Parents Council President Gene Spencer presents President Phipps with a book from Messiah College parents during the inauguration ceremony.

The Road to Peace presented to President Phipps on behalf of Messiah College parents

During the inauguration ceremony for President Kim S. Phipps on October 14, representatives of Messiah’s alumni, students, parents, faculty, staff, administrators, and board of trustees each presented a book to the eighth president on behalf of their peer group.

Representing the Parents Council and the parents of Messiah College students, the chair of the Parents Council, Gene Spencer, presented a copy of the book, The Road to Peace, a collection of writings by Henri Nouwen.

“Throughout his journey, Nouwen balanced a deep love for the contemplative life with a passionate concern for the world,” Spencer said during the inauguration ceremony. “As we entrust our sons and daughters in your capable hands for this next important phase of their spiritual, emotional and intellectual growth, we pray that they too will develop a passionate concern for the world that is deeply rooted in the teachings of our Savior Jesus Christ. May God bless you and your work on behalf of our sons and daughters.”

Inside each book presented to President Phipps was a brief paragraph explaining why the book was chosen. The inscription inside The Road to Peace reads:

“The Parents Council chose this particular book because we believe it contains important messages that can help to shape the lives of our sons and daughters as they engage in this important next phase of their spiritual, emotional, and intellectual growth at Messiah College. The Road to Peace is an inspiration, and a challenge to live our Christian lives with both love and action. Nouwen also has an important message for those called to leadership, ‘I leave you with the image of a leader with outstretched hands, who chooses a life of downward mobility. It is an image of the praying leader, the vulnerable leader, and the trusting leader. May that image fill your hearts with hope, courage, and confidence as you anticipate the next century.’”