A President's Report foreward from Eunice Steinbrecher

Even though we may believe that a constant in life is change, who among us would have said a virus would dramatically disrupt almost everything worldwide and, specifically, impact the way we educate and care for our students, faculty and staff at Messiah University? 

The president, her administration, faculty and staff have worked tirelessly to care for our students. Their safety has been entrusted to us and every endeavor to build on that trust is being mobilized. Just a few examples of building and maintaining trust came through the Messiah Cares initiative designed to serve and help with emergency grants for spring 2020 students and trustees’ grants for incoming fall 2020 students. The swift issuance of refunds or credits on room and board when spring semester was interrupted by the virus is another example. 

Let us recall words from Psalms 31, trusting in the Lord and saying, “Thou art my God – my times are in Thy hand." Financial implications are impacting Christian higher education, causing continuous shifting so that each day provides an opportunity to see anew. 

In 1986, by request from President D. Ray Hostetter, I became a member of the Board of Trustees. Serving as a trustee over the past 34 years has enabled me to be a part of a board who closely monitors and gives input as to how Messiah meets the challenges of change. It has been rewarding to see us grow during these years. We have been successful in completing this difficult year with positive cash reserves. In the midst of the storm, we are pleased to share that the Standard and Poors rating is A-. This is indicative of a well-managed financial plan over the decades. It is also a testament of your faithfulness as donors in continuing to support the university. President Phipps is suggesting that donors lend support to the Messiah Fund, which is used to support scholarship aid and other program priorities, and The Good Samaritan Fund to provide financial support to many students who have need due to unexpected circumstances in their personal lives. The University thrives to the extent that our alumni and friends continue to support our mission to educate students toward maturity of intellect, character and Christian faith. You are very highly valued as partners in this effort. The world needs Messiah grads! 

— Eunice Steinbrecher ’58, Trustee