September 2003 eBulletin

MESSIAH COLLEGE ALUMNI E-BULLETIN
SEPTEMBER 2003 EDITION

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"Christ says, Give me All.......Hand over the whole natural self, all the desires which you think innocent as well as the ones you think wicked - the whole outfit. I will give you a new self instead. In fact, I will you give Myself: my own will shall become yours."

- C. S. Lewis (Mere Christianity)

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TOPICS IN THIS ISSUE:

* BONGIORNO NAMED ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
* ALUMNI ONLINE COMMUNITY STARTS BIG
* REASONS TO ATTEND HOMECOMING 2003
* 2003 ALUMNI AWARD RECIPIENTS ANNOUNCED
* GOLDEN GRADS & UPLAND ALUMNI TO HOST BOYER RECEPTION
* ALUMNI INVITED TO ACADEMIC DEPARTMENT RECEPTIONS
* ALUMNI COUNCIL OFFICERS NAMED
* SHENANDOAH VALLEY (VA.) ALUMNI GATHERING
* YOUNG ALUMNI EVENT IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
* FALL PHONATHON BEGINS
* JOB & GRADUATE SCHOOL FAIRS FOR ALUMNI
* AUDITIONS FOR HANDEL'S MESSIAH
* FALL FILM SERIES ANNOUNCED
* MESSIAH ATHLETICS PLACES 16TH IN DIRECTORS CUP
* CAMPUS EVENTS HIGHLIGHTS
* TRIVIA CONTEST
* PRAYER REQUESTS


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* ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF
ALUMNI & PARENT RELATIONS NAMED
Paula Bongiorno '93 was appointed the new assistant director for alumni and parent relations in mid-July. Paula graduated with a psychology degree from Messiah and has also earned a masters degree in community psychology from Penn State.

Prior to returning to Messiah, Paula worked for nine years in non-profit administration, most recently as director of the Mechanicsburg Center for New Hope Ministries. Her new responsibilities include coordinating Homecoming, Spring Reunion Day, and other events, as well as working with volunteers on class reunion and student relations committees. You may contact Paula by e-mailing Pbongior@messiah.edu .



* NEW ALUMNI ONLINE COMMUNITY OPENS
If you haven't done so already, check out Messiah's newest service for alumni. The new Alumni Online Community provides a wonderful way to connect with classmates, find alumni in your area, share news and photos, enter into discussion forums, and learn about future alumni events.

In just three weeks since "launching" our new online service, more than 1,000 alumni have registered! To join the Alumni Online Community, visit www.messiah.edu/alumni and click on the red-lettered link. Follow the easy instructions to create your profile and gain access. Then revisit as more and more alumni sign on.

(Please Note:) Online performance has been affected by the recent spread of the "Blaster worm." If you experience difficulty in accessing the Alumni Online Community, please keep trying.

If you have any questions, contact the Office of Alumni & Parent Relations by calling (717) 796-5252 or e-mail Alumni@messiah.edu .



* EXCITING REASONS
TO ATTEND HOMECOMING 2003
This October 18th, don't miss the opportunity to reconnect with classmates and friends and see what's new on campus.

- Attend the Boyer Hall Open House - Tour Messiah's new academic building that houses the School of Education & Social Sciences, the School of Humanities, the Boyer Center and a state-of-the-art Cinema Theatre

- Participate in alumni field hockey, baseball, soccer, volleyball, softball, and lacrosse games (for alumni varsity athletes)

- Test your fitness in the 2 mile Falcon Fun Run

- Reminisce about service projects and mission trips at the Service and Mission Receptions

- Cheer for Messiah at the Field Hockey and Soccer Games

- Enjoy delicious, fall-inspired food creations while connecting with old friends at the FalconFest Picnic

- Attend the post-game Jazz & Comedy Coffeehouse - experience why this event attracted a full house last year

You should have already received this year's Homecoming Brochure in the mail. If you did not receive or misplaced your brochure, please visit www.messiah.edu/alumni for complete up-to-date information.

Please preregister so that we can make arrangements for ample space and menu preparation. Remember, as a special bonus, those who register by October 10th, 2003 will be entered in a drawing to receive Messiah College insignia sportswear items and a free overnight stay in the Climenhaga Homestead.

Hope to see you there!


* 2003 ALUMNI AWARD
RECIPIENTS ANNOUNCED
The Office of Alumni & Parent Relations is pleased to announce this year's alumni awards selections:

- DISTINGUISHED ALUMNUS AWARD
Dr. Nancy R. Heisey '73
Nancy is Associate Professor of Biblical Studies and Church History at Eastern Mennonite University. She has done significant work analyzing missions and is the first woman to become President-elect of the Mennonite World Conference.

- YOUNG ALUMNUS ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Mr. J. Welby Leaman '93
Welby is the first Messiah graduate admitted to Yale Law School. In September 2002, he left law practice with a Washington, D.C. firm to work in Latin America as an independent consultant specializing in public sector reforms.

- ALUMNI CHRISTIAN SERVICE AWARD
Dr. Kathleen (Winger '63) Stuebing
Kathy has served for more than 20 years as a missionary in Zambia, presently teaching at Theological College of Central Africa. Her research in African women and children's health and literacy issues led to her earning a Harvard doctorate.

- ALUMNI APPRECIATION AWARD
Dr. D. Wayne Cassel '57
Wayne has served Messiah College virtually his entire professional life. Over the past 40 years, he has held numerous roles including faculty member, department chair, registrar, and assistant to the dean.

Our congratulations to these individuals for their achievements in faithful service to others. Heisey, Leaman, and Cassel will be honored at the Alumni Awards Luncheon to be held on Homecoming Saturday, October 18, 2003, at Noon in the Grantham Church. Stuebing will be honored at Spring Reunion Day, April 17, 2004.

For information about attending these events, please contact the Office of Alumni & Parent Relations by calling (717) 796-5252 or e-mail Alumni@messiah.edu .

If you know someone who you believe is deserving of future alumni award consideration, please send names and brief commentary on why to Randy Ness, director of alumni & parent relations, RNess@messiah.edu .


* GOLDEN GRADS AND UPLAND ALUMNI
TO HOST BOYER RECEPTION AT HOMECOMING
As part of the Boyer Hall festivities, a special reception entitled "Remembering Ernie Boyer" will be held from 1:30 - 3:00 p.m. on Homecoming Saturday, October 18, in the Grantham Church. Hosted by Bob MJ'42 & Marilyn (Byer UA'51) Smith, the reception will feature personal reflections presented by Boyer classmates and colleagues: Bob Carlson UC'54, Ray Hostetter MJ'48, and Royce Saltzman MJ'48.


* BOYER HALL ACADEMIC DEPARTMENTS
INVITE ALUMNI TO HOMECOMING RECEPTIONS
Take opportunity to visit with faculty, see the new "homes" for these departments, meet current students, and interact with other alumni. Departments scheduled to host receptions from 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 18, and their faculty hosts include:

School of Education and Social Sciences
- Education (Dr. Kevin Zook)
- Family Studies (Dr. Raeann Hamon)
- Psychology (Dr. John Bechtold)
- Sociology and Social Work (Dr. Ron Burwell)

School of Humanities
- Biblical and Religious Studies (Dr. John Stanley)
- Communications (Dr. Chris Simmons)
- English (Dr. Peter Powers)
- History (Dr. Jim LaGrand)
- Modern Languages (Dr. Kim Yunez)
- Philosophy (Dr. Caleb Miller)
- Politics (Dr. John Harles)


* EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
NAMED TO ALUMNI COUNCIL
Maureen (Fitzgerald'88) Fairbanks, chairperson, and Jeffrey Horst '95, assistant chair, recently began two year terms as officers for the Messiah College Alumni Council. Fairbanks lives in Elizabethtown and works as a Diversity Consultant for PA Blue Shield. Horst lives in Ephrata and will soon become a partner in the Lancaster accounting firm, Kuntz Lesher LLP.

Alumni Council serves as a liaison between the College and alumni and helps to advise and implement alumni relations programming. If you have any questions or comments for Alumni Council you may e-mail Maureen at Mfitz4@aol.com or Jeff at jmhamh@myexcel.com .


* SHENANDOAH VALLEY(VA.)AREA ALUMNI TO
GATHER AT MESSIAH VS. EMU WOMEN'S SOCCER GAME
Messiah's women's soccer team plays EMU on Monday, October 6 at EMU. Game starts at 4:00 p.m. Area alumni & friends are invited to the game and/or post-game catered BBQ picnic tailgate with the Messiah team (approx. 6 p.m.). Donations will be accepted to help offset meal costs. Please RSVP by Friday, Sept. 26 via e-mail to Wendell Esbenshade '94 at esbenswx@jmu.edu or call (540) 568-3977.


* SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
YOUNG ALUMNI INVITED TO GATHER
Heather (Hric '98) Fishman and Lara Conrad '98 are hosting a gathering for Messiah College young alumni (approximately 15 years out or less)at a BBQ Picnic & Potluck to be held Saturday, October 25, from 4-8 p.m. at Heather's house in Burbank. For more information, contact Heather at (818) 842-4291 or e-mail heather.fishman@sbcglobal.net or Lara at (805) 565-6041 or e-mail lara@withinwithout.org .



* SHOW YOUR SUPPORT!
If your phone rings between September 8 and November 22, smile! The caller might just be an enthusiastic Messiah College student asking you to invest in Messiah's mission with a gift to the Student Impact Fund. Last year, 26.6% of Messiah alumni supported Messiah students with a gift to the Student Impact Fund. This year, we'd like to see that number increase to 28%, 29%, or even 30%!

Every gift, regardless of size, is important and counts toward boosting the participation percentage. To make a safe, convenient gift online, visit www.messiah.edu/giving . If you prefer to make a credit card gift by phone, call us at 1-800-215-5344. Thank you in advance for your generosity!


* CAREER CENTER ANNOUNCES
FALL JOB AND GRADUATE SCHOOL FAIRS
The job fairs listed below are open to Messiah Alumni. For more information, please check the Career Center website, www.messiah.edu/acdept/career/center.htm .

Sept 17th - Accounting Night
Jordan Science Center Lobby (6-8 p.m.)

Nov 4th - 1st Annual CVC Teacher Fair
Gettysburg College (2-6 p.m.)

Nov 5th - Nursing Fair
Jordan Science Center Lobby (11 a.m.-1 p.m.)

Nov 11th - Technology Job & Internship Fair
Eisenhower Commons (10 a.m.-1 p.m.)

Alumni are invited to meet with grad school representatives coming to campus on Oct 2, 2003 (in Eisenhower Commons), as part of the PA CAC Graduate & Professional School Fair (10 a.m. -1 p.m.) followed by the Biblical Studies Graduate School Fair (2-6 p.m.)

Alumni Career Services is available to support and assist you with career issues, career transitions, relocating, practice interviews and professional resume critique. Visit www.messiah.edu/acdept/career/alumniservices/index
or call Mike Blount at (717) 691-6016 for more information.


* AUDITIONS SCHEDULED
FOR HANDEL'S "MESSIAH"
Entering its 58th season, the Messiah College Choral Arts Society will hold public auditions in the Climenhaga Fine Arts Center on Tuesday, September 16, from 7 - 9:30 p.m. Auditions should be scheduled in advance by contacting Eunice Hager at (717) 691-6027, ext. 1. The chorus' annual performance will be held on Sunday, April 25, 2004 at 3 p.m.


* ON CAMPUS FILM SOCIETY
ANNOUNCES THREE FILM SERIES
During the 2003 fall semester, Messiah College will offer three wonderful film series:

- The Holocaust Film Series: A series of 12 films dealing with the Holocaust. Offered Wednesday evenings from September 10 through December 10.

- Milestones of American Cinema Film Series: Features landmark films made 1890-1930. Offered on Thursday evenings from September 11 through December 11.

- Contemporary Film Series: Features current and recent films. Offered on Friday and Saturday evenings beginning September 12.

All films to be shown in the new state-of-the-art Parmer Cinema located in Boyer Hall. A listing of films and show times available at www.messiah.edu/beta/lostfilms/ .


* MESSIAH PLACES 16TH IN
2002-03 DIRECTORS' CUP STANDINGS
The NACDA Directors Cup program awards points based upon how well teams perform at the national championship level. With eight of our twenty sports teams earning berths in NCAA post-season championships, Messiah placed 16th nationally out of 423 Division III members. Messiah's national finish is the best among all Middle Atlantic Conference members and all Division III institutions in Pennsylvania. To see the 2003-04 Falcon athletic schedule and team scores, visit www.messiah.edu/athletics .


* CAMPUS EVENTS HIGHLIGHTS

SEPTEMBER

20 - SAB Concert: Bebo Norman, 8 p.m., Brubaker Auditorium ($15 admission)

26-27 - Family Weekend

26 - Susquehanna Valley Lyceum: School House Rock, 8 p.m., Brubaker Auditorium

27 - SAB Concert: Andrew Peterson, 8 p.m., Brubaker Auditorium ($5 Admission)

29 - Admissions Office Open House - School of Mathematics, Engineering & Business

OCTOBER

16-25 - Messiah Theatre Fall Mainstage Performance: 1984

18 - Homecoming

22 - Admissions Open House (All majors)

31 - Cultural Series: Chanson, 8 p.m., Miller Auditorium

To purchase tickets for events, please call the Messiah College Ticket Office at (717) 691-6036.

For more information and a complete schedule of Messiah College athletic, cultural and other events, please visit www.messiah.edu .


TRIVIA CONTEST ********************************************

In the last issue of the Alumni e-Bulletin, the trivia question was:

President Sawatsky received his education from several Canadian and American Colleges. Which of the following American institutions of higher education did he NOT attend:
a.) Bethel College (Kansas)
b.) University of Minnesota
c.) Eastern Mennonite University
d.) Princeton University
The correct answer is C.) Eastern Mennonite University

Congratulations to our trivia contest winners!
Brian Edwards '92, Baltimore, MD
Jodi (Blixt) Witmer '95, Baldwinsville, NY
Sherri (Edwards) Flohr '86, Chambersburg, PA
Delight Yokley '98, Maple Heights, OH
Joanne (Kautzmann) Murillo '94, Fresno, CA

This month, in lieu of a trivia question, we invite your feedback on the new Messiah Alumni Online Community. If you have visited and used this new online service, please take a few moments to share your initial impressions and feedback. Your input is valuable to us as we consider ways to improve and/or enhance this online service.

Send your comments to Alumni@messiah.edu . All responses will be entered into a random drawing for a Messiah College sweatshirt (or other Messiah insignia item of equal or lesser value). Please include your class year and mailing address with your feedback.



PRAYER REQUESTS ******************************************

As the 2003-04 academic year begins, we humbly ask that you consider adding these items in your prayers:

- For the approximately 750 first year and 100 transfer students who are new to the Messiah College community that they may adjust well to campus life and experience.

- For President & Mrs. Sawatsky as they begin a 90 day administrative leave to provide rest as part of the healing process for Rod.

- For someone (you know personally) who is teaching, working, and/or studying at Messiah that they would be guided and encouraged by God's Holy Spirit in their endeavors this year.

- For the Office of Alumni & Parent Relations staff as Paula Bongiorno assumes her new responsibilities, as we assume new responsibilities for Parent Relations, and as we prepare for Homecoming.


ALUMNI & PARENT RELATIONS STAFF ***************************
Randy Ness '77, director
Paula Bongiorno '93, assistant director
Dixie Koser, administrative assistant
Kimberly Lay '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 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, Box 3023, 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.