W
“They see how much Grove City College has shaped me as a person.”
With an interest in science and aspirations of becoming a physician, Nicole Cifra ’11 had many top undergraduate choices in front of her. As her mother Carolyn modestly puts it, “She is a very good student. She could really get into a lot of schools.” Like so many families in search of the perfect fit, they made the typical campus visits. It’s what they saw in Grove City College that wasn’t quite so typical. As her father Nick describes it, “It was the atmosphere, the values, the methods that they exhibited.” Carolyn adds, “It had to be a rigorous academic school, and Grove City College had that. But the other things were important too. The values, Christian background, the conservative view— those all just made it perfect.” Nicole sums it up, “And that was pretty much it.”
faith
“It provided me a safe environment to grow in my faith and grow as a scientist.”
Science
One of the greatest moments for any parent is to see their son or daughter graduate from college. Most are proud. Many are overjoyed. Some are simply relieved. But for Nick and Carolyn Cifra, they are filled with a deep sense of gratitude.
2012 annual report & 2011–2012 honor roll of giving
Considering the science building opened its doors the same year Thomas Edison applied for his last patent, Nicole is a tribute to a student’s resilient ability to embrace the value that exists beyond bricks and mortar.
“I firmly believe that a good teacher makes all the difference. At Grove City College that held true. The quality of instruction was excellent. It could have been anywhere. I just learned so much. That was the key to my post-graduate success,” explains Nicole.
Nicole Marie Cifra ’11 on the steps of historic Ketler Hall. Part of the class of 2015 at SUNY Upstate Medical University, Nicole is pursuing an M.D. and master in public health with an interest in pediatric and primary care.
6
As an undergraduate, Nicole majored in molecular biology with a minor in chemistry and psychology. Having spent many long hours in Rockwell Hall, despite its dated facilities, she names it as her favorite place on campus. “The smell of Rockwell just smells like home. It’s so weird, but it’s true.”
Living, learning and growing up in the College’s Christian environment also continues to hold great value for her. “The synthesis of faith and science has been such a useful motivator for me in studying. For me, that sets Grove City College apart from other schools. It’s so unique in that respect. It has a lot of potential to shape a new generation of scientists.”
by the numbers
Albert A. Hopeman Jr. School of Science, Engineering and Mathematics
7 departments
720 majors
53 full-time faculty
30% students enrolled
63,000 additional square footage in the new Science, technology, Engineering and Mathematics Building
2013 Expected completion of Phase 1 for the new building project
A GOOD INVESTMENT All along, Nicole’s parents had planned and saved for her college education. And like so many parents, they were preparing to pay today’s exorbitant tuition fees. That was before Nicole selected Grove City College as her alma mater. In the same year that Nicole graduated from Grove City College and was accepted into the medical school of her choice, Nick and Carolyn decided to make a very generous gift to the College’s capital campaign, Grove City Matters. They conveyed that their pledge to the campaign was roughly the difference in what they had saved and what they had spent on Nicole’s tuition. As one might expect, they allocated a significant portion of their gift to the new Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Building campaign priority. When asked why, enthusiasm bubbles over in Carolyn’s voice, “It will be fantastic for the school. I know they will be good stewards of our finances; they don’t waste money, they’re very responsible with it. They have a tremendous staff in the science department.”
“We want the school to thrive and to go on and be a force in this country.”
From Nicole’s perspective, she adds, “They see the potential in the College and in the science department in particular, and they just want to be part of advancing that.” Nick adds, with a thoughtful tone of humility, “It’s a good investment; it’s an investment in the future of others.”
In parting, Carolyn is quick to share, “I wish I could have gone there!” Nicole confirms her mother’s enthusiasm, “I call her a Grove City College student want-to-be.”
2012 annual report & 2011–2012 honor roll of giving
7