The GēDUNK Fall 2018

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Fall 2018

GROVE CITY COLLEGE ALUMNI MAGAZINE

Fall 2018

A BETTER WAY College embraces trend toward redemptive entrepreneurship PROJECT FOR RURAL MINISTRY LAUNCHED

STUDENT UPRISING OF 1968

PROF’S WORK BASIS FOR REAGAN BIOPIC

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Grove City College

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CAMPUS VIEW


Students make their way faithfully to Harbison Chapel on a fall morning, continuing a tradition of weekday worship and Christian formation that generations of Grovers have followed. These days, Chapel programming focuses on “love of God” on Tuesdays and “love of neighbor” on Thursdays. Fall 2018

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M E Grove City College

SSAGE

F ROM

THE

PRES ID EN T

THE REDEMPTIVE ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT

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hen Yvonne (Korloch ’97) English, executive director of the Center for Entrepreneurship + Innovation and assistant professor of Entrepreneurship, encouraged me last spring to attend the Praxis Redemptive Imagination Summit, I was initially reluctant. The timing wasn’t great. It was the weekend before Commencement and a Board of Trustees meeting. And to be honest, I’m not a big fan of conferences, having shuffled around to hundreds of plenaries, breakouts, workshops, roundtables, and panel discussions over the decades. Still, it seemed intriguing. The topic was “a central gathering place for an emerging community of practice focused on redemptive entrepreneurship.” I’m a sucker for anything with the adjective “redemptive” in front of it. I also knew that Grove City College’s partnership with Praxis was important to our Entrepreneurship program. Praxis describes its mission as the belief “that Christian entrepreneurs who are spiritually serious, culturally astute, and in community have a unique ability to build a better society and demonstrate the beauty and goodness of the gospel across all of life.” The College’s vision is to develop leaders ready to fulfill this inspiring mission. To that end, our students have been participating in the Praxis Academy, a week-long summer program designed to encourage the next generation of entrepreneurs and innovators through mentoring and interaction with startup founders. Needless to say, I thoroughly enjoyed the conference. I met many impressive young entrepreneurs and experienced investors. I was challenged by some outstanding presentations on redemptive entrepreneurship, which was defined as the work of joining God in creative restoration through sacrifice by way of venture building and innovation. Not unlike the ideas developing in our own Center for Entrepreneurship + Innovation, many of the startups I learned about were focused on specific needs or challenges in the world. In addition, a significant number of other new businesses are distinguished by the way they treat their employees and the value of their products and services. In sum, the business initiatives featured at the summit were intentional about serving the common good. You’ll be hearing a lot more about redemptive entrepreneurship at GCC in the days ahead. At the core of the College’s mission is a calling to prepare students to look at the brokenness of the world through a redemptive lens. As acclaimed speaker and writer Andy Crouch explained at the Praxis Academy summit, biblical redemption had an economic connotation for the early church. A slave could be ransomed – set free from bondage – through a sacrifice or offering. Those who have been set free from the bondage of sin and death through Christ’s shed blood are called to develop a “redemptive imagination.” They must envision wholeness where there is brokenness, prosperity where there is poverty, and human flourishing where there is despair and hopelessness. Grove City College has a vibrant entrepreneurial spirit. Hundreds of students participate annually in our various business competitions. Connecting this energy and creativity to a needy world is our business. Please enjoy learning more about what is happening in this exciting area in the pages ahead. We welcome the fruits of your own redemption imagination, so don’t hesitate to contact the Entrepreneurship Department or me. Also, please consider an offering of your financial support to the Center for Entrepreneurship + Innovation. There is no limit to the collective good we can accomplish together with your generous support.

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 OFFICE OF ALUMNI & COLLEGE RELATIONS Tricia Corey Carrie Sankey Charlene (Griffin ’83) Shaw COLLEGE ARCHIVES Hilary (Lewis ’09) Walczak OFFICE OF DEVELOPMENT Brian Powell ’03 Kelly Conger Karen (Irwin ’85) Daum Elizabeth (Smith ’81) Hanley Zach Jew ’11 Adam Nowland ’07 DESIGN Justin Harbaugh Art Director/Graphic Designer ALUMNI ASSOCIATION Steve Solman ’96 President Jana (Volante ’07) Walshak Vice President Cover photograph by Suzanne Bobosky-Matteo Interior photography by Tiffany Wolfe, Suzanne Bobosky-Matteo, Julia Knepper ’21, Jason Jones, Andrew Stein ’18, Justin Harbaugh, Nick Hildebrand, Brad Isles WRITE US, PLEASE Your feedback is very important to our editorial staff and we encourage you to register your comments, questions, concerns, and, hopefully, compliments. Our mailing address is The GeDUNK, 100 Campus Drive, Grove City PA, 16127-2104, but there’s no need to put pen to paper or stamp to envelope, we’ll be happy to hear what you think via email at alumni@gcc. edu. Please use GeDUNK in the subject line and indicate if your letter is intended for publication.

Grove City College

Paul J. McNulty ’80 President

100 Campus Drive Grove City, PA 16127 724.458.2300 888.GCC.GRAD alumni.gcc.edu

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Fall 2018

’mid the pages

29| A LS O

A BETTER WAY Executive Director of the Center for Entrepreneurship + Innovation Yvonne (Korloch ’97) English and Dr. Tim Sweet, chair of the Department of Entrepreneurship are flanked by students and Praxis Academy alumni in the Hall of Arts and Letters. Grove City College has become a leading proponent of redemptive entrepreneurship, a concept that incorporates Kingdom principles into one of the College’s most dynamic and innovative disciplines. It’s a new approach that not only makes faith an integral part of the entrepreneurial process, but the central focus.

I NS I D E

6 | Upfront News from campus, alumni and sports 29 | Redemptive Entrepreneurship 32 | Reagan: Real to Reel 34 | Seven Days that Shook the Campus 36 | Class Notes Find out what fellow alumni are doing 41 | In Memory Friends we’ve lost and remember 44 | Alumni Babies Introducing our newest Grovers 46 | Faith & Learning A different perspective

ON THE COVER: Yvonne (Korloch ’97) English, executive director for the Center for Entrepreneurship + Innovation and associate professor, center, meets with students, from left, James Hayward ’21, Liz Finnegan ’21, Fisher Koons ’22, and Patty Jo Nickoloff ’21, in the Center for E+I Suite in the Hall of Arts and Letters. The group includes several Praxis Academy alumni.

Connect with us: The GēDUNK, a magazine published for alumni and friends of Grove City College, highlights campus news, student features and alumni achievements. Named after the on-campus gathering place / snack bar for students since the early 1950s, the word “Gedunk” made its way into the Grove City College vernacular when Navy veterans returned to campus, bringing the term with them. The name stuck. For decades, the Grove City College Gedunk has been the place to come together to share news and ideas, live and learn, and this magazine strives to connect our family in similar style.

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Grove City College

upfront

News about the College, alumni, students, campus, faculty and sports

President McNulty: College is at a historic, strategic moment

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rove City College is at a strategic moment in its history. With the retirement of longtime Dean of the Chapel Rev. Dr. Stanley Keehlwetter at the end of the last academic year and the departure this summer of Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Robert Graham – now the president of Redeemer University College in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada – the College needs to permanently fill key campus posts focused on two of the “three pillars” upon which Grove City College rests. Along with affordability, academic excellence and spiritual formation are the hallmarks of Grove City College. A leadership void could be seen as a crisis, but that isn’t the case, College President Paul J. McNulty ’80 said. Thanks to the good stewardship of Keehlwetter and Graham, he said the College’s academic and spiritual foundations

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are strong and in good hands, with Dr. David Ayers, former dean of the Calderwood School of Arts and Letters and professor of Sociology, serving as interim provost and Rev. Dr. D. Dean Weaver ’86 filling in as interim chaplain. McNulty sees this time as a unique opportunity to advance Grove City College’s mission and fulfill a strategic plan that calls for a robust Weaver integration of faithfulness and excellence into all College plans and campus activities. “Two of our most important strategic goals for the school involve academic life and spiritual life. So we’re addressing two of our core goals by thinking more intentionally about the key leadership positions in those areas. Being a Christ-centered institution, all our efforts have to come back to integrating faith and learning,” McNulty said.

“Most higher education institutions reject the relevance of religious beliefs to the general learning process,” he noted. “That’s not how we think higher education should be.” “We’re trying to encourage each department to think about how you pursue your discipline in a Christ-centered way,” McNulty said. “The school is looking at this as a real opportunity to revisit how we are going to integrate faith and academics.” “I would say without exaggeration that this is an historic time of transition for Grove City College ... Along with that is a sense of excitement about the opportunities that are ahead of us to find great people to fill these positions,” McNulty said. “There’s a peacefulness in God’s providence. He loves this school and is looking out for us and we are confident in his blessing,” McNulty said.


Fall 2018

Middle States accreditors hail commitment to mission, vision, and values

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rove City College’s accreditation was reaffirmed for another five years this summer by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education after an extensive evaluation. “Grove City College has a remarkable mission, and in this time of turbulent change in higher education, we encourage you to continue pursuing that mission with all focus and diligence and creativity and boldness,” the commission’s report on the College’s accreditation concluded. Accreditation ensures that institutions of higher education meet acceptable levels of quality. MCSHE, a voluntary, non-governmental, regional membership association, evaluates colleges and universities through a process that ensures institutional accountability, self-appraisal, improvement, and innovation through peer review and the rigorous application of standards within the context of institutional mission. As part of the accreditation reaffirmation process, the College offered a comprehensive report prepared by a large faculty and staff team led by Dr. Gary Welton, chair, and Dr. Michelle (Adams ’88, ’02) McFeaters and Dr. Tim Homan, co-chairs. “The team of reviewers was particularly impressed with our vision, mission, and values and their alignment to our strategic goals and objectives,” College President Paul J. McNulty ’80 said. “The Middle States report indicates that Grove City College remains a thriving institution that, in times of tumultuous change in higher education, continues a long tradition of providing a high

quality, liberal arts and sciences, residentialbased undergraduate education.” The process provided an examination of every area of the College – from academic programs and student life to faculty governance and fiduciary responsibility and stewardship – to assess institutional quality. A self-study completed by a team of Grove City College personnel concluded, through evidence and anecdote, that “the College’s success ultimately flows from the network of interpersonal relationships that animate the institution.”

“Grove City College has continued to make significant progress over the past five years ... it has continued to weather the storm better than many, with a continued focus on and commitment to its core mission.” Middle States Commission on Higher Education “This, in a nutshell, is the Grove City College story: Consistent institutional excellence made possible by a campus community committed to a distinctive form of Christian higher education – and each other,” according to the self-study.

The reviewers commended the College throughout the report for significant accomplishments and innovative practices in several areas, including design and delivery of the student learning experience, support of the student experience, mission and goals and ethics and integrity. The report was first reviewed by Michael J. Fisher, provost and vice president for academic affairs, St. Bonaventure University, and Patrick R. Progar, vice president for academic affairs, Caldwell College. They said: “Grove City College has continued to make significant progress over the past five years. Although it has suffered, along with many other institutions, through the difficult economic environment of the last few years, it has continued to weather the storm better than many, with a continued focus on and commitment to its core mission.” The MSCHE site visit team’s report included consideration of the College’s path forward in the next five years to remain the highly competitive institution that it is today and offered suggestions, but there were no required corrective actions included, McNulty said. “I look forward to working with our campus community to address all of the suggestions and recommendations in the report. This presents another wonderful opportunity for the College to pursue its core value of excellence in all things,” McNulty said.

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Grove City College

Erb takes the helm as Wolverine Marching Band director

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ndrew Erb grew up hearing the Wolverine Marching Band at festivals and parades and he says the storied Grove City College ensemble made a tremendous impression on him. Now, he’s making an impression on the band. Erb is Grove City College’s new band director. He took over in June from Dr. Joseph Pisano ’94, who resigned this spring after 23 years at the College. Erb is a trumpet player and lifelong western Pennsylvania resident who has made a name for himself as a top-notch music educator and band builder, most recently at Thiel College, where he founded that college’s band in 2010 and built it into a sizable and reputable ensemble, including color guard and majorettes. Erb said he was drawn to Grove City College by its national reputation for academic excellence, a focus on faith and quality programs, but what “sealed the deal” was interacting with students he met while interviewing for the job. “They made me feel welcome during my visit to campus, and I could tell that they were completely invested in their band program,” he said. Their commitment inspired Erb to make one of his own: “I made a promise to the students that I would remain faithful to their long-standing and established traditions, while also providing

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an innovative approach to marching band.” Erb is also focused on recruiting. “I would love to see the band membership increase over the next few years while maintaining the high quality product that the band has become known for,” he said.

“I made a promise to the students that I would remain faithful to their long-standing and established traditions, while also providing an innovative approach to marching band.” Erb will also direct the College’s Concert Band and Wind Ensemble. He said he plans to expand their repertoire and challenge the musicians musically and intellectually. Another goal, he said, is to spend time recording the bands, particularly the wind ensemble, to raise the program’s profile. As well as a music educator, Erb is a professional trumpeter, with a string of performance credits that include working with stars like Ben Vereen and Wayne Newton, playing with the Cleveland Fats Blues Band,

and as an opening act for the Commodores, Foreigner, and Bobby Blue Bland. “Performing professionally keeps me at the top of my musical game, so to speak,” Erb said. “Practicing what I preach is important, as I want to be a positive role model for my students. It allows me to regularly interact with other professional musicians, network, and learn from them. I can bring these experiences and knowledge back to my own students and incorporate it into my own teaching.” Erb has extensive experience as a clinician and guest conductor for high school and college band festivals and made a number of presentations on subjects as diverse as the impact of socioeconomic status on student musicians, performance anxiety in adult community musicians, jazz improvisation, chamber music, and the use of software in music education. He holds a master’s degree in Trumpet Performance from Youngstown State University and a bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Westminster College. He anticipates completing his doctoral studies in Music Education from Boston University this fall. He is a member of Pennsylvania Music Educators Association, National Association for Music Educators, and Pennsylvania Collegiate Bandmasters’ Association.


Fall 2018

Grove City College welcomes new faculty

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long with Grove City College’s new band director, 12 new professors, with expertise ranging from French literature to machine learning to the Reformation, joined the College faculty ranks this fall. The new additions are: Gregory Bandy, associate professor of Communications – Bandy teaches journalism, filmmaking, documentary storytelling, and media studies. He holds a MFA degree in narrative media writing and a master’s degree in journalism from the University of Georgia. He comes to Grove City from his undergraduate alma mater Asbury College. Jeff Buxton, assistant professor of Exercise Science – Buxton joins the faculty after five years as men’s and women’s tennis coach in the Exercise Science Department. He is completing his doctorate in human and sport performance and earned a master’s degree in exercise science and health promotion from Penn State University. Christy Crute, professor of Management and Marketing – Crute specializes in operations research and management information systems. She completed a doctorate in operations research at Kent State University and has experience in private industry and academia, most recently at Slippery Rock University. Yvonne English ’97, assistant professor of Entrepreneurship – English transitions from guest lecturer to assistant professor while continuing to serve as executive director of the College’s Center for Entrepreneurship + Innovation. She earned a master’s degree in technology entrepreneurship from the A. James Clark School of Engineering at the University of Maryland. Jennifer Hollenberger, assistant professor of Social Work – Hollenberger joins the Department of Psychology and Social Work to teach and supervise the field component of the major. She earned a master’s degree in

social work from the University of Pittsburgh, is a licensed clinical social worker, and worked as a Christian mental health practitioner in private practice. Jonathan Hutchins, assistant professor of Computer Science – Hutchins has an extensive background in private enterprise and earned a doctorate in computer science from the University of California-Irvine and a degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Virginia. He worked in the textile and explosives industries before joining Google, where he worked as a software engineer. Kelsey Madsen, assistant professor of French – Madsen joins the Department of Modern Languages specializing in 20th- and 21st-century French literature and culture. Her research interests include issues related to cultural memory. She earned bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees in French at the University of Oklahoma and previously taught there and at Kent State University. David “Duffy” Robbins, professor of Christian Ministries – Robbins, a respected national youth ministry expert, focuses on youth and pastoral ministry. He earned a Master of Divinity from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and a Doctor of Ministry in youth and family Ministry from Fuller Theological Seminary. Robbins is an author and in-demand speaker. Donald R. Shepson III, professor of Christian Ministries – Shepson, an Anglican priest, teaches Christian Ministry. He specializes in Christian education and spiritual formation. He earned a Doctor of Philosophy in educational studies and spiritual formation at Biola University, a Master of Divinity from Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary, and a bachelor’s degree from Wheaton College.

Richard Snyder, assistant Professor of Management and Marketing – Snyder joins the faculty after serving as a guest lecturer in the Accounting and Finance area for three years. In addition to tax classes, he teaches international business and negotiations coursework. He is an attorney and CPA who earned degrees from Duquesne University, New York University School of Law, and Carnegie Mellon University Graduate School of Business. Carl Trueman, professor of Biblical and Religious Studies – Trueman teaches and lectures on the history of religious thought, focused on Reformation and PostReformation studies. He earned a master’s degree in classics from the University of Cambridge and a doctorate in church history from the University of Aberdeen. He comes to Grove City College from Westminster Theological Seminary. He is an ordained minister in the Orthodox Presbyterian Church, a noted scholar and author who writes regularly on spiritual and cultural issues and co-hosts a highly influential podcast. David Valentine, professor of Computer Science – Valentine, whose current research interest is in parallel and high performance computing, earned a Master of Divinity from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, and a doctorate from the University of Buffalo. He joins Grove City College from Slippery Rock University, where he served as the interim dean of the College of Business and chair of the Computer Science department.

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Grove City College

Founders to Foundations

T Trimbath takes on leadership role at Center for Vision & Values

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he Center for Vision & Values at Grove City College is one the premier platforms for spreading the work of faculty scholars and promoting the faith and freedom foundations of American citizenship. Millions of people every year read the articles from faculty that it disseminates, attend the events it hosts on- and offcampus, watch the videos it produces, or catch the media appearances of its scholars. That incredible reach is one of the things that the Center’s new executive director, Jeffrey Trimbath, wants to leverage as he looks to build on the conservative think tank’s success. “We have a world-class team of scholars who help us implement this mission, and whose reach is extensive,” Trimbath said. “In a culture that has lost its moorings both spiritually and culturally, I believe that many members of our College community – both current and future – would be inspired to learn about and support this outreach.” Trimbath, a veteran of the conservative policy promotion movement, joined the Center in August after a decade at the Washington D.C.-based Heritage Foundation, where he was a senior advisor to the president and a leading fundraiser. Before that, he was a key policy aide in the President George W. Bush administration and worked for several public policy organizations in Pennsylvania. Trimbath understands the “critical intersections that exist between faithfulness, stewardship and independence,” College President Paul J. McNulty ’80 said. Dr. Paul Kengor, professor of Political Science and the Center’s former chief executive, has transitioned into the new role of Senior Director and Chief Academic Fellow, which allows him to expand his academic and thought leadership

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dramatically. “He’s producing more for the Center now than ever before,” Trimbath said. “While the Center’s influence is huge, its work is not as well-known as it should be,” he said. “We have incredible impact both on the macro level, and in terms of our Student Fellows, over 80 of whom have gone on to do incredible things for faith and freedom,” Trimbath said. “We need to do a better job of conveying this impact.” “One major effort we’re planning to undertake is to increase our presence in Washington, D.C. We’d like to convene a more frequent Center presence – likely through events and outreach – in our nation’s capital. As more families and students committed to faith and freedom hear about us, more will appreciate our unique place in higher education,” Trimbath said. Trimbath said he’s committed to that effort and to increasing the number of financial partners of the Center, which can help raise the visibility of the College as a source of leadership. He pointed to November’s combined State of the College and 12th annual Ronald Reagan Lecture as a demonstration of the shared mission of the College and the Center and the re-branding of the Center’s quarterly luncheon lecture series as a way to broaden a critical conversation. Trimbath is also excited about next year’s Vision & Values conference on April 4 and 5. “The theme is ‘Freedom of Conscience.’ Regardless of your political or ideological persuasion, the freedom of a person’s conscience is a core right of the American mind. And it is being challenged today unlike at any other time in our history. We will explore many aspects of this important topic with nationally known experts. You won’t want to miss it.”

he American Founders luncheon lecture series, which over the years has drawn some of the brightest minds to discuss the rich legacy of the founding generation, has been renamed and re-branded as the Foundations of American Leadership Series. The new series, still held at Pittsburgh’s Rivers Club, will widen the scope of intellectual exploration, going beyond the genius of the architects of “The Great Experiment” to examine the seminal ideas, events and values that underpin a free society. The new Foundations of American Leadership series begins Dec. 4 with an address by President Paul J. McNulty on the 20th anniversary of the impeachment of President Bill Clinton. McNulty, then a Congressional staffer working for the House Judiciary Committee, played a key role in that chapter in history. Upcoming talks will focus on reformed Soviet spy and key Alger Hiss witness Whittaker Chambers, President John F. Kennedy and President Richard M. Nixon. To find out more about the Foundations of American Leadership series, visit www.visionandvalues.org.

Senior Director and Chief Academic Fellow for the Center for Vision & Values Dr. Paul Kengor and Dr. William J. Bennett, former secretary of Education, meet before this year’s annual Ronald Reagan Lecture.


Fall 2018

CLASS OF '22 FRESHMAN PROFILE

608 Students

34

280

328

5

13

27

National Merit Finalists

Salutatorians

Valedictorians

3.67

27

1249

Average GPA

Average ACT

Average SAT

14% Homeschool 26% Private School 60% Public School

Most popular majors: Mechanical Engineering Biology/Pre-Health Computer Science Management Electrical Engineering Political Science Marketing Accounting English

States

42% Involved in Commmunity Service

87.5% Freshmen Returning as Sophomores *Class of 2021

Know a student who might be right for Grove City College? Contact the Office of Admissions at gcc.edu/admissions. Regular Decision I deadline: Jan. 20, 2019 Regular Decision II deadline: March 20, 2019

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Grove City College

Over the summer of 2018, campus improvements included, clockwise from upper left, masonry work at the Hall of Arts and Letters, a new mural and remodeling of the first floor of Hoyt Hall, and rebuilt tennis courts.

More than $4 million invested in campus improvements

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ver the summer of 2018, the College invested more than $4 million in new construction, regular maintenance, improved infrastructure, and cosmetic updates to what’s been called one of the most beautiful campuses in the nation. Even before the last residence hall was vacated, the College’s Operations Department and contractors were hard at work on more than a dozen large and small campus improvement projects. “Every year we look to the summer months as a time to take care of regular maintenance all over campus and take on bigger projects that would be a major disruption during the academic year,” James Lopresti, vice president for Operations, said. “The work we put in today goes toward extending the life of our current facilities and fulfills our duty to be good stewards of this special place.” The most noticeable work this summer was a complete rebuilding of the College’s Walters/Zbell Tennis Courts on lower campus. The old courts, which were cracked, buckling, and not up to today’s standards,

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were ripped out in early June and replaced with eight new regulation courts along with new drainage, fencing, and sidewalks. On upper campus, elm trees in the courtyard between Breen Student Union and the Hall of Arts and Letters that were ravaged by emerald ash borers were removed and replaced with other foliage and new planters were installed. Hoyt Hall, which houses the College’s nationally recognized Engineering program, got a bit of a facelift as the first floor hallway and study area where aspiring engineers congregate and work on projects saw fresh paint and tile, new lighting, and smart boards. The Physical Learning Center, home to the Athletic Department, got a makeover as well to highlight the College’s sports programs and student-athletes. Less visible was some major work above and below campus. Steam lines that heat campus were replaced between Mary Anderson Pew and Mary Ethel Pew residence halls and roof work was completed on the Physical Learning Center and Breen Student Union.

Other projects included fresh paint and new lighting in Ketler Hall; bathroom work in Mary Anderson Pew North Hall; street lighting around student parking lots; masonry work; a new retaining wall at the President’s House; repaired sidewalks and driveways across campus; cleaning and regrouting the recreation pool in the Physical Learning Center; replacing the fire curtain mechanism in Crawford Hall Auditorium; and remodeling part of Zerbe Health Center. Work done on campus helps fuel the local and state economy, according to a 2016 study by the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Pennsylvania. The association estimated that Grove City College, its students, and their families contributed nearly $140 million to the Keystone State’s economy annually and created hundreds of jobs. Grove City College values stewardship. Regular maintenance of the physical plant reflects that and demonstrates the College’s commitment to keeping the campus beautiful and functional for current and future students.


Fall 2018

Anonymous $7.75 million donation to bestow academic scholarships

G College awarded nearly $1 million for outreach to rural pastors

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rove City College received a nearly $1 million grant to help establish the Project on Rural Ministry, an outreach to support pastors in rural areas as they serve their congregations and communities. The $989,582 grant is part of Lilly Endowment Inc.’s Thriving in Ministry, an initiative that supports a variety of religious organizations across the nation as they create or strengthen programs that help pastors build relationships with experienced clergy who can serve as mentors and guide them through key leadership challenges in congregational ministry. The Project on Rural Ministry will focus on the unique circumstances of pastors serving rural and small town communities in western Pennsylvania, northern West Virginia, and northeast Ohio. It is grounded in the fundamental insight that Christian colleges are uniquely positioned to amplify the voices, strengthen the networks, and facilitate the ongoing learning of local pastors and ministry leaders. “Grove City College strives to be a good institutional neighbor. This program provides an excellent opportunity to champion rural ministries while addressing their specific strengths and challenges. Through it, we can leverage the interdisciplinary resources of Grove City College to support and encourage the thriving of pastors and the social, economic, and spiritual renewal of our rural communities,” Grove City College President Paul J. McNulty ’80 said. The Project aims to bolster the partnership of college, church, and community by convening three groups of 10 pastors residing within a 150-mile radius of Grove City. During the five-year life of the grant, these pastors will participate in opening and closing conferences, three regional gatherings, online networking, and a series of peer-to-peer site visits alongside other pastors in their group. In addition, the Project will facilitate innovative collaborations

between faculty, students, and churches by funding 30 student internships as well as 30 service learning projects. An interdisciplinary team of faculty will also visit each church to address a wide array of economic, social, and ministry challenges frequently experienced in rural areas. From its inception, the College’s leaders have sought to prepare citizens for service to society, a commitment evidenced today by robust student involvement in community service as well as the College’s service-learning initiative. Educational support for area clergy has been a characteristic of the College from its earliest years, when its first president, Isaac Ketler, instituted a summer Bible conference to train local ministers. The Project on Rural Ministry extends and reimagines these institutional legacies, furthering Grove City College’s commitment to love of neighbor and advancing the common good. The Project will be led by Executive Director Dr. Seulgi Byun, associate professor and chair of the Department of Biblical and Religious Studies at Grove City College. Dr. Rebecca Rine, assistant professor of Biblical and Religious Studies, will serve as assistant director. Dr. P. Jesse Rine ’01 is research director. “The Project on Rural Ministry is expected to unite students and faculty from multiple academic departments with regional clergy, allowing our students to explore their personal and professional callings and our pastoral partners to benefit from the expertise, enthusiasm and energy of the Grove City College community. At the same time, we want to listen and learn from the churches in our region. We couldn’t be more excited about the potential impact of this grant,” Byun said. Lilly Endowment is a private philanthropic foundation that supports community development, education, and religion.

rove City College received the largest individual gift in its history – and every penny of the $7.75 million bequest will go to funding need-based scholarships The donor, who wished to remain anonymous, didn’t attend or graduate from Grove City College but was strongly aligned with its vision, mission, and values, according to Brian Powell ’03, senior director of Development. “It’s remarkable. This incredible gift came from someone who never walked our halls, but believes in who we are and wants to make an investment in the future of students,” Powell said. “This gift is validation that we have something special here,” Powell said. “The quality and character of a Grove City College education is unique, as is our institutional commitment to advancing faith and freedom, which are the fundamental building blocks of a healthy and strong society.” The estate gift helped make the 2017-18 fiscal year the second most successful one in the College’s 142-year history. Grove City College raised $17.1 million, Powell said. The College’s best year was 2007-08, when $19 million was raised during the Grove City Matters Capital Campaign. Over the last fiscal year, the College also saw a near-record response to its Full Circle Annual Fund with $2,213,813 raised. The lion’s share of that was invested in scholarships to support student success. In another milestone, Grove City College saw membership in the Ketler Society – for those who give a minimum of $1,000 a year – eclipse 950, shattering past membership totals. The College also saw alumni giving rise to its highest level since 2015, bucking a national trend that’s seen average alumni giving drop by more than 50 percent since 1990.

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Grove City College

PLC facelift reinforces ‘Wolverines Together’ brand

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his fall, the Physical Learning Center’s main entrance – the gateway to Wolverine athletics – got a major league upgrade as part of a larger, campuswide effort to create a strengthened brand image for Grove City College athletics that reinforces the value to the community. “We are excited about the campus wide athletics rebranding, as it welcomes anyone from the campus community to be part of our Wolverines Together initiative. Our goal is to have the athletics program be ‘our’ program – meaning the entire campus – all

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students, staff, faculty, and alumni,” Athletic Director Todd Gibson ’02, said. The PLC entrance was spruced up inside and outside, where a lighted marquee bearing the Wolverines name signifies to visitors that there’s a basketball game, swim meet, or volleyball match on the day’s agenda. Beyond that marquee, a huge, full-color photo mural depicting dedicated Grove City College athletes across all sports graces the wall over the trophy cases and Arena doors, creating an exciting introduction to the space where

student-athletes give their all. Inside the arena, new banners featuring the College’s athletic logo and those of Presidents’ Athletic Conference partners hang proudly. Gibson said Wolverine athletes are proud to represent the College community and the aesthetic improvements are inspiring. “The colorful branding is reflective of the excitement we feel for the athletics program now, our proud past, and the excellence that we will strive for in the future,” he said.


Fall 2018

sports Fall sports roundup

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t’s been a great fall for Wolverine student athletes and fans. With the football team enjoying its best season in two decades, women’s tennis and women’s soccer clinching Presidents’ Athletic Conference championships and impressive performances all around for the start of the 2018-19 season, there’s a lot for Grovers to cheer.

• Winning six games in a row for the first time since 1997. • Gustafson finished the regular season with 1,059 yards, which surpasses Rick Sems’ record of 1,023 yards set in 1991. Gustafson also owns Grove City’s single-season (15) and career (20) touchdown records. • Schools posted his second straight 1,000yard rushing season with 1,382 yards. He moved into No. 2 on Grove City’s career rushing list with 3,551 career yards.

streak. The men earned an invitation to the 2018 Eastern College Athletic Conference Division III Championship Tournament for the fifth straight season and advanced to the second round.

Holding court Gridiron glory The Wolverines posted a regular season record of 7-3 under the guidance of thirdyear head coach Andrew DiDonato ’10, the football team’s best showing since 1997. As a reward, Grove City received an invitation to host Morrisville State (N.Y.) in the ECAC James Lynah Bowl. Junior running back Wesley Schools and sophomore wide receiver Cody Gustafson helped lead the youthful Wolverines throughout a thrilling campaign that included last-minute victories and numerous milestones: • A last-second 36-33 victory on Homecoming over longtime rival Westminster as Gustafson caught a touchdown pass with seven seconds left in the game. Gustafson also caught the gamewinning touchdown with 26 seconds left three weeks later against Saint Vincent. • Defeating PAC archrival Geneva College for Grove City College’s first win at Geneva’s Reeves Field since 1979. Grove City trailed 20-0 before outscoring Geneva 35-7 over the final three quarters. • Downing cross-county rival Thiel and retaining possession of the prestigious Mercer County Cup with a 42-15 victory at Robert E. Thorn Field to cap the regular season. The Wolverines now lead the Cup series, 23-12. • Finishing 6-3 in Presidents’ Athletic Conference play, setting a program record for conference wins in one season.

Getting their kicks The Grove City College women’s soccer team (17-4-1) captured its first Presidents’ Athletic Conference title in 17 years in November by advancing past longtime rival Westminster College in a penalty kick shootout in the conference tournament championship match. The team, led by head coach Melissa Lamie, took the league title for the first time since 2001, tied the program record for single season wins, and advanced to the NCAA Division III Championship Tournament, the Wolverines’ fourth all-time NCAA appearance. In the opening round, Grove City toppled defending national runner-up Chicago, 2-1, before falling to fourth-ranked Centre (Ky.) in the second round, 1-0. A strong squad of veterans and underclassmen combined to help lead Grove City throughout the season. Lamie secured her 300th career victory against Chatham in the PAC semifinals. She is the 26th active Division III women’s soccer coach to reach 300 career wins. Earlier in the season, the program also reached the 300 victory milestone. The men’s team (15-3-4) enjoyed one of the finest seasons in recent program history, making it to the finals of the PAC Championship Tournament before dropping a heartbreaking 1-0 decision to Westminster, which snapped an 11-match unbeaten

The Grove City College women’s tennis team (12-1) captured the program’s 30th all-time Presidents’ Athletic Conference title in October with a 5-1 win over thirdseeded Westminster in the championship match of the inaugural PAC Championship Tournament. Senior Maggie Manchester earned the tournament’s Most Valuable Player award. The win earned the team an automatic berth to the NCAA Division III Championship Tournament, which will be held in May 2019. It is Grove City’s fourth conference title in the last five years and the first for new head coach Henry Boyle.

Killing it In September, senior Laura Buchanan ’19 became the 10th Grove City volleyball player to reach 1,000 kills in her career. The milestone came as the Wolverines swept Waynesburg University in PAC action. Buchanan notched 13 kills in that win and had 1,218 kills in her ledger – the thirdhighest total in program history – by the end of the season.

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Grove City College

M ESSAGE

F ROM

THE

D IR EC TO R

O F

A LU MN I

R ELATIO N S

Dear Alumni and Friends,

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ow! It was so good to see so many of you return for Homecoming this year. For those who were able to join us, thank you for “making the trek.” For some, this was the first time back in 50 years; for others, a very first Homecoming as a new graduate; and then still others, one of many trips back to “the Grove.” Seeing the smiles, reconnections, and new friendships formed is sincerely the best part of working in Alumni and College Relations. If you were unable to join us, please visit alumni.gcc.edu for links to the recap video and photos. Save the date for next year - Oct. 4-6, 2019! We were able to honor four amazing alumni during the Jack Kennedy Memorial Alumni Achievement Award dinner on Friday evening of Homecoming. They are just a few of the many alumni who are making this world better through their commitment to their professions. I would like to publicly thank Scott Bullock ’88, Tim Coffindaffer ’81, Rick Newton ’86, and Bradley Scott ’69 for bringing such honor to their alma mater. Each recipient came back to campus and inspired our students to dream bigger, work harder, and be servant leaders. Our Alumni Council met during Homecoming weekend. This group of more than 40 members, including seven new ones, gathered to learn more about current College issues, share feedback on behalf of all alumni, and engage in conversation about ways to help make the work of our alma mater more impactful. They traveled from all over the country to join us and I thank them for their continued commitment. And, thank YOU for reading our alumni magazine. We receive your feedback and know that you appreciate the opportunity to read about other alumni, learn about the faculty and students, and connect. Do you know why we call this magazine the GēDUNK? There is a connection between the name of this magazine and the place where alumni through the decades have gathered to enjoy food and fellowship on campus. This meeting place became the name of our alumni magazine back in 2004 because we wanted this magazine to represent the connection we continue to have as alumni and friends of Grove City College. As I mentioned at the beginning of this letter, I see this connection played out as people gather annually for Homecoming. I also see it in cities across the country as new friends are made at alumni and friends events. I see it in the support given during our Wolverine Challenge each fall. And I see it when alumni choose to give of their time to help our students academically and professionally. There is a tie that binds us and for that I am thankful. Now grab that cup of coffee and enjoy this issue of the GēDUNK!

Melissa (Trifaro ’96) MacLeod Senior Director of Alumni and College Relations

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P.S. Welcome to our newest Alumni Council members, pictured here with council President Steve Solman ’96 and Vice President Jana (Volante ’07) Walshak. In the back row, from left: Steve, Ron Marshall ’68, Drew McCandless ’84 and Dane Mossgrove ’16. In front, from left: Becky (Zimbicki ’79) Hurst, Kate (Henry ’14) Durbin, Katie (Imler ’10) Vizzerra, Jana, and Holly (Haff ’95) Muchnok.


Fall 2018

MEMORIAL

Alumni Achievement Award Newton Institute, a leadership development company that helps clients reach their potential by understanding and embracing their God-given design.

Dr. Tim Coffindaffer ’81, Rick Newton ’86, Dr. Bradley Scott ’69, and Scott Bullock J.D. ’88 display their Jack Kennedy Memorial Alumni Achievement Awards.

Honoring outstanding alumni

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n Homecoming eve, the Alumni Association recognized four leaders in business, research, education, and the law, who trace their success to their matriculation at Grove City College. The Jack Kennedy Memorial Alumni Achievement Award recognizes those who have made a mark in their chosen fields, who have accomplished great things, and who represent the mission, vision, and values of Grove City College. The 2018 recipients are: SCOTT BULLOCK J.D. ’88, president of the Institute for Justice, a public interest law firm that combines courtroom advocacy with media relations, activism, and strategic research, for studying and advancing the cause of freedom. Bullock, an Economics and Philosophy major, earned a law degree from the University of Pittsburgh. He joined the institute at its founding and has become a leading advocate in the courts of law and public opinion for individual liberty. He has done groundbreaking legal work challenging eminent domain for private development – a movie was made about one of his cases – and economic liberty. He’s been widely published in national newspapers and makes regular media appearances.

DR. TIM COFFINDAFFER ’81, retired Research Fellow of The Procter & Gamble Co. for using his God-given gifts in the field of Chemistry to develop products that improve the lives of millions. He graduated with a degree in chemistry and earned a Ph.D. from Purdue University. At Procter & Gamble he and his coworkers developed products for Downy, Bounce, Head & Shoulders, Pantene, Olay, and Gillette. His research efforts resulted in more than 40 new product launches and over 75 patents and applications. He continues to serve as a mentor and teacher for many young scientists and engineers. RICK NEWTON ’86, an entrepreneur who oversees the Newton Family of Companies, for helping others to fulfill their potential. After earning a degree in Chemical Engineering and Computer Science from Grove City and an MBA from the University of Pittsburgh, he worked at various corporations before founding his own company, Newton Consulting, now Aspirant, based on values like serving leadership, humility, integrity, and stewardship, inspired by his faith. Later he founded Newton Talent, a professional recruiting firm, and the

DR. BRADLEY SCOTT ’69, a retired educator and community activist, for his work in the field of public education and for creating equity and excellence for all students. Scott, who was ODK’s Man of the Year and SGA president, earned his Ph.D. with a concentration in educational administration from the University of Texas at Austin. Over a stellar career, he served as senior education associate at Intercultural Development Research Association in San Antonio. He worked with school districts in Texas, New Mexico, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Arkansas to implement equity plans that increase opportunity and greater access to high quality instruction and promote civil rights, racial and social harmony, and appreciation for diversity. At a banquet held in their honor at Carnegie Alumni Center, the award winners, without exception, told fellow alumni, family and friends that they were grateful and moved – and surprised – to be selected for the awards. Earlier in the day, they met with students in classes and small groups to talk about their work and how the College shaped them. Their diverse achievements are a testament to the College’s broad liberal arts and sciences curriculum. Their characters are a validation of Grove City College’s commitment to educating the whole student – mind, body, and spirit. In their remarks, the honorees talked about faculty members that inspired them and invested in them, friends who supported them, the faith that sustained them, and the place that remains with them. Scott, who hadn’t been back to campus since he graduated and traveled the farthest for his long overdue homecoming, said the campus is visibly different from the one he left in 1969, but the College hasn’t changed. Grove City College “connects adults with young learners and others and inspires them to be a better version of themselves,” he said.

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Grovers gather for a great weekend

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ore than 3,000 alumni, parents and friends converged on campus Oct. 5 through 7 for what was in many ways a milestone Grove City College Homecoming. Beginning on Saturday morning, one of the largest-ever Homecoming parades traveled through campus and downtown Grove City. With a parade theme of “Around the World,” it included 55 units and special guests the Pittsburgh Police Mounted Patrol. The winning float, “Rio,” was constructed and manned by the Theta Alpha Pi sorority and the Sigma Alpha Sigma fraternity. Fifty-four tents on upper and lower campus served as gathering spots for reunion groups, parents and grandparents, and various campus organizations. All could also visit the Greek Village tents set up below Rainbow Bridge. Fraternities Nu Lambda Phi and Sigma Alpha Sigma celebrated milestone anniversaries, 95th and 60th, respectively. Other activities were planned to celebrate class years ending in 3s and 8s. The 50th reunion Class of 1968 made a memorable gift of $292,625.00 to its newly established Class of 1968 Memorial Scholarship Endowment. The funds, contributed by class members, were given in memory of former classmates to assist future Grove City College students in need of financial assistance. An annual Homecoming highlight is the awarding of Jack Kennedy Memorial Alumni Achievement Awards. This year, the Alumni Association honored Scott Bullock J.D. ’88, Dr. Timothy Coffindaffer ’81, Eric “Rick” Newton ’86 and Dr. Bradley Scott ’69. During Saturday’s athletic events, President McNulty officially dedicated the rebuilt WaltersZbell Tennis courts on lower campus. Seniors Rachel Beidelman, of Lewis Center, Ohio, and Ethan Fry, of Mansfield, Pa., were crowned Homecoming Queen and King, respectively, at halftime of the Grove City vs. Westminster football game. The gridiron Wolverines provided fans a last-second, come-from-behind victory over the conference rival, 36-33, to inspire Grovers through an exciting and activity-filled afternoon. Homecoming visitors to Olde Town Grove City also enjoyed Grove Fest, a new communitybased event sponsored by local merchants with food, art, music, and activities for families. On Sunday morning, Dr. G. Richard Vogeley, from the 50th reunion Class of 1968, offered a message during the Homecoming Worship Service in Harbison Chapel.

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Fall 2018

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Grove City College

SIGMA ALPHA SIGMA 60th anniversary The Sigma Alpha Sigma fraternity celebrated its 60th anniversary with several notable activities during Homecoming 2018. On Homecoming Friday, many brothers and their guests enjoyed a golf outing and dinner at Cranberry Highlands. The group took part in campus festivities on Saturday, including cheering on the active Sig brothers as they placed first in the float competition (alongside partner Theta Alpha Pi sorority) with their entry “Rio.” Later that evening, 106 members and guests gathered at the Doubletree by Hilton in Pittsburgh for an elegant dinner commemorating 60 years of fraternity and fellowship.

NU LAMBDA PHI 95th anniversary The brothers of Nu Lambda Phi marked their 95th anniversary during Homecoming 2018, with more than 120 attending special events on campus and in Pittsburgh. Whether on the Quad, down in the tents of Greek Village, marching in the parade, or attending the football game, the Nu Lambs were well-represented. To celebrate the special milestone of 95 years as a fraternity on campus, the Nu Lambda Phi brothers and their guests boarded the Gateway Clipper dinner cruise for a nighttime sail through Pittsburgh and their shared Nu Lambda Phi history.

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Fall 2018

Class of 1968 endows scholarship to mark 50th reunion

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early 80 members of the 50 th reunion Class of 1968 gathered during Homecoming 2018 to remember, reflect, and leave something big for future Grovers. The class raised more than a quarter of a million dollars to establish the Class of 1968 Memorial Scholarship Endowment. The scholarship memorializes fellow Class of 1968 alumni who have passed. The $292,625 gift was presented to President Paul J. McNulty ’80 at the 50 th Reunion Dinner. Paul Pendergast ’68, reunion chairman, and the rest of the reunion committee spearheaded this amazing effort to give back. Class of 1968, your alma mater thanks you.

DATE SAVE THE 019 2 OCT. 4-6, ion years

un g class re C elebratin in 4’s and 9’s s: ending nivers arie Gre ek An and the se a Chi 10 0 th G a mm i 10 0 th Epsilon P i 95th Ch a m Phi Sig 95th igma Phi S a m m a ecoming G m o /h u d ni.gcc.e Visit alum o re info rmation. fo r m

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Grove City College

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Fall 2018

alumni & friends events Upcoming Alumni & Friends Events December 1 Santa Breakfast Grove City College December 3-7 Carnegie Christmas Concerts Grove City College

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7 The last few months have been a veritable cornucopia of alumni and friends events on- and off-campus. (1) Ketler Society members enjoy a pre-Night Game tailgate reception. (2) Northern Virginia alumni enjoy a dinner with President McNulty at Chantilly National Golf Club. (3) More than 100 alumni recruiters gathered to help the next generation get a foot in the door at the 20th annual Career Fair. (4) Pam (Cranford ’89) and Evan ’89 Homan host a freshman picnic at their home in Boyds, Md. (5) Professional alumnae meet for lunch at McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurant in Pittsburgh, Pa.(6) Members of the Class of 2018 gather for a reception at the President’s House after their senior dinner. (7) Showcase Series stars Chatham County Line bring some bluegrass to Breen Student Union. (8) President and Mrs. McNulty lead a GCC Serves project in Erie, Pa. (9) A crowd comes out for an alumni reception with the President at the Boathouse at Rocketts Landing in Richmond, Va.

December 4 Foundations of American Leadership Series Luncheon Rivers Club Pittsburgh, Pa. December 9 Candlelight Christmas Services Grove City College February 16 Showcase Series The Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh Grove City College February 24 Showcase Series A Night at the Oscars with the Pittsburgh Symphony Heinz Hall Pittsburgh, Pa. February 26 Florence E. MacKenzie Campus Community Awards Grove City College March 2 – 10 Touring Choir Spring Tour Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, West Virginia March 15 Concert Band and Wind Ensemble Alumni Dinner and Side-By-Side Concert Grove City College March 19 Foundations of American Leadership Series Luncheon Rivers Club Pittsburgh, Pa.

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Remember to bookmark alumni.gcc.edu/events for more dates and info on registering.

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Grove City College

GROVERS GET AROUND ON ALUMNI TOURS

Recent trips to the Southwest National Parks and Amalfi Coast were unforgettable, and we have a new slate of adventures planned for 2019 and beyond. Explore the world in the spirit of adventure and camaraderie. Our alumni tours have destinations to fit every interest and we partner with some of the best educational travel companies. Each program works to combine air, hotels, and tours into one comprehensive package that lets you leave the worry of planning, deadlines, and connections to us. You’ll also have the most informed and experienced guides and liaisons along for your journey. Start a new travel chapter with your alma mater and join us today! For more about these tours and to register, visit www.alumni.gcc.edu/travel.

Canadian M

y

Ireland - Killarne

2019 May 28 - June 5,

rn ss Great Sout he ht s at the first-cla Ireland ’s nig n ss ve ro se ac d s en on Sp take daily excursi u yo as l e te or pl Ho Killarney een shores. Ex apes and lush gr e, stunning landsc ow at Siamsa Tir sh a joy l Park , en the land ’s r vo sa d Killarney Nationa an nd Theatre of Irela and at the fieldthe National Folk whiskey tasting te iva pr a at fts culinar y gi e. Longueville Hous to-fork dining of

July 12 - 21

aritimes

, 2019 Discover the st unning be au and charmin ty, sprawlin g landscapes g people of the Canadian , Scot ia, New provinces of Brunswick, an Nova d Prince Edw fishing histor ard Island. A y and st rong rich maritime trad communities itions allow the ability to these trace their he European co lonist s of 16 ritage back 05. to

Coming in 2020

vors r Cr uise , Fla Soane Rive Rhone and la nd s and gh Hi nd la Scot with of Chia nt i, d Ge rmany itzer la nd an l Islands , Sw n Play, Israe io ss Pa u ga Oberam mer Cr uise . r ve Ri on and Huds .edu/ al um ni .gcc Book mar k tes! da up e or m trave l for

Imperial Splendors Ru August 14 - 23, 2019

ssia

Enjoy eight nights in some of the grandest and most storied locations in all of Ru ssia on this amazing adventure. Relive the zenit h of Czarist Russia at the opule nt palace of Peter the Great. Explore all the treasures and his tor y of the Hermitage Museum and take in the swee ping vistas on a high speed train be tween St. Petersburg and Moscow, where you’ll visit the historic and monume ntal Red Square. 24 | w w w. g c c.e d u t h e G ēD UNK

Italian Riviera

October 12 - 20, 2019

Italian ht journey takes you to the This marvelous seven-nig sculpture of rce sou ’s elo ang hel seashore, Genoa and Mic ous rry - home of the world fam material - Fantiscritti Qua cial spe a h wit uds teb tas Carrera marble . Delight the at the sunset melt into the sea seafood lunch and watch Ligurian the of ters wa is lap the Cinque Terre as you cruise and Mrs. Paul McNulty ‘80 Sea. Featuring President


Fall 2018

Gift helps class leave indelible mark on campus

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hanks to the generosity of the Class of 2018, Grove City College’s Wolverine pride has been enshrined, “brick by brick,” with a stunning landscape feature on lower campus. A circle of pavers featuring the College’s classic crimson Varsity G and engraved bricks bearing messages from some of the donors was laid down over the summer along the walk between Thorn Field and Rainbow Bridge. The work was covered by the senior gift to the College. The class raised nearly $40,000. Alumni-owned Funyak Landscapes of Mars, Pa., did the work. “This project brings the spirit of Grove City College to life on a well-traveled path and adds beauty to the College landscape,” Melissa (Trifaro ’96) MacLeod, senior director of Alumni and College Relations said. She thanked alumni for “making your mark at Grove City College, and for inspiring future generations of GCC graduates to do the same.” “Brick by brick,” a phrase that was popularized by Head Football Coach Andrew DiDonato ’10 as his players worked to end the team’s long winless streak in 2016, has become an inspirational mantra on campus, signifying determination, hard work, and faith. t h e G ēD UNK w w w. g c c.e d u | 25


Grove City College

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Entrepreneurs assemble in the Center for Entrepreneurship + Innovation suite in the Hall of Arts and Letters on campus. From left: Levi Roberts ’19, James Hayward ’21, Patty Jo Nickoloff ’21, Dr. Tim Sweet, chair of the Department of Entrepreneurship, Yvonne (Korloch ’97) English, executive director of E+I, Ethan Hayward ’20, Anna Cook ’20, and Liz Finnegan ’21.


Fall 2018

A BETTER WAY Grove City College has become a leading proponent of redemptive entrepreneurship, a concept that incorporates Kingdom principles into one of the College’s most dynamic and innovative disciplines. It’s a new approach that makes faith the central focus of the entrepreneurial process.

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he idea that “there’s gotta be a better way” is central to entrepreneurship. Finding that better way is the challenge that entrepreneurs accept. Their successes – new products, new services, and new ways of doing business – can, at the least, be personally lucrative, and, ideally, have the potential to, in the Silicon Valley cliché, “make the world a better place.” For more than a decade, the Department of Entrepreneurship and the Center for Entrepreneurship + Innovation (E+I), the

College has been teaching and training students of in the art and the science of the discipline. With entrepreneurial alums working on dozens of new ventures and growing concerns, hustling for investment for startups, seeing services and products in demand, and even enriched by buyouts from some of the nation’s leading companies, the College’s record of success is mounting. This year, the United States Association for Small Business and Entrepreneurship recognized the College’s efforts on a national

level with the Model Emerging Program Award, which validated Entrepreneurship as a bold and innovative program that other colleges and universities can emulate. It would be understandable for the powersthat-be behind the program to rest on their laurels and leave an award-winning model as-is. But “don’t mess with success” isn’t a very entrepreneurial approach – and it has been proven inadequate over and over again. That makes the program’s current shift to a new paradigm not so much remarkable,

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Grove City College

E+I Executive Director Yvonne (Korloch ’97) English talks with student entrepreneurs.

but perfectly understandable. For years, entrepreneurship efforts have been divided into commercial and social enterprises. The goal of the former is obvious – making money. The latter is a little trickier. Social enterprises are focused on solving a problem that market forces might not consider, or using those forces to generate a profit that can be earmarked to address a problem. But that doesn’t get to the heart of what makes Grove City College such a unique institution. The College focuses on the integration of faith and learning with the ultimate goal of empowering graduates to live their faith in every aspect of their lives. Social entrepreneurship is a positive force, but it’s basically an agnostic effort. It serves society and the common good, but not the great commandment to “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” That’s where redemptive entrepreneurship comes in. It’s a new approach that makes faith not just an integral part of entrepreneurial process, but the central focus. It is “the work of joining God in creative restoration through sacrifice, in venture building and innovation,” according to Praxis, a nonprofit clearinghouse for ideas, inspiration, connections, and investment that Grove 28 | w w w. g c c.e d u t h e G ēD UNK

“Entrepreneurship is centered on the idea that ‘there’s gotta be a better way,’ and we at Grove City College believe that we have found that better way in the form of redemptive entrepreneurship.” Yvonne (Korloch ’97) English Executive Director, the Center for E+I and Associate Professor of Entrepreneurship

City College is partnering with to provide opportunities for students and develop a curriculum centered on redemptive entrepreneurship. Yvonne (Korloch ’97) English, executive director the Center for E+I and associate professor of Entrepreneurship, is a close observer and participant in startup culture through her work with Silicon Valley and international programs. The system as it exists

now, she said, is “fundamentally and terribly broken” and a new approach is necessary. “It is a machine that chews up and spits out people without regard to their humanity, mental health, and spirituality. The levels of depression, suicide, hopelessness, and burnout are skyrocketing in Silicon Valley and beyond. I believe that this is because something is missing. Entrepreneurship is centered on the idea that ‘there’s gotta be a better way,’ and we at Grove City College believe that we have found that better way in the form of redemptive entrepreneurship,” she says. It is an unabashedly Christian concept, English said. “As a redemptive entrepreneur, you’re committed to going to the next level by intentionally building your venture upon Kingdom principles. It’s carefully considering whether your products and services point humanity toward beauty or toward brokenness. It’s building an organizations that honors, respects, and uplifts your employees, vendors, customers, and community. It’s following Christ by truly being willing to sacrifice while joining Him in the redemption of all things.” It is also a concept that can appeal to Grove City College students, according to Dr. Tim Sweet ’85, who chairs the Department of Entrepreneurship.


Fall 2018

“Exploring possibilities for redemptive impact is an important part of the course in the context of corporations, startups, non-profits, small businesses, and social enterprises.” Tim Sweet ’85 Chair, Department of Entrepreneurship

“Our students have a natural affinity for entrepreneurship that has a redemptive edge. They are eager to create innovative businesses and organizations that have real impact, not only economically and socially, but in ways that have a positive spiritual effects in people’s lives,” he said. The department is strategically integrating the philosophy into the existing course catalog. “Redemptive entrepreneurship provides a framework for every subject we teach, but we are particularly intentional about applying the principle in certain courses,” Sweet said. “I teach a course called Entrepreneurship and the Mission of the Church, which explores some of the significant ways that entrepreneurship and the Gospel intersect. We explore a biblical theology of ‘newness’ and focus on the practical implications of biblical restoration and new creation in businesses and organizations,” Sweet said. The class studies churches and missional organizations that behave in entrepreneurial ways and examine businesses that are trying to foster kingdom impact. Students also work on a service learning project in connection with a local business or non-profit. Last spring, students conducted research for a local homeless ministry called Beloved Mercy Ministries, and provided the organization with innovative ideas and tools for expanding their reach. In English’s Innovation for Impact class, students learn about a process for innovating called “design thinking.” Students learn how to tackle problems faced by real organizations in the community and how applying design thinking methodologies can have true impact. “Exploring possibilities for redemptive impact is an important part of the course in the context of corporations, startups, non-profits, small businesses, and social enterprises,” Sweet said. In English’s Lean LaunchPad class, students learn about and apply the lean startup methodology to their own ventures, following traditional principles straight from Silicon Valley. Then they take it to the next level,

examining how their ventures can be redemptive in nature and join God “in the renewal of all things.” E+I is also embracing the concept in its activities and programs for student entrepreneurs. “As our students ideate and start businesses around their nascent ideas, we challenge them to think about how they can integrate the Gospel into their organizations from the first day,” English said. That doesn’t require pushing religion on customers, citing Jesus in the mission statement, putting Bible verses on every product, or forgoing the profit that’s necessary to sustain a venture, she stressed. “You must always figure out how to create a sustainable business model as a redemptive entrepreneur. Without a successful plan for sustainability, your organization will cease to exist and thus have no impact on the world. We do not see profit as shameful. We are an institution that celebrates a fair market and, in reality, you need money in most instances when you’re doing this type of work,” she said. The work done in class and by the Center for E+I is augmented by Praxis. “Our relationship with Praxis has inspired us and accelerated our thinking about Redemptive Entrepreneurship. It’s exciting to engage with such an organization that is on the frontier of thought leadership in this area, and which connects us to startups that are putting redemptive principles into practice in creative ways,” Sweet noted. In the last few years, groups of students have attended Praxis Academy, a week-long retreat at the organization’s southern California headquarters where they team up with students from around the country, thought leaders, and successful entrepreneurs to learn about and experience redemptive entrepreneurship. They invariably describe it as “life changing,” English said. “When they hear from entrepreneurs who are in the world running organizations that are doing His work, it’s inspirational and moving. When students return from the summer academy, they are on fire to apply what they have learned to everything that they do in life, whether it’s starting a business or not,” she said. Last spring, Praxis further integrated Grove City College into its network by inviting College President Paul J. McNulty ’80 to participate in Redemptive Imagination Summit in New York, an “ideas and action festival” that brought Praxis Fellows, alumni, mentors, philanthropists, and investors together for conversations that intersect the areas of theology, culture, and entrepreneurship. That intersection is the great promise of redemptive entrepreneurship, to bring together the truth and hope that Christianity holds, an understanding of the world as it is, and an innovative spirit so that entrepreneurs can find a truly “better way” – His way. n

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PRAXIS PARTNERSHIP Turning thought into redemptive action

T

he word praxis comes to us from the Greeks and has been a buzzword of philosophers for centuries, from Plato to Kant to von Mises. It is the process by which an idea is realized. It is turning thought into action. Praxis is also a venture group that is the primary advocate and articulator of redemptive entrepreneurship. Grove City College’s Center for Entrepreneurship + Innovation (E+I) has partnered with the non-profit organization that connects entrepreneurs, students, and innovators who are motivated by their faith to use their gifts and earned wisdom to create new ways to meet society’s needs and desires, to serve God, to renew a broken culture, and lift a fallen world. Josh Kwan, co-founder of Praxis, asks and provides some answers to a central question in his essay Roles of the Redemptive Entrepreneur: Anthropologist, Custodian, Prophet: “So what differentiates the entrepreneur who lives on the redemptive edge, who seeks to embody the gospel in creating and building a venture that leaves a meaningful impact on the world?” Kwan proposes three personas to emulate: Anthropologist, custodian, and prophet. An anthropologist studies and embraces culture to discern what products and services fill a need that serves God’s plan. A custodian understands the value of stewardship and the responsibility of maintaining core values. A prophet is a truth-teller and guide, Kwan writes, and very different from the angry loners of the Old Testament. “Today’s redemptive entrepreneur aspires to be a winsome witness whose venture is a demonstrated apologetic for the Christian faith. Gone are the rod and the robe. What persists is the prophet who brings God’s vision to bear on the culture,” Kwan writes. “(W)e must gaze beyond profits and hone a message that offers timeless truth, just as a prophet carries truth to his audience.” That kind of zeal is contagious at Praxis

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Academy, an annual event that brings students to Los Angeles for a week to dig deep into the redemptive entrepreneurship model with leading practitioners through lectures, round table discussions, worship, and fellowship. Hundreds of students from more than 70 colleges, from the Ivy League to Council of Christian Colleges and University schools, have gone through the Academy since it was founded in 2014.

“We aim for redemption (in) all of our operations, no matter how big or small.” Levi Roberts ’19 “Praxis is an amazing partner,” Yvonne (Korloch ’97) English said, and the academy is transformational for most students. “They seriously use the same description time and time again when they return from Praxis Academy – ‘life-changing.’ When they hear from entrepreneurs who are in the world running organizations that are doing His work, it’s inspirational and moving. When students return from the summer academy, they are on fire to apply what they have learned to everything that they do in life, whether it’s starting a business or not,” she said. Senior Levi Roberts ’19 – a co-founder of Chute!, a student startup that “upcycles” old parachutes into drawstring bags and channels some of the profit to veterans groups – was one of a dozen Grove City College students who spent a week last summer at Praxis Academy. He described it as “magical,” for the shared faith of participants and the new relationships he developed with others at the academy, bonds that transcend the networking opportunity that initially drove his interest in Praxis Academy.

Liz Finnegan ’21 was one of a dozen Grove City College students who attended Praxis Academy in the summer of 2018.

“Socially-entrepreneurial-minded Christians in college are quite the niche category,” he said. “It was quite refreshing to share ideas, energy, and ambition with likeminded individuals … We came from a dozen countries and states, represented a handful of nationalities, and yet we all made friends with one another,” he said. Roberts fell in with a group that included a photographer, a hip-hop artist, a rock artist, and a fashion designer. “I have never experienced such harmonious diversity in my life. It felt borderline fantasy – almost dream-like – in an age of seemingly peak divisiveness,” he said. Roberts said the lessons learned at the academy strengthened his faith and boosted his lifestyle, career, and mental health: “Praxis focused on how God’s calling for me – entrepreneurship – interacts with my faith.” Roberts said he and his partners in Chute! are committed to something deeper than creating a successful business. “We aim for redemption (in) all of our operations, no matter how big or small. This ranges from respecting our customers to respecting each other as business partners. A redemptive venture is an ethically sound venture,” he said. The Grove City College-Praxis partnership enables students, faculty, and administration to engage with the Praxis team and community of startups – which includes leading entrepreneurs, scholars, and cultural thinkers. As well as the academy, Praxis hosts businesses and nonprofits in two virtual accelerator programs and is currently developing other programs in order to spread the idea of redemptive entrepreneurship. n


Fall 2018

Build upon your legacy Alumni and friends 70 1/2 years and older: Did you know you can support the College by making a gift directly from your IRA? By making a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) you not only assist our students but also help satisfy your required minimum distribution. All QCD gifts made this fall will also count towards the Wolverine Giving Challenge in November! Your gift will help us reach our challenge goals for donor participation and overall support of the College. Thank you for your partnership! For more information, please contact: Adam Nowland ’07, J.D./MBA at 724-458-3865 or avnowland@gcc.edu.

TO QUALIFY: • Donors must be 70 ½ or older at the time they make their gift. • The gift must be made directly from your qualified IRA to the College. Because the funds are transferred directly to the College, they can be excluded from taxable income. • QCD’s are limited to the amount that would otherwise be taxed as ordinary income. • Your gift must be made by December 31, 2018 in order to count for this calendar year. • QCD’s are capped at $100,000 per person, per year.

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Grove City College

RAWHIDE PICTURES PRESENTS IN ASSOCIATION WITH MJM ENTERTAI N MENT A FIL M BY MARK JOSEPH “REAGAN” BASED ON THE BOOKS BY PAUL KENGOR SCREENWRITER HOWARD KLAUSNER PRODUCED BY MARK JOSEPH AND RALPH WI N TER CO-PRODUCED BY JOHN SULLIVAN 32 | w w w. g c c.e d u t h e G ēD UNK

WWW.REAGANMOVIE.COM


REAL TO REEL

Fall 2018

Kengor’s chronicles form basis of biopic “Reagan: The Movie” By Nick Hildebrand

The movies made Ronald Reagan famous, but they haven’t been too kind to his legacy as one of America’s most respected and beloved presidents. The one-time star of Kings Row, Knute Rockne, All-American and even Bedtime for Bonzo enjoyed far more success in the world of politics, which he entered full-time in the early 1960s, than he ever did as an entertainer. But that success hasn’t yet been translated to the silver screen. A CBS miniseries produced in 2003 starring ultra-liberal James Brolin as Reagan was widely criticized before it was pulled from the network’s schedule. Two years ago, talk of funnyman Will Ferrell starring in a so-called comedy about Reagan’s struggle with Alzheimer’s created a backlash from the public. As a character, the former president has made cameos in a handful of films, including The Butler, since he left the White House in 1989 and died in 2004. That’s slated to change soon. A major motion picture about the nation’s 40th president is in the works and it based largely on the work of Grove City College Professor of Political Science Dr. Paul Kengor. Kengor is one of the country’s foremost Reagan scholars and his published works about the former president, his battle against communism, partnership with Pope John Paul II, conservative principles, and his personal faith can fill a bookshelf. Producer Mark Joseph, whose credits include The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe and other films, said Kengor’s books, specifically The Crusader: Ronald Reagan and the Fall of Communism and God and Ronald Reagan, a Spiritual Life, solved a major problem for the filmmaker. “I called Paul after I read his book and said ‘Thank you,’” Joseph said. “‘For what,’ he asked. ‘Because that’s one less thing I have to do in life,’ I replied. There are thousands of books on Reagan but Paul nails his story. He doesn’t come to history with a preordained narrative. He’s honest and follows the story where it goes.” Kengor wasn’t part of the Reagan revolution. He was a pre-med student at the University of Pittsburgh during the 1980s.

“If somebody told me then I was going to be a Reagan biographer who had written a half dozen books on the man, I would have been speechless. I wasn’t even political at that point.” But he’s become a key part of continuing that revolution and building on Reagan’s legacy through scholarship and research into the life and times of a man who has become an icon and a lodestar for conservatives.

“We can’t lose his story to history. (Reagan) has a lot of things to teach us both through his successes and his failures.” “Reagan always talked about the ‘DP’ – the divine plan,” Kengor said. “He had this very strong sense from his devout Disciples of Christ mother that everything happens for a reason, that God has a plan for everything. So to think that I could possibly be part of this plan, to tell this story through my books and this movie, it’s definitely an honor.” Joseph has been working to get Reagan’s story on screen for several years now (with Kengor playing a behind-the-scenes role) as the producer worked on financing and casting the biopic. “Paul has been a valuable set of eyes and ears and I’m thankful,” Joseph said. Kengor said one of the biggest challenges to getting the movie made hasn’t been Hollywood’s liberal elite but those in the movement that Reagan championed. “Conservatives don’t support movies … they don’t invest in movies. They don’t like Hollywood,” he said. “And how ironic is that? Reagan is a product of Hollywood.” “Reagan would be the first to say that you make movies to affect the culture and to affect the country. I think he would be happy that there’s a movie being made about him. He was a very humble man – but he would be,” Kengor said.

“It’s a great story. The fact that so many people couldn’t get it right only motivates me more to get it right. We can’t lose his story to history. He has a lot of things to teach us both through his successes and his failures,” Joseph said. “We will get Reagan’s story right. And we will reveal things previously not known.” A major breakthrough came over the summer when journeyman actor Dennis Quaid signed on to play the title role. The casting news generated some buzz around the project and Quaid and Joseph made the talk show rounds, including a tour of Reagan’s western White House, Rancho del Cielo, which has its own Grove City College connection. Alum Andrew Coffin ’98 is the director of the Young Americas Foundationadministered Reagan Ranch Center in nearby Santa Barbara. Coffin is also one of Kengor’s former students. “Reagan: The Movie” is in pre-production and could start filming next year. n

Paul Kengor’s book “The Crusader: Ronald Reagan and the Fall of Communism” is being used as key source for an upcoming film about the 40th president starring Dennis Quaid.

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Calderwood Hall, demolished to make way for the Hall of Arts and Letters in 2002, was a center of academic life in 1968 when a union organizing effort on campus was frustrated in part by student activists. Former Dean of Men Fredrick S. Kring reported on the event in a memo entitled “Seven Days that Shook the Campus.”

Seven Days that Shook the Campus In 1968, Grove City College saw a very different kind of student uprising By Nick Hildebrand In the spring of 1968, America seemed to be a nation on the brink, and, to many observers, college students were among those most intent on pushing it over the edge. They were the shock troops of the protest movement, rising up on campuses and flooding the nation’s streets to demonstrate against the Vietnam War, civil rights abuses, and the social and political mores of American society. The “silent majority” lamented a generation seemingly intent on tearing down what they had built up. In one of the most shocking incidents, students

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occupied buildings, took administrators hostage, and effectively shut down Columbia University in New York City. Columbia was the outlier, but students across the nation were feeling the revolutionary spirit and demonstrations over real and perceived grievances broke out at other colleges and universities. Colleges that had long held an “it can’t happen here” stance, girded for potential protest and tumult. In May 1968, Grove City College saw the beginning of its own student uprising, but it

was a very different kind of demonstration. It was just a few days before Parents’ Weekend and the student body was massing outside of Crawford Hall. Passions were high and the students were firmly committed to their cause. They had a message for College leaders, but it was anything but threatening. They weren’t there to occupy the administration building. They were there to help. Grove City College’s maintenance, custodial and kitchen workers had become the target of a union organizing campaign by


J. Stanley Harker ’25, the College’s fourth president, took a hard line against the union organizers. The unlikely student uprising at Grove City College made headlines in 1968.

the Carpenters’ Union out of Youngstown, Ohio. Promising higher wages and better benefits, the organizers declared a “strike” on May 15 and set up picket lines at campus entry points to disrupt operations. Less than half of the College’s employees favored unionizing, but others weren’t willing to cross the pickets. That put serious pressure on the College’s efforts to prepare campus for the big weekend. “There were lines of students in Crawford volunteering to help make sure the grass was cut and everything was clean for Parents’ Weekend,” recalls Roger Towle ’68, retired Vice President for Financial Services. “It just blew me away. The students said, ‘Can we help you in any way? What can we do?’” Then-President J. Stanley Harker ’25, in a contemporary report to the Board of Trustees, said “students rose up in mass support of their alma mater. The union organizers had circularized our entire student body, urging them to riot and demonstrate against the administration. They demonstrated, but it was solidly against the union.” Students volunteered to cut grass, clean buildings, help out in the dining halls, do laundry and whatever else was needed. Towle said he and his fellow Phi Tau fraternity

Fall 2018 brothers attempted to do their part, but their efforts backfired. Aware that the women who worked in the cafeteria in Hicks Hall weren’t interested in joining the union, the Phi Taus made an early morning visit to the picket line to encourage the women to cross the line and come to work. “Fifteen or 20 of us were there to help them,” Towle said. While there were only two or three men manning the picket, the influx of fraternity men created another impression. “We found out there were a number of ladies who saw all those people out there and got scared and turned around and went home. We wanted to help them, and we wanted to get food, but it didn’t work out that way,” Towle said. That anecdote aside, the student labor pool did its job, and the administration held its ground against the union (reportedly issuing an ultimatum to the no-show workers: “Come to work on Monday or don’t come back at all”) and within a week, the organizers gave up on Grove City College. Harker described the chief union organizer as “the old goon type … but he found 2,000 young Americans hard to bluff.” The story made headlines in a year when campus protests and rioting students were the norm. One wire service report highlighted the success of the student counterstrike: “When thousands of parents arrived on campus for Annual Parents’ Day,

“When your problems and my problems become ‘our problems,’ together we can achieve great things.” they found reasonably well maintained buildings and surroundings thanks to the ingenuity and well-intentioned support of their children.” A reference also made it into that year’s commencement speech, delivered two weeks after the pickets were abandoned by future President Gerald R. Ford, then a Congressman from Michigan: “I was informed on my way here that the only demonstration that has occurred on the

Grove City College campus this year was a demonstration by the students in support of the administration. I’m not too clear what the controversy was about but I certainly commend this kind of student power – the student power that springs from willingness and work.” Harker’s report to the board and other accounts suggest an epic struggle on campus in May 1968. Towle remembers something a little less monumental. “It was just a weird little thing,” he said. Then-Dean of Students Frederick S. Kring referred to the incident as “Seven Days that Shook the Campus” in a tonguein-cheek memo to campus that included some humorous details, including: “Students take over dormitory custodial jobs, invite pickets to see a clean dorm”; “Sennholz freeenterprise lectures become ‘free enterprise in operation’”; and “President packs his pistol at main gate – no casualties.” Harker said later: “As I look back on the struggle, it was a lot of fun, but it was no fun while it raged. However, of this I am certain: if a college treats its students as partners in a great educational adventure, no Reds or Parlor Pinks are going to take it over.” Kring echoed that thought in his memo. His summation speaks to the spirit of community that has always been a hallmark of Grove City College: “When your problems and my problems become ‘our problems,’ together we can achieve great things. Over the years I shall cherish this week as perhaps ‘our finest hour.’” n

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class notes 1962

KEEP IN TOUCH!

Margaret “Peg” (Leis) Hanna recently published Peanut Butter on the Wall and Marshmallows in the Microwave (Proving Press), a look at raising a large family from the 1980s to the present. She and her husband, Bill, live in Columbus, Ohio.

We want to keep in touch

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with you electronically! If you

Robert Farber, a retired science teacher, recently wrote two books for teachers. Farber’s Postulates of Education is about the teaching profession, while Monday Mystery Science Demonstrations is a series of science experiments. It is recommended by the National Science Teachers Association.

have an email address, or have recently changed your address or work information, make changes through

alumni.gcc.edu/update.

1966 Have exciting news? Submit a class note for the magazine and for viewing online at

alumni.gcc.edu/classnote.

Remember to let the alumni office know that you are having a “Grover Gathering!” We’d love to send you some fun “stuff” for your event. Email alumni@gcc.edu for more information.

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Gail (Holmgren) Hunter won the 2018 Community Ruby Award from Soroptimist International of Butler (Pa.) County. She was instrumental in getting a bookmobile to northern Butler County and in helping to raise money for the new Heaton Learning Commons at Butler County Community College.

1969 Dr. William Paquette, professor of history, retired after 48 years of teaching at the college/university level in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Georgia, and Virginia. Paquette spent the summer of 2018 in Australia and New Zealand doing research and conducting interviews for a new book on the British Commonwealth. He is the author of The Paquette Genealogy,

GREAT GARB |

Friends from the Class of 1968 and a retired faculty member met in Sarasota, Fla., recently. Seated, from left, are Carol (Hardy) Beller, Don Chab (Chemistry faculty 1964-96), and Mary Lou McFate ’68, ’95. Standing, Terri (Shawkey) Fridley, Charlie Fridley, and Tom Beeler. Terrie and Charlie sport their “Frosh” signs and Dinks, while Don and Tom donned their Adelphikos hats.

which documents three paternal lines back to 16th century France where they held the title Baron de Courlans, and The Pink House, about Wellsville, N.Y.,’s most famous and fabled residence. Both were published by New Dominion Press.

1970 Dr. Larry Horton published The Final Journey, Part Three: A Diary of a Journey Finished, the third book in his Christian Survivalist fiction trilogy, in April 2018.

1973 George Collins was recognized by his peers with inclusion in the “Best Lawyers in America.” He has received this honor since 2010. Collins is a senior partner at Bouvier Law LLP and resides in Buffalo, N.Y., with his family. Dr. Michael Connor spent three months in the Holy Land in spring 2016 as an ecumenical accompanier through the World Council of Churches. During the trip, he and the delegation assisted Israelis and Palestinians


Fall 2018

GOOD COMPANY | The Sigma Theta Chi Class of ’75, ’76, and ’77 held their seventh reunion in October 2017 in Holland, Mich. Row 1, from left, Carolyn (Shearer ’76) Zahm, Lynne (Chestnut ’76) Lord, Karen (Altsman ’75) Ondocsin, and Saundra Braund ’77. Row 2: Diane (Knable ’76) Haid, Mary (Proescholdt ’75) Halada, JoAnn (Waltenbaugh ’76) Dinsmore, Lauren (Revnoldt ’76) Fertelmes, Madeline (Storey ’76) Lucas, and Janet (Schwartzmier ’76) Floyd. Row 3: Susan (Coblentz ’77) Hanlon, Phyllis (Mignanelli ’75) Martinek, Beverly (Blackmore ’76) Skalkowski, Ellen (Robertson ’76) Goll, and Karen (Benedict) Robinson. in navigating daily activities, often under challenging conditions. Since then, he has been speaking about his experiences.

1974 Steve Evans, along with his wife, Lisa, and daughter, Shea, received the National Advocacy Award for the Lupus Foundation in America last fall. The award was presented during the National Gala in New York City. Steve is president and CEO of the Lupus Foundation of America, Georgia Chapter. Dr. Donald Howard has joined Chamberlain University’s School of Nursing as visiting professor in the Department of Humanities and General Studies. He is teaching Principles of Ethics.

1975 Neal Fox published his second book, Exploring Deep Concepts & Mysteries of the Bible. The book can be obtained free online, along with his first book The Future Times. Fox is a retired Air Force colonel residing in Texas.

1977 The Rev. Dr. Joseph Patterson retired from ministry in June 2018 after

41 years of serving the United Methodist Church as a pastor and as a district superintendent. In retirement he will be dean of The Leadership Academy, a new ministry of the Western Pennsylvania United Methodist Foundation, which works to sharpen leadership skills among clergy and laity. He also will join the faculty of the Course of Study, which educates local pastors and non-ordained United Methodist clergy.

1981 Kenneth Roos, an attorney with Wisler Pearlstine, LLP, Blue Bell, Pa., was named to the 2018 Pennsylvania Super Lawyers list. His honor comes in the area of Schools and Education; Employment and Labor; and State, Local and Municipal.

1983 Linda (Marino) Hicks accepted a position as vice president of Midwest Operations for ECC Horizon, an environmental consulting firm with a regional office in Indianapolis, Ind.

Tom Langmyer was inducted into the Buffalo Broadcasters Hall of Fame in September. He received the Buffalo Bob Smith award, recognizing a native western New Yorker and who has made a mark on the national stage. Langmyer has been in the broadcasting industry for 40 years, leading legendary stations in major markets and serving in corporate positions and consulting. He is currently vice president of News/ Talk/Sports for E.W. Scripps Radio Division and vice president and general manager of WTMJ-AM and WKTI-FM in Milwaukee. He is also president of Great Lakes Media Group, LLC.

1984 Kevin House was promoted to vice president of National Fuel Gas Distribution Corp., the utility segment of National Fuel Gas Co. He is responsible for engineering support, plant asset management, and pipeline integrity.

1985 Amy Dinning presented “What’s Next in Your Career Development” at the Association for Talent Development International Conference in San Diego, Calif., in May. This was her second time to present at this conference. Dinning is the global learning and development manager for ARRIS in Horsham, Pa. She also conducted a webinar on Networking for Success for the Association for Talent Development in June. She is involved in many events to support and assist those in job transition in the Philadelphia area. Dan Jones joined the Daniel Swarovski Corp. AG in Maennedorf, Switzerland, in July 2018. He is the omnichannel learning and development manager in Swarovski’s Global Retail Academy where he creates and delivers training programs for associates in stores around the world. He is also a regular speaker at the Association for Talent

Development’s annual international conferences and spoke on “More Awesome Apps for Trainers” at its conference in San Diego in May 2018.

1989 Jeff Borkowski is the new chief executive officer of ClearPath Mutual Insurance, headquartered in Louisville, Ky. Most recently, he served as vice president of Underwriting and Marketing for Brethren Mutual Insurance. Andy Fink will have his first book published in November. Murder on the Florida Frontier is a true story from local history. Fink lives in Florida and also works as executive counsel at a Fortune 500 company.

1990 Dr. Bill Kiser was promoted to executive vice president for Science and Technology at the Indiana Innovation Institute.

1991 Jill Huber attended the 2016 Paralympics in Rio De Janeiro as a soigneur with Team USA Paralympic Cycling. The team performed well and finished the road cycling program with 13 medals. Huber has been a massage therapist at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo., since 2010.

1994 John Fletcher was named special counsel at Barnwell Whaley Patterson & Helms LLC in Charleston, S.C. He has been an attorney with the firm since 2004. Bryan Neiderhiser was named president of the Western Pennsylvania Trial Lawyers Association, an organization assisting injured victims. He has been part of the association’s

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Grove City College Dec. 11, 2016. She joins brothers Zachary and Jack at home in Richmond, Va.

2001 Patrick Baldwin worked in 2017 and again in 2018 as the Grove City College Wolverine Marching Band’s field drill director. He formed his own marching band drill writing business Ten-Hut Productions LLC in January 2018. He currently designs field drill for 11 local and regional high school and collegiate marching bands. Tobey (Fast) Rogowsky and her husband, Michael, welcomed daughter Ailey Juniper on May 25, 2018. She joins siblings Linley, Faith, Ellery, Abel, and Mercy.

2002 BOWLING CHAMPS |

Don Schmidt ’75 and Chuck Gaetano ’74 won Portland, Maine’s, candlestick bowling tournament in June. board of governors for more than a decade; he is a partner at Marcus & Mack, P.C., Indiana, Pa.

1997 Gwynn (Klein) Lamm graduated from Cincinnati Christian University in May 2018 with her Master of Arts in Counseling, and completed the process to be a licensed professional counselor. She accepted a counseling job at a small private practice, Learn2Thrive, in Cincinnati. Mark Swift was promoted to vice president of Marketing for Universal Electric Corp., Canonsburg, Pa. He has been with the company for eight years, most recently as director of marketing.

1998 Clinton Sanko was named a 2018 Reader’s Choice Award winner by JD Supra, an online platform for legal content distribution. Sanko was listed as a “Top Author” nationwide on the topic of eDiscovery. He is a shareholder in Baker Donelson’s Chattanooga, Tenn., office. Carol Yard is the new outdoor center director at YMCA Camp Ockanickon, Medford, N.J. She is working with guest groups and overseeing the BOLD & GOLD program.

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1999 Karin Hendrickson was appointed to the new joint position of associate artist at Sage Gateshead, assistant conductor at Royal Northern Sinfonia, and music director of Young Sonfonia in the United Kingdom. In addition to these duties, Hendrickson will oversee the musical development of Young Sinfonia. She graduated in 2013 with distinction from the conducting program at the Royal Academy of Music, London. David Lautenschleger is the new principal of Washington High School in Massillon, Ohio.

2000 Jonathan Fitzpatrick was appointed as vice president for Admissions and Marketing for Covenant College in Lookout Mountain, Ga. He brings 17 years of corporate marketing experience. John “Jeff” LaDue completed his doctorate in Higher Education Management from the University of Pittsburgh in May 2018. Allison (Wadley) Letourneau and her husband, Brian, welcomed daughter Madeleine Grace on

Lauren (Krimmel) Rimando received the 2018 Independent Teacher of the Year award from the Anne Arundel County (Md.) Chamber of Commerce. She teaches Bible and seventh grade math at Annapolis Area Christian School and received the award during the Excellence in Education ceremony.

2003 Derek Bradley accepted the position of assistant director of Education Abroad at University of the Pacific in Stockton, Calif. Heather McConnell and Dr. Matthew Perricone were married July 9, 2016. Matthew is a consultant at RJ Lee Group in Monroeville, Pa., while Heather is a stay-at-home mom and a substitute teacher in the Seneca Valley School District. Their daughter, Sophia Marie, was born May 12, 2017. Leigh Mertz was named executive director of CASA Youth Advocates, a nonprofit serving children in foster care in Delaware and Chester counties, Pa. She married Thomas Jeremiah (TJ) McKelvey on June 13, 2015, and they are now the parents of Maeve Julia, born March 18, 2016, and Jeremiah Declan, born May 19, 2017.

Jeb Schreiber, an engineering manager with Johnson Controls in New Freedom, Pa., was named to the Top 40 Under 40 list by The Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration News. He is the lead engineer for the YORK YZ magnetic bearing centrifugal chiller, a new cooling technology using refrigerant that has low global warming potential. Schreiber holds six patents and has 20 patent applications related to his work on centrifugal chillers.

2004 Melissa (Hinnebusch) and Douglas ’02 Barnes welcomed son Jonathan Carl on Sept. 11, 2017. He joined brothers Joey, 9, Jacob, 7, and Joshua, 4. Jessica (Banach) and Justin Blakeslee welcomed their fifth and sixth children – twin boys named Christopher James and Zachary Howard – on April 24, 2018. Shivonne (Keiser) Costa has written The Children Who Raised Me, a book about the ups and downs of parenthood, especially as a foster and adoptive parent. Brandon Rockwell and his spouse, Juan Mantilla-Quintero, welcomed son Sebastian Quintero, born June 29, 2018. Emily Stawicki and Patrick Maxwell were married Oct. 28, 2017, in New Albany, Ohio. Emily is a laboratory instrument support specialist with Mettler Toledo and Patrick is a broadcast engineer for Educational Media Foundation. They reside in central Ohio. Bonnie (Likins) Warnky and her husband, Tim, welcomed daughter Lydia Marie on March 24, 2017.

2005 Kelcie (Rodina) Conroy and her husband, Kevin, had a son, Ryan Patrick, on Nov. 16, 2017. He joins older brothers Joey and Henry. Lindsey (Jacobs) Crummy and her husband, Tyler, are the parents of


Fall 2018

VOWS, VACATION |

These Tri Sig sisters celebrated 36 years of friendship during their annual beach vacation. This year’s location was Mystic, Conn., following the marriage of Kim Carter ’85 and Dominic Del Corso. Row 1, from left: Anne (Ermlich ’85) Lawton and Janet (Lyles ’84) Church. Row 2: Robyn (Abraham ’85) Shoffstall, Lori (Shank ’85) White, Dana (Cecconi ’85) Leech, Shelly (Kramer ’85) Sherako, Sherri (Rauso ’85) Nowicki, and Kim (Carter ’85) Del Corso.

daughter Vera Rose, born April 19, 2018. Vera’s sister Shae is 3. Amanda (Parker) Mosley and her husband, Nathan, welcomed daughter Jordyn Noelle on March 17, 2018. Jordyn joins siblings Chase, Emily, and Hailey. Carrie (Willis) Sturgill and her husband, Andrew, welcomed son Ray Alexander on May 19, 2017.

2006 Tim Batluck and his wife, Rebecca, welcomed son Andrew “Drew” Jack on June 25, 2018. Charles Cotherman was named Young Professional of the Year by the Venango County (Pa.) Future Leaders & Entrepreneur Exchange (FLEX) at a ceremony in April. He is pastor of Oil City Vineyard, a church he planted with wife Aimee (Myers ’05) Cotherman in 2016. His community activities include an adopt a block program and his church’s work with many service organizations. Keith Evans was appointed to the faculty of the Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary in Pittsburgh as professor of Biblical Counseling.

He is currently completing a Biblical Counseling Ph.D. at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. On Nov. 2, 2018, Evans was inaugurated at the Reformed Presbyterian Church of the North Hills in Pittsburgh. He and his wife, Melissa, have four daughters. Danielle (Falvo) and Chris ’05 Omasits welcomed daughter Francesca Anna May on Dec. 30, 2016.

2009

2010

Molly Anderson and Seth Barkett were married on May 26, 2018, at Harvest Chicago Cathedral. They live in Chicago, Ill. Kimmy (Ross) Good and her husband, Matthew, welcomed daughter Wesley Kate on Jan. 12, 2018. Laura (Tyler) Krotzer and her husband, Jesse, announce the birth of son Landon Jesse on Dec. 21, 2017. Stephen Mercer and his wife, Kristin, are the parents of twins, Silas Henry and Mila Adrielle, born Oct. 7, 2017. Karen (Bennett) and Jarrett Skorup welcomed daughter Theodora “Thea” Christine on Dec. 5, 2017. She joins siblings Gray, 5, and Reagan, 3. Ariel Weygandt completed her doctorate in English Literature from Texas Christian University in Fort Worth in May 2018. Her dissertation, Stirring It Up: The Changing of the British Nation Through Food, explored how 19th century literature helped shape British national cuisine.

Emily Greider is a second grade teacher for KIPP New Jersey. KIPP, which stands for Knowledge is Power Program, is a non-profit network of college prep public charter schools. She has been part of the New Jersey branch for three years. Kelsey (Drefs) Houser and her husband, Kyle, are the parents of two daughters: Emma Anne, born Jan. 28, 2016, and Eve Charlotte, born April 7, 2018. Andrew McIndoe was named vice president of Development for the Heritage Foundation in Washington, D.C. He will be communicating the organization’s successes in advancing conservative policy solutions. Beth (Bieber) and Lee Nicholas welcomed son Desmond Peter on Aug. 24, 2017. Chris Rich was named vice president of Field Ministry for the Mid-Atlantic Region by the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He will oversee 130 regional staff members.

2011 Autumn (Skorup) and Steven ’13 Battaglia are the parents of son Luca Paul, born Nov. 13, 2017. He joins brother Rocco, 2.

2007 Kristen (Peterson) Usher and her husband, Dan, announce the birth of son Andrew Tyler, on Nov. 22, 2017.

2008 Shannon (Park) Blackstone and her husband, Joshua, welcomed son Gavin Glenn on July 6, 2018. Emily (Garver) and James ’07 Dudt welcomed son Ezra James on March 15, 2018. He joins brothers Philip, 6, Isaac, 4, and Daniel, 2. The Rev. Bethany (Portz) and her husband, Dr. Matthew ’07 Harbaugh, announce the birth of son Eli James on Jan. 23, 2018. Candice (Coholich) Weaver and her husband, Michael, welcomed daughter Sydney Kate on Dec. 29, 2017.

CHICAGO FUN |

Lifelong friends and 2001 grads met for their biannual weekend in April at the Chicago home of Sharyn (Mraz) Lovelace. Top to bottom, from left: Lovelace, Vanessa (Mayo) Mayhew, Beth (Herman) Walker, Leslie (Rossi) Pratt, Sarah (Hahn) Bond, Karyn (Monaghan) Ward, and Bethany (Morgan) Nordman.

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Grove City College

GOOD GAME |

FRESHMAN FRIENDS | These six men, friends since Grove City freshman year, spent Labor Day weekend together with their families in Deep Creek, Md. From left: Jenny Bosak, Brian Bosak ’06, Holly (Fleischman ’07) Morgan, Michael Morgan ’07, Abby (Dunlap ’06) Lawson, Donnie Lawson ’06, Sarah Feinberg, Evan Feinberg ’06, Kim Kroenke, Aaron Kroenke ’06, Hannah Wardlow, and Drew Wardlow ’07. Kathryn (Brunk) and Patrick Brown welcomed son Thaddeus Augustine on June 15, 2017. Andrea (Phillips) Matthews earned her Ph.D. in Marketing from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln. She accepted a position at Wichita State University in Wichita, Kan., as an assistant professor of Marketing. She began work in August 2018. Hannah (Moffett) and Zachary ’10 Wilson announce the birth of son Forrest Cole on Feb. 24, 2018.

2012 Bethany (Drake) and Evan ’10 Addams welcomed son Everett Dean on Dec. 12, 2016. Lauren (Thomas) and Derek ’10 Kruse announce the birth of daughter Marianne Keats on May 8, 2018. Lauren McNany and Alec Curto were wed on April 14, 2018. Lauren is a board-certified music therapist working with the INOVA Health System as an activities therapist in a nursing and rehabilitation facility. Alec is a software engineer working for a private contractor. The couple lives near Fairfax, Va.

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Rick Alford ’74 captained his team to the championship in the Adult Open division of the Conway Cup, a benefit soccer tournament organized by Alford and others to raise money for ALS research and families. Alford owns and operates a real estate brokerage in Lexington, Va.

2013 Hannah (Chapman) Ashworth became a fellow of the Society of Actuaries in March 2018. She works for Brighthouse Financial in Charlotte, N.C. The society’s many admittance requirements include eight exams and 12 e-Learning courses. Lauren (Cipoletti) Williams completed her M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Geneva College in 2016 and is a board certified clinical mental health counselor and a national certified counselor through the NBCC.

2014 Grace (Lehr) and Aaron Derstine announce the birth of son Phillip Reuben on Aug. 9, 2018. Cayla (Clawson) and Alec Schultz announce the birth of son Jackson Paul on May 26, 2018.

2015 Dalaney Algiere was promoted to Product Engineer at Supfina Machine Co., a manufacturer of surface-finishing systems located in North Kingstown, R.I. She also helps to run the company’s high school intern program and mentors students in the high school robotics program.

CASHDOLLAR DEDICATION |

David ’71 and Kathleen (Pickens ’70) Cashdollar were joined by President McNulty, right, at the dedication in June of the David and Kathleen Cashdollar Entry Garden at the Grove City YMCA. The couple, longtime supporters of the Y, provided funding for a landscaped rock garden and a pair of sculptures designed and built by students at George Junior Republic.

Rachel Johnson and Brian Sorce were married July 1, 2018. Rachel is teaching in a private school and Brian is an account executive with dDaniel Advertising Agency. They live in Sewickley, Pa.

2016 Rachel Schmidt and Andrew Baur ’13 were married on July 22, 2017, in Grove City. They now reside in Greene County.

2017 Lindsey Mason and Taylor Schmidt ’16 were married on Dec. 30, 2017, in Chapel Hill, N.C.


Fall 2018

in memory The Grove City College Alumni Association places a book in Henry Buhl Library in memory of each alumnus for whom the Office of Alumni and College Relations receives written notification of death, including a copy of the obituary. This pays tribute to the lives of deceased alumni while benefitting current and future students.

To notify the Office of Alumni and College Relations of the passing of a loved one, please send an obituary to alumni@gcc.edu.

Mary (King) Sterrett ’41 died July 2, 2018. A chemist, she worked at both HJ Heinz and the Mellon Institute in Pittsburgh, Pa. She served during World War II as a Naval intelligence officer. She was a founding member of the Grove City College Outing Club. Patricia (Keltz) Bonaker ’43 died July 28, 2018. She was an organ and piano teacher in Amsterdam, N.Y., and an organist for many churches. Sally (Pack) Thomas ’43 died Aug. 31, 2018. She was a homemaker and active community member in Beaver, Pa., later moving to Black Mountain, N.C. M. Barbara (Murdoch) Walters ’43 died July 21, 2018. She lived in Springfield, Mass., and enjoyed genealogy. Margaret (Snoke) Brown ’46 died June 8, 2018. She spent many decades teaching in the Corry, Pa., schools and in Sunday school. Margaret (Pack) Buchanan ’46 died April 25, 2018. She made her home in Dallas, Texas. Ronald M. Hay ’46 died March 25, 2018. His wife, Nannie Jean (Kocher) Hay ’46, died June 17, 2018. They lived in Grove City and together owned and operated Kocher’s Grove City Floral Co. Ronald was a Navy veteran, and past president of the Western PA Flower Growers. Nannie Jean was a former school board director, board member for George Junior Republic and national president of the Women’s Club. She arranged the flowers and bouquets for 50 years of Grove City College’s May Pageants.

Virginia (Sipes) Stockdale ’46 died Aug. 4, 2018. She lived in Rock Island, Ill., and had been president of the Medical Society Auxiliary.

World War II, he lived in Evans City, Pa., and was a former Controller of Consolidated Natural Gas Co., retiring after 35 years of service.

Margaret (Dean) Bules ’47 died April 17, 2018. An Erie, Pa., resident, she had worked at Eriez Magnetics and also as a church secretary.

Florence (Bolton) Roka ’49 died March 24, 2018. She was a primary school teacher for 29 years, both in Pennsylvania and Maryland. She lived in Lancaster, Pa., and was a church deacon.

Eleanor (Schumann) Jamison ’47 died May 20, 2018. After first teaching high school in Sandy Lake and Greenville, Pa., she was an instructor at Thiel College and Assistant Dean of Women at Allegheny College. Since 1994, she lived in Winston-Salem, N.C. The Rev. Paul H. McCauley ’47 died May 17, 2018. A World War II Army Air Corps veteran, he enjoyed a 50-year pastoral career with the United Methodist Church. He also served the Lutheran Church in Germany and opened the U.S. Senate with prayer several times. Survivors include daughter Paulette McCauley ’81. Elsie (Hoffman) Travis ’48 died Aug. 5, 2018. She worked for the Board of Christian Education of the Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia, Pa., for more than 20 years. Dr. Edward D. Grohman ’49 died Sept. 12, 2018. He taught at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary and then Knoxville College for more than 30 years. He was an accomplished flautist. Cordelia (Seeley) Lenz ’49 died May 24, 2018. She made her home in Charlottesville, Va. Samuel F. Regal ’49 died July 14, 2018. A Marine veteran of

Charles L. Truby ’49 died Aug. 16, 2018. He had a career in the gas pipeline industry, retiring from Enron as Vice President of Florida Gas Pipeline. He lived in Stephenville, Texas. John H. Ferguson ’50 died May 9, 2018. A World War II Navy veteran, he retired as Director of Credit from J&L/LTV Steel after 39 years. He was active in the Ben Avon, Pa., community. John C. Holscher ’50 died April 26, 2018. A World War II veteran, he retired from the Accounting/ Auditing Department of Firestone Industrial Products in Noblesville, Ind. He was involved with Junior Achievement. William H. Hulbert Jr. ’50 died March 16, 2018. He spent most of his career as a process and sales engineer with Egan Machinery in Somerville, N.J., with several patents in plastics processing to his name. A Navy veteran, he was a multisport athlete. Ruth Marie (Edner) Ramsey ’50 died June 12, 2018. She supported her minster husband both in Ohio and Michigan pastorates. t h e G ēD UNK w w w. g c c.e d u | 41


Grove City College Edward A. “Ted” Williams ’50 died May 7, 2018. An entrepreneur, he had a career in real estate, insurance sales, and other sales ventures. He was a World War II Navy veteran who stayed in the Naval Reserves until retiring in 1987 as Commander. He lived in Ventura, Calif. Dorothy (Turtch) Zippel ’50 died April 15, 2018. The Pittsburgh resident was a retired teacher. Donna (James) Brinton ’51 died Aug. 23, 2018. After work in the golf community, she owned and operated a Nautilus Fitness Center and later became a real estate agent. Most recently, she lived in Charlotte, N.C. Lillian (Pringle) Love ’51 died Aug. 21, 2018. She was the librarian at Mercer (Pa.) Elementary School until retirement. Margaret (Forsyth) McCarter ’51 died Aug. 10, 2018. She and her physician husband lived in Oil City, Pa. Florence (Graebe) Sutcliffe ’51 died July 9, 2018. She was a homemaker and involved in her various communities. Survivors include her husband, Dr. Charles Sutcliffe ’49. Patricia (Reeves) VanEman ’51 died April 1, 2018. She managed the Red Barn Theater in Pittsburgh for more than 25 years, and worked as Director of Promotion with the Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera. She also owned her own flower business. Dr. Robert W. Wiley ’51 died June 5, 2018. An Army veteran, teacher, and counselor, he served Maryland’s Montgomery College – Takoma Park for many years as Campus Dean. He won several medals in table tennis at Maryland’s Senior Olympics. Donald J. Young ’51 died March 1, 2018. A Navy veteran, he worked as a supermarket executive. He lived in Spring Hill, Fla. 42 | w w w. g c c.e d u t h e G ēD UNK

Charles H. Grine ’52 died July 26, 2018. He was a retired oil executive who navigated global markets and international petroleum supplies. He was an Army veteran who most recently lived in State College, Pa. C. Patricia (Flinn) Hamilton ’52 died May 2, 2018. She lived in Verona, Pa., and for taught for 21 years at the University School in Shadyside. Survivors include husband, Richard Hamilton ’53. John F. Moore ’52 died Aug. 17, 2018. A chemical engineer, he worked for Koppers and retired from Neville Chemical as Chief Engineer. He lived in McDonald, Pa. C. Richard Baechtel ’53 died May 21, 2018. A Navy veteran, he earned many patents for the railroad industry while working for Westinghouse Airbrake Co. He also worked in the packaging industry. Survivors include his wife, Bonnie (Baird ’53) Baechtel. Marilyn (Gilger) Beals ’53 died Aug. 28, 2018. After raising her family, she worked in administration at the Moon Area (Pa.) School District. Later in Kyle, Texas, she chaired the Claiborne Kyle Log House Commission. Thelma (Ten Huisen) Heil ’53 died March 25, 2018. From Clymer, N.Y., she was a retired elementary teacher who explored genealogy. The Rev. John R. Sisley Jr. ’53 died May 2, 2018. The Army veteran served churches in New York state for the Presbyterian Church, USA. He was a civil rights activist and nationwide speaker. Phyllis (Porter) Allen ’54 died July 25, 2018. She was a homemaker and substitute teacher who lived in Lebanon, Pa., She traveled with the Hershey Community Chorus. Daniel B. Banks ’54 died March 31, 2018. He had a career in

the oil industry, designing oil refineries around the globe. He lived in Arcadia, Calif., and also taught classes in piping design. Walter F. Barber Jr. ’54 died Aug. 14, 2018. The Grove City resident had worked as a research chemist at Quaker State Oil Refining in Oil City, Pa. Survivors include daughter Dr. Amy Barber ’93. M. Joan (Cornelius) Lees ’54 died May 14, 2018. A resident of Hermitage, Pa., she taught junior high school in the New Castle School District for more than 30 years. Survivors include her husband, Robert Lees ’54. Dr. William R. McWhirter ’54 died April 30, 2018. A former U.S. Army medical officer, he was in private orthopedic surgery practice in Greenville, Pa., from 1967 to 2004. Leah (Hunter) Williams ’54 died March 19, 2018. She worked for 34 years at the Redstone Presbyterian Home in Johnstown, Pa., 18 years as administrator.

living in the State College, Pa., community. William W. Thorne ’56 died July 9, 2018. The chemical engineer worked for many years with Michigan Chemical and retired from Martin Marietta. Charles H. Grier ’57 died June 17, 2018. A Kentucky resident, he worked at 3M Company for 26 years. Frederick W. Hecker Jr. ’57 died June 25, 2018. An Army veteran of the Korean War, he worked for 31 years as a chemical engineer with Alcoa. George S. McDermott ’57 died May 24, 2018. He was an accomplished pharmaceutical salesman and former Alumni Council member. He was an Army veteran of the Korean War and was engaged in veterans groups. Robert E. George ’58 died July 31, 2018. He was an Army veteran who retired as a vice president of First National Bank, Greensburg, Pa. He loved and collected trains.

Wayne L. Dahlinger ’55 died Aug. 5, 2018. A professional engineer, he worked with the Atomic Energy Commission and United States Steel.

A. Duane Irons ’59 died Aug. 27, 2018. She lived in Beaver, Pa., and had a 34-year career as supervisor of the Microbiology Lab at the former Medical Center.

Harold Rivers ’55 died July 18, 2018. A Korean War Army veteran, he worked with Reliance Insurance, later rising to Vice President at Hudson Consulting Group in Wayne, Pa. After retiring to Lakeland, Fla., he was a substitute teacher.

Betty (Williams) Minnis ’59 died July 4, 2018. A Meadville, Pa., resident, she taught special education for 28 years with the Crawford Central School District and the Intermediate Unit.

Daughn L. Brumbaugh ’56 died July 20, 2018. He had a 28year Air Force career, and was living in Palatine, Ill. Survivors include his wife, Betty (Nicholas ’56) Brumbaugh. Arthur M. Fryer ’56 died Aug. 1, 2018. The Pittsburgh, Pa., resident was an Army veteran and worked as a librarian. He was a gifted singer. Susan (Kirk) Swales ’56 died May 26, 2018. She enjoyed

Charles M. Bestwick ’61 died July 13, 2018. While a Grove City resident, he was a partner in Harshaw’s Real Estate, and a member of both the Grove City Planning Commission and Mercer County Industrial Development Authority. He was an Army veteran. William J. Lewis ’61 died June 22, 2018. An Army veteran, he worked in sales with Diamond Shamrock Chemical Co., cofounded Interstate Chemical


Co., and following retirement, operated Perfect Turf Lawn Care Co. He lived in Grove City and did much volunteer work. William F. Snyder ’61 died Sept. 1, 2018. He taught speech and theater for 45 years, both in Pennsylvania and Virginia. He was a Marine veteran of the Korean War. Linda (Harbold) Armiger ’62 died Sept. 13, 2018. She worked in teaching, accounting, and as a legislative aide for delegates from Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Most recently, she lived in Queenstown, Md. Dr. Richard J. Courtney ’63 died April 11, 2018. He was an internationally recognized virologist and celebrated educator, becoming chair of Microbiology and Immunology at Penn State College of Medicine in Hershey, Pa. He received numerous teaching awards. Robert A. Campbell III ’65 died April 13, 2018. A Vietnam veteran, he developed Family Health Plan in Toledo, Ohio, and retired as president of Health Span in Cincinnati. He retired to Hilton Head Island, S.C. Kathryn (Trent) Walter ’65 died April 22, 2018. A resident of Hilltown, Pa., she worked at the Peace Valley Nature Center and in the Delaware Valley College Admissions department. Nancy (Fisher) Humphreys ’67 died Aug. 12, 2018. She taught pre-school and kindergarten. Recently, she lived in Mission Hills, Kan. William H. Worrilow III ’67 died June 3, 2018. He worked for 32 years at Philadelphia Electric Company in engineering and research. He lived in Airville, Pa. Edward P. Diamond ’69 died May 7, 2018. He was an engineer with Armco Steel for 35 years, becoming the General Foreman of Maintenance in Zanesville, Ohio.

Fall 2018 Edward J. Jerome ’69 died Sept. 18, 2018. He was principal of the Edgartown (Mass.) School for 26 years, retiring in 2005. He was currently President of the Martha’s Vineyard Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby and wrote a book about the longtime event.

W. Dean Blangger ’76 died March 23, 2018. He worked for 34 years with Allegheny Ludlum in Louisville, Ohio, most of that time as plant superintendent. He lived in North Canton, and used his artistic talents to redesign used furniture.

Joseph Francis ’71 died April 25, 2018. A Washington, Pa., resident, he was warehouse manager for Fairmont Supply Company for 20 years. In retirement, he did tax preparation.

The Rev. William E. Hoch ’77 died May 22, 2018. He had pastored in Leslie, Mich.; Paris, Ohio; and most recently for 20 years, Denver, Colo. He was a talented wildlife photographer. Survivors include his wife, Janis (Kehlenbeck ’78) Hoch.

Bruce K. Lane ’73 died March 30, 2018. He spent his career with Paper Conversions Inc. in Syracuse, N.Y., retiring as chief financial officer. More recently, he lived in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., volunteering at the hospital and art museum. Edward R. Ehrhardt Jr. ’74 died July 25, 2018. An attorney, he worked for UPMC Health System and the Mon Valley Unemployed Committee, both near Pittsburgh. Survivors include his wife, Celeste (Snyder ’77) Ehrhardt. David E. Henthorn ’74 died Sept. 22, 2017. He served in the Air Force for 22 years, followed by work with the Federal Aviation Administration. He lived in Vacaville, Calif. Karen (Hopkins) Carnes ’75 died April 9, 2018. She was a homemaker and accomplished pianist who lived in Mercer, Pa. Survivors include brother Roy Hopkins ’79. George A. Fischer ’75 died July 18, 2018. A Grove City resident, he was an electrical engineer for 25 years at Joy Manufacturing in Franklin, earning multiple patents. He was an Air Force veteran of the Vietnam War. Keith A. Stewart ’75 died Aug. 17, 2018. A resident of Sharon, Pa., he most recently worked with Lark Enterprises.

Barbara (Morrison) Martinez ’77 died July 15, 2018. She lived in Hendersonville, Tenn. David L. Walz ’77 died Aug. 30, 2018. He retired from Verizon after a 36-year career as a manager in Information Technology. He loved cars and most recently lived in Flower Mound, Texas. Mark J. Magister ’78 died July 25, 2018. The Allison Park, Pa., resident’s survivors include son Marcus Magister ’11. Carolyn (Cadwell) Cheadle ’80 died Sept. 10, 2018. She lived in Bowling Green, Ohio, and worked for Century Marketing for 18 years. Amy (Lasher) Haworth ’80 died May 20, 2018. The State College, Pa., resident enjoyed being a wife and mother, and hiking and road trips. Jerald M. Nelson ’80 died Sept. 3, 2018. He lived in Warren, Pa., and worked as a salesman with Betts Industries for 19 years.

He served in the Air Force for 25 years, including three tours of duty. He also served for 25 years as pastor of the Hewitt Jefferson Presbyterian Church in Rices Landing, Pa. Tyrone J. Christy ’84 died July 16, 2018. He enjoyed a career in the energy field and as a private sector consultant. He served as vice chairman of the Pennsylvania Utility Commission and lived in Butler. Survivors include his wife, Anne (Loncle ’89) Christy. William H. Griffin ’84 died April 25, 2018. He worked for Timken and Timken Steel for more than 32 years, retiring in 2018. He was living in Clinton, Ohio, and was a music enthusiast. Survivors include his wife, Michele (Peckman ’84) Griffin. Jessie J. Bible Yang ’91 died March 28, 2018. She had worked as a CPA with Arthur Andersen and Protiviti, and volunteered much time with Harvest USA, Tenth Church, and other support groups in her Cherry Hill, N.J. area. Joshua D. Mann ’00 died July 11, 2018. He graduated with a degree in Christian Thought and Philosophy, and was living in Columbus, Ohio.

Friends The Rev. Arthur A. Fuller, who taught Sociology and Social Work at the College in the 1980s, passed away Aug. 24, 2018. Survivors include children Karen Fuller Harvey ’87 and Jeffrey Fuller ’89.

David C. McCreary ’81 died July 14, 2018. He worked as a jeweler for several companies, including King’s Jewelry in Butler, Pa. He lived in Pittsburgh. Survivors include his wife, Susan (Haskell ’79) McCreary, and daughter Mallory (McCreary ’09) Muetzel. The Rev. William B. “Brad” Davis ’82 died Nov. 11, 2017.

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Grove City College

alumni babies CONGRATULATIONS NEW PARENTS! Grove City College welcomes your new bundle of joy. We want to send your newborn a Grove City College T-shirt. So between the feedings and late-night lullabies, be sure to send the Office of Alumni and College Relations your child’s name and date of birth. Shirts are available only in infant size. Due to the popularity of the Alumni Babies feature, photos will be limited to babies under the age of 3 in Grove City College shirts only. Digital photos must be high resolution, 300 dpi. Please do not embed photos in the body of an email message, but rather attach a high-resolution image. Submit photos at alumni.gcc.edu/babyshirt or email to alumni@gcc.edu.

Everett Dean Addams Born 12-12-16 Bethany (Drake ’12) and Evan ’10 Addams

Jonathan Carl Barnes Born 9-11-17 Melissa (Hinnebusch ’04) and Douglas ’02 Barnes

Kylie Bernhardt Born 1-18-17 Jocelyn (Hinkle ’15) and Jonathan ’15 Bernhardt

Charlotte Anne and Lillian Esther Brengel Born 9-19-17 and 9-3-15 Amy (Hivner ’10) and Josh ’10 Brengel

Ava Grace Brown Born 5-20-18 Megan (Osborne ’09) and James Brown

Lydia Evangeline Deyton Born 10-3-17 Victoria (Morra ’14) and Jonathan Deyton

Joel Daniel and Faith Rebecca DiDonato Born 5-12-18 and 9-8-15 Kristen (Yanak ’06) and David ’05 DiDonato

Ezra James Dudt Born 3-15-18 Emily (Garver ’08) and James ’07 Dudt

Joshua Benjamin Hufstetler Born 12-31-17 Sarah and Paul ’10 Hufstetler

William “Liam” Todd Krut Born 7-28-17 Emily (Swanson ’15) and Liam ’14 Krut

Zachary Colton Lesser Born 6-6-17 Brittany (Klaas ’10) and Ryan ’10 Lesser

McKinley Rose McIntire Born 3-12-17 Tamara (Nations ’09) and Mike McIntire

Samuel Andrew Michael Born 7-15-15 Amanda (Rhodes ’06) and Andrew Michael

Clark Z. and Brielle L. Miller Born 10-16-17 and 9-11-15 Chantel (Sheatz ’07) and Nate ’07 Miller

Eli Moses Milligan Born 5-4-17, adopted 7-7-17 Jennifer and Thomas ’00 Milligan

Lyla Mae and Owen Louis Mottet Born 8-18-15 and 6-18-17 Tiffany (Schiebler ’10) and Greg ’09 Mottet

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save

Fall 2018

date Anna Louisa Oelschlager Born 9-29-17 Alaina (Hill ’04) and Robert Oelschlager

Francesca Anna May Omasits Born 12-30-16 Danielle (Falvo ’06) and Chris ’05 Omasits

Sophia Marie Perricone Born 5-12-17 Heather (McConnell ’03) and Matthew Perricone

MAY

Thomas Joseph Pfeiffer Born 4-30-17 Lauren (Albert ’06) and Chris Pfeiffer

Lillian Joy Potter Born 9-29-15 Helen and Charles ’02 Potter

Leah Susanna Grace Pye Born 7-26-17 Stephanie and Robert ’08 Pye

Heidi Jane Read Born 10-22-14 Kim (Barron ’08) and Ben ’08 Read

Theodore Robert Scott Born 11-3-17 Christine (Bare ’05) and Gregory Scott

Lydia Marie Warnky Born 3-24-17 Bonnie (Likins ’04) and Tim Warnky

3-5

Cousins Jonathan Wesley Snell (center left), born 1-14-16 Surrounded by triplet siblings (l-r) Daniel Lewis, Deborah Anne and Rebecca Elizabeth, born Dec. 2, 2017. Sarah (Gruen ’06) and Christopher Snell

Luca Paul Battaglia, born 11-13-17, Autumn (Skorup ’11) and Steven ’13 Battaglia Theodora Christine Skorup, born 12-5-17, Karen (Bennett ’09) and Jarret ’09 Skorup

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Grove City College

faith & learning Editor’s note: This space is usually reserved for a message from Grove City College faculty. We make an exception in this case to share this message with a wider audience of alumni and friends. It was delivered by Rev. Jim Leuenberger ’78 in Harbison Chapel during a Homecoming Weekend Service of Thanksgiving organized by Leuenberger and classmate Scott Moore ’78 and attended by many returning members of the Class of 1978. Rev. Leuenberger spoke to a specific memory of his class but his call to live faithfully and boldly through every season of life resonates with all who claim membership in the Grove City College community.

Clowning Around By Rev. Jim Leuenberger ’78 “But I think that God has exhibited us apostles as last of all, like men sentenced to death, because we have become a spectacle to the world, to angels, and to men. We are fools for Christ’s sake, but you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You are held in honor, but we in disrepute. To the present hour we hunger and thirst, we are poorly dressed and buffeted and homeless, and we labor, working with our own hands. When reviled, we bless; when persecuted, we endure; when slandered, we entreat. We have become, and are still, like the scum of the world, the refuse of all things.” I Corinthians 4:9-13 After graduating from Grove City College in 1978, Jim Leuenberger attended Fuller Theological Seminary in Southern California, earning his M.Div. in 1983. He and his wife, Pamela (Kelly ’78) returned to western Pennsylvania where Jim served small town churches for about 30 years. God surprised him by calling him to an inner city church in the Mon Valley near Pittsburgh in March 2015, where he continues to serve as the pastor of McKeesport Presbyterian Church. Jim and Pam’s four children – Andy ’07, Josiah ’08, Sam ’13, and Grace ’16 – are also graduates of the College.

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F

orty years ago, in his baccalaureate message to the class of 1978, the Rev. Dr. Bruce Thielemann used the words at the heart of this passage to cast a compelling call into our lives. He challenged us to go out from this place to live as “fools for Christ.” What he said that night affected us then and continues to impact us. I suppose the words of Paul and what Dr. Thielemann said about them hit us with such force then because they were so relevant to the time of life we were entering. I’ve noticed that scriptures that impacted me the most at different points in my life have had a lot to do with how old I was when they took on special importance to me. It might not surprise you that now, at age 62, the scripture that has most meaning to me is: “And now that I am old and gray headed, O God, do not forsake me, ‘til I make known Your strength to this generation, and Your power to all who are to come.” (Psalm 71:18) I believe this verse speaks volumes to all of us at this time in our lives. Forty years after graduating from this place finds us just about to enter, if we haven’t already, what our society calls our “retirement years.” I am

hearing both excitement and nervousness about what’s ahead. Once more, we come to this sacred place needing some apt words as we move into an important era of our lives. I think we find some in what this psalmist says. He was just about our age when he wrote these words. If we listen carefully we will hear his call to us: “Enter and live these years with high aspirations!” The hope-filled words of this psalm contain much of the spirit behind a poem sent to me by one of my best friends from my time here, Chris Cox ’78. It’s called “Let me Die Aspiring.” This poem really is not about dying, it’s about living – and living with great energy and a determined hopefulness. The author, S. Hall Young, an Alaskan missionary during the Gold Rush years, gives expression to his intention to aim high and strive mightily in the later years of his life: Let me die, working still tackling plans unfinished, tasks undone! Clean to its end, Swift may my race be run. No laggard steps, no faltering, no shirking; Let me die, working! Let me die, thinking. Let me fair forth still with an open mind, fresh secrets to unfold, new truths to find, my soul undimmed, alert, no question blinking; Let me die thinking. Let me die, laughing. No sighing o’er past sins; they are forgiven. spilled on this earth are all the joys of Heaven. The wine of life, the cup of mirth still quaffing; Let me die, laughing. Let me die, giving. Let me die, aspiring.


As you can see, we only have the first lines of the last two stanzas. The author died before he could finish them. At first, I felt that was a shame. But then, I thought, “Maybe that’s a good thing - because now, it’s up to me to finish them.” And yes, it’s up to you and me to think about how we will finish this poem as we live our later years. What is it that we will give ourselves to in this era we are entering? What will we give to our children and our grandchildren? What will we give to our communities and to the institutions, like this one, that have formed us through our lifetime? What will we give to our churches and to spreading the blessings and goodness Jesus Christ came, and died, and was resurrected to bring to the world? And how much will we be willing to sacrifice in our giving? The unfinished fifth stanza of Hall’s poem call us to consider the aspirations that will energize and direct us as we live these important years. What dreams and calls from earlier times, perhaps even from our days on this campus, remain unfulfilled but find us ready to take them up now? What new hopes and callings will emerge and animate us? Will we grow in our daring greatly because we have come to believe more deeply? Both the psalmist and the poet call us to have high expectations and high hopes for this era in our life – to believe that the time we are entering could be a time of personal growth and servant-hearted, spiritempowered service that would cause our children and grandchildren, and “all who are to come,” to say, “The God who grew them, the God who used them, must be powerful – a mighty God! I too will trust Him!” I recognize that if this aspiration is to be achieved in my life it will take a lot of perspiration. And behind it will also need to be a lot of inspiration. The psalmist and the poet provide a considerable degree of that inspiration but there have been other words that have spurred me on in this direction. You heard them too, on that Friday night long ago – the words Dr. Thielemann spoke to us the night before we graduated: “Send in the Clowns.” Dr. Thielemann called on all of us to be clowns for Christ. He urged us to think and live in ways that are so radically shaped by our relationship with Jesus and our commitment to work for the spread of His kingdom in our communities, our nation,

Fall 2018

Rev. Bruce Thielemann served as dean of the chapel from 1974 to 1984.

and our world that we might be considered foolish by those whose lives are animated by ways of thinking and living that prevail in our culture. I have thought about how Dr. Thielemann might challenge us to apply this message at this point in our lives. Two things came to mind. First, I think he would plead with us to be counter-cultural enough to reject the world’s lie that the best of our days are behind us. I believe he would urge us to give no quarter to the notion that our times of greatest growth and usefulness are over. Forty years ago, he told us that, “eschatology is never found in nostalgia.” Eschatology refers to the end of all things, and for the Christian it particularly speaks about that time when all the hopes God had for each of us when He brought us into being will be brought to fruition. I think Dr. Thielemann would tell us that it is our culture’s obsession with youthfulness that is foolish and that the smart money is on those who have been seasoned long enough to advance greatly in their capacity to carry out God’s purposes for their lives. I think Dr. Thielemann would also implore us to not give into our culture’s prescription for living one’s retirement years. “Resist,” I believe he would say, “those who tell you these years are all about selfindulgence.” Now there’s nothing wrong with enjoying relief from the some of the stresses and responsibilities we’ve had to shoulder for the last four decades. But, I think he would counsel us to make these years a time when we follow, more than we ever have, Jesus’ prescription for living - That the best way to gain life is to give it away. I think Dr. Thielemann would say to us, “Don’t make these years mostly about amusement, but rather, most significantly about service.”

Forty years since we graduated from this place. Our culture says, “Your time has come and gone.” But God looks at us with a knowing smile and says, “I think I’ve got you ready now - ready to experience and do some of the most significant things for which I made you.” We’re on the cusp of a time in our lives that holds tremendous potential for God to bring good in us and through us. I truly believe that God wants to, and is able, to use all the things from the past 40 years. The good, the bad, and the ugly. The things we have learned about ourselves. Our successes and our failures. Our joys and our sorrows. All the fulfillment that’s been ours because of calls answered, and all the regrets that have dogged us because of calls we never picked up. Through all this, God has been forging us for things that will make known God’s strength to this generation and God’s power for all who are to come. Another classmate, Scott Moore ’78, and I have talked a lot about Dr. Thielemann’s final words to the class of 1978. I asked him what impacted him the most from that message and he said it was near the end. Dr. Thielemann said, “Though The Collegian, when it announced my subject for tonight, said, ‘He’s going to talk about here come the clowns,’ I hope The Collegian’s right. I hope that every time the members of the Class of 1978 return to this campus, that somebody is inclined to say, ‘Here come the clowns. Here come those who went out into the world in the name and spirit of Jesus, to love.’” As a young boy and as a teenager, even as a student here, I probably goofed off more than I should have. As a result, people often said to me, “Stop clowning around.” I’m glad for a man who, 40 years ago, stood in that pulpit and said to me – and said to you, “Start clowning around!” I hope you will join me in an ever-deeper heeding of that call. As we do so, what thanksgivings we will have to share when we gather in this place five years from now, and five years after that, and then all the way to that time when the fullness of God’s dreams for us are fulfilled. If you would like a copy of Dr. Thielemann’s baccalaureate message to the Class of 1978, please contact College Archivist Hilary (Lewis ’09) Walczak at collegearchives@gcc.edu. t h e G ēD UNK w w w. g c c.e d u | 47


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