ex(PR)essed

I was going to Google the names of people involved in national scandals and find out where they went to college. But, you don’t really care, do you, where Kenneth Lay, Jayson Bair, or Alberto Gonzales went to school? I didn’t think so. Why, then, are so many people fascinated by Monica Goodling’s alma maters — Messiah and Regent?

It has been frustrating (to put it mildly) to see Messiah College mocked in the media over and over and over again. I suppose that Messiah’s investment in individuals, valuing of service leadership, and commitment to reconciliation intimidate those who view college merely as a precursor to a life of money, fame, and prestige. And, didn’t you hear? Your alma mater is only legit if it has co-ed dorms and allows alcohol to flow freely on campus.

Wait. What’s that? Your college experience was more than drinking and carousing with the opposite sex? You think it’s important to serve others, to be a good steward of your resources, to be a voice for peace? And you went to public university? You went to a small, private liberal arts college? You survived a military academy?

Then, we’re not so different after all.

So, take note: For nearly 100 years, Messiah College has been educating young men and women towards maturity of intellect, character and Christian faith with a proven commitment to academic excellence. Messiah graduates are making a positive impact, serving and working with integrity, in all arenas of contemporary culture and society—both in the U.S. and abroad. Messiah College is consistently ranked a “U.S. News & World Report” top five comprehensive college in the northeast. Within the past 10 years, Messiah has produced graduates who have distinguished themselves as Rhodes, Fulbright, Carnegie, and Truman Scholars.

I could go on and on. But, my day is booked with tasks such as helping an academic scholar promote his latest book, preparing for an interview with an alumna who is well-loved and well-respected in the area, drafting a work plan for my summer student, and further promoting all that Messiah students, faculty, and alum do to positively impact the world.

Well, the big day has come and gone. Nearly 700 Messiah College students flipped their tassels, strolled across stage, and celebrated commencement with their friends and family over the weekend. After many forecasts predicted rain for Saturday, it was a wonderful surprise to awaken to blue skies and plenty of sunshine. I couldn’t help but think of David Crowder –”What a glorious day!”

Several posts ago, I introduced you to Marissa (pictured with me above), a work-study from the public relations office who had done an impressive presentation during the Humanities Symposium. It was great to see her on Saturday and to learn that she’s headed to Harvard for law school in the fall.

I was excited to be a part of this commencement — my first Messiah graduation. I knew a handful of students who were completing this milestone in their life, and it was with mixed emotions that I celebrated the end of their time at Messiah. I cheered loudly for Marissa, Adam, Kristine, Jeff, and Carolyn. What a blessing to be in a position that allows me the opportunity to work with students!

It’s Friday afternoon, the sun is shining, and the official start of the weekend is less than two hours away. It has been a quiet day in public relations — everyone is busy working on Commencement preparations, schedules for the traveling music ensembles, or, in my case, tying up a few loose ends. Justin is out, taking a much-deserved long weekend. Brandie is off, as she always is on Fridays; she’s brightening somebody else’s world today. Very few of our students are still working. Most are busy studying for finals, packing up their rooms, and saying goodbye to Messiah for the summer — or, in some cases, for good.

On warm, summery days like this, I envy the students. Their schedule allows time for napping in the grass, sleeping in, and sharing lunch with friends. But, I don’t envy the transition that awaits all of them, whether simply returning home for the summer or preparing for the next step, the “real world.” It’s not easy to reconnect with family and high school friends, and it’s difficult to graduate and prepare for the next part of the journey when so much seems unknown. But, God provides in incredible, sometimes unexpected, ways.

Today I’m just feeling really grateful. I’m thankful for the green of this season; for Fridays and the anticipation of the weekend; for this job and these co-workers that I’m so fond of; for my mom and a day to celebrate her; for Turkey Hill’s Skinny Minty ice cream and sprinkles; for good books; for the chance to travel with the love of my life; for my youth group kids; and for so much more.

Hope you find something to be grateful about today (and tomorrow) too.

Paper and clocks. Paper is the classic choice and clocks are the modern choice for one-year wedding anniversary gifts. I find these options to be rather interesting…why paper and why clocks? Certainly every newly married couple would like paper; you know, the green stuff. Preferably with a picture of Ben Franklin. But a clock? Hmmm…

This Sunday, May 6, I will celebrate my one-year wedding anniversary. All week I’ve been reflecting on how my life has changed in the past year. A boy lives with me now. I know this because 43 pairs of his shoes live in our entryway, his mail clutters our dining room table, and he creates more laundry than I thought humanly possible. But, he’s cute, and I love living with him. The transition to married life was smoother than I anticipated, and I’m looking forward to the coming years as we continue to sharpen our communication skills and ability to understand each other.

Many Messiah students are facing transition. Some are looking forward to wrapping up a difficult semester and heading home for the summer. Some are excited about a summer job or summer internship. Some are preparing to say goodbye to Messiah, to don a cap and gown and celebrate their years at this place. Some are getting married this summer.

Even the weather reflects transition — the leaves are budding, the grass is growing, the sun is getting warmer. I love spring! I love the promise of summer. Longer days, leisurely bike rides, Starbucks Frappuccino.

Today we are celebrating our work study students. Everyone brought in something delicious, and we’ll all snack and nibble throughout the day. We’re grateful for the good work that our students do to help us promote Messiah College.

So, whatever your plans this weekend, enjoy! Be thankful for spring! Celebrate!