EASTERN | Spring 2023

Love inspires us to reach.

Dear Alumni and Friends,

The astonishing and compelling message of the Gospel is that the loving, invisible God tangibly entered our human experience. In becoming human, Jesus revealed God’s desire to know us and be known by us.

This startling act of divine grace is the greatest example of love displayed throughout history. God extending, God reaching, God humbling; the Creator entering the experience of a creature, including hunger, loss, suffering, and death, to give Creation access to renewal, the Kingdom of God, and eternal life. What grace! No wonder all of Creation groans in anticipation of liberation and redemption (Romans 8:18-23).

Such revolutionary and generous love is the way we at Eastern University desire to engage and interact with our students and the world. Eastern has always elevated faith, reason, and justice, but recently our core values have guided us in developing creative new modalities for radically affordable, delightfully accessible, and genuinely excellent education. Our commitment is to provide transformative education for everyone who desires it.

As you read the stories in this magazine, I pray that you will be inspired by the ways we are reaching our students, and in turn, how those students and alumni are extending their reach to impact their communities. Please know how grateful we are for the benefits you each bring to your personal spheres of influence.

As I travel throughout the year and meet with various EU alumni and supporters, I am continually astounded by our creative, caring, and passionate community. Thank you for your part in advancing the story of Eastern University!

With you on the journey,

Ronald A. Matthews, President

20

PALMER

Palmer Seminary’s Spanish-language Master of Theological Studies is making theological education accessible for Latino/a communities all over the world.

O4

COMMUNITY

YACHT Club serves those experiencing homelessness in Philly. Eastern introduces undergraduate LifeFlex™ programs and a student-led Spring musical.

SPOTLIGHT

Jonathan Marshall, MEd ’24 uses his background in education to author children’s books that celebrate diverse representation of the responsibility and joy in fatherhood.

18 22

FEATURE: REACH

We’re celebrating 30 years of Chaplain Joe Modica’s meaningful investment in our campus community. The Prison Education Program celebrates the debut of an art installation highlighting the “college-in-prison” experience.

publisher / KELLY GODDARD

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF / ALLY (HOLMES) ROSARIO ’ 14, MEd ’21

Creative Director & Lead Designer / DANIEL PEIRCE , MTS ’23

Photographer & Cover Photography / ELYSE GARNER ’ 1 3

Designer / ALAINA MOSSO

WRITER / HOLLY SCOFFONE

ADDITIONAL PHOTO & ILLUSTRATION CREDITS / CHRISTIE HEIMBACH (8-9)

BYRON PURNELL (3)

ALISA WISMER (32)

Please send comments or article suggestions to: media@eastern.edu

Alumni news should be sent to: alumni@eastern.edu

Palmer Seminary alumni news should be sent to: palmeralum@eastern.edu

Mark and Heidi Birtwistle, MEd ’95 celebrate over 30 years in committed service to Eastern University's Athletic Department.

PUBLISHED BY Marketing and Communications at Eastern University ONLINE AT eastern.edu/MAGAZINE

Moments of Dignity

Eastern’s YACHT Club Serves individuals

Experiencing Homelessness in Our City

By Holly Scoffone

here are over 500,000 individuals experiencing homelessness in the United States, many without access to food, clothing, and other important resources.1 While the prevalence of this problem is a sobering reality, students at Eastern have a legacy of taking action to forge friendships and serve this population in Philadelphia through Eastern’s YACHT Club.

The YACHT Club, which stands for “Youth Against Complacency and Homelessness Today,” was founded to help bridge gaps and bring moments of justice to those experiencing homelessness.

Before it was a club, YACHT was a student movement. It started with a newspaper article in 1995 announcing the impending eviction of 40 homeless families from an abandoned Philadelphia cathedral. Burdened by the weight of this news, a group of Eastern students, including Shane Claiborne ’97, headed into North Philly to offer their support, listen to the stories, and stand in solidarity with these underresourced men, women, and children.

The never-ending waitlist for subsidized housing and a concern that the government would take custody of their children weighed heavily on these families, but what could college students do to alleviate the burden? 2

What started as a small group of students jumping in their car and heading to St. Edward's Church eventually became over 100 Eastern students standing in solidarity, advocating for these neighbors, and living out Matthew 25:40: “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” 2

By elevating these voices, many families finally received housing from government agencies and charitable housing donations.2 And from this experience, YACHT club was born.

The club currently meets weekly to prepare meals for those experiencing homelessness in Philly. Then, every Thursday and Saturday, the group heads to Suburban Station and Logan Square in Center City to hand out meals, listen to stories, love intentionally, and build relationships – continuing the legacy that started 28 years ago.

“Feeding hearts, minds, and the innate desire for connection is our mission,” shares current YACHT Club president and social work major Emma Best ’25.

“Bringing awareness to this issue is deeply connected to Eastern’s foundation of Faith, Reason, and Justice. Our hope is that through our resources and shared humanity, we can grow our community and create moments of justice and dignity for the people we meet.”

1 Source: US Department of Housing and Urban Development

2 The Irresistible Revolution, Living as an Ordinary Radical by Shane Claiborne ’97

the next

LifeFlex™ Frontier

Eastern's new online undergraduate LifeFlex™ degrees offer astonishing affordability, flexibility, and accessibility.

by kelly goddard

It might sound too good to be true, but Eastern University recently launched an innovative new series of online undergraduate LifeFlex™ degrees that offer high-quality, flexiblypaced education at an astonishingly affordable price.

In total, students will pay as little as $9,900 and no more than $29,900 out of pocket for a full 4-year bachelor’s degree. Students can currently choose from seven different degree programs, including Business, Education, Liberal Arts, and Psychology.

“One of Eastern’s longstanding core values is justice,” shares Kent Sparks, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs. “We are thrilled to be able to provide such incredibly accessible programs and help remove common barriers that prevent people from pursuing higher education.”

The new undergraduate programs are built on the success of Eastern’s LifeFlex™ master’s degrees, which began with the launch of the MS in Data Science in 2020, closely followed by an MBA and Master of Social Work in 2021. Over 4,400 students have enrolled in the LifeFlex™ master’s programs so far.

How does the LifeFlex™ model work?

Eastern faculty design engaging, video-based curriculum suited to a wide variety of student learning styles. Students can access the material online whenever it is convenient for them.

Students complete the online assignments at their own pace within each 7-week term,

maximizing flexibility for students who are busy with work, family, and personal life.

• The model lessens the need for expensive on-campus learning modalities, allowing Eastern to provide students with incredibly affordable tuition.

Eastern has a long history of providing transformative online undergraduate programs. Jennifer Brown ’22, who earned her Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education online from Eastern, shared, “The online format allowed me, as a mother, to do dishes and listen to my teacher give a lecture. If I did not go through Eastern’s program, I would not have been able to get a degree.”

The new LifeFlex™ format is designed to make earning a degree even more flexible and accessible for busy students like Jennifer.

Rebecca Gidjunis ’01, Assistant Provost of Academic Operations, leads the team at Eastern's Center for Teaching, Learning and Technology, which played a key role in developing the video-based curriculum model. She expressed her excitement about the new students that the undergraduate LifeFlex™ model will reach and the opportunities it will open to them:

“The LifeFlex™ model is not just about providing students with degrees; it's about access to ideas and possibilities, questions and community. It's about meaning and transformation. I am incredibly, abundantly excited about these new programs.”

Learn more about the exciting new lifeflex™ programs at eastern.edu/flex.

Imagine earning your bachelor’s or associate degree from a nationally-ranked private university, 100% online, at your own pace, for just $2,500-7,500 per year.

The Fine and Performing Arts Division empowered students to fill creative leadership roles in this Spring’s musical.

By Holly Scoffone

THIS SPRING , Eastern’s Fine and Performing Arts Division reached for new levels of student empowerment and proudly presented Working, a musical. This production was run by students under the tutelage and training of expert professors and mentors.

The musical, which was Eastern’s first, large-scale, musical production since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in Spring 2020, was a dynamic collaboration between Eastern’s Theatre, Music, and Dance departments.

“When I found out I was going to be the student director of a mainstage production here at Eastern, I was humbled beyond belief,” shares the

production’s Stage Director, Megan Oland ’23. “I was able to do what I love with the funniest, most encouraging, talented, and creative people that I know.”

Working is a localized, documentary musical based on the book by Studs Terkel, about the search for meaning, validation, and purpose in the mundane day-to-day. The cast and crew created a version of the musical that was contextualized to our greater Philadelphia community. Monologues were derived from interviews with local community members, including Sergeant Santiago, a Philadelphia police officer and part-time English professor at Esperanza College.

“Collaborating with my peers to create something so moving was incredible,” Vocal Music Director and cast member Hailey Ferry ’23 shares. “I was able to watch the production grow from the very first day of rehearsals to our last show – we quickly became a tight-knit group which helped us to produce something so special.”

Seventeen undergraduate students and a five-person pit band composed of students and local musicians made for a highly entertaining evening of theatre expressing the difficult, honest, and hilarious elements of working in America over the last several decades.

Eastern’s production of Working is being reviewed for entrance into the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival (KCACTF) – a prestigious festival showcasing and honoring high-level collegiate theatre productions.

“Being able to create a professional production, work through hard tunes, and see the final product has been amazing,” shares the show’s Music Director and keys player Christian Hankerson ’23. Christian was awarded a Certificate of Merit for Pit Band Direction from the KCACTF.

Regina Miller ’23, the production’s Lighting Designer, was also awarded a Certificate of Merit for Lighting Design from KCACTF. “As the Lighting Designer, I was responsible for the function and storytelling of each light in the space through the use of color, shape, and brightness,” she shares. “This certificate has filled me with a sense of pride for how much I have accomplished and excitement for what I am going to be able to do in the future.”

Reflecting on the experience, Executive Producer and Creative Advisor Valerie Flowers expressed, “I am proud of our student leaders who stepped forward and boldly filled these creative leadership positions under the mentorship of their veteran teaching artists. Their determination and passion has been inspiring and literally contagious. After the COVID years, we are thrilled to have this kind of infectious energy around live theatre.”

Learn more about future Fine and Performing Arts events at eastern.edu/finearts

I am proud of our student leaders who stepped forward and boldly filled these creative leadership positions.“

VALERIE FLOWER , PHD, INTERIM DIRECTOR & PROFESSOR OF THEATRE

Celebrating 30 Years of Chaplain Joseph Modica’s Flourishing Ministry to Eastern University

By Ally (Holmes) Rosario ’14, MEd ’21

ACROSS FROM THE PRAYER CHAPEL in Walton Hall, you’ll notice a tall, unassuming pair of wooden doors that lead the way to one of Eastern’s best-kept treasures.

If you open these doors and step inside, you’ll find yourself greeted by piles of well-loved books, photos, and tokens of special moments and relationships collected throughout the years.

As you move past the well-worn blue couch, you’ll notice a desk and chair silhouetted by a bright wall of windows. Behind that desk, you’re greeted by the wide and welcoming grin of beloved Chaplain Joe Modica. His arms extend in hospitality (one gripping a coffee mug) and a robust “Welcome!” follows as he calls you by name in his hearty Brooklyn accent.

If you’re like me, an alum of Eastern within the last three decades, my guess is that you’re nodding your head and smiling as you recall this imagery, since this experience isn’t unique to me – this expression of love from Chaplain Modica is as connected to the Eastern experience as is reciting our motto of Faith, Reason, and Justice.

This year, we are honored to celebrate thirty wonderful years of this love, mentorship, faith development, tutelage, service, friendship, impact, and flourishing under the leadership of Chaplain Joseph B. Modica.

Born in Brooklyn, NY and raised a Queens native, Joe was exposed to the brokenness of human life early on. Joe’s family, education, and religious upbringing instilled in him an attitude of service toward others in spite of this brokenness – a posture which drew him deep into the field of human services, and ultimately, Christian ministry.

Joe’s resume is just as long as it is diverse. From time spent serving as a foster care social worker, pastor, housing specialist at the American Red Cross, phlebotomist, and EMT driving the streets of Queens, Joe’s desire to help others continued to grow.

Along the way, Joe also collected a handful of degrees: a Bachelor’s in Psychology from Queens College (“The same alma mater as Jerry Seinfeld and my wife,” he is sure to note), a Master of Divinity from Alliance Theological

Seminary, and later both an MPhil and PhD in New Testament and Early Christianity from Drew University. It was during his time at Drew that Joe met his longtime colleague and friend, Dr. Chris Hall.

“Joe and I shared an office together as doctoral students for about two years,” shares Dr. Chris Hall. “Joe was the classic ‘people person’: warm, outgoing, funny, the classic extrovert, and genuinely concerned about others. This classic extrovert, though, had a profound faith, was Biblically based, theologically astute, eager to explore important questions, and was always open to others' perspectives and ideas.”

In 1991, Dr. Hall accepted a position at Eastern College as Director of Academic and Spiritual Formation. When the college chaplain position opened up two years later, he was quick to reach out to his friend Joe.

“I was hesitant, but Chris persuaded me to apply – one day I couldn't spell 'chaplain,' and then the next day I became one!” Joe laughs.

Dr. Hall reflects, “I thought Joe was the perfect fit for Eastern. And indeed, that has turned out to be the case. He's one of the best hires the University has ever made.”

Joe is grateful for Dr. Chris Hall, the late Dr. Ted Chamberlain, and Dr. Bettie Ann Brigham ’74 for seeing potential in him that he couldn’t see in himself.

While many know that Dr. Modica oversees EU’s weekly Chapel services and spiritual formation programming in his chaplaincy role, there are many other passion projects that he is involved in as well.

Joe oversees the Chamberlain Interfaith Fellowship exchange (an immersive Jewish-Christian interfaith experience), teaches several courses within the Biblical Studies department, PhD in Organizational Leadership program, a first-year INST150 course, and somehow finds time to sit and meet with each and every student desiring his presence.

“Joe’s office was a safe place to gather,” explains Dr. Hall. “Students knew he would keep their confidence. They knew he would listen and not condemn. They knew he would offer good advice. They knew he cared. And they knew he loved them enough to honestly address issues head on.”

Former Student Chaplain Rev. Wesley Allen ’96 shares, “Joe is a deep and caring soul. His ability to enter in, to not take himself so seriously in a culture marked by perceived ‘piousness,’ and to love others well has shaped much of my pastoral ministry.”

This intentional practice is what Joe calls “the ministry of presence.” “It is critical for student care,” he explains. “Simply put, it means intentionally showing up

and inserting myself anywhere students are, in or out of my office. I want to demonstrate my care and learn up close how to pray for our students and to plan for their needs.”

This posture resonates with former Student Chaplain Jaclyn Favaroso ’20. “Joe is one of those rare people who actually listens, cares, and remembers what you've told him years later. He is one of those special people who remembers everything and does so with intentionality.”

This care extends to Joe's colleagues as well. When faced with a family tragedy in 2016, I personally experienced this intentionality from Joe. He was one of the first to reach out, and exactly one year later, I received a handwritten letter from him with the opening line: “I seem to remember that today is a really hard day for you…”

The unparalleled intentionality and care that comprises Joe’s ministry has left a profound impact on our Eastern community and is integral to our community’s flourishing.

“Without hesitation, it's been a joy and honor to serve the Eastern community,” Joe beams. “I hope the seeds of faith, reason, and justice that are intentionally scattered while students are here will germinate well and grow deep and lasting roots.”

Joe is also sure to acknowledge the loving support his family has given him throughout his ministry. His wife Marianne, children Benjamin, Meredith, Matthew, and Christopher (two of whom have received degrees from Eastern), and three grandchildren Olivia, Joseph, and Emmett have been a constant source of joy in his life.

His brother Steven Modica, Esq. and sister Dr. Maria Fichera, an Eastern Professor of Biology for 25 years who serves as Chair of the Biology department, have also encouraged him to love well and serve authentically in his ministry.

Our Eastern community has been so blessed by Joe and the Christ-like example he leads with.

HAPPY 30 YEARS, JOE!

Joe is one of those rare people who actually listens, cares, and remembers what you've told him years later. He is one of those special people who remembers everything and does so with intentionality.“

JACLYN FAVAROSO ’20

"Celebrating Higher Education Behind Bars"

Eastern University’s Prison Education Program Debuts Art Installation

By Ally (Holmes) Rosario ’14, MEd ’21

STUDENT REFLECTION

as you look down on me in this minuscule cell in SCI-Chester where I’m serving 27 years for murder and other charges, I hope you are satisfied with the man that I’ve become. I pray that your loved ones find peace. But most importantly, Ira, I want you to know that I apologize.”

DEAR IRA: YOU DID NOT DIE IN VAIN

ABOVE IS AN EXCERPT from the essay Dear Ira: You Did Not Die In Vain. The essay was written by Jy'Aire, a writer who seeks forums to tell his powerful story of transformation while earning his associate degree at SCI-Chester through Eastern University’s Prison Education Program (PEP).

Transformative education is the heartbeat of PEP and was on display in its recent art exhibit “Celebrating Higher Education Behind Bars,” which debuted this winter. The exhibit provided Jy’Aire and his peers with an aesthetic forum to share their experience and reminded the public that the aspiration to create is boundless.

This past summer, Eastern University professor Stephen Welsh and Tieshka Smith, a community-based artist and photographer, co-taught a course entitled “Creativity & The Arts Exposed” for Eastern students at SCI-Chester. This course afforded a precious space for students to create visual art and poetry, which culminated in the “Celebrating Higher Education Behind Bars” art installation.

“Ira,

“I was shocked that so many people really cared about our work and that we really do care and matter to the outside ‘world.’ This presentation made me [feel] worthy.”

Chris

“Our stories are truly being heard, and I’m just beyond grateful [for] all the help and support. Words can never express my gratitude.”

Andre

STUDENT REFLECTION

"From the first day when my maroon sweatpants had me mistaken for an inmate in a dog sniffing line-up,” reflects Professor Stephen Welsh, “to the last day when many of my students welled up with tears about the autobiographical artwork they were sharing, I enjoyed believing in these gentlemen and what they could accomplish through the arts.”

Designed to foster community dialogue about the “college-inprison” experience, the exhibit provided unique reflections on the realities of incarceration and the ways in which students have explored and processed themes of love, loss, faith, and resilience.

“The exhibit was a recreation of the very classroom at SCIChester in which the class was taught,” shares Smith. “It is a testament to PEP's ability to cultivate a learning community where students feel empowered and supported to express themselves in such a compelling and honest way.”

The exhibit first debuted at the Philadelphia Ethical Society in January and later that month made its way to Eastern’s St. Davids campus, with accompanying events documented for PEP students to later view and assess.

“The installation is a testimony to our students’ growth,” shares Dr. John Fantuzzo, Director of PEP. “Students studied art history and were invited to become fellow artists. This exhibit followed suit, highlighting our students’ existential agency during their first semester of college. We are proud of what we accomplished together!”

Founded in 2015, PEP officially began offering courses at SCI-Chester in 2019. PEP provides valuable hope through transformative higher education, hosts workshops, and supplies resources to our neighbors returning from incarceration.

Learn more and support Eastern’s Prison Education Program: eastern.edu/prisoneducation

“It [was] so powerful to see and hear the audience’s response to our art and poetry. I found myself getting a little emotional.

Seeing the Eastern campus made me feel a sense of community, a sense of hope.”

Jy’Aire

STUDENT REFLECTION

By Nicole Markert ’20

WORDS HAVE POWER , grace, and the ability to change and represent perspectives. Nobody knows this better than Jonathan Marshall ’05, a current MEd in Multicultural Education student, Academic Outreach Manager for the College of Education, successful children’s book author, and father.

Jonathan was not always an author, but he was always creative. His roots started in urban hip-hop culture. When he joined the Eastern

community, he enjoyed performing Christian rap. However, his growing family responsibilities necessitated his decision to take a step back from performing.

Every night, Jonathan would read to his kids. Over time, he noticed a few issues with the books he read aloud: there was a lack of representation of fathers of color, characters were often animals (not actual people), and the stories lacked the presence of family dynamics.

As a former social worker, Jonathan understood that animal characters were used to universalize the message of the stories, but he believed children and families should see characters who look like them and share their experiences.

This inspired Jonathan to write his own children's books, with themes that were influenced by moments in his daily life. His book I’ll Be Right There was inspired by experiences with his own son— it was about his choice to be a father, and therefore his responsibility to be there for his son.

“As a father, you have to be vulnerable so your children will be vulnerable,” Jonathan shares.

Some of Jonathan’s other children’s books include: Riri and Me, Bears at Work, Me and My Kazoo at the Zoo, Does it Rain Food?, and If Dad Can Do it, So Can I.

Jonathan admits his process is quirky, but intentional. Each of his books is written in poetry form so children can read, retain, and enjoy. To this day, Jonathan’s kids still remember his books by heart; reading helps to savor time and joy together. Each book intentionally showcases a different illustrator to give each story its own unique life. Images with people of color tend to need more vibrant colors so the characters stand out – something Jonathan cares deeply about.

“Every night, I set aside an hour to write, or anything to do with the creative process. I make that investment everyday,” Jonathan explains.

Two of the courses in Jonathan’s MEd program, Multicultural Literature and Child and Adolescent Literature, also inspired him to write a Middle Level and Young Adult novel. As children grow, Jonathan is thinking about how he can continue to build reading bridges for them. Every story he writes has a human aspect that he wants people to enjoy.

“Children should be children and experience joy. I want them to look at the books I write and think creatively about where they can go.”

Seminary Contextualized

Extending Palmer Seminary's Theological Education to Latin America

by Dan Garrison Edwards ’11, Mdiv ’18

DR. MAYRA PICOS LEE greets me over Zoom from Mexico City, where she is joining a cohort of Palmer Seminary students for the first residency portion of their program. The Maestría En Estudios Teológicos, or “the Master of Theological Studies in Latino/a Ministries (LMin),” prepares individuals for pastoral ministry and church leadership in a manner that is contextualized to the needs of Latino/a communities.

Dr. Picos Lee emphasizes the importance of theological education taking place in community – something that is very important across the diversity of Latin cultures.

The conversation surrounding the need for a Spanish-speaking theology program started in the 90’s, when Palmer Seminary was still Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary, under the influence of professors Orlando Costas and Samuel Escobar. At the time, Dr. Escobar offered only one course in Spanish to the seven or eight Latino/a students enrolled.

However, Seminary transitions in 2015 highlighted the desire to expand Palmer's reach and the conversation about starting a Spanish-speaking program began to gain real traction. Under the leadership of the dean at the time, Dr. David Bronkema, Dr. Picos

Lee was given the green light to pilot Palmer’s first master’s degree in Spanish for the Latino/a community.

Sharing this vision, American Baptist Churches USA’s International Ministries (IM) came alongside the seminary, offering both their connections to churches and organizations in Latin America, as well as a 20% scholarship for students enrolling in Latin America.

American Baptist Home Missions Societies (ABHMS) joined the excitement and also offered scholarships for Latino/a students in the U.S. interested in enrolling. Dr. Picos Lee attributed the culmination of all these factors to God’s timing.

The first LMin cohort launched in the fall of 2016 with 18 students enrolled in Mexico City. Meeting in person, and in an accessible location for the students, was a priority.

“Contextualized education means being committed to traveling where people are,” says Dr. Picos Lee. Asking international students to travel to the U.S. for their residencies would be cost-prohibitive for many students and would require students to endure the painstaking process of acquiring student visas to enter the States.

“We cannot speak to a reality that we are not living in.”

Currently in 2023, the program has 87 students across 7 cohorts (5 international, 2 in the US). “Today, this

program is part of the Seminary’s DNA; its students represent a full third of our Seminary’s master’s students, if not more,” shares Dr. Bronkema.

From its genesis, contextualization has been the guiding principle in formulating the program. While the program shares many of the same classes as the English-speaking program, the LMin classes are contextualized to the program itself, and use texts and materials written by Latino/a scholars and theologians. Each decision made to increase accessibility celebrates the diversity of our students and reiterates the truth that they are an important part of the Palmer community – even if they are entirely remote.

“You belong. You are not an afterthought. You are a part of the institution and community we represent,” shares Dr. Picos Lee with her students.

Each generation must learn to live out the seminary’s motto “The Whole Gospel for the Whole World Through Whole Persons” for themselves, Dr. Picos Lee believes. “We can say with integrity that we are doing that.”

To learn more about Palmer Seminary’s MaestrÍa En Estudios TeolÓgicos, visit palmerseminary.edu/LMin or email mtslatinmin@eastern.edu.

a few of the lmin cohorts (from left): USa cohort, el salvador cohort, and ecuador cohort

the BIRTWISTLES

Over 30 Years of Committed Service to Eastern Athletics

By dan mouw

EASTERN ATHLETICS has seen a lot of change. In recent years, the department has added athletes and athletic offerings, improved facilities, and dramatically increased the number of full-time employees.

In the midst of the change, Heidi, MEd ’95 and Mark Birtwistle have been a constant in the department as they faithfully serve the University and its student-athletes.

The duo arrived on campus in 1990. Since then, Mark has created a nationally-competitive Women’s Volleyball program, and Heidi has held various positions in the department, been an influential administrator in the Middle Atlantic Conference and the NCAA, and served the University as a Residence Director.

This past fall, Eastern Women’s Volleyball won its 23rd conference championship and Mark Birtwistle collected his 800th win. He has coached 41 All-Americans and taken 21 teams to the NCAA Tournament. The numbers are staggering. His impact, however, goes beyond awards, wins, and losses. His players achieve at high levels on the court and in the classroom, as he challenges them to “Love the Game, and Love Each Other.” That mantra informs the way his teams compete and has been a constant theme in the success of his alumni.

This past fall, as his current team was working toward a conference Championship, the 2011 team celebrated its run to the NCAA Final Four as they were inducted into Eastern’s Hall of Honor. Each member of that team reflected on the influence her Eastern Volleyball experience had on her life and career.

In his speech presenting the 2011 team, Birtwistle referenced a quotation found in the EUVB team notebook. “It says,” he stated, “‘do the right things, and do them right.’” As a coach, he demands excellence in preparation and effort from his team. He meets those same expectations with detailed and focused practice plans, strategies, and scouting reports.

Beyond the tactical and technical aspects of coaching, he has the ability to inspire. In her speech at the Hall of Honor ceremony, Maria Horning ’12 spoke of his inspirational words in a timeout with his team trailing late in an NCAA Tournament game with the team on the brink of a loss.

“‘We are going to win this game,’” she quoted him. “‘This is how we are going to do it.’ There was not a doubt in his eyes or his voice. With that belief, we went on to beat Hiram in five sets.” That team eventually advanced to the Final Four with a win in St. Louis.

The 2022 team needed similar inspiration in this year’s MAC Commonwealth Championship match. The team dropped the opening two sets before rallying to beat Stevenson in five. The win, the 800th of his career, gave the Eagles their 21st berth in the NCAA Tournament. They won their opening game. Under his leadership, Eastern is 29-21 in the NCAA Tournament.

With a Master's in Counseling from Eastern, Heidi became a Residence Hall Director in Hainer Hall in 1997. Even as she stepped up to fill various roles in the Athletic Department, she continued to make an impact in residence life. She became the Senior Woman Administrator in the Athletic Department in 1998. She served on NCAA Committees for both Women’s Volleyball and Softball, and when Eastern moved into the MAC she served as a sport liaison to the league.

Now a Senior Associate Athletic Director, Heidi has worked for nine Athletic Directors and served as Interim AD for two stints. In her current role, she is creating and coordinating an academic support program for Eastern’s 500+ studentathletes. She also works diligently to ensure compliance with NCAA rules and guidelines.

Beyond her official position, Heidi also serves as a role model and listening ear for Eastern’s young coaches. In May, she was honored by the MAC with the Lou Sorrentino Award, an Honor given annually by the Conference to an administrator in the League who has demonstrated exceptional service to student-athletes, and has had a sustained an influential role in conference and national affairs.

The Birtwistles raised their two children on Eastern’s campus: Ali, who is now a teacher in Colorado, and Jackson, who plays Lacrosse at Syracuse.

Through all the changes of the past 30 years, Heidi and Mark Birtwistle have been a constant in their desire to serve student-athletes, their colleagues, and the University well.

MARK AND HEIDI WITH THEIR CHILDREN, ALI AND JACKSON.

Lamplight Society Inductee

Paula (Whelan) Hedderick ’92

A Lot of Love and a Little Sass

By Ally (Holmes) Rosario ’14, MEd ’21

Anyone who’s spent a moment in the presence of Paula (Whelan) Hedderick ’92 has experienced her charming Jersey sass and welcoming disposition. Whether she’s assisting a student-athlete, hosting a staff council event, or popping in to say “hello,” Paula’s vibrant servant’s heart spills over into everything she does and makes her an obvious choice for Eastern University’s 2023 Lamplight Society Award.

When asked about receiving this honor, Paula reflects, “I am still stunned. I came to Eastern as a freshman in 1988 and never went home, though I have never shed my Jersey girl brassiness. I guess I am pleased someone saw through it all how sincerely I love this place. I am honored beyond words to be included among those who have gone before me in receiving this award.”

The Lamplight Society honors a member of our alumni, faculty, staff, or administration who has left a legacy of light on the Eastern University community.

Paula's journey at Eastern has since included work as the Executive Assistant for Institutional Effectiveness and Research, her current role as Director of Internal Operations for Athletics, and her volunteer position on staff council.

Athletic Director Eric McNelley shares, “Paula is the best and keeps me afloat! She brings a positive spirit to the office that is infectious and contagious. She loves everything about Eastern and lives out our mission daily. This recognition is well-deserved!”

“Athletics is a vibrant and dynamic department,” Paula explains, “Everyone seems to honestly like

the work they are doing, and the students are the cherry on top. They challenge us, keep us on our toes, and keep us young. They inspire me as they manage the demands of athletic competition on top of their academic workload and spiritual development – this is the Eastern I attended, still spiritual, still holy.”

Paula continues, “I pray I am seen as effective and helpful to my coworkers. I want the best for them and the university and will do all I can to support that through my actions. I can lighten the load for a coworker, comfort a student in crisis, and communicate with leadership on behalf of the staff. I am embracing that little old me can effect change all around me!”

Inroads of Access & Opportunity

By Holly Scoffone

With vast humanitarian experience and Gospel-centered passion in his heart, Gordon Zook, PhD ’15, boldly embodies Eastern’s motto of Faith, Reason, and Justice in the many ways that he works to create access and opportunity for underserved communities.

While Gordon chuckled at the thought of being nominated as the Distinguished Young Alumnus of the Year, his recent degree and youthful spirit are apparent in his story and make him a worthy recipient.

For 18 years, Gordon and his wife Carol served with the Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) in India, Bangladesh, and Haiti, helping villages make more effective use of their resources and helping establish small-scale business enterprises. From there, Gordon continued to pursue his passion for people as CEO of Ten Thousand Villages, a nonprofit fair trade organization creating opportunities for artisans

in developing countries to sell their handcrafted products to U.S. markets and amplify their stories.

“I’ve seen firsthand what can happen when people are given the opportunity to develop their skills,” shares Gordon. “Knowing the impact of helping them break the generational cycles of poverty that can keep them, and their families, trapped in desperate situations is powerful. It’s incredibly rewarding to encounter people whose lives have been changed by these opportunities.”

His current role as Grants and Fiscal Services Chief at the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is no different. “Currently, we support programs that give Pennsylvanians the opportunity to develop new skills or to be retrained for new careers,” Gordon explains. “This helps them find meaningful employment at family-sustaining wages and equips them to deal with the ongoing changes in the economy.”

2023

Gordon reflects, “In each of these settings, I have been able to use resources God has blessed me with to help others, one of them being my PhD from Eastern.”

When reflecting on how his global service has impacted his relationship with God, Gordon shares, “I’ve learned that God’s love is deep and wide, broader than what I know and understand. I’ve been challenged to explore my faith more deeply and to be humbler in my understanding of truth. The desire to use my life to serve others following the example Christ set for us is a foundational part of my Christian faith.”

“Change is not always as dramatic or as quick as we would like, but our responsibility is to faithfully carry out the work God has called us to even if we do not always see the results when we want to.”

Distinguished Young Alumnus of the Year

Gordon Zook, PhD ’15

2023

Alumus of the Year

tim ewing ’02

Music as Ministry

Tim Ewing and the Kindred Awards amplify hope through music

by autumn croy ’25

MUSIC HAS INCREDIBLE POWER to alter people's moods and shift the atmosphere around them. It can even be used to extend the reach of Gospel truths to a wide audience. This is exactly the vision that has inspired Tim Ewing ’02 and his work at Kindred Ministries.

Growing up in a musical family, Tim's affinity for music and radio were apparent from a young age. Tim began to develop an ear for talent in musicians and their music on the radio – he would listen to the DJs and mimic them in his own pretend shows in his bedroom. This interest in radio eventually led him to Eastern University, where he was excited to join the university's radio station, WECR (Where Eastern College Rocks).

When he arrived on campus, however, Tim discovered that the radio station had been temporarily shut down. Rather than seeing this as a setback, he saw it as an opportunity. With hard work and dedication, Tim helped to get the radio station up and running again, and began teaching and training other students on all aspects of radio production. He also hosted his own radio show, which quickly became a well-loved program in the EU community.

After graduating, Tim married his wife Grace, and together they started their family. Tim pursued his calling in youth ministry and worked at various radio stations in the Philadelphia area.

After the birth of their fifth child, and losing his on air radio show suddenly when the station changed its format, Tim quickly realized that his ministry needed

to adapt to meet the needs of his growing family and to remain healthy and effective.

This realization led him to start Kindred Ministries in 2015. Using his experience in radio and his heart for youth, he began to host concerts and outreach events in local community spaces. “Many people won’t walk into a church, but they will listen to a CD or go to a concert,” Tim explains. He was passionate about sharing the Gospel message through music.

As he worked with local artists in his outreach efforts, Tim began to see a need for elevating these Christian artists within the local music scene. Inspired by the need for hope, Tim created the Kindred Awards, an annual award show that celebrates and honors independent music, encourages unity and diversity, and praises God for his work in the music industry.

The Kindred Awards has been held for eight years now, and continues to provide a platform for local artists to be seen and heard.

Looking back on his journey, Tim is grateful for his time at Eastern University, where he learned the skills and gained the confidence needed to pursue his calling in ministry. The foundation for his ministry was formed during his time at Eastern, and he is thankful for the professors and mentors who poured into his life.

Tim's dedication to serving God through his ministry has impacted countless individuals over the years. His work with Kindred Ministries and the Kindred Awards has helped to shine a spotlight on talented artists and amplify their message of hope to those who might not otherwise hear it.

To learn more about the Kindred Awards and upcoming Kindred Ministries events, visit kindredministries.us

Pastoral Entrepreneurship

Christopher Holland uses creativity and innovation to help churches thrive

by Dan Garrison Edwards ’11, Mdiv ’18

IT'S NO SECRET that change is hard, and often brings growing pains that test those caught up in it. What does it take, then, to shepherd a congregation through starting a nonprofit, and then later helping merge two congregations into something new and sustainable, all within the span of a decade?

Chris Holland, MDiv ’12, got his start in the world of tech, co-founding a tech consulting firm called Connexus Technology in 2003, where he still serves as COO. When he felt the call to ministry, he wasn’t sure how his past professional experiences would benefit him. However, he quickly discovered that skills such as managing teams and communicating well were transferable and very valuable.

It was at Palmer Theological Seminary that Chris was given a vision for what the Church should strive after. He witnessed Palmer faculty care for and pour into the students who desired it, and continued to enjoy relationships with those professors when they became colleagues in ministry following graduation. To this day, he says, he knows there are faculty members he can reach out to for support and guidance. When describing his time at Palmer, Chris recalls thinking, “This feels like church.”

Chris loved being “in the mess of it all,” and sought to do something innovative with his pastoral education and entrepreneurial spirit.

After graduating from Palmer in 2012 alongside the last class from the City Line campus, Chris became the pastor of New Spirit Presbyterian (PCUSA) and started the Common Place Philadelphia, which now serves 500 people annually across its six programs. These educational programs include summer camps, programs that teach trades and technology, and social services such as an after school program centered around the arts and academic enrichment.

Chris also assisted the merger of his church with Grace Fellowship (UCC) to form Salt & Light Community Church, the church sustained through The Common Place. In a stroke of innovation, it was decided to hand the management of the church facilities over to The Common Place to ease the burden of Salt & Light.

“This allows for the church to do what it does well, while taking away what it does not do well.” Salt & Light Church is now free to pursue its traditional ministry without worrying about how it will keep its lights on.

Describing his work at The Common Place Philadelphia, Rev. Chris reflects with a joy-filled grin, “Don’t be afraid to try things. There’s no script for this.” Chris’ life truly bears witness to the fact that God’s ways are above our own and he will use his people in whatever capacity he sees fit.

Alumnus Waymaker in Service and Ministry

christopher holland, MDiv ’12

Eastern and Palmer Alumni Class Notes

1950 S

Maynard Hatch ’57, BD ’60 and wife, Ruth Hatch ’57 celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary in July 2022.

1960 S

Ray Greenblatt ’62 continues to publish poetry after publishing his first poem in Eastern’s Inklings Literary Magazine in 1959. His latest published book of poetry is entitled: From an Old Hotel on the Irish Coast (Parnilis Media, 2023).

1970 S

Ruth A. Fox ’78, MAR ’84 recently retired in June from International Ministries, ABC/USA as the Global Coordinator of Education after 23 years of serving in Thailand and then in this position. Ruth continues volunteering at the First Baptist Church of Pittsburgh where her husband, Chuck Fox, MDiv ’83 serves as pastor, and continues to work on several projects as an IM Volunteer. Ruth has very much appreciated her experiences at both Eastern University and Palmer Seminary and how they have influenced her life and work.

Dale Miller ’78, MDiv ’82, HD DDiv ’12 is enjoying retirement from full-time pastoral ministry in May 2022 and is currently still enjoying teaching theology in Palmer Seminary’s West Virginia Program.

1980 S

John Camp ’82 is entering his sixth year as the University of Georgia Ice Hockey team's Head Coach and General Manager. John is also a UGA Experiential Learning & Innovation Hub mentor and was named 2022 College Hockey South Coach of the year.

Tony Tilford, MDiv ’85 has been a senior and master's level track and field athlete for the last ten years and will be competing at the National Senior Games/Olympics in Pittsburgh in 2023.

Manuela Kauer, MBA ’89, MDiv ’05, DMin ’15 is enjoying a new call as Pastor of the First Presbyterian Church Levittown, Presbyterian Church USA.

2000 S

Garth McBride ’01 is celebrating his 10th year as an Associate Minister at the Sharon Baptist Church Philadelphia in February 2023. He was also inducted into the US Department of Defense - Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support 2022 Hall of Fame in December 2022. Janet Coston, MTS ’05 is the author of Escape To Pray! and A Portrait of Mommy; Expressions of Love, Faith and Perseverance. She is also the founder of Joseph Dreams, Inc., a nonprofit organization serving at-risk populations in Chester, Pennsylvania. She is also a former Delco Nurse of Hope for the American Cancer Society and Medical Missionary to Kingston, Jamaica. Janet is currently serving the local church in Prayer Ministry.

ALUMNI

Gregory Ellis, MDiv ’05 is currently serving in the military.

Rodney Ragwan, MTS ’05, DMin ’09 recently began a new position as Global Consultant for Theological Education, International Ministries ABC. Rodney stepped out in faith to accept this position as a full-time missionary.

Stephanie Wilson, MDiv ’05 was ordained as a deacon in the United Methodist Church in 2011 and served in ministry as a chaplain in Philadelphia at Simpson House Senior Residence from 2008-2021. Stephanie is Ecclesiastically endorsed by the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry as a chaplain. She is currently retired but serves in the Conference as a member of the Board of Ordained Ministry, as a Cross Racial/ Cultural Companion, and on the ministerial staff at Sayers Memorial UMC in Philadelphia, PA.

C. Victoria Brown, MDiv ’06 is currently serving as Senior Pastor of Bethany AME Church, Philadelphia. She has been pastoring since she left Eastern – this is her fifth church.

John Chaffee ’06, MDiv ’13 is celebrating the publication of What's Another Word for Parable? (December 2022) and Echoes in the Desert (January 2023)

In 2017, Sylvia Eikenberry, MS ’06 returned from Jos, Nigeria where she taught Nigerian students at Hillcrest School.

After receiving the DMin in Marriage and Family at EU/Palmer in 2006: Harry Pearson, DMin ’06 taught on the university/graduate levels; became an LMFT and LAC; was a state DOC official in the area of addiction/recovery; worked for Focus on the Family as a counselor/ addiction specialist/media spokesperson; became a counselor for the US DOD working with all the branches of the military; and is currently in private practice consulting. Harry

1940s

Bertha Hamilton ’45 / November 29, 2022

1950s

Wilbert Gough, Sr. ’50, HD ’73 / August 12, 2022

Doug Willey, Sr. ’55, ’59, THM ’62, DMin ’75 / December 21, 2022

A. Don Augsberger, MRE ’56 / November 27, 2022

Benjamin Champion ’59 / January 13, 2023

1960s

John Lares, BD ’60 / October 24, 2022

Frank Poehlmann ’63 / September 2, 2022

Nancy MacNider ’66 / August 9, 2022

1970s

William Brackney, MAR ’72 / November 13, 2022

Alpheus Bright, Sr., MDiv ’72 / October 2, 2022

Richard Long ’76 / August 19, 2022

Susan Bertolette ’77, MDiv ’80 / August 4, 2022

1980s

David Stevens, MDiv ’85 / September 4, 2022

2000 s

Anne Clark Duncan, MDiv ’02, DMin ’10 / December 4, 2022

Andrew DeLapp, MDiv ’02 / October 23, 2022

Rachel King ’09, MEd ’12 / April 11, 2023

FORMER STAFF / FACULTY / TRUSTEES

Vera Ekeland / October 27, 2022

Herb Lusk, II, HD, DHL ’06 / September 22, 2022

Lee Westrate / October 22, 2022

EASTERN UNIVERSITY AND PALMER SEMINARY IN MEMORY BY CLASS YEAR:

Tony Patricco ’13 / February 19, 2023

Eastern University honors the life of Tony Patricco, who served our campus community for almost 14 years as the Director of Plant Operations.

has been married to his wife Karyn since 1982. Together, they have three adult children and three granddaughters.

Bobbijo Pinnelli’s, MEd ’06 time at Eastern as a graduate student and then an employee was transformative and continues to shape the paths she takes. In 2015, Bobbijo left her role leading online learning at Rosemont College to lead academic assessment at Immaculata University for seven years. Recently, she accepted an opportunity to become an associate dean of academic assessment for Walden University. Bobbijo also earned her doctorate during the pandemic and is committed to making a positive social impact and being a change agent in the world. Bobbijo is forever thankful for the experiences she had at Eastern, and for its continued impact on her life. Her suggestion to current students is to be open to new ideas and directions. You may not know at this time their long-term impact.

Dave Richardson, MDiv ’06, DMin ’10 and his wife, Pam, celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary in April of 2022.

Stanley Smith, MDiv ’06 is celebrating his recent appointment as Presiding Elder of the Historic Philadelphia Mother District of the AME Church.

Peter Sensenig, MDiv ’08 is currently appointed by Mennonite Mission to Chad, along with his wife Christy and their three children. Peter is offering courses at a seminary and joining Muslim-Christian relations work in the Chadian church.

2010 S

AJ DeBonis ’10 is currently teaching theology at Regis High School; a private, Jesuit, allboys high school on the Upper East Side in NYC. AJ is in his sixth year there, and has

taught all grade levels. Along with teaching he leads retreats, advises students, and coaches the Mock Trial and Ethics Bowl teams. After Eastern, AJ worked as a property caretaker for an Anglican church in Wynnewood, got a graduate degree in theology from Villanova, and eventually went on to Yale Divinity School. AJ taught bioethics in Yale’s summer program and courses in theology, philosophy, and religious studies at Sacred Heart University before moving into high school teaching and eventually landing at Regis.

Keith D. Dickens, MDiv ’11 has been installed as Pastor at Calvary Baptist Church in Chester, PA.

Jeni Pedzinski, MDiv ’14 says God has perfectly prepared her for the mission of her new assignment to serve as the International Ministries’ Director of Mission Mobilization based out of the Philadelphia area after joyfully

serving New Life Center Foundation in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

Susan Goodenough, MDiv ’18 is honored to have received the Community Advocate Award for Sean's House which supports young people in mental health wellness and suicide prevention. Susan serves as a Chaplain for Beebe Healthcare, DE.

Jonathan Landis, MDiv ’18 is celebrating the completion of a chaplaincy residency program at Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health.

2020 S

Eric Burrows-Stone MDiv ’21 celebrates the birth of his son Soren (December 2022) and a call to serve as Pastor of Dunningville Reformed Church, Allegan, MI (February 2023). WANT

To read about more Alumni Award winners and to nominate someone for an alumni award, visit eastern.edu/alumniawards.

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