Donor profile: The Haversticks

I chose Messiah because of its great reputation for rigorous academics in a Christian environment and found a community of people who would forever shape my life.

Being a part of this special community allowed me to grow in my faith, develop wonderful friendships with other students and professors and learn how to incorporate my love for Jesus and others into my nursing major.

After getting married and having three children, I always thought it would be great to have even one of them attend Messiah. During their searches, I encouraged them to look at many colleges but was thrilled when my son Stephen ’16 and daughter Sarah ’21 decided upon Messiah! 

I was pleased that the sense of community I had found was still there for my children. Stephen explains, “Community is a buzz word at Messiah for a reason. There’s real and authentic journeying with other people. That experience has given me a vision and passion to ‘pass it on’ and create community in our world wherever I am.”

Stephen flourished with the many opportunities to grow in his faith and found his passion for ministry. Supportive and available professors guided him to his current job. Friendships formed at Messiah continue to be a vital part of his life three years after graduating.

Sarah’s love for Messiah started through the many visits to see her brother Stephen. She says, “I always knew Messiah was special by the way my mom talked about it. I knew it was true when I visited my brother and saw him thrive, and now I know it for myself because I’m experiencing the incomparable love and joy that comes from living in this community.” As a sophomore, Sarah has immersed herself in this community through various campus ministries and meaningful relationships.

Sharing my love of Messiah with my husband through participation in the Parents’ Advancement Council has been an honor and a privilege. It has provided him with an understanding of what a special community Messiah is. He admits he wishes he could have been a part of Messiah community as a college student but is thankful his kids are able to have this opportunity.

Our family feels so fortunate and blessed to be a part of the Messiah College community and legacy. Sharing the title Messiah alumni with two of my children is a special bond we will have forever!

From Judy Haverstick ’87