Throughout her career, Messiah College Professor of Art and Design Kathy Hettinga has traveled the globe to take photographs of churches and cemeteries, places that provide what she calls “a balm to grief.”

Documenting cemeteries is the latest chapter in a career-long project that began when she was widowed at 24 and designed her late husband’s gravestone. The experience prompted her to begin studying and photographing grave markers in the San Luis Valley of southern Colorado, where she grew up.

Over time, Hettinga’s photography has become well known and has been displayed in galleries across the country and even internationally. She is actively involved in design and handmade artist books. Read the rest of this entry »

As we descended into Uganda after 24+ travel hours, a cloud of excitement hovered over our AROMA team, much like the clouds of unearthed red dirt that would soon linger over our missional feet. Our team of athletes, coaches, trainers, alum and Sawyer Representatives had been preparing for months leading up to this trip and we were finally here, a little nervous but filled with expectant hope of God’s working on our trip. We walked out into the parking lot and were immediately greeted by staff from the Sports Outreach Institute (SOI) group that we would be partnering with for the next 10 days. Hearing their laughter and welcoming words reassured us that this would be a great journey of relationship-building, sports-playing, water-filtering and hope-rising. Read the rest of this entry »

With sites such as Twitter, Facebook and Instagram developing faster than ever, society can no longer ignore how social media saturates our daily lives. When considering this social media phenomenon on a college campus, the shift from face-to-face communication to screen-mediated communication is revolutionizing the way college administrators engage with students—from their first campus visit to graduation day.

“The interaction between Messiah College and its students that takes place on social media is extremely important to the life of the institution. Students are able to have a voice because of the transparency and two-way communication that is created by social media and feel like a valued part of the life at the college,” says Ethan Eshbach ’14.

The admissions office has noticed a trend in high school students that visit Messiah’s campus. “Social media is popular and pervasive with high school students. With social media and mobile devices, they are always ‘on,’” says John Chopka, vice president for enrollment management. “While it has become a preferred way to communicate with friends, organizations like ours need permission to enter that world.” Read the rest of this entry »

For a core of Messiah graduates—each with varying backgrounds and ambitions—Harrisburg represents a home for innovation. The once-struggling city has welcomed a push for restoration, with several graduates working as pioneers of the revival. Alumni Liz Laribee ’07, Adam Brackbill ’12 and Rebecca Porterfield ’09 stand committed to change.

A neighborhood of urban artists

Laribee, a graduate of English and master of creative design, left her first mark on the city during the summer of 2006, when she co-created the Sycamore House intentional community. Focused on service and outreach, the home immediately caught on with Messiah students, enabling graduates to understand their future vocation while developing a spirit of service. For Laribee, the Sycamore House served as the beginning of an extensive journey.

“Right away, I was in contact with the sort of individuals whose lives are committed to their neighbors, their cities and the work to make things brighter,” she said. “The experience helped me carve a niche for the sort of work I had an interest in carrying out.” Read the rest of this entry »

“The Chronicles of Narnia” and the King Arthur series provide timeless stories of the medieval worlds, captivating readers with their enchanting tales. For Lucy Barnhouse ’08, these books mean much more than a magical closet and fearless nobles; these stories rooted her love for medieval history. Today, she has pursued in-depth studies of this field and recently won a Fulbright Research Fellowship, the most prestigious award for aspiring scholars, to study in Germany.

As a prospective student, Barnhouse sat underneath a poster of a Cologne, Germany Gothic cathedral in Distinguished Professor of European History Joseph Huffman’s office. This served as a confirmation for Barnhouse to create an individualized major in medieval and renaissance studies. Becoming fluent in Latin, German and French, Barnhouse deepened her knowledge and appreciation for European history.

“Lucy is a person of deep integrity, coupled with a deep joy for living and learning,” says Huffman. “She brought an energy and enthusiasm to everything she did, and thereby was a joy to work with.” Read the rest of this entry »

In early March, just three months from graduation, Malcolm McDermond ’13 found himself in an honorable position. With several opportunities to apply his international experience—and his desire to empower others—McDermond felt torn between prestige and a passion for service.

Like many students, McDermond entered his senior year without a firm plan for the future. His desire to work overseas brought opportunities to teach English, though his passion for agriculture seemed to overshadow this possibility. In November, McDermond received an email from Distinguished Professor of Politics John Harles, who presented McDermond with an intriguing recommendation. Harles urged McDermond to apply for a Fulbright U.S. Student Award to teach English in Malaysia.

“I saw teaching English as a means of empowering people, providing them with the opportunity to enter the global market,” McDermond said.“I remember thinking, ‘I could still do good by doing this.’” Read the rest of this entry »

On May 18, 49 graduate students and 651 undergraduate students received their degrees during Messiah College’s 104th Commencement. Graduates were greeted at Shoemaker Field by the community of educators and thousands of cheering family members and friends. The total Commencement crowd was estimated at 6,000.

“This is a glorious moment,” said President Kim S. Phipps. “Years of diligent work have led to this milestone; you have reason to celebrate your significant accomplishment. As graduates of Messiah College may you continue to fulfill God’s calling in your lives as you represent the ideals and aspirations of the College’s Christian educational mission.” Read the rest of this entry »

Generous donors provide every Messiah student with scholarship aid to help reduce the cost of their Christian college experience. Most students know countless financial gifts are given to the College by alumni, parents, community members and long-time friends of the College. Rarely, however, do students gather to publicly thank the many people that enable an affordable Messiah College education.

During the week before finals, Eyas, the student alumni council, and the Office of Annual Giving hosted “We Heart Messiah,” a campus-wide event to give thanks to the generous supporters of the College and its students. The three-day event kicked-off with a block party April 30 at the Larsen Student Union.  Students ate cotton candy, popcorn and delicious cupcakes from the Lancaster Cupcake Truck, a company owned by Jeff,’08, and Emily (Barcklow), ’08, Mitchell. A photo booth gave students the chance to be photographed holding a sign with a reason why they love Messiah College. Read the rest of this entry »

On Sunday, May 5, a crowd of generous donors, faithful college friends, dedicated public officials and talented students gathered to dedicate the Calvin and Janet High Center for Worship and Performing Arts. The day’s events began with college officials, a student and Calvin and Janet High officially cutting the ribbon to celebrate the completion of the building and its intended purposes of worship and performing arts.

Guests were then invited to a service of thankgiving and worship in Parmer Hall, the hallmark performance space of the new building. The Symphonic Winds, Men’s Ensemble and Women’s Ensemble accompanied the congregational singing of hymns and songs of praise. Theatre students performed a dramatic reading of Ecclesiastes 3 and offered prayers for creativity and imagination.

Following the worship service, the more than 400 guests toured the classroom, rehearsal and performances spaces in the building. A diverse menu of tapas, appetizers and desserts was offered throughout the space.

The dedication concluded with the President’s Concert, an annual event featuring the College’s talented vocal and instrumental ensembles, in the evening.

“It is my heartfelt hope that God will be honored in all events that take place in this space,” President Kim Phipps said of the magnificant building.

 View a photo gallery from the dedication events.