Messiah Homepage News Archive

Kai Kasiguran, an outstanding midfielder who helped lead the Falcons to three national championships between 2004 and 2006, will return to central Pennsylvania to play for the Harrisburg City Islanders professional soccer team.

In 2008, Kasiguran was drafted in the first round of the supplemental draft to play for the Major League soccer team, Chicago Fire.

Alumna Tara Roche `96 is among the honorees recognized for “creating an atmosphere of warmth and compassion on her unit” at Beth Israel Medical Center in New York City.

Roche is noted by Cathy Sullivan, director of patient care services at Beth Israel Medical Center: “She promotes excellence in each individual who works there and gives patients the confidence to regain their strength and become well again.”

The supplement recognizing the nurses was in the Nov. 30 edition of the “New York Times.”

Lias, a gifted composer, teaches music. His expertise includes compositional techniques, the relationship between music and drama, the pedagogy of music composition, and film scoring.

“Unlike many other creative artists who languish in relative obscurity writing compositions that are seldom if ever performed…Dr. Lias enjoys a reputation as a highly gifted composer of national note,” according to Dr. Ronald E. Anderson, director of the SFA School of Music.

Lias joined the Stephen F. Austin State University faculty in 2000, and his courses have included software for composers, music theory, aural skills, scoring and arranging, and applied composition. His graduate courses have included advanced analysis, stylistic analysis, and theory pedagogy. He also heads the composition program at SFA and serves as area coordinator of music theory and composition.

Timothy Engle `92 and Carl Lundblad `92 are honored for their excellence in business, commitment to community, and professional achievements.

Engle is senior vice president of wealth management at The Turnbridge Group at Smith Barney. Lundblad is general counsel to Graystone Financial Corp./Graystone Bank.

The alumni and parent relations office will recognize Darrel Bigham `64; Ryan Keith `02; Chris Book `78; and Leroy `55 and Eunice `58 Steinbrecher.

Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award — recognizes a lifetime of vocational achievement in a manner that embodies the mission of the College.
Dr. Darrel Bigham ‘64, history professor at the University of Southern Indiana. First Messiah graduate to attend Harvard Divinity School. Accomplished historian and has been appointed to chair the Abraham Lincoln bicentennial commission, which was created to honor the upcoming 200th anniversary of Lincoln’s birth [2009]. President Bush, the U.S. Senate, and the House of Representatives appointed the 15 member commission; members and advisors include Sen. Richard Durbin (Ill.); Rev. Jesse Jackson, Jr.; Ken Burns; Sen. Mark Hatfield.

Young Alumni Achievement Award — similar to above award except that it honors a graduate of 10 years or less.
Ryan Keith ‘02, founder and president, Forgotten Voices International. Worked for Pennsylvania Chamber of Commerce; accepted to Harvard University but delayed enrollment in order to develop ministry to impoverished children in Africa.

Alumni Christian Service Award — recognizes a lifetime of exemplary service in a ministry, missions, and/or service setting.
Chris Book ‘78, Executive Director of Paxton St. Home Ministries. Has served at Paxton Ministries for the past 20 years. Became administrator of Paxton Street Home in 1987. Experience growing up on the mission field and later serving as a missionary to Zambia, Africa, prepared him for a life of service.

Alumni Appreciation Award — recognizes an individual who has contributed to the College in an extraordinary manner (long-term professional service; significant volunteer service; and/or financial contribution).
Dr. Leroy M. ‘55 & Mrs. Eunice F. Steinbrecher ‘58
Leroy is a retired physician and has been a long time supporter of Messiah College. Leroy and Eunice created the the Steinbrecher Student Research Scholarships in the Sciences. Eunice has served on the Board of Trustees at Messiah College since 1985 and as chairperson of the board for the past 8 years.

Her combination of experience as a financial planner and motivational speaker made alumna Debra L. Morrison `78 a natural choice for NJBiz Magazine’s “New Jersey’s Best 50 Women in Business for 2008.” Morrison was recognized for her efforts to empower older women to overcome their fears and take control of their finances.

Morrison defines as a leader as “One who models their speech, motivates others to action,
empowers those weaker than themselves and who celebrates every victory.”

“Enterprising Women” magazine recognized Debra Pierson `89 as a 2008 Enterprising Woman of the Year finalist for her position as founder and president of the successful Pierson Consulting Company and for her role in motivating and mentoring other women in business.

Alumnus Susan Biondo-Hench’s passion for helping her Carlisle High School students understand and appreciate Shakespeare has earned her the Folger Shakespeare Library’s inaugural Shakespeare Steward Award for outstanding contributions to the innovative teaching of the bard in the classroom.

Besides having his first children’s book on Publisher’s Weekly list of the “Best of 2007,” alumnus Jonathan Bean `01 is also enjoying being named one of the magazine’s “Four Fresh Children’s Book Talents.”

Bean’s book, “At Night,” is about a restless girl who finally finds slumber on the rooftop of her city home. Bean also illustrated three other recently released children’s books: “The Apple Pie that Papa Baked,” by Lauren Thompson; “Emmy and the Incredible Shrinking Rat,” by Lynne Jonell; and “Mokie and Bik,” by Wendy Orr.

Trustee Andrew Samuel and alums Eric Clancy `83 and Debra Pierson `89 have been named “Movers and Shakers” by “Central Penn Business Journal” for being local, influential business leaders who make major commitments to the community through time and charitable giving.

The 77 “Movers and Shakers of 2007″ include local leaders in law, real estate, health care, manufacturing, and travel and tourism. Samuel is president and CEO of Graystone Financial Corp.; Clancy is executive vice president of Delta Development Group Inc.; and Pierson is president of information technology company, Pierson Consulting Company, Inc.