Non-ProfitOrganizationU.S. Postage

PAIDBeaver Falls, PAPermit No. 16 G

GENEVAMAGAZINE

WINTER 2014

GRADUATE PROGRAMS

GENEVA COLLEGE

AccESSiblE, AffORDAblE and ADMiRED

Driven to Succeed

Dan LaRue ’76Dan will never forget the first time he visited Geneva as a

confused teenager looking for a college home. Something

about the campus, the people and the atmosphere

resonated deeply with him. “It’s hard to explain,” he says,

but Geneva was obviously where he was meant to come.

During his high school years in Lebanon, PA, friendships

had been difficult for Dan, heightened by the swirling

social unrest pervasive in the country at the time. But when

he arrived at Geneva in 1972, Dan discovered a caring,

Christian community that was exactly what he needed.

“The healing power of the friendships I found at Geneva

made me into the person I am,” he says.

In addition to those special classmates with whom he still

keeps in touch, including Bible professor Dr. Byron Curtis ’76,

Dan credits faculty members such as Dr. Jack White ’58

for wisely guiding him through the turmoil.

Dan will also never forget how God’s hand was at work

during his college years: “The Lord is with us in all the

things we go through.” He majored in German and

Spanish, intent on becoming a missionary, but health

considerations prevented this. His interest in missions

remains, but Dan’s life work is as a 24-year (and counting)

career librarian.

Recently, Dan drafted his will and named Geneva a

beneficiary. He hopes others will “consider how Geneva

was important in their lives and give back.” If the Geneva

community has had a profound impact on your life,

consider joining Dan in making a planned gift to Geneva.

Please visit Geneva.edu/give or contact the Office of

Planned Giving at 724.847.6514.

T O D A Y

IN EVERY ISSUE2

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7

25

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32

From the President

In Brief

In Motion

In Service

Class Notes

In Conclusion

IN THIS ISSUE10

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16

Not Just Middle-of-the-Road

Adult Degree Programs— Silver Anniversary

Choosing the Right Apple

Mission Accomplished

A Tale of Two Tornadoes

Within Reach, Beyond Measure

It All Has Value

20

22

24

GWINTER 2014

Your feedback is greatly appreciated. Please send your correspondence to editor@geneva.edu or Geneva Magazine, Geneva College, 3200 College Ave., Beaver Falls, PA 15010.

EDITOR GreG Wise ’95DESIGNER Kristen LanGEDITORIAL REVIEW BOARDDr. aDeL aiKen ’75

Dr. Ken Carson ’79

Larry Griffith ’85

CheryL Johnston

Dr. Jeff Jones

Dave Layton ’88

Missy nyehoLt

rebeCCa (Carson ’85) PhiLLiPs

Dan WiLLiaMs ’07

van ZaniC ’93

CONTENTS

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ANNIVERSARY

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Driven to Succeed

14 16

Geneva Magazine is published two times per year for Geneva College alumni, donors, students and parents. It showcases the college and its con-stituencies as they strive to fulfill the college’s mission. Opinions expressed in Geneva Magazine are those of its contributors and do not necessarily represent the opinions of the editorial review board or the official position of the college.

GValue is a catchword in higher education

today—and it’s easy to appreciate

why. With so much uncertainty in the

economy, escalating costs for both

providing and obtaining a college

degree, and concern over rising

debt, students and their families

understandably want to ensure that

they will receive a solid return on their

investments. Because Geneva College

pursues its mission of equipping

students for faithful and fruitful service

in order to glorify God, those of us in

this academic community do our utmost

to offer them the best value we can.

Geneva has a long and storied history of

offering students of all types this brand

of high quality, Christ-centered education

(“Within Reach, Beyond Measure,” page

22). And lately, those whose business

is recognizing colleges and universities

for being leaders in the field are taking

notice. For 2014, U.S. News & World

Report identifies Geneva as a Top 20

North Regional College with a national

Top 100 Best Undergraduate Engineering

Program, as well as a Top 10 Best Value

School out of all North Region colleges.

In this issue of Geneva Magazine,

“Driven to Succeed: Accessible,

Affordable and Admired,” we are

pleased to share stories demonstrating

how Geneva earned this admiration.

In addition to outlining our tradition

of accessibility, there is a recap of

the Geneva Across America team’s

transcontinental ride, which raised over

$50 thousand for a new scholarship

(“Mission Accomplished,” page 16). And

that is just one of many stories in this

issue about keeping Geneva affordable.

Throughout, you will also read about the

positive impact that a Geneva education

makes on the lives of our graduates,

such as Kevin Host (“It All Has Value,”

page 24), the Martinezes (“A Tale of Two

Tornadoes, page 20), and others.

As the landscape of higher education

continues to change, I hope for Geneva

to thrive. For only through flourishing

can we best prepare our graduates to be

successful in their kingdom building. So

please pray for the Lord’s blessing and

wisdom on the Geneva community as we

look for the best methods of continuing

these traditions.

In His Service,

Dr. Ken Smith ’80

President

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from the president

Stay in touch with President Smith by friending him at facebook.com/genevaprez.

VALUE

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in briefCAMPUS NEWS

High value has always been an objective at Geneva College, which strives to provide students the best academics possible for an affordable cost. Several recent studies highlight the college’s effectiveness in pursuing this goal.

The 2014 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges ranked Geneva as a Top 10 Best Value School in the North Region. The organization’s metric compared academic quality with the 2012-13 net cost of attendance for students receiving the average level of need-based financial aid. The same report also placed Geneva at number 17 in the Top 20 Regional Colleges in the North geographical group.

Furthermore, one of the programs behind Geneva’s consistent value was singled out by the U.S. News & World Report. The

engineering program reached the Top 100 Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs rankings. Accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, Geneva’s engineering program has received this recognition for the second successive year, and hopes to continue building premium value for the college in years to come.

In addition, AffordableCollegesOnline.org (AC Online), a resource for college affordability and financial aid information, took a look at Geneva’s focus on value. The organization placed Geneva on its Highest Return on Investment Colleges in Pennsylvania list. Four-hundred and two schools were analyzed, and out of the 81 schools ranked, Geneva placed in the top 45.

For more information about the value of a Geneva education, visit Geneva.edu/excellence.

Geneva receives national recognition for quality of education.

VALUE

One thing has existed through the many changes at Geneva College over the past 135 years—the student newspaper. In 1878, the first issue of The Geneva Cabinet rolled off the printing press as a monthly magazine. The publication described itself as “Twelve pages of fine print, with bristling editorials, interesting personals, and valuable selected articles.”

From the beginning, The Cabinet has been a source of happenings on campus, as well as a venue for student opinions. When a dormitory for women was built in 1888, The Cabinet remarked on the “seclusion of women” and the poor quality of the dormitory food. Early discussions also included library hours, the improvement of the campus’s appearance with the addition of janitors and editorials regarding U.S. involvement in World War I.

The Cabinet recently underwent a significant transformation when Editor-in-Chief Joel Shannon headed efforts to launch GenevaVoice (GenevaVoice.com). This website brings together student-created content from a variety of sources. Joel feels that this is an effective way to reach a larger audience, and also track how much attention each article generates. Another convenience is the ability of staff writers to cover events as they happen and publish articles immediately.

Feedback on the website has been positive, especially from alumni who are now regularly able to stay connected with campus news. But that doesn’t mean that the print version will disappear anytime soon. Joel reports that some students and staff prefer to have a physical copy to read: “There’s just something satisfying about it.”

Along with the Adult Degree Programs,the Center for Urban Biblical Ministries (CUBM) also celebrated an anniversary in 2013—25 years of fruitful ministry in the Greater Pittsburgh area.

The celebration featured Dr. Cleophus J. LaRue, Princeton Theological Seminary’s Francis Landey Patton Professor of Homiletics. LaRue specializes in African-American preaching and worship styles and speaks frequently across the country.

Also featured was the premier of The CUBM Story, a program history written by Assistant Director Dr. John Stanko. He writes, “CUBM has provided a wonderful model in the city of what can happen when people cross all kinds of boundaries—neighborhood, ethnic and denominational—to work toward a common goal.”

Since 1988, Geneva College and CUBM have partnered to provide urban students a Christ-centered education. Students can earn an Associate of Arts degree in Christian ministry, business administration or human services. These degrees are designed for individuals aspiring to be future urban-church leaders. Possibilities are open to continue education at Geneva upon completion.

CUBM is housed within the Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary in Pittsburgh. For more information, visit cubm.org.

Center for Urban Biblical Ministries (CUBM) celebrates 25th anniversary.

The Cabinet celebrates 135 years.

GENEVA COLLEGE1 2 3

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2013GENEVA COLLEGEHomEcom Ng

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1 The Rock 2 5K Walk/Run for breast cancer awareness 3, 9 Fun for Little Golden Tornadoes 4 Class of 1998 Reunion 5 President Smith ’80 with Distinguished Service Award winner Dave Layton ’88, AVP for Enrollment 6 Morgan Men Reunion 7 The GTs take the field! 8 Homecoming king and queen married couple Kyle and Molly Beckhusen 10 President Smith with Distinguished Service Award winner Charles Hartzell ’63, Ph.D. 11, 16 Students cheer on the GTs 12 Student Ministry Reunion 13 Class of 2003 Reunion 14, 17, 19, 20 Alumni connect around campus 15 Music on Memorial Lawn 18 Genevans Concert in the College Hill RP Church 21 The College Hill Festival

Mark your calendars for Homecoming 2014!

ocTobER 11

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Geneva College announces Jonathan Dodd ’05 as its new International Admissions Counselor. Dodd will be doing a mix of marketing, traveling, counseling and networking around the world to identify prospective students. He will also walk them through the application process and help prepare them for living in the United States.

“My overall goals for the position are to recruit international students to come to Geneva and to help them succeed as ambassadors for their countries and for the Kingdom,” says Dodd. “I want to see them excel in their studies, their relationships, to grow in their walk with the Lord, and for the Geneva community to benefit from their presence on campus.”

The aim of International Student Services is to enable foreign students, missionary kids and other students coming from outside of the U.S. to be comfortable and successful at Geneva. Students receive academic, immigration and personal guidance in an atmosphere that encourages their adjustment to a new culture.

Dodd has a B.A. from Geneva College in writing. After graduation, he spent a total of three years in China. One was spent in Beijing at the 21st Century School, where he taught English as a Foreign Language (EFL) classes to Chinese kindergarten students and worked with Chinese teachers to develop curriculum and lesson plans that introduced Western teaching methods. A few years later, he went back to Harbin, China, at Heilongjilang East College as the Head Foreign Teacher, where he was for two years.

Most recently, Dodd worked as a relocation specialist for American International Relocation Solutions in Pittsburgh.

Geneva names International Admissions Counselor.

DR. RALPH ANCIL, Professor of Economics, published “Humane Economy versus Economism” in Humanitas and “Wilhelm Roepke as Front Porch Economist” at Front Porch Republic (frontporchrepublic.com).

DR. ELIZABETH BELCASTRO, Assistant Professor of Education, co-wrote “The power of verbal scaffolding: ‘Showing’ beginning readers how to use reading strategies,” which was published in Early Childhood Education Journal. She also co-presented “Marching to the Beat of My Own Drum” at the Pennsylvania Council for Exceptional Children.

DR. LUTITIA (MYLES ’75) CLIPPER (MSOL ’00), Adjunct Professor of Leadership Studies, was honored by the Shale Media Group (SMG) at the inaugural Women in Natural Gas Awards (W.I.N.G.).

DR. JOHN GALLO ’92 (MSOL ’00), Dean of Graduate, Adult and Online Programs, published “You lead; I’ll follow: Why followership is such a dirty word” in Engage Magazine.

DR. GREGORY JONES ’05, Instructor of History and Humanities, completed his Ph.D. in history at Kent State University.

DR. JAMES MATTA, Assistant Professor of Psychology, Counseling and Human Services, was re-appointed by Governor Tom Corbett to a second term on the State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors.

DR. DENISE MURPHY-GERBER, Associate Professor of Business, gave a presentation on international marketing to a local chapter of Kiwanis International.

DR. KAREN (MAKOWKSI ’79) SCHMALZ, Professor of Education, presented ‘Writing Quality IEPs” at McGuire Memorial School.

DR. YVONNE TROTTER, Associate Professor of Education, published “The Call to Advocacy” in Teachers of Vision.

DR. RODNEY AUSTIN, Associate Professor of Chemistry, and DR. MARIO OYANADER, Associate Professor of Engineering, along with several students, presented “Analysis of select metals in Beaver River sediment” at the Student Symposium on the Environment.

DRS. SCOTT SHIDEMANTLE, BYRON CURTIS ’76 and JONATHAN WATT, Professors of Bible, led a group of 31 students and alumni on a two-week trip to Israel and Jordan.

Kudos

7

in motionATHLETIC NEWS

Geneva College’s Athletic Department named Dr. Piper Kilpatrick ’05 as Head Team Physician at the beginning of this academic year. Piper brings a wealth of fine-tuned sports medicine expertise, complimenting Geneva’s already stellar athletic training staff. And he has travelled a unique and adventurous road on the way back to his alma mater.

Piper, the son of Geneva professors Drs. Paul ’71 and Shirley (Langford ’74) Kilpatrick, received his undergraduate degree in chemistry with a minor in biology. After graduation, he enrolled in St. George’s University School of Medicine in True Blue, Grenada, where he earned his medical degree in sports medicine. After his time abroad, Piper moved back to Western Pennsylvania for a residency at Pittsburgh’s UPMC Saint Margaret Hospital. Topping off his extensive medical training, he also participated in a Sports Medicine Fellowship at UPMC Shadyside, partnering with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Robert Morris University and Mt. Lebanon High School. Subsequent to experiencing the field of sports medicine in so many unique scenarios, Piper was hired by ASP Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, through which Geneva contracts him.

So what does being Head Team Physician entail? In Piper’s words, “The day-to-day care is still managed primarily by the onsite athletic trainers. My job deals with the managerial aspects

by Caleb MusselM an ’12

Time to Pay the Piper

of the athletic training room, as well as any unique or severe athletic injuries that require special medical attention.”

Lisa Karlinsey, Geneva’s Head Athletic Trainer, is thrilled to have Piper join her in working with student-athletes: “He wants to be very involved here at Geneva, and we couldn’t be happier about his enthusiasm and expertise. Having him on our staff gives us an immediate connection to our own doctoral care, and that is a very special commodity at the Division III level.”

In Piper’s eyes, the role of Head Team Physician for a collegiate institution is a very natural and appropriate career progression. “My Sports Medicine Fellowship at UPMC was specifically designed to prepare us for a team physician role with a sports organization,” he says. “My experience with Robert Morris and the Pittsburgh Penguins was invaluable as I transitioned into my new role at Geneva.”

As Geneva’s Athletic Department continues to strive for excellence on the field and on the court, Piper is pleased to be part of that journey toward success. “It is special to work for the program that I have had such a close connection with in the past as a student-athlete. It has been a great experience to begin working in an environment where many relationships have already been created and can now be cultivated at a professional level.”

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in motion

2013 Fall Athletic Wrap-Up

The fall 2013 accomplishments of Geneva student-athletes did not disappoint those looking for stand-out performances. Golden Tornado football, volleyball, men’s soccer, women’s soccer, tennis and cross country teams all received high honors during the season of competition in the Presidents’ Athletic Conference (PAC).

Members of the football team were decorated with 15 all-conference honors and shattered single game, season and career school records. Rocco Colavecchia, Dillon Goodell, Mike Underwood, Montias Jackson, Tim Martin, Zack Hayward, Lemuel Fuller, Brandon Martin, Dylan Jones, Brett Alberti, John Onufer, Ed Schusuter, Rashad Briscoe and Zachery Taylor made up Geneva’s 2013 All-Conference award winners. In addition to his All-PAC Second Team award, first-year player Tim Martin received the 2013 PAC Newcomer Award for his tremendous freshman campaign: Martin led the league in both interceptions (6) and passes defended (20), ranked second in all of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division III in passes defended per game (2.0), and made the PAC Scholar-Athlete list. For the second straight season, senior linebacker Dillon Goodell led the PAC in tackles with 108, and was also honored with the PAC Scholar-Athlete award. Quarterback Zack Hayward dominated the single-game record book setting the top four single-game passing records. Also etching his name record book, senior all-purpose offensive threat Rocco Colavecchia visited the end zone an outstanding 23 times as a rusher, passer and receiver with 294 rushing yards and 535 receiving yards. Colavecchia also broke the career points record previously held by Gerard Muschette, compiling 292 career points during his three years as a Golden Tornado.

The volleyball team continued its tradition of success, finishing second in the conference and taking five All-Conference honors and six slots in the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA). And the small senior class of Deanna Briody and Ashley Davis finished the season stronger than ever. Briody reset Brandi Snavely’s 2002 career assists record of 3,690 to 4,424. Powerhouse outside hitter Davis grabbed the spotlight among national competitors in being selected as the first student-athlete in Geneva’s history to be named the Sports Imports/American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Division III Women’s Player of the Week. Davis obtained a 5.17 kill, 2.83 dig-a-set average while serving seven aces equaling a .401 hitting percentage after a stainless 4-0 week facing Washington & Jefferson, Thomas More, Waynesburg and Grove City. While leading the Golden Tornadoes to a 22-10 overall record, Davis finished as number one in the conference in overall kills (395) and kills per game (3.76). In addition, Briody earned the PAC Scholar-Athlete award by achieving a 4.0 GPA, and Davis was awarded First Team NCAA Division III Academic All-District honors from Capital One College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA), one of only six from Pennsylvania.

by CHRIsT y leaR ’11

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On the women’s soccer field, sophomore Heidi Mann was awarded the title of PAC Scholar-Athlete and was selected for the prestigious Women’s Soccer First Team NCAA Division III Academic All-District honors from Capital One CoSIDA, one of only12 from Pennsylvania to receive this honor. In only her second season, Mann finished the regular season ranked seventh in the PAC in points, with six goals and five assists, while maintaining a remarkable 3.96 GPA.

In men’s soccer, the team earned its third consecutive trip to PAC post-season play. Four student-athletes were given all-conference honors: Garrett Masters, Jeremey Troutman, Bryan Butler and Jesse Herman. Troutman was named to the 2013 NSCAA/Continental Tire NCAA Division III Men’s All-Great Lakes Region Third Team and the NCCAA East Region Team. In addition, the program was honored with the National Soccer Coaches Association (NSCAA) Team Academic Award for its 3.24 team GPA.

Geneva’s tennis team capitalized on its history of success. Geneva’s 2013 third-place finish was the program’s highest in the PAC Championship Tournament. The team earned a doubles runner-up finish (Brittany Kress and Courtney Light) along with two singles second-place finishes (Christine Bullock and Kress). In addition, three student-athletes—Brittany Kress, Courtney Light and Megan Hinds—earned NCCAA Player of the Week honors.

In cross country action, Alayna Merkle finished second out of 93 conference runners in the women’s 6K at the PAC Championships, with a 22:46.40 final time. This is the highest PAC finish ever for a Geneva cross country runner.

Overall, 55 fall-sport student-athletes committed to working hard in the classroom and achieved at least a 3.6 GPA during the semester. Geneva is proud to be part of the lives of these student-athletes as they worked heartily “as working for the Lord” (Colossians 3:23).

Robert N. Peirce Jr. ’59 knows that completing an education within

middle-income means can sometimes be difficult considering our

current economic atmosphere. “If a student is really bright, there

are scholarships for that, and if a student is experiencing significant

economic struggles, there is financial aid for that,” he states.

However, the students who fall in the middle often end up with

less monetary aid. And those students are the ones for whom

the Peirce Family Foundation was established.

The Peirce Foundation Scholarship, first launched in 1999, is

aimed at students from middle-income families. A total of $100,000

is offered each year, and Geneva provides a list of candidates who

come from middle-income families in the tri-state area and have

above-average grades. The scholarship provides recipients half

of their financial aid as a grant, and half as an interest-free loan

to be repaid within five years of graduation.

Robert’s own experience inspired him, along with his wife Joan,

to found the Peirce Family Foundation. His education was also

aided through monetary benefits. “I attended Geneva on a partial

scholarship and attended Duquesne Law School on a loan,”

Robert further explains. “This is a way of giving back.”

The recipients of the Peirce Foundation Scholarship, the number

of which can vary on a yearly basis but averages 15 to 20 per year,

are grateful for the opportunities that the foundation provides.

“I am so blessed to have been involved in the grant!” exclaims

Peirce Foundation Scholarship recipient and junior psychology

major Elaine Smith. “I know that without the generosity of people

like this in the world, I would never be able to get the education that

I need to follow my passion for therapy and serve God in this way.”

This freedom goes beyond the ability to pursue a chosen major, as

senior music business major Isaac Fritsch clarifies. By easing the

financial burden of tuition, the scholarship is allowing Isaac to go

on the once-in-a-lifetime, May 2014 mission trip to the Philippines

with Geneva College’s student choir, The Genevans. “This grant has

made the difference in my ability to pursue all that I have wished

to pursue,” he says.

Another goal of this scholarship is to aid students who may

have fallen through the cracks of other financial aid packages

because of hardship.

Not JuSt Middle-of-the-Roadby ada M Rowe ’14

GRANT

INTEREST-FREE LOAN

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“Due to losing my father in high school, my family hit some hard

times financially,” senior business major Justin Fink says. “Because of

this, I am paying my own way through college. The Peirce Foundation

Scholarship is phenomenal because of the amount of money given

without any interest on the loan end of the agreement.”

Throughout their time at Geneva College, the myriad recipients

of the scholarship have all demonstrated one similar trait, best

summed up by the thanks of elementary education major Lydia

Steele. “I’m honored and thankful to have received this prestigious

award,” she says of the Peirce Foundation Scholarship, before

explaining its benefit. “Earning this award has taught me to be

determined to reach the unreachable and never give up. I’ve

learned that with diligence, hard work and patience, anything

is attainable.”

Diligence and dedication define the scholarship recipients over

the years: out of the over 200 recipients since the scholarship’s

inception, only one graduate has failed to repay the loan. “Some

people are very successful,” Robert adds, “and we enjoy hearing

from them.”

Robert’s own success lies in the fields of law and politics. Having

attended Duquesne Law School after graduating from Geneva, he G

built a career practicing law. He then served from 1975 to 1979

as the Allegheny County Commissioner, and still practices law at

Robert Peirce and Associates, a firm of 11 lawyers run by his son.

Although Geneva has changed significantly since Robert’s graduation

with a business administration degree in 1959—“It was a commuter

school then”—the quality of the education provided has not. And now,

through his family’s foundation, many more middle-income Geneva

students each year experience this same rigorous and affordable

Christ-centered education.

“This is a way of giving back.”

GRANT

In 2013, Geneva College’s Adult Degree Programs, which

offers both classroom-based and fully online majors, celebrated

25 years of helping adult students earn bachelor’s degrees. On

October 24, 1988, the first group of students gathered in the

basement of the College Hill Reformed Presbyterian Church

for class with Dr. Harry Farra, the primary faculty member of

what was then known as the Degree Completion Program.

Three other respected professors joined Farra in offering one

off-campus and three on-campus classes that inaugural year—

Peter Croisant, Dr. Howard Mattsson-Bozé and Dr. James Sterrett.

The Degree Completion Program was administered by Robert

Hough, Emeritus Dean of Adult and Continuing Education.

Regarding this milestone celebration, he says, “Who could ever

have guessed what God hath wrought with this adult program

at the end of 25 years as an integral part of a Geneva education

all across Western Pennsylvania.”

Hough attributes much of the success of the program, recently

renamed Adult Degree Programs, to the “never-ending support

and encouragement” of Dr. Jim Boelkins, then Vice President

of Academic Affairs.

“Without a question the program has had a significant impact

on both Geneva and the many adult students who achieved a

dream of completing a college degree,” adds Boelkins.

Boelkins also acknowledges the contributions of others “who

believed in the value and importance of adult education”:

“… delivering a rigorous Christian education program in places and times that are accessible to working adults still drives what we do from day to day.”

adult degRee PRogRaMS— a SilveR aNNiveRSaRyby GReG wIse ’95

25ANNIVERSARY

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Virginia (Montini ’68) Caldwell, Dr. James Dittmar ’76, Joann

Doedyns (ADP ’97, MSOL ’00) and Andrea Korcan-Buzza ’74.

From its humble beginnings two-and-a-half decades ago, the

Adult Degree Programs has expanded to offer three in-demand

majors in a fully online format—Organizational Leadership,

Human Resources and Christian Ministry Leadership—and

four in an evening classroom format at 11 convenient locations

across Western Pennsylvania—Human Resources, Organizational

Development, Human Services and Christian Ministry Leadership.

Over that span, more than 3,000 students have earned their

bachelor’s degrees from Geneva through the program.

Current Director of the Adult Degree Programs Dr. Ralph

Phillips ’71 says, “Sure, many details have changed along the

way, but the basic idea of delivering a rigorous Christian

education program in places and times that are accessible to

working adults still drives what we do from day to day.”

So even though the program has grown significantly over the

course of 25 years, students completing degrees in both formats

still receive personal attention and support from Geneva professors,

resulting in an impressive graduation rate that is consistently

above the average.

To find out more about the Adult Degree Programs, visit Geneva.edu/adultdegree.

JohN gallo Dean of Graduate, Adult and Online Programs

John Gallo ’92 (MSOL ’00) has been promoted to the position of

Dean of Graduate, Adult and Online Programs, having previously

served Geneva as Program Director of several Adult Degree

Programs and the point person in establishing online programs

and courses. In his new role, John will oversee Geneva’s non-

traditional programs, with the primary goal of increasing

enrollment in these important programs.

In addition to his administrative responsibilities, John has

regularly taught in both the adult and traditional undergraduate

programs. For his high level of performance as an Assistant

Professor, he received Geneva’s 2012 Excellence in

Teaching Award.

Provost Dr. Ken Carson ’79 says, “John is well positioned for this

leadership responsibility. Over the last two years, he has quietly

and competently assumed a leadership role in the college’s online

initiatives, and I look forward to working with him in this

new capacity.”

John earned his bachelor’s in sociology and master’s in

organizational leadership, both from Geneva. In addition, he

received an MBA from Northcentral University in 2010. Before

returning to Geneva as an Adult Degree Programs director in

2007, John gained administrative experience as Executive Director/

CEO of Healthy Home Resources, Admissions Director at Bluefield

College, and Executive Director of the Beaver Initiative for

Growth. He is also a Ruling Elder in the Presbyterian Church

of America (PCA).

Regarding his plans for his new role, John says:

ANNIVERSARY

TH

As I think about the future of higher education, I see

incredible change on the horizon. In the past, Geneva has

been responsive to the needs of working adults through the

creation of the Adult Degree Programs, and then the development of

graduate degrees. Recently, we recognized the need of some

adult students to be able to complete their degrees online.

However, demographics change, the skill set and degrees that

industries demand changes, and the ability of students to complete

their degree changes. It is my hope that Geneva College will

continue to be responsive to its environment, to create innovative

programs that reach new populations of students and equip

them for the demands of the 21st Century. But most importantly,

to do all these things from a decidedly Christian perspective

that furthers Geneva’s mission and glorifies God.

There is incredible change ahead of us, but at Geneva College,

we know who holds the future. I am looking forward to working

with talented faculty, staff, and administration in these areas

to make our adult, graduate and online programs the best they

can be.

14

chooSiNg the Right aPPleby a M anda (K asK al avICH ’06) Fl InneR

Some say you can’t put a price on education, but people

struggling to pay for college know better. You can, and it’s

often a big one.

But the good news is that an education at Geneva is affordable.

And no one knows that better than John Westurn, because

practically no one has researched the topic better. As an alumnus

of Minnesota’s Northwestern College, John not only knows

the financial cost of a Christian education, but also

knows its invaluable worth.

“I had been a believer maybe less than a year when I decided to

go to a Christian school, and that was instrumental in shaping my

faith, shaping who I am,” says John, who now serves as Executive

Pastor at Pathway Church in Beaver Falls. “My whole thought

process and worldview was shaped because of the Christian

school, so my wife and I had really wanted, if possible,

to have that for our kids.”

He hit the college pamphlets hard and crunched numbers ’til

they would crunch no more, determined to find his kids, Josh

and Rachel, the best education that would leave them with the

least amount of debt. The results were shocking. Keeping loans in

mind, the price difference between Geneva and other schools—

including local Penn State Beaver—was negligible.

“Apples to apples,” John explains. “That was probably the eye-

opener. When I started doing my homework and comparing

tuition, minus the scholarships, then it became a no-brainer.”

Admittedly, it took a while for John to open his eyes to Geneva.

He had lived in Minnesota for 40 years and never heard of the

school until moving to the area six years ago. It didn’t take long

to meet up with loyal Geneva followers. Several staff members

and students attend Pathway Church and would plant a bug

in John’s ear when he began his college search for his two

youngest children (he also has an older daughter, Melanie).

He didn’t doubt that Geneva was a worthy choice, but he

assumed the cost would be too high to consider and, frankly, it

was so close to home that he almost overlooked it. “The prophet

is never honored in his own country,” so to speak. He and his

wife, Michele, had always imagined sending their kids away to

school so that they could each stand on their own two feet and

soak in the college experience. How would they fare with going

to a school that was in driving distance from their home

with mom and dad?

Very well, actually. Standing on their own two feet? Try running.

Josh, a senior majoring in psychology and minoring in ministry, is

practically dripping with school spirit. “You name it, he’s probably

done it,” John laughs.

This includes everything from intramural sports to volunteer

work at Tiger Pause, a local youth ministry program. And he

doesn’t plan on slowing down after graduation this summer. He’s

getting married in June and hopes to enter the ministry like his

dad. But John points out that it was Professor of Biblical Studies

Dr. Terry Thomas who helped foster a love of ministry in Josh.

“I don’t think we expected the individual attention from some

of the professors,” John says. “We were surprised with the amount

of personal interaction and genuine care for the students.”

Rachel, a sophomore communications major, had the same

experience. She was feeling down when she arrived at the

campus’s Summer Preview. She hadn’t picked a major and was

worried she wouldn’t know what to choose. Then in swept

Professor of Communications Jeff Schindel like a Golden Tornado.

Rachel confided her wish to become a wedding planner

and he introduced her to the world of public relations.

She took one look at PR, and sparks flew.

The Westurns: Rachel, Michele, Josh, John (l-r)

15

“I declared my major in PR that day, and I absolutely love it!”

Rachel exclaims. “Jeff has been a wonderful advisor, helping me to

plan out my schedules to allow me to graduate a semester early,

as well as just really being encouraging every step of the way. I

love Geneva so much mainly because I love my major!” She hopes

to find an internship at a PR firm this summer to see what her

“big girl job” will look like.

Even John and Michele have been drawn into the Geneva

vortex. As leaders of Pathway’s college ministry, their own home

has become a haven for student life away from the campus as

they host over 50 students every week. The church also offers

internship positions, many of them occupied by Geneva students.

In October, they even joined the school’s new Parent Advisory

Council to help answer questions and guide curious parents

through the Geneva experience.

“I don’t think people know how valuable a Geneva education really

is, particulary related to the whole worldview of what it means to

be a follower of Christ,” John says. “I think they do a great job with

students, to help them think from a biblical standpoint.”

As far as advice goes, John encourages parents to pray fervently

for their kids and to be careful to not underestimate or

undervalue the role of Christian education. He warns: “With as

many kids and people who are leaving their faith during their

college years, many are seeing that the public universities and

the secular universities are doing a great job of trying to inundate

and almost help kids sway away from their Christian faith.”

On the cost end, he tells them to know their financial situation

and do their research. It might be as simple as choosing an apple,

but the nourishment will last a lifetime.

“We were surprised with the amount of personal interaction and genuine care for the students.”

G

“…our humble initial goal of $25,000 to start the new scholarship was more than doubled …”

15

“…our humble initial goal of $25,000 to start the new scholarship was more than doubled …”

by dR . MIKe looMIs, dean oF sTudenT developMenT

18

G

Over a year ago, we announced the opportunity for

an epic adventure, Geneva Across America (GAA)—a

more-than-3,600 mile bicycle trip across the county. The

objectives for GAA were pretty simple: experience Christian

community through adventure education; spread the name

of Geneva College from coast to coast; take on the personal

challenge of riding a bicycle across the United States; and,

finally, raise money for a new endowed scholarship. At this

time I am happy to report, mission accomplished!

The team of nine riders trained over 11,670 miles, and

then rode for nine weeks, through 14 states, covering 3,654

miles—from San Francisco, CA, to Bethany Beach, DE. We

battled through wind, rain, snow, cold as little as 35 degrees

and as hot as 106 degrees. We saw awesome vistas, met some

incredible people, worshipped in a variety of churches,

encouraged other riders on the road and enjoyed the

company of a very intergenerational team.

By way of reminder, each of our riders paid their own

expenses for the trip which enabled us to place all of

the money raised into the scholarship fund. We were also

assisted by 25 corporate donors that gave to the scholarship

fund or donated products to the team. In the end, our

humble initial goal of $25,000 to start the new scholarship

was more than doubled as the team was able to raise in

excess of $52,000…praise God!

GAA stands for Geneva Across America. As I continue to

reflect on this trip, I have discovered that GAA also stands

for: Grateful—for so much support from the college, family,

friends, corporations and contributors, strangers, and, most

of all, God; Awestruck—at the majesty of God’s creation, by

the beauty of our great nation; and Amazed—at the way it

all came together and the fact that we completed this

epic adventure!

MiSSioN accoMPliShed

bob CollIns

“This was a personal goal made even better by the opportunity to help Geneva.”

beCK y Case (M aHe’07)

“I was excited about promoting Geneva and making it possible for more students to pay for college.”

J IM andRews ’76

“I did it because it was for Geneva, and because I would be riding with like- minded people.”

CHRIsT y CoulTeR (MaHe ’12)

“The lord provided an incredible opportunity, and it is a true joy to see the ways he is using the ripples created by this scholarship ride to bring Him glory and to bless Geneva.”

13

It is my pleasure to announce the answer to this question posed by President Ken Smith ’80. We are happy to present the inaugural Geneva Across America—Pennsylvania! On June 24, 2014, we will gather in Erie, PA, and ride south to Morgantown, WV, from June 25–28. Geneva invites students, staff, faculty, alumni and friends of the college to ride together as we cross the Commonwealth. GAA—PA will cover some 350 miles over four days and give riders a great taste of tour cycling. Prizes will be awarded at various levels of fundraising and, just like last summer, each rider will pay the $400 cost so that all money raised will go straight to the scholarship fund! Mark your calendars now, and look for details and registration information at Geneva.edu/GAA.

“So what’s next?”

20

Brittany felt right at home at Geneva College after coming from a

small Christian-school background. Plus the financial aid package

made Geneva more affordable than other colleges to which she

applied. And once she was here, Brittany excelled.

No less than a year after graduating, Brittany is pursuing her

doctorate in neuroscience through a highly selective, five-year

paid Ph.D. program at Penn State Hershey College of Medicine.

And she’s thankful that her undergraduate education prepared

her well for this path.

Originally a biology major, Brittany switched to biopsychology

after taking an introductory psychology course. “I became

fascinated with the underlying biology of psychological disorders,

diseases and behaviors,” she reflects.

She applied to seven graduate schools, including Penn State

Hershey, which is where biology professor Dr. Brian Yowler had

done his graduate work. He was helpful in preparing her for the

application and interview process. She made it to the last round

of interviews with two other candidates, but only one spot

was available.

After a few days of waiting and a lot of prayer, Brittany received

the news that she had been accepted. “I was extremely excited,”

she shares. “My husband Kevin was able to get a great job nearby,

so I just felt that God was putting everything perfectly into place.”

Now, one semester into the doctorate program, Brittany reports

that things are going well.

She also expresses that her experience at Geneva was invaluable.

She worked campus jobs, and says that her position as an intern

in the Events Office provided her with the necessary professional

skills for graduate school, including managing her time.

Furthermore, Brittany is grateful for the relationships she

cultivated: “The friends I made at Geneva will always be some of

the best friends I have ever had, and I think that Geneva provided

the environment for us to become close on both a personal and

spiritual level.”

Brittany concludes, “The education I received from Geneva was a

wonderful blessing that provided me with a clearer perspective

on the world and how we as Christians are to play a role in

showing Christ to others. Geneva truly challenged me to do

better and has helped to bring me to where I am today.”

a tale of two toRNadoeSby R ICHaRd louTHeR ’15

BRittaNy (SteRliNg ’13) MaRtiNez

“I just felt that God was putting every- thing perfectly into place.”

G

21

Many college students are focused solely on their

academic responsibilities. However a few, like

Kevin, are called to serve their country as well. Kevin graduated

from Geneva with a computer science major and was also

a member of the U.S. Army Reserve.

Though being both a student and a soldier was not easy, Kevin

believes that the experience was worth the extra effort. While

he was not deployed during his time in college, for which he is

thankful, he did take off the first semester of his sophomore year

for training. But Kevin was determined to graduate in four years,

so he took classes over Christmas break and even took 22 credits

one summer.

Kevin became interested in computer programming while in high

school. This interest was sparked when he began using MySpace,

a social networking site that allows users to edit profiles using

HTML. Kevin pursued programming further by taking a class on

HTML and FLASH animation, and studying at a vo-tech school

during his senior year of high school.

After visiting both Geneva and a larger university, Kevin realized

that he wanted to have professors who knew him and did not

see him as just a face in a classroom. After testing out a few

majors, Kevin settled on a major in computer science with

a concentration in Web technology.

And despite all of his commitments as a student and a soldier,

Kevin remained very involved in campus activities. He was a

multicultural educator for the Multicultural Student Services

Office, and worked with prospective students as a student

ambassador. In addition, he had an internship with Geneva’s

Events Office, just as his future wife Brittany.

Kevin and Brittany met and started dating during their freshman

year. Though it was difficult when Kevin went to basic training

during the fall of their sophomore year, they both feel that it

made their relationship stronger. After dating for two-and-half

years, Kevin proposed to Brittany in front of a large part of the

student body during Geneva’s Tenth Avenue North concert—

her favorite band—and they were married in June 2013.

Currently, Kevin works as a Network Engineer and IT Consultant

for RKL eSolutions. He feels that he was well prepared for

the position: “Due to the nature of my job, being able to

understand software and web applications greatly helps my

recommendations as I consult with my clients.”

KeviN MaRtiNez ’13

G

“... the experience was worth the effort.”

by GReG wIse ’95

22

Throughout its more-than-165 year history, Geneva College has

remained committed to providing a Christ-centered education

that is not only high quality, but also available to students from

all backgrounds. Although the school’s founding in 1848 was

similar to most American colleges established in the mid-

nineteenth century, this unique charge soon set the institution

apart from its contemporaries. And since opening its doors

on Thursday, April 20, 1848, Geneva’s dedication to educating

students without regard to gender, race or creed has earned

the college a well deserved reputation for accessibility.

As with individuals from many denominations, Reformed

Presbyterians decided to create an institution to prepare their

children for pursuing their chosen professions and leading

faithful Christian lives. But while many colleges, especially

private ones in the Northeast, became increasingly exclusive by

focusing on the wealthy, Geneva heeded God’s call to serve the

broader community with quality programs. A Geneva education,

therefore, was not only for the then-typical young, white male

students, but was also offered to women, African Americans

and adults long before this became standard practice.

For example, only three years after opening its doors, Geneva

established a Female Seminary. Just as noteworthy, considering

societal norms, by all accounts this program provided women an

education comparable to the one offered to men. And in 1865,

Geneva became a fully co-educational institution.

Around the same time Rev. John McCartney, one of the owners

of Geneva Hall—the college’s original building in Northwood,

Ohio—proposed that Geneva open itself to freed slaves from the

South. As noted in Dr. David Carson’s popular written history of

Geneva, Pro Christo et Patria, McCartney “was deeply moved

by the plight of the freedmen in the South, no longer slaves, but

without education, without leadership, and often without the

gospel.” This was an uncommon practice in the post-Civil War

period but, again, Geneva put its commitment to accessibility

into practice.

Throughout the twentieth century, Geneva expanded offerings

to meet vocational needs and provide access to educational

programs that could promote upward social and economic

mobility. Training for teachers that met the rising public school

standards was added and the school calendar was adjusted so that

teachers could attend special classes. In 1920, Geneva established

the Department of Engineering, which is now recognized as

one of the Top 100 programs in the nation by U.S. News &

World Report. The creation of the Department of Business

Administration soon followed.

In addition, H.W. Wylie, who came to Geneva in 1909 as the

head of the education department, began an Extension Program

that helped many students achieve a college education. Wylie’s

description in the 1921 Genevan shows that the program

attracted students from a variety of backgrounds, including

“day laborers, office workers, school supervisors, Sunday School

workers, clerks, librarians, housewives.” The Extension Program,

which became increasingly popular following World War II,

provided a path for thousands of working-class people and

veterans to earn degrees over the decades.

As the twenty-first century approached, Geneva addressed the

needs of the growing population of adult students with the

Degree Completion Program, now known as the Adult Degree

Programs (see “Adult Degree Programs—A Silver Anniversary” on

page 12). As with the Extension Program, Geneva endeavored to

make college education available to non-traditional students by

offering classes at convenient times and locations. Most recently,

the Adult Degree Programs extended Geneva’s influence even

further through the addition of fully online majors.

“… committed to providing a Christ- centered education that is not only high quality, but also avail- able to students from all backgrounds.”

withiN Reach, BeyoNd MeaSuRe

23

G

Fall 2013 Spring 2015

Geneva Freezes Tuition in 2014-2015

A Commitment to an AFFORdAbLE Geneva Education

To this day, the pledge to serve

the students whom God sends to

Geneva extends to all graduate and

undergraduate programs. While

academic performance is an important

factor in making admissions decisions,

other considerations are also taken

into account when determining which

students may thrive at Geneva. “There

are countless stories of students on

whom Geneva took a chance,” says

Executive Vice President Larry Griffith

’85. “God then used Geneva to shape

their minds and hearts, making an

indelible impact on their lives on

earth and for all eternity. This is a

proud heritage.”

It’s a heritage that Geneva’s faculty,

staff and administration is working

hard to carry on, even as the

landscape of higher education changes

dramatically. In order to be accessible,

college must be affordable, which is

the reason Geneva recently instituted

a freeze on tuition for the 2014-15

academic year (see sidebar). “And this

is just a beginning,” says President Ken

Smith ’80. “Geneva is committed to

holding down the cost of tuition long

term and you will be hearing about

more innovations and announcements

in the future.”

So while so much of the future is

uncertain, students can rely on Geneva

to keep a respected college degree

rooted in the inerrant truth of God’s

word within reach.

On the morning of Saturday, November 2, 2013, President Ken Smith ’80

announced to a room filled with over 300 students and their family

members that there will be no tuition increase for the 2014-15

academic year in any of the traditional undergraduate programs.

The result of this policy is that both new students and those continuing

their Geneva educations will pay the 2013-14 tuition rate for this academic

year, effectively reducing the total price paid for a Geneva degree.

“The cost of getting a college education is becoming more burdensome

and if it continues, will be a barrier to average people getting a degree—

and this is something that Geneva College is deeply concerned about

and addressing. So with a commitment to making a Geneva education

affordable and accessible, Geneva is freezing the cost of tuition next

year,” said Dr. Smith.

Along with the tuition freeze, Dr. Smith noted that there will be no

reduction of student aid in the form of Geneva scholarships and grants.

Geneva awards over $12 million in grants and scholarships from college

funds, with over 50 percent of new students being awarded academic

scholarships each year. Including federal, state and private grants, nearly

100% of Geneva’s students receive some type of Geneva aid.

Over the past 35 years, the cost of obtaining a degree has increased by

1,120 percent. And, according to The College Board®’s “Trends in College

Pricing 2013,” the 10-year historical rate of increase at private, nonprofit

colleges is approximately five percent per year. Geneva has consistently

demonstrated its ability to keep its yearly increases below the average

reported by other private institutions of similar size.

Dr. Smith reminded the families that Geneva has a history of making

higher education accessible to the broader community, rather than just

elite students. “Before it was common, Geneva was educating freed slaves

and women. Geneva served local industry with night school, allowing many

blue collar workers and military veterans to complete their education.”

His summation was news that new and upper-class students alike

welcomed: “We are committed to continuing to make a quality,

Christ-centered Geneva education affordable and accessible.”

24

Christy Coulter

G

Geneva students are very familiar with the concept of world-

view—so much so that some who’ve been here a while may tune

out when it’s mentioned. However, as Kevin Host ’07 (MSCS ’09)

explains, the formation of this perspective is much more valuable

than these students realize.

“The emphasis on worldview integration into my daily life has

helped me stay true to who I am,” says Kevin. “It has also helped in

the workplace because it has allowed me to recognize that not all

worldviews are the same.”

Kevin is currently an International Board of Heart Rhythm Examiners

(IBHRE) Certified Electrophysiology Specialist for Biosense Webster.

Employing more than 1,300 professionals in 40 countries, this

company is recognized as a worldwide leader in the science behind

the diagnosis and treatment of cardiac arrhythmias. And Biosense

Webster is also known for its dedication to bringing the best

healthcare options in the most ethical ways possible.

He helps create 3-D electronanatomical maps of the heart for

patients with irregular heartbeats. These maps, which provide real-

time, color-coded views of a heart’s electrical activity, allow doctors

to better see from where an irregular heartbeat is originating so

that they can provide targeted treatment.

Kevin entered Geneva with medical school in mind. But with the

guidance of biology professor Dr. David Essig, he identified the

cardiovascular program as a better fit. Geneva has a partnership

with INOVA Heart and Vascular Institute in Fairfax, Virginia, that

combines the college’s Christ-centered curriculum with training at

one of the leading cardiovascular institutes in the country. Kevin

says, “I am very grateful to Geneva and Dr. Essig for pointing me

in their direction because it allowed me to have the career

that I have today.”

While at INOVA Heart and Vascular Institute, Kevin was able to

study for a certificate in cardiovascular science, as well as earn a

master’s degree. “During my first year there, the institution decided

to add a second-year option for a Master’s of Science in Cardiovascular

Science. I loved what I was doing, so I went for it,” he says.

Kevin lists a number of attributes of Geneva that made his education

valuable and for which he is grateful. One of the reasons he chose

Geneva was the atmosphere that enables personal relationships

between students and professors. “That was huge

for me,” says Kevin.

Of even greater value, Geneva facilitated the growth of his faith.

“Coming into Geneva, I did not have a very personal relationship

with God. I went to church and helped in the community, but

always felt that I was missing something,” he says. “Being at Geneva

really helped me develop that personal relationship and apply it to

all aspects of my life. Without attending Geneva, I would not have

the deep relationship I have with God today.”

Kevin points to the importance of this relationship in his career.

“Working in the medical field, I believe that faith is a huge part of

everyday activities, even if it goes unspoken. I personally am always

asking God for guidance through a procedure,” he says.

Looking back on his time at Geneva, Kevin shares with students

what he believes to be one of the most valuable lessons that he

learned. “Never let an opportunity pass because you are afraid of

what it might bring. If you continue to work hard and keep your

faith in God, it will always work out in the end.”

it all haS valueby Jess ICa dR IsColl ’14

“Never let an opportunity pass because you are afraid of what it might bring.”

yield

VALUE

Kevin with friends: Slush, Megan Sedello and Twinkleton (l-r)

25

in service

What do a 3,816-mile, 10-week transcontinental bicycle trip and working for Geneva College’s Academic Counseling Center & Educational Support Services (ACCESS) Office have in common? More than Christy Coulter, ACCESS Director and Geneva Across America team member could have guessed.

Prior to becoming Director of ACCESS in 2012, Christy was a Residence Director at Geneva for three years while she completed her Master’s in Higher Education. Throughout all of this, she finds that the key to growth and success lies in setting and building upon small goals. Christy attributes the results of this “scaffolding process,” as she defines it, to the triumphs in her personal life, but also to the accomplishments she has witnessed in the lives of hundreds of students who have walked through her doors.

“Biking across the country reinforced my understanding of achieving goals—it takes time,” says Christy, who biked at least four times a week for two years in preparation for Geneva Across America. Although hardships and setbacks were inevitable: “We did the biking and the Lord provided our strength; I just kept one peddle in front of another.”

Christy also implements this step-by-step mentality with the students who seek academic support and disability services through the ACCESS Office. “College is ultimately about achieving something” she says. And she implements it in her personal life, her leadership style with her staff, and as she encourages students and equips them for college success.

“I approach every goal relationally to help others catch on to the vision our office has to uniquely care, support and provide tools for the students to achieve their expectations while in college.”

Coming from a family of educators, Christy has always had a “passion of sorts” for academics, but wasn’t sure that she felt called to teach fulltime. As graduation from the higher education program drew near, however, she felt called to continue working at Geneva. “Staying here was natural,” she explains. “I believe in the education Geneva is producing and how leaders are being cultivated, so I applied for the position and asked God to take it from there.”

Although she was nervous about the transition, Christy recognized that her experience in leadership, as well as cycling, had equipped her with many skills that were easily transferable to the work that is required in ACCESS office. “Often we doubt ourselves and fail, but each day is a fresh start to press on towards our goals,” says Christy. “This is the grace that Christ offers us, a chance to try again.”

And if she ever feels that she is losing sight of the ultimate vision, she reminds herself of the hundreds of examples of students taking steps forward and growing—“That’s where I hang my hat.” With the same drive that motivated Christy to keep getting on her bike every day despite the obvious challenges ahead, her ability to see the bigger picture helps her lead the ACCESS office with a deep sense of purpose and passion deeply rooted in her “desire to help people grow into better versions of themselves.”

“What do you want to achieve and how can we help you get there?”

by lynsey auell ’14

Christy Coulteryield

(MaHe ’12)

“I love all the growth and transitions that people go through in college,” she says. Christy and her staff ease this transition through disability services; academic support; classroom, testing; tutoring services; and academic coaching. After meeting with students, the ACCESS office pieces together plans catered to individual needs. “We ask the students, ‘What do you want to achieve and how can we help you get there?’”

.

26

class notes

1951

Mary (Mecklem) Zapsic and her late husband Robert Zapsic ’55 welcomed great-granddaughter Lily Elizabeth Ford on May 30, 2012.

1956Raymond Straile resides in Johnson City, TN.

1958Charles “Chuck” Shaffer resides in Crestview Hills, KY with wife Esther. Chuck has an M.Ed. from Xavier University. The couple has one child.

1967Robert Clarke was recently named a National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) Board Leadership Fellow. Bob and wife MaryLynn reside in Destin, FL.

The Very Reverend Canon John H. Park retired as the Dean of the Anglican Cathedral of the Good Shepherd in Lima, Peru. He and wife Susan reside in Ambridge, PA.

1972Douglas and Nancy (Thompson ’74) Jesch reside in Indianapolis, IN, where Nancy is self-employed as a Production Editor. The couple has six grown children.

Charles McShane resides in Salem, OH.

1974Rev. Mark Brown continues to be the pastor of Westminster Orthodox Presbyterian Church in Hollidaysburg, PA, a church he planted 36 years ago. He and wife Joan reside in Duncansville, PA. They have two daughters.

Wendy (Fowler) Calvo resides in Winslow, ME, with husband Charles and son Kyle. Wendy is a School Bus Driver for the KVCS-Winslow Public Schools.

Carol (Fulk) Classen resides in Denver, CO, with husband Galen and daughter Kiera. Carol retired as a Reading Specialist from Cherry Creek Schools.

Paul Coblentz resides in Westerville, OH, with wife JoAnn.

Barry Cody is the Senior Estimator at Bruce & Merrilees Electric. He and wife Pamela have two grown children and reside in Wampum, PA.

Patrick Coyle and wife Rebecca reside in Finksburg, MD.

Patricia (McKim) DiGiovine recently retired as the Music Teacher at Weems Elementary School in Manassas, VA, where she currently resides. She was a music educator in Manassas for 27 years and also taught in East Palestine, OH. In 2005, Patty was honored to be awarded a grant for a $16,000 piano keyboard lab to use in her classroom.

Cherie (Popa) Dobish is an Account Executive for Medicity, Inc. She and husband Michael reside in Beaver, PA.

Thomas Donaldson was elected Mayor of Butler, PA, on November 5, 2013. Tom and wife Elaine have five children and reside in Butler.

Robert “Eck” Eckardt is the pastor of Redeemer Orthodox Presbyterian Church in Beavercreek, OH. He and wife Karen have three children.

Jack and Jacqueline “Jackie” (DiCicco) Fullen were married in July 2013. They reside in Beaver Falls, PA, where Jackie retired from Blackhawk School District as an English Teacher.

Sharon Givler is the Director of Career Services at Lebanon Valley College in Annville, PA. She resides in Lancaster.

Rev. Charles Hanna Jr. took an early retirement at the end of 2010 after 35 years as a Pastor in the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. He and wife Joyce reside in Rome, NY.

Edward “Ed” Hardesty is a real estate entrepreneur in Mars, PA, where he resides with wife Doris (Ammons). The couple has four children.

Rev. Robert Harting Jr. is the Pastor of Grace Orthodox Presbyterian Church in Middletown, DE, and a Chaplain with Heartland Hospice in Newark, DE. He and wife Linda reside in Middletown.

Nancy (Thompson) Jesch-See Jesch ’72

Thomas and Barbara (Gillespie) Linko reside in New Brighton, PA, where Barbara is the Executive Director for Family Services of Beaver County. The couple has two grown sons.

Mary (Hargrave) Manchester retired as an Elementary Teacher from Madrid-Waddington Central School. She and husband Phil reside in Lisbon, NY.

Barbara Miller resides in Newtown, PA.

David Reed resides in Galion, OH, with wife Laura.

David Silvestri and wife Joan reside in Beaver, PA. The couple has two daughters.

Patricia “Patti” (Lockard) and Rex Slaughter attended the spring convention of The Apostolic Churches of the Lord Jesus Christ. Bishop Rex was appointed to the Board of Bishops and Patti was named Minister of Outreach for the organization. The couple resides in Brookville, PA, where Rex is the Pastor of the Apostolic Gospel Church in Brookville and Patti serves as the Assistant Pastor of the church and is also the Assistant Editor of the Jeffersonian Democrat.

Sarah (Wuest) Staples resides in Kalamazoo, MI, with her husband.

Terry and Cheryl Wardle reside in Ashland, OH, where Terry is a Professor of Practical Theology at Ashland University. The couple has three grown children.

1977

Hendrika “Rita” Schalkwyk recently completed her Bachelor of Social Work degree from University of Calgary. She is a Youth and Family Counselor for Parkland Youth Homes. Rita has eight children and resides in Alberta, Canada.

1978Sallie (Lowry) Matko recently celebrated 35 years with Bechtel Bettis on August 2, 2013. She had the lead for constructing two new chemistry facilities that were completed last year and is currently working on the

Class Notes are available on Geneva.edu. Visit the site to learn about fellow classmates. Submit an update so they can stay connected with you.

27

construction of two new office buildings for the engineering and scientific communities. She and husband Martin recently became grandparents. The Matkos reside in Belle Vernon, PA.

1979Dr. Kerry and Melinda “Mindy” (Matthews ’80) McMahon thank God for His help in the past and present, including homeschooling their daughters Valerie and Carolyn ’13. Kerry is an Associate Professor of Chemistry at Geneva and a recent songwriter of spiritual songs. Mindy is training to be a Home Health Aid for BeHome Partners. The McMahons reside in Harmony, PA, near family.

1980Melinda (Matthews) McMahon-See McMahon 1979

1981 Martha McNally Rowe has been made a Corporate Policy Officer by the National Security Agency. She serves as the lead Classification Advisory Officer in its Information Assurance Directorate. Martha has worked for the NSA for almost 27 years.

1984

Christina (Pinon) Bouwens graduated on August 3, 2013 from the University of Central Florida with a Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering. Her area of specialization is Systems Operations and Modeling. Christina has also accepted a new position as Chief Technologist with a small consulting firm and is performing System of Systems Analysis for the US Army.

1985

David and Donna (Adams) Spear

adopted Alisha ‘Ali’ Marie Spear on November 5, 2013. The Spears served as Ali’s foster parents since she was four days old. The Spear family has four other children and resides in Johnstown, PA.

1987Lisa Blaufuss was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant at Garden State Correctional Facility, where she has been employed for 11 years. Lisa resides in Delran, NJ, with son Christopher.

1988Rebecka “Kay” Johnson is a Sr. Program Analyst with Erie Insurance Group in Erie, PA, where she resides.

James and Mikel Lynn (Davis ’91) Langan married in March 2013. The couple resides in Johnstown, PA, where Jim is a Librarian at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown and Mikel Lynn is a Producer at Forever Broadcasting.

Steven Schappell married Shari Parker on November 24, 2012. The couple resides in Palmyra, PA. 1989Rev. Douglas Dragan is the Founding/Lead Pastor at Living Water Fellowship in Aliquippa, PA. He and wife Nathalie have two daughters and reside in Monaca, PA.

Denise (Littleton) Miller recently completed her Masters of Education in Athletic Administration. She is the Aquatics Coordinator at The Athletic Club of York and is a Para-Educator at the City of York School District. Denise resides in Spring Grove, PA, with husband Andrew and daughters Rebecca and Katelyn. Rebecca recently arrived on campus as a freshman biology/pre-veterinary major and cross country and track team member. 1991Mikel Lynn (Davis) Langan-See Langan 1988

John and Alisha McBurney were married June 15, 2013. Scott McBurney ’85 served as the best man, and Timothy Vincze ’92 was a groomsman. The McBurneys met at the Reformed Presbyterian International Conference July 2012 and now reside in Indianapolis, where Alisha works as an athletic trainer and John teaches instrumental music for Christian schools and homeschool families.

1992Natalie (White) Austin and husband Raymond welcomed fourth son Max into the world in 2013. Natalie is employed at UPMC as a Physician Assistant. The Austins reside in Bradford Woods, PA.

Tracy Eckard and Wilson Isaac were united in marriage on June 24, 2013. Tracy recently co-founded Hope in Christ Ministry in Nagpur, India, an organization that provides counseling and support for Gracy Memorial Orphanage and rescued victims of child sex-trafficking in India.

1994

Jeni (Stevenson) and Mark Richline relocated from Costa Rica to Montevideo, Uruguay, to begin church planting. The couple works with the Committee on Foreign Missions OPC. Jeni and Mark have four children: Sabrina, Joshua, Julia and Isaiah. 1996Christen Adels was appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of MAYA Group LP, a professional services firm in Pittsburgh. She is also Head Coach of the boys and girls varsity volleyball teams at Beaver County Christian School. Christen resides in Beaver Falls, PA.

Aubrey Lowry resides in Pittsburgh, PA.

David Widmer was named President-Elect of the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying. David is currently President of Widmer Engineering Inc., a consulting firm based in Beaver Falls. David and his family reside in Rochester, PA.

1997Jason Smith resides in Colfax, IN, with his family.

28

2003Russ and Bethany (Canzanella) Warren welcomed third child Violet on September 11, 2013. She joins big sister Olivia and big brother Asher.

2004Ashleigh (Verrillo) Meeker resides in Durham, NC.

2005

Gregory Townsell (CUTS #034) was appointed Pastor at Church At The CrossRoads in Beaver Falls, PA, in July 2013. Gregory has a master’s in Bible from Philadelphia Biblical University and master’s in Counseling from Liberty Univeristy. He and wife Tanesha reside in Beaver Falls with their six children.

Travis York (MAHE ’07 #010) graduated from Penn State University with a Ph.D. in Higher Education. He is employed by Valdosta State University as an Assistant Professor of Higher Education. Travis resides in Valdosta, GA.

2006J. Daniel Reed is the Executive Development Officer for the Morris Animal Foundation. He lives in Denver, CO, with wife Melissa and daughter Emma, born in 2012.

Jeffrey Robinson is teaching scripture usage in Tanzania, Africa.

Susan Wilderman was recently awarded the Timothy Award for demonstrating excellence in advancing Christian schooling from the Granite State Christian Schools Association. Susan is a teacher at Jesse

1999

Benjamin Brozich was awarded the JET-TV “Golden Apple Award” in January, as well as “Teacher of the Year” at the award-winners banquet in May 2013. Ben has been a full-time classroom teacher for the past 12 years. He is currently a fifth grade teacher at Springfield Elementary School. Ben and wife Kendra reside in East Springfield, PA, with their three children.

Dr. Joshua Van Ee graduated with a doctorate degree from the University of California in San Diego. He and wife Heidi (Yoder) reside in Escondido, CA, with their children.

2000Joshua Abebe and wife Amanda welcomed fourth child Hudson Sawyer into the world on July 7, 2013. Josh took a position in July with Panduit Corporation as District Sales Manager for Indiana and lower Ohio. The Abebes live in Fishers, IN.

Gary Hoffman (MSOL #006) resides in Harmony, PA, with wife Pam.

Rev. Richard Wingfield (DCP#001)received his D.Min. from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary in May 2013. He is currently Senior Pastor at Unity Baptist Church in Braddock, PA. Richard welcomed granddaughter Ceres Evangeline Wingfield on September 8, 2013. He and wife Vanessa reside in Monroeville, PA.

2001Mark Harley is forming the Pittsburgh-based Schneck Harley Immigration Law Firm alongside fellow immigration attorney Kristen Schneck. Mark is the immediate past chairman of the Pittsburgh Chapter of the American Immigration Lawyers Association. He and wife Kelley reside in Freedom, PA, with daughter Abigail Claire.

2002Elizabeth (Miller) and John Prickett (MAHE #004) were united in marriage on June 23, 2012. Elizabeth is an Alternative Media Specialist at Victoria College. The couple resides in Victoria, TX.

Remington High School in Candia, NH, where she resides.

2007Leah (Bopp) Albert (MAHE #010) resides in Oakmont, PA.

John and Deborah (Sweigart ’09) Perkins welcomed daughter Julia on April 2, 2013. She joins big sister Emaleigh.

2008

Crystal (Proudfoot) Naugle and husband Kevin welcomed son Carter Reid into the world on July 19, 2013. Crystal is employed with PA Distance Learning Charter School as a Title Teacher.

2009Courtney (Tobias) Baker-See Baker 2010

Rima (Warren) Campbell resides in Brooklyn, NY.

Deborah (Sweigart) Perkins-See Perkins 2007

Amanda “Tink” (Tinker) married Mark

29

Photos appear within or before the corresponding class note.

Reinard on July 13, 2013. Amanda is employed by Tompkins Community Action Head Start as a teacher. The couple lives in Willseyville, NY.

2010Caleb and Courtney (Tobias ’09) Baker welcomed first child Vera in 2011 and are expecting another child in April 2014. Caleb is employed by Midnight Sun Council, Boy Scouts of America as the District Executive. The Bakers live in Fairbanks, AK.

Bethany (O’Neill) Hardwig-See Hardwig 2011

Seth and Alysa (Myers ’11) Roush welcomed daughter Eloise Lea Roush on July 19, 2013. Seth is the Youth Director at Mt. Carmel Presbyterian Church in Aliquippa, PA. The Roushes reside in Beaver Falls, PA.

2011Amy (Lasure) married Todd Coleman on August 28, 2013. The couple lives in Orlando, FL.

Kelly Glisson resides in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Patrick and Bethany (O’Neill ’10) Hardwig welcomed daughter Evelyn

Anastasia into the world on November 23, 2012. The Hardwigs reside in Pittsburgh, PA.

Leyenda (Sleight) Hayden-See Hayden 2012

Benjamin McCauley was married on October 12, 2013. Ben is a Software Engineer with Garmin International. He and his wife reside in Lenexa, KS.

Alysa (Myers) Roush-See Roush 2010

Nicole (Terranova) and Seth Stokes were married on July 2, 2011. The couple recently relocated to Papua New Guinea to be tribal church planters and Bible translators though their work with New Tribes Mission.

2012

Luke and Julie (McCracken ’13) Brown

were united in marriage on June 1, 2013. The couple resides in South Park, PA.

Samuel and Leyenda (Sleight ’11) Hayden were united in marriage in the summer of 2013. The couple resides in Finksburg, MD.

Samuel and Cally (Cooper ’13) Shouse were united in marriage on May 26, 2013. The couple resides in Butler, PA.

2013Julie (McCracken) Brown-See Brown 2012

Andrew Fischer resides in Akron, OH.

Elizabeth Jabco resides in Pittsburgh, PA.

Elizabeth (Gild) and Dennis Krzywicki (ADP #269) were married on September 21, 2013. Elizabeth is a Clinical Review Specialist for UPMC Healthplan in Pittsburgh. The couple resides in Bethel Park, PA.

Kevin and Brittany (Sterling) Martinez were married on June 21, 2013. The couple resides in Palmyra, PA, where Brittany attends Penn State Hershey College of Medicine. (see page 20)

Cally (Cooper) Shouse-See Shouse 2012

These graduates and friends of the college share a common vision for supporting current Geneva students.The group meets throughout the year for fellowship and to raise funds for various student programs and projects. For information on joining the Geneva Women, please contact Alumni Relations at alumni@geneva.edu. Geneva.edu/geneva_women

WomenGENEVA

30

In Memoriam

Dr. Tom B. Jones ’55 on September 5, 2013

John C. Shields ’55 on October 22, 2013

Nicholas R. Pavick ’56 on June 1, 2013

Earl F. Ketterer Jr. ’57 on September 6, 2013

Donald L. Thompson ’57 on October 26, 2013

Leroy B. Waddell ’57 on August 13, 2013

J. Ellis Walrond ’57 on August 5, 2013

William A. Johns ’58 on August 4, 2013

Peter S. Kazas ’58 on July 23, 2013

Alexander J. Simko ’58 on July 7, 2013

Earl E. McElwain ’59 on June 3, 2013

Dr. Edward L. Phillips ’59 on June 15, 2013

Donald H. Stewart Jr. ’59 on September 2, 2013

60sJanice (Vankirk ’60) Swauger on October 27, 2013

William C. Haddox ’61 on July 30, 2013

Michael W. Mitchell ’61 on October 11, 2013

Edward B. Valentich ’61 on August 3, 2013

Rachel A. (Hoffman ’62) Delaney on August 2, 2013

Charles G. Ankney ’65 on October 21, 2013

class notes

30sBessie M. Burrows ’37 on September 1, 2013

Robert M. Hemphill ’38 on September 3, 2013

40sThomas J. Davidson ’40 on July 22, 2013

Jeanne D. (Fleischer ’42) Atkinson on June 22, 2013

Elojeane L. (Mateer ’42) Weaton on November 27, 2013

Donald G. Weimer ’42 on July 10, 2013

Elliott A. Young ’43 on September 15, 2013

Ruth B. (Graham ’46) Duncan on November 3, 2013

John R. “Jack” Grab ’46 on November 6, 2013

James M. Locke Sr. ’46 on July 27, 2013

Dorothy J. (Kennedy ’46) Meeder on October 11, 2013

Calvin C. Smith ’46 on June 15, 2013

Henry J. Lightner ’47 on November 24, 2013

John N. Rayz ’47 on August 7, 2013

Edith E. (Ellis ’48) Beighly on October 29, 2013

Chester M. Anderson ’49 on August 17, 2013

Franklin G. “Boby” Leidigh ’49 on December 9, 2013

A. Dale Musselman ’49 on December 2, 2013

Aloha J. (Roush ’49) Widmer on August 17, 2013

50sVictor L. Arcadi ’50 on September 11, 2013

Dinos G. Dickos ’50 on September 5, 2013

Paul D. Pisano ’50 on September 3, 2013

Herbert D. Shumaker ’51 on July 25, 2013

Andrew T. Seech ’52 on August 20, 2013

Thomas Skinner ’52 on August 23, 2013

William H. Zinkham Jr. ’52 on August 18, 2013

Merle R. Byerle ’53 on June 5, 2013

Anthony H. Codespote ’53 on October 6, 2013

Jean I. (Craig ’53) Edwards on September 2, 2013

Donald W. Gouge ’53 in October 2013

Donald P. Harrington ’53 on November 5, 2013

Samuel S. McBride ’53 on September 28, 2013

John Charles Richard ’53 on August 20, 2013

Neda (Burneson ’54) Freed on June 18, 2013

Thomas O. Hornstein ’54 on October 18, 2013

Joseph S. Lanzi ’54 on September 9, 2013

Anthony “Tony” Rubino ’54 on August 5, 2013

Class Notes InformationTo share your news, visit Geneva.edu/ class_notes and click on “Update Form.” High-resolution pictures of at least three megapixels in size may be submitted in JPEG format. You may also mail your news and photos to: GENEVA COLLEGE Office of Alumni Relations 3200 College Avenue Beaver Falls, PA 15010

Inclusion of all items in Class Notes is at the discretion of Geneva College, in accordance with the community standards of the institution.

31

Marian L. (Crissman ’65) Hartenbach on June 29, 2013

Barbara J. Bruce ’66 on May 12, 2010

Jack L. Mendenhall ’67 on September 17, 2013

Samuel B. Adkins Jr. ’68 on October 1, 2013

Lois A. Connelly ’68 on August 19, 2013

Dr. Charles B. Hennon ’69 on May 14, 2013

Jill P. (Patterson ’69) Maxwell on August 18, 2013

70sDr. Dana L. Stoddard ’70 on November 6, 2013

Alfred G. “Fred” Clerici ’71 on December 3, 2013

William R. Lawson ’71 on November 28, 2013

Ruth S. (Stiening ’72) Dodds on June 29, 2013

Katherine D. (Moshis ’72) Kostos on October 19, 2013

Dolores B. (Hult ’73) Kelly on July 3, 2013

Ruth E. (Long ’74) Younts on October 19, 2013

90sJacqueline M. Dahlin (M.A. ’90) on July 22, 2013

Steven L. Six ’96 (ADP #059) on September 28, 2013

Denotes members of the

Heritage Society,

which recognizes the valuable

contributions of alumni and

friends who include Geneva

in their estate and/or financial

plans by gifts made through

annuities, charitable trusts, gifts

of life estates, undivided partial

interests in real estate or life

insurance, and gifts made

through their wills.

00sArthur N. “Beezil” Pugh ’02 on June 9, 2013

Annette H. Horevay ’07 (ADP #206) on August 15, 2013

Blake R. McMahan (M.Ed. ’09) on June 17, 2013

FriendsMarilyn K. Butcher on July 8, 2013

Wilbur C. Copeland on October 20, 2013

Gerline H. Gehr on August 22, 2013

Beverly Walley Tannehill on June 28, 2013

32

in conclusion

“What am I going to do with my life? How am I supposed to know what God wants me to do?” These are common questions that we hear in our office when people come for an appointment. Our team is equipped to encourage them with the Scripture, “’For I know the plans I have for you,’ says the Lord….” We also strive to remind them to focus on the verse, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and He will direct your paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6). Hearing a reminder of God’s faithfulness, they begin to take hold of the hope that God is moving in their lives.

Our team is intentional about building relationships and equipping people to find and fulfill their calling and vocation. Through a variety of services, our office provides the direction and focus necessary for professional development. Our team is here to assist our students—freshmen through seniors—as well as our alumni; we look forward to doing so with anticipation of all that God is going to do in and through our department.

THE CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTER:• Supplies thousands of job and internship postings via the online database, Geneva Job Link• Conducts MyPlan career assessments to help determine how values, personality and skills match with career options• Provides resume and cover letter critiques • Offers assistance with the job search process

Geneva.edu/career724.847.6572 cardev@geneva.edu

Career Development Promotes Faith & Trustby Joy (enT wIsTle ’05) doyle (Mba ’12), dIReCToR oF CaReeR developMenT

“Our team is here to assist our students— freshmen through seniors—as well as our alumni.”

P.S. We welcome alumni who are interested in mentoring current students and encouraging them in their occupational pursuits. Contact us if you are interested in offering internships or job opportunities to other Geneva students and alumni.

MARCh Florida Regional Events 8 Sister Act at the Kravis Center, West Palm Beach 12 Coopertown Boat Tour, Miami/Ft. Lauderdale 13 Dinner at Heathrow Country Club, Orlando 14 Dessert Reception, Hilton at Longboat Key 15 Pirates Game at McKechnie Field, Bradenton

ApRIL 4 Opening Week Pirates Game, PNC Park

MAy 9 – 10 Celebration Weekend 2014, Geneva College

Join us for reunion events and a special dinner program.

CELEBRATION W E E K E N D

GENEVA COLLEGE

Imagine the power of learning…about the early church while exploring the catacombs.…about the Renaissance while climbing into Michelangelo’s dome.…about the tragedy of Pompeii while wandering its empty villas.

GENEVA COLLEGE 3200 College Avenue, Beaver Falls, PA, 15010 • rome@geneva.edu • 724.847.6891 • Geneva.edu/rome

r me Geneva.edu/rome

EvENTS FOR ALuMNISpring 2014

RECONNECT, REDIsCOvER AND RENEW!MAY 9-10, 2014

1954 AND 1964 CLAss REUNIONs

GENEVA COLLEGE Semester in Rome

3200 College AvenueBeaver Falls, PA 15010

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