Graduate Commencement
At Brubaker Auditorium, the School of Graduate and Professional Studies honored the Class of 2024, where 186 graduates received their master’s and doctorate degrees May 18.
Norm Dyck
Listowel, Ontario
With more than 23 years in pastoral leadership, Norm Dyck, MBA ’24 reassessed his career during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“What would I need to do if I had to retool or even look at a different career track? I had been curious about an MBA for a long time,” he said. “I have always been curious about the connection between theology and work—or the work of the church and the world of business—and began to ask that question more seriously. A friend of mine was taking courses at Messiah at the time and spoke highly of the program. I began to do some research and decided to sign on and here I am.”
Since he lives in Canada and works full-time, he needed a fully online master’s program, but he was also looking for one that was well respected and faith-based. “Taken together, these led me to the conclusion that, if I have an opportunity to study at a high-ranking MBA program that also has a Christ-centered focus, then I’ll do that,’” he said.
Out of his experiences in the MBA program, he says he most appreciated the group work. It allowed him to get to know his classmates and make his way through the program with many of the same people. Norm also appreciated being able to build relationships with his professors.
“It took it out of the purely academic context of a learning journey by putting it into practice in real-world experience,” he said. “How does this idea that we’re talking about apply to my line of work in the nonprofit faith-based sector? Because I was always able to integrate business and faith, it created a seamless environment for me,” he said. “My supervisor was supportive of me being in the MBA program, as it provided extra leverage in the critical thinking of my day-to-day work, even while I was completing assignments. I never saw it as two separate things.”
After graduation, he plans to pursue executive leadership roles in faith-based nonprofits.
“I’ve been enriched by this experience. It was a good choice to choose Messiah and to engage in the MBA program,” Dyck said. “I would encourage anyone considering it to dive in and give it a try.”
—Samantha Neal ’24
Elijah Steffen
Apple Creek, Ohio
Elijah Steffen, DPT ’24 spent some time at Houghton University before applying to Messiah’s physical therapy program.
“I had always thought about PT school, but I wasn’t sure I was ready to go back to school right away, so I was going
to take a gap year,” Steffen said. “Then, the COVID scholarship helped give me time to rethink my gap year decision. After rethinking, I decided to join the PT program. I was like, ‘I think God wants me to go to Messiah right now.’”
A lifelong athlete, Steffen has suffered a number of injuries throughout his career that have taken him through the rehabilitation process. He cites this experience as what sparked his interest in physical therapy.
“The rehabilitation process in general is a very unique time because you’re kind of at a low point in your life most of the time. No matter if you’re older or younger or wherever you are,” Steffen said. “I really enjoyed the people that I worked with during that time. That influenced me to want to help other people through that. I also have a grandpa who had a stroke and got to see him go through PT, so that was part of my decision.”
Steffen says one of his favorite things about coming to Messiah was the opportunity to work with the men’s soccer team. He had known Coach Brad McCarty from when he was an undergraduate, so he decided to volunteer with the team.
“The guys on the soccer team helped me through school. They gave me energy and poured into me as much or more than I was able to pour into them,” he said.
After graduation, Steffen accepted a job at Inspired Physical Therapy in Linglestown, Pennsylvania.
“I am excited for the opportunity to join the team there and work to make a difference in people’s lives while continuing to work with the men’s soccer team on the side. I am very thankful for the people at Messiah and the community that helped form me during my time in grad school. I would not be the person I am today without them.”
—Samantha Neal ’24
Sarah Newton-Jones
Camp Hill, Pennsylvania
After completing her undergraduate degree at Messiah, Sarah Newton-Jones ’15, MBA ’24 decided to become a double alum and pursue a Master in Business Administration with a concentration in management to help further her career.
“I was familiar with many of the accounting and business professors from my undergrad classes and felt comfortable learning from them again,” she said.
She says Messiah provides a comprehensive and rigorous academic education combined with a strong faith foundation that prepares students for diverse careers and life paths.
“Messiah places great importance on fostering an inclusive and supportive community, ensuring students from all
backgrounds feel valued and supported,” said Newton-Jones. “My family emigrated from Canada many years ago, bringing with them a rich cultural heritage that includes both French Canadian ancestry and Inuit roots. This heritage has profoundly influenced my understanding of identity and community. These cultural experiences have shaped my worldview and continue to inspire me in both my personal and professional life. Embracing my heritage has allowed me to appreciate a diverse tapestry of cultures and has fueled my passion for fostering inclusivity and understanding in all areas of my life.”
She credits two professors with profoundly impacted her career: Mario Migliori, adjunct in business and leadership, and Andy Babyak, associate professor of management and chair.
“Their guidance significantly shaped my education. I had Andy Babyak for multiple courses during my undergraduate studies, and his teaching allowed me to thrive in both undergraduate and graduate classes. Mario Migliori supported me through some of the most challenging courses in my program. He witnessed my struggles and frustrations with difficult math assignments, and his patience and kindness helped me develop my abilities and persevere,” she said.
Newton-Jones, who works in the finance department of a mental healthcare company and was promoted to accounting manager at the beginning of the year.
“Collaborating with the CFO on various projects has been incredibly rewarding. I eagerly anticipate my vacation this fall. It will be the first time in a long while without the pressure of assignment deadlines,” she said.
She says going back to school for her MBA was a challenge but also a worthwhile endeavor.
“I realized that time would pass regardless. I decided to pursue my goal and make the most of my journey through life,” she said.
—Anna Seip, MBA ’24