809
Net assets: Without donor restrictions 180,154 178,043 185,544 With donor restrictions Restricted, time and purpose 16,713 14,860 18,766 Restricted, in perpetuity 44,317 41,510 40,641 Total net assets with donor restrictions 61,030 56,370 59,407 Total net assets 241,184 234,413 244,951 Total liabilities and net assets 337,145 322,341 330,760 Total change in net assets 6,771 (10,538) (4,776)
100 Donor restricted, in perpetuity Donor restricted, time and purpose Without donor restrictions
50
0
2013
2015
2017
2019
2021
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PHOTO COURTESY OF BRENT AND MINDY SMITH
FINANCIALS
DONOR PROFILE
Brent and Mindy Smith Brent ’05 and Mindy (Miller) Smith ’04 have deep connections to Messiah going back to before they were students. They both had
LIFETIME SOCIETIES M E S S I A H L E G AC Y
Lifetime cumulative giving totaling $10,000,000 or more Leonard Fry† Calvin G. & Janet C. High* Abe† & Gladys† Mellinger The Parmer Family Foundation George A. & Barbara Parmer* MESSIAH TRUST
Lifetime cumulative giving of $1,000,000 to $9,999,999 Vernon E. & Faye R. Anderson* Ernest L.† ’48 & Kathryn G. (Tyson) Boyer ’46 Brethren in Christ - Cooperative Ministries Covenant Fund Conestoga Wood Specialties Norman† & Elizabeth M. Hahn* Harold H.† ’37 & Mary Elizabeth† (Hoover) Engle ’40 Charles F.† & Ann E.† Frey* Emerson C.† ’57 & May† Frey* Larry E. & Lois A. Gladfelter* Harry R. Hitchcock† William M.† & Lucille M.† Hollinger Lawrence L. & Julia Z. Hoverter Charitable Foundation David G.† & Beatriz A.† Howe Richard† & Louise K.† Jordan*
relationships with people who were invested at Messiah as employees or students. Their positive experiences were influential in their decisions to later attend here. In addition, they appreciated the opportunity to blend strong academic programming with a foundation in faith and service. And in Mindy Smith’s case, a competitive women’s soccer team was a big plus! When asked what they value most about Messiah University, they responded, “We value the community of alumni, current students, faculty and staff. Messiah takes an intentional approach in supporting student growth, emphasizing collaboration and applying learning. We value Messiah’s commitment to reconciliation on campus, in our local communities and within a broader world context.” They graciously have agreed to co-lead the fundraising effort–along with David ’88 and
Bonnie (Rapp) Millary ’90–to support a greatly needed hospitality and concessions project near the Starry Field Complex. When asked why they are willing to co-lead this effort, they both commented on how Messiah provided them with transformative experiences. They have seen the positive impact that current students and alumni have in various areas of society. Further, they view Messiah Athletics as the embodiment of the pursuit of excellence, character development and fostering community. “We believe that the project on Starry is a great opportunity to support these areas, impacting both individual lives and community relationships,” they said. We are deeply grateful for the support of the Smiths and alumni like them who value their experiences at Messiah and seek to support our Christ-centered educational mission in a variety of ways.
Richard E. ’70, II & Sharon N. Jordan Josiah W. & Bessie H. Kline Foundation The Kresge Foundation Ralph S.† & Dorothy Larsen* Lilly Endowment Inc. Martin’s Famous Pastry Shoppe James A. & Donna F. Martin* McCormick Family Foundation W. Edwin† & Miriam† Naugle Galen M. ’48 & Boots L.† (Buckwalter) Oakes ’49* D.S.† & Helen† Poorman Preis Investment Company Harry W.† & Nancy R. Preis Sawyer Products Maurice† & Dorothea I.† Shaffer John E.† & Ida† Sollenberger The Stabler Foundation Donald B.† & Dorothy L.† Stabler LeRoy M.† ’55 & Eunice (Frey) Steinbrecher ’58* The Whitaker Foundation John L.† & C. Jeanette† Witmer World Vision Inc. Anonymous donors (2)
Quentin Berg Trust Quentin† & Frances H.† Berg Bingaman & Son Lumber Co. Max E. & Martha Bingaman* Chris C. ’79 & Heidi Jo (Grove) Bingaman ’80* Dean E. & Karen Heintzelman John A. Blessing Foundation Ernest S.† & Elsie L.† Burch Marion Barker Burr† David E.† ’61 & Jean Byer Charlie B. ’56 & Miriam N. (Nissly) Byers ’56* Clemens Family Corporation Asa W.† ’16 & Anna E.† (Kipe) Climenhaga ’16 Cumberland County Industrial Development Authority J. Harold ’58 & Ruth† (Eckert) Engle ’58* Melvin E.† ’48 & Vivian Eyster* Richard F. Fake ’37† C.J.† & Harriet† Fredricksen* S. Johannah Gearhart† General Electric Foundation Norma Gotwalt† HARSCO Corporation Donald C.† & Agnes R. Hayden Scott A. ’89 & Gaye Y. Heintzelman* The High Foundation Evert C.† & Mildred S.† Hokanson Charles B. & Sally Hoober* George C.† & Patricia† Hoopy Clyde W. & Barbara A. Horst* D. Ray † ’48 & Audrey (Fisher) Hostetter ’50* Clarence W. Hottel Sr.† Randall B. ’66 & Judy G. Inskip
PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE
Lifetime cumulative giving of $250,000 to $999,999 Association of Independent Colleges & Universities of Pennsylvania M. Louise Aughinbaugh† Richard S. & Ann B. Barshinger Family Foundation
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Johnson & Johnson Family of Companies W. M. Keck Foundation W. Wayde† & Glenda Kelly Allen F. Knouse ’68 Leon E.† & Margaret M.† Kocher J. Gary & Deborah A. Langmuir Lebo & Reed Real Estate Partnership Quality Greenhouses & Perennial Farm Gary G.† & Gloria I. (Mann) Lebo ’75* Jeffrey F. ’74 & Leslie (Lustig) Lehman ’75* P. Galen† ’53 & Sara (Brubaker) Lenhert ’53 Wayne A. & Martha G. Marcho* Aaron J.† ’48 & Jean† Martin Stephen W. ’78 & Jana M. (Shultz) McBeth ’77 David H. ’88 & Bonnie L. (Rapp) Millary ’90* Jacob & Ada Miller Trust Kenneth V. & Renee A. Moreland* William L.† & Geraldine M.† Murray David A. & Joni J. Nicol Paul W. & Laura† Nisly*
Rocco & Nancy Ortenzio Foundation Jeannie Pascale PBS Coal Inc. Pew Memorial Charitable Trusts Marlin & Nancy† Riegsecker Andrew S. ’84 & Jane D. (Davis) Samuel ’83* Maynard† & Carolyn Sauder Oscar F.† & Pauline M.† Shafer The Joseph T. & Helen M. Simpson Foundation Jerry T.† & Hilary M. Simpson* L.B. Smith Educational Foundation Inc. Robert H.† ’42 & Marilyn L. (Byer) Smith ’51 John B.† & Mary V.† Sollenberger Ellis R.† & Louise P.† Speakman The John Frederick Steinman Foundation Stover Family Foundation J. Matthew & Debra Stover* Matthew J. ’01 & Tiffany L. (Bower) Stuckey ’02 John Templeton Foundation Kermit Thomas†
Turkey Hill Dairy Daniel Vollmer† The Franklin H. & Ruth L. Wells Foundation Paul A. ’63 & Elaine K. (Crider) Wengert ’57 Willow Valley Associates Marlin H. & Doris Ann Thomas* Amelia C. Winter† Witmer Foundation Leslie K. & Marion H. Witmer* Todd M. ’91 & Deborah J. Witmer* Kenneth E.† & Minta Wolfe Donald R.† ’55 & Anna Ruth (Kline) Zook ’78* Anonymous donors (2) *M essiah University thanks the parents of our current and former students who continue to generously support the University’s ongoing educational mission. † Messiah University gratefully acknowledges the generosity of donors who are deceased.
SUPPORTERS OF MESSIAH UNIVERSITY
32.6% Trustees 21.0% Foundations 14.8% Friends 13.5% Alumni 12.4% Parents 4.5% Business 0.9% Organizations 0.3% Church
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FINANCIALS
Jessica THOMAS ’08 MEET OUR NEW TRUSTEES
KAREN GARLINGER
W
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hat does community mean to you when you’re a third-culture student at Messiah? Ask Jessica Thomas ’08. “I grew up internationally, moved around a lot and graduated from a school in Dakar, Senegal,” she said. “Having gone to boarding school from sixth grade on, I was used to being away from family.” However, her sister was attending Messiah and had great stories to tell about the campus. “It was really great experience. My sister was a senior when I came in. She was part of the reason I had decided on Messiah,” said Thomas. “That first year was pivotal and meaningful to me. To be in a new context with other third-culture kids, we could relate to each other. I was able to build my group of friends and community.” After majoring in human development and family science with a minor in business, she completed a master’s in global affairs at New York University. She works as the director of strategic initiatives and as the diversity, equity and inclusion business partner at the Council on Foreign Relations in New York City. “I don’t think I really got it consciously, the whole idea of servant leadership and reconciliation until I left Messiah,” she said. “Being in New York, it was a big culture shock. When you interact with people who are very different from you at first glance, the Messiah roots of hospitality and being gracious and civil then enabled me to build relationships with people I’d never had the opportunity to before. In my work and in my volunteering, I know I’ve made an impact on others’ lives, not by what I said but by how I treated people. That gets to the heart of what Jesus is all about.” She brings those skills as a servant leader as a new member of the Board of Trustees this year. “When I think of Messiah, I think of President Phipps, and serving alongside her on the board is an honor,” said Thomas. “Many of the things I gained professionally and spiritually, I gained at Messiah. To bring my background and experience in and help other students of color and those from around the world have the education I had, it’s a great starting point to make an impact.”
N E W H E R I TAG E S O C I E T Y M E M B E R S
Jeffrey S. & Sandra J. Eberts Austin N. ’52 & Rhoda M. (Sider) Heise ’48* J. Norman ’49 & A. Lois (Feather) Hostetter ’49 Nicholas & Kelly K. Johnson* Richard E. II ’70 & Sharon N. Jordan Dorothy Larsen* Garret W. ’00 & Kelly L. (Johansen) Larsen ’00, M.A. ’16 Steven & Michelle L. Lockwood* Randal E. & Nancy J. Moyer* Ann E. Olson ’86 David L. ’74 & Linda K. Parkyn* Alan & Sharon Robinson* Cory A. & Tina M. Shover* Jeffrey L. ’92 & Jane Y. Stoltzfus Michelle Summerson* Michael Webb & Shauna L. Nefos-Webb ’04 Anonymous (1) *former or current parent A LU M N I C O U N C I L | 2 0 2 1 -2 0 2 2
Barbara Bingham ’03 Charles Blachford ’06 George Book ’97 Paul Broomell ’14 Doris Crider ’60 Rudy Crider ’71 John Frey ’83 Elizabeth Gallo ’16 Judith Hamilton ’63 Robert Hamilton ’62
Moses Kavishe ’16 Jenna McClain ’17 Derek Mosley ’13 Jean Mosley ’13 Phil Naegely ’15 Jason Polansky ’19 Jacob Specht ’11 Kathleen Stuebing ’63 Gerald Wolgemuth ’58 Ruth Wolgemuth ’60
KAREN GARLINGER
Thank you to those who became members of the Heritage Society during the 20202021 fiscal year. The Heritage Society was established to appropriately thank those who have included Messiah University in their wills, created a deferred gift arrangement or established an endowed fund. Their dedication is greatly appreciated.
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Dr. Craig E. Sider, chair Philadelphia, Pa. Mrs. Heidi G. Bingaman, vice chair Kreamer, Pa. Mr. David Millary, secretary Dillsburg, Pa. Mr. Anthony Schiano, treasurer Duck, N.C. Mrs. Barbara Avery Safety Harbor, Fla. Hon. Sherrie Bailey Towson, Md. Mr. Larry Bashore, Mechanicsburg, Pa.
Mrs. Wendy L. Cole Winfield, Pa. Mrs. Linda D. Eremita Pittsburgh, Pa. Mr. Richard L. Godshall Souderton, Pa. Mr. Anthony H. Hahn East Earl, Pa. Mr. Scott A. Heintzelman Mechanicsburg, Pa. Ms. Rim Hinckley New York, N.Y. Dr. Joachim J. Huerter Annville, Pa. Mr. Garret Larsen Spring, Texas
Dr. Emerson L. Lesher Mechanicsburg, Pa. Mr. James A. Martin Chambersburg, Pa. Mr. Kenneth V. Moreland West Friendship, Md. Mr. Rodney L. Musser Doylestown, Pa. Mr. Edward Nevin Finksburg, Md. Mr. George A. Parmer Harrisburg, Pa. Dr. Alan Robinson Dillsburg, Pa. Mr. Andrew Samuel Dillsburg, Pa.
SCHOLARSHIPS
• Ivan E. Beachy Memorial Scholarship • Dr. Gene B. Chase Memorial Scholarship • Class of 1970 Helping Hands Scholarship • Goodling Nursing Scholarship Fund • Austin & Rhoda Heise Endowed Scholarship • In His Hands Scholarship Direct Aid
• Johnson Family Endowment for Athletics • Rick & Sharon Jordan Scholarship Endowment • Lillian R. & Roderick H. Knecht Memorial Endowed Scholarship Fund • Leckrone Family Endowed Scholarship • Lolus Endowed Scholarship Fund • Paul C. Morgan Memorial Scholarship • David L. & Linda K. Parkyn Endowed Scholarship Fund • The Shover Family Scholarship • Jonas K. Stoltzfus Scholarship Fund • Vega Scholarship Direct Aid
GROWTH OF FINANCIAL AID GRANTS AT MESSIAH 45 40 35 in thousands
THE FOLLOWING SCHOLARSHIPS, ESTABLISHED DURING THE 2020-21 ACADEMIC YEAR, ARE AN INVESTMENT IN THE LIVES OF STUDENTS THAT WILL YIELD FRUITFUL AND LASTING RETURNS.
Mrs. Eunice F. Steinbrecher Lancaster, Pa. Ms. Jessica Thomas New York, N.Y. Mrs. Kimberly C. Thornbury Vancouver, Wash. Mr. John C. Wagner, Jr. Raleigh, N.C. Mr. Todd Witmer Lancaster, Pa.
30 25 20 15 10 5 2006
2009
2012
2015
2018
2021
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FINANCIALS
ALLOCATION OF GIFTS
38.1% Building projects 24.6% Restricted gifts and grants 16.4% Endowments 6.9% Messiah Fund 6.7% Designated budget 5.9% Deferred gifts 1.3% Government grants 0.1% Budgeted restricted
DONOR PROFILE
James (Joonsu) Cho
COURTESY OF JAMES JOONSU CHO ’90
CEO Kia Australia James (Joonsu) Cho ’90 came to Messiah in the late 1980s and graduated in 1990. After leaving Messiah, he returned to Korea and eventually began working for the Hyundai Motor Company in 1992. Hyundai is the parent company of Kia, which sent him to Michigan State to earn his MBA. He would later spend two years as head of the Kia Western Europe support team, and before that he spent six years as chief executive coordinator for Kia United Kingdom. He became CEO of Kia Australia in 2018. 2 4 | VO L U M E 3 2 0 2 1 • 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
When reflecting on why he has supported Messiah, he said, “I have given to Messiah because Messiah already gave me so much. I met Jesus, formed the value standard for making decisions as a Christian and learned to live as a believer while I was in Messiah. I believe Messiah’s role in this world is crucial, for it prepares the servants of Christ and they make changes. I gave because I want to be a part of it.” In additional to financial support, Cho has invested in his alma mater by meeting with students over Zoom calls and is also serving on President Phipps’ Executive Leadership Roundtable. We are deeply grateful for alumni who are willing to support current students as a way to thank Messiah University for its impact on their lives.
Todd WITMER ’91 MEET OUR NEW TRUSTEES
A
KAREN GARLINGER
fter 12 years of Christian school, Todd Witmer ’91 says he’d planned to attend a secular college to change things up. His parents, however, encouraged him to visit just one Christian institution: Messiah College. During the campus visit, he found Messiah’s facilities, campus and classes just clicked for him. “God’s hand was in it,” said Witmer. “I feel that was divine intervention.” Messiah felt like home. He majored in business administration and found Messiah’s professors did an excellent job of speaking into his life, connecting with him as mentors. Living on the third floor of Miller Residence provided him with lifelong friends. “I think Messiah was a safe place to figure out who I was and what I believed in,” he said. “You learn that you’re not just getting an education but you’re also there to serve, to get involved.” With that passion to serve, he’s joining Messiah University’s Board of Trustees to give back to the institution that taught him so much. He has spent the past 30 years growing The Witmer Group, his family masonry contractor business, using the skills he learned at Messiah. “After I got my degree, I started using all I’d learned at Messiah—business law, marketing, branding, human resources,” he said. “It was the perfect environment to use everything I’d learned. Messiah really prepared me to build the business to employ more than 200 people.” His education and expertise will prove invaluable as he joins the board’s operations committee to help with strategic planning. More importantly, however, he wants to create a new Messiah Tradition, a “sculpture” made of scrap metal (including a basketball hoop) that mysteriously went missing after he graduated. “I’m proud of the fact that when I was a senior, we were the last class to have the Messiah Tradition on our Homecoming float. We turned it over to juniors, and I think they stored it in one of the buildings that got torn down,” said Witmer. “My goal as a board member is to see if we can get the Messiah Tradition resurrected and get it going again. As long as we can have ‘Class of 1991’ engraved on it.” M E S S I A H U N I V E R S I T Y • T H E B R I D G E • VO L U M E 3 2 0 2 1 | 2 5
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ALUMNI PROFILES
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NICK SIDER ’10
ARTIST FINDS NICHE IN NYC (AND AROUND THE WORLD) NICK SIDER ’10 CREDITS ONLINE FAN BASE WITH HIS GROWING SUCCESS
So, he moved to New York City and got serious about painting, learning through trial and error. His hyper-realistic style involves building layers of acrylic paint to showcase God’s creations. “While I didn’t study art at Messiah, I had a great experience and made some incredible friends that I am still close to today. To any young, aspiring artist, I would say it is very possible to make a living doing what you love,” he said. “It’s not easy, and often takes time, but if you are
determined and motivated, you can make it happen. Start sharing your work online and with everyone you know. Most importantly, don’t settle, and go after something you love.” What’s next for Sider? Through Galerie Bartoux, he hopes to show his work in Miami and Europe. He’s also excited to have his first museum show at the Zillman Art Museum in Bangor, Maine, in the summer of 2022. — Anna Seip
FRED SCHMITT PHOTOGRAPHY
When The Bridge last profiled NYC artist Nick Sider ’10 in 2017, a video of his painting process had garnered 7 million views, thanks to a share by rapper 50 Cent. Four years later, Sider has gone global. “I’m very fortunate to now be selling my artwork to collectors all over the world,” said Sider. “I began a series of lion and tiger paintings in 2017 that has taken off over the last few years and gained a lot of popularity on social media. This allowed me to put on my own solo show in New York City in 2018.” Things slowed down when the pandemic hit, but he says the past year has been amazing thanks to Galerie Bartoux, a Paris-based gallery with locations all over the world.
“I’ve had the opportunity to show my art in their Manhattan gallery, a goal I set for myself when I moved to New York City in 2014,” he said. Known for his wildlife paintings, he is also skilled in portraiture. He worked as a caricature artist for several years and says that experience helped him learn to capture the essence of a person through art. During the Syrian refugee crisis, he reached out to an organization that helps refugee families. “I decided to paint a 5-foot portrait of a refugee girl from Jordan and used it to raise money for the organization,” he said. “Because I had gained some online attention for my paintings, I figured I would start to point that attention toward an important cause.” For another important cause, he painted a portrait of a young girl in Zambia, which is shown on this magazine’s cover. “I found her image through the nonprofit CURE International, and she was at one of their hospitals for hydrocephalus,” he said. Although he majored in Christian ministries at Messiah, he realized after working in the pastoral field that he needed to follow his dream to be a painter.
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ERIK HALL ’06
National forensics expert seeks justice in cases ERIK HALL ’06 LENDS INSIGHT TO GABBY PETITO CASE ON CNN If you work in the field of forensics, you might find yourself working in a lab one minute and then appearing on CNN to discuss a headline-grabbing homicide case the next. That’s all in day’s work for biochemistry graduate Erik Hall ’06, the director of the forensic science program and assistant professor at Saint Louis University (SLU) in St. Louis, Missouri. “My typical day consists of working with students in the forensic science program, whether
on cutting-edge DNA research, laboratory assignments, mentoring or teaching,” he said. “In addition, I am always working with outside agencies, such as crime laboratories and medical examiner offices, to develop relationships between academics and government agencies.” As the Gabby Petito homicide case unfolded across the nation, Hall appeared on CNN in October to discuss the autopsy. Although he doesn’t have direct information related to the case, the network asked him to speak as an expert to what might be going on in the case in general. “Forensic experts, like I am, would be independently analyzing any evidence collected at the crime scenes for DNA, fingerprints, trace evidence and so on,” he explained. “The forensic scientists would be using all available tools and techniques in this case, just like they would in any other investigation, to try and obtain the best possible evidence from
the body, clothing, van or crime scene to provide to law enforcement and attorneys who are investigating the case.” Prior to his job at SLU, he worked in the St. Louis Police Department Crime Laboratory as the biology technical leader. In this role, he processed homicides, police shootings and sexual assaults, looking for any DNA evidence that may have been left behind. Through this role, he presented at forensic science conferences and as a guest lecturer for professors at the university, which led to his current teaching role. “Of course, my first teaching role was a lab assistant for Dr. [Roseann] Sach’s organic chemistry lab more than 16 years ago,”
Erik Hall ’06, right, director of the forensic science program at Saint Louis University, recently appeared on CNN. 2 8 | VO L U M E 3 2 0 2 1 • 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
he said. “I can’t help but think that all these years later I have lab assistants of my own.” He credits Sachs with serving as a mentor during his formative time at Messiah. “We have kept in touch throughout the years and just knowing that a professor like her cares that much to follow up on your career and life means a lot and affirms the choice I made in choosing Messiah for an education,” said Hall. After 13 years in forensic science, what’s next for him? He created Hall Forensic Consulting to provide expert services and training opportunities to law enforcement and lawyers in St. Louis and throughout the U.S. “I have always been passionate about ensuring victims—and suspects—get justice in their respective cases,” he said. “I envision myself working more closely with the law community to ensure lawyers have the necessary knowledge to properly prosecute or defend a case involving forensic science.” From biochem major to national forensics expert, Hall says attending Messiah fostered his passion for science and ultimately led him to where he is today. —Anna Seip and Molly McKim ’23
H O L LY R O U S H ’ 9 6
MESSIAH NURSE NAMED VP AT PENN STATE HEALTH MED CENTER
Holly Roush ’96, a Messiah nursing graduate, was recently named the vice president of Heart and Vascular Services at Penn State Health, responsible for operational strategy and coordination of services at the health system. After graduating from Messiah, she started her career at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. In 2001, after working in the intensive care units, she also served as the inaugural chair for the First Nurse Practice Council, working closely with executive nurse leaders. In 2004, with the launch of the Penn State Heart and Vascular Institute, she felt called to be a part of it. “Many members of my family were affected by cardiovascular disease, so this new team approach to patient care, research and education of future health care providers resonated with me,” said Roush. At the institute, she worked as a direct care nurse and then as a clinical nurse leader. A month into her new role, her uncle needed heart surgery and ended up in her unit. “I knew that he and I were right where we were supposed to be when I entered his room and found his cardiologist, electrophysiologist, interventional radiologist and heart surgeon all at his bedside planning his care together,” she said. In 2009, Roush stepped away to pursue a different role as operational leadership up until her recent promotion. Growing up with a mother who was a nurse, Roush says she wasn’t sure she wanted to follow
in her mom’s footsteps. In the beginning of her college career, she took classes in mathematics and teaching, but after some quiet reflection and prayer, she chose the nursing program. Despite being intimidated by the intense curriculum, she says she received guidance and strong foundational learning. “The support of the instructors paired with an opportunity to learn and practice in the simulation lab helped me feel more prepared to start in my first direct care position,” she said. When the pandemic hit, Roush said she felt helpless, knowing that many of her nurses and physicians were working long hours and caring for patients with a virus they knew little about. Early in Penn State Health’s pandemic response, she helped staff at the Hospital Incident Command Center to make sure care teams had the resources and support they needed. “Looking back,” she said, “I feel blessed and honored to have had this opportunity to help the care teams.” Learning throughout her various roles within the nursing community and completing her master’s in nursing administration in 2015, Roush leaves fellow nurses with some advice: seek more education. “I would encourage more nurses to consider the professional challenge and opportunities to lead healthcare operations. The collective impact for positive patient care and experience could be profound,” she said. — Molly McKim ’23
PHOTO COURTESY OF PENN STATE HEALTH MILTON S. HERSHEY MEDICAL CENTER
HOLLY ROUSH ’96 PROVIDES LEADERSHIP TO VASCULAR AND HEART SERVICES
Holly Roush ’96 encourages fellow nurses to seek additional education, so they, too, can lead healthcare operations like she does.
“ I WOULD ENCOURAGE MORE NURSES TO CONSIDER THE PROFESSIONAL CHALLENGE AND OPPORTUNITIES TO LEAD HEALTHCARE OPERATIONS. THE COLLECTIVE IMPACT FOR POSITIVE PATIENT CARE AND EXPERIENCE COULD BE PROFOUND. — Holly Roush ’96
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ALUMNI PROFILES
J O N AT H A N S T U T Z M A N ’ 0 9
Children’s book author pens 10th title FILMMAKER FINDS NEW VISUAL MEDIUM IN STORYTELLING
PHOTOS COURTESY OF JONATHAN STUTZMAN ’09
Filmmaker-turned-children’sbook-writer Jonathan Stutzman ’09, recently published his 10th book, “Bear is a Bear.” Illustrated by Caldecott Medal winner Dan Santat, the story follows the life of a young girl and how her relationship with her stuffed bear changes as she grows up. “For most children, stuffed animal play is their first practice in storytelling,” said the film major. “It was the same for me. Each had a name, a voice, interests,
jobs, etc., and I spent many, many hours creating adventures and coming up with stories for them. It was a great exercise with imagination.” How did he become an author? While working as a filmmaker and studying at Temple University for his master’s in film, his girlfriend—now wife—had asked for help on her children’s book project for a class. Soon, Stutzman fell in love with children’s literature and all of its processes—from researching and reading thousands of picture books to attending live storytime events for kids. Although he stepped away from filmmaking to become a full-time children’s author, he says him film degree comes in handy when visualizing book ideas. “Film is a visual medium and so is a picture book. There’s a lot of crossover between the two
in the storytelling mechanics. All storytelling, no matter the form, is about communicating. Whether that’s an idea, a theme, a feeling. Most importantly, I just want to be able to create and tell stories. It doesn’t really matter how,” he said. He says creative writing also relates very closely to his faith and finds inspiration in scripture. “We have a Creator speaking a story into life: the cosmos. I think it’s something inherent in the atoms of all living things, this passion to create,” he said. “Every creative breath I take stems from my faith and derives from who I am as a person. There’s a lot of chaos and brokenness out there, but I’m grateful that I have a chance to use my creative gifts to maybe help spark some flicker of laughter,
‘Bear is a Bear,’ a story inspired by the author’s mother, is the 10th children’s book by Jonathan Stutzman ’09.
love and light in the lives of children who might need it.” In the coming year, he plans to publish a new book, “The Mouse Who Carried a House on His Back,” with award-winning illustrator Isabella Arsenault, finish a novel and share some current film projects. — Molly McKim ’23 LEARN MORE ABOUT STUTZMAN AND HIS BOOKS ON HIS WEBSITE AT: WWW.JONATHANSTUTZMAN.COM
“ We have a Creator speaking a story into life: the cosmos. I think it’s something inherent in the atoms of all living things, this passion to create.” — Jonathan Stutzman ’09 3 0 | VO L U M E 3 2 0 2 1 • 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
CLASS NOTES
1990s
2010s
John Bowers ’99 works as the CEO at Vandenack Weaver LLC.
Gerard ’10 and Clarissa (Elam) Marrone ’10 announce the birth of Benjamin, Feb. 23, 2021.
2000s Sara Pike ’00 works as the coordinator of technical services at Bristol Community College. The Rev. Sean Titus ’02 serves as the pastor at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Dillsburg, Pa. Matthew Thomas ’04 and Casey Schmeichel announce the birth of Morgan Esther Matilda Thomas, Dec. 7, 2020.
Rachel (Kratz) Yehl ’10 and husband Andrew announce the birth of John, May 15, 2021. Joseph D’Ambrosi ’14 works as the director of theatre in the Osceola County School District in Florida. Eddie LaRow ’16 works as the special markets sales manager at InterVarsity Press.
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FROM THE ARCHIVES
Messiah’s Black Student Union got its start in the 1970s CLUB PROVIDES SAFE SPACE FOR BLACK STUDENTS, WORKS TOWARD RECONCILIATION In the 1970s, Black students launched a club called the Black Student Union (BSU) to offer support spiritually, socially and academically.
MATTHEW TENNISON PHOTOGRAPHY
There were plans to promote programming related to the Black experience on campus and to attend related off-campus events. They also encouraged a Black studies major, ultimately leading to the first AfroAmerican literature class. Forming the club in the ’70s obviously didn’t “fix” student and faculty concerns about diversity. 3 2 | VO L U M E 3 2 0 2 1 • 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
President D. Ray Hostetter responded by creating an ad hoc faculty-student Committee on Discrimination, which set out to define racial discrimination and formulate recommendations for how to remedy it on campus. After the original students of the BSU graduated, the club seemed to disappear. “I came in ’79 and there was nothing going on,” said Gina Gilliam ’83, a retired federal government public relations director. She says when she approached student government about reforming the BSU, there was confusion. She was asked why
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE MESSIAH UNIVERSITY ARCHIVES
This archival Messiah yearbook photo shows the inaugural members of the Black Student Union, a club that formed on campus in 1973 and continues today.
she couldn’t just join the international club. Concerned about providing spaces on campus for Black students, she resurrected the BSU and became its president. Annette (Richardson) Hampton ’76, one of the original members, worked at Messiah by then and became the BSU advisor. Today, students who join the BSU are just as motivated to share experiences and create spaces of conversation. Hope Hammond ’22, a social work major and club president, says the BSU of today shares a similar purpose to the BSU of the past. “The BSU today still finds that to be a focal point when making decisions on what topics to discuss and what events to host for our students. We continue to be a safe space for our Black population on campus to feel heard and loved” said Hammond. Today’s BSU discusses issues related to campus and the larger Messiah community, a goal that the original BSU set out to
accomplish in the 1970s. “While we focus on addressing issues that largely affect the Black community, we also hold conversations on tensions between our community with others, and often discuss steps that can be taken to resolve and eradicate those tensions. Conversations like these create the space for reconciliation to take place on an interpersonal level, in hopes that we may continue to work together towards reconciliation in our broader communities,” said Hammond. There have been some misconceptions over the years that membership to the club is closed. That’s not the case, says current club advisor Sarah Jones, an associate professor of nursing at Messiah University. “As the club seeks to strengthen community at Messiah, membership is always open to students of diverse ethnicities and cultural backgrounds to join, learn, lament and progress toward hope and healing with BSU.
As club advisor, I am honored to support the BSU leadership in its endeavors to build up and enlighten our Messiah student body, said Jones. Hammond says she has felt the positive effects of the space BSU provides for Black students. “Coming to Messiah, I knew that I wanted to learn, heal and to navigate predominately white spaces differently. BSU was the
space that allowed me to do that,” she said. “I not only met some of my closest friends, but I was immersed in an environment where Black culture, intelligence and beauty were celebrated and praised. It inspired and created an openness for me to reflect, learn and grow into my most genuine self.” — Molly McKim ’23 and Anna Seip
“ I not only met some of my closest friends, but I was immersed in an environment where Black culture, intelligence and beauty were celebrated and praised. — Hope Hammond ’22
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Students watch one of Messiah’s beautiful sunsets over Eisenhower Campus Center.
DANIEL SMUTEK ’23
OU TSIDE LOOK