WE ARE HERE FOR THIS They said he couldn’t do college work: His dyslexia would make him a drop-out; the rigorous challenge would be too much for him; he would waste his money chasing a dream that could not come true. Meet Mark Foster. In his own words, “I was in high school before I fully understood how bad my dyslexia was, and although I felt supported and worked hard in high school, no one ever encouraged me even to think about going to college.” Through a series of providential relationships, Mark came to Trevecca to play intercollegiate soccer. His academic challenges quickly introduced him to Trevecca’s academic support personnel. About the time Mark was coming to Trevecca, the administration made a strategic decision to centralize all student-support services in the Center for Leadership, Calling, and Service (CLCS). The director of CLCS is Tom Middendorf ’99, an inspiring young leader with a doctoral degree in mentoring. Middendorf and his staff are servants who help Trevecca students achieve their dream of a college education. Mark’s mentors in the CLCS, Amy Murphy MA ’08 and Jeff Swink ’70, dedicated themselves to helping this Irish soccer player become a successful college student. “I found all of the Trevecca professors were openminded about my learning disability and willing to support my academic needs,” Mark said. He became a leader on the soccer team, met his future wife (Jessica Leary ’08), and fell in love with the mission of the University and the God who inspired that mission. On May 2, 2009, I handed Mark Foster his college diploma, and last summer Mark became the head coach of the Trevecca Women’s Soccer Program. Last year, I and 170 Trevecca student-athletes attended a meeting in which Mark shared the story of his journey. From Ireland and dyslexia to a college degree and a coaching position. From casual belief in a deity to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. As I stood in the back of the room and recalled Mark’s challenging journey, I brushed away tears. CLCS and Trevecca are here for this kind of transformation.
Dan Boone President P.S. I invite you to follow me online: Twitter–@drdanboone; Facebook.com/drdanboone; my blog–danboone.me
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Treveccan Spring 2014