Non-ProfitOrganizationU.S. Postage

PAIDBeaver Falls, PAPermit No. 16 G

GENEVAMAGAZINE

SUMMER 2013

“Apply your heart to instruction and your ears to words of knowledge.” Proverbs 23:12

At the heArt

of

I n s t r u c t I o n

Elizabeth “Liz” Noell

Two of Liz’s four children chose to pursue a challenging

education at Geneva College—Laura, a 2013 music

performance graduate; and Stephen, a junior majoring in

biology. And because both Laura and Stephen benefitted

from the academic scholarships they received, Liz had

been looking for the best means of saying, “Thank

you for helping our kids.”

She had also been weighing options for a faithful

manner of establishing a memorial for her parents, who

had left a life insurance policy in her name. “My children

and husband are well taken care of,” explains Liz,

“so I wanted to find a suitable way to use that

resource to honor the Lord.”

To satisfy both of these considerations, Liz established

the Olin S. and Glenna A. Fearing Endowed Scholarship

for biology students by naming Geneva as the

policy’s beneficiary.

Through founding this scholarship, Liz says she honors

her parents by “focusing on the things in which they were

interested.” Her father, Olin, was a biologist who was

instrumental in building the pre-med program at Trinity

University. Her mother, Glenna, had a career in education

as a guidance counselor receptionist and teacher. “This

scholarship is really their idea, rather than mine.”

If you would like to explore ways that you, too, can

pass along your blessings to the current and future

students of Geneva through planned giving, please visit

geneva.edu/give or contact the Office of Planned

Giving at 724.847.6514.

T O D A Y

IN EVERY ISSUE2

3

6

24

26

32

From the President

In Brief

In Motion

In Service

Class Notes

In Conclusion

IN THIS ISSUE8

10

12

14

Assets for Education

Well Read

Called by God

Absolutely Worth It

Take Our Word for It

Reaching the Unreachable

Team-Building Exercises

Let the Little Children Come

16

18

20

22

GSUMMER 2013

Geneva Magazine is published two times per year for Geneva College alumni, donors, students and parents. It showcases the college and its constituencies as they strive to fulfill the college’s mission. Opinions expressed in Geneva Magazine are those of its contributors and do not necessarily represent the opinions of the editorial review board or the official position of the college.

EDITOR GreG Wise ’95DESIGNER Kristen LanG

EDITORIAL REVIEW BOARDDr. aDeL aiKen ’75

Dr. Ken Carson ’79

Larry Griffith ’85

CheryL Johnston

Dr. Jeff Jones

Dave Layton ’88

Missy nyehoLt

rebeCCa (Carson ’85) PhiLLiPs

Dan WiLLiaMs ’07

van ZaniC ’93

CONTENTS

188 22

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

At the heArt o f I n s t r u c t I o n

GDiscovering the meaningful way that

all domains of knowledge relate to

God’s Word is the hallmark of a Geneva

College education. This is the goal of our

curriculum—the intentional integration

of rigorous academics with Christian

faith. Whether enrolled in traditional

undergraduate classrooms, online adult

degree programs, or graduate studies,

our students not only learn subject

matter, but are also taught how ideas

correlate with the inerrant truth

of Scripture.

Geneva’s mission doesn’t end with

developing this understanding, however.

We also seek to “equip students for

faithful and fruitful service to God and

neighbor.” That is, they are expected to

put their Christian faith into action and

become teachers themselves, sharing

with others that true understanding

comes only from recognizing the

relationship between knowledge

and the Lord.

A number of alumni and current

students featured in this issue of

Geneva Magazine, “At the Heart

of Instruction,” are directly

involved in the field of education.

Dr. William Elliott ’95 tests theories

about ways to help disadvantaged youth

achieve college degrees (“Assets for

Education,” page 8); Emily Stains ’07

is a high school English teacher

(“Absolutely Worth It,” page 14); and Dr.

Antoinette Eaton ’52 instructs pediatric

residents (“Let the Little Children Come,”

page 22). But those in ministry, non-

profit work, and even engineering

are just as qualified to teach.

As you read these stories, I hope you

reflect on the ways you influence others

through your actions. You may not be a

gifted educator or work in a classroom.

But remember, you can still “apply your

heart to instruction …”

(Proverbs 23:12 NIV).

In His grace,

Kenneth A. Smith ’80

President

2

from the president

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

3

in briefCAMPUS NEWS

Reading Day—Monday, May 6, 2013—marked Geneva’s world record-breaking knockout tournament, as 656 students, faculty, staff and friends lined up to shoot some hoops. After almost three hours of play, junior business major Scott Stewart emerged as the “Dean Smith Ascent to Glory Knockout Tournament” champion.

Living up to its title as the “Birthplace of College Basketball,” Geneva College was able to beat the previous record by 70 participants less than a month after it was established by Grove City College. In addition, a total of $740 was raised toward a mission trip to Haiti in partnership with Haiti H20.

Named in honor of retiring Bible professor Dr. Dean Smith, the “Dean Smith Ascent to Glory Knockout Tournament” was organized by Dr. Terry Thomas, recipient of the 2011 Excellence

Geneva community breaks world record.

in Teaching award and Professor of Biblical Studies, along with Graduate Assistant in Student Ministries Jimmy Fabrizio and Bible Department Administrative Assistant Debbie Michalik.

In knockout, players form a line at the free-throw line on a basketball court. If the first player does not make a basket from the line, the next in line tries to hit the shot before the first player can retrieve the ball and make a layup. If the second player makes the free-throw shot before the first player can score, the first player is out. The game continues until only one player is left.

Rutledge “Rut” E. Etheridge III has been named Chaplain, a position that focuses on the spiritual needs of the college community. In this role, Etheridge will assist students, faculty and staff in understanding events as they relate to spiritual and emotional well-being, oversee Geneva’s chapel program, and collaborate with the college’s church relations program and Center for Faith and Practice (CFP).

As Chaplain, Etheridge will also teach part time in the Department of Bible, Christian Ministries and Philosophy, a duty for which he is well qualified. He has been an Adjunct Professor of Systematic Theology at the Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary (RPTS) in Pittsburgh since 2007 and is a former Bible teacher at Heritage Christian School in Indianapolis.

“Broadly speaking, my hope is to be used by God to effectively minister the living Christ to the college family, so that together we’ll be increasingly in awe of His glory and goodness,” said Etheridge. “I really want people to know Christ, to see in Him the perfection of all wisdom, truth and beauty. Toward that end, I hope to build strong, sincere relationships with students and employees by way of personal conversation, chapel ministry and classroom teaching.”

In addition, Etheridge possesses pastoral experience, having served at Pittsburgh’s Providence Reformed Presbyterian Church from 2006 until this year. He speaks regularly to many groups and at colleges and conferences, and has been a chapel speaker and guest lecturer at Geneva. Etheridge has spoken at the annual Westminster Confession of Faith Into the 21st Century

Rutledge Etheridge fills new Chaplain position.Conference and the North American Presbyterian and Reformed Churches Reformation Day, and has also been frequently interviewed on Bible Burgh, a radio talk show on 101.5 WORD FM.

“Having a chaplain is an important part of maintaining a spiritually healthy campus,” noted Geneva President Dr. Kenneth A. Smith. “Rut will be an asset in continuing the strong integration of academics and faith for which Geneva is renowned, as well as an encouragement to the college community in all areas of spiritual development.”

Etheridge earned a Master of Divinity at RPTS and a Bachelor of Arts in Comprehensive Bible, with an emphasis on pastoral studies and a minor in the philosophy of religion, at Cedarville College (now Cedarville University) in Cedarville, Ohio.

“One of the strongest draws to this position is the opportunity to interact with young adults in crucial times of life formation as they struggle through the big issues of life—the joys, the sorrows, the haunting questions and doubts,” added Etheridge. “I deeply desire for us all to fix our eyes upon the Lord Jesus, to be well equipped to lovingly serve one another and the rest of the world in His name.”

Kudos

4

DR. ADEL AIKEN ’75, Chair of the Department of Education and Director of the M.Ed. in Reading program, presented “Virtues in Children’s Literature” to the Beaver County Reading Council.

DR. TODD ALLEN ’91, Associate Professor of Communication, PROFESSOR MATTHEW FUSS ’94, Assistant Professor of Business, and DR. DENISE MURPHY-GERBER, Associate Professor of Business, co-presented “Teaching the Course in Business and Professional Communication” at the 2013 Eastern Communication Association Convention.

DR. RALPH ANCIL, Associate Professor of Economics, published numerous economic articles in the online journal The Imaginative Conservative (www.theimaginativeconservative.org), as well as the chapter “The Ideology of Growth and Self-Interest” in The Culture of Immodesty in American Life and Politics: The Modest Republic (Palgrave Macmillan, 2013).

DR. DAVID CHE, Associate Professor of Engineering, presented “Common Grace and Engineering” at the 2013 Christian Engineering Conference.

DR. LUTITIA CLIPPER ’75 (MSOL ’00), Adjunct Professor of Leadership Studies, was named a 2013 Woman of Excellence by New Pittsburgh Courier.

PROFESSOR KATHRYN DONALDSON, Adjunct Professor of Voice and Director of Music for the Chapel Program, and her husband Sean were guest soloists at the Royal Albert Hall in London, England. They performed in Prom Praise, a concert sponsored by London’s All Soul’s Church.

DR. DAVID ESSIG, Associate Professor of Biology and Cardiovascular Technology Program Coordinator, along with junior biology major Caleb Leibee, presented “Bioinformatic Characterization of a Novel Lantibiotic Biosynthetic Gene Cluster in Pedobacter heparinus” at the 34th Annual Western Pennsylvania Biology Undergraduate Research Symposium.

DR. CAROL LUCE, Director of the M.A. in Counseling program, co-presented “Improving Behavioral Health Treatment for Older Adults through Professional Collaboration” at the 2013 Pennsylvania Psychological Association Conference.

DR. MITCHEL NICKOLS, Adjunct Professor of Leadership Studies, was named an Urban Hero by Pittsburgh’s Center for Urban Biblical Ministry (CUBM).

PROFESSOR STEPHANIE SCHINDEL ’90, Assistant Professor of Psychology, received the Magic Makers Award from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Beaver County for a cooperative program that she developed.

The work of the Committee to Update Geneva’s Mission Statement has come to an end. Two years ago, the Board of Trustees appointed the committee to formulate a student-focused statement that differentiates Geneva College; guides the institution’s decisions and initiatives; and is memorable, measurable, and motivating. The revised statement, which was approved by the Board in May, is:

Geneva College is a Christ-centered

academic community that provides

a comprehensive education to equip

students for faithful and fruitful service

to God and neighbor.

The committee wrote in its final report to the board, “… we believe it is clear, understandable, and focused on students. Further, its emphases on Christ, comprehensive education (encompassing our liberal arts tradition coupled with specific disciplinary preparation), and service to God and neighbor are consistent with the Charter, Bylaws, and Foundational Concepts of Christian Education.

During the process of forming the updated statement, the committee sought input from all of Geneva’s constituencies, including students, faculty, alumni, donors, staff, parents, trustees and corporators. Several versions of the statement were developed and refined through a number of broad surveys and open meetings.

Dr. Ken Smith ’80, President of Geneva and a member of the committee, stressed that although the wording of the mission statement has been revised, the college’s mission has not: “We do what we do because of what we are, not because of what we say we are. The updated mission statement does not redirect the college, but captures— in clear and biblical language—what Geneva does.”

The other committee members were: Andrew Bernard ’83, Trustee; Nick Bloom ’10; Dr. Jim Dittmar ’76, Chair of the Department of Leadership Studies; Bill Edgar, Trustee; Kylie (Gardner ’12) Gibbons; Dr. Jeff Jones, Vice President of Advancement; Missy Nyeholt, Director for the Center for Faith and Practice; Dr. John Stahl ’79, Chair of the Department of Chemistry, Math and Physics; and Rosanna Weissert, parent of a current student.

Board approves updated mission statement.

5

in brief

Geneva names Joye Huston as Board of Trustees Chair.

Geneva College is pleased to announce Joye Huston as the new Chair of the Board of Trustees. She is the first female in the college’s history to be named to this position, and has been a member of the board since 2009.

According to Huston, the board’s goals are to provide stable and positive direction to Geneva, as well as support recruitment

efforts. “People are your greatest resource,” she said, and she plans to help the college’s administration maximize strengths and facilitate the best work possible.

Huston has been a member of the American Nurses Association since 1965 and currently serves on various boards in her community. As a past Chair of the F.W. Huston Medical Center Board of Directors, she aided in the revival of the hospital: “I didn’t know if we could keep it open, but I had to try.” In recognition of this effort, she was awarded the 2003 Jefferson County Economic Development Leadership Award.

Huston is a retired Registered Nurse and former CEO of F.W. Huston Medical Center in Winchester, KS. After earning a Master of Science in Nursing from Winchester State University, she worked for 43 years as a nurse and hospital administrator at Lawrence Memorial Hospital, Stormont Vail Healthcare, Colmery-O’Neil Veterans Administration and F.W. Huston Medical Center.

She and husband David have three children and many grandchildren. Huston is a more-than-50-year member of the Winchester Reformed Presbyterian church, where she has been a women’s Bible study group leader since 1994.

Huston is currently working on a book that will be a tribute to her mother.

After years of planning and preparation, the John Paul Schaefer Memorial Observatory is finally a reality. This long-awaited addition will enhance learning in astronomy courses; serve as a valuable resource for math, physics and engineering student projects; and be made available to a wide audience for observation sessions, lectures on astronomical topics of general interest and special events.

“The facility will be used for astronomical research—primarily for the detection of exoplanets, which are planets orbiting other stars, and for observations of comets and asteroids whose orbits bring them into the vicinity of the Earth, collectively known as near-earth objects or NEOs,” explained Professor of Mathematics and Astronomy Dr. John Stein.

Dr. Stein has been involved with the project since 1995 along with retired Professor of Physics John Schaefer, whose father is the building’s namesake. Later joined by Physical Plant Director Jeff Lydic and former physics professor Keith Willson ’90, the group obtained a Meade RXC-400 telescope and eventually raised enough funds for the construction of the buildings and additional research instrumentation.

“With gifts from the estate of Professor Schaefer’s father, gifts from alumni like Walter Zuberbuhler ’42, some faculty contributions and a series of major gifts from the Extrasolar Planetary Foundation, we reached our goal last fall,” said Dr. Stein.

Located near the 33rd Street Baseball Field, the facility consists of an observatory building with a traditional 10-foot diameter dome,

along with a control shed to house computers and electrical and Internet hubs, as well as provide storage for portable telescopes.

For more information about the John Paul Schaefer Memorial Observatory, contact Dr. Stein at jstein@geneva.edu.

The John Paul Schaefer Memorial Observatory is complete.

6

in motion

BY VAN ZANIC ’93

2012-13

In his 25th year at Geneva College, Head Men’s Basketball Coach Jeff Santarsiero receives induction into the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) Hall of Fame.

89

pen

Rocco Colavecchia scores four touchdowns as Geneva’s football team upsets Thomas More 50-48 in triple overtime in what turned out to be the highest scoring game in Geneva football history.

Junior Christine Bullock finishes the 2012 season with an overall singles record of 9-3 and caps her season with a trip to the Presidents’ Athletic Conference (PAC) #5 singles flight championship.

10

GATHLETIC NEWS

7

2012-13

10

3

123

4

5

6

7 The men’s soccer team returns to the PAC title game for the second consecutive season as Bryan Butler, Teddy Krzywiecki, Jeb Nash and Jon Mathoslah were all named first team All-PAC.

Freshmen Laura Beck and Samantha Johnson named first team All-PAC. Beck is named an NCCAA All-American as Geneva’s softball team returns to the PAC title game for the second consecutive season and qualifies for the NCCAA national tournament for the second time in three years.

Nick Edinger smashes the Geneva College cross country 8K record by over a minute

with his time of 24:23 at Oberlin College. Edinger finished his career with All-PAC first team honors as well as National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division III All-Region recognition.

Mike Jeffreys was named a PAC First-Team selection while also garnering NCCAA East region pitcher and player of the year honors. Jeffreys was also named an NCAA Division III All-Region recipient for a year in which he led the Geneva baseball team with a .414 batting average while also breaking the single season record for strikeouts with 106 this past spring.

Geneva’s cross country duo on the women’s side each broke the 6K record on the same day. On a day when the women’s cross country team dominated the field with five of the top 15 finishes at Oberlin College, Sarah-Noel Meek and Alayna Merkle each broke the school record with Meek finishing first. Teammates Emily Hoobler, Shannon Rech and Anna Kluitenberg contributed to the fastest average time of 23:16 in women’s cross country history.

A trio of Geneva College track and field student-athletes took home PAC titles at the conference championship meet. Nick Edinger cruised to his first PAC title in the 5000 meter event while Tyler French won the shot put and Alayna Merkle took home the top prize in the women’s 1500 meter race.

A total of 90 student-athletes were recognized during the 2012-13 school year as members of the PAC Academic Honor Roll with at least a 3.6 GPA. In addition, 50 juniors and seniors were honored as members of the Geneva Athletic Director Academic Award with at least a 3.2 cumulative GPA, which was the highest total since 2008.

Jeffreys has signed a professional contract with the Kansas City Royals.

8

To those from financially disadvantaged families, a college

education can sometimes seem beyond reach. This is a sentiment

with which Dr. William “Willie” Elliott III ’95 can relate—and is

also a concern that he works to diminish through researching the

relationship between children’s savings and college success.

Raised in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, Willie grew up during the

decline of the steel industry. His family, along with many others,

faced tough economic circumstances. Willie’s father struggled

through layoffs, his mother worked multiple jobs, and the

Elliotts even experienced periods of homelessness.

However, God used these challenges to focus Willie’s desire to help

others. “Growing up poor, I always wanted to do something that

would help poor children; that would help poor people change

their lot in life,” he says.

Shortly after his sophomore year in high school, which was when

he became a Christian, his aspiration to help others led Willie to

drop out of school and establish a mission in Beaver Falls serving

alcoholics. But despite leaving school, his newfound faith would

also have long-term implications on his educational journey. “It was

during this time that I learned to study and value reading,” he says.

“At this point it was pretty much only the Bible that I studied—

but I literally studied for hours.”

Willie soon realized that the mission he started wasn’t his life’s

calling, however: “After working there for a while I knew I needed

to continue my education, but also knew that I did not want my

education to be separate from my faith.” So he earned his GED and

enrolled at Geneva because, he says, the school provided “the

opportunity for a strong Christian education and really fit where

I was in my life.”

He has many fond memories these days, “sitting in the library in

one of the back rows reading philosophy, sociology and psychology

books; small gatherings that Dr. Mattsson-Bozé had at his house

with several students discussing different sociological and political

issues; and vibrant discussions in the classrooms that allowed for

God as part of the topic of discussion.”

According to Willie, “Geneva taught me how to study as an

academic, gave me a strong base to work from academically and

provided me with the environment where my spiritual growth

could continue.” He attributes much of this to philosophy professor

Dr. Byron Bitar, in whose memory the annual Bitar Memorial Lecture

Series was established: “He really stretched my thinking. I still rely

on things I learned in his classes for guiding my thoughts and the

way I try to live my life.”

After graduating, Willie entered law school for a time, but economic

difficulty found him once again and he withdrew to join the military.

Not to be deterred, however, Willie eventually went on to earn his

master’s degree in 2005 and Ph.D. in 2008, both from the George Warren

Brown School of Social Work at Washington University in St. Louis.

Today, Willie is recognized as a leading researcher in the field of

children’s assets and educational outcomes and serves as a Senior

Research Fellow in the Asset Building Program of the New America

Foundation, which is “a nonprofit, nonpartisan public policy institute

that invests in new thinkers and new ideas to address the next

generation of challenges facing the United States.”

BY GreG WIse ’95

At the heArt o f I n s t r u c t I o n

Assets for Education

““

Geneva taught me how to study as an academic, gave me a strong base to work from academically and provided me with the environment where my spiritual growth could continue.

9

He is an Associate Professor at the University of Kansas’ School of

Social Welfare; a member of the Research Working Group of Child

and Youth Finance International; and Director of the Assets and

Education Initiative, founded by Willie to “study innovations related

to assets and economic well-being with a focus on the relationship

between children’s savings and the educational outcomes of low-

income and minority children as a way to achieve the American

Dream.” He serves on the Editorial Board for the Journal of

Children and Poverty, and his writing and work have been

featured in several major media outlets.

Willie is also a faculty associate for both the Center for Race

and Social Problems at the University of Pittsburgh and the Center

for Social Development (CSD) at Washington University. Research

designed and conducted for CSD by Willie, along with Sondra

Beverly, found that among youth who expected to graduate from

a four-year college, those with a savings account in their name

were approximately seven times more likely to attend college

than those with no account.

“Children’s savings accounts are part of a life-long strategy for

improving educational outcomes, as well as the long-term financial

health of families,” explains Willie. “We have a collective interest in

the educational attainment of American children. Innovative ways

to help children and their families accumulate savings to pay for

college, while building on the positive effects of fostering

individual ownership and students’ stake in higher education,

deserve our attention.”

Additionally, Willie has conducted research on The Pittsburgh

Promise, a scholarship program for Pittsburgh Public School

students with which Geneva has established a partnership through

a matching grant program. Through the Pittsburgh Promise, qualifying

students receive up to $10,000 for undergraduate higher education.

“Think about how Promise programs can be combined with savings

programs, which provide additional effects like connecting children

to the mainstream banking institutions, providing them with the

opportunity to not only learn about financial education but to

practice what they are learning, provide a mechanism for lifelong

saving, and build expectations for college even among those who

might not feel as though the standards of the Pittsburgh Promise

are within reach for them,” he says.

Willie knows how much of a difference attending Geneva College

made in his life—and wants other underprivileged youth to have

that same opportunity for life-changing higher education. Beyond

the results of his research, Willie’s example of educational success

can also help students facing financial hardship, letting them know

that they can overcome their difficult situations, earn college degrees

and establish financial security for their families. After all, if he

could go from being a homeless high school dropout to a premier

college professor who provides for wife Michelle and children

Jordan, Michelle and Michael, they can, too.

But that’s not the only example Willie hopes to set for others: “God

is ever present in my life, teaching me to continue to strive to be

a testimony at a secular college, to have people see that whatever

they are doing, they should do it unto the glory of God.”

BY GreG WIse ’95

source: reid cramer, William elliott, “to Limit Debt, Promote savings” Inside higher ed, february 10, 2012

even modest-sized savings and asset holdings have the potential to alter the way people think about the future, which can lead to productive changes in behavior.

studies have shown savings are linked to expectations of high school graduation, academic achievement, and pursuit of postsecondary education.

If students have a tangible place to store funds, they are more likely to attend four-year colleges than youths with no savings.

AVInGs

eDucAtIon AnD

G

Transitioning to life after college can be tough for some,

but Laura (Seyler ’04, M.Ed. in Reading ’08) Bisping felt well

prepared for the next stage of her life.

She interviewed for a teaching position during the last semester

of her undergraduate study at Geneva College, and was hired as

a full-time classroom teacher soon after earning her degree

in elementary education. Laura says she is thankful for an

interviewing course that she took from Dr. D. Gayle Copeland ’78,

and also credits the strong reading core that Geneva’s education

program provided her. After her interview, Laura was told that

she was the candidate with the best foundation in

teaching reading.

“I knew after my first year of teaching that I wanted to get my

master’s degree, and that I especially loved teaching reading,”

she says. Laura soon began master’s coursework at a state

university near her home and, because of her interest in reading,

she chose to pursue certification as a reading specialist.

During the first semester of her graduate work, however, she

realized that the classroom at the public university was much

different from her undergraduate experience at Geneva. “After

teaching in a public school all day and then attending classes at

a public university in the evening, I felt a longing to go back to

the days of being challenged and encouraged to connect my

profession with my Christian worldview as I had done all

throughout my time at Geneva.”

So she spoke with a friend who was enrolled in Geneva’s

graduate program and soon contacted one of her favorite

professors, Reading Program Director Dr. Adel Aiken ’75,

to learn more. “Dr. Aiken changed my life. She instilled

a love and knowledge for reading in me. She is a teacher

that impacts lives and is not just a teacher of academics.

She poured into our lives.”

Although Geneva’s campus is far from Laura’s home in

Armstrong County, the college’s hybrid classes and a grant

convinced Laura to transfer. “I spent a lot of time praying about

making the move and I felt that it was really what God wanted

me to do,” she says. “I can honestly say it was one of the

best decisions I have ever made.”

BY MoNICA MIller ’12

reading skills correspond directly to one’s ability to…

communicate effectively

earn a higher salary

achieve personal

fulfillment

source: national endowment for the Arts – “to read or not to read”; corroborated by “Adult Literacy in America” a report from the national center for educational statistics

be an informed citizen

At the heArt o f I n s t r u c t I o n

Well Read

11

G

BY MoNICA MIller ’12

Geneva’s hybrid format of online and in-person classes provided

Laura with the perfect balance throughout her coursework.

Although the drive was farther than the state school near her

home, she only had to drive to Beaver Falls every other week

during the academic year, and only a few weeks in the summer.

“The hybrid classes are a perfect balance of interaction and

convenience for busy professionals,” she says.

Because Geneva’s education program has a strong component

in reading, Laura has been able to structure her courses to

encompass all types of literature and make reading fun. “Dr.

Aiken taught us to instill reading aloud to kids,” she says. “We

learned that motivation is such a big part of reading. I have seen

it make such a big difference. My students now want to hear

good stories, and read good stories.”

Laura also values the Christ-centered education that Geneva

provided her. “The greatest blessing has been my experience

with Christian, caring professors and other likeminded

colleagues in the program. The education professors are

not just teachers at Geneva; they are mentors and friends.”

That personal care displayed by the faculty continued into

her graduate program experience. “The professors were very

willing to work with me individually so that the program was

doable despite my being an hour and a half away from campus,”

she says. “I feel really blessed with how Geneva has worked

with me.”

source: national endowment for the Arts – “to read or not to read”; corroborated by “Adult Literacy in America” a report from the national center for educational statistics

Although Laura now teaches at a public school where she

cannot openly talk about her faith, she teaches her students

positive characteristics both inside and outside of the classroom—

treat others the way you want to be treated and put others

ahead of yourself.

Laura’s favorite verses are Colossians 3:23-24, “Whatever you

do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not

for human masters, since you know that you will receive an

inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you

are serving.”

And working for the children with all her heart is what she

does. Even when not in school, Laura’s heart is always with her

students. Some of her pupils also attend Laura’s church, where

they are able to see her lead and pray for them in a different

type of classroom. Her involvement in the community displays

what she stands for and the students and parents know

what she believes.

Laura places a high value in the education and instruction that

she was given throughout her time at Geneva, saying that it made

her the teacher and woman that she is today. “I consider myself so

blessed to have spent seven years of my life studying education at

Geneva College from caring, knowledgeable professors who have

helped me to see the link between education and my relationship

to Christ, as well as helped me to grow as an individual.”

I felt a longing to go back to the days of being challenged and encouraged to connect my profession with my christian worldview.

“

“

12

“Fred has been not only very influential, but a great visionary

leader for our church,” he explains. “He’s showed me a great

example, in terms of being a pastor.”

Rev. Mayhew was the one who started the church in 1984,

when it originally met in a high school auditorium. A 1,000-seat

sanctuary was built in 1999, and has been expanded over the years.

As the church grew in numbers, AJ grew in his education.

“The single biggest thing that Geneva’s Adult Degree Completion

Program did for me was to open up the possibility for higher

learning and higher education,” AJ says. After earning his bachelor’s

degree from Geneva in 2005, he went on to seminary, achieved

a Master of Divinity degree and is now working on a doctorate

at Knox Seminary in Fort Lauderdale.

“I don’t think I realized at all at the time that that would even be

of interest to me,” he says of his career path, one that unfolded

for him “directly through the degree completion program.

I wouldn’t even have thought I could do it, to be honest with

you. The level of work definitely prepared me for the future.”

While getting his degree in Christian Ministry Leadership in

order to lead others, AJ was himself led by two instructors in

particular. He praises Dr. Scott Shidemantle, citing his

knowledge and understanding of the scriptures.

“His writing in the program and his teaching really inspired

me to try harder and to learn how to apply the Bible to all

aspects of culture and society,” AJ states.

the level of work definitely prepared me for the future.

““

BY AdA M roWe ’14

At the heArt o f I n s t r u c t I o n

Called by God

Those who were freshmen at Geneva College in the fall of

2006 might recognize AJ Platt’s name. They all saw it, printed

on the front of You Are Called by God, one of the required class

readings. AJ, the Executive Pastor at Youngstown, Ohio’s Trinity

Fellowship Church, has authored seven theological books to

compliment his spiritual ministries, leading not only his

congregation, but his readership.

AJ has been at his church longer than many pastors: he first

started attending during high school when a friend invited him,

met his wife in youth group and has been on the pastoral staff

since 2000.

“It was funny, because I remember walking into church for

the first time, after having been reading my Bible, and seeing

how happy people seemed to be there, and just how full of life

it was. I thought, ‘This seems like the way people ought to do

church.’ For me, that sealed the deal, and I started attending

here when I was a teenager,” he recalls, adding, “Been here

ever since.”

As Executive Pastor, AJ preaches and oversees numerous

programs, including a branch of Rick Warren’s Christ-based

program, Celebrate Recovery, which AJ initiated in 2009. He

doesn’t appear to be leaving anytime in the foreseeable future.

He hasn’t helped so many without receiving some help himself:

AJ lists Trinity Fellowship’s Senior Pastor, Reverend Fred A.

Mayhew, as a major mentor.

13

G

I’ve always wanted to bring some of the concepts that I was learning about in school in an easy-to- understand way to people.

Another of AJ’s valued instructors, Dr. Dean Smith, served as

a pastor for 19 years, and was then the Chair of Geneva’s Bible

department for 23 years until retiring this spring.

“He’s really been wonderful in my life, as far as understanding

ministry. He’s got a real gentle spirit, and a great kingdom-mind-

edness about himself,” AJ says. He benefits from his relationship

with Dr. Smith both as a pastor and as a friend, receiving help

“not only in the area of education, but in the area of my

personal ministry.”

Writing books was one unexpected avenue AJ found to

channel his enthusiasm for instruction. After being inspired

by a topic familiar to all Geneva students and alma mater—

the discussion of calling—AJ wrote You Are Called by God.

“It was just a little book—60 or 70 pages—but I wanted

to try to articulate what I learned from Geneva,

and what that means. It really resonated with me

personally,” AJ says.

AJ wrote the book for his church, as he writes all

his books, and it was while he was still completing

his undergraduate work at Geneva that Dean Smith

became interested in You Are Called by God.

“I had a voice message on my phone,” AJ remembers.

“He called me ‘Doctor Platt’ and said, ‘We’d like 500

copies of your book to hand out to freshmen here.’

And I remember being so nervous when I got to class

that night, thinking he would find out I was

a student and not even want it.”

Since Dr. Smith was filling in for a teacher that evening,

AJ greeted him afterward to explain that he was just a student.

Dr. Smith laughed, but was still interested and used the book

for freshman for several years.

“The instance of them using that book,” muses AJ, “is probably

what inspired me to want to write other books.”

Three of the works in his seven-book theological bibliography

are more akin to “glorified pamphlets,” he readily explains. The

longer ones can be 300 pages in length, comprising titles like

Christ-Centered Youth Ministry, Doctrines of Grace—a defense

of the doctrines of the five points of Calvinism—and an

introduction to post millennialism, You, Armageddon

and the Kingdom of God.

Never at rest, AJ has another idea for a book. He’d love

to make a case for the optimism of the Gospel’s

advancement in the world.

“It’s really important that Christians have a view of the

world that makes people want to see other Christians

as their brothers and sisters,” he says.

Whether AJ’s words come from the pulpit or the pages of his

books, the driving force behind his work is simple: instructing

others about the grace of God.

“I’ve always wanted to bring some of the concepts that I was

learning about in school in an easy-to-understand way to people.

It’s hard to have a Bible study every time someone wants to

understand the five points of Calvinism,” he says with a chuckle.

“

“

BY AdA M roWe ’14

14

“I knew the Lord wanted me to be a teacher, and He wanted my

life to be used to serve Him in this way,” says 2007 Geneva College

graduate Emily Stains.

But even gifted and dedicated teachers like Emily, who was

recently named one of the top 20 teachers in Henrico County,

Virginia, and “Teacher of the Year” for Richmond’s Varina High

School, struggle with daily challenges in the classroom.

So how does she cope when students are not cooperating

or lesson plans are not running smoothly?

Emily has adopted two mottos: “Let every day be a new day”

and “Is this the best thing for my students?” She says, “If I don’t

choose to forgive them and forget it, I can’t teach effectively.”

Also, although she says individual care can be so easily forgotten

“in the midst of the discipline and the state tests and the many

duties of a teacher,” Emily places utmost importance on each

student’s learning progress and character development.

“The most rewarding moment of teaching is watching students

make connections beyond their perceived limitations. For every

student, this moment is different—and I love watching them crush

their barriers and watch as their world gets a little bit bigger

and brighter.”

In addition, she says her family “is the best group of cheerleaders,”

providing the constant support that Emily needs to continue in her

profession. Her mother, who was also a teacher, can sympathize

with Emily during her harder days. “She comforted me when I felt

overwhelmed, reminding me my emotions and experiences

were normal.”

This overwhelming feeling is what challenged Emily the most in

her first years. “The hardest lesson I had to learn on the path to

becoming a teacher was patience,” she says. According to Emily,

patience is something that the Lord has been teaching her for

quite some time. “I had to learn to be patient with myself and my

students, as they deal with teenage emotions and learning

new material.”

Emily also feels that Geneva’s English department prepared her

well for her teaching career. The English courses provided a strong

foundation for her first job as an AP English literature teacher.

“Thanks to Geneva’s faculty, I was prepared for the intense rigor

required in teaching a course of this caliber,” she exclaims.

But she almost didn’t come to Geneva. “The craziest part of this is

that I had my heart set on attending another institution. But when

I stepped foot on Geneva’s campus, something happened to my

heart. I looked at my parents and said, ‘We can go home now.

I am coming here.’”

While at Geneva, Emily was the president of the English Honor

Society Sigma Tau Delta, the president of the English club, a junior

admissions counselor, a Humanities teaching assistant, and a writing

tutor for the Pendragon Writing Center. “I loved the friendships

made at Geneva and still cherish them to this day. We made some

amazing memories. From the moment I had my first visit to the day

I graduated with my dearest friends, I relished in the opportunities

afforded to me there.”

As a teacher, Emily attributes much of her success to others who

have modeled the role for her. “Both Dr. Lynda Szabo ’85 and Dr.

D. Gayle Copeland ’78 played huge roles in developing who I am as

a teacher. Anytime one of their classes was offered, I took it,” she says.

Growing up, her parents “instilled a work ethic to strive to further

God’s kingdom.” And her professors showed her how to teach

with a Christ-like heart. The passion, care and dedication that they

demonstrated were the inspiration that carried Emily into her years

of teaching: “I still look to Dr. Szabo for advice and support, and I

am still excited to tell her about my successes. Dr. Szabo trusted me

and allowed me to become a leader in my major. If I can become

half of the teacher she was to me, I have done my job well.”

BY A M ANdA T YsoN ’16

At the heArt o f I n s t r u c t I o n

Absolutely Worth It

G

15

In return, the faculty agree that Emily is one the most promising

teachers to come through the ranks. “Emily is one of the

best students I’ve ever had in English education,” says

Dr. Szabo. “She is a natural teacher.”

Regarding being named one of the top 20 teachers

of the year, Emily says, “It’s hard to even express

how grateful I am—how thankful I am. I hoped

I could change my students’ lives and never

realized how much they would impact mine.

I was beyond shocked to know that I had been

nominated by my peers, let alone to have won.”

Even with her recent successes, however, Emily

still wonders what God has planned next. She says,

“I am learning to be faithful in what He has planned

for my life,” relying on her favorite verse: “‘For I know that

plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and

not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future’” (Jeremiah

29:11). “When I’m feeling uncertain about any aspect of my life,

this verse just settles my spirit and my worry,” says Emily.

Still, she admits that there are times when teachers need to be

reminded why they wanted to become a teacher in the first place.

When this happens, she turns to what she calls her “smile” folder,

God-Given Ability

Professional Preparation

supportive family

teAcher of the YeAr

Is what I’m doing making any difference? …

which contains notes, memories and emails that offer extra

encouragement for the challenging days. “It sits inside my desk, and

on the days that I think, ‘Is this worth it? Is what I’m doing making

any difference?’ I sift through my smile folder. And I always come

back to the same conclusion: ‘Absolutely.’”

Absolutely.

G

““

BY A M ANdA T YsoN ’16

Education majors speak out about their Geneva experience

Geneva is unique because—from the very beginning—we get a glimpse into what the field of education is really like with observation classes and opportunities to serve in the educational world. the professors teach in a way that inspires us to instruct with a higher calling and influence the hearts of students.” —russell hall Middle school education

“

16

““ ““

I appreciate how kind-hearted and willing to help the faculty and staff of the education department are. they are amazing and I am so thankful to have such caring people encouraging me forward. —heather Busse english

“Geneva’s education department is a family. —Marissa seighman PK-4/PK-8 special ed

At the heArt o f I n s t r u c t I o n

Take Our Word for It

I receive the tools and attitude necessary to function as a role model for my future students.” —nathan Dunn Middle school education

not only are my fellow education majors and I receiving extraordinary tools and experience for our future field, we are also gaining amazing insight from educators to use our gifts for our calling as a light for christ. I am very thankful to be able to have this experience so that I can not only make a difference as a teacher, but as a believer. —Allison Mccormick english

“not only are the education professors incredible at teaching you techniques to prepare you for the classroom, but they exemplify the integration of faith and teaching.”

“Geneva’s education department partners with each student to encourage boldness in the classroom, confidence in academics and strength in faith.” —Kathryn regalado history

—Lindsee clark PK-4/PK-8 special ed

“

17

“ “ I appreciate the intensive education program offered, namely for the amount of time we spend interning in the field, even prior to student teaching. the experience and knowledge that we gain in the field by actually working with students is immeasurable. —Gillian Kline PK-4/PK-8 special ed

“

“

“ “ I love the enthusiasm and passion for teaching that the professors express in their classes and pass on to their students. —Kendra Dressler PK-4/PK-8 special ed

18

on interrupting the cycle of violence that occurs when convicts

inevitably return to their criminal lifestyle. Through DIM’s own

IMPACT program and a partnership with the alternative housing

and service provider Renewal Inc., she ministers to at-risk youth

and incarcerated individuals to provide them with supportive

services and job opportunities that will foster a positive trans-

formation, “focusing on restoring and realizing their maximum

potential spiritually, physically and economically.” She tries to

make them understand that their actions are like a domino

effect that ripples through their families.

“I tell these young men today, you need to really understand

what you do when you pull a trigger,” she says.

And she knows all too well. She doesn’t have to remember the

location of each of the seven bullet holes, the color of the body

bag, or the fact that her son was laid out naked on a metal slab;

the image is burned in her mind and she shares it with anyone

she can. Any one of the thousands of young men she speaks

to each year could be like her son and, if she can help it, she’ll

make sure none of them end up where he did. Sometimes, she

passes around a few of his personal belongings: a towel that

once carried his scent, an old shoe or the last Mother’s Day

card he gave her. She wears a t-shirt with his smiling face

on the front and his casket on the back.

if you have God in your life you can do the impossible, reach the unreachable and bear the unbearable.

One dark night, Geneva Master of Science in Organizational

Leadership graduate Debra Germany Morrison (MSOL ’11)

claimed a passage of scripture that has sustained her for the past

12 years: “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed,

for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will

uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10).

Raymond Germany, her only child, was murdered in a Pittsburgh

Hill District apartment when his criminal life as a drug dealer

caught up with him in 2001. It was the most horrifying installment

in a series of nightmares Debra had been enduring for years.

Violence doesn’t contain itself to the streets, but seeps into

the homes of each young man or woman who chooses a life

of crime. For Debra, that meant when a deal went wrong for

Ray, she found a target on her own back. Strangers would call

the house and threaten to send a hit squad after her son and

then wipe out the whole family. They would sit in parked cars

across the street and even pound on the front door. After Ray’s

murder, grief didn’t take the place of fear, it only intensified it.

Her cries to God left her with a realization that she had

to help others in order to help herself.

In 2002, Debra co-founded Divine Intervention Ministries

(DIM), initially to help grieving families and draw attention to

unsolved murders through a billboard campaign, then to focus

...““

BY A M ANdA (K AsK Al AVICh ’06) Fl INNer

At the heArt o f I n s t r u c t I o n

Reaching the Unreachable

19

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“My gift is to speak life into dead places. I give hope to the hopeless

and I believe in my heart that if you have God in your life you

can do the impossible, reach the unreachable and bear the

unbearable, and that is what has happened to me,” she explains.

Debra doesn’t have any doubts about her mission and neither

does the Pittsburgh community. She has received numerous

accolades and honors for her work, including the 2013 Sally

Hillman Award, the H. John Heinz Award for Community

Service and the 2012 Volunteer of the Year Award by Governor

Tom Corbett and Secretary of the Department of Corrections

John Wetzel, to name a few. Aside from being named one of

Pittsburgh’s “People Changing Lives,” she has been nationally

recognized as an “Ordinary Hero” by Today’s Christian magazine.

She also found the time to become an ordained minister

earlier this year.

It’s a lot to manage, but Debra credits Geneva’s Master of

Science in Organizational Leadership program for helping

her realize the breadth of her capacity.

“It stretched me beyond places I didn’t know that I could

stretch, but it developed a sense of excellence in me that I

wouldn’t settle, that I would always do everything within

my capability with a spirit of excellence and I knew that

with anything, any paper I wrote, any project, I did it

with everything I had,” she says.

While she’s certainly grateful for the praise, Debra insists she’s

just a tool for God’s work. She doesn’t even make a penny from

it. Besides, she measures her success a bit differently. She sees

it on the faces of countless young men who often approach

her with a smile. They’d heard her speak once and decided to

change their lives for the better. Instead of working the streets,

they’re working behind deli counters or trying to go back to

school, all because somebody thought they deserved a chance

for a new life. Debra even hopes to speak to the man who

allegedly murdered her son. He’s serving time in prison for

a separate crime but has never confessed to killing Ray.

“That’s the type of work that God has me doing, really helping

the least of these. The people that nobody wants to be bothered

with are the people that have given up on themselves, and I just

want to let them know that ‘God loves you and so do I, and if

there’s anything I can do to help you I will,’” Debra explains.

But there are still all those others who weren’t ready to listen,

and she fears they might not get another chance. With DIM’s

funding completely slashed, her mission is functioning on

crumbs and is nowhere near the one-stop shop for transforma-

tional resources she hopes to achieve. But if Debra has proved

anything, it’s that she has learned to step out in the face of fear

and rely on God’s promises. In fact, she belts out an enthusiastic

“Woo-hoo!” as she explains that God is only closing single doors

so He can open double doors.

Just as He opened a door into Geneva’s Master of Science in

Organizational Leadership program, which transformed Debra’s

life and ripples outward from her to transform so many others.

“My prayer is that someone would start investing in human lives

as opposed to just profiting for their own selves. I’m committed.

What time I’ve got left in this life, I’m going to spend it restoring

the lives of others. I refuse to spend what time I’ve got left on

this earth doing something that doesn’t matter to God. I’m going

to do whatever I can with whatever’s in me to help others.”

Information about Divine Intervention Ministries can be found at www.divineinterventionministries.org.

Divine Intervention Ministries’ services q Mentoring Program q IMPAct (Interceding Making Positive Actions come together) Program q speaking engagements q spiritual support/Prayer Partners

God loves you and so do I, and if there’s anything I can do to help you I will.

““BY A M ANdA (K AsK Al AVICh ’06) Fl INNer

20

So Howard enrolled at Penn State’s Beaver campus,

and later transferred to Geneva College as a junior

to complete his degree in engineering with an

electrical concentration. “I applied to Pittsburgh

University and Geneva,” he explains. “My professors

recommended Geneva for the great student-

to-teacher ratio and the excellent reputation

of its program.”

Geneva is also where Howard’s father, Harry, graduated from

in 1950. Here, Howard particularly enjoyed studying with the

other electrical engineering majors—the Double “E”s as he

Dignity

respect

support

Guidance

Knowledge

unity

equality

Direction

Leadership

Leaders should treat all people as equal, and with dignity and respect.

“

One of the most important tasks in effectively leading a

team of people is fostering sense of unity. Howard Nudi ’87

experienced the benefits of being part of a close-knit team

as part of a small group of electrical engineering majors at

Geneva College. And nurturing this atmosphere is a skill

that he developed through 24 demanding years of military

service, and one he has relied on through seven years

in the commercial nuclear power industry.

After graduating from Freedom High School in 1978, Howard

joined the United States Air Force and spent five years as

an aircraft electrician. During that time, he benefitted from

serving under officers who displayed excellent leadership

qualities. “Leaders should treat all people as equal, and with

dignity and respect,” says Howard. “The officers I saw treated

enlisted men this way, which influenced me in making the

decision to get a degree and become an officer.”

BY GreG WIse ’95

At the heArt o f I n s t r u c t I o n

Team-Building Exercises

“

21

calls them. He appreciated the close relationship

that the members of the Double “E”s were

able to form with each other, as well as with

their professors.

In addition, he is thankful for the high quality

of instruction at Geneva. “I received a fantastic

education,” he says. “I was taught by Ph.D.’s as

opposed to graduate students, which is the norm

at many engineering schools. Geneva does a

great job in finding talented professors with a

great deal of technical knowledge while providing

students with a solid Christian foundation.”

Among all of the influential professors at Geneva

from whose teaching he benefitted, Howard

specifically recalls Dr. Jack Pinkerton, for whom

Geneva’s Pinkerton Center for Technology

Development is named. “He was a phenomenal

Geneva does a great

job in finding talented

professors with a great deal

of technical knowledge while

providing students with a solid

christian foundation.

man who took an interest in his students and would do whatever

it took to help them succeed. I appreciated that relationship and

was constantly going to him for help.”

When Howard joined the United States Navy following graduation,

he was well prepared for the rigorous qualification process for

nuclear power school. He was certified as an Engineer Officer on

the S8G reactor, which is used by the Navy to provide electricity

generation and propulsion on warships, and served in various officer

positions on Ohio-class nuclear-powered submarines. Howard

retired from the Navy in 2005 at the rank of Commander (O-5).

“I saw Bermuda through a periscope many times,” Howard

says jokingly, recalling his 18 years of submarine service,

much of the time underwater.

He also fondly remembers the tight bonds formed between

the members of his crew: “With 125 men in close quarters, it’s

extremely important for them to work together and to establish

a good command relationship between senior officers and

enlisted men.”

Howard uses this military experience to foster this same familial

atmosphere in his current role as a manager in charge of overseeing

plant engineering programs and program managers at Duke

Energy Corporation’s McGuire Nuclear Station in North Carolina.

“My job is to build a cohesive team, while providing guidance

and deliverables for programs and direction to program managers.

I make sure that people understand the importance of what

they do as a team, and understand their roles in big picture,

even if it’s a small one,” he explains. “It’s just like the cook on a

submarine. The cook may not have the authority of the captain or

an executive officer, but he’s just as vital because, after working

18-hour days underwater, nothing is more important to the

crew’s morale than a good meal.”

In both his military and civilian careers, Howard has experienced

God’s blessings. While in the Navy, he was honored with a Defense

Meritorious Service Medal, a Meritorious Service Medal, two

Navy Commendation Medals and two Navy Achievement Medals.

And since coming to Duke Energy Corporation, he published

“Battery Capacity Recovery for VRLA Cells—A User’s Perspective”

in Nuclear Power International magazine.

He says that he has seen God’s hand in his family life, as well.

Upon moving to North Carolina seven years ago, Howard and

his wife Ellen were able to find both a good high school and

youth group for their son, Matthew, who is now a junior at NC

State University majoring in nuclear engineering. The couple’s

oldest daughter, Melanie, is a mechanical engineer and their

youngest, Crystal, is a speech pathologist. The Nudis are also

the proud grandparents of Emily, Owen, Savannah and Samuel.

And as with the Double “E”s at Geneva, his crew in the military

and his team at work, Howard is thankful that he found a

church home with a caring and supportive community:

“God led us to a close-knit church, and our growth in

our relationship with the Lord drew us in.”

“

“

BY GreG WIse ’95

G

22

Dr. Antoinette (Parisi ’52) Eaton fondly remembers working

at the front desk in McKee Hall one evening when the house

mother walked by, looked at her papers, and said, “I don’t

know how this doctor thing is going to work out. I can read

your handwriting.”

Although the way a person writes can sometimes reveal a lot,

this obviously wasn’t the case for Antoinette. Currently a Professor

Emerita of Pediatrics at The Ohio State University College of

Medicine, as well as the Corporate Director for Governmental

Affairs and a member of the Section of Ambulatory Pediatrics at

Nationwide Children’s Hospital, her six decades—and counting—

of service as a physician is proof that she made a good decision

in pursuing the “doctor thing.”

An uncle who had graduated from Geneva College and gone

on to a career as a plastic surgeon provided Antoinette valuable

direction in making this choice. After developing an interest in

health care through her high school biology class, Antoinette

says, “the guidance and experience of this sage uncle brought

me to Geneva,” where she majored in biology/pre-med.

This career path was a courageous selection—in those days,

only about six percent of doctors were female. But Antoinette’s

uncle wasn’t the only family member providing encouragement:

“I come from Italian immigrant parents, for whom getting an

education was very important. And my maternal aunt

was a dentist in Italy.”

She also credits many of her fellow students at Geneva.

“My classmates were very energizing and supportive,

which is extremely valuable when facing any challenge,”

she remembers. And pre-med curriculum is certainly challenging.

Antoinette spent entire afternoons in the lab four days a week,

in addition to studying for classes and working in McKee Hall.

But she still found time to go to Reeves Field and cheer on the

Golden Tornadoes. “I’m a football fan,” she says. “I still have my

Geneva beanie and sweatshirt.” She also liked to take evening

trips to the doughnut shop for coffee and enjoyed the company

of her suitemates, whom she describes as “wonderful friends,”

as well as the members of the Pre-Medical Society,

of which she was Vice President.

Of her nine classmates who applied to medical school after

graduation, eight were accepted according to Antoinette—

an extraordinary statistic. She attributes much of this success to

biology professor Dr. Theodore McMillion, who “shepherded

us through our courses.” She also remembers that he went

well beyond his normal teaching responsibilities. “Dr.

McMillion would regularly visit medical schools to speak

to those in admissions about accepting Geneva students,”

she recalls. “I owe him a debt of gratitude.”

Antoinette next attended Philadelphia’s Women’s Medical College,

the first medical institution to train only women in medicine

My classmates were very energizing and supportive, which is extremely valuable when facing any challenge. “

“

BY GreG WIse ’95

At the heArt o f I n s t r u c t I o n

Let the Little Children Come

23

G

and offer them the M.D. She then returned to her hometown

of Youngstown, OH, for her internship. Although she originally

focused on adult endocrinology in medical school, Antoinette

received exposure to numerous medical fields. She eventually

decided to become a pediatrician and trained at The Ohio State

University (OSU) and Nationwide Children’s Hospital.

“Pediatrics is generally a happy specialty, focusing on preventative

health care and often accompanied by joyful family interactions,”

she notes. “I was also involved in clinical work with special-needs

and disabled children, and I delight in knowing that there is

something I can do for a child or family.”

Antoinette’s interests in child health issues developed into

a passion for advocacy while serving as Chief of the Division

of Maternal and Child Health in the Ohio Department of Health

from 1974 to 1980.

She then continued her work of improving the health and

welfare of children and their families on a national level through

the American Academy of Pediatrics. In addition, Antoinette

advanced the stature of all women physicians by becoming the

organization’s first woman president in 1990, the year that she

received Geneva’s Distinguished Service Award. “I was glad to

be able to open that door,” she humbly adds.

In recognition of her commitment to child advocacy, the

Ohio chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics created the

Antoinette Parisi Eaton Child Advocacy Award in 2005. This

Just a sampling of medical advances made during Antoinette’s career so far:

19581952

Polio Vaccine

Pacemaker

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)

Artificial H

eart

Measles Vaccine

First human heart transplant

Magnetic R

esonance Im

aging

Laser Eye Surgery (LASIK)

Surg

ical

Rob

ot

Human Genome draft completed

Bionic Eye

1960

1963

1964

1967

1971

1973

1985

2000

2007

MRI

honor is given to the legislator in the Ohio General Assembly

who focuses on a bill for the benefit of children’s health.

Antoinette has also been a long-time academic leader. OSU has

a strong commitment as a teaching hospital, requiring resident

physicians to have a teaching role. She became a full professor and

served for a time as the university’s Interim Dean for Public Health.

Today, Antoinette continues to work with pediatric residents at

OSU in a part-time role. “I teach first-year residents how to be

advocates for children in legislative and regulatory measures,”

she explains. These residents are learning from one of the best.

Antoinette worked on a bill to expand Ohio’s newborn screening

program, has testified before Congress and completed an eight-

year tenure as Chairperson of the Department of Health and

Human Services’ Secretary’s Advisory Committee on Infant

Mortality in Washington, D.C.

Despite this lifetime of public service, Antoinette asserts that it

is “definitely possible to combine career and family.” She and her

husband Samuel have been married for 53 years, and the couple

has three sons, one daughter and nine grandchildren.

Sixty-one years after graduating from Geneva, Antoinette some-

how still finds the energy to connect with her growing family

while remaining active in her academic and public health roles.

Where that energy comes from is no mystery to her, however.

She says that she simply remembers the words Jesus spoke in her

favorite verse, Matthew 19:26: “… with God all things are possible.”

I delight in knowing that there is something I can do for a child or family. “

“

1024

in service

A vision with potential became a successful reality when the inaugural “Living in Color: Equipping Leaders to Serve in a Diverse World” was held at Geneva College in February of 2013. One hundred and fifty students, faculty, pastors and members of the community gathered to learn what effective leadership means in today’s diverse workplaces, classrooms and society. The conference was initiated and developed by Kathy Kinzer-Downs, Geneva’s Director of Multicultural Student Services, along with her husband Lamont Downs, Multicultural Student Services Coordinator. “Kathy and I were talking, and we thought that we should bring a diversity conference to Geneva so that we could talk about what diversity truly is,” explains Downs. “It took off from there.”

Workshops for the weekend were organized into three tracks: pastoral, community development and education. Additionally, a panel of former and current college students shared their experiences of living and attending classes on primarily white campuses.

“We wanted to equip leaders from all cultures to break down barriers, to be bridge builders and to really connect in the

kingdom of God,” says Downs. “We wanted to equip leaders to have cross-cultural literacy because leaders bring transformation to organizations.”

In addition to being a founder and organizer, Kinzer-Downs was also one of the conference’s keynote speakers, along with Landon and Khadija Adams, domestic missionaries through the Coalition for Christian Outreach (CCO), and Rev. Avery Danage, a campus minister with the CCO.

In her presentation, “My Identity: Embracing Who I Am, Living Out Who I’m Called to Be,” Kinzer-Downs spoke about the importance of understanding one’s identity: “We can’t be where we are called unless we know who we are. I spoke about who God has created me to be as an African-American woman, and some of the barriers that come with that reality.”

Larry Griffith, Executive Vice President of Geneva College, identifies Kinzer-Downs’ keynote speech as one of the best talks on diversity that he has heard. “I was most impressed by the Christ-centeredness of Kathy’s message,” he notes. “In fact, I found it to span well beyond issues surrounding diversity. She spoke to finding your identity in Christ and, ultimately, how to live the Christian life.”

Kinzer-Downs is pleased that others were challenged through the conference. “I was encouraged by being a part of different sessions and seeing people ask tough questions,” she adds. “I also felt a sense of movement and momentum for Geneva.”

Planning has already begun for the next Living in Color conference, which will be November 15–16, 2013.

“We certainly anticipate building off of the success of last year to reach more people, to be a part of the transformation and be able to help develop those who attend,” says Kinzer-Downs.

Find out more at www.geneva.edu/livingincolor.

.

“We can’t be where we are called unless we know who we are.”

BY lYNseY Auell ’14 & r IChArd louTher ’15

www.geneva.edu/livingincolorN OV E M B E R 15- 16 , 2013

Kathy Kinzer-Downs & Lamont Downs

BY JulIA sChAdeMAN ’13

iving in ColorEquippiNg LEadERs tO sERVE

in a diverse world

www.geneva.edu/livingincolorN OV E M B E R 15- 16 , 2013

26

class notes

1949 Lois (Hadfield) Knaggs has retired after teaching seventh through ninth grade mathematics in Sidney, OH, for 18 years. Lois resides in Plain City, OH.

1958 JoJean (Daout) Holland is an Instructional Associate at Cedar Valley College and an Adjunct Biology Professor at Mountain View College. JoJean has published two books, AVAM-Avenging America (under the pen name Veronica DeTerre) and Twilight in the Vineyard, both available through Amazon. She resides in Mesquite, TX.

JEANNIE (MUSSER) PORTER was

inducted into the Pennsylvania Music

Educators Association (PMEA) Hall of

Fame. Jean taught classroom, vocal and

instrumental music. She worked in the Mid-

land School District from 1966-70 and in the

Blackhawk School District from 1970 until her

retirement in 1998, where she directed high

school productions of Oliver, South Pacific,

Bye Bye Birdie and The Sound of Music.

Jeannie previously received PMEA’s District 5

Citation of Excellence in 1992. She presented

“Music A La Carte,” a workshop for elementary

music teachers, at the PMEA Conference

and served as a judge for the Geneva

College Henry Mancini Musical

Theatre Awards.

1968 Joe Petruny was inducted into the Beaver County Sports Hall of Fame. A basketball player, Joe was asked by Geneva tennis coach Cliff Aultman to participate on a doubles team even though he had never played the sport. This began Joe’s tennis career, which included six victories in the acclaimed Beaver County Tennis Tournament and 25 years of teaching the sport. Joe, who served as the Golden Tornadoes’ basketball team captain in his senior year, was also named one of the best 50 players in Geneva’s first 100 years of basketball. Joe was an educator in the Hopewell School District for 34 years.

1972 Brian and Martha (Ward ’76) Long reside in Ellicott City, MD. The couple has five children.

1975 Stephen Rhodes is Assistant Pastor for River Community Church in Prairieville, LA, where he now resides. 1976 Martha (Ward) Long -See Long 1972

1979 Tammie (Ward) Buckwalter -See Buckwalter 1980

Sabrina A. (Sette) Terrill-See Terrill 1980

1980 Randy and Tammie (Ward ’79) Buckwalter moved to Raleigh, NC, in 2012 after spending their entire lives in Pennsylvania. Following more than 25 years at Harleysville Insurance, Randy accepted the position of Public Relations Manager with PPD, a pharmaceutical contract research organization. Tammie is enjoying her retirement by taking care of their new home and spending time with their one-year-old grandson.

Douglas L. and Sabrina A. (Sette ’79) Terrill’s son Zack competed in the 2012 Jeopardy! College Championship, finishing in third place.

1982 Cynthia (Lazar) Neiswinger -See Neiswinger 1983

1983 Michael and Cynthia (Lazar ’82) Neiswinger now reside in Puyallup, WA. Michael accepted a job with Amazon and Cynthia began her new position as Administrative Assistant at Tacoma General Hospital.

Marty and Susan Plog are celebrating their 25th anniversary and their daughter, Susan, is to be married in 2013. The Plogs live in Hoschton, GA.

1984 Lynda Zelesnak -See Lees 1993

1989 Phil Cavett -See opposite page

1991 Mark Ratti Jr. was presented with the prestigious RE/MAX Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012. This award is given to a small percentage of agents who have been with RE/MAX for at least seven years and have worked with 1,000 or more families. Mark has been with RE/MAX since 1988 and is in the RE/MAX Hall of Fame, the RE/MAX 100 Percent Club, and was in the RE/MAX Top Ten for Commissions Earned in Western

1966

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

27

PA for 2012. He and wife Christina (Huebner ’93) Ratti reside in Bethel Park, PA, with daughters Emma, Hannah and Julia. 1992John Lenox is the Vice President of Wight-Ox Enterprises, a marketing and PR firm specializing in the outdoor industry. John is also involved with the development and launch of Rush Outdoors Television throughout New York State. He and his wife Marilyn reside in Little Genesee, NY.

1993

Lauralee (Zelesnak) and Scott Lees were married December 28, 2012. Lynda Zelesnak ’84 served as the maid of honor. Lauralee has degrees from Slippery Rock University, Westminster College and the Fowler Wainwright International Institute of Professional Coaching in addition to her degree from Geneva. She teaches biology at Mohawk High School. Lauralee and Scott are co-authors of The Suitable Helpmate Prayer. The Lees reside in Ellwood City, PA.

Joanne (Farina) Peterson earned her Ph.D. in Education, specializing in K-12 Studies, from Capella University. She previously received a Master of Education from Lesley University. Joanne is a teacher in the Scotland County Schools and an instructor at Richmond Community College in North Carolina. She and her husband James live in Laurinburg, NC.

Christina (Huebner) Ratti-See Ratti 1991

1994Michael and Melanie Daniels are the

proud parents of son Levi Josiah Daniels, born January 9, 2013. Levi joins big brother Caleb. The family resides in Corry, PA.

Randy Savage (DCP #037) completed an advanced degree through Indiana Wesleyan University. Randy is currently employed at Malone University teaching in the Malone Management Program. He and his family reside in Canton, OH.

1995Rev. John Shaw has been called as the General Secretary of the Committee on Home Missions and Church Extension for the Orthodox Presbyterian Church (OPC). John has served as founding pastor of Mission Orthodox Presbyterian Church in St. Paul, Minnesota since 2006. John and Anne (Copeland) have four children: William, Micah, Johanna and Samuel. They are planning to relocate to Philadelphia, PA, during the summer of 2013.

1996Megan (Merryman) Eicher-See Eicher 1997

Michael Whitmer is now a Brigade Chemical NCO for 1st Information Operations Command in Fort Belvoir, VA, where he and wife Christina reside.

1997Rev. Doug Barnes has accepted a call to serve as Pastor of Covenant Reformed Church in Pella, Iowa, a congregation of the United Reformed Church of North America (URCNA). Doug previously served for eight years at Hills United Reformed Church in Minnesota. Doug praises God that the members of the Barnes family are adapting well to the changes God has brought into their lives through this move. Doug and his wife Grace (Pontier) have six children: Michal, Samuel, Luke, Jacob, Joanna and Jesse.

Chad and Megan (Merryman ’96) Eicher reside in Lexington, OH.

Robert Tarullo began serving as Pastor at Westminster Presbyterian Church (OPC) in Indian Head Park, Illinois on August 1, 2012.

1989 PHIL CAVETT was named the 2013

Beaver County Teacher of the Year.

After graduating with a degree in math

education, Phil applied for a teaching posi-

tion in the Riverside School District—and

has been there for the last 24 years. “It was

such an honor to be named Beaver County

Teacher of the year and to accept the award

on behalf of the four other incredible final-

ists as well,” says Phil. “I am thankful to the

Jumet Charitable Foundation for instituting

this program to recognize the great work

that so many teachers are doing across our

county. I am truly blessed to find my calling

at Riverside. I work with a wonderful faculty

and such a supportive administration, and

truly the students at Riverside are the best

students with whom one

could hope to work.”

This closed an eight-and-a-half year season of ministry in Newtown, CT, just a short distance from Sandy Hook Elementary. Robert and his wife Sarah (Bingham ’98) have three children: Nathaniel James, Cairistiona Grace and Katerina Anne. The family lives in Westchester, IL.

1998Sarah (Bingham) Tarullo-See Tarullo 1997

28

in 2012. Rebecca is a Medicare Program Consultant for Capital BlueCross. The Feister’s reside in York Haven, PA.

Tamera (Vucelich) married Jason Pfeiffer on September 13, 2009. The Pfeiffers reside in Virginia Beach, VA.

Levi Stahl is a Nuclear Unit Supervisor at the Beaver Valley Power Station in Shippingport, PA. He is responsible for the safe operation of the reactor and secondary plants, day-to-day tests, and removing equipment from service for maintenance.

2005

Stefanie (Bishop) married Jared Buckner on May 26, 2012. Stefanie is a kindergarten teacher in the Alamance-Burlington school system. The Buckners live in Burlington, NC.

Rachel (McMahan) McDonald-See McDonald 2002

2006Alicia (McGhee) and Christopher Hinzman are the proud parents of Max McGhee Hinzman, born on April 12, 2012. Alicia is the District Operations Regional Coordinator for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives Republican Caucus. The Hinzmans reside in Beaver, PA.

2007Jameson and Tara Beates are the proud parents of Jackson Ender Bates, born on

1999

Nancy (Kuhn) and Seth Beardsley welcomed daughter Grace Elizabeth on October 17, 2012. She joins older brother Levi. The Beardsley’s live in Elizabethtown, PA.

Joshua Van Ee successfully defended his dissertation in ancient Near Eastern history at the University of California at San Diego (UCSD), earning his Ph.D. Josh is an Assistant Professor of Hebrew and Old Testament at Westminster Seminary California.

2002

Peter and Rachel (McMahan ‘05) McDonald announce the birth of daughter Zoey Hope in June 2012. Zoey joins big sister Abby and big brother Ryan. The McDonalds reside in Lawrence, KS.

Virginia “Ginny” I. Knor (MSOL) received a 2013 Outstanding Achievement in Media Award in the category of Agency/Allied from the Media Association of Pittsburgh. Ginny is the Divisional Director of Marketing and Public Relations, The Salvation Army Western Pennsylvania Division.

2003Ben Cieply has received his Ph.D. in Cancer Cell Biology from the West Virginia University School of Medicine. He is a Post-Doctoral Researcher at the University of Pennsylvania. Ben and his wife Shawna reside in Horsham, PA.

Rebecca (Gardner) and Nijel Feister are the proud parents of Madeline Noelle, born

August 4, 2012. Jameson is a Supervisor at JusticeWorks Youthcare in Reading, PA. He also coaches Boys Varsity Soccer at Wyomissing High School, leading the team to their best record since 2007. The Beates family lives in West Lawn, PA.

Kristen Karasek received a Master of Business Administration and a Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration from the University of Akron. She resides in Seneca, SC.

Dan Williams-See opposite page

2008

David and Lauren (Shaw) Abt are the proud parents of Davey, born March 20, 2011. David graduated from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and began an internal medicine residency in June. The Abts reside in Philadelphia, PA.

Gabbie (Murtaugh) and Robert Broughton welcomed Katelyn Rose into their family on March 12, 2012. The Broughtons live in Philadelphia, PA.

Josh “J.D.” and Abby (Bowser) Kail are the proud parents of twins Emmanuel and Annika, born in late 2012. They join big brother Solomon. Josh is a Law Clerk for Beaver County, PA. The Kails reside in Beaver, PA.

Sarah (Romeo) and Justin Lynam were married on July 7, 2012. Sarah received her master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from Concordia University in 2011. The Lynams live in Guilderland, NY.

Judith Tobias received her Master of Divinity from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary.

2009Matthew and Laura (Fischer) Cooper welcomed Moriah Grace into their family on December 5, 2012. Moriah joins big brother Caleb. Matthew is the Youth and Worship Pastor at Westridge Church in Coraopolis, PA. The Coopers reside in Baden, PA.

Dustin Diesing is now a Cardiovascular Technologist in the Veteran’s Administration

29

Photos appear within or before the corresponding class note.

Pittsburgh Healthcare system. He is engaged to Shannon Monac, and the wedding is scheduled for October 4, 2014.

Michael and Faith Potoeski were married May 19, 2012.

2010Karey (Claar) Hooks-See Hooks 2011

Susan Singer (DCP #007) is now an Emergency Management Specialist for the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency in Harrisburg, PA.

Matthew and Jessica (Rienow ’12) White were united in marriage on July 16, 2011. They reside in Zelienople, PA, where Matthew is an Operations Manager for TransIT Solutions.

2011Kate Blumberg resides in Pittsburgh, PA.

Benjamin and Kylie (Gardner ’12)

Gibbons were married on September 1, 2012. Ben is an Admissions Counselor at Geneva College. The Gibbons live in Beaver Falls, PA.

Kathleen Haffly (DCP #038) resides in Pittsburgh, PA.

Andrew and Katie (Wright) Harper were united in marriage in June 2012. The Harpers live in Zoar, OH.

Daniel and Karey (Claar ’10) Hooks were married September 29, 2012. The Hooks live in Denver, CO.

Justin (DCP #252) and Tessa (Frazier) Miller were married on May 12, 2012. Tessa is a Caseworker for Bedford County Children and Youth, and has started her own scrapbooking business. The Millers live in Osterburg, PA.

2012Cheryl (Omlor) Colaianne was married August 2012. The Colaiannes reside in Irwin, PA.

Kylie (Gardner) Gibbons-See Gibbons 2011

Jonathan Kocher resides in Bethlehem, PA.

Samuel and Courtney (Robel) Weaver were united in marriage on August 4, 2012 and welcomed their first child, Penny Grace Weaver, into the world three weeks early on May 21, 2013. Sam is a science teacher for Hillcrest Christian Academy in Bethel Park. They reside in Venetia, PA.

Jessica (Rienow) White-See White 2010

2007DAN WILLIAMS has been named Geneva’s Director of Alumni Relations, moving from internal positions as both Resident Area Coordinator and Coordinator of Campus Fitness. “Geneva is a special institution that makes a tremendous impact on those who have been here,” he says.

But that impact isn’t a one-way street, and it doesn’t end when people graduate. I’m looking to enhance the ways that alumni interact with Geneva and encourage them to develop a lifelong connection.”

Left to right: Gretchen (Williams) Wright ’10, Sara Williams ’15, Dan Williams ’07, Micah Wright ‘09, Jared Williams ’09, Becca (Michalik) Williams ’07 with future alumni Jackson and Alena Williams

“

30

In Memoriam

Carlisle R. McPherson ’51 on March 26, 2013

Philip R. Lindeman ’52 on March 22, 2013

Keith D. Beachem ’54 on April 19, 2013

Elmer C. Calvin Jr. ’54 on January 3, 2013

Donald R. Haswell ’54 on February 26, 2013

George R. Reese Jr. ’54 on February 10, 2013

William W. Young ’54 on January 9, 2013

Marie E. (Conner ’55) Teets on February 10, 2013

Richard A. Riley ’57 on May 21, 2013

John D. Swogger ’57 on December 25, 2012

Joseph A. Violi ’57 on May 22, 2013

James P. Davis ’58 on March 18, 2013

Robert Rex Downie Jr. ’58 on April 10, 2013

Evalin R. Knowles ’58 on May 15, 2013

Sarah M. “Sally” (Moores ’58) Milne Wilmoth on November 12, 2012

David R. Patterson ’59 on January 30, 2013

John H. Ripper ’59 on February 17, 2013

class notes

30sEdith Pohley ’32 on January 26, 2013

Amelia C. (Carothers ’33) Haine on December 30, 2012

H. Ross Strohecker ’36 on April 5, 2013

Zelda W. (Wilner ’38) Feinberg on April 1, 2013

Naomi K. (Kuhl ’38) Griffiths on January 9, 2013

Jean D. (Springer ’38) Kratzert on December 19, 2012

H Donald C. McCune Sr. ’38 on April 10, 2012

W. Scott Bliss ’39 on January 17, 2013

James W. McJunkin Jr. ’39 on November 30, 2012

40sBetty M. (Whitfield ’40) Turzan on January 22, 2013

Martha A. Osborne ’41 on May 18, 2013

C. Rahl George ’42 on March 8, 2013

Harry F. Zeigler ’43 on January 11, 2013

Dr. Dale E. Hamilton ’44 on February 25, 2013

Helene F. (Leonard ’44) Plataz on February 26, 2013

Ethel E. Ewing ’45 on May 5, 2013

Ethel May Graff ’45 on April 15, 2013

F. Yvonne “Bonnie” (Deener ’45) McCormick on December 30, 2012

Ruth C. (Caven ’46) Johnston on January 13, 2013

Mary Jo (Bennett ’46) Yohn on March 11, 2013

Donald B. “Dutch” Allen ’48 on May 23, 2013

Richard G. “Dick” Luce ’48 on April 19, 2013

John S. “Jack” McIsaac Jr. ’48 on March 2, 2013

Barbara R. (Ryan ’48) Ride on February 6, 2013

Eugene T. Rumisek ’48 on December 17, 2012

Mary D. (Daniel ’48) Smith on January 6, 2013

Dr. Jack J. Roush ’49 on March 1, 2013

50sJulius P. “Julio” Cellini ’50 on January 13, 2013

Geraldine E. (McDanel ’50) Crouthamel on February 3, 2013

William McComb ’50 on January 14, 2013

Donald J. Pierce ’50 on March 12, 2013

Harold G. Stang ’50 on February 8, 2013

William J. Chontos ’51 on January 7, 2013

Marjorie J. (Rollman ’51) Forsyth on February 28, 2013

Class Notes InformationTo share your news, visit www.geneva.edu/ class_notes and click on “Update Form.” High-resolution pictures of at least three megapixels in size may be submitted in JPEG format. You may also mail your news and photos to: GENEVA COLLEGE Office of Alumni Relations 3200 College Avenue Beaver Falls, PA 15010

Inclusion of all items in Class Notes is at the discretion of Geneva College, in accordance with the community standards of the institution.

31

H John L. Smith Jr. ’59 on April 17, 2013

60sRoger G. Sigler ’60 on February 15, 2013

Claude “Freddy” F. Frank ’61 on February 4, 2013

Karen H. (Tudhope ’62) Smith on February 10, 2013

John G. Salakas ’63 on August 18, 2012

Ronald G. Sisson ’63 on December 27, 2012

Joseph T. Bodalec Jr. ’64 on January 7, 2013

Dr. William E. Irion ’64 on January 11, 2013

Virginia J. “Jinny” (Jusczak ’64) Spann on May 8, 2013

Robert W. Anderson Sr. ’65 on May 3, 2013

Ernest A. “Ernie” Dally Jr. ’68 on April 6, 2013

70sMichael J. Carnahan ’70 on April 27, 2013 Dr. Karen L. Hornung ’70 on March 25, 2013 Kenneth L. Knight Sr. ’70 on February 21, 2013

Mary (Nuccetelli ’73) Graff on May 3, 2013 Thomas M. Slick ’73 on February 13, 2013

Denotes members of the

Heritage Society,

which recognizes the valuable

contributions of alumni and

friends who include Geneva

in their estate and/or financial

plans by gifts made through

annuities, charitable trusts, gifts

of life estates, undivided partial

interests in real estate or life

insurance, and gifts made

through their will.

Allan J. “Baines” Lizzi ’74 on February 19, 2013

David Kenneth Cartwright ’75 on March 17, 2013

Cheryl L. (Westfall ’78) Froment on March 8, 2013

80sAndrew Sariochek Jr. ’80 on April 21, 2013

Frank Thomas “Tom” Rudman Jr. ’85 on March 3, 2013

David S. Kluis ’87 on May 16, 2013

90sStanley Pugh ’95 (DCP #046) on April 17, 2013

Justin J. Elle ’96 on April 23, 2013

Thomas A. Rupert ’98 (DCP #084) on April 1, 2013

00sJanice G. Lape ’03 (DCP #162) on February 14, 2013

FriendsDr. Frances E. (White) Ewbank on March 16, 2013

Richard R. Hammond on April 6, 2013

Kathryn L. “Kitty” (Shotsinger) McGraw on January 2, 2013

Elsie C. (Check) Passavant on May 3, 2013

Thomas P. Woolaway on May 22, 2013

32

LINDA BOGNOSKI Adult Degree Completion Program Office Coordinator Retired after 17 years of service

“Linda has been the primary voice of the Adult Degree Completion Program to those who phone our office; staff and students alike will miss her cheerful greeting.” —Dr. Ralph Phillips Assistant Dean for Adult and Continuing Education

DR. PETE CROISANT Assistant Professor Communication Retired after 30 years of service

“Pete will always be remembered by his whistle, which reflected the joy in his heart. Students often remarked about how Pete’s love for the Lord was evident in his life and work.” – Professor Susan Layton Chair of the Dept. of Communication

DR. SUHAIL HANNA Professor of English Retired after 31 years of service

“His Christian witness coupled with his wit made him a favorite professor of many students. He will be greatly missed by his students and, most especially, by his colleagues.” – Dr. Lynda Szabo Chair of the Dept. of English

BETTY IBEN Director of Donor Services Retired after 23 years of service

“As we all have experienced, Betty has been an integral member of the Geneva community and the Institutional Advancement team. It has been a blessing to serve with and learn from Betty.” – Dr. Jeff Jones VP of Advancement

DR. DEAN SMITH Chair of the Dept. of Bible, Christian Ministries & PhilosophyRetired after 23 years of service

“Every one of us now working in the department had been brought in during his leadership, which balanced personal involvement and care with encouragement and breathing room to grow.” – Dr. Jonathan Watt Chair of the Dept. of Bible, Christian Ministries & Philosophy

BONNIE WILLSON Data Entry Specialist Retired after 27 years of service

“In many ways, a Geneva student begins their academic career with Bonnie! It has been an honor serving with Bonnie and we will certainly miss her positive attitude and joyful spirit.” —Roger Blevins Assistant Director of Admissions

in conclusion

At the end of the spring 2013 semester, Geneva said goodbye to a number of long-time members of the campus community who retired. We thank them for their years of service to the college, and pray that they will experience the Lord’s blessings in all of their future endeavors.

GENEVA COLLEGEHomecom ng

ocToBeR 19Reunion cLASSeS 2008, 2003, 1998, 1993, 1988, 1983, 1973 www.genevA.edu/Homecoming

At the end of the spring 2013 semester, Geneva said goodbye to a number of long-time members of the campus community who retired. We thank them for their years of service to the college, and pray that they will experience the Lord’s blessings in all of their future endeavors.

2013The team’s coast-to-coast adventure was an overwhelming success!GENEVA ACROSS AMERICA

Read about the “experience of a lifetime” in the Winter issue of Geneva Magazine.

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GenevA ColleGeIf you’re trying to figure out

what to do next with your life,

consider this. We believe God

has big plans for you.

And that includes becoming

everything He meant you to be.

I n s t r u c t I o n