D. Ray Hostetter dies

D. Ray Hostetter, 88, Messiah’s longest serving president, died Feb. 12, 2016. Serving as the sixth president for a term of 30 years (1964-1994), he remains an integral part of the fabric of Messiah College, where his father and grandfather before him also served as presidents.

He received a B.A. from Greenville College, an M.A. from Pennsylvania State University and a Ph.D. in higher education from Columbia University.

From expanding the assets of the college by obtaining 300 acres to introducing new athletic programs, he pioneered significant growth during three decades. The construction of facilities during his presidency included Hess, Sollenberger and Miller Residence Halls, Fry Apartments, Kline Hall of Science, Eisenhower Campus Center, Climenhaga Fine Arts Center, Sollenberger Sports Center and a Murray Library expansion.

Hostetter Chapel is named for the three generations of Messiah presidents; these men provided leadership to Messiah for a collective 63 years. 

In addition to new buildings, new services such as professional counseling and career services, which are now part of the Engle Center and the Career and Professional Development Center, were added. The athletic program was enhanced with the addition of wrestling, baseball, field hockey, women’s basketball, volleyball, and co-ed track teams.

Hostetter partnered with Temple University to bring Messiah’s programs to an urban community and Daystar Institute in Nairobi, Kenya, offering the first bachelor’s degree program of an accredited Christian liberal arts institution in Africa. 

As a founding board member of the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities and the Christian College Consortium, he continually sought to improve Christian higher education.

A memorial service was held at Grantham Brethren In Christ Church April 16. President Kim Phipps delivered one of the tributes in his honor. Also, the Student Government Association announced the new D. Ray Hostetter Memorial Leadership Grant to carry on his legacy for future students.