The Magazine of Eastern University
SPRING 2026
EASTERN beyond
Abundantly
Dear Alumni and Friends,
God delights in providing for his children in ways beyond our imagination. Consider the Hebrews standing at the edge of the Red Sea, desperate for rescue, watching the waters part so they could walk forward on dry ground. Or Jesus feeding 5,000 people with five loaves and two fish, Daniel surviving the lions’ den, Peter walking on water, Mary giving birth to the Son of God, or the disciples hauling in a boatload of fish after an unsuccessful night of fishing. These are surprises, provisions, miracles, and wonders beyond comprehension.
As we’ve reflected on the past 100 years of Eastern University and joyfully celebrated our Centennial, it is clear that we have been blessed abundantly beyond what we could have imagined. A movement that started as six ministers with a Spirit-infused vision has now become a thriving University with approximately 10,000 students receiving a Christ-centered, gospelgrounded education all over the world. I wonder what our founders would say if they were here!
Ephesians 3:20-21 echoes the praise and gratitude in my heart:
“Now to God who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us…to God be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.”
As you read these stories, I hope you will be inspired in faith and trust that God is able and willing to envelop you with his power, love, and faithfulness.
Thank you for your prayers and support for Eastern University. We are grateful for your partnership as we continue to depend on God for his provision and direction in our next 100 years.
As an anonymous hymn writer wrote in the early 1800s, “May Jesus Christ Be Praised.”
Better together,
Ronald A. Matthews, President
10 Feature
Eastern University served students during the golden age of higher education until the economic crisis of 2008, when enrollment began to decline. Through a difficult season, because of innovation and God’s faithfulness, we’ve moved from Stress to Stability to Strength. As we usher in this new frontier of artificial intelligence, Eastern has embraced it in ways that emphasize our values, human flourishing, and the common good.
publisher / KELLY GODDARD
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF / ALLY (HOLMES) ROSARIO ’ 14, MEd ’21
Editor / ERIN (AHLEFELD) WETTEN, MBA ’25
Creative Director & Lead Designer / DANIEL PEIRCE , MTS ’23
Photographer / JENNA STERNER
Designers / ALAINA MOSSO, KATIE SAMSON, KRISTIN BANKER
(30)
Wismer (48)
4 / COMMUNITY
Eastern’s Centennial Year was both a reflection on the past and a vision for the future. The changing landscapes of both the St. Davids campus and our online spaces have only fueled our vision and mission for the next 100 years.
18 / SPOTLIGHT
This year, we celebrate 50 years of astronomical impact in the classroom by Dr. David Bradstreet ’76, Professor and Chair of Astronomy and Physics. Senior marketing student Anisah Smith ’26 and her enthusiasm have spilled into every corner of Eastern’s campus.
24 / ACADEMICS
Grants from the Lilly Endowment provide Palmer with resources to equip adaptable, resilient, theologically sound, and globallyminded church leaders. Esperanza College celebrates 25 years of resilience and service in the Hunting Park neighborhood.
28 / ATHLETICS
Football secures a MAC Championship and advances to the NCAA Tournament in the program’s third season. Athletics completes major upgrades to the baseball field. Newly launched Women’s Flag Football and Men’s and Women’s Wrestling build championship-caliber momentum and lay stong foundations for the future.
Highlights
KICK-OFF WORSHIP SERVICE
100 ACTS OF KINDNESS
FOUNDERS DAY CHAPEL
CENTENNIAL GALA
100 HOURS OF SERVICE
100 GIVEAWAYS
EASTERN CUP GOLF OUTING
HISTORICAL WALKING TOUR
ORAL HISTORY PROJECT
TIMELINE WALL WRAP
EXPLORE ONLINE:
EASTERN.EDU/CENTENNIAL
Celebrating the Last 100 Years & Building for the Next
As Eastern University celebrated our centennial this past year, campus came alive with visual reminders of the University’s dedication to a faithfilled academic community. From celebratory gatherings to milestone events, Eastern’s Centennial Year was both a reflection on the past and a vision for the future.
By erin (Ahlefeld) wetten, MBA ’25
Centennial Celebrations
A variety of festivities surrounded Eastern’s 100th birthday on March 19, 2025, weaving together memories and stories from past presidents, faculty, staff, and alumni who fondly reflected on their favorite moments at Eastern. Our community gathered for a kickoff worship service, academic symposiums, a black-tie gala, and even a memorable aerial photo forming the number 100. Founders Day Chapel and the unveiling of the Eastern Timeline Wall Wrap invited the community to truly absorb 100 years of God’s faithfulness while also looking ahead to the next chapter in Eastern’s story.
Templeton Hall
Another exciting expression of growth and preparation for the future during our Centennial Year was the renovation and expansion of Templeton Hall (formerly Workman Hall). This beautiful building now serves as the home of the Templeton Honors College (THC) and a vibrant hub for the arts. The building’s formal blessing, held in August, brought the community together to celebrate the energy and transformation Templeton Hall brings to the student experience on campus. With brand-new classrooms, communal spaces, Clemens Recital Hall, and Merriman Art Gallery, Templeton Hall embodies Eastern’s commitment to intellectual rigor, spiritual formation, and creative expression.
“WE
ARE PREPARING FOR THE NEXT 100 YEARS, CREATING SPACES WHERE STUDENTS CAN THRIVE, BUILD COMMUNITY, AND PURSUE EXCELLENCE.”
President Matthews
New Baseball Field
Across campus, the new baseball field stands as another emblem of Eastern’s forward momentum, bringing together the broader community in camaraderie and school spirit. Completed in the fall of 2025, this state-of-the-art facility features synthetic turf, dugouts, batting cages, and a video board, which will elevate the student-athlete experience this upcoming baseball season.
“I found out in the fall of my freshman year that we were getting a new field,” shares business student Trevor Harris ’27. “My teammates and I were beyond excited. Having our own field again is an absolute blessing. It will be a place for growth and development for years to come.”
Both of these renovation projects, Templeton Hall and the baseball field, highlight the vision and generosity of donors who have helped Eastern surpass $29 million toward the $30 million A Time to Rise campaign goal.
As President Ron Matthews observes, “This remarkable achievement reflects the generosity and vision of our donors, alumni, and friends. We are preparing for the next 100 years, creating spaces where students can thrive, build community, and pursue excellence.”
The Next 100 Years
Each of these historic milestones is more than individual accomplishments and celebrations; they are interconnected stories in a book of growth and transformation at Eastern University. Each new space, event, and initiative speaks to a singular purpose: preparing students to thrive, serve, and lead by Christ’s example in a complex world.
As Eastern University closed its first century and laid the foundation for the next, our Centennial Year became a living story of legacy in action, where faith, reason, and justice continue to shape hearts and minds, and where the dreams of future generations are already unfolding in the classrooms, performance halls, and athletic fields of today.
Eastern Online
Changing Modalities of an Unchanging Identity
By Ally (Holmes) Rosario ’14, Med ’21
OVER THE PAST FIVE YEARS, the Eastern community has experienced remarkable growth as we’ve ventured further into the online world. The University now offers more than 70 online programs, including undergraduate and graduate degrees and certificates. Our student body has tripled since 2019, largely due to our growth in online programs. “Affordable excellence” has become the banner of our innovative LifeFlex programs, which have made a high-quality, faith-based education more accessible to thousands of students.
While growth is exciting, several important questions ground us with every new enrollment milestone we exceed: How are we maintaining Eastern’s identity, faith, and values in the online space? How do we remain true to our founders’ vision of a Christ-centered, worldchanging education, no matter the format?
The six ministers who founded Eastern envisioned an institution that was “conservative, yet progressive.” This spirit — faithful to the gospel, yet forward-thinking in its approach — is exactly what shapes our online expansion today.
Far from diminishing our mission, online learning has challenged us to reimagine new ways to bring faith to life in our digital spaces. As instructors design online courses, they walk through training and attend creative workshops that focus on principles of faith integration. “At Eastern, instructional design goes beyond simply deciding what to teach,” shares Rebecca Gidjunis, Assistant Provost for Academic Operations. “It involves a deliberate and thoughtful approach to integrating theological thinking and diverse theological perspectives into course content.”
“In the online space, this looks different from program to program,” Rebecca continues. “Some instructors create standalone faith integration videos that dive deeper into theological concepts related to their fields of study. Others weave together concepts of their discipline with concepts of the Christian faith in every lecture. Students often report that these videos are some of the most meaningful moments of reflection and purpose during their time at Eastern.”
Dr. Eloise Meneses, Chair of the Faculty Committee on Faith Integration, shares, “Our committee runs several workshops a year to discuss creative ways faith can be integrated into our on-ground and online spaces. This approach has strengthened our faculty’s commitment to faith integration and highlighted their care for their students’ faith development.”
“I’ve loved connecting with faculty, staff, and fellow students through great discussions and networking events. I think these opportunities definitely increase the feeling of connection for me as an online student at Eastern.”
JOYLYN HOPKINS, MS DATA SCIENCE ’26
As our commitment to faith integration continues to shape the classroom experience, Eastern is also creating online spaces beyond the virtual classroom where faith and purpose meet. Many of our community’s personal, spiritual, and professional development opportunities have been adapted into formats that serve online students, such as the streaming and recording of weekly chapel services, university-wide daily morning prayer offered over Zoom, and an invitation for students around the world to send digital prayer requests to the Office of Faith and Practice.
Additionally, the Center for Career Development hosts a variety of networking events for online students that encourage relationship building, vocation exploration, career development, and connection to the Eastern legacy. Many of these events take place on a gamelike platform that allows students to move freely about a virtual space and participate in group or one-on-one conversations. “Each interaction offers our online students a personal connection to the Eastern community,” shares Amy Ballard ’12, MEd ’16, Eastern’s Online Career Coach. “These experiences help grow our students' professional networks, which not only support them in the long run, but shape Eastern’s great legacy in the workplace and world.”
Expanding into the online world has opened the door to a wealth of diverse stories, perspectives, and communities that go beyond our founders’ vision. This past year, Palmer launched new cohort programs in both Cuba and South Korea, and since fall 2025, our online learners represent more than 58 countries. Through our global online reach, Eastern’s vision, mission, and values are being lived out across nearly every continent, uniting students through a shared commitment to faith, learning, and community.
As Eastern continues to grow in reach and impact, our foundation remains the same. Each new online student, course, and program is not a departure from who we are, but a fuller expression of the mission our founders set in motion. Online learning has not compromised Eastern’s identity, but rather, has expanded, deepened, and strengthened it.
�o Strength
How Eastern overcame the adversity of the last decade and innovated to thrive.
By dr. kent sparks
OR MOST OF ITS HISTORY, Eastern University (and its earlier legacy institutions) served students within the so-called “golden age” of higher education. That is, from our Seminary’s origins in 1925 until the economic crisis of 2008, the number of interested and qualified students was more than sufficient to ensure solid enrollments for any institution worth its salt.
The factors that altered the situation, making enrollments very hard to secure, are too numerous to recount and explain here. But eventually, University enrollment declined to the point where, in fiscal year 2016, we recorded a very sudden $5 million deficit and a related decline in net assets to less than $60 million. We were in trouble.
FEATURE
STRESS
In the short run, decisive but difficult action was necessary to save the institution from possible ruin. Over the course of a few years, the University board, administration, staff, and faculty cooperated to reduce annual expenses by $9 million. Unfortunately, significant staff reductions were necessary. The total number of full-time employees was reduced from around 500 to 400 colleagues. The institution was on firmer footing, to be sure, but the proverbial surgical intervention was nearly unbearable.
Those were dark, uncertain years at Eastern University. But there remained a deep-seated conviction that Eastern’s unique mission of faith, reason, and justice was still needed in the world. Could that mission now empower and carry us into the future?
precisely because of our mission, rather than pursuing opportunities elsewhere. As a result, the impact of our mission for a sustainable future was immediate a nd is one of the reasons we can tell the good story that follows.
STABILITY
The reduction of expenses gave us the time we needed to realign our University to very competitive market conditions. Broadly speaking, we discovered two distinct groups of prospective students who were looking for more or different experiences than we had been providing up to that point. Let’s consider each profile.
Traditional residential students — who for most of our history have comprised the largest segment of our enrollment — were seeking something more than the Christian education for which Eastern had long been respected. They were looking for a “plus.” After a thoughtful process of discernment, the University concluded that NCAA athletic competition could provide that added dimension. We expanded our athletic offerings, including the addition of football, and began to see both enrollment and campus life flourish.
Eastern is on a path to serve more traditional students and change more lives than ever before. Our mission has made this possible. Eastern is distinctive among Christian institutions because we’ve elected to serve not only people of the Church but also students of other faiths or no faith. We’re so thankful for the opportunity to share our faith and love with these students.
During this challenging season, many talented employees and board members remained with Eastern
The other group of students is non-traditional, graduate, and professional students who have a very different set of desires and needs. In an era when industry and the business environment are changing constantly, these folks need opportunities to quickly and affordably “retool” or “upscale” their skills for new employment opportunities. Eastern has responded by offering convenient, affordable, high-quality graduate and undergraduate programs that are entirely online. The results have been staggering.
We’re so grateful to say that through dark valleys and now high mountains, God has been our source of inspiration and strength.”
STRENGTH
Our overall institutional enrollment has surged from around 3,000 in 2019 to approximately 10,000 in 2025.
Needless to say, our budget is now healthy, and our student body is flourishing. We’ve managed, by faith and hard work, to move from Stress to Stability to Strength. There is still work to do, but the future is bright. We’re grateful to say that through dark valleys and now high mountains, God has been our source of inspiration and strength. And now, one question remains: After an institutional journey that’s taken us from stress to stability and then stability to strength, what’s our next horizon?
We’re working on that! Soli Deo Gloria!
Dr. kent Sparks is Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at Eastern. He has served the Eastern community for over 25 years since he began as Professor of Biblical Studies in 2000.
EMBRACES
“100 years ago, long before the internet
gospel for the whole world.’ Today, we're
KENT SPARKS
Provost & VP for Academic Affairs
THE GAP BETWEEN SCIENCE FICTION & REALITY NARROWS ... “ AI
By Ally (Holmes) Rosario ’14, MEd ’21
The gap between science fiction and reality narrows with every new advance in artificial intelligence (AI). What once seemed a futuristic aspiration now sits readily accessible in our pockets, homes, and classrooms.
While the groundbreaking capabilities of AI promise exciting possibilities, the accessibility, prevalence, and ethical implications of AI present concerns for many, especially in higher education. In response, Eastern has embraced this new frontier in innovative ways that emphasize our values and explore how AI can contribute to human flourishing and the common good.
We’ve asked several AI pioneers from key disciplines in our community to share the exciting ways we’re weaving AI into the life of the University and helping usher Eastern into this next season with wisdom, innovation, and integrity.
FEATURE
AI + ACADEMICS
Eastern is ready to apply the insights of our faith, and our faithful intellects, to the challenges that lie ahead. ’’
REBECCA GIDJUNIS
Assistant Provost for Academic Operations
GREG LONGO
School of Mathematics & Computational Sciences, Assistant Dean
CHRISTA LEE-CHUVALA
College of Business and Leadership, Dean
“Eastern is adopting a transformative approach to AI, embracing its pedagogical and operational power as a tool for innovation. We’ve provided university-wide access to secure tools like Google Gemini and AgentForce and established a Faculty AI Working Group. We are also embedding AI into general education, developing standalone coursework, and exploring student-AI collaboration models grounded in ethical protocols, all to prepare our community to wisley lead in a rapidly evolving digital world.”
“Machine learning, the basis of artificial intelligence, is found throughout our computer and data science courses. By integrating AI tools into courses and emphasizing fundamentals in math, coding, and problem solving, we help students use AI ethically and practically. We also launched a new MS in Applied Artificial Intelligence that prepares students to design, implement, and lead practical AI-driven solutions in order to navigate real-world challenges and implications of a rapidly developing AI landscape.”
“AI is shaping every aspect of business, and future leaders must be prepared to apply it strategically in order to improve business processes. For the past two years, the College of Business and Leadership has introduced students to AI through hands-on exercises. Now, through our AI Business Strategy concentration, immersive simulations, and insights from industry leaders, our students are on a path to becoming the most ethical and effective transformational change agents in their organizations.”
AI + FAITH
AI+ INNOVATION
KIMBERLEE JOHNSON
Palmer theological Seminary and College, Dean
ERIC MCCLOY CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER
LAURA THAPA
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF APPLIED AI AND AUTOMATION SOLUTIONS
“AI is a topic of growing importance for the Church. Our churches have a vital opportunity to explore how the intentional integration of AI can strengthen ministry, deepen community, foster spiritual formation, and enhance our witness in a digital world. Our annual Science and Religion Symposium was created for cultural moments like this one, to invite thoughtful engagement with relevant scientific issues and to equip our students and faith communities to lead with vision, wisdom, and a faithful, ethical curiosity.”
“With each new breakthrough in technology, there’s an opportunity for doing both great harm and great good. Eastern is making a deliberate choice to teach our students to understand AI and look for ways to use its potential well. Much of what we have seen so far, automating mundane tasks or accelerating access to research, is trivial compared to what AI has the potential to offer. I look forward to what the creative minds of our students will achieve as they put such powerful tools to good use.”
“Utilizing AI gives us the opportunity to reimagine how we work, serve, and make University operations more streamlined. The result is a smarter, more reliable workflow environment that supports and empowers staff in their everyday tasks. Thoughtful adoption helps us manage our work more efficiently while keeping creativity, connection, and human flourishing at the center of how we steward innovation with wisdom and care.”
began as a calling to operate a high school planetarium soon transformed into a lifelong mission to reveal God’s majesty through the universe.
“I always loved astronomy,” Bradstreet recalls. “When I was six years old, my brother had a big, ‘Golden Book of Astronomy’ that I used to flip through endlessly. By third grade, I knew I wanted to do this for a living.”
After helping run his high school planetarium, Bradstreet came to Eastern as a student intending to become a planetarium director. But mentors encouraged him to think bigger about how God might use his gifts. He went on to earn his master’s and Ph.D. in astronomy and astrophysics from the University of Pennsylvania while teaching as an adjunct at Eastern, becoming full time in 1983.
the students.
“The most rewarding part has been seeing the influence I’ve had on students, not just in their careers but in their personal and spiritual lives,” he reflects. He describes Eastern as “a place where faith and life come together,” a conviction that shapes how he approaches science.
“Science is about discerning truth,” he says. “And when you’re looking for truth, you’ll discover God, because God is the truth.” He reminds students that science and faith are not at odds but in conversation. “Science can’t tell you that there is or isn’t a God,” he says. “So when a scientist says there’s no God, that’s not a scientific statement.”
through jog-a-thons, grants, and prayer to build it atop McInnis Hall in 1996, followed by another $170,000 to digitize the planetarium. “The best part was that this money didn’t come out of the students’ pockets,” he says. “All funds were raised by other donors and me, without drawing from university funds or tuition.”
That digital transformation inspired him to write a full-dome astronomy curriculum, now used in more than 800 planetariums worldwide.
even has an asteroid named after him!) but in the lives of generations of students who, looking through his telescopes, have seen more than the cosmos; they’ve seen their faith come into focus.
Bradstreet serves as Professor and Chair of the Astronomy and Physics department, as well as Director of the David H. Bradstreet Observatory and Julia Fowler Planetarium.
The most rewarding part has been seeing the influence I’ve had on students, not just in their careers but in their personal and spiritual lives.”
dr . bradstreet
1976
Bradstreet begins teaching astronomy at Eastern University
1983
Becomes full-time faculty, expanding astronomy, physics, and research instruction
1996
Leads the completion of Eastern’s observatory after two decades of rooftop labs
2026
50 years of astronomy at Eastern University
INVOLVED BEYOND
By Holly Scoffone
Anisah’s drive, curiosity, and faith are shaping her future beyond the classroom.
CCOLLEGE IS MORE than just four years of going to classes, studying, and meeting deadlines. A true college experience is full of conversations that shift your worldview, unexpected opportunities that widen your path, and learning that extends beyond the four walls of the classroom. For students who immerse themselves fully in campus life, college becomes a place where they become the person they are meant to be. For Anisah Smith ’26, a senior whose energy and enthusiasm spill into every corner of Eastern’s campus, it has been exactly that.
Anisah’s involvement spans the entire campus. She’s co-captain of the tennis team, edits digital content for The Waltonian, plays in the pep band, and serves as the lead intern for the College of Business and Leadership, all while balancing her class schedule. Anisah says she’s “always been someone with a lot of interests and hobbies,” so being involved in many things has been a regular part of her life. Her list doesn’t stop there though. She even helped launch Studio 1300, the University radio station, played in the marching band, and is a member of three honor societies.
For Anisah, saying yes to new things isn’t about expanding her resume. It’s rooted in curiosity and drive for a bright future full of possibilities. “I find so many things interesting, so why not try as many as I can?” she says.
Her involvement in radio, writing, and marketing has especially reshaped how she understands people. “Connecting with people has always been a part of me,” she says. Her marketing and communications roles on campus have helped her tune in intentionally not only to what people say, but to “how they say it and the message they are truly trying to convey.” She’s learned the importance of interpreting both meaning and intention “because it’s too easy for miscommunications to get in the way of building meaningful connections.”
Leadership has become a learning experience of its own for Anisah. Each team, club, and project has taught her something different, but one lesson rises above the rest: the power of leading by example. “There are standards that need to be set everywhere, and as a leader, I have to contribute to setting those standards,” she explains. Equally important is listening, which has taught her to “understand and empathize with others so everyone can feel heard.”
Her time at Eastern has also deepened her spiritual life in ways she didn’t expect. Having grown up in the church, she was always familiar with faith, but witnessing peers her own age come to Christ for the first time shifted her perspective. “It helped shape my own relationship with God outside of my childhood understanding,” she reflects. Being part of this community gave her space to consider where she stands now, as an adult, and to grow into the person she hopes to become.
Anisah looks to the future with confidence, feeling “more than adequately prepared” thanks to the knowledge gained in her classes, the hands-on experience from internships and activities, and the community that has shaped her. As Eastern steps into its second century, students like Anisah exemplify what it means to go beyond. Her advice to future students is simple: “Be involved. You never know what doors will open for you. There is a place for everyone at Eastern — you just have to find it.”
By Daniel Garrison Edwards '11, mdiv '18
Palmer’s New Initiatives Share the Gospel in a Brave New World ROOTED IN TRADITION Innovation
PASTORAL MINISTRY in 2026 can feel like sailing a ship on strange tides with no map or constellation. Issues like national concerns and anxieties, diets of algorithmically catered social media content, and deep grief over aging congregations and declining attendance can make pastors and church leaders feel ill-equipped to meet this cultural moment. But the Gospel never changes. Palmer Theological Seminary is rising to the call.
As the Seminary pursues the future of ministry and theological education, it is honored and humbled to be the recipient of two grants from the Lilly Endowment. The Lilly Endowment, through grants such as the Compelling Preaching Grant Initiative and the National Storytelling Initiative on Christian Faith and Life, seeks to support and strengthen local congregations and lay and pastoral leadership, especially by funding innovations in theological education.
At Palmer, God is providing for theological education to face the next century with this same joyful hope and anticipation.
Innovation can sometimes conjure up fears of abandoning tradition for the sake of chasing something shiny and new. Instead, at Palmer, innovation is rooted in the various histories and traditions that inform the life of the institution and its students.
Palmer’s Kerygma Initiative is made possible through the Compelling Preaching Grant, and is committed to exploring effective ways to share the Gospel in a diverse and hurting world. This initiative studies models of prophetic preaching, such as those demonstrated by Dr. Tony Campolo ’56, MDiv ’61, to engage in the diverse public square both physically and digitally. “We want to create opportunities for transformative homiletic learning, invite preachers into supportive communities, and encourage bold experimentation in proclamation of the whole gospel," shares Dr. David Stark, Director of the Kerygma Initiative. In conjunction with Palmer’s Center for Alumni Care and Seminary Engagement (CARES) and the Flourishing Leader Project, Kerygma also strives for the cultivation of healthy and whole preachers who can thrive in and beyond the shifting seas of the 21st century.
Christians for Social Action (CSA), an organization founded by the late Ron Sider in partnership with Eastern University, is the recipient of the National Storytelling Initiative, which is being used to establish the project “Stories of Gospel Hope: Rooted and Resilient.” This initiative seeks to curate, promote, and distribute compelling stories of hope from marginalized and overlooked communities. These stories draw our eyes beyond the despairing headlines and point to the foundational hope in Christ that our world so desperately needs, serving as a reminder that the Gospel changes everything.
It is easy to read studies or see stories in the news and feel a sense of grief for the local church. But with the blessing of these grants and others, Palmer Theological Seminary is pushing faithfully beyond roadblocks and
envisioning a flourishing future for our congregations. Our God is a God of resurrection, and resurrection work is alive and well in the Church. “The hope for these initiatives in the coming decades is that they will continue to foster adaptable, resilient, theologically sound, and globally-minded church leadership,” comments Mathew D. George, Director of Alumni Care and Seminary Engagement. “This ongoing support is crucial for Palmer and other theological schools as they continue to joyfully navigate future challenges and opportunities ahead.”
Let us never forget that God was made known by showing a way beyond death into new life. At Palmer, God is providing for theological education to face the next century with this same joyful hope and anticipation.
T25 YEARS AS A
Beacon of Hope
Celebrating the Legacy & Future of Esperanza College in North Philadelphia
By dr. Nilsa R. Graciani, Esperanza College Academic Dean
THIS PAST YEAR, Esperanza College of Eastern University (ECEU) celebrated 25 years of serving as a beacon of hope to the community of North Philadelphia. For a quarter of a century, ECEU has remained committed to its mission “to enhance the knowledge, skills, and outlook of young people and adults so that they can live even more thoughtful, positive, productive, and purposeful lives.” As we honor this milestone, we reflect on the programs and initiatives that have shaped our students, strengthened our community, and set the stage for the next 25 years.
One of our most exciting programs is the Early College program, which allows selected eleventh- and twelfth-grade students from Esperanza Academy Charter School and Esperanza Cyber Charter School to earn their associate degree while completing high school. Since the program launched in fall 2021, it has continued to grow steadily. This fall, 88 students are participating — many of whom will continue to their bachelor’s degrees
without added financial burden. This program exemplifies our ongoing commitment to empowering students to achieve their dreams.
Esperanza’s dedication to supporting community members who are not fluent in English also continues to thrive through the Esperanza English Institute (EEI). Since 2004, EEI has offered five levels of English instruction, including the Language Transition Track, which helps college students move from Spanish-taught classes in their first semester, to bilingual instruction in the second, to fully English courses by the third and fourth semesters.
In response to the evolving challenges faced by underserved communities, we have continued to develop programs that promote economic mobility. One example is the Health Career Pathways program, a partnership with the School District of Philadelphia and Jefferson Health. High school seniors in health-related programs participate in shadowing days, boot camps, and other work-development training to prepare them for careers as patient care technicians, medical assistants, surgical technicians, and
more. After graduation, students interview for open positions and begin their studies at Esperanza College, often receiving tuition reimbursement from their employers.
We are also celebrating recent successes in our Early Childhood Education (ECE) program, which has received new private grants from the William Penn Foundation and Vanguard. These grants allow us to expand our work developing ECE professionals and help local centers increase their STAR ratings, creating highquality educational experiences in Latino-led or -serving centers throughout our community.
As we celebrate over 25 years of educating and serving our community, we give thanks to God for guiding our work and to the families, students, and supporters who make our mission possible. We look forward to building on our past achievements while embracing new initiatives that will shape the future. In a world of uncertainty, our focus remains steadfast. As our students proudly recite in their graduation litany, “We have God’s hope, tenemos Esperanza.” Fueled by that hope, we will continue building His kingdom in Hunting Park.
We look forward to building on our past achievements while embracing new initiatives that will shape the future.
DR. JALEESA JACKSON, AN ANESTHESIOLOGIST AT JEFFERSON HEALTH, SHARED HER JOURNEY AND ADVISED STUDENTS AT ECEU'S HEALTH SCIENCES SYMPOSIUM.
a historic year for Eastern
By dan mouw
WHEN EASTERN UNIVERSITY ANNOUNCED it was adding football in September 2021, many were excited, but most thought it would be a while before the program became competitive. However, in just its third season of varsity competition, Eastern football won a Middle Atlantic Conference championship and advanced to the third round of the NCAA Tournament.
The Eagles lost only a single game in the regular season and clinched a share of the MAC title and an NCAA Tournament berth with a 28-7 home win over FDU in the penultimate game. The following week, Eastern won 16-10 at Stevenson to secure the title and a bye through the first round of the NCAA Tournament.
Jason Bateman ’27 led a fast and experienced defense that finished at or near the top of almost every significant defensive category in the MAC. The junior All-American led Division III in forced fumbles.
Quarterback Brett Nabb ’24, MBA ’25, Academic All-MAC Performer and the PhillySIDA Academic All-QuarterArea Football Performer of the Year, earned MAC Offensive Player of the Year honors with over 1300 yards on the ground and in the air. The Eagles used this formula to upset the 16th-ranked Franklin & Marshall Diplomats in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. Nabb had four rushing touchdowns, and the defense came up with a late interception to secure a 2824 victory and a spot in the final 16.
Head Coach Billy Crocker took the job in December 2021, had his first staff in place by January 2022, and had nearly 100 players on campus the following August. The Eagles played their first full season in fall 2023.
The young Eagles gained valuable experience in that first varsity season, playing home games at the historic Franklin
Field. They only came out on top twice. The following season, they opened with a 1-4 start before rallying to win four of their final five games, finishing with a 5-5 record.
When discussing the championship season, Crocker often referenced the “year-zero guys” and their commitment to being part of something before there was something to be part of. Many of the key contributors were players who took a chance and grew in confidence during that first season, while others joined the following year.
In an age where many college programs rely on transfers, the vast majority of the guys on the field came to Eastern for their first collegiate experience.
With the program’s continued success, Eastern football has added another strong incoming class to pair with a determined returning group for the 2026 season.
Eastern Athletics
TO ACCOMMODATE nearly 100 baseball players on campus, Eastern recently completed an overhaul of The Yard. The on-campus venue now features a branded artificial turf surface, two bullpen mounds for each team, heated dugouts, multiple batting cages, and a videoboard.
With full varsity and JV schedules, Eastern baseball is slated to play at least 40 games at home in spring 2026.
With that project complete, athletics is on to the next construction project adjacent to the gym and Olson Field. The several-thousand-square-foot addition will create
offices, team spaces, and practice facilities for our many teams and growing department. Most of the new space will be over the area that previously enclosed the outdoor swimming pool.
The current gym building was completed in 1958 when Eastern had just over 300 students, but now with nearly 800 student-athletes on campus, the department needs space. The new building, along with the property purchased from Valley Forge Military College, will give Eastern Athletics staff more space to mentor student-athletes and develop excellent programs.
New Programs Thrive
Women’s Flag Football: Eastern Women’s Flag Football competed as an affiliate member in the Atlantic East. Under the leadership of head coach Amanda Ruller, the Eagles finished their first season 14-4 and reached the league championship game. With a full year to recruit from ever-expanding youth and high school programs, Ruller continues to add experienced players and will have the Eagles competing in both the Atlantic East and the East Coast Athletic Conference. Flag football is an emerging sport and appears poised to become an NCAA championship sport in the near future.
Men's & Women’s Wrestling: When Eastern added Men’s and Women’s Wrestling in December 2024, the intention was to begin competition in the 2026-27 academic year. That timeline accelerated with the hiring of Andrew Taylor as director of wrestling.
Taylor filled his men’s roster with dynamic talent and built a powerhouse women’s roster. Malik Asfour ’27 became the first Eastern wrestler to win a MAC championship, dominating the
field en route to the 125-pound title. Asfour has been ranked in and around the top five in Division III throughout the season.
The Eastern women won five MAC titles and finished eighth at the NWCA National Duals despite leaving two weight classes open. Savannah Witt ’29, Zoey Haines ’29 and Jesenia Camargo ’27 have all been ranked in the NCAA top 20 in their weight classes this season.
Eastern will begin hosting wrestling meets next year at The Nest.
Track & Field: Hailey Shreffler ’25, a double major in biochemistry and math, set program records and earned AllMetro Region honors in the 800-meter run, 1,500-meter run and 5,000-meter run. After winning both the 800 and 1,500 at the MAC championships and helping two relay teams reach the podium, Shreffler earned 2025 MAC Outdoor Track and Field Track Athlete of the Year honors.
She also qualified for the national championships with a program-record time of 2:09.87 in the 800. Shreffler finished 12th to earn All-America honors and received multiple academic honors.
Alumni Corner
2026
Lamplight Society Inductees
Tom and Sue Dahlstrom, MEd ’99
THE POWER OF SHOWING UP
Tom and Sue Dahlstrom Model Christ's Love to the Eastern Community
By Summer Rosario
Some people leave their mark through public, flashy achievements. Others, like Tom and Sue Dahlstrom, MEd ’99, do it by faithfully showing up each day. Whether Tom is analyzing data or Sue is welcoming a homesick student into their home, their approach has always been the same: rigorous excellence combined with genuine care. As the 2026 Lamplight Society inductees, the Dahlstroms embody four decades of the kind of personal investment that transforms both institutions and lives.
Tom Dahlstrom arrived at Eastern in 1982 as Assistant Professor of Business. He went on to teach a variety of subjects, including management, marketing, and information systems. Tom explains, “I began every class meeting with a brief devotional and prayer, endeavoring to tie in the devotional with the topic of the class period so that students could see that our everyday lives, not just the Sunday sermons we heard, should be guided by biblical principles.”
This ethos guided him as he developed new programs, sponsored student organizations, and moved into bigger-picture roles such as the Director of Institutional Research and Assistant Vice President for Planning and Effectiveness.
Sue Dahlstrom, worked part time at Eastern, teaching statistics and working for Tony Campolo’s Evangelical Association for the
Promotion of Education (EAPE). Beyond her official capacities, Sue has served as a consistent source of encouragement and hospitality to students and staff.
“Over the years,” Sue shares, “we have seen Eastern as an integral part of our lives and it has been our joy to serve the EU community through sponsoring clubs, hosting international students for meals, and providing holiday support for students far away from home.”
“Tom and Sue Dahlstrom truly live out the mission and values of Eastern in their selfless commitment to their colleagues, the broader community, and especially our students,” says Dr. Christine Mahan, Chief of Staff and Vice President for Planning and Effectiveness. “I've been blessed to learn so much from them in their modeling of faithful servant leadership.”
While Tom plans for his retirement this June, the Dahlstroms’ light will continue to shine brightly through the generations they have impacted.
“The motto of Eastern says it all: Faith, Reason, and Justice,” Sue comments. “I pray that our family’s involvement with this community has called us and others to rely on God’s Word in our actions, to be the hands and feet of Jesus in our troubled world, and to seek justice for the poor, the oppressed, and the underserved.”
Some callings refuse to be confined to a single space. For Rev. Brooke Scott '17, LSW, ministry happens in the sanctuary and the social worker's office, in pastoral conversations and advocacy for justice, in theological study and compassionate care. The 2026 Distinguished Young Alumna of the Year, Brooke, is a leader who refuses to choose between faith and action. She serves as Transitional Pastor of Penn Wynne Presbyterian Church in Wynnewood, PA, and practices as a Licensed Social Worker and therapist.
“I want to live out a gospel that is compelling and ‘workable’ for our world — not one that is somewhere out there or
Distinguished Young Alumna of the Year
Rev. Brooke Scott '17
SERVING THE WHOLE PERSON
The Multifaceted Ministry of Rev. Brooke Scott ’17
By Summer Rosario
“My time at Eastern prepared me well for a nation that is often deeply divided and a church that is in the midst of changing influence.”
that depends only on life after death, but that salvation is also about saving lives right now,” Brooke explains.
This tenet has led Brooke to focus on mental health and individual therapy. “The hope is that as a leader, I've created a home for people who haven't always found the church or therapy office to be a place of welcome,” Brooke details. “I hope to be the kind of person people can rely on to embrace others boldly.”
"Brooke carries twin flames for justice and care for others,” shares Sarah Todd, friend of Brooke and Director of Career Development at Eastern University. “You can see it in the way she listens to others'
stories with warmth and understanding and advocates for those who are marginalized. We're so blessed to have her as an alumna of Eastern and know that her light is shining brighter than ever."
Brooke has woven together her roles in ministry and social work into a single, powerful vocation: serving the whole person, body and soul. “My time at Eastern prepared me well for a nation that is often deeply divided and a church that is in the midst of changing influence,” Brooke recalls. “I learned to see Christ's face in all the people and places I was told I never could. God truly has done the unimaginable in my life, and I'm better for it.”
FULL CIRCLE LE GACY
How the 2026 Alumni of the Year are Shaping Eastern
By Erin (Ahlefeld) Wetten, MBA ’25
Decades after meeting on Eastern’s campus, Steve ’91 and Cathy Clemens ’92 continue to influence the very place that so deeply shaped them. Through long walks by the pond and watching soccer games together on Kea Hill, their connection quickly grew into the lifelong partnership it is today.
Steve and Cathy, this year’s Alumni of the Year, channel their passion for Eastern’s mission toward today’s students. Their impact can be felt across campus, most notably through their funding of the nursing labs in 2019 and their support of last year’s Templeton Hall renovation.
Steve, outgoing Chair of the Board of Trustees, has guided the University with wisdom and vision. “Steve was the right choice as chair of the board at a most difficult time in Eastern’s history,” shares Dr. Ardell Thomas, former Chair of the Board and Trustee since 1980. “His legal mind was needed in the transition when Eastern was at risk of failing financially. Steve and Cathy have inspired the Board through their generosity to Eastern.”
"As Vice Chairman of the Board, it has been a tremendous pleasure to serve alongside Steve," says Chip Olson ’90. "I’ve known Steve and Cathy since our days as freshmen at Eastern, and they remain two of the kindest and most generous people I know. Their passion and commitment have strengthened Eastern in profound ways."
Beyond Eastern, in 2023, the Clemenses were awarded the Holy Child Medal for their commitment to the mission of the Holy Child community. Cathy also served on the School of the Holy Child Board of Trustees in Rye, New York, from 2017 to 2023 and currently serves on the Board of the Cornelia Connelly Center in New York City.
“Steve and Cathy Clemens embody the quintessential spirit of alumni commitment to Eastern,” says President Ronald A. Matthews. “Their steadfast dedication, generosity, and servant leadership have positioned Eastern in its present season of flourishing and impact.”
As students, the Clemenses found in Eastern a community that lived out its belief of faith in action. “Eastern emphasized that value in all aspects of our education,” they recall. “We are called to serve and care for others, and Eastern helped us see what that conviction really means.”
For Steve and Cathy, the heart of their connection to Eastern runs deeper than new buildings, titles, or recognitions. It’s a circle that has come beautifully full, connecting their past as students to their legacy as leaders and supporters.
“When Eastern touches a person,” they say, “that connection stays with them forever.”
2026
Alumni of the Year
Steve ’91 and Cathy Clemens ’92
PALMER WAYMAKER
in Service and Ministry Award
Each year, Palmer Theological Seminary acknowledges alumni who are charting new paths in their calling and ministry, reflecting the reign of God in the world. The honorees embody a spirit of waymaking, of innovative pursuit, and of living out Palmer's motto: the whole gospel for the whole world through whole persons.
This Centennial Year, we are overwhelmingly blessed to celebrate five distinguished Waymakers who are committed to creating innovative and gospel-driven change in our world.
Rev. Amy Banka, MDiv ’09
For more than a decade, Rev. Amy Banka has led the Residency in Ministry Program for the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference of the United Methodist Church, mentoring and equipping those preparing for ordination. She is passionate about helping people encounter Christ in ways that lead to growth, hope, and transformation through her preaching and teaching of the Scriptures.
Rev. Dr. Danielle Brown, DMin ’13
Rev. Dr. Danielle Brown is an increasingly soughtafter preacher and workshop leader with the ability to communicate across multiple generations. She has had the opportunity to share the Gospel throughout this country and in South Africa. A natural leader, Rev. Dr. Brown has served in various capacities, developing and implementing ministry programs and strategies. She has a passion for mentoring and assisting in the development of faith and community leaders.
Rev. Dr. Wayne E. Croft Sr., DMin ’03
Rev. Dr. Wayne E. Croft Sr. has served as Pastor of St. Paul’s Baptist Church in West Chester, PA and The Church of the Redeemer Baptist in Philadelphia for a total of 33 years. Rev. Dr. Croft has distinguished himself as a pastor, writer, and scholar. He has published numerous books, including The History of the Black Baptist Church: I Don’t Feel No Ways Tired (2020), which won the Independent Press Award.
Rev. Dr. Catherine E. Williams, MDiv ’10
Rev. Dr. Catherine E. Williams is the Associate Professor of Preaching and Worship, and Director of Chapel Worship at the Lancaster campus of Moravian University’s School of Theology. Rev. Dr. Williams’ recent book, Preaching and Music: Powerful Partners in Proclamation (2025), demonstrates her dual identities as musician and homiletician as she makes the case for the dynamic synergy between preaching and music and between pastors and ministers of music.
Rev. Elisa Medina-Fuentes, MTS ’18
Rev. Elisa Medina-Fuentes graduated with Palmer’s first cohort from Mexico City in the Master of Theological Studies, Latino/a Ministries program. Rev. Medina-Fuentes currently serves as a priest in the Anglican Church of Mexico, as a professor in three seminaries, and in pastoral ministry as vicar of the Congregación de Templo de Cristo in Guadalajara, Mexico. Her ministries include leadership on retreats for children, adolescents, and women.
The Joy of PROVISION
By erin (Ahlefeld) wetten, MBA ’25
How alumna Dr. Virginia Ayres’ generosity is nourishing Eastern students through the Eagle’s Essentials Food and Hygiene Pantry
DR. VIRGINIA “GINA” (FRENDZEL) AYRES ’84 remembers her time at Eastern with fondness. Walking the campus with friends, studying on the benches near Walton Pond, and learning from professors who lived out their faith daily were all core memories of her college journey. “It’s an exquisite campus experience,” she reflects. “The vibrant atmosphere, the students, the teachers, all passionate about their faith and seeking truth.”
While majoring in psychology and biology, Gina worked multiple jobs to make ends meet. She cleaned bathrooms in Kea Hall, worked in the library and cafeteria, and eventually served as a Resident Assistant. “Back then, I had about ten dollars a month total in spending money to meet basic food, travel, clothes, and textbook bills. I know what it feels like to be a student trying to make ends meet.” This experience, along with her PhD in psychology, gave her insight into how food insecurity affects students today.
That firsthand experience inspired her support for Eastern’s Eagle’s Essentials Food and Hygiene Pantry, an initiative created to provide meals, snacks, and hygiene items for students facing food insecurity. “It immediately struck me as such a clever and much-needed endeavor,” she says. “If someone is hungry, it is difficult to focus on studies. It is necessary to meet their basic needs first.”
After learning more about the pantry through an article in Eastern Magazine, Gina connected with Sally Kapner, Office Manager for Student Development. Sally recalls meeting Gina and quickly discovering a shared history at Eastern. Sally reflects on how Gina’s giving embodies the words of 1 John 3:17–18: “If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech, but with actions and in truth.” Sally has helped support the pantry by coordinating volunteers, organizing donations, and ensuring students’ needs are met, helping make donors’ generosity even more effective.
Last spring, Gina initiated a donor matching challenge on Eastern’s Day of Giving that totaled $50,000 to help the pantry grow and remain stocked with essentials for students. She frequently checks in with the team and has even visited the campus to see the pantry in person.
“
I want students to walk into the pantry and feel joy knowing there is care and support available."
“People tend to be receptive to God’s message of love when they feel seen and cared for, and the pantry offers that tangible care.”
Over the years, the pantry has evolved from a small student-led initiative into a welcoming space where students can access food, toiletries, and encouragement. Gina hopes it continues to grow in both reach and spirit. “I want students to walk into the pantry and feel joy knowing there is care and support available.”
Her commitment goes beyond financial support; it is also about inspiring others to contribute. Gina hopes her classmates and fellow alumni will see the value in supporting this venture. “If everyone does a little bit, it adds up,” she says. “It is lovely that students know the Eastern community fully supports this ministry of service. Eastern is an extraordinary place where students have the opportunity to grow in spirit and in faith. I want to help preserve that for generations to come by helping to ease food and hygiene insecurity.”
Through initiatives like Eagle’s Essentials, Gina’s generosity ensures that students have the support they need to succeed, both academically and personally. Her actions reflect the enduring legacy of Eastern: a community that nurtures its members in faith, care, and service, inviting others to continue that cycle. Gina’s favorite verse is 2 Corinthians 9:8: “And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.”
Now, in partnership with Eastern, Dr. Ayres is launching a second matching challenge of $25,000 for the Eagle’s Essentials Food and Hygiene Pantry with the goal of endowing $100,000 to ensure longterm support for students in need. With Gina’s contributions, the fund is already at $65,000. Now, alumni have the opportunity to help meet the challenge, ensuring that every student feels supported, cared for, and part of this extraordinary community.
As students walk the paths of Eastern today, the care and generosity of alumni help ensure that the spirit of the campus, with its warmth, community, and support, remains alive for generations to come.
Dr. Virginia Ayres during her undergraduate years at Eastern.
$100,000 Total Endowment Goal
1st Matching Challenge
$25,000 Raised
2nd Matching Challenge
$15,000 Raised
$25,000 Donor Match
$25,000 Donor Match
A Time to Rise
From our picturesque campus nestled amidst nature's embrace to halls filled with wisdom, community, and care for one another, Eastern University has been a beacon of light for generations.
As we reflect on the past and look toward the future, we invite you to join us on our journey. Your support plays a vital role in empowering our students, meeting essential needs, promoting academic excellence, and cultivating a thriving community.
Together, let us ensure that Eastern University remains a place where potential knows no bounds and students learn to lead with Faith, Reason, and Justice.
Your support is fundamental to our success, and we are truly grateful for the generosity of our community of alumni and friends who make programs like the Eagle’s Essentials Food & Hygiene Pantry possible.
Eastern and Palmer Alumni Class Notes
1960 S
Raymond Donald Shafer, BD ’62 and his wife Marlene Shafer celebrated the birth of their first great-granddaughter, Lily Mae, born March 3, 2024.
John Alvin Kearns, MDiv ’63 celebrated his 55th wedding anniversary with his wife Marion Kearns in October 2024.
Nancy Raker ’64 is saddened to announce the death of Gil Raker ’65, who passed away March 15, 2025 surrounded by his wife and three children. His life was celebrated on April 5 with many, including fellow Eastern graduates Elmina Stewart ’71, Lloyd Paullin ’66, Carolyn Paullin ’67, Don Gough ’67, and Susan Gough ’67. The friendships that Gil made at Eastern were foundational to a joyful life.
Barbara Bell ’67 is celebrating her 80th birthday this year, a special day that she shares with Tony Campolo ’56, BD ’60, ThM ’61, HD ’06.
Livija Rieksts Bolster ’67 published a memoir of poetry, “Ilze’s Daughter”, in 2024. One of her poems is about being a freshman at Eastern.
1970 S
Jo Ann Walczak ’70 has published a book titled, The Walk on Layton: 52 Modern Parables for Your Journey. The 52 stories in this book reflect her walk with God on Layton Road, an ordinary country road in northeastern PA. Jo Ann’s hope is that these real-life inspirational stories will help readers to discover Jesus and walk with Him through life.
David A. Carpenter ’74 and his wife, Linda Carpenter, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2021. David has also celebrated the 50th anniversary of his ordination in July 2024.
Darlene Spartas ’76 is loving retirement. She bought a home on the shore and is living the dream!
David W. Lyter ’78, MAR ’80, is a primary care physician for the LGBTQ+ community in Tampa Bay, doing Christ’s work.
1980 S
Mark S. Caruan, MDiv ’85, has retired from full-time congregational ministry. He is ordained as a pastor in the American Baptist Churches USA and has pastored many Baptist congregations in Pennsylvania and New York. Since 2019, he has been the transitional pastor of two Presbyterian Church (USA) congregations in Utica, New York. He was also the founding dean of Houghton College Utica, a program offering an Associate of Arts degree to refugees and other Englishlanguage learners.
Frank Billman, DMin ’88 published a revised and updated edition of his book, The Supernatural Thread in Methodism: Signs and Wonders Among Methodists Then and Now in 2021. Last year, it was translated into Spanish.
ALUMNI
Paul Luchtenburg, MBA ’88 retired in June 2023.
Richard S. White ’89, MDiv ’92 took a great leap five years ago and moved to Southern Indiana after 35 years in Philadelphia. He enjoys birding and hiking in the Hoosier Hills.
1990 S
Jeffrey Dorn ’92 traveled to Athi River, Kenya as a part of a team from the Anglican Diocese in New England in May 2025. He participated in the dedication of a well for the church there that his small church, the Anglican Church of the Redeemer in Norwood, MA, helped financially support.
Linda M. Rodriquez ’93 worked for the City of Philadelphia as a social worker in the Department of Human Services and is now retired, working part time at the Kirkbride Center.
Mark Van Dusen ’94 recently retired from Lockheed Martin and started traveling the world. He has taken several trips to England, Wales, Morocco, France, and India. Retirement has been a blast.
Bruce Green ’95 celebrated a Golden Eagle anniversary in the National Eagle Scout Association. The Mt. Airy Local newspaper featured an article highlighting Mr. Green’s accomplishments and long history with the Eagle Scouts, published Jan. 23, 2025.
Karen Lupton ’97 is serving her second term as a representative in the Georgia General Assembly, representing District 83. Rep. Lupton advocates for public school funding, equitable health care and proper resources for survivors of domestic abuse and sexual assault in Georgia.
Albert Reddick ’98 published a book, Becoming One: Volume 2 — The Diversity Salad Bowl Open Mind, and was recently
EASTERN UNIVERSITY AND PALMER SEMINARY IN MEMORY BY CLASS YEAR:
1950s
Jack H. Lottey ’54, BD ’57, MDiv ’57 / August 19, 2024 PTS
Grace Edith Liddle, MRE ’55 / December 17, 2024
Anthony Campolo ’56, BD ’60, ThM ’61 / November 19, 2024 PTS
Elizabeth Jane Burch ’57 / March 3, 2024
Donald M. Borchert, ThM ’59 / May 30, 2025
1960s
Ronald L. McGinnis ’60, BD ’63 / January 19, 2025 PTS
Samuel W. Hill ’61 / June 28, 2025
Donald Wayne Shaner, BD ’61 / June 2, 2024 PTS
Phyllis J. Fonock ’63 / January 22, 2025
David George Sedziol ’64 / February 1, 2025
Gilbert D. Raker ’65 / March 15, 2025
Reuben L. Wilbur ’68 / November 11, 2024
Bruce A. Denlinger ’69 / August 18, 2024
1970s
Joel D. Hawley ’76 / April 17, 2025
Gail E. Vogels ’79 / June 28, 2024
1980s
Joni Marie Craner ’80, MAR ’82 / October 7, 2024
Gregory J. Morton ’84 / April 25, 2024
1990s
Beverly Martin ’90 / February 19, 2024
Katherine Salema ’93 / April 9, 2024
2000s
Marcy Chaby Hardy, DMin ’03 / January 29, 2025 PTS
Michael Christopher Tabakin, MS ’08 / October 23, 2024
2010s
Tiffini Harris ’10, MBA ’12 / May 27, 2025
Serena R. Livingston, MS ’14 / January 29, 2025
Former Staff/Faculty/Trustee/Friend
Evan C. Frey / December 7, 2024
Thay Chansy / February 8, 2025
Joseph L. McGraw, PhD / October 10, 2025*
*McGraw Lake was named after Dr. McGraw in 2003, in honor of his dedicated service as Chief Facilities Officer to the Eastern Community from 1979-2002.
interviewed virtually by Shane Rollins of Bookwrights House. The interview is available on YouTube.
Charles Swan ’98, MEd ’00, principal at Dirigo Elementary School in Peru, Maine, has been named Maine’s National Distinguished Principal for 2024. While at Eastern, Charles completed half of his student teaching overseas in South Korea, where he later returned to work for several years. He deeply valued his time at Eastern, the connections he made, and the doors that opened as a result of being part of the school community.
Ronald P. McElhone ’99 retired after 24 years of serving as CFO for St. Mark’s Church and School in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. He is proud that every day in his office he drew upon the education and faith formation he received at Eastern to provide leadership to a vibrant church and school community.
2000 S
Tyrone Martin Knight ’00, MBA ’03, retired after guiding two children into adulthood, achieving career success, and serving in the Army from 1975 to 1996, followed by working as a federal civil servant for the Army from 2001 to 2023. During the interim, Tyrone worked for the American Red Cross, where he gained respect for its mission and the individuals who carry it out. In retirement, Tyrone volunteers for the Red Cross.
Abbie Kiefer ’03 had her poetry collection, Certain Shelter, published by June Road Press in October 2024. Her work has previously appeared in Copper Nickel, Gulf Coast, Pleiades, Ploughshares, Prairie Schooner, The Southern Review, and other places.
John David (JD) Reed, MDiv, ’03, was welcomed into God’s heavenly presence Sunday, Feb. 16, 2025, after battling ALS
for nearly a year. Reed served faithfully as Palmer adjunct faculty and a member of the administrative team for the MTS Latino/a Ministries program since 2017.
Mathew D. George, MDiv, ’04, a PhD Candidate at Eastern and Director of Alumni Care and Seminary Engagement of Palmer Seminary, was called to pastor the Pentecostal Church of Philadelphia (PCP) beginning July of 2025. Mathew served as the pastor of the Levittown Church of God for nine years prior to being called to PCP. He lives in Huntingdon Valley with his wife, Jesly, and their four teenage children.
Joshua Landis ’05, of Telford, Pennsylvania, graduated from Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary on May 3, 2025, with an MDiv in theological studies: biblical studies. He was also selected to receive this year’s Award for Excellence in Biblical Interpretation (Hebrew Bible) from the seminary’s Bible department. He is currently completing a pastoral internship in his home congregation and discerning the movement of the Holy Spirit regarding what comes next.
Beth Dyson ’06 was announced as a 2025 Philadelphia Titan 100. The Titan 100 program recognizes Philadelphia’s Top 100 CEOs & C-level executives. They are the area’s most accomplished business leaders in their industry using criteria that include demonstrating exceptional leadership, vision, and passion.
Kurt A Smith ’06 is the author of the new Ballpark E-Guides website, which offers valuable information on getting tickets, finding seats, parking and food at 17 ballparks and counting.
Julie (Hughes) Rosenau ’07 recently joined the board of the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA) as membership director and vice president.
Ruth N. Salmeron de Posada, MA ’07 shares, “Me siento muy orgullosa de ser ex alumna de tan prestigiosa universidad. Todo lo aprendido, ha permitido contribuir a mi país y a las personas más vulnerables. Actualmente me encuentro practicando en Red Cross Salvadorean.” In English, “I am very proud to be an alumna of such a prestigious university. Everything I learned has allowed me to contribute to my country and to the most vulnerable people. I am currently interning at Salvadorean Red Cross.”
Megan Faulkner ’07 launched her podcast, Wife Me Up, in November 2020. Her first book, Happily Ever After All, was released May 5, 2023. Megan has since continued podcasting, speaking and writing, sharing hope, abundance and joy with people from all over. She is grateful for the foundation Eastern provided as she launched into this season of life.
Kimberly R Walters ’08 has directed music at her Catholic church since 2012. She recalls how much she loved the blossoming spring trees while at Eastern. Kimberly has lived in Texas since 2009 and has welcomed five children in 12 years of marriage.
Valerie A. Andrews, MDiv ’08, celebrated her fifth pastoral anniversary March 10, 2024.
Peter Sensenig, MDiv ’08, teaches ethics and theology at an evangelical university in N’Djamena, Chad, and also works in Muslim-Christian peacebuilding with the church interfaith office. His wife, Christy Sensenig, MA ’08, serves as a nurse midwife in a mission hospital. They both use French and Arabic, and their three children attend a French school.
Rebekah Viall ’09 and her husband, Michael Viall, welcomed a baby girl, Camille Millie Alice Viall, in November 2024.
2010 S
Rachel J. (Albrecht) McGuinness ’10 married Michael McGuinness on June 30, 2023 and welcomed their daughter, Clara Faith McGuinness, on March 21, 2025.
Emmanuel Matthews , Jr., ESCM ’10, MDiv ’18 completed a gospel rock song, entitled Running, which can be heard on his website.
Jenavia Weaver, MA ’11 has been named 2024 Philadelphia Family Women of Influence. Jenavia has spent over 30 years uplifting her community through innovative programs, cultural preservation, and women’s empowerment. As Co-Founder and COO of Citadel International and R.A.R.E. Genius LLC — and Director of Student Engagement at the Community College of Philadelphia — she champions diversity, inclusion, and student success.
Daniel Wilson ’12, MA ’15 has published his first book, Putting Race to the Sword. This sociological work for scholars and church leaders takes a fresh Christian perspective on dealing with issues of race and racism.
Lori A. Sykes, MS ’12, is celebrating earning her Doctor of Education degree from Wilmington University and recently becoming employed at Eastern University as a capstone MBA advisor and adjunct professor.
Adrianna Manaugh, MA ’14, is currently living in Chiang Mai, Thailand, working in the development field with a faith-based NGO.
Leta M. Resolve ’14 and her husband, Anthony Resolve, welcomed the birth of their daughter, Eleanora Resolve.
Daniel Dutton, MDiv ’16, began a church in his home that transitioned to a fellowship gathering in a local church. The group rents space on Tuesday nights for dinner, worship and an interactive Bible study.
Dr. Ian Roth ’18, MEd ’19 finished his doctorate degree (EdD) at Cabrini University in May of 2024. In September of 2025, Ian entered his 8th year as a Middle Level Educator in the Radnor Township School District.
2020 S
Rachel Nicole Morton ’20 celebrated moving back to Texas and working with the Frisco RoughRiders, the Double-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers.
McDonald Ford, MDiv ’23 , lost his father, Mr. McKinley M. Ford, suddenly on Sept. 3, 2025. McDonald serves on Palmer Seminary’s alumni team as an alumni ambassador.
Shameika Black-Odei, MDiv ’24 , was installed as associate pastor of the English congregation of the Montreal Chinese Baptist Church (MCBC) in Montreal, Canada, on Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025.
A NEW TRADITION BEGINS:
Announcing the Journey of Impact Alumni Award
For many Eastern graduates, the “college experience” didn't happen in a dorm room or around campus but at kitchen tables after putting kids to bed, in coffee shops during lunch breaks, and across time zones in digital classrooms.
To honor these tenacious trailblazers, we are proud to announce the Journey of Impact Alumni Award. This award celebrates our non-traditional alumni — graduates of online, graduate, and post-professional programs — who pursued their degrees while balancing the complexities of career, family, and service.
LEARN MORE AND NOMINATE SOMEONE TODAY!
Nominees must be a graduate of an Eastern online undergraduate, graduate, or post-professional program.
HAVE YOU FOLLOWED US ON FACEBOOK AND INSTAGRAM?
Follow @easternualumni on Instagram and @EasternUniversityAlumni on Facebook for the latest updates on events, giveaways, and to stay connected to the #EUnited community!
Do you know an Eastern alum who is making a difference in their community and deserves some recognition? We are seeking nominations for Alumnus/a of the Year, Distinguished Young Alumnus/a of the Year and a staff or faculty member for the Lamplight Society Inductee. Learn more about the awards, read about current recipients and submit a nomination at eastern.edu/alumniawards.
Update us on important happenings in your life by filling out our update form. This form ensures you receive the latest Eastern information and creates a space to share with the #EUnited community what's new in your life. Fill out the form today at eastern.edu/alumninewsandnotes.
A MOMENT WITH GOD
God has moved powerfully at Eastern and desires to do the same for you. Our Creator can do more than we ask or even imagine. How is the Spirit stirring you to step out in faith in this season? Use this space to write, sketch, or simply rest in God’s presence.
“Now to God who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us… to God be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.”
EPHESIANS 3:20-21
Invest in the Mission
Because Tomorrow Matters
For more than 100 years, Eastern University has been a place where lives are shaped by faith, reason, and justice. Students arrive with hope and potential, and they leave prepared to serve, lead, and love others well. As we look ahead, the care and foresight of alumni and friends make it possible for this work to continue.
A Gift That Looks Ahead
Some gifts are made for today. Others are made with tomorrow at heart. Planned gifts to Eastern express care for future students and for a mission that has shaped generations. Through bequests, gifts from IRAs or Qualified Charitable Distributions, donoradvised funds, and other planned giving options, alumni and friends support scholarships, strengthen academic programs, and ensure that students of all backgrounds have access to an Eastern education rooted in Christ-centered values.
An Act of Care and Stewardship
Including Eastern in your plans is an act of stewardship and hope. It reflects a desire to pass on what matters most and to invest in lives you may never meet yet who will feel its impact for years to come. Those who include Eastern in their plans join the Claghorn Heritage Society, a community committed to caring for others and building a faithful future for Eastern University.
Let’s Talk About What Matters
As you consider how generosity might make a lasting difference, we would be honored to listen. The Office of Advancement is here to answer questions and help explore a planned gift that reflects care for others and hope for the future.
