The GēDUNK June 2023

We dedicate this College to the development of sound scholarship and Christian character in all aspiring youth.

HARBISON CHAPEL, BOARD OF TRUSTEES WINDOW AFFIRMS THE 1876 FOUNDING VISION

A SPIRE, A TOWER, AND AN UNCHANGING MISSION

Ispend a lot of time on the sidewalks bordering the Quad as I scurry around from one gathering to another. Students are free to walk on the grass, but I stick to the sidewalks – old habits (and rules!) die hard. Traversing this iconic center of our campus, my gaze is frequently drawn to the gothic spire atop Harbison Chapel or the imposing tower crowning Rockwell Hall. They are impressive structures built at the same time, 1930-31, and dedicated on the same day in the fall of 1931.

Great architecture often inspires us. That’s the point. When I worked for the House Majority Leader, I parked my car on the grounds of the U.S. Capitol. I generally left work when it was dark, and most nights I would stop, look up at the spotlighted great dome, and appreciate the privilege of working under this magnificent symbol of freedom and democracy. I’m also a big fan of courthouse architecture. The administration of justice in most jurisdictions is housed in an imposing building that sits much higher than the surrounding construction. Mercer County’s magisterial courthouse, for example, can be seen from miles away. The message is clear: justice and the rule of law are paramount virtues in a free society. Grove City College has always embraced this architectural perspective.

Getting back to our beloved acreage, imagine what went through the minds of local residents nearly a century ago when they took a stroll up the hill from lower campus. There, on a mostly barren field, stood two new and extraordinary buildings, one for worshipping God and the other for the exploration of his creation. Aside from imagining the spectacular view from the top of Rockwell tower, onlookers surely must have thought that the leaders of this small 50-year-old college were bold visionaries dedicated to the education of future generations of students. They would have been right.

Nearly 100 years later, these two remarkable structures continue to symbolize far more than an ambitious academic enterprise. They represented then and now GCC’s unwavering commitment to Christian liberal arts learning, or as our provost Dr. Peter Frank ’95 has recently written, “liberating learning” anchored in God’s revealed truth. We equip students to pursue their unique callings through a liberating education that eschews ignorance and foolish pride and promotes the pursuit of true knowledge and wisdom. We especially yearn for these young scholars to understand that through Christ’s word they will know the truth, and the truth will set them free. This is the heart of our faith and freedom message.

J. Howard Pew eloquently captured our unchanging mission at the dedication of Rockwell Hall on the afternoon of October 8, 1931, following the morning dedication of Harbison Chapel. He said:

I believe it is within the Divine plan that man should with all eagerness and all ambition, test the wings of his intellect in the most aspiring flights of which his imagination is capable. There is no danger that he will learn too much about himself and creation in which he is so small an incident. Through his outreachings for more knowledge and more understanding, man will at length grow into a fuller wisdom. In that fuller wisdom he will realize as never before his subordination to the universal law of reason, of justice, of sound morals and true humanities.

It has now fallen upon this generation of Grovers and friends of the College to strengthen this vital work for a new century. As we begin the renovation of Rockwell Hall this summer, we are encouraged by the vision and generosity of our college forefathers. Lord willing, the stately tower, along with the lofty spire, will long remain grand symbols for all to see of the transformation of mind, heart, and hand that continuously occurs at Grove City College.

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

EDITOR

Nick Hildebrand

Senior Editor, Marketing and Communications

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Joanie Baumgartner

Director of Advancement Communications

DESIGN

Justin Harbaugh

Art Director/Graphic Designer

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS

Janice (Zinsner ’87) Inman

Advancement Communications Coordinator

Amy Evans

Associate Director of Advancement Communications

Brad Isles

Website Manager/Content Coordinator

OFFICE OF ALUMNI & COLLEGE RELATIONS

Tricia Corey

Charlene (Griffin ’83) Shaw

Mandy Sposato ’00

Michelle (Jeffries ’19) Vogt

COLLEGE ARCHIVES AND GALLERIES

Hilary (Lewis ’09) Walczak

OFFICE OF DEVELOPMENT

Brian Powell ’03

Elizabeth (Smith ’81) Hanley

Zach Jew ’11

Doug Angle ’20

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

Carol (MacGamwell ’79) Yannuzzi

President

James Dudt ’07

Vice President

Interior photography by Jason Jones, Justin Harbaugh, Nick Hildebrand, Brad Isles, Kiley (Hajek ’19) Miranda, Gracie Turnbaugh ’23, Grace David ’24, Mia Campagna ’25, Will Hearn ’26, Olivia Whiteman ’23, Melody Shillito ’26, Dave Miller, Tiffany Wolfe

Cover and Impact 150 insert:

Awesome Films

Paul J. McNulty ’80 President

Grove City College 100 Campus Drive Grove City, PA 16127

724.458.2300

888.GCC.GRAD alumni.gcc.edu

’mid the pages

THE LIBERATING ARTS The liberal arts are the academic bedrock of Grove City College. They are at the core of every degree earned, from our earliest days as a preparatory school to the College we know today. Now, more than ever, they are essential to understanding what it is to be human, to live freely, and discern God’s design for our existence.

ALSO INSIDE

7 | Upfront News from campus

28 | Impact 150 College embarks on historic campaign

58 | Team Builder “We all win, or none of us do.”

62 | Class Notes Find out what fellow alumni are doing

68 | In Memory Friends we’ve lost and remember

72 | Li’l Wolverines Introducing our newest Grovers

74 | Faith & Learning A faculty perspective

Connect with us:

The GēDUNK, an award-winning magazine published for alumni and friends of Grove City College, highlights College news 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 and brought the term with them. 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. College and University Public Relations and Associated Professionals (CUPRAP) has recognized the GēDUNK with awards for excellence in design and writing for five consecutive years.

B

ruce Smith ’58 wears a lot of hats (though his red Grove City College beanie is his favorite!). He’s a beloved father and grandfather. He’s a servant at his church, and a community volunteer. On campus, he’s a grandpa figure to many students, and of course, he’s a scholarship donor who makes it possible for students to attend Grove City College.

To many, he is a faithful friend. To all, he is an inspiration. Even his family celebrates Bruce as a hero worth emulating they started using #BeLikeBruce before we did!

Bruce's legacy of giving back is one we can ALL strive to replicate. Our students need our support, and EVERY gift matters, large or small.

Give like Bruce

upfront

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

Chick-fil-A coming to campus this fall

The crowd of students in Ketler Auditorium let out a massive howl of approval in response to Chickfil-A Ambassador Trudy Cathy White’s announcement that the fast food chain would open in Breen Student Union this fall.

The cheers continued as White, senior Communication Arts major Emma O’Toole ’23, Economics Professor Dr. Shawn Ritenour, and others positioned around the auditorium, hurled plush Chick-fil-A cows into the audience.

The announcement came as White, daughter of Chick-fil-A founders Truett and Jeannette Cathy, delivered the J. Paul Sticht ’39 Memorial Lecture in Business and Ethics. The tumult that followed was probably a

first for the lecture named for the pioneering businessman and it wasn’t contained to Ketler. Social media lit up as the news came out on Feb. 13, with most excited about the new option for campus dining and some even calling it the answer to their prayers.

Chick-fil-A represents more than just a tasty sandwich or super sweet tea to many in the College community. Its corporate purpose – “To glorify God by being a faithful steward of all that is entrusted to us and to have a positive influence on all who come in contact with Chick-fil-A” – syncs well with Grove City College’s mission and values, especially faithfulness and excellence.

Students will be able to use their meal plans at the on-campus outlet, which will take the place of the GeDUNK grille.

“We’re extremely thankful for Chick-filA’s expeditious consideration and remarkable expertise as we’ve worked to bring this exciting dining experience to our students,” College President Paul J. McNulty ’80 said. “The alignment of the company’s and College’s values makes this an especially exciting milestone.”

Chick-fil-A Ambassador Trudy Cathy White greets students in Ketler Auditorium before she delivered the surprise announcement that the iconic fast food chain would be opening a restaurant in Breen Student Union this fall.

Class of 2023 goes out, prepared to do good “T

here is no limit to the good you can do, the good you can accomplish, when you know who you are.”

Those words from President Paul J. McNulty ’80 at the College’s 143rd Commencement on May 20 served as a send-off for the Class of 2023, as they prepared to leave their campus home equipped with degrees that Trustee Chair Edward D. Breen ’78 said prepared them “not just to make a good living, but a good life.”

The College conferred 435 bachelor’s and master’s degrees in the arts and sciences. More than half of the Class of 2023 graduated with cum laude, magna cum laude, or summa cum laude honors.

The graduates heard from alumna Karen (Semler ’92) Hanlon, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Highmark Health, who shared lessons about the power of gratitude and positivity. She said those qualities, fostered at Grove City College, had guided her successful career and family life. Hanlon received an honorary Doctor of Business Administration degree in recognition of her accomplishments

and contributions to her field. Rev. Dr. D. Dean Weaver ’86, stated clerk of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church, received an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree. Weaver, who served as interim chaplain from 2018 to 2020, spoke at this year’s Baccalaureate service.

Meredith Johnson ’23, of Reno, Nev., spoke to her fellow graduates about the concept of home, noting their freshman year combined an initial homesickness most students feel and a premature end due to the pandemic. “The instability and unpredictability we experienced during that time may make us especially likely to seek constancy in wherever we call home,” she said.

“But, now, as each of us collects our diplomas, we may be anticipating a new stage of homesickness: a stage in which we miss our campus home,” Johnson said. “May our last four years at Grove City College have prepared us for a better home. A heavenly home that we will never have to leave.”

On the day before Commencement, graduates were honored at a farewell lunch in the MAP Courtyard with faculty, trustees, and alumni.

Legacy grad comes full circle

Commencement is a milestone for all graduates, but for one member of the Class of 2023, the day carried special significance.

Grace Sabella ’23 is the daughter of alums John ’01 and Melissa (Snowden ’02) Sabella. Grace was born a few hours after her mom graduated, but she was well on her way 21 years ago when Melissa made her way across the commencement stage to accept her degree in Elementary Education.

Melissa had begun experiencing what she thought were false labor pains a few hours before her commencement and decided to power through it. “I had worked so hard (for my degree) in the past four years and I just wanted to be there,” she said in an alumni magazine story from the time. Melissa put her degree to good use, her daughter said, homeschooling Grace and her nine siblings.

When it came to selecting a college, Grace said Grove City was “obviously” her first choice. “I think my first Grove City merch was a ‘Future Grover’ onesie that I wore as a baby. My parents came back to campus for homecoming and took us to the parade often, so I have some really fun memories of being on campus as a kid. The community here is honestly what made me ultimately choose Grove City – with a little encouragement from my parents, of course,” she said.

Mayo named professor of the year

Dr. Joshua A. Mayo ’10 was named Professor of the Year. Mayo is department chair and associate professor of English. He also teaches in the Writing Program and the Humanities Core and serves as the faculty adviser for The Quad literary magazine. “Dr. Mayo’s reputation for kindness and excellence goes before him, making him an exemplary professor and man,” one senior said.

“I am deeply grateful for this award. It blesses my soul. I love to teach here,” Mayo said. “Grove City College is a place where biblical imagination and serious inquiry are still possible. I am regularly amazed by the profound Christian wisdom of my colleagues and the earnest faith of my students. In many respects, it is the ideal institution of higher education.”

After graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in English from Grove City College, Mayo earned an M.A. from the University of Mississippi and his Doctor of Philosophy in English from the University of Dallas.

He joined his alma mater’s faculty in 2015 and teaches the first half of the British literature survey and a variety of specialized courses on a wide range of literary topics including mystery fiction and adventure stories.

A Shakespeare scholar, Mayo recently published the book Good in Everything: Meditations on Shakespeare. In addition, he has published articles on a variety of authors from John Donne to Emily Dickinson to George McDonald in such publications as First Things and Touchstone

Senior Man and Woman of the Year selected by ODK honorary

Grove City College celebrated student achievement and academic excellence at this year’s Recognition Convocation, highlighting graduating seniors and students who distinguished themselves in all areas of campus life.

The Mortar Board and Omicron Delta Kappa Senior Man and Woman of the Year awards were presented, respectively, to Clark Mummau ’23 and Janessa Dawson ’23. Nominations are made based on scholarship, leadership, and service. The candidates were selected by students and faculty.

Dawson, of Zanesville, Ohio, earned a degree in Biology/Health and minors in Exercise Science and Psychology. The Trustee Scholar served as a member of Orientation Board, mentor for the Deeply Rooted program, teaching assistant for Biology 101, captain of the Women’s Softball Team, and with the Wolverine Broadcast Network.

Mummau, of Mount Joy, Pa., graduated with a dual degree in Biblical and Religious Studies and Christian Ministries. He served as assistant resident director, president of ODK, chaplain for the Delta Rho Sigma Housing Group, leader of ICO Rhode Island, the Touring Choir, Chamber Singers, Symphonic Band and The Collegian. Both are also members of the Crimson & White Student ambassador program.

College President Paul J. McNulty ’80 is flanked by Senior Man and Woman of the Year honorees Clark Mummau ’23 and Janessa Dawson ’23.

First Johnson School of Nursing Students earn R.N. degrees

Students in the first class of Grove City College’s Charles Jr. and Betty Johnson School of Nursing earned their associate nursing degrees from Butler County Community College in May.

The students, all rising seniors, received clinical and technical training through BC3’s two-year Nursing, R.N., program under an innovative partnership between the schools in which students study nursing and the liberal arts and sciences at Grove City in their first and final years, with the BC3 training in years two and three.

They are all eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses and work as registered nurses as they complete a bachelor’s degree. Student Emma Clark said the achievement allows her “to jump-start” her career.

The nursing students will complete course work for their Bachelor of Science in Nursing degrees next year and graduate from Grove City in 2024.

“This partnership has been an extraordinary development for the College,” said President Paul J. McNulty ’80. “We knew going in that BC3’s nursing program was top-flight, and the past three years have clearly proven that to be true. This collaboration hits the sweet spot of GCC’s mission to equip our students to serve others with skill and determination.”

“This first class of students has made enormous progress in their own educational journey and as pacesetters for the Johnson School of Nursing. Earning their pins is an important milestone for them personally and for the innovative partnership between Grove City College and BC3,” said Dr. Janey Roach, director of the Johnson School of Nursing.

Grove City College began its current nursing program in 2019 through the Charles Jr. and Betty Johnson School of Nursing, which was established through a gift from Jayne Rathburn. The first cohort began classes in 2021.

At BC3, Grove City College students learn with state-of-the-art medical educational technology equipment and train at hospitals in Pittsburgh and Butler.

Students take UPMC/Wolverine Business Ethics Challenge

The inaugural UPMC/Wolverine Business Ethics Challenge provided Grove City College students with an invaluable opportunity to connect the work they’re doing in the classroom with the work they’ll be doing after graduation.

The Challenge brought 16 Business students to UPMC’s Pittsburgh headquarters for an afternoon of presentations and networking with professionals working across the health care provider’s operations.

The collaboration between the College and UPMC was fostered by Dr. Wayne A. Biddle ’87, professor of Management, and alumnus Jeff Bees ’92, CFO Commercial Lines and UPMC WorkPartners for UPMC Health Plan.

All Grove City College business students are required to take a course in business ethics where they wrestle with tough questions and learn about the need to establish a framework for ethical decision making. As part of the writing-intensive course, students examine a current ethical dilemma that they may face in the professional world, Biddle said.

Biddle and Bees gave that classroom exercise a second life with the Challenge. Students who took the course in 2022 were able to submit their papers for review by UPMC executives. Four finalists presented their papers in the challenge and all entrants were invited to participate in a series of workshops and breakout sessions in which students were able to collaborate and network with key UPMC personnel.

Bees said the Challenge was time well spent for UPMC, which has interest in inspiring and developing young talent that will “accomplish goals of the business while caring for the people in the business.” And, he noted, the College is a “fantastic pipeline of talent” for the company.

The UPMC employees – who included some of Bees’ fellow alumni – provided students with useful advice for post-graduation success. “I think we succeed in helping people expand their minds a bit,” Bees said.

The UPMC/Wolverine Business Challenge was part of a series of events this spring marking the launch of the College’s new School of Business.

Bees

Nursing students, from left, Finnley Coglon, Emily Smyth, Emma Clark, Abigail Montgomery, Sara Layton, and Elizabeth Mackey assembled in May to receive their nursing pins and receive their associate degrees.

Alums headline campus events, deliver keynotes and lectures

An all-star lineup of alumni returned to campus this spring to share their wisdom with students and the greater College community.

Dr. David Hoganson ’98 was born with complex congenital heart disease that required “innovation and boldness” to repair surgically in an earlier era of cardiac care. Today, Hoganson is the one taking those steps to save lives as a pediatric cardiac surgeon and medical engineer at Boston Children’s Hospital, as well as serving as a surgical instructor at Harvard Medical School.

Hoganson delivered the Albert A. Hopeman Jr. Memorial Lecture in Faith & Technology, “Direction and Providence: Following God in Engineering and Medicine,” in February. While on campus, Hoganson talked to engineering students about their projects.

Dr. Peter Boettke ’83 was the Ludwig von Mises Memorial lecturer at this year’s Austrian Student Scholars Conference in February. One of the country’s leading economists, Boettke is a professor and director of the F. A. Hayek Program for Advanced Study in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University.

He discussed “Capitalism, Socialism and Our Future” at the conference, which offers undergraduates the opportunity to present their work for review by their peers and leading Austrian School scholars.

Dr. Scott Hahn `79, a leading Catholic theologian and popular author, presented “Holy is His Name: The Transforming Power of God’s Holiness in Scripture” in March as part of the Faith for Life chapel series.

Hahn is the Father Michael Scanlan Chair of Biblical Theology and the New Evangelization at Franciscan University of Steubenville and the author of several books including Rome Sweet Home and The Lamb’s Supper: The Mass as Heaven on Earth

Kelly Costello ’07 shared the story of not only surviving, but thriving after she appeared on television’s Shark Tank. Costello, the founder and owner of Puppy Cake LLC, explained how her dog treat business exploded after the show as part of this spring’s Richard G. Staley ’62 Visionary Entrepreneur Speaker Series.

Dr. Bradley J. Lingo ’00, dean of Regent University’s School of Law, did double duty this spring. He spoke as part of the Faith for Life series and was a guest at April’s Institute for Faith & Freedom Conference “Post Roe America.” Before joining the Regent faculty, the Harvard Law School graduate was a partner in King & Spalding’s Trial and Global Disputes practice group and litigated a number of pro bono and religious liberty matters.

Three retiring from faculty ranks

With the close of the 2022-23 academic year, Grove City College bids farewell to three retiring faculty members with 67 years of collective service on campus.

Kenneth Carson, professor of Management, served in the School of Business’ Management and Marketing program and taught principles of management, organizational behavior, business statistics, leadership, and more. He joined the College in 2015.

Dr. Timothy Mohr, professor of Electrical Engineering, joined the faculty in 1993. He taught an array of classes in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, including linear circuits, control systems, and printed circuit board design.

Dr. Warren Throckmorton, professor of Psychology, was hired to run the Counseling Center in 1994 and later joined the faculty. During his career at Grove City College, he taught social psychology, introduction to professional counseling, adult development and aging, and industrial organizational psychology.

Buhl Library wins Master Builders’ Association award

The renovation of Grove City College’s Henry Buhl Library won a best-inclass award from the Master Builders’ Association of Western Pennsylvania. The $9 million project was named the best Renovation Construction between $5 million and $10 million at the builders’ association’s 2022 Building Excellence Awards.

The top-to-bottom makeover of the 70-yearold library, which included the addition of a café and patio, was completed last year. Pittsburgh architectural firm Perfido Weiskopf Wagstaff + Goettel designed the project with Landau Building Company of Allison Park, Pa., overseeing the construction.

Boettke

Costello

Hahn

Lingo

Carson Mohr

Throckmorton

Dr. David Hoganson ’98 talks with mechanical engineering students about their projects while visiting a Hoyt Hall lab before delivering the Hopeman Lecture in February.

GCC study challenges conventional sports nutrition wisdom

Research conducted at Grove City College could upend decades of conventional wisdom within the sport nutrition field and provide athletes with a better understanding of the importance of diet not only on performance but also health.

Department of Exercise Science faculty Dr. Philip Prins and Dr. Jeffrey Buxton published a study this spring in Frontiers in Nutrition, a leading journal of the nutrition scene, on the impact of low and high carbohydrate diets on athletic performance. Their data indicates the traditional plate of pasta before a game may not have any impact on performance and could negatively impact the health of some who consume this diet.

“High carbohydrate, low fat diets have been the predominant eating strategy for athletes for performance, but recent evidence from our lab has challenged the superiority of that eating approach over low carbohydrate, high fat diets,” Prins said.

The study looked at how a group of middle-aged runners and triathletes performed in high intensity exercise under both high carbohydrate, low fat and low carb, high fat diets. The study found “similar high-intensity exercise performance,” Prins said. Subjects on the low carb/high fat diet also showed elevated levels of LDL, and HDL cholesterol, which are markers of heart health, and reduced and stable blood sugar levels compared to the high carb/ low fat diet.

The study “disproves” a century-old belief that high intensity exercise can’t be sustained from fat oxidation, according to Dr. Timothy Noakes, professor at Cape Peninsula University of Technology, South Africa, and a co-author of the paper. “This is perhaps the single most important scientific paper that I’ve been privileged to be associated with in 40-plus years of scientific research,” Noakes said.

The study was conducted in the College’s Exercise Science Human Performance Laboratory with six students helping with data collection. The research was completed with the support of The Swezey Scientific Instrumentation and Research Fund, which helps Grove City College’s Hopeman School of Science, Engineering and Mathematics fund student and faculty research.

Orchestra premieres AI take on Beethoven’s unfinished 10th symphony

Artificial intelligence – AI – is everywhere, from chatbots to streaming recommendations to image generators and dozens of features you don’t even know are on your phone. In April, it was center stage in Ketler Auditorium when the Grove City College Orchestra performed the world premiere of the first AI-generated attempt to complete Beethoven’s unfinished 10th Symphony.

Symphony (After Beethoven) was created by composer and scientist David Cope’s Experiments in Musical Intelligence – EMI – system two decades ago but was never performed live. Beethoven died in 1827, leaving behind dozens, perhaps hundreds, of sketches for an unfinished symphony. Composers and musicologists have long been fascinated with the idea of completing the work, with varying success.

“This is the sort of piece that has kept the imaginations of conservatory kids for quite some time, there are even novels written about it,” Music Technology Instructor Mark Wasilko ’17 said.

Cope, the “godfather of AI composition,” used the sketches and a model of Beethoven’s entire musical output as the basis for EMI to finish the composition, according to Wasilko, who met Cope when he was doing graduate research. For a variety of reasons, it “sat on a shelf for two decades” until Cope mentioned it to Wasilko who asked for a copy of the score. “I kept it in the back of my mind to get it performed one day,” he said. The growing ubiquity of AI in our everyday lives – and the ongoing debate over the implications of that – provided an opportunity.

“I thought, why not now? Surely there is an interested audience. And why not Grove City College? Beyond the school having many students and faculty interested in the meeting of the arts and STEM, a Christian school is uniquely positioned to approach questions of how AI will affect the future of humanity from a made-in-the-image-of-God worldview,” Wasilko said.

Beethoven is the perfect composer to “bring back to life through cybernetic alchemy,” Wasilko said. “If he were alive today, I’d bet he’d use AI. He was a serial innovator who added newly created brass instruments to the orchestra and stretched and pushed the forms and tonality of his day.”

“Symphony (After Beethoven) is so vital because it’s a piece of AI music that can show that there’s something of ourselves in all of the ones and zeroes, something of David Cope that lives in EMI,” Wasilko said.

Prins

Dr. Jeffrey Tedford ’00, chair of Music and director of Orchestras, conducts the Symphony as it performs the AI composed Symphony (After Beethoven.)

Track and field takes title

The Grove City College men’s outdoor track and field team captured the program’s 20th all-time Presidents’ Athletic Conference title by amassing 167 team points at the two-day conference championships in April at West Virginia University.

Grove City posted a 57-point margin of victory over runner-up Geneva in the 11team conference field and individual student athletes earned conference awards. Junior Gabe Dunlap of Harrison City, Pa., captured Field Most Valuable Performer recognition while freshman Alex Mitchell, Hummelstown, Pa., earned the league’s Newcomer of the Year. Head coach Jessica Smith earned Coach of the Year after guiding the Wolverines to the top of the conference.

Softball scores season record

The Grove City softball team captured a program-best 21 wins this year under ninth-year head coach Kristen (Hughes ’08) Cramer. Grove City also won a program-record 13 conference games and advanced to the conference tournament for the third straight season.

Senior pitcher/first baseman Janessa Dawson recorded a single-season program record 60 hits this season while sophomore second baseman Maci Linhart scored a program-record 41 runs.

Dawson, the College’s Senior Woman of the Year, concluded her career with a .420 batting average, which ranks No. 2 all-time in program history.

LAX gets first tourney win

Men’s lacrosse earned its firstever NCAA Tournament victory this spring, defeating No. 14 Swarthmore in overtime, 18-17, in the second round of the Division III Championship Tournament.

Senior midfielder Brett Gladstone, Marriottsville, Md., the three-time Presidents’ Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Year, fired in a man-up goal 2:51 into overtime to lift the Wolverines to the historic win.

It was a high-water mark for the men’s season, which included a 6-0 record in the Presidents’ Athletic Conference. After reaching the third round of the tournament, the Wolverines dropped a hard-fought 13-10 decision the next day against No. 9 Washington & Lee. The varsity program is in its sixth year.

Guidas guns perfect game

rove City College junior pitcher Nick Guidas, Gibsonia, Pa., fired a nine-inning perfect game on March 9 during a spring break road trip.

Guidas helped lead the Wolverines to 6-0 win over Illinois College in non-conference action at Northeast Regional Park in Davenport, Fla.

The 6-foot-2 southpaw struck out a career-high 14 men and needed only 105 pitches to retire all 27 batters. He struck out eight of the last nine batters, striking out the side in both the seventh and ninth innings. Guidas threw 76 strikes and only 29 balls. Only two balls put in play against Guidas left the infield – a pair of fly outs to freshman center fielder Nick Sampson.

It was the first perfect game for Grove City since senior Tate Ostrowski (Essex, Mass./ Covenant Christian) retired all 21 Bethany hitters April 23, 2021, in an 8-0, seven-inning victory.

Overall, the team won a program-record 30 games this spring, finishing 30-11 overall. Freshman center fielder Nick Sampson earned the Presidents’ Athletic Conference’s Newcomer of the Year award after hitting .352 this spring. Fifth-year senior pitcher Tate Ostrowski struck out a Grove Cityrecord 105 batters while posting a 9-1 record. He concluded his career with a 26-4 mark.

Heckathorn at the helm

Brett Heckathorn ’19 will be the College’s first men’s varsity volleyball head coach as Grove City looks to begin intercollegiate play in January 2025. Heckathorn recently concluded his fourth season as Grove City’s assistant women’s volleyball coach. During his student days, he started all four seasons for Grove City’s nationally ranked men’s club volleyball program and captained the squad in his junior and senior seasons while starting at libero. Now, he will guide the club team’s transition into varsity competition.

“I am looking forward to developing a program that will be competitive in the Presidents’ Athletic Conference and in our region while also building upon the foundation that our club program has established over the last three decades,” Heckathorn said.

Vezzozi, LePre earn top awards

Grove City College honored senior women’s track and field standout Emma Vezzosi and senior football player Vinny LePre as its 2022-23 Sportswoman and Sportsman of the Year, respectively.

A three-year letterwinner in track and field from Leonardtown, Md., Vezzosi owns eight school records and ranks among Grove City’s all-time leader in several other events. She holds Grove City’s outdoor record in the 200 meters (25.95 seconds) and heptathlon (4,205 points) while also ranking second in the 100-meter dash (12.48) and long jump (18-1/2.) She also owns Grove City’s indoor pentathlon record with 2,937 points. She also earned two letters in women’s basketball.

A four-year starter at offensive guard, LePre, of Pine Grove, Pa., earned American Football Coaches Association Division III All-America honors following the 2022 season. In 2021, LePre earned All-Region and All-ECAC recognition, along with the second of his three First Team AllPresidents’ Athletic Conference citations. LePre served as a team co-captain for Grove City in 2022 and has been again selected as a team co-captain for the upcoming 2023 season, as he will use his remaining year of eligibility.

Grove City College alumni and friends have always been strong supporters of Wolverine athletics, and now a brandnew giving society aims to recognize their generosity and encourage new donors to come alongside our student athletes and sports programs. Membership in the Varsity Giving Club starts with gifts of $1,000 annually to Athletics or any of our sports programs or initatives (per fiscal year) and includes insider communications, reserved seats at home sporting events, GCC swag, invitations to VIP events, and much more.

Learn more about the Varsity Giving Club, launching July 1, 2023, at giving.gcc.edu/ varsitygiving

Heckathorn

Sportsman of the Year Vinny LePre, left, and Sportswoman of the Year Emma Vezzosi display their awards with Grove City College Athletic Director Todd D. Gibson ’00.

Dear Alumni and Friends,

I have some “thanks” to give in this letter!

Abig thank you to those of you who are submitting your “gathering” pictures. Our team has just loved seeing all the Grovers who are getting together, and we can’t wait for you to see some of these photos in this issue. I had no doubt that you all had deep “ties that bind” and that your friendships have lasted years, decades even. I love to see pictures celebrating that. The IMPACT of this friendship is so inspiring. Please keep them coming!

One group picture came with a story. The founders of the campus singing group New Grace were together celebrating 50 years since starting the group when they received their “Ties That Bind” magazine. How appropriate that they were celebrating the ties that had bound them together for the last 50 years! Check out their photos at right. I had the pleasure of learning more about this group when I sat with Linda (Petruzzi) and Rev. Jim Tinkey, both from the Class of 1977, in Orlando, Fla., this spring. What great Grovers!

I’d also like to thank those of you who supported our Be Like Bruce campaign this spring. I hope you understood why we wanted to tell Bruce’s story. Some of you chose to give simply to honor a great man – and that was a really great reason! Others, I hope, gave because his story IMPACTED you. As Bruce shared in his video, he’s “not a rich man,” but he gives because of what the College has meant to him. Please consider what the College has meant to you, too… and Be Like Bruce!

Thanks also to those who requested packets for Alumni Action Day. Your IMPACT on our Admissions program is so much bigger than many of you realize. Wearing your Grove City College sweatshirt, passing out a packet, sharing a story on social media, telling a prospective student about Grove, Grove City, GCC (whatever you call us!!) is HUGE. Over 200 of you requested packets on Action Day. I’m so very grateful.

Finally, but certainly not least, I give a very big THANK YOU to Carol (MacGamwell ’79) Yannuzzi who for the past two years served as your Alumni Association president. Her IMPACT on our Council, our programs, and alumni engagement was significant. Her care for our alma mater is a great example and I’m thankful that I had the opportunity to serve with her. As our outgoing president, she’ll now be serving as an alumni trustee. Next up, I’m excited to welcome James Dudt ’07, pictured here, as our new Alumni Association president. Please join me in welcoming him. I look forward to seeing how he’ll lead us in this critical time for our College.

You’ve seen lots of thanks but also lots of IMPACT in my letter. This magazine is highlighting our capital campaign, which is detailed and explained in this issue’s IMPACTFUL insert. I would not be doing my job if I didn’t ask you boldly to please consider and pray about how you can help make our College the very best it can be. We really need each and every alum to contribute. Small gifts and large gifts are needed to get us where we need to be. Thank you for helping us IMPACT the future of Grove City College as we cruise toward our 150th anniversary in 2026.

Now, grab your cup of iced coffee and go enjoy the outdoor beauty of summer – and this issue of the GeDUNK.

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

P.S. If you happen to be traveling near Western PA this summer, please stop and see us. We’d love to show you around campus.

Dudt

New Grace Singers — Then and now

Fifty years ago, a group of Grovers got together on campus to make beautiful music for the Lord as the New Grace Singers. They’ve kept in touch – and largely in tune – over the years, as these photos attest

2023 REUNION | Gathering in February of 2023, hosted by good friends Steve ’77 and Ora Frenchak in the Villages of Florida. Front: Linda (Petruzzi ’77) Tinkey, Nancy Vinroot, Julie Mahoney, Sherrie (Ryder ‘77) Thurkins, Brenda (Ware ’77) Rosser, Joyce (Hamilton ’76) Pratt, Ora Frenchak, and Laurie Steele. Back: Jim Tinkey ’77, Paul Vinroot ’77, Mike Mahoney ’77, Steve

EARLY DAYS | Taken at Chris Couch’s home church in Cincinnati. Left side, Bottom to top: Paul Vinroot ’77, Eileen Kirk ’78, Kim (Hoard ’78) Sweet, Linda (Petruzzi ’77) Tinkey, Jim Tinkey ’77. Right side, Bottom to top:  Chris Couch ’78, Marcia Turner ’78, Donna (Rogers ’77) Vokish, Megan Ward, (the late) Leigh (Carol Hoffman ’77) Humphrey. Sitting on top: Mike Mahoney ’77, Doug Steele ’77, and Brian Leftow ’77.

FALL 1973 | Taken the fall of 1973 in the sanctuary of East Main Presbyterian Church; Row 1, from left: (the late) Sally Timbrell ’77, Linda (Petruzzi ’77) Tinkey and Diana (Pancoast ’76) Dunn. Row 2: Sherrie (Ryder ’77) Thurkins, Joyce (Hamilton ’76) Pratt, (the late) Leigh (Carol Hoffman ’77) Humphrey, and Donna (Rogers ’77) Vokish. Row 3: Jim Tinkey ’77, Brian Leftow ’77, Steve Frenchak ’77, Reid Bonig, and Paul Vinroot ’77.

Rosser ’79, Steve Frenchak ’77, and Doug Steele ’77.

A Family Affair…

Grove City College families came to town May 5-7 and our students pulled out all the stops to give their loved ones an inside look at campus life and the many special presentations and performances they have been working on this year. In addition to being a great opportunity for parents, siblings, and grandparents to visit campus and reconnect with their students, Family Weekend 2023 was also a chance to celebrate the many academic, athletic, and extracurricular achievements of our talented student body. The jam-packed schedule of events included a student art exhibit, one-act plays, the Orchesis dance production, a Student Research Showcase, several vocal and instrumental concerts, Engineering and Computer Science Senior presentations, Wolverine baseball, Greeksponsored luncheons, and the annual favorite, All-College Sing.

President Paul J. McNulty ’80, himself a Legacy parent, welcomed 33 Legacy families to Carnegie Alumni Center for the Legacy Breakfast, a time to honor those alumni families who carry on the Grove City College tradition through multiple generations. This gathering of proud Grovers was a highlight of Family Weekend for many, as it is every year, as families came to celebrate the ties that bind.

Scholarship celebrated

The words “thank you” were shared repeatedly as scholarship recipients met their donors at the Scholarship Celebration held on campus in early April. Hugs were common as well, as one-time strangers became friends while repeat recipients refreshed connections with their established supporters.

A total of 110 donors representing 77 scholarships participated in the celebration held in the Staley Hall of Arts and Letters’ Wickerham Atrium, including many donors of the 33 new scholarships established this fiscal year.

College President Paul J. McNulty ’80 reminded donors that “it is more important than ever for students to be here at Grove City. You are making this possible and, in so doing, you are investing in the character of the next generation.”

Senior Class President Megan Markel, a scholarship recipient herself, thanked donors on behalf of the student body.

Dr. Bruce Smith ’58, known for his recent participation in the “Be Like Bruce” fundraising campaign, was in attendance as well. He was there – without the red beanie –to talk with recipients of his Dr. Bruce E. ’58 and Megan Walters Smith ’58 Scholarship. Scholarship benefactors who passed away during the recent year were remembered during the brief program.

The College awards approximately $10 million in total scholarship awards each academic year.

At top: Shawna (Martin ’95) Haynes (left) and Brandon Haynes ’96 (2nd from left) and the student recipients of the Rod Haynes ‘71 Family Memorial Scholarship Endowment, established in 2011. Below: Michael ‘02 (right) and Krista (Snyder ‘01) Chambers (left) and the student recipient of the Chambers Family Scholarship, established in 2021. Left: Senior Class President Megan Markel ’23 expressed her personal gratitude for the impact of scholarships to the donors attending the 2023 Scholarship Celebration on April 1, 2023. Top right: Patty (Rollason ‘72) Erdos and husband Dick Erdos ‘72 enjoyed the opportunity to connect with the student recipients of the Class of 1972 Scholarship Endowment. Bottom right: Marla (Upton ’73) Wood (2nd from left) and Robin Riglian ’75 (2nd from right) and their guests spent time with Crimson and White Society student Kaitlyn Sipes ’25 (center) at the event.

Senior class gives

The Class of 2023 places such value on scholarship that their Senior Class Gift to the College will be establishing its own award.

The Class of 2023 Scholarship will be available to assist students in good standing who demonstrate financial need. Senior Class parents were invited to join the fundraising effort by honoring their soon-to-be graduate with a gift.

“Many of us in the Class of 2023 have been blessed to receive financial aid, and this is a chance to return the favor,” explained Class President Megan Markel. “We hope that it will help students who are in financial need and provide them the opportunity to be a part of this community that has shaped us and so many others for the good.”

Interested in endowing a scholarship?

Contact Brian Powell ’03, Senior Director of Development, at (724) 458-2992 or powellbm@gcc.edu to get started.

A minimum endowment level of $25,000 is required. It can be a onetime gift or given over a period of 5 years. One donor or a group can join to participate.

Choose the field of study and/or selection

Of the 33 new scholarships this year, 22 were established by alumni and 11 by parents and friends. Honor the memory of a loved one or someone who helped you succeed. Establish your legacy today!

You can be a part of the Impact 150: The Anniversary Campaign for Grove City College through your support of a scholarship. This is a critical need within this upcoming capital campaign.

The Leaders Club in Santa Barbara

Avery special group of alumni and friends visited Santa Barbara, Calif., in April 2023 to take in the sights and experiences at the Reagan Ranch Center, the Reagan Presidential Library and Museum, and Rancho del Cielo, the Reagans’ former home. The best place to understand the conservative ideals championed by our nation’s 40th President, these sites were the perfect backdrop for this Leaders Club event – a gathering of the dedicated group of donors who consistently make extraordinary investments in Grove City College and its students.

In addition to special meals and receptions, the group enjoyed several private tours, including an inside look at Rancho del Cielo with fellow alumnus Andrew Coffin ’98, vice president and director of the Reagan Ranch. Former military aide to President Reagan Lt. Colonel (Ret.) Steve Chealander also served as a special guest speaker during the weekend. Inspired by the beautiful locale and the bond they share as supporters of Grove City College, our Leaders Club members thoroughly enjoyed this return trip to the Reagan Ranch. The Club first visited Santa Barbara in March 2018.

Current Leaders Club members are invited to the next weekend event, Southwest Parks by Train, from Oct. 14 to 18. To learn more, visit giving.gcc.edu/leadersclub.

The Leaders Club is Grove City College’s donor recognition and appreciation society for those who support the College with gifts of $10,000 or more annually for any purpose. Established in 2018, it has grown to include 190 members. The growth of the Leaders Club provides the financial strength that allows the College to continue its mission independently and without government intrusion. Privileges of membership are extended on an annual basis and include invitations to exclusive events and lectures, as well as educational weekend excursions with President Paul ’80 and Brenda (Millican ’80) McNulty at various off-campus destinations. For more information on becoming a member of this special group, please contact Brian Powell ’03, senior director of development, at 724-458-2992 or bmpowell@gcc.edu.

Second Annual Alumni Action Day

The GCC alumni network is a powerful force with a valuable voice when it comes to attracting the next generation of students. Why? Our data clearly shows that students choose Grove City in large part because of alumni influence. It’s a fact –alumni are our best advocates when it comes to helping potential students understand whether Grove City College could be the right place to land for college. The first-hand experiences that alumni can share with students, along with their own personal success stories, make it easier for prospective students to see themselves at “Grove.”

For the second year, Alumni Action Day was co-sponsored by the offices of Admissions and Alumni and College Relations on March 15 to help raise awareness about the important role alumni play in the admissions process. Nearly 250 alumni requested a free Alumni Action Pack, a resource kit with admissions materials, posters, stickers, College View Books, and more to equip them with the right materials and information to share with those in their circles of influence. Many alumni shared posts online about their own GCC experiences:

“College isn’t about the degree. It’s about the formation of people. I haven’t used my degree in the ways I anticipated at graduation, but the foundation GCC gave me has equipped me to grow in Christ. As a Legacy Parent, I am excited to watch GCC continue to build that foundation in my children.”

– Marilee (Gerhart ’98) Price

“I knew when I stepped on the campus for the first time that Grove City was my “home.” I made friendships while attending the Grove that have lasted a lifetime.

– Christopher Parker ’93

“Bruce Barker and I both enjoyed our 4 years at GCC. A small, private college with tuition comparable to that of public schools + excellent academics + a friendly, Christian environment + a GORGEOUS campus = a best kept secret in higher ed.!”

– Kristen (Pillsbury ’93) Barker

“[Since moving back to the area], our MOST rewarding times have been worshipping in Chapel on Wednesday mornings, studying the Bible with a sweet group of girls, hosting retreats and meeting such delightful, motivated, hardworking, and fun-loving GCC students! The more we get to know them, the more we want high schoolers to come check out Grove City or the “Grove” as lots of students call it these days. We carry GCC Admissions publications around in our car just in case someone hasn’t heard the “good news” about a little college in western Pennsylvania where it all started for Tom ’79 and me.”

– Lila (Thomas ’79) Riley

alumni & friends events

launch

newest

into life

1. Alumni & friends gathered at a Pirates’ Spring Training baseball game in Bradenton, Fla., on March 11. 2. The Class of 2023 celebrated the “100 Days Out Dinner” in February to mark 100 days until graduation. 3. President McNulty congratulated 2023 Campus-Community Award winners Ryan Briggs ’01 (left) and Jonathan Graeser ’02 (right). 4. In March, alumni & friends gathered in Lancaster, Pa. for brunch and an update on college news. 5. Always a hit with alumni and their children and grandchildren, this year’s Children’s Theatre Breakfast featured great food and the talents of Grove City College students who performed in Lyle the Crocodile. 6. Alumni employees of Baird (formerly Hefren-Tillotson) enjoyed a May luncheon at their Pittsburgh office to celebrate the current recipient of the Willard J. Tillotson, Jr. Scholarship Endowment. 7. The offices of Career Services, Alumni & College Relations, and Student Life & Learning joined in April to host the first-ever Senior Launch Conference, a program offering a variety of practical sessions led by alumni to help

our

graduates

after college. 8. In February, the first-ever Alumni & Friends travel excursion to Egypt was a sold-out success.

9. Alumni from the Class of 2022 attended their first official alumni event, an afterwork mixer, with fellow graduates in Warrendale, Pa. (north Pittsburgh area).

11.

to their daily student experiences.

13. Gamma Chi

and

gathered for their annual brunch in April and celebrated the current Gamma Chi Scholarship recipients. 14. Alumni mentors and their current sophomore mentees enjoyed a reception in April to cap off a great year in the GCC Mentor Connect program. 15. Alumni attended a reception for Grove City College music educators, hosted by Dr. Jeffrey Tedford ’00 (chair of the GCC Music Department, Professor of Music, and Director of Orchestras) at the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) conference in April.

10. President Paul McNulty ’80 hosted a three-part Breakfast Book Club series this spring featuring works with a theme of “Work, Rest, and Play.”

Chair of the Board Ed ’78 and Lynn (Branstner ’78) Breen hosted alumni and friends for a delicious brunch at their home in Florida. 12. Students participated in Thank A Donor Day in March and took time to write cards of gratitude to donors and to celebrate all that donor support adds

actives

alumnae

Grove City College is a place of faith, truth, light, and enduring impact.

Rooted in timeless values and dedicated to the character formation of every student, the College shapes the world by developing leaders of the highest purpose and principles who serve the greater good.

Our success as a Christ-centered liberal arts college and champion of freedom has made us a beacon of strength for nearly a century and a half. This is more than a milestone. It is a moment to embrace.

Impact 150: The Anniversary Campaign for Grove City College is a historic opportunity to enrich academics, enhance community life, expand thought leadership, and increase student scholarship.

By God’s grace, we will advance our vital mission for generations.

With every milestone, a moment. With every roadmap, a destination. With every calling, an answer fueled by faith.

Moving Forward With Purpose

Grove City College stands at a remarkable point in its legacy as we approach our 150th anniversary in 2026. Never before have we moved forward with such momentum. Never before have so many opportunities to advance to a higher level of excellence been within reach.

Building on our strengths, Impact 150: The Anniversary Campaign for Grove City College will ensure that we continue to empower students to grow holistically, provide a rigorous liberal arts education grounded in timeless truths, and further advance our reputation on a national level in the higher education landscape—all at an exceptional value.

Advancing Our Mission.

MAKING HISTORY: THE NEXT CHAPTER IN OUR EXTRAORDINARY JOURNEY

More than ever, society needs assurance that Grove City College remains a place that equips students to engage and change the world for good as they lead and serve wherever God calls them.

A bold five-year strategic plan approved by the Board of Trustees, From Strength to Strength: Timeless Values and Historic Opportunities, is the impetus for embarking on the most ambitious capital campaign in the College’s history. With a total goal of $185 million, Impact 150: The Anniversary Campaign for Grove City College funds key priorities that are critical to the success of the College’s strategic plan.

CAMPAIGN LEADERSHIP

PAUL J. MCNULTY ’80 President, Grove City College

There are few places like Grove City College where faith and freedom are preserved, and graduates are fully prepared to engage the world and make a positive impact.

The investment we make, together with our alumni and friends, will help the College to advance its distinctive and vital mission for generations.

DAVID R. RATHBURN ’79 Chair Emeritus

EDWARD D. BREEN ’78 Chair, Board of Trustees

This historic campaign builds on our present strength and confidence that what we do matters.

Campaign Priorities

This historic effort will be rolled-out in phases to maintain momentum while preserving the campus community experience during a series of renovation and new construction projects. 2023 marks the launch of Phase 1 with a three-year completion target, which coincides with our 150th anniversary in 2026.

The support of each phase and priority is an investment in our students, our faculty, and in the founding mission that has inspired the College to move forward with faithful determination for nearly a century and a half.

PHASE I

Transform Rockwell Hall

$48M

Build Lower Campus Fieldhouse

$26M

Increase Financial Aid

$16M

TOTAL $90M to be completed by 2026

PHASE II

Renovate Residence Halls

$20M

Renovate Crawford Auditorium

$6M

Increase Financial Aid $17M

TOTAL $43M

TOTAL CAMPAIGN GOAL $185 MILLION

PHASE III

Expand Upper Campus Athletic and Wellness Facilities

$5M

Renovate Residence Halls $10M

Increase Financial Aid $17M

TOTAL $32M

ALL PHASES

Grove City’s Greatest Needs (Unrestricted Annual Gifts)

$15M

An Unsurpassed Student Experience (Restricted Gifts)

$5M

Grove City College leads at the intersections of timeless values and character formation, strength and momentum, purpose and potential, faith and freedom, excellence and value. Like no other, it is at this nexus that we stand as a place of enduring impact.

A NEXUS OF IMPACT

Our Vision

Preserving the classic exterior of Rockwell Hall of Science while transforming the interior to a state-of-the-art facility ensures science, technology, and engineering students are prepared for lives of creative contribution and careers in a fast-changing scientific environment.

Seamlessly connecting Rockwell to the adjacent STEM Hall creates a powerful hub of opportunity for interdisciplinary collaboration and dynamic partnerships, and advances our ability to adapt to the rapidly changing frontiers of science, research, and discovery.

Goal: $48M

Powering Innovation. Transforming Rockwell Hall.

RAPID CHANGE: A DRIVING FORCE, A NEW ERA OF SCIENCE

The world has entered an era of exponential change with knowledge in every branch of science evolving at an unprecedented rate.

Advancements in information technology, human interconnectivity, computational data analysis, and artificial intelligence are enabling scientists to rapidly engage in cross-disciplinary teamwork to accelerate discovery.

This new reality of perpetual, rapid change is shaping the future of scientific collaboration and innovation. As a consequence, science, technology, and engineering students require a modern and flexible learning environment that enables them to achieve their highest potential.

Transforming Rockwell not only aligns with the goals and objectives in the College’s strategic plan to enrich academics and optimize existing structures but also ensures that we keep pace with the ever-changing field of science and fulfill our vision to produce leaders that contribute to the greater good.

ROCKWELL BY THE NUMBERS

1

Rockwell is the College’s first academic building on upper campus

92

The age of the campus centerpiece (1931)

100+

The tower’s height in feet, a beloved architectural icon

49,600

Existing square feet

Transforming the interior of Rockwell celebrates and enriches the College’s continued commitment made when the building opened, nearly a century ago: To support a scientific education suitable to the opportunities of our time, where students pursue learning grounded in a Christian worldview, critical thinking, and a big-picture approach to their disciplines.

A POWERFUL HUB

Joining Rockwell to STEM via a new connector adds 22% more space & creates a powerful collaborative research and discovery hub.

 11,000 SF new usable space

 49,600 SF existing space to be modernized

 66,500 SF new total space

 ABOVE: Preserving Rockwell’s iconic exterior while physically linking to the adjacent STEM Hall, which houses labs and classrooms in biology, chemistry, and computer science and features abundant space for study, shared projects, and experiments, will foster dynamic working groups and interdisciplinary collaboration. ARCHITECT: Smith Group. CONTRACTOR: Landau. PROJECT START: Summer 2023. Conceptual rendering, not final.

Accelerating Science & Technology Education.

COLLABORATION & ADAPTABILITY: STRATEGIC DESIGN CONCEPTS

Rockwell’s interior design ensures the College responds from a position of strength in service to the evolving needs of science, technology, and engineering students for generations.

Key features underpinning an emphasis on active, hands-on learning and research experiences, and engagement across all the sciences include:

 Interdisciplinary workspaces and equipment for student-teams and individual projects

 Open work and study areas to enhance student-faculty-industry partner collaboration, or mission and service projects

 Maker spaces and project studios for collaboration on senior capstone design projects and creative partnerships between entrepreneurship, science, and technology

 Modernized labs, offices, and classrooms for physics, chemistry, exercise science, and other STEM disciplines.

 State-of-the-art HVAC, ventilation, and power systems necessary for advanced experimentation and project work

REAL-WORLD ADAPTABILITY

The College’s newest degree program in Applied Science and Engineering prepares students to bridge the worlds of medical science and engineering for careers in biomedical fields and is an example of responding to change and opportunities. Plans for degree programs in emerging fields of technology management, robotics, and public health are also underway. Rockwell’s transformation is essential to offering new degree programs like these that prepare students to engage in yet imagined societal and economic opportunities.

DR. DANA L. AULT Associate Professor of Exercise Science

Transforming Rockwell will enrich students’ learning experiences by bolstering innovative, multi-disciplinary research projects and allow the College to remain competitive and forwardthinking. It will also spark and enhance students’ curiosity about God’s creation and better equip them to take full advantage of their unique gifts.

 CLOCKWISE FROM BELOW: Collaboration Space; Commons Area; Exercise Science classroom; Microbiology classroom. Conceptual renderings, not final.

SHAPING THE FUTURE FOR GOOD

Rockwell’s new workspace enables opportunities for deeper collaboration, active learning, and hands-on research experiences, like the interdisciplinary acoustic biomechanics diagnostics project between mechanical engineering and exercise science that uses wearable sensors to monitor human body motion to support recovery from orthopedic surgery. Another example is the upcoming project that will allow faculty and students to conduct performance and physiological research that will have impact for emergency responders, firefighters, law enforcement, and military service members.

Our Vision

A multi-use, state-of-the-art fieldhouse on lower campus ensures that the growing number of varsity athletes attracted to the College’s distinct Christ-centered athletic culture are equipped to compete at their highest level, alleviates overcrowding the fitness center shared by all students, enables women's lacrosse to have a dedicated locker room in the Phillips Fieldhouse, and provides a new home to the increasingly indomitable football, men’s lacrosse, and men’s and women’s tennis teams. Strategically located adjacent to Robert E. Thorn Field, the facility will imbue the campus community experience with fellowship and hospitality as a welcoming gateway to visitors on game days and special events.

Goal: $26M

Elevating Excellence. A New Lower Campus Fieldhouse.

FUELING PERFORMANCE: GRATEFUL CHAMPIONS OF FAITH, FORMATION, AND THE GAME

Grove City College’s varsity athletics program is where intellectual rigor, Christcentered team building, and extraordinary coaching meet—in and out of competition. The College’s distinct mission and unique athletic culture attract academically strong student-athletes who not only thrive in a competitive atmosphere but are also called to glorify God, engage the world, and make an impact.

Today, more than a quarter of the student body participates in one of the College’s 24 NCAA Division III sports teams, an all-time record. The growing rosters and depth of talent are enabling teams to compete at new heights. The continued growth of this vibrant population is redefining the quality and capacity of training facilities required for student-athletes to perform at their best and for the College to recruit future players and coaches alike.

The fieldhouse on lower campus supports the goals and objectives in the College’s strategic plan to strengthen community life, which include: expanding facilities for varsity athletics, supporting teams competing on lower campus—football, and men's and women's lacrosse and tennis—and addressing inadequacies of the Physical Learning Center in its capacity to serve the entire student body.

CONFERENCE MEMBERSHIPS

NCAA Division III Presidents’ Athletic Conference (PAC)

Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) Collegiate Water Polo Association (CWPA)

2,300 Average Student Body

593 Varsity Student-Athletes (26%)

24 Varsity Sports, Today

EXCELLENCE IN ALL THINGS

A lower campus fieldhouse provides a home for football, men’s lacrosse, and men’s and women’s tennis and gives all varsity athletes a facility worthy of the excellence they represent. Key features include:

 Light-filled, multi-purpose training spaces

 Locker rooms for football, men’s lacrosse, and men’s and women’s tennis, coaching offices, and conference spaces

 On-site technologies essential for athletic skill-building and competitive strategies

 Year-round access to large, well-equipped strength training and conditioning facilities

 State-of-the-art sports medicine rooms and team meeting spaces

FORWARD MOMENTUM

The men’s lacrosse team, launched as a varsity sport in 2019, has already earned four straight PAC titles including berths into the NCAA Division III Championship Tournament. The football team has made dramatic steps forward over the last few years including winning four consecutive postseason Eastern College Athletic Conference bowl games. A new lower campus fieldhouse bolsters the College’s ability to recruit new players to these ascending programs.

 ABOVE FROM TOP: Lower campus fieldhouse with outdoor plaza and social area; Strategically located adjacent to Robert E. Thorn Field; Strength training and conditioning facility. ARCHITECT: The Collaborative. CONTRACTOR: Pending. PROJECT START: Pending. Conceptual renderings, not final.

Timely Improvements. Welcoming Advantages.

Providing a dedicated destination for all varsity athletes alleviates overcrowding and improves access to the main Physical Learning Center (PLC) on upper campus, which houses the fitness facility used by the entire student body.

The lower campus fieldhouse features an attractive outdoor plaza overlooking Thorn Field, creating a wonderful space for hospitality and fellowship to welcome fans and the Grove City community on game day and special events.

TODD D. GIBSON ’02 Athletic Director and Assistant Professor of Exercise Science

This new fieldhouse will be program-changing. We will have facilities to meet the requirements of top-tier athletic programs that we seek. As we strive to build our program brick by brick, this addition will clearly show how we support student-athletes and recruits physically, socially, and mentally with every detail of our program (including facilities) and help ensure that we attract the type of student-athletes who will be leaders not only in our athletic program but also on our campus, in our classrooms, and beyond.

A TIMELESS VALUE

In everything we do, from classrooms to residence halls, from performance stages to sports venues, we are devoted wholeheartedly to the highest standards of excellence. “…[D]o all to the glory of God” (1 Cor. 10:31).

 BELOW: A new gateway expands the College's visual identity and provides an inviting experience to families, fans, and visitors. Conceptual rendering, not final.

 ABOVE: At nearly 40,000 SF, the new lower campus fieldhouse provides an enriching environment for all varsity athletes to achieve their full potential in and out of competition. Conceptual rendering, not final.

POISED TO LEAD

Under the leadership of Head Football Coach Andrew DiDonato ’10, Head Men’s Lacrosse Coach Alec Jernstedt, and a host of dedicated coaches, these teams have had successful seasons and strong recruiting classes. Building momentum since 2018, they are poised to pull ahead of the competition.

25-13

Football 28-0

Men’s Lacrosse

12-5

Women’s Lacrosse

19-1

Men’s Tennis

30-6

Women’s Tennis

 ABOVE: From meeting rooms and dedicated film study areas, to ample lockers rooms and large gathering spaces, the new fieldhouse is designed to support the physical, mental, and spiritual health of all team players. ARCHITECT: The Collaborative. CONTRACTOR: Pending. PROJECT START: Pending. Conceptual renderings, not final.

MIA

Varsity Student-Athlete, Women's Tennis

This new facility will be a blessing to our team and other teams as well. The men’s and women’s tennis teams don’t currently have a home base or a locker room. As a student-athlete, I really enjoy representing the school in any way I can. A new fieldhouse will create amazing opportunities to showcase the sports teams who play on lower campus and to foster unity among the different teams!

P. PERRY ’25

CUMULATIVE PAC WIN/LOSS SINCE 2018

Our Vision

Increasing financial aid sustains our commitment to provide an excellent, Christ-centered education at an affordable cost, safeguards our independence, and strengthens our ability to attract and support academically strong students who will engage and impact our world for good.

Goal: $16M

Inspiring Potential. Increasing Financial Aid. EVER FORWARD: PROTECTING FREEDOM, PROVIDING VALUE

Grove City College advocates free-market principles, independence from government regulation, and the effective stewardship of resources. We are among the few colleges in the United States that accept absolutely no funding from the federal government. And yet we continue to compete academically on a level with the finest colleges and universities in American higher education.

To sustain our mission and remain a first choice for generations to come, our ability to provide financial aid to students with academic potential is our highest and ongoing priority. Guided by the goals and objectives outlined in the College’s strategic plan, we must provide at least 50% of unmet financial aid need to achieve enrollment goals and attract and retain students who value our transformational Christ-centered educational experience.

MEGAN A. MARKEL ’23 Political Science Major, Senior Class President

Without the generous scholarships I have received, I would be unable to attend Grove City College. I cannot imagine my life without Grove City as my time here has grown my faith, academic knowledge, and community. I feel wellprepared to pursue a career in law. These scholarships have really contributed to my future, and I’m so grateful for that.

LEARNING WITH PURPOSE

Education: a means to grow in the Lord. “...[I]n whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Col 2:3).

A BEACON IN HIGHER EDUCATION

Grove City College operates on a balanced budget and maintains little debt. When compared to other institutions, the College’s model of financial aid is highly unique.

 Annual tuition, room and board income totals approximately what it costs to operate the College

 We do not use funds from ‘full pay’ student X to help fund ‘scholarship’ student Y

 We do not discount tuition—the price is the same for every student

 All institutional aid resources are endowed funds or pass-through scholarships that are donated to the College for that purpose

REMAINING TRUE TO WHO WE ARE

Since our founding, we have been champions of freedom.

Just as the founders in 1776 envisioned independence as the necessary path for the prosperity of the new nation, so too has the College long cherished freedom for advancing our faith-based educational mission.

Because of the principled decision not to take or rely on state and federal monies, our commitment to providing financial aid is one of the ways we remain true to who we are.

Deeply held convictions come at a price—and while there are many—one of the costs of being independent is the position of ongoing necessity in taking care of our families and students in need. Making a difference in a student’s life can mean making a difference in the world.

ACCESS TO EXCELLENCE

65% Student body that receives financial aid

45% Need-based

20% Merit-based

A milestone to embrace. A historic moment to celebrate.

Together, with the help of alumni and friends, we can make an impact with purpose.

By God’s grace, we can ensure that Grove City College remains a place of faith, truth, light, and enduring impact.

YOUR GIFT MAKES OUR JOURNEY POSSIBLE. gcc.edu/Impact150

IMPACT 150 Grove

City College launches historic capital campaign

By Nick Hildebrand

Grove City College launched the largest capital campaign in the College’s history on May 19, with a goal of raising $185 million for campus improvements and student financial aid.

Impact 150: The Anniversary Campaign for Grove City College began with a ceremony on the steps of Rockwell Hall of Science, the oldest academic building on campus and a major focus of the campaign’s first phase.

The campaign’s name references a defining moment for the Christian liberal arts college as it approaches its 150th anniversary in 2026 and continues its mission of providing an

academically excellent and affordable Christcentered learning and living experience for the next century-and-a-half.

“Our current five-year strategic plan, “From Strength to Strength: Timeless Values and Historic Opportunities,” sets the stage perfectly for today’s historic announcement of our capital campaign. The momentum we are building carries us from a place of strength toward greater excellence in every aspect of our mission,” College President Paul McNulty ’80 said.

“Through Impact 150: The Anniversary Campaign for Grove City College, we celebrate

God’s great goodness to the College and the foundation of faith and freedom we’ve laid over the past 147 years. We also make a historic investment in future generations of students. The success of the campaign will not only help us achieve the goals of our strategic plan in the short term but will also advance our distinctive mission and timeless values well into the future. Today is indeed a milestone day for Grove City College,” McNulty said.

Impact 150 priorities include the renovation of aging but iconic campus facilities, including Rockwell Hall and

From left, Dr. Kristina Pazehoski ’01, assistant dean of the Hopeman School and professor of biology, Board of Trustees Chair Edward D. Breen ’78, President Paul J. McNulty ’80, Rev. Dr. D. Dean Weaver ’86, and Janessa Dawson ’23, Senior Woman of the Year, spoke at the kickoff of Impact 150: The Anniversary Campaign for Grove City College, which has a goal of raising $185 for building projects and student financial aid.

residence halls, a new field house and training facility, and nearly $50 million for student financial aid. The campaign and construction will take place in three phases to maintain momentum and preserve the campus experience for students during its duration.

“We have known for years of the lasting impact Grove City College has on students’ lives. Now more than ever, we understand just how important our role is in equipping students to make a difference in the world around us. Our work to preserve faith and freedom does not only impact students, but society at large,” said Edward D. Breen ’78, chair of the College’s Board of Trustees.

“I can’t think of a better mission to get behind than the one that guides us every day at the College. The support of our alumni and friends as we begin this capital campaign is invaluable -- they are making an incredible investment in students and in the College, and also in the future of our nation and our world. Impact 150 is a vision for increasing the profound impact that Grove City College can have,” Breen said.

The first phase of the campaign calls for raising $90 million. The lion’s share of those funds will be used to renovate Rockwell Hall and connect it via a “science in action” corridor to STEM Hall. The project’s $48 million price tag includes the first comprehensive update to the building’s laboratories, classrooms, offices, and common collaborative spaces since Rockwell was dedicated in 1931.

The renovation and new construction will increase Rockwell’s square footage by almost 50 percent, include new electrical and mechanical systems, and turn the nearly 100-year-old flagship campus facility into a 21st century hub for discovery, innovation, and inspiration. Construction is expected to begin this summer.

Preserving Rockwell’s historic look – and iconic tower – is a key priority. The imposing red brick structure is the keystone, along with Harbison Chapel, of the College’s central Quad.

The initial phase also includes $26 million to build a new field house and athletic training facility on lower campus, adjacent to Thorn Field. The 40,000-square-foot facility will provide an enriching environment and showplace for the College’s expanding athletic programs. New locker rooms, training areas, meeting and office spaces, and an outdoor festival plaza will create a space for athletic excellence and community connections.

In addition to those campus improvements, phase one includes a goal of raising $16 million to increase institutional

financial aid for students. This is crucial considering the College’s principled stand against accepting any federal financial support, including student loans. Currently, 65% of students receive some form of institutional financial support, most of it need-based.

Phase two, expected to begin in 2026, includes raising $43 million to renovate residence halls and the historic Crawford Hall Auditorium and fund student scholarships.

The final phase’s goal is $32 million to be used to build an athletic and wellness center on Upper Campus, renovate residence halls across campus, and further bolster financial aid.

Throughout the Impact 150 campaign, the College plans to increase restricted and unrestricted giving by $20 million to meet the College’s greatest needs and enhance the student experience.

Impact 150: A Campaign for Grove City College is the most ambitious capital campaign in the College’s history. Its success is critical to implementing the vision laid out in the 2021 strategic plan to strengthen academic programs, community life, and Christian formation, sustain enrollment, increase financial sustainability, and expand thought leadership. ■

“We have known for years of the lasting impact Grove City College has on students’ lives. Now more than ever, we understand just how important our role is in equipping students to make a difference in the world around us. Our work to preserve faith and freedom does not only impact students, but society at large.”

– Edward D. Breen ’78 Chair, Grove City College Board of Trustees

Grove City College Woman of the Year Janessa Dawson speaks at the kickoff ceremony for Impact 150: The Anniversary Campaign for Grove City College as Board of Trustees Chair Edward D. Breen ’78 and President Paul J. McNulty ’80 look on. The renovation of Rockwell Hall of Science and student scholarships are key priorities of the historic campaign.

THE LIBERATING

LIBERATING ARTS

Classical disciplines at the core of a Grove City College education are essential to understanding what it is to be human, to live freely, and discern God’s design for our existence.

By Nick Hildebrand

From its earliest days as a preparatory school to its evolution into the College we know today, the study of the humanities – English, history, philosophy, religion, economics, sociology, psychology, languages, music, and fine arts – has been at the core of hundreds of degrees earned.

The liberal arts are the academic bedrock of Grove City College.

When the school was founded nearly 150 years ago, in addition to bookkeeping and teacher training courses, the first classes had to master Latin and Greek, English, history, political geography, mathematics, and physical science. The humanities-heavy courseload was complemented by a religious regimen that included regular scripture reading, Bible study, hymn-singing, and prayer. The program was designed to ready students not just for work in offices and schools or further study, but to give them the intellectual, moral, and spiritual tools they would need to engage with a world that, then as now, is always changing.

It was not a new idea, but an ancient one that has served Western civilization well for centuries. From the Greeks to the Romans to the Renaissance to the Enlightenment to the present day, the liberal arts are the basis of higher education – and a keystone of free societies. Along with faith, they are the foundation of wisdom, essential to understanding society, what it means to be human, and how to recognize what is good, true, and beautiful, and serve it best. They are, in essence, the liberating arts.

THE LIBERATING ARTS

“Throughout history this kind of education — focused on the great books of literature, history, philosophy, and theology; the great works of music and art; and exploration in science and mathematics — has been a way to liberate people. It has been a way to equip free people to strengthen democracy and promote freedom as wise advocates for liberty, justice, and virtue. Over the last millennium, these liberating arts have provided freedom to those who would otherwise have remained uneducated, unequipped, and unskilled,” Grove City College Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Peter Frank ’95 wrote in his essay Learning for Freedom’s Sake (see page 55.)

In it, Frank makes the case that the liberal arts, studied with a commitment to Christian belief in concert with others, as it is at the College, provides a guide for the student’s journey and the responsible exercise of freedom. “The Christian liberal arts provide a framework to help students attain the wisdom necessary to use their education for purposes

that help build a more just and virtuous society,” Frank argues, and “develop a sharper lens to view the world and guide their actions within it.”

These benefits are, inarguably, much needed in a broken world, but a harder sell as the high cost of a college education requires young people to make calculations and balance their passions and intellectual appetites against future earnings to pay off the debt they will most likely accrue – even at Grove City College.

truths and toward subjective, critical relativism and a recognition that, as society and culture followed the academy, the College had a duty to intentionally cultivate in its students an appreciation of civilization’s great ideas, events, art, and culture within a Christian worldview.

As they have developed over the years, the HUMA classes provide a rigorous introduction to the liberating arts that cultivates empathy, sharpens critical thinking, writing, and communication skills, and grants students an enriched perspective on the good life and a deeper desire to know God.

LIBERATING SOULS

OH, THE HUMANITIES

There are fewer liberal arts majors than there were 50 or 20 years ago, nationally and at Grove City College. In 2020, just 11 percent of American college graduates – a little more than 161,000 students – studied the humanities. Almost 70 percent of this year’s Grove City graduates earned Bachelor of Science degrees. And it is not hard to understand why.

For most Grovers, securing gainful employment after graduation is a key concern. Professional degree programs, like accounting, education, and nursing, provide tickets to first jobs and advancement. STEM disciplines offer early entrée to senior jobs in industry, health care, and other in-demand fields. The barista with a B.A. struggling to pay off loans is a hard stereotype to break, even as statistics tell us that liberal arts majors do well across all industries and are uniquely able to adapt to disruptive economic and cultural forces.

While the economic value of a liberal arts education can be hard to pin down, the value of these areas of study to human flourishing are immeasurable. That’s a key reason why, more than 50 years ago, Grove City College began developing what is now known as the Humanities Core, a series of courses covering civilization, history, philosophy, literature, and the arts through the lens of scripture that provide students an understanding of the world and their place in it.

The idea was in some ways a product of its times and, in other ways, ahead of its time. It was a response to trends in higher education away from the Western canon and eternal

The College has always provided professional education in a variety of disciplines, producing generations of ministers, teachers, engineers, chemists, accountants, computer scientists, physicists, and managers. The curriculum has shifted over 146 years to meet student needs and the market’s demands, from telegraphy in the 1890s to commercial science in the 1920s to Applied Science in the 2020s. Equipping students with the knowledge and the skills they need to succeed has always been a priority, but one balanced by the College’s mission to foster faith and develop wisdom. The liberal arts provide that balance.

In his essay, Frank writes: “We talk a lot at Grove City College about imparting what is good, true, and beautiful to our students. These transcendental concepts are what shape us as people, not just as workers … The liberating arts are full of these good, true, and beautiful elements: from momentous historical events to perplexing philosophical questions, from stunning literary passages to exhilarating orchestral harmonies, from the complex structure of atoms to the profound truths in the word of God, there is gift after gift for the student to unwrap … Ultimately, because our entire curriculum centers around Christ revealed to us in the Bible, our hope is that as students see more of Him, they will become more like Him.”

And that is the ultimate value of the academically excellent, affordable, and Christcentered living and learning experience that Grove City College offers. The insights, collaboration, and connections that the liberating arts inspire are about liberating the soul, College President Paul J. McNulty ’80 said.

“First and foremost, our goal as a Christcentered community is soul liberation,” McNulty said. “We are constant guardians and caretakers of the soul. Ultimately, a Grove City College education is one that opens the eye to understanding, the eye that allows Gods light to shine on all things.” ■

“First and foremost, our goal as a Christcentered community is soul liberation.”

– Paul J. McNulty ’80 President, Grove City College

LEARNING FOR FREEDOM’S SAKE

At Grove City College, the liberating arts foster wisdom and right action

By Dr. Peter Frank ’95, Provost & Vice President for Academic Affairs

Grove City College has long valued freedom and the liberal arts as central to our institutional vision. As a Christian college, we want to raise up more wise and thoughtful citizens for this unique time in our collective history. We see our purpose here as forming free citizens steeped in Christian wisdom, ready to serve their communities by promoting and protecting freedom for all.

For the past couple of years, I have been working with the faculty at Grove City College to assess and review the core curriculum. While the culture at large, and higher education in particular, have been pushing greater and greater specialization

and a focus on job-skill training alone, we at Grove City College are expanding our commitment to the liberal arts as the foundation of the student experience.

Rather than abandoning our rich heritage centered on the classical liberal arts, we are safeguarding it and strengthening it.

Perhaps a better name for these subjects of study would be the liberating arts. Throughout history this kind of education — focused on the great books of literature, history, philosophy, and theology; the great works of music and art; and exploration in science and mathematics — has been a way to liberate people. It has been a way to equip

free people to strengthen democracy and promote freedom as wise advocates for liberty, justice, and virtue. Over the last millennium, these liberating arts have provided freedom to those who would otherwise have remained uneducated, unequipped, and unskilled.

As an economist, I have seen over and over again the importance of a free citizenry. Data repeatedly demonstrate that when personal liberties diminish, the well-being of the entire society suffers. What’s more, freedom always leads to a more hopeful and flourishing life by numerous measures beyond material well-being alone. Educational attainment, improved healthcare, protection

under the law, access to the basic needs of food and water, expanded life expectancy, and improved infant mortality are a few of the factors that improve significantly where freedom expands in society.

Combining an education rooted in the liberal arts, with major programs that then build upon this essential foundation, is the raison d’être of a liberal arts college. The Christian liberal arts provide a framework to help students attain the wisdom necessary to use their education for purposes that help build a more just and virtuous society.

RICH CONTENT AND CONVERSATIONS CULTIVATE VIRTUE

We talk a lot at Grove City College about imparting what is good, true, and beautiful to our students. These transcendental concepts are what shape us as people, not just as workers. We are not here to just pass on information; we are more concerned with the formation of souls. The liberating arts are full of these good, true, and beautiful elements: from momentous historical events to perplexing philosophical questions, from stunning literary passages to exhilarating orchestral harmonies, from the complex structure of atoms to the profound truths in the word of God, there is gift after gift for the student to unwrap.

Regardless of a student’s future career, we want them to go forth with a greater appreciation for God, his world, and the people around them. Practically speaking, our students are likely to have several different careers throughout a lifetime, many of which

are unknow today. While skill development is an important element of an education, there is much more life preparation that takes place in pursuit of a college degree.

The liberating arts cultivate virtue. While students are exposed to things that are good, true, and beautiful, and also shown the contrast to things that are not, they are shaping their appetites. They are developing wisdom, and keener senses of other virtues like courage, diligence, and love.

As their worlds expand, they see examples of those who have gone before them and alongside them, whether in history or literature, and they can learn from those examples. As they are exposed to new, challenging ideas, they flex new muscles and grow in beneficial ways. Ultimately, because our entire curriculum centers around Christ revealed to us in the Bible, our hope is that as students see more of Him, they will become more like Him.

In addition to all the content, conversations, and cultivation of virtue that a liberal arts education provides, it also prepares students for their roles in this world, as restorers. The Christian liberal arts, grounded in Biblical orthodoxy, is necessary for wise orthopraxy. This is our hope for all Grove City College graduates: that they will go forth in greater knowledge and wisdom to be light and salt in the world that so desperately needs both.

It is often said that with education comes responsibility, and studying the liberating arts points students toward how to rightly use this responsibility.

FREEDOM FROM AND FREEDOM TO

Grove City College’s historic commitment to freedom is purposely conveyed to students through the core curriculum. We believe that a populace well versed in the classical liberal arts will be one that not only understands the value of freedom, but also uses that freedom well. There are two aspects of freedom, and one of them—often overlooked—can be powerfully impacted by a strong, Christcentered liberal arts education. We think of these two sides of freedom as “freedom from” and “freedom to.” Both are necessary for a well-ordered civil society.

Staunch defenders of freedom tend to focus on “freedom from,” which emphasizes political freedoms as outlined in the U.S. Constitution or other charters that form the core of a liberal society and protect free people from governmental oppression and suppression of ideas and beliefs.

“Freedom from” focuses on ensuring that no government, no group, and no person can infringe upon individual liberty.

Government “of the people” clearly plays an important role in this aspect of freedom, but political freedom—or “freedom from”— is not alone sufficient for a well-ordered flourishing society.

The second aspect of freedom – “freedom to” – goes hand in hand with “freedom from.” Whereas the latter protects the individual from violations of their freedoms, the former is the freedom to act well. As Galatians 5:13 reminds us, this is the purpose of our striving for liberty: “For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.”

This is one of the primary building blocks of a free society, that is, structuring the “rules of the game” in such a way that individual free actions benefit others more than if those actions were coerced. The catalyst for innovation and economic development during the past few hundred years began with entrepreneurial decision-making rooted in the incentives to produce what others desire to attain.

Freedom to act is essential to a free and fair society but it also creates an important tension. Freedom to act necessitates the need for boundaries, as action by one person can hinder the freedoms of another. Additionally, it requires moral judgement shaped by personal convictions and a worldview that grounds the individual in a proper understanding of human nature. This is where an institution like Grove City College plays a role. Education must provide a foundation for helping individuals to develop this framework.

“Education means emancipation. It means light and liberty. It means the uplifting of the soul of man into the glorious light of truth, the light by which men can only be made free.”

– Frederick Douglass, Blessings of Liberty and Education. Speech, 1894.

EDUCATING TOWARD MORAL CHOOSING

Freedom to act, and act in a way that maintains a strong civil society, is strengthened by the cultivation of virtue. Policy alone fails to lead individuals to act morally and wisely for the benefit of all, but Christian higher education can and does help shape these virtues.

The Christian liberal arts are central to cultivating virtue in three ways: by building social capital and trust; building an understanding of community; and enhancing the framework for moral choosing.

Education has long played an important role in building trust among individuals, especially strangers. A liberal arts education, in particular, provides students with a much more expansive view of the world, the historical context we live in today, and the vast cultural, social, and religious complexity within society. This expanding knowledge helps students learn about new people, places, and ideas that collectively help shape a more holistic understanding of the world.

All of this builds trust and growth in the social capital that helps establish a strong citizenry. Scholars have shown that social capital is critical for achieving development and for an efficiently functioning economy, but it is difficult to generate through public policy. Education is the driving force that leads to engagement in society, and a strong liberal arts education builds the framework for positive civil discourse and action.

Education provides, arguably, the most impactful means to generate trust and social capital in society. We contend that study of the classical liberal arts in a Christian framework is the most valuable type of education to build a robust civil society. Students study not only the skills of data analysis in a mathematics course or radioactive activity in physics, but also the ethics behind human cloning and the moral choices faced by characters in a Dickens novel. By rooting education in the Christian liberal arts, students are further equipped to act in ways leading to the benefit of others.

A Christian liberal arts education helps to foster a healthy understanding of community. Learning in an environment where students live with the same colleagues with whom they discuss Plato, Rembrandt, and the book of Job helps to continually reshape their perspective on self versus others. That sense of community informs the choices they make and allows them to see beyond the narrow understanding of individualism so prevalent today.

Finally, building a moral foundation via the Christian liberal arts helps students develop a sharper lens to view the world and guide their actions within it. Just as many students may work in jobs that do not yet exist, they will also face ethical questions and dilemmas that are currently unimaginable. These students need to develop a more complete framework from which to operate when confronting these future decisions and actions. A Christian liberal arts educational core helps root students in the virtues that lead to right moral choosing.

FREEDOM FOR A THRIVING SOCIETY

Freedom to act is a necessary condition for a prosperous society, but it is not sufficient alone for a virtuous one. The cultivation of a moral framework, enhanced by a Christian liberal arts education, is what will lead to the actions that build a thriving society.

One need only look at the discourse so prevalent in our day, whether via social media or the 24-hour news cycle, to see that our freedom to act is clouded with ad hominem attacks and demagoguery. We need more educated citizens who can speak wisely and eloquently, who can parse through arguments with logic and can discern with good judgment.

“Freedom to” is both an essential aspect of our human agency and an important responsibility. A broad liberal arts education captures the imagination of students with a more complete understanding of what is possible, while also helping to shape a vision for what is right and true. Using this God-given freedom is a responsibility we all have, and educating young people to utilize this responsibility toward virtuous ends is at the heart of a Christian liberal arts core. We are not here to primarily seek freedom from oppression so that we have liberty to do what we want and serve our own pleasure. We desire to use that liberty to love and serve our community well.

For the society to thrive, for our neighbors to thrive, we seek to expand both “freedom from” and “freedom to.”  A focus on the rule of law and governmental institutions will help to protect the former, and educating our citizens in the classical liberal arts at a place like Grove City College will help to protect the latter. Building the foundation for how to live in a free society, choosing to act and engage responsibly, requires drawing on a deep well of understanding that is cultivated in a Christian liberal arts education. ■

This article was adapted from two essays published by the Institute for Faith and Freedom in collaboration with Amy (Wray ’95) Frank.

Top: Film director Andrew Tucciarone (left) and Rusty Chadwick ’04 (right) in New Zealand during the making of For the Team

Right: Joe Gibbs Racing pit crew practice

Bottom: Film editor David Hamilton (left), Chadwick, and Tucciarone on Reunion Island during the making of For the Team

‘WE ALL WIN, OR NONE OF US DO’

Winding road led Rusty Chadwick ’04 to role as team builder

By Joanie Baumgartner

It might seem an unusual professional trajectory to go from being an education major at Grove City College to working at guest ranches in Colorado, to classroom teaching, to becoming a team trainer who works on documentaries with New Zealand adventure racers and the Joe Gibbs NASCAR Racing Team. But for Rusty Chadwick ’04, it was a career path that made perfect sense.

Not entirely convinced of his calling to the teaching profession upon graduation from Grove City College, Chadwick took a friend’s recommendation to head West and take some time to figure things out while working at a guest ranch. In the great outdoors of rugged Colorado, he developed a deep love for hospitality and creating lifechanging experiences for the visitors to the ranch. He returned to teaching for one year but concluded that it just wasn’t part of God’s calling for his life. He got back in the saddle for several more years of exhilarating adventure at a Colorado ranch until an intriguing opportunity at WinShape Teams in Rome, Ga., caught his eye in 2010.

WinShape Teams is one of the five arms of the WinShape Foundation established by Truett and Jeannette Cathy, the same power couple who elevated a simple chicken sandwich and a customer-first philosophy to a near-religious experience at Chick-fil-A. The Foundation began as a college ministry designed to develop student leaders, and it eventually expanded to a five-pronged ministry organization that “glorifies God by creating experiences that transform.” One of those ministries was WinShape Teams, which was established out of a desire to build strong, healthy, and fulfilling teams that change the world around them. Today, WinShape Teams does this through team-building retreats, professional leadership development experiences, and one-to-one coaching.

In hindsight, Chadwick knows that his early post-graduate experiences, including his time teaching, were the perfect preparation for his current role as director of WinShape Teams. Just as he guided ranch guests through impactful experiences out West, he and his colleagues guide other teams through targeted experiences that promote awareness of the individual strengths and personality types within the team and how those might impact the overall team dynamics. Ultimately, “awareness points them to action, and action can bring about change,” Chadwick said. “Sometimes it’s on a small micro-scale, and sometimes it’s on a very big scale.”

Working with so many different teams through the years led Chadwick to co-author a book, Team Work: 13 Timeless Principles for Creating Success and Fulfillment as a Team Member. With plenty of books and resources available that focus on developing leaders, it made sense to tackle the topic of effective team membership and the traits of individuals who comprise the most effective teams.

Taking that idea a step further, the Teams Made Well documentary series was born. An idea to produce short videos that featured the most high-performing, healthy teams soon led to a 37-minute documentary called For the Team, centering on the New Zealand based Adventure Racing Team –Team Avaya. Known for their endurance through grueling races across land and sea (trekking, paddling, bicycling, and more) that can last up to a week, Team Avaya has won world championships many times over. In 2018, during Chadwick’s first interview with the team on Reunion Island, off the coast of Madagascar, he and his colleagues were inspired to take a deeper dive.

“When we interviewed Team Avaya and followed them, we really didn’t know what to expect, but the truths that they shared were

Rusty Chadwick ’04

so powerful, we decided that we could not make a 5 - 8-minute vignette, we had to do justice to the story and dig into the richness of what this team has done. Many great teams bring skill, talent, and great preparation, but what set Team Avaya apart was their genuine commitment to caring for each other. Care for and service to their fellow team members was a top distinguisher.”

Another high-performing team became the subject of the second Teams Made Well documentary that wrapped up filming in 2022. To be released in 2023, Chasing Faster is a behind-the-scenes look at the pit crews of the Joe Gibbs NASCAR Racing Team. They learned that pit crews are unsung heroes— they are elite athletes who train extensively for their very specialized roles on the team. They are a precision team in the pit, but they are also part of a larger team of drivers, team managers, and owners. The ability to shave tenths and even hundredths of a second off a race time has implications that ripple out to every team member.

The truth that every individual “ripples out” to their greater team, no matter what kind of team they are part of, is one he would

like every team to understand. He said, “A great teammate needs to ask themselves, ‘Am I currently doing everything I can be doing to ensure my team’s success?’.” Not settling for the status quo, establishing a bigger vision for a team, and realizing that success is collective are key mindsets that he encourages team members to adopt. “Teams are at their best when purposes are accomplished, and people are fulfilled. You can’t have one without the other. We all win, or none of us do.”

It might have seemed like a winding road that took Chadwick from Grove City College to leading a premier team-building organization in Georgia. But it was a perfectly orchestrated path where God used his talents, developed his skills, and cultivated a genuine commitment to and care for his fellow man to help him arrive at the perfect destination (even if he did have to wrangle a few steers and drive a camper van through the mountains of Reunion Island to get there). It’s all come full circle since his days at Grove City College. “The academics and extra-curricular activities, but also the Christ-centered education – they all formed a foundation in me that is still bearing fruit today.” ■

Inset

Top: Chadwick looking toward Mt. Cook, New Zealand during the making of For the Team

Inset top: Chadwick speaks for Shaw Industries.

middle: Team Avaya celebrates victory at 2018 Adventure Racing World Championships.

Inset bottom: Team Avaya on course at the 2018 Adventure Racing World Championships. Contributed photos by: Christie’s Photographic Solutions, Honza Zak, WinShape Teams.

class notes class notes

KEEP IN TOUCH!

We want to keep in touch with you electronically! If you have an email address, or have recently changed your address or work information, make changes through alumni.gcc.edu/update.

1968

1977

Have exciting news? Submit a class note for the magazine and for viewing online at alumni.gcc.edu/classnote.

Judge Arthur Schwab was recognized earlier this year for his 25 years of service as a faculty member of the National Trial Advocacy College at the University of Virginia School of Law. Schwab serves on the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania and completed his 20th year on the federal bench in December.

1971

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.

Alan Mesches was profiled in a February edition of the Frisco (Texas) Enterprise on how he writes books to tell the stories of veterans.

1972

Bill Stryker, Col. USAF, retired from his military and civilian positions, spends time on family historical research, updating his 1979 documentary The Stryker Family in America, which traces the descendants of two Dutch brothers who helped settle New Amsterdam in 1651. He also published two books last year; Portraits Attributed to Jacobus Gerritszen Strijcker of New Netherland (1618-1695+), the first historical study of the artist and his works, and The Stryker Family in The Netherlands back to 1400

Jeff Bell was inducted into the Mercer County (Pa.) Hall of Fame in January 2023. He was an outstanding athlete at Grove City High School and Grove City College, and a longtime successful football, wrestling, and baseball coach, and wresting official. Jim Jarrett, an associate broker with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices The Preferred Realty in Pittsburgh, is now district vice president of the Pennsylvania Association of Realtors, representing members in southwestern Pa. counties. He also is 2023 president of the Realtors Association of Metropolitan Pittsburgh Charitable Foundation.

1979

Chuck Hildbold published a second volume of his wife’s articles in a book titled More Ponderings From The Pastor’s Partner. His wife, Cheryl (Abrams ’80) Hildbold, passed away in June 2021. The first book, Ponderings From The Pastor’s Partner was published in 2021. Chuck is pastor of the Jennerstown (Pa.) United Methodist Church.

1980

Peter Gregory, Navy commander (retired), completed his 15th year on the U.S. Naval Academy selection board for

Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1). After a 23-year career as an active-duty Navy chaplain, Gregory became lead pastor of Community Church Lambertville, N.J. He retired for good in 2020 and lives with wife Kris (Jacobs ’82) Gregory in Doylestown, Pa.

1981

Deborah (Morrison) Hassan was honored by the Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania (GSEP) in March at their annual Take the Lead event. Morrison is a retired partner with Deloitte & Touche, LLP, and the board chair of the GSEP.

1982

Dr. Kirk Buis formed the Buis Book Foundation, which has donated thousands of books to elementary school children in the Atlanta Public School system. The Foundation’s most recent book giveaway was in May, when every student at Kimberly Elementary received seven books to read over the summer. Buis has taught high school for 30 years.

UNITED WAY | The Grove City United Way honored Abbie (Turner ’03) Michael, left, and Grove City College Director of Academic Advising Kathy Leonard in April with the annual Community Service Award. The ladies have led the local Food for Kids Backpack Program for the past 10 years. They raised funds with the business community to keep the program running strong and have distributed more than 24,000 bags of food to needy children in the area.

RYBKA HOLIDAY | The Rybka family Christmas Eve dinner in Fairlawn, Ohio, had quite a few Grove City alumni, current students, and a coach. From left: Nick Butler ’17, Julie (Vogel ’93) Petschke, William Rybka ’25, Wendy (Vogel ’90) Rybka, Joe Vogel ’95, Caroline (Rybka ’18) Wedding, Michael Slattery ’19, Rachel Petschke ’26 and Laura Rybka (current head cross-country and assistant track coach).

UPMC BUSINESS | Grove City College students and faculty members had dinner and time with UPMC representatives/alumni in February at North Park Lounge in Cranberry Twp., Pa. During the day, students participated in the first UPMC/Wolverine Business Ethics Challenge, a project between UPMC and the College’s School of Business. Three student finalists presented ethical paradigm papers to UPMC C-suite professionals, and all participating students heard from UPMC employees on various business-related topics. See related story on page 10.

1983

Rachel Hamburger took a break in 2022 after 30 years of serving Presbyterian congregations in Virginia, California, and Tennessee. She moved back to the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia and is now serving as supply pastor at Smyrna Presbyterian in Waynesboro, Va.

Mark Podvia wrote The Strange Case of Dr. Paul Schoeppe , about a 19 th century murder case in Carlisle, Pa., involving a wealthy woman. He and the book were featured in a Pennsylvania Cable Network show. Podvia also wrote an article for the PA Bar Quarterly on George Washington’s personal lawyer, and for Rutgers University. Jody (Imbrie) Smith joined the Butler, Pa., 55+ basketball team to compete at the 2022 National Senior Games in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. She helped her team earn a bronze medal.

1985

Rev. John Dorr was elected to serve a 3-year term as stated clerk of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church Presbytery of the East. The Presbytery has 50 churches from northern Virginia to Boston. Dorr has served as pastor of Bethlehem Steltz Reformed Church (EPC) in Glen Rock, Pa., since 2011.

1986

Dan Hudock is president of Indigo Family Theater in Salem, Ohio, a new venture specializing in family-friendly plays and musicals. Having no prior theater experience, he got an opportunity to act with his son in 2019 and continues to do so.

1994

Dr. Amy (Godfrey) Powers, a professor of History at Waubonsee Community College (Ill.), received the 2023 Faculty of the Year Award from the American Association of Community Colleges. This national award recognizes individuals who excel in their field and give back to the community. Powers joined Waubonsee in 2003.

1999

Ryan Miller graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania with a Ph.D. in business in December 2022. He is director of global quality and testing at DICK’s Sporting Goods and a guest lecturer at Grove City College in the graduate and undergraduate business analytics programs.

2001

Matt Sampogna and wife Patty welcomed daughter Rita Marie on April 19, 2022.

2002

Daniel Jones and wife Kendra welcomed son Elijah Daniel on July 12, 2019.

2003

Colleen (Piker) Stumpf joined the Erie, Pa., law firm of MacDonald, Illig, Jones & Britton, LLP, as a partner in the Trusts & Estates and Business Transaction Practice groups. Dan Sumner was appointed president, Operating Plant Services Business Unit, at Westinghouse Electric Company. He is accountable

for the development and delivery of state-of-the-art solutions for the global fleet of operating nuclear plants.

2006

Erin (Ries) and Ben ’08 Bestic welcomed son Jordan Patrick on Oct. 7, 2022.

2007

Loren Hershey and wife Heidi are the parents of son Matthias Eli, born Feb. 8, 2023, and his siblings Elyse, 11, Mya, 9, Olivia, 6, and Ben, 4.

2008

Angela (Buckler) Becker and husband Jim welcomed son Matthew James on Nov. 22, 2022. Sister Hannah is 2. Ria (Swanekamp) Betush and husband Matt are the parents of daughter Violet J, born Nov. 14, 2021, and her brother Sidney, 4. Allison (Mock) Breeding and husband Jason welcomed son Grayson Tobias on Oct. 20, 2022. He joins sister Audrey, 1. Rachel (Hillbery) Cook and husband Timothy are the parents of daughter Sibyl Nausicaa, born June 17, 2022, and son Fenix Trace, now 4. Ben Read was voted the best physical therapist in Rochester, N.Y., through the Democrat & Chronicle’s Community Choice Awards. He has been working at Integrated Chiropractic, Physical Therapy, and Massage as a PT since 2017, and manages the clinic in Irondequoit, N.Y.

2009

Laryssa (Joseph) and Josiah ’08 Nilsen welcomed son Caleb William on March 25, 2021. Caleb joins brothers Joey and Silas and sister Elaina. Laura (Frei) and Kevin Sandell welcomed sons Samuel Steven Mark on Oct. 24, 2022, and Andrew Davis on Aug. 21, 2019.

2010

George Hampe, an actor, appeared in the March 30 episode (season 22, ep. 17) of Law & Order, and also landed a recurring role in the brand new Hulu musical series, Up Here

Scott McMillan and wife Jessica are the parents of daughters Lexie Grace, born July 24, 2022, and Ellie Danielle, born May 20, 2020.

Amanda (Thompson) and Tyler Mills are the parents of son Wesley Robert, born May 18, 2022, as well as his brothers Everett, 5, and Carson, 2. Rachel (Stelzer) and Shaun Mills welcomed son Malachi Louis on Feb. 9, 2023.

2011

Briana (Benner) Ballert and husband Zach welcomed son Theodore James on Oct. 25, 2022.

Robert Pecchio and wife Sabrina welcomed daughter Olivia Daniela on Dec. 26, 2022.

2012

Allison (Eastham) Ford and husband Matthew welcomed son Grayson John on Feb. 18, 2023.

Lauren (Baker) Hooper and husband Jonathan announce the birth of daughter Annabelle Ruth on Nov. 13, 2022.

Dominique (Coulter) and Ben Kuniholm are the parents of sons Elliot Gardner, born Aug. 18, 2022, and Levi Charles, born Dec. 27, 2020.

2013

Kelly (Michael) McLaughlin and husband Michael announce the birth of daughter Isabelle Ann on June 10, 2022.

Camille Taylor and Wesley Farra were married July 23, 2022, in Cleveland, Ohio. The couple resides in Cleveland Heights, Ohio.

COLUMBUS GROVER GATHERING | Libby Krieger ’22 (with pennant) hosted a Grover Gathering in February at Pins Mechanical in Columbus, Ohio. Also attending: Robbie Weaver ’19, Jamieson (Weaver ’17) Gordon, Jake Gordon ’17, Benjamin Nettles ’21, Steve Irwin ’12, and Carlen (Barnett ’14) Irwin.

STILL CRUISIN’ | These four friends cruised together in early 2023. They met in Colonial Hall in 1970 and have been friends since, with a long list of get-togethers over 50-plus years. From left: Bob Spear ’74, Dave Stanton ’73, Wally Campbell ’74, and Kevin Kasweck ’74.

ADEL GENERATIONS | Four student ADEL brothers made a 1,000mile road trip during Easter Break to meet the oldest living member of the fraternity, Donald Waterman ’49. The students interviewed Waterman at his Belmont, N.C., home in a recording that has since been shared with all fraternity alumni. Row 1, from left: Tomas Mueller ’24, Waterman, and David Marsh ’25. Row 2: David Wilbur ’25 and Aidan Findley ’25.

FOURSOME TRAVEL | Four Grove City College grads toured Austria and Germany in September 2022, with the highlight being the Oberammergau Passion Play. From left: Jeff Shaffer ’75, Beverly (Parker ’74) Shaffer, Melinda (Gettemy ’74) MacPherson, and J. Charles MacPherson ’73. The foursome also visited China 2005, Ireland 2014, Italy 2015, Poland 2018, Spain and Portugal 2019, and Egypt 2020.

Diane (Kim) and Jacob Wassenar welcomed daughter

Evelyn Grace on Jan. 27, 2023.

2014

Lance Cooper and wife Kara are the parents of son Shawn Thomas, born Sept. 16, 2022.

Jennifer (Piscsalko) Ebersole and husband William welcomed son Joseph Thomas on Dec. 3, 2022.

Kariah (Church) and Ben Manwaring welcomed son Clark Benjamin on Sept. 9, 2022.

Erika (Bastian) Novak and husband Ben are the parents of son Titus Robert, born Dec. 8, 2021.

2015

Cameron Daugherty and wife

Amiee welcomed son Owen Brian on Sept. 7, 2021.

Julianna (Eckendorf) and Josh Eberly are the parents of son Cameron Joseph, born Jan.

21, 2022, and daughter Ella Rose, born July 30, 2020. Chelsea (Master) Laughner and husband Jesse welcomed son Jayce Paul on Oct. 7, 2021.

Gretchen (Follstaedt) and Colin ’13 Robinson announce the birth of son Willis Henry on Nov. 29, 2022.

2016

Adrienne (Scrima) Demmer and husband Scott welcomed second son Graham Christian on Aug. 12, 2022.

Madison (Bowser) Hallman and husband Alex are the parents of daughter Bryn Lee, born Nov. 5, 2022.

Megan (Daugherty) and Bryan Kelly welcomed daughter Sylvia Joy on April 10, 2022.

2017

Anna (Jorgenson) and Michael Kertland welcomed daughter Eliana Mabel on July 2, 2022. Cameron Gingrich and wife

Katie are the parents of daughters Caroline Jane, born Dec. 29, 2022, and Claire Lee, born May 28, 2020. Grace (Meakem) and Ben Ivan announce the birth of son Theodore Michael on March 2, 2023.

Lindsey (Mason) and Taylor ’16 Schmidt welcomed daughter Therese Joy on Oct. 12, 2022. Emily (Tharnish) and Cody ’16 Work announce the birth of son James Richard on Nov. 7, 2022.

2018

Jessica (Mattson) and Bryan ’16 Thomas are the parents of sons Jonathan Gregory, born Jan. 6, 2023, and Elijah Clement, born May 9, 2021.

2019

Ashley (Winters) Polson and husband Christien welcomed son Andrew James on Feb. 7, 2023.

Ellen (Nestor) and Aric ’21 Smith announce the birth of daughter Amelia Jeanette on Nov. 18, 2022.

2021

Jantzen Hose and husband Tyler Burton are the parents of daughter Journey Wren, born Dec. 12, 2022.

EP GOLF CLASSIC | These Epsilon Pi brothers once again played and celebrated at the EP Golf Classic in Florida. From left: Bill Hladio ’64, John Galvanek ’66, Ron Lamanna ’62, Ron George ’66, Larry Kiefer ’67, Dick Danford ’67, Bill McNees ’65, Dick Manley ’67, Dick Horton ’65, Bill Levengood ’65, Pete Anselmo ’68, Ron Gentile ’59, and Bruce Johnson ’60.

HARRISBURG HAPPENING | Four GCC grads, all from the Class of 1984, met at a spring event in Harrisburg, Pa., hosted by Commonwealth Partners, Commonwealth Foundation, and The Fairness Center. From left: Carl Helstrom, John Holt, Jill (Cooper) Nixon, and Deborah (Kerr) Holt.

STOWE SKI | The Brian ’03 and Dorene Powell and Brian ’03 and Betsy (Hollo ’04) Mezey families enjoyed the snow on a February ski trip to Stowe, Vt.

ANNA MARIA ISLAND | A large GCC reunion was held early this year on Anna Maria Island, Fla., with many Chi Dels, Sig Thets, and Phi Sigs attending. Row 1: Kenna Altmeyer. Row 2, from left: Geoff Jones ’81, Dan Creston ’81, Tom Juliano ’81, Chris Altmeyer ’84, and Tony Caruso ’82. Row 3: Dale Hawkins, Jane (McAdoo ’82) Cieply, Scott Steen ’82, Missy Steen, Linda Tague, John Tague ’81, Pam (Decola ’81) Jaskot, Paul Cieply ’81, Diane (Jones ’82) Caruso, Chris Goeckel ’81, Cindy Goeckel, Charlynn Hawkins, John Jaskot ’82, Kathy Lerario, Ron Lerario ’81, and Wayne Jackson ’84.

EP SCHOLARSHIP REUNION | On March 31, the Epsilon Pi Alumni Association (EPAA) and Vice President Tom Tuchnowski ’87 hosted a celebration at South Hills Country Club in Pittsburgh for the 30th Anniversary of their Scholarship Fund. Past scholarship recipients and other distinguished EP alumni attended. Since the scholarship’s inception in 1993, 80 EP brothers have benefitted from the fund to the total of $288,000. The Epsilon Pi Scholarship is the largest Greeksponsored program at Grove City College. Awards for next year were announced before spring break – a total of $45,500 to 12 different brothers. The “EP Nation” has over 750 EP alumni throughout the world.

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.

Helen (Johnson) Brown ’42, Orange Park, Fla., Jan. 2, 2023.

Helen (Woods) Black ’45, Grove City, Pa., Dec. 28, 2022. A schoolteacher, her survivors include children Karen (Black ’76) Melnick, and Edward Black ’79.

Marjorie (Freed) de Lorimier ’45, Blairsville, Ga., Dec. 1, 2022. Originally a nurse, she was an active military wife and homemaker.

Roberta (Emery) Faloon ’46, Rochester, N.Y., Feb. 7, 2023. The College’s 1946 Junior May Queen and a Charm Queen, her community activities included The Junior League. Survivors include daughter Nancy (Faloon ’79) Dodd.

Shoy (Kosanovic) Campbell ’48, North Chesterfield, Va., July 10, 2022. She was an elementary school teacher.

Elizabeth (Reed) Finnessy ’48, Duke Center, Pa., March 2, 2023. The 1948 May Queen was a homemaker and former school district employee. Survivors include son Dr. John Finnessy ’72.

Raymond J. “Roy” Dallas ’49, Ormond Beach, Fla., Oct. 31, 2022. The WWII Army veteran worked as an office manager for Gulf Oil, including time in Venezuela.

Anne (Augustine) Holder ’49, Conneaut Lake, Pa., Feb. 17, 2023. After raising her family, she worked at Allegheny College and taught at the Crawford County Vo-Tech.

Wanda (Link) Kolodjay ’49, Parkesburg, Pa., Feb. 4, 2023. She had a 40-year secretarial career with Lukens Steel.

B. Idella (Bowmer) McConnell ’49, Stoneboro, Pa., March 9, 2023. She worked in sales and as a tax collector.

Margaret (McGeary) Sample ’49, Wilmington, N.C., Feb. 28, 2023. She was a pianist, professor, co-director of Erie (Pa.) Business College, and active volunteer.

Elinore (Volk) Beresford ’50, North Huntingdon, Pa., March 30, 2023. She taught in the White Oak, Bethel Park, and Gateway schools.

William S. Love ’50, Lower Burrell, Pa., Feb. 2, 2023. He had a long career as a chemical engineer with Alcoa.

Dr. William G. McDowell ’50, Hermitage, Pa., Dec. 22, 2022. He was a family practitioner, delivering over 2,000 babies, founding a hospital and serving as deputy coroner.

Nancianna (Bishop) Nott ’50, Dallas, Texas, Nov. 21, 2022. For 31 years, she served a Presbyterian mission in Wyoming.

F. Joan (Chapin) Wohlgemuth ’50, Lake City, Pa., March 2, 2023. She taught music and later operated a florist shop.

Ruth (Young) Alloway ’51, Wayne, N.J., Jan. 6, 2023. She taught for 45 years in New Jersey and Ohio.

Jack T. Marko ’51, Pittsburgh, Pa., Feb. 3, 2023. For 32 years he was a metallurgist with U.S. Steel.

Evelyn (Sopher) Robertson ’51, Bedford, Texas, June 23, 2022. She was a retired English, French, and Spanish high school teacher and tutor.

James E. Sloan ’51, Easton, Md., Nov. 22, 2022. The Army veteran was an analyst for the Department of Defense.

Dr. Michael W. Fabian ’52, Grove City, Pa., Feb. 11, 2023. He taught Biology at Grove City College from 1964-93, retiring as department chair. He also taught at other institutions and belonged to many science organizations. Survivors include daughter Nancy (Fabian ’85) Black. Memorial donations are directed to the College’s General Scholarship Fund.

James M. Paxton ’52, Parma Heights, Ohio, Jan. 24, 2023. He worked as a salesman.

Constance (Tranter) Warner ’52, Cornwall, Pa., Feb. 19, 2023. She and her pastor husband served churches in four states.

Howard C. Beard ’53, Allison Park, Pa., March 25, 2023.

Norma (Poh) Hall ’53, Wilmington, Del., July 6, 2022. She was a homemaker, with a few years working in GTE payroll. Survivors include daughter Celeste Hall ’79.

Frank L. “Larry” McKenzie ’53, Richardson, Texas, March 8, 2023. After Army service, he worked in advertising and insurance.

Ann (Dwinelle) Henry ’53, Twisp, Wash., Feb. 20, 2023. She was an EMT, teacher, wilderness chef, and non-profit advocate.

Jean (Logie) Bobo ’54, Jamestown, N.Y., March 25, 2023. She taught business for 29 years and actively volunteered.

G. Gary Conaway ’54, Erie, Pa., March 28, 2023. The Navy veteran retired from International Paper.

Mariam (Ruben) Kashner ’54, Adrian, Mich., Jan. 18, 2023. She worked as a teacher and with the Maurice Spear Campus. Survivors include sister Martha (Ruben ’62) Lumley

Jeraldine “Jerry” (Dunbar) Knouse ’54, Lititz, Pa., January 23, 2023. She was a homemaker and community volunteer. Survivors include children Jacque (Knouse ’86) Reapsome and Matthew Knouse ’92, and twin sister Jacqueline (Dunbar ’54) Ferguson

Walter R. Dilling ’56, Homosassa, Fla., Jan. 15, 2023. The Army veteran spent a career with Bechtel Power Corp.

Gordon E. Michel ’56, Fort Collins, Colo., Jan. 18, 2023.

A Korean War Navy veteran, he was a senior engineer for Westinghouse Electric and worked with therapy dogs. Survivors include wife Nancy (Swan ’56) Michel

Jack G. Wright ’56, New Castle, Pa., March 17, 2023. The Air Force veteran owned and operated George Reid Insurance for 60 years.

H. Jay Surrena Jr. ’57, Newtown Square, Pa., Feb. 24, 2023.

He had a 40-year career with Sun Oil Co., retiring as a vice president with Sun International.

Paul. E. Ermlich ’58, Sewickley, Pa., April 3, 2023. The Army veteran had a 50-year career with Petroleum Products Corp. Survivors include daughter Anne (Ermlich ’85) Lawton.

Norma Jean (Wagner) Hill ’58, Apollo, Pa., July 11, 2021. She was a bookkeeper.

Shirley (Downs) Kieffer ’58, Plattsburg, Mo., Feb. 9, 2023. She had been a flight attendant with TWA.

Leslie H. Knight ’58, Tallmadge, Ohio, Jan. 27, 2023. Following Army service, he spent his career as an accountant with Firestone Tire & Rubber. Survivors include wife Carol (Jenkins ’59) Knight

William K. Mason ’58, Vandergrift, Pa., Dec. 7, 2022. The Army veteran taught science, followed by work as a health and safety inspector.

Rev. Clair W. Shaffer ’58, San Antonio, Texas, Dec. 15, 2022. An Air Force chaplain for 21 years, he later served churches in the Western Pennsylvania Methodist Conference.

Rosemarie (Reese) Regina ’58, Raymond, Miss., Nov. 19, 2022. She was a homemaker to her large family.

Stanley S. Hause ’59, Fredonia, Pa., Dec. 16, 2022. The Korean War Navy veteran worked for Western Electric and ATT.

Barbara (Lowe) Koebley ’59, Gibsonia, Pa., Jan. 7, 2023. She worked as an office manager for groups including Warren County Schools.

E. Deane Passmore ’59, Warren, Pa., Dec. 20, 2022. He was

a teacher, then guidance counselor at Warren County VoTech for many years. Survivors include wife Carol (Snyder ’59) Passmore

Gary C. Peters ’59, Sarasota, Fla., Jan. 26, 2023. The two-time Chicago White Sox All-Star was a GCC basketball great before turning to baseball. The 1968 Jack Kennedy Memorial Alumni Achievement Award winner scored 725 points in three years for the Wolverines before going on to a successful Major League career. After baseball, he oversaw the design and construction of schools.

Donald A. Tilmont ’59, Campobello, S.C., Dec. 5, 2022. He was a Korean War Army veteran.

Dr. James H. Currier ’60, The Villages, Fla., Feb. 4, 2023. The Air Force veteran practiced orthodontics for 30 years.

Andrew A. Fiorentini ’60, Eighty Four, Pa., Jan. 7, 2023. The Army veteran was a high school and college educator and bank training manager. Survivors include son Drew Fiorentini ’87.

Dr. William G. Shaffer ’61, Jacksonville, Ill., Sept. 14, 2022. He taught at several universities, retiring from Illinois College as a professor emeritus. Survivors include brothers Kenneth Shaffer ’55 and Clair Shaffer ’58

Barbara (Schlicher) Berberich ’62, Westlake, Ohio, Nov. 28, 2022. She raised her family then became a licensed clinical counselor. Survivors include husband Charles Berberich ’62.

Jerry R. Smoyer ’62, Pittsburgh, Pa., Jan. 30, 2023.

Daryl J. Dean ’63, Zionsville, Ind., March 27, 2023. He was president and CEO of The Nyhart Co. before retiring.

Robert A. Pickens ’63, Butler, Pa., Jan. 5, 2023. The Air Force veteran and reservist retired from the Irene Stacy Center in Butler after 32 years in administration.

Regina (Sterner) Bullions ’64, Pelzer, S.C., Feb. 12, 2022.

William H. Cress ’64, Sandy Lake, Pa., March 20, 2021.

William C. Ross ’64, New Bethlehem, Pa., Dec. 10, 2022. He was a teacher in Pennsylvania and Virginia.

Carole (Daniels) Gibson ’65, Greenville, S.C., Feb. 7, 2022.

David E. Heimel ’65, Edinburg, Texas, Feb. 17, 2023. He taught choral music and music theory in Elmira, N.Y.

M. Eugene McDowell ’65, Pittsburgh, Pa., Feb. 11, 2023. He was a retired Quaker State executive.

Barbara (Russell) Ezdebski ’66, Danville, Pa., March 8, 2023. She retired from American Selected Products.

Kenneth N. Gabriel ’66, Saint Augustine, Fla., Dec. 30, 2022. After Air Force service, he worked in banking and for the state of Colorado.

Daniel L. Simpson ’66, Mechanicsburg, Pa., Jan. 24, 2023. The Vietnam War vet and 16-year Air National Guard member worked as a computer systems analyst for the Commonwealth of PA Department of Welfare.

Walter E. Grinder ’67, Mountain View, Calif., December 2022. He founded and directed the Center for Libertarian Studies, later leading the Institute for Humane Studies and his Institute for Civil Society.

Jeffrey L. Southwick ’68, Erie, Pa., March 28, 2023. An Army veteran, he was a fruitgrower in North East, Pa.

Jeffrey E. Stanley ’68, Gainesville, Fla., Dec. 28, 2021. He was an Army veteran who worked in purchasing and inventory control for Bear Archery and Martin Electronics. Survivors include wife Beverly (Best ’70) Stanley.

Nancy (Bunce) Kubacka ’69, Auburn Hills, Mich., March 17, 2023.

James E. Lehman ’70, Pittsburgh, Pa., Oct. 19, 2021. He retired from US Steel.

Robert G. Shevlin ’70, East Northport, N.Y., Feb. 17, 2021. He worked with Forbes magazine in New York.

Stephen C. Wilson ’70, Topsfield, Mass., Dec. 4, 2022. He was a leader in the title insurance industry, with many years at Old Republic Title.

Michael D. Sherman ’71, Butler, Pa., Nov. 21, 2022. He had a 24-year Air Force career as a pilot and officer.

Scott G. Witmer ’71, Allentown, Pa., Jan. 31, 2021. He was president of ServiceMaster of Allentown.

Richard D. Cardarople ’72, Exeter, N.H., Nov. 20, 2022. A mechanical engineer, he worked at Parker Hannifin.

Jeffrey R. Imboden ’72, Palmyra, Pa., April 13, 2023. He was a parole agent and probation officer.

Don L. Rehl ’72, Cincinnati, Ohio, Feb. 8, 2023. The Air Force veteran had a 38-year career with the Social Security Administration.

Paul W. Balles Jr. ’74, Shoemakersville, Pa., Feb. 5, 2023. He worked as an industrial engineer.

Mary “Susan” (Hartley) Berti ’74, Mercer, Pa., Dec. 15, 2022. She worked at the Mercer Area Library for many years. Survivors include husband Edward Berti ’72

Wendy (Young) Howig ’74, Jamestown, N.Y., March 11, 2023. She was a tax accountant at the family business.

Mark A. Simms ’74, Philadelphia, Pa., Feb. 6, 2023. He was an IT consultant and a fitness enthusiast.

Rev. Dr. Francis L. Trotta ’74, Pittsburgh, Pa., Jan. 10, 2023. A pastor, he also was business manager of the New Wilmington Mission Conference.

George Hetzel Jr. ’75, Benton, Ark., Jan. 3, 2023. An IT analyst, he worked for Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield. Survivors include wife Dale (Garton ’76) Hetzel

James M. Hooven ’75, Jamestown, N.Y., Dec. 8, 2022. He worked for both Clark Supply and Spectrum Eyecare, and was a church organist.

George C. Stellrecht III ’75, Buzzards Bay, Mass., Dec. 26, 2022. He was a software engineer in the banking industry.

James R. Armstrong ’76, Jensen Beach, Fla., Feb. 7, 2023. He taught at Hilliard, Ohio, middle school, later substituting in Florida.

David E. Weikel ’76, Hickory, N.C., March 7, 2023. He practiced law for 15 years before becoming a social studies teacher and soccer coach.

Robert H. Skelton ’77, Apollo, Pa., Jan. 6, 2023. He worked for CAM RPC Electronics for 40 years.

James H. Swick ’78, Lake Worth, Fla., March 16, 2023. He taught high school and college math, winning several teaching awards.

Mark L. Fancourt ’79, Lancaster, Ohio, Dec. 29, 2022. For 37 years, he was a product shoe developer and designer.

Yvonne (Sacripant) Bland ’83, Nashville, Tenn., Jan. 22, 2023. Former Alumni Council member and parttime professor at Franklin University, she also ran an Air B&B.

Anne (Horohoe) Gaspar ’84, Hamburg, N.Y., Sept. 11, 2022. An engineer, she had worked as the northeastern regional safety manager with NRG. Survivors include husband Jon Gaspar ’83, and sister Martha Horohoe ’81

Kenneth A. Quinn ’84, Murphy, Texas, Feb. 24, 2023. He was a counselor with the Center for Biblical Counseling in Dallas.

Michael R. Kornbau ’88, Gibsonia, Pa., March 24, 2023. His financial career included American Eagle.

Phillip W. Sarver ’89, North East, Pa., April 15, 2023. He taught chemistry and coached football and soccer at North East High School.

Melanie R. Nichols ’00, Falls Church, Va., Feb. 6, 2023. She was a violinist and worked for 16 years at Potter Violins in rentals and as event coordinator.

Leslie A. Brettschneider ’09, Washington, D.C., March 15, 2023. She was a social worker and community advocate.

Friends

Dr. Harriet Parsons (later Heddendorf), professor of sociology from 1974-85 and former department chair, passed away Jan. 23, 2023, in Cedar Park, Texas.  Her late husband, Dr. Ronald Parsons, led GCC’s psychology faculty during the same years. Survivors include daughters Deborah (Parsons ’80) West and Lois (Parsons ’81) Glasgow.

The Rev. George R. Gunn Jr., Trustee Emeritus, March 8, 2023. The Navy veteran led two advertising agencies before guiding and ministering at ACTS Retirement-Life Communities. He served the College since 2002. Survivors include wife Ruth, children George Gun III ’93 and Kimberly Gunn ’95 as well as daughterin-law Amy (Smith ’93) Gunn and and grandson George Gunn IV ’26.

We will also be celebrating special reunions for Young Life, Crimson & White, Touring Choir, and Men’s Soccer.

li’l Wolverines ONCEA GROVER ... ALWAYS A GROVER

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 5 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.

To request a baby shirt, visit alumni.gcc.edu/babyshirt Send pictures to alumni@gcc.edu.

Born

Born 6-8-22

Abby

Graham Christian Demmer Born 8-12-22 Adrienne (Scrima ’16) and Scott Demmer

Malachi Nathanael Gonnella Born 9-28-21

Amanda and Paul ’13 Gonnella

Paul Robert Bowman Born 12-26-21

Lauren (Miller ’16) and David ’16 Bowman

Violet Joan Clark Born 8-14-22 Shaina (Williams ’14) and Rob ’14 Clark

Elijah Daniel Jones Born 7-12-19

Kendra and Daniel ’02 Jones

Elsie June, born 1-25-21

Annabelle Ruth, born 11-13-22

Lauren (Baker ’12) and Jonathan Hooper

Winston James and Penelope Eve Held

Born 3-18-22 and 6-23-20

(Friel ’16) and Kevin ’16 Held

Slater David Emerick Born 9-14-21

Jiprille and Tyler ’10 Emerick

Bear Matthew Gregg

Born: 4-10-22

Lauren (Rothermel ’08) and Matt ’08 Gregg

Daphne Jane Anewalt

9-5-22

Grace (Murtoff ’12) and Dustin ’13 Anewalt

Kinsley Joy Donath Born 6-4-22

Abbey (Henshaw ’15) and Jonathan Donath

Mary Michaela Fazio

Leah (McLaughlin ’08) and Mark Fazio ’98

Eliana Mabel Kertland

Born 7-2-22

Anna (Jorgenson ’17) and Michael ’17 Kertland

Samuel Eric McGraw

Born 9-12-20

Jennifer (Smilek ’02) and Eric McGraw

Elisa Mary Margit Pescatrice

Born 7-27-22

Colleen and Dominic ’15

Pescatrice

Elaria Dalaney Robert

Born 4-13-22

Dalaney (Algiere ’15) and Jeffrey Robert

DECEMBER 3 - 11, 2023 EUROPE’S HOLIDAY MARKETS CRUISE

JUNE 28 - JULY 6, 2024 NORMANDY, FRANCE

Willis Henry Robinson

Born 11-29-22

Gretchen (Follstaedt ’15) and Colin ’13 Robinson

Rita Marie Sampogna

Born 4-19-22

Patty and Matt ’01 Sampogna

JULY 10 - 20, 2024 KENYA SAFARI

Emmanuel Joseph Tavares

Born 10-29-22

Karen (Merry ’10) and Adam Tavares

Grant Jerome Vollmer

Born 9-7-22

Kristin (McCune ’08) and Mike Vollmer

Cousins Graeme Ward (left) and Theo Ward got together in Anchorage, Alaska, to ring in the new year. Graeme was born 5-19-21 to Linnea (Sudduth ’10) and Wally Ward. Theo was born 3-1322 to Alyssa (Williams ’10) and Rocky Ward. Linnea and Alyssa were roommates at GCC, remained friends, and now spend family holidays together after marrying brothers.

SEPTEMBER 18 - 26, 2024 NATIONAL PARKS OF THE SOUTHWEST

JULY 25 - AUGUST 2, 2024 COTSWOLDS, UK ESCAPE

faith & learning

Faith and learning provides a faculty perspective on the mission of Grove City College, the role of Christian scholarship in higher education and society, and the connection between faith and learning.

A Liberating Gift

By Dr. Jeffrey L. Bilbro

In the marketplace of higher education, a college diploma can become a mere consumer commodity. Students weigh its price tag against its attractive features: the cultural prestige that might attach to the purchaser; the marketable skills that might increase their lifetime earning potential; the campus amenities and experiences they might enjoy for four years. All these are private, consumer goods. But Grove City College promises its students something more: a Christian liberal arts formation that will enable them to serve the common good. Such an education is not simply a commodity but a liberating gift.

“repair the ruins of our first parents.”

Dr. Jeffrey L. Bilbro is an associate professor of English at Grove City College. He also teaches in the Humanities Core and the Writing Program. He joined the faculty in 2021. He is the author of Reading the Times: A Literary and Theological Inquiry into the News, a 2022 Christianity Today book award winner, and is an editor and contributor to The Liberating Arts: Why We Need Liberal Arts Education, to be published this fall. He is an editor at Front Porch Republic, which shares ideas about place, localism, community, decentralism, and conservation. Bilbro is also the author of Loving God’s Wildness: The Christian Roots of Ecological Ethics in American Literature, Virtues of Renewal: Wendell Berry’s Sustainable Forms, and Wendell Berry and Higher Education: Cultivating Virtues of Place with Jack Baker.

The liberal arts tradition stretches back to the classical era, and when I trace its winding lineage for my students, I emphasize that it’s an education to form free people in the arts needed to exercise their freedom well. Throughout human history, most people received various kinds of servile training: they were taught how to perform a particular task and then set to work. Free citizens need a different kind of formation, and the liberal arts name those virtues and competencies needed to live a liberated life.

If we imagine freedom simply in negative terms, it may not seem obvious that we need these arts. But freedom entails both a negative and a positive dimension: a negative freedom from constraints and a positive freedom to achieve particular goods. The political theorist Bill Cavanaugh likes to explain this distinction in terms of musical excellence. If I walk into a room with a piano and the fallboard is unlocked, no external constraints prevent me from sitting down and playing a Beethoven sonata. But if I have not disciplined myself through years of practice and training, I am not in fact free to make beautiful music. The liberal arts provide the disciplines and knowledge, the virtues and wisdom, we need to make a beautiful human life—in Christian terms, to vibrantly portray the image of God and serve his kingdom. This image has been tarnished by the fall, which is why John Milton writes that the goal of education is to

In times of scarcity or crisis, an education for freedom can seem like a luxury. Students understandably want to get the credential they desire at the lowest price and move on with their lives. In the immediate wake of COVID and the financial and social concerns it provoked, I participated in a series of conversations with educators across the country who were concerned that a narrowly pragmatic, self-centered view of education might crowd out this vision of holistic education. This fall we’re publishing a book that represents the fruit of these conversations—The Liberating Arts: Why We Need Liberal Arts Education. Twenty-five contributors respond to questions we often hear about the value of such an education: Is it elitist or racist? Is it outdated or irrelevant? Will it make me unemployable or a political liberal? Beyond responding with a resounding “no” to these concerns, we also strive to show that those who excel in these arts can wield them to liberate their neighbors, to become faithful servants in the Kingdom of God.

Let me get a bit more specific regarding what this education entails and how it forms students to pursue this lofty calling. Traditionally, the liberal arts have been defined in terms of the Trivium and the Quadrivium: the “three ways” of using words to describe and shape reality (grammar or relations among words, logic or relations among ideas, and rhetoric or relations among people) and the “four ways” of using numbers to describe and shape reality (math or pure number, geometry or number in space, music or number in time, and astronomy or number in space and time).

Grove City College’s core curriculum draws on this model. Students study relations between words in both English and a foreign language; they learn how to craft logical and persuasive arguments; they trace the history of various human cultures — the art and ideas and stories by which we have sought to define and order our relations to others and to God. Students also study math and the sciences,

in both their theoretical and applied forms, to learn the power of numbers to apprehend creation in its awesome complexity. Finally, students apprentice themselves to what Thomas Aquinas called the queen of the sciences: theology. The college has recently, in fact, bolstered the biblical and theological curricular requirement. All students, regardless of their major or intended career, receive this liberal arts formation so that they might use their more specialized training in ways that beautifully reveal the facet of the divine image with which they have been entrusted.

No longer bound by ignorance or ideology, students cultivate the arts by which we make sense of the world and judge the rightness of our work and the beauty of our lives. They learn, thus, to put their particular gifts and training in service of the common good. In this way the liberal arts liberate: they free us to live lives of generosity, of liberality. And as the etymology of the word free suggests, they free us to pursue friendship with other people and, ultimately, God. In Milton’s terms, they enable us “to love [God],

to imitate him, to be like him.”

This is indeed far more than a mere commodity purchased by an individual consumer. It’s in the service of this vision that the contemporary American author Wendell Berry urges us to resist redefining “education as ‘career preparation.’” If we do so, Berry warns, we make “it a commodity—something to be bought in order to make money. The great wrong in this is that it obscures the fact that education — real education — is free. I am necessarily well aware that schools and books have a cost that must be paid, but I am sure nevertheless that what is taught and

learned is free. … To make a commodity of it is to work its ruin, for, when we put a price on it, we both reduce its value and blind the recipient to the obligations that always accompany good gifts: namely, to use them well and to hand them on unimpaired.”

When students pay thousands of dollars to attend Grove City College, they experience understandable pressure to view their education as a private commodity. But the college invites them into a community with a rich tradition of grateful liberality. In describing the generosity of the institution’s early supporters, an 1884 “Historical Sketch” of Grove City College asks, “Will anyone deny the providence of God in thus giving an institution of learning to a people who were willing to lose sight of personal considerations that their children and their children’s children might drink at a veritable fountain of living waters?” Students who receive scholarships and who live and learn in buildings paid for by donors experience the generosity of previous generations, and they likewise receive the obligation to use the gift of a liberating education well and to hand it on unimpaired.

Similarly, as students engage in learning experiences that don’t show up on their transcripts or résumés — attending an evening lecture or concert or play, sharing a conversation and a meal at a professor’s home, helping to lead a student group, debating a big question with a roommate — students come to recognize further that their education is a liberating gift. Alexis de Tocqueville believed this rich associational life to be a bulwark against the manifold threats of tyranny; participation in free communities oriented toward a common good at college shapes students to exercise their freedom similarly in the churches and towns and civic organizations to which they will belong after they graduate. Indeed, the true fruit of a liberal arts education is enjoyed in the thriving, liberating communities sustained by people who excel in these arts. They have come to see their education not as a commodity but as a gift, a gift that enables and obliges them to seek not ultimately a career but, first and foremost, the Kingdom of God.

No longer bound by ignorance or ideology, students cultivate the arts by which we make sense of the world and judge the rightness of our work and the beauty of our lives.

Grove City College Alumni Magazine

Grove City College

100 Campus Drive

Grove City, PA 16127 www.gcc.edu

Grove City College shapes the world by developing leaders of the highest purpose and principles who serve the greater good.

Our success as a Christian liberal arts college and champion of freedom for nearly a century and a half is a milestone to embrace.

By God’s grace, Impact 150: The Anniversary Campaign for Grove City College will advance our vital mission for generations.

Together, with the help of alumni and friends, we can make an impact with lasting purpose.

YOUR GIFT MAKES OUR JOURNEY POSSIBLE. gcc.edu/Impact150