A letter from President Phipps

I often hear criticism of today’s iGen or Generation Z college students for their “lack of resilience,” “excessive dependence on technology” and “overwhelming cynicism.” While today’s college students certainly face challenges—their world is dominated by technology and increasing numbers of them exhibit anxiety and depression—they also report indicators of a more robust work ethic and are more comfortable with diverse people and perspectives. In my own experience, this generation of Messiah College students inspires me to be optimistic about the future.

I am encouraged as I witness their many positive characteristics and attributes:

• They are passionate in their desire to connect with people, care for their neighbors and our environment;
• They are creative and entrepreneurial.
• They desire to be responsible for their own learning and believe learning should improve others’ lives;
• They are committed to listening, understanding others and working for justice; and
• They love Jesus and want to reflect His love to all people.

Messiah College is ideally positioned to educate and actively engage this generation with our Christian faith and values and our commitment to academic excellence. In fact, the Wall Street Journal recently ranked Messiah College #2 for student engagement in the northeastern U.S. The ranking is based on the results of a national survey of students, which measures students’ “interactions with faculty and other students, the effectiveness of teaching and whether students would recommend their school. Engagement also takes into account the breadth of subjects colleges offer.”

Our educators and staff encourage students to deepen their engagement through many different learning opportunities. The following are simply a few representatives of the many students who are actively serving others and preparing for transformational vocations:

Brian Gilroy ’19, a business administration major, gains professional experience by researching and analyzing the technology sector and its companies to help manage the student-run investment portfolio for the Investment Club, which has grown from its initial generous donor gift of $100,000 in 2003 to a more than $337,000 portfolio of stocks in early 2018.

Paula Holtzinger ’18, a senior peace and conflict studies major, was awarded Messiah College’s Barnabas Award for Service for her many pursuits including serving as the student director of local outreach at the Agapé Center for Service and Learning, co-leading a spring break trip as well as teaching English and serving in a number of countries during her summer breaks.

Jessica Kline ’18, student director of the Collaboratory, is an electrical and computer engineering major. She has served with various Collaboratory projects, including the Solar Photovoltaic team that developed and installed a solar panel system at the Theological College of Zimbabwe.

Arion Dominique, ’19, a history major and Martin Scholar, is working with David Michael ’19, Professor Bernardo Michael and the Digital Harrisburg project team on an initiative that focuses on “spaces of fear,” for people of color—i.e. policies and unwritten laws that made it difficult for people of color to pass through, do business or stay in particular places in Central Pennsylvania.

I’m thankful for the commitment of Generation Z to loving and serving their neighbors. At Messiah, we not only sharpen intellect – we deepen Christian faith and inspire action. Thank you for supporting the mission of Messiah College and our Generation Z students.