April 2003 eBulletin

MESSIAH COLLEGE ALUMNI E-BULLETIN
APRIL 2003 EDITION

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A LENTEN PRAYER

Dear Lord Jesus,

It is time to be with you in a special way, a time to pray, to fast, and thus to follow you on your way to Jerusalem, to Golgotha, and to the final victory over death.

I am still so divided. I truly want to follow you, but I also want to follow my own desires and lend an ear to the voices that speak about prestige, success, human respect, pleasure, power, and influence. Help me to become deaf to these voices and more attentive to your own voice, which calls me to the narrow road to life.

I know that Lent is going to be a very hard time for me. The choice for your way has to be made every moment of my life. I have to choose thoughts that are your thoughts, words that are your words, and actions that are your actions. There are no times or places without choices. And I know how deeply I resist choosing you.

Please, Lord, be with me every moment and in every place. Give me strength and courage to live this season faithfully, so that, when Easter comes, I will be able to taste with joy the new life which you have prepared for me.

Amen.

- Henri J. M. Nouwen
"The Road to Daybreak"


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TOPICS IN THIS ISSUE:


UPDATE ON PRESIDENT SAWATSKY


ALUMNI RELATIONS NEWS
* MARTY WILLARD ANNOUNCES RESIGNATION
* SEARCH BEGINS FOR ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
* ONLINE ALUMNI COMMUNITY BEING DEVELOPED
* CONTEST ANNOUNCED: NAME THE ONLINE ALUMNI COMMUNITY
* HRM ALUMNI & STUDENT RECEPTION A SUCCESS


ALUMNI ACTIVITIES
* SPRING REUNION DAY ARRIVES THIS WEEKEND (4/5)
* MASTERS SIX 40TH ANNIVERSARY REUNION CONCERT (4/6)
* ELLIS ISLAND BUS TRIP (5/3)
* NEW DATE & TIME FOR GOLF OUTING (7/10)
* REGIONAL GATHERINGS
- D.C. AREA JAZZ & JAVA SOCIAL (5/14)
- MID-WEST AREA DESSERT SOCIAL & CONCERT (5/21)
- GREATER PHILLY AREA TAILGATE & RIVERSHARKS GAME (5/30)
- NEW ENGLAND AREA PICNIC & CONCERT (6/28)
- SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA AREA BARBEQUE (7/14)


GENERAL CAMPUS NEWS
* ACCREDITATION TEAM VISITS CAMPUS
* FINALISTS FOR DEAN OF STUDENTS POSITION
* FAMILY STUDIES & NATURAL SCIENCES DEPT. CHANGES
* TRANSCRIPT FEES ELIMINATED
* PHONATHON REPORT
* DOUBLE YOUR GIFT DOLLARS
* MESSIAH EXCELS IN HEALTH PROFESSIONS
* SUMMER MISSIONS TEAMS
* MATH TEAMS EARNS MERIT RANKING
* FREE-LANCE WRITERS WANTED
* E-COMMERCE COMES TO BOOKSTORE
* CONSTRUCTION UPDATES
* FACULTY & STAFF SELECT FAVORITE WORSHIP SONGS
* MESSIAH TUITION COMPARISONS
* MURRAY LIBRARY BOOK SALE


ALUMNI CAREER SERVICES


UPCOMING CAMPUS EVENTS


TRIVIA CONTEST



UPDATE ON PRESIDENT SAWATSKY
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President Sawatsky and his family have asked me to communicate their sincere appreciation to all of you for your many expressions of love and concern. Your notes and cards have been sources of great comfort and hope during this difficult time.

President Sawatsky's surgery which was scheduled for Monday, March 31 has been postponed. Early this week he will be traveling to Johns Hopkins University for further consultation and testing prior to the rescheduling of his surgery. The campus community will be informed of the rescheduled date.

Please continue to pray that our God will provide the Sawatskys with strength, courage and hope for the immediate present and for the future.

Kim Phipps, Provost



ALUMNI RELATIONS NEWS
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* MARTY WILLARD ANNOUNCES RESIGNATION
Assistant director of alumni relations, Marty Willard '75, announced her plans to resign effective June 30, 2003. She and her husband, Tom '75, will be moving to Wellsboro, Pennsylvania in order for Tom to assume new responsibilities as District Superintendent for the United Methodist Church.

Marty joined the Alumni Relations staff in September 2000. Her primary responsibilities includ event planning, class reunions coordination, and student relations. During her tenure, several significant changes were implemented in Homecoming, Spring Reunion Weekend was initiated, and class reunion attendance increased.

We will surely miss Marty's good work, positive spirit and ready smile. We wish her well as she resettles into her new home and area. If you wish to send Marty a note, please do so to Mwillard@messiah.edu .


* SEARCH BEGINS FOR NEW ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI & PARENT RELATIONS
A six-member search committee comprised of College staff an Alumni Council officers has been formed and is looking to identify quality candidates with public relations and event planning skills and experience. A copy of the position description is at www.messiah.edu/addept/hr/joblist.htm or call the Human Resources Office at (717) 796-5300. Priority will be given to applications received by May 15, 2003, however, review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.


* ONLINE ALUMNI COMMUNITY BEING DEVELOPED
Work is progressing nicely on the new online alumni community. The online alumni community will be a password-protected, secure portal exclusive to alumni users and giving alumni powerful new networking tools.

You will be able to:
- Create your own profile
- View and update your data online
- Set privacy codes on your contact info
- Search for other alumni
- Create your own buddy groups
- Participate in affinity groups & networks
- Share news and photos with other alumni
- Stay informed about alumni events
- Register and pay for alumni events online

These and other functions will be available.

Beta-testing is expected to begin sometime in April. If you would like to participate in the beta-test process, please send an e-mail with your name, class year, and e-mail address to alumni@messiah.edu .


* ANNOUNCING CONTEST TO NAME THE NEW ONLINE ALUMNI COMMUNITY
We need a jazzy, catchy name for our new online alumni community and portal (see previous article for explanation). If you have suggestions for what to call the new Messiah College Online Alumni Community and Portal, please submit your ideas to alumni@messiah.edu . The winning entry will receive a $25 gift certificate from the Messiah College bookstore (now offering online purchasing).


* HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT ALUMNI AND STUDENT RECEPTION IS A SUCCESS
Approximately thirty alumni, students and faculty attended a March 13 reception held on-campus. Alumni had the opportunity to meet the new Dean, hear updates on the business department and HRM major, and interact with students. Alumni indicated strong interest in forming some type of HRM alumni association. To see photos from the reception, visit www.messiah.edu/alumni/photoarchive .



ALUMNI ACTIVITIES
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* SPRING REUNION DAY ARRIVES THIS WEEKEND
The 2nd Annual Spring Reunion Day will take place this Saturday, April 5, beginning with a brunch at 10:00 A.M. After brunch, anniversary class reunions will be held for the Classes of 1943, 1953, 1958, 1963, 1968, & 1973. Faculty workshops will also be held in the afternoon. This special day will culminate with private dinners for most reunion classes and an evening Messiah College Concert Choir Concert. For more information, contact the Office of Alumni Relations by calling (717) 796-5252.


* THE MASTERS SIX 40TH ANNIVERSARY REUNION CONCERT
The Masters Six, a college music ministry team active in 1963, and a Ladies Trio will reunite and perform on Sunday, April 6, 2003 at 2:30 p.m. in the Hostetter Chapel, on the Messiah College campus. Admission is free and a reception will follow.


* ELLIS ISLAND BUS TRIP
Saturday, May 3, 2003
Join us on the alumni charter bus tour to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. The trip departs from Messiah’s campus at 7:00 a.m. and will return around 10:00 p.m. Cost is $40/adult and $34/child (ages 4-12) and includes transportation, ferry ticket, and access to Liberty Island and the Immigration Museum. For more info, visit www.messiah.edu/alumni or to book your tickets call The Ticket Office at (717) 691-6036.


* NEW DATE & TIME FOR 21ST ANNUAL GOLF OUTING
Please note that we have changed the date and time of our 2003 Alumni and Friends Golf Outing to Thursday, July 10, with a shotgun start scheduled for 8 a.m. The outing will return to Dauphin Highlands Golf Course, Harrisburg, Pa., recipient of a four-star rating from "Golf Digest" magazine.
Costs will be $58 for the Classic Outing (18 holes) and $78 for the "Golf-Lovers Special" (36 holes), including greens fees, cart, barbeque lunch, and prizes. If you want to be added to the golf outing mailing list, please send your name and address to alumni@messiah.edu .


* REGIONAL GATHERINGS
Spring is a busy time for regional alumni gatherings. For more information on any of the following regional events, visit www.messiah.edu/alumni .

- D.C. AREA JAZZ & JAVA SOCIAL
Messiah College’s top jazz ensemble, JazzONE, and jazz vocal group, JazzSINGERS, will be performing during a free coffeehouse-style event on Wednesday, May 14, 2003 at Calvary United Methodist Church, Arlington, VA. 7-9 p.m. (Come and go as you please) Please RSVP to Dirk ’76 & Carol Keller ’77 at (703) 370-8200 or drkellers@aol.com . Open to alumni, parents, students, and friends.


- MID-WEST AREA DESSERT SOCIAL & CONCERT
The Messiah Singers, a select 20 voice choral ensemble, will present a concert at Clinton Frame Mennonite Church, Goshen, IN. on Wednesday, May 21, 2003. The free dessert social begins at 7 p.m. and the concert begins at 7:30 p.m. Please RSVP to Dr. Donald ’47 and Mrs. Marty Minter at (574) 533-7958. The public is invited.


- GREATER PHILLY AREA TAILGATE & RIVERSHARKS GAME
Join Greater Philadelphia area alumni on Friday, May 30, for family fun at a tailgate picnic and Camden Riversharks vs. the Pennsylvania Warriors baseball game at Campbell’s Field, Camden, NJ. (Recently named "Ballpark of the Year"). Cost is $9 per person and covers food and admission ticket. To purchase your tickets, contact the Messiah College Ticket Office at (717) 691-6036 before May 9.


- NEW ENGLAND AREA SUMMER PICNIC GATHERING
Saturday, June 28, 2003 (Time TBA)
Drs. Glenn ’86& Barbara Focht Farm, Grafton, MA.
(More details to come.)
Contact: Catherine Warsen’99 at cwarsen@hotmail.com

- SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA AREA BARBEQUE PICNIC
Saturday, July 12, 2003, 4-8 p.m.
At the home of Mr. Steve ’78 and Jana’77 McBeth, Agoura Hills, Ca. (More details to come.)
Contact: Heather (Hric) Fishman ’98 at hlfadm@aol.com .



GENERAL CAMPUS NEWS
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* ACCREDITATION TEAM ON CAMPUS
Every ten years the College undergoes a comprehensive re-accreditation review by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Universities. After a year-long self study in preparation for the review, the accreditation team of six educators visits the campus this entire week. The team will review all college programs and curriculum and assess how well the College is meeting its mission. A final report will be issued by the team in several months.


* FINALISTS ANNOUNCED FOR VICE PROVOST & DEAN OF STUDENTS POSITION
Two finalists for the position announced by the Provost Office are Dr. Kristen Hansen-Kieffer and Dr. Zenebe Abebe. Hansen-Kieffer is currently Director of Academic Advising and Assistant Professor in Exercise Physiology at Messiah College. Abebe is Vice President for Multicultural Education and Professor of Psychology at Goshen College. Both candidates interviewed on-campus last week.


* ACADEMIC DEPARTMENT CHANGES ANNOUNCED
The Provosts Office also announced the following department changes effective July 1, 2003:

- The Department of Family Studies will be changed to the Department of Human Development and Family Science.

- The Department of Natural Sciences will be divided into three departments
* The Department of Biological Sciences
* The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
* The Department of Nutrition & Dietetics


* TRANSCRIPT FEES ELIMINATED
Effective July 1, 2003, the Office of the Registrar has announced that it will discontinue charging fees for sending official transcripts.


* PHONATHON BY THE NUMBERS
The Development Office reports that after just three weeks of calling, the Spring Phonathon is off to a great start!
- 476 pledges
- 139 or 29% of gifts have been on credit cards
- Average pledge is $39.00
- 2,014 households have been contacted
- Students have logged 326 hours on the phone

Thank you again to everyone who has already supported the Student Impact Fund with a gift or a pledge. The alumni participation rate is now at just over 21%. Please help us meet our goal of 29% participation by making a gift today. Log on to www.messiah.edu/giving for a secure, convenient online giving experience. To make a credit card gift by phone, please call toll-free 1-800-215-5344.


* DOUBLE YOUR GIFT DOLLARS
Remember that any new gifts or gift increases over last year to the Student Impact Fund will be matched dollar-for-dollar by funds from the "Challenge from the Chair" program. Therefore, gifts from first-time alumni donors or alumni who increase their giving will have twice the impact in helping current students.


* MESSIAH EXCELS IN PREPARING STUDENTS FOR HEALTH PROFESSIONS
Dr. Jeffrey Moshier, Dean of the School of Health and Human Performance, recently announced that nearly a dozen students have been accepted into medical or veterinary schools so far this year. In addition, 93% of the Nursing majors from the Class of 2002 have passed their licensing exams on their first attempts. In addition, Messiah’s nursing department was recently awarded a grant of $175,000 over five years from the Wells Foundation.


* SUMMER MISSIONS TEAMS
The following teams will be sent out from Messiah College this summer:

- Guatemala Team
Led by Deborale Richardson-Buie, this team will be working with a local church to build a school.

- Philippines Team
Led by Kevin Villegas, this team will be working with child development programs in metro Manila.

- Uganda Team
Led by Miriam Ippel, this team will be building a library addition onto an existing primary school.


* MESSIAH MATH TEAM EARNS MERITORIOUS RATING
A team of three Messiah students recently competed in an annual Math Modeling Contest sponsored by the Consortium for Mathematics and ITS Applications. Out of the 638 teams world-wide, 16 were ranked as "outstanding," the next 89 as "meritorious," and 212 received "honorable mention." This is the third time Messiah teams have earned a meritorious ranking, with the other two occurring in 1996 and 1998.


* FREE-LANCE WRITERS WANTED
The Publications Office is seeking to develop a pool of free-lance writers that could be used in writing and/or editing assignments for various College publications, including "The Bridge" magazine, alumni and parents newsletters, and other special assignments. If interested, send a resume and writing samples to Becky Ebersole at Rebersol@messiah.edu or to her attention c/o Messiah College Publications Office, Box 3020, Grantham, Pa. 17027.


* E-COMMERCE COMES TO MESSIAH COLLEGE BOOKSTORE
Shopping the web just got a lot nicer with the addition of Messiah's new bookstore website. Here, you can find all things Messiah . . . from clothing to collectibles. Campus authors, music, alumni merchandise and more. All available from the convenience of your PC. Visit us soon online at: www.messiah.edu/bookstore . Visa, MasterCard, and Discover Card accepted.


* CAMPUS CONSTRUCTION UPDATES

- STUDENT HOUSING: Architects will be looking at options for locating and building an apartment-style complex in multiple phases on-campus to help alleviate student housing demands.
- BOYER HALL: Construction is progressing well on this academic building and the builder fully expects to turn the facility over to the College on July 15, 2003 to prepare for the start of the fall semester.

- LARSEN STUDENT UNION: Foundations and walls are currently being built. Occupancy is anticipated in early December 2003.


* FACULTY & STAFF
SELECT FAVORITE WORSHIP SONGS
Prior to a recent faculty and staff chapel, College Ministries conducted a poll to determine their favorite hymns and worship songs. Here are the top ten choices in priority order:

1. Amazing Grace
2. A Mighty Fortress Is Our God
2. Be Thou My Vision
4. Great Is Thy Faithfulness
5. It Is Well With My Soul
6. Shout To The Lord
7. How Great Thou Art
8. And Can It Be?
9. Holy, Holy, Holy (Lord God Almighty)
10. O For A Thousand Tongues to Sing


* MESSIAH TUITION COMPARISONS
In benchmark comparisons of 2002-03 Tuition & Fees among two groups of 20 peer institutions, Pennsylvania Private Schools and Consortium for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU), Messiah’s tuition ranked as follows:

Pennsylvania Private Institutions Median Average: $27,510
Messiah College: $24,266 (17th out of 20)

CCCU Median Average: $22,960
Messiah College: $24,266 (7th out of 20)


* FRIENDS OF MURRAY LIBRARY BOOK SALE
The eighth annual Friends of Murray Library book sale will open at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 26 in the Library.
Over 15,000 books will be on sale through Friday, May 2
during regular library hours. $2 for most hardcovers; $1 for paperbacks. Also for sale will be CDs, videos, classical and pop LPs music scores, maps, magazines, and home schooling materials. Wednesday and Thursday, half price. Friday, $2 per stacked foot. Donations are welcome anytime.


ALUMNI CAREER SERVICES
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* ATTENTION 2002 GRADUATES
If you have not completed and mailed in the Class of 2002 Career Survey, you may now complete it online at: www.messiah.edu/careersurvey . The purpose of the survey is to provide up-to-date information and feedback. Once submitted, your name will be entered into a $50 Red Lobster gift certificate drawing.


* HELPING PROFESSIONS JOB FAIR
April 14, 2003, 1-3 p.m.
Eisenhower Commons, Messiah College
Alumni candidates are welcome to attend any of these Job Fairs. There is no cost to attend this fair. To view a list of employers that will be attending, go to: www.messiah.edu/acdept/career/job/jobfairs . If you know of an employer that would like to attend, please contact Dwayne Keiffer at 717-691-6016 or e-mail at dkeiffer@messiah.edu .


* INTERNSHIPS FOR MESSIAH STUDENTS
If your organization is interested in hosting a Messiah College Intern, during the summer or academic year, please visit www.messiah.edu/acdept/internships/intern_emp.html for more information on starting or sponsoring an internship program.


* ALUMNI JOB POSTINGS
All Messiah Job Postings are now online at http://messiah.erecruiting.com . We post positions for students and alumni on this site. To view a list of jobs go to this website and click on "create an account." Once an account has been created, you can search the database for jobs posted specifically to students and alumni from Messiah College.

If you are in career transition, thinking of attending graduate school, or have a professional development question, please contact Mike Blount, Alumni Career Services, at mblount@messiah.edu or (717) 796-5099. For information regarding services, go to www.messiah.edu/acdept/career/alumniservices/index.html .


UPCOMING CAMPUS EVENTS
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April
1 - Arts Forum: Poetry Reading - Li-Young Lee
3-6 - Theatre Messiah: "As You Like It"
3 - Small Jazz Combo, 8 p.m.
5 - Concert Choir, 8 p.m.
7 - Admissions Open House (All majors)
8-9 Annual Religion & Society Lectures
7 - Small Ensembles Concert, 8 p.m.
9-12 - Theatre Messiah: "As You Like It"
11 - Brass Choir, 8 p.m.
13 - Symphony Orchestra, 8 p.m.
15 - Faculty Brass Quartet, 8 p.m.
26 - Friends of the Library Book Sale begins (through May 2)
27 - Choral Arts Society, Rutter’s "Magnificat" and Vivaldi’s "Beatus Vir", 8 p.m.

May
1 - Handbell Concert, 8 p.m.
2 - Jazz Singers and JazzOne Concert, 8 p.m.
3 - Battle of the Bands, 7 p.m.
3 - Faculty Recital - Richard Roberson, 8 p.m.
4 - Presidents Concert, 3 p.m.
4 - Comedy Night, 8 p.m.
6 - Last Day of Classes
8 - Final Exams Begin
16 - Baccalaureate Service, 7 p.m.
17 - Commencement, 10 a.m.
22 - Family Business Forum, 8 a.m.



TRIVIA CONTEST
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* THE FEBRUARY 2003 TRIVIA QUESTION WAS:
As mentioned (in that newsletter), Boyer Hall, the new academic building being built on Messiah’s campus is being named in honor of alumnus, Dr. Ernest Boyer. Which of the following Messiah College presidents was a college roommate with Dr. Boyer?

A. C. N. Hostetter, Jr.
B. Arthur Climenhaga
C. D. Ray Hostetter
D. Rodney Sawatsky

The correct answer is "C." - D. Ray Hostetter

Congratulations to our February Trivia winners:
Esther Hennigh '55, Dillsburg, PA
Lela (Swalm) Hostetler '48, Mechanicsburg, PA
Natalie L. (Winzeler) Zeiler '92, Glendale, Arizona
Lloyd V. Reitz, '01 Shamokin, PA
Nancy J. (McFeeley) Cagno, '87, Toms River, NJ


* THE APRIL TRIVIA QUESTION IS:
This issue listed the top ten favorite hymns and worship songs selected by faculty and staff. College Ministries also conducted a poll among Messiah College students in preparation for a recent worship chapel. Which of the following is the favorite worship song selected by students:

A. Be Thou My Vision
B. Days of Elijah
C. God of Wonders
D. I Can Only Imagine
E. Better is One Day

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


ALUMNI RELATIONS STAFF
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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.