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rove City College’s new strategic plan From Strength to Strength: Timeless Values and Historic Opportunities will guide us to 2026 when we celebrate the College’s 150th anniversary. And, with plans underway to launch a historic capital campaign later this year, the blessings of record-breaking annual giving, and a 20-year high in freshman applications, this is a time of tremendous opportunity for GCC. Lord willing, and with the full energy of our community, we can achieve our ambitious strategic goals. This bold five-year plan calls for developing the most compelling academic programs, revitalizing and expanding campus facilities, and delivering an even more affordable GCC education, while enhancing our Christ-centered living and learning experience. The goals and objectives chart a course for where we aspire to go in the next five years. The tactics of the strategic plan suggest how we will get there. Key factors for our success will include innovation, flexibility, collaboration, and determination. Are we up for the challenge? Yes, we most certainly are. After two years of pandemic hardship and widening divisions within our culture, it is understandable that higher education in general may be struggling with discouragement and a feeling of organizational fatigue. Many are more focused on surviving rather than thriving. However, in Psalm 84 we are given a different perspective and model: Pilgrims on their way to Zion are described as going “from strength to strength” in their journey. They are filled with anticipation, finding renewed vitality from the incomparable significance and joy of their mission. The centrality of their faith invigorates their community with each step they take towards their goal. This is the inspiration that underpins the Board of Trustees’ new strategic direction and exciting plans for Grove City College. To read more about From Strength to Strength: Timeless Values and Historic Opportunities, see page 24. Fortunately, our journey to this exciting next chapter in our history commences from a position of strength and confidence that what we do matters. We have countless testimonies of those who have been enriched by our distinctive mission. I recently received an encouraging note from the appreciative parents of a graduating student. “We could not have imagined a better college experience for [our daughter] and are exceedingly grateful that she has had the opportunity to become part of the GCC community,” they wrote. It is high praise from a remarkable family and a sentiment I often hear from students, parents, and alumni who share the transformational journey at Grove City College. And, like the people on their way to Jerusalem in the psalm, it isn’t just the prized destination that inspires strength. God was with them along the way, equipping and encouraging them. They were fueled by faith. As the great English preacher Charles Spurgeon wrote in a meditation on Psalm 84, “When we have God’s ways in our hearts, and our heart in his ways, we are what and where we should be, and hence we shall enjoy the divine approval.” This is our hope and prayer, as well, for Grove City College as we continue the educational pilgrimage that Isaac Ketler and his successors have boldly mapped out for nearly 150 years. Our destination is clear, and we move with purpose. We are so grateful for your willingness to travel alongside us on this incredibly special journey.
Paul J. McNulty ’80 President
EDITORIAL BOARD Jeffrey Prokovich ’89 Vice President for Advancement Melissa (Trifaro ’96) MacLeod Senior Director of Alumni and College Relations Jacki Muller Senior Director of Marketing and Communications EDITORIAL STAFF Nick Hildebrand Managing Editor Janice (Zinsner ’87) Inman Associate Editor, Class Notes, In Memory, Babies Brad Isles Associate Editor Joanie L. Baumgartner Director of Advancement Communications Amy Evans Associate Director of Advancement Communications OFFICE OF ALUMNI & COLLEGE RELATIONS Tricia Corey Charlene (Griffin ’83) Shaw Michelle (Jeffries ’19) Vogt COLLEGE ARCHIVES AND GALLERIES Hilary (Lewis ’09) Walczak OFFICE OF DEVELOPMENT Brian Powell ’03 John Coyne ’04 Karen (Irwin ’85) Daum Elizabeth (Smith ’81) Hanley Zach Jew ’11 DESIGN Justin Harbaugh Art Director/Graphic Designer ALUMNI ASSOCIATION Carol (MacGamwell ’79) Yannuzzi President James Dudt ’07 Vice President Interior photography by Jason Jones, Andrew Stein ’18, Matthew Schoonover ’22, Grace David ’24, Justin Harbaugh, Nick Hildebrand, Brad Isles, Kiley (Hajek ’19) Miranda
Grove City College 100 Campus Drive Grove City, PA 16127 724.458.2300 888.GCC.GRAD alumni.gcc.edu
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