November 2002 eBulletin

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" Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus."
1 Thess. 5:16-18

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TOPICS IN THIS ISSUE:

HAPPENING THIS WEEK:
* FALCON ATHLETES & POST-SEASON PLAY
* D.C. AREA ALUMNI EVENT THIS THURSDAY

NEWS & INFO:
* HOMECOMING SETS ATTENDANCE RECORDS
* WEBSITE OFFERS HOMECOMING PHOTOS
* HOMECOMING 2003 DATE ANNOUNCED
* HOMESTEAD DISCOUNT ANNOUNCED
* GYM & POOL NIGHT
* SPRING REUNION DAY
* OAKES MUSEUM OPENS
* LARGEST CAMPAIGN EVER LAUNCHED
* CAMPUS EVENTS
* TRIVIA CONTEST


FALCON ATHLETES
IN FALL POST SEASON PLAY
This has been a very successful fall season for all of our athletic teams. The following four teams enter into Mid-Atlantic Commonwealth Conference Championships tomorrow (Nov. 6) as follows:
- Field Hockey (#1 seed) vs. E-town at 2:30 p.m. at home
- Women’s Soccer (#1 seed) vs. LVC at 5:00 p.m. at home
- Men’s Soccer (#2 seed) vs. LVC at 7:30 p.m. at home
- Women’s Volleyball vs. Moravian at 7:00 p.m. at Moravian

Women’s and Men’s Cross-Country recently competed in the MAC Championships, finishing 2nd and 3rd respectively. They go on to compete in the Mid-Eastern Regional Championships on November 16 at Salisbury State University.

Congrats to the Women’s Tennis Team, who finished second in the MAC Championships losing only to Moravian.

Support your falcons as they pursue local, regional and national honors. For more information and scores, visit www.messiah.edu/athletics .



ALUMNI RELATIONS NEWS **********************************


* FIESTA RECEPTION FOR D.C. ALUMNI
TO BE HELD THIS THURSDAY, NOV. 7
An alumni gathering will be held at the Tortilla Coast Restaurant - Rio Room (400 First Street, SE, Washington, DC -- Right across from the Capitol South Metro Station). The reception is free of charge from 6pm until 7:30pm. Meet and network with other area alumni, hear an update from College staff and discuss future D.C. alumni gatherings. For more info, contact our D.C. Alumni Rep, Heather Thurman ’95, at mcdcalum@yahoo.com or call at 202-497-2397 or 301-208-9189.



* SOGGY WEATHER DOES NOT DETER
ALUMNI ATTENDANCE AT HOMECOMING 2002
The Office of Alumni Relations staff thanks the many alumni who came back for Homecoming 2002! You helped us set numerous registration and attendance records as follows:
- Nearly 1200 alumni and guests registered, a 38% increase over last year.
- 200 persons attended the alumni awards luncheon
- 1,651 persons visited the Oakes Museum
- The percentage of class members returning increased in four of five reunion classes over last year
- The Class of ‘92 had the largest reunion in College history with 400 persons (175 alumni)
- An estimated 2500 persons attended the men’s soccer game
- 350 persons attended the post-game coffeehouse, a new event


* MORE WORDS OF GRATITUDE
FROM THE OFFICE OF ALUMNI RELATIONS
The inclement weather forced us to change some plans and move some activities inside. Also, the larger than expected turnout stretched us at some venues. So we appreciate the good spirit and understanding of so many alumni throughout the day.

The success of the day could not have happened without the efforts and involvement of so many, many persons. Our thanks go to all of the alumni volunteers (reunion and reception coordinators, coffeehouse performers, hospitality and staff assistants), students (student homecoming committee, international students, and class members) and faculty and staff volunteers and support staff. This day just doesn’t happen without you!


* VISIT WEB FOR
HOMECOMING 2002 PHOTOS
Go to www.messiah.edu/alumni for a photo recap of Homecoming 2002 including:
- Alumni Awards recipients
- Class reunions
- General scenes from numerous events


* MARK YOUR CALENDAR NOW
FOR HOMECOMING 2003 - SATURDAY, OCTOBER 18
Anniversary reunions for the Classes of 1978, 1983, 1988, 1993, and 1998 will be held. We also anticipate celebrating the new academic building housing the School of the Humanities and the School of Education and Social Sciences.


* DISCOUNT RATES OFFERED FOR
OVERNIGHT STAYS AT THE HOMESTEAD
The College is currently offering reduced overnight rates (ranging from $40 - $55/night) to help offset inconveniences for guests during construction of the new academic building nearby. The Climenhaga Homestead offers quality bed & breakfast-style accommodations perfect for a weekend getaway or a private retreat. For more information or to make a reservation, contact climenhagahomestead@messiah.edu or call (717) 796-5064. For a virtual tour of The Homestead, visit www.messiah.edu/alumni/climenhagatour.shtml .


* ALUMNI GYM & POOL NIGHT
Friday, January 31, 2003
Messiah’s gym and pool facilities are available free-of-charge to alumni and their immediate families throughout the evening. Ice cream social also provided.


* SPRING REUNION DAY 2003
Saturday, April 5
Reunions are scheduled for the following classes: 1973, 1968, 1963, 1958, 1953. Other alumni affinity groups are invited to hold reunions. For more information, contact Marty Willard, assistant director of alumni relations, at (717) 796-5252 or a-mail MWillard@messiah.edu . More information about Spring Reunion Day will be forthcoming.



GENERAL NEWS ********************************************


* OAKES MUSEUM OPENS TO
LARGE CROWDS AND RAVE REVIEWS
The new 10,000 square foot museum of natural history, featuring more than 40,000 specimens, held its grand opening on October 26, 2002. During the prior "sneak preview" weekend, more than 3,500 persons visited the museum. The excellent quality exhibits, one featuring a 200-specimen collection of African mammals, has been impressing many visitors. The museum is located on the first and second floors of the Jordan Science Center. Admission is free to alumni (with alumni I.D. card) and their immediate families. For more info and hours, visit www.messiah.edu/oakes.


* MESSIAH LAUNCHES LARGEST
FUNDING CAMPAIGN IN HISTORY
At a gala kick-off dinner attended by 750 persons held on October 17, Messiah College publicly announced its launching of "To Serve and To Lead: The Campaign for Student Enrichment at Messiah College." Campaign priorities are:
- New academic building
- New student union
- Addition to Climenhaga Fine Arts Center
- A fortified Student Impact Fund
- Faculty & academic initiatives
- Endowed student scholarships
- Old Main annex and admissions center
- Brethren in Christ Heritage Fund

At $50 million, "To Serve and To Lead" is the largest campaign in Messiah’s history and is essential for effective preparation of another generation of students to join alumni as servants, leaders and reconciliators in church and society. For more information about the campaign, please visit www.messiah.edu/toserveandtolead .


* UPCOMING CAMPUS EVENTS
Some upcoming events of interest to and open to alumni include:

November:
8 - Open House, School of the Arts
8 - Music Faculty Recital (8 p.m.)
9 - Musical Theatre Gala (4 p.m.)
12 - Messiah College Jazz Combo (7:45 p.m.)
15 - Open House (All Majors)
16 - Jazz One Concert (8:00 p.m.)
17 - Messiah College Symphony Orchestra (8:00 p.m.)
19 - Poetry Reading, Susan Penabo (7:30 p.m.)
20-21 - Lilly Peace Lectures (7:00 p.m.)
21-23 - Theatre Messiah presents "No Exit" (8 p.m.)

December:
2 - MC Jazz Two and Percussion Concert (8 p.m.)
7 - Victorian Christmas (8 p.m.)
8 - Christmas Concert (3 p.m.)
13 - Battle of the Bands (7:30 p.m.)
14 - SAB Concert, Aimee Mann (8:00 p.m.)

For more info, visit www.messiah.edu/campusevents .



* TRIVIA CONTEST
The October trivia question was:

Homecoming 2002's theme is "Celebrating Peoples, Nations, and Cultures." Approximately how many countries are represented in Messiah’s current student body?
A. 10 B. 15 C. 20 D. 25
The correct answer is D. 25.

Congratulations to these alumni winners:
- Jamie Detweiler '01, Bowmansville, Pa.
- Kimberly Dierwechter '00, Mechanicsburg, Pa.
- Jeffrey Herr '89, Center Valley, Pa.
- Sally Everhart '74, Chambersburg, Pa.
- David Bailey '85, Longmont, Co.

This issue’s trivia question is:

Messiah’s enrollment this fall is just under 2,900 students. In what year, did Messiah’s enrollment first reach 1,000 students?

a. 1972 b. 1975 c. 1978 d. 1980

Please send your response to alumni@messiah.edu . The first five correct answers will receive Messiah College travel mugs.

* PARTING THOUGHT...
We wish you a happy Thanksgiving season.


ALUMNI RELATIONS STAFF ******************************
Randy Ness ’77, director
Marty Willard ’75, assistant director
Dixie Koser, administrative assistant
Kimberly Kaufman ’04, student assistant
David Mininger ’05, student assistant


WE WANT TO HEAR YOUR NEWS!
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Please share any information about what is new in your life, personal accomplishments or experiences, and what you are doing in your profession, church, community, etc. Information will be considered for inclusion in the Alumni Notes section of "The Bridge." Your information may also be shared with the Admissions Office and College faculty and staff who may share your success stories with current and prospective students and their parents who are eager to hear about our alumni -- the proof of Messiah’s quality education.

If you have any comments, suggestions, or you wish to be excluded from receiving the "Messiah Alumni eBulletin," please contact the Office of Alumni & Parent Relations, Messiah College, One College Avenue, Grantham, PA 17027, (717) 796-5252, or via e-mail at alumni@messiah.edu.


MESSIAH COLLEGE MISSION STATEMENT
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Our mission is to educate men and women toward maturity of intellect, character, and Christian faith in preparation for lives of service, leadership, and reconciliation in church and society.

Office of Alumni & Parent Relations MISSION STATEMENT
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We will advance the connections with alumni striving to involve them as partners in advancing the mission of the College.