When President Kim Phipps publicly announced her retirement in June 2024, students, alumni and friends began sharing messages of appreciation for the University's eighth president. Enjoy this sample of well wishes for President Phipps or "KP" as she's also well known to current students!
Kim, you have been a terrific, trend-setting president and a true example for the rest of us. Thank you for your service and we look forward to celebrating your tenure in the next year.
Tom Foley, president, Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Pennsylvania (AICUP)
Thank you for sharing with us the news of your retirement and congratulations on a splendid job at Messiah. What a wonderful and gratifying presidency you have accomplished. Truly admirable! The university and your students and your colleagues owe you so much. We all do. Thank you for your leadership. And thank you for your friendship.
Steve MacDonald (former president, Lebanon Valley College)
Hi, Kim.
BRAVA! On a job well done, my friend and sister in Christ. I am so proud of you and hope you feel good about all you have been able to accomplish. I thank you for all your support over the years.
Thank you! Ski (John Sygielski, president of HACC)
Thank you for providing a College for my boys to play the sport they love the most… Soccer but more importantly to become men of God!
Kristen TulpThank you! Under your leadership, Messiah University has remained anchored in Faith, thrived in learning opportunities, and humbly grown to be recognized as one of ‘the best.’ Grateful for the opportunity to work there.
Alicia Imler Morgret
I heard President Phipps speak in chapel my freshman year and was struck by how much I related to what she said. I sent her an email thanking her for sharing, and I was shocked when she invited me to coffee. I feel so blessed to go to a University where the president cares about little freshmen like me.
Heidi Swartley
As a parent of both a Messiah grad and now a current Messiah student, I have valued her apparent heart for our hearts...our kids. Beyond all the well-deserved accolades for her commitment to the university and incredible achievements, I think of Kim as someone I'd like to know better, someone who is present, someone who has undoubtedly walk through a lot to keep Jesus preeminent. These qualities will continue to bless , impact, and serve people wherever Kim is next on mission. I consider it a great privilege to know my kids experienced her grace-filled leadership
Kim Bonvisutto
After a 4x4, Pres Phipps would always remember my name no matter where I was. Always brightened my day seeing KP, especially at concerts.
Oliver Paris
I always look forward to seeing her (KP) out and about as I go through my day. From music department concerts to passing her at the falcon every now and then - she is a true joy to be around.
Amelia Weller
President Phipps has been a role model for her accessibility and charisma. She truly makes her presence felt on campus and conveys a warmth that makes Messiah a place you can call your second home. We are going to miss her greatly.
Tania Tirado
A genuinely phenomenal woman - integrity, generosity, hospitality, kindness, strength, humility, wisdom and class.
Molly Bruce
President Phipps has been a wonderful asset to Messiah University. I count her as one of the dear friends I have at Messiah. She will be truly missed by me and many others. I wish her and her family all the very best to come! Thank You President Phipps for everything!!
David Patton
President Phipps was a wonderful role model throughout my undergrad and graduate time at Messiah of a strong female leader. Honored to have been a Messiah student under her leadership (twice!) The Phipps will be missed!
Liz McVey Calunod
You were a PHENOMENAL PREZ! we all loved you. You made us feel important and valued. You coming to see our shows/concerts/recitals made a BIG impact!
Adam Brock
She’s a super-hero in real life. How lucky we are for President Phipps!!
Margeaux Cronce
Thank you for providing a College for my boys to play the sport they love the most… Soccer but more importantly to become men of God!
Kristen Tulp
Thank you! Under your leadership, Messiah University has remained anchored in Faith, thrived in learning opportunities, and humbly grown to be recognized as one of ‘the best.’ Grateful for the opportunity to work there.
Alicia Imler Morgret
I heard President Phipps speak in chapel my freshman year and was struck by how much I related to what she said. I sent her an email thanking her for sharing, and I was shocked when she invited me to coffee. I feel so blessed to go to a University where the president cares about little freshmen like me.
Heidi Swartley
As a parent of both a Messiah grad and now a current Messiah student, I have valued her apparent heart for our hearts...our kids. Beyond all the well-deserved accolades for her commitment to the university and incredible achievements, I think of Kim as someone I'd like to know better, someone who is present, someone who has undoubtedly walk through a lot to keep Jesus preeminent. These qualities will continue to bless , impact, and serve people wherever Kim is next on mission. I consider it a great privilege to know my kids experienced her grace-filled leadership.
Kim Bonvisutto
President Phipps clearly values every member of the Messiah community. Her genuine care for people is evident in the way she knows the dishwashers, janitors, and staff members by name, recognizing their essential contributions to the university. She fosters a spirit of respect, collaboration, and faith. Her legacy is one of servant leadership, where every individual is seen, valued, and celebrated.
Dwayne A. Magee
I will never forget my first few weeks as a first-year student. I am Catholic and President Phipps and Kelly attended Mass at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Mechanicsburg to hear their friend Msgr. William J King say Mass. That was a huge moment for me as a Catholic student at Messiah, having been a part of the 2% of Catholic students on campus at that time. I never forgot that moment!
Elizabeth Gallo