Messiah College News Archive

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.”

The College was recognized for annually hosting Area M’s Special Olympics and for volunteering more than 58,000 community service yearly.

Messiah’s nomination highlighted that “Messiah College promotes community awareness by teaching their students to build community and to champion the rights of others less fortunate. Last year students volunteered more than 58,000 community service hours.”

Furthermore, “the College has totally opened their arms to Area M and has become an integral part of our world. The entire campus participates in the games from the college president to the maintenance staff to the students. We would not be able to help as many athletes as we do, if it was not for the fantastic dedication and support we get from the college. They are our HEROES!”

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.

Messiah’s commitment to service-learning and civic engagement earned the College recognition on the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll with Distinction. Sponsored by the Corporation for National and Community Service, the honor roll notes colleges’ exemplary service efforts and service to disadvantaged youth.

Messiah College joins 126 other institutions earning the Honor Roll with Distinction award. A total of 528 colleges and universities were recognized.

The Honor Roll is jointly sponsored by the Corporation, through its Learn and Serve America program, and the Department of Education, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, USA Freedom Corps, and the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation.

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.

The College’s dining services team was recognized by the PA Restaurant Association with a 2007 Excellence in Food Safety Award. Among the six awardees, Messiah received the highest score and is one of only a few colleges to earn this distinction.

An annual list by Publisher’s Weekly includes books by faculty member David Weaver-Zercher and alumnus Jonathan Bean `01 as among the best of 2007. The list of only 150 books includes Weaver-Zercher’s “Amish Grace: How Forgiveness Transcended Tragedy” and Bean’s children’s book, “At Night.”

Messiah, as one of only a few colleges participating in the Humanitarian Mine Action Public-Private Partnership Program, was recognized by the U.S. Department of State for working globally to combat land mines.