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Monday, September 3

The sound of bagpipes signaled the opening of the fall semester as students, faculty and staff gatheredin Metheny Fieldhouse for Academic Convocation on Friday, August 31. Professors dressed in full regalia lined the aisle as first-year students processed into the gym. Dr. Ken Carson, Provost, welcomed the students to Geneva, saying, “We are excited to have you with us. You’re the reason we do what we do.”

Winner of last year’s Excellence in Teaching award, Professor of Biblical Studies Dr. Terry Thomas was the speaker. Laughter indicated the audience’s appreciation of Thomas’ characteristic wit and humor as Professor Doug Bradbury signaled that Thomas’ time was up, prompting him to conclude, “Don’t waste your time here, because it goes really fast.”

This year, the Excellence in Teaching Award went to John Gallo, Assistant Professor and the Adult Degree Completion Program’s Director for Human Resources and Organizational Development. This award is determined by the students of Geneva. One student wrote that Gallo’s “passion for his teaching material is clearly evident but his passion for God is even more clearly evident.” Gallo has taught at Geneva since 2007.

Dr. David K. Smith, Professor of Voice, was awarded this year’s Excellence in Scholarship Award, which is determined by Geneva faculty. One of Smith’s colleagues wrote, “his musical research demonstrateshis scholarship of discovery; his clear application of music to the created universe and the redeemed community demonstrates his integration; his teaching and leading students in composing, arranging and presenting their music demonstrates his scholarship of teaching; and his use of his gifts in leading the singing in Chapel for the last six years demonstrates his scholarship of application.” He has been a full-time member of the faculty since 2001 and was recently named the new director of the college choir,The Genevans.

President Dr. Ken Smith announced promotions and tenure during the convocation. Academic Tenure was granted by Geneva’s Board of Trustees to Dr. Sha Luangkesorn, Dr. Andrea Smidt-Sittema and Dr. Sean Doyle, all of whom received promotions in academic rank to Associate Professor. In addition, both Head Men’s Basketball Coach Jeff Santarsiero and Head Baseball Coach Alan Sumner were promoted to Assistant Professor.

Also, new full-time faculty were recognized, including Dr. Lowell Cummings, Professor Jonathan Impellizzeri, Dr. Matthew Kickasola, Dr. Keith Martel and Dr. Shannan Shiderly

Geneva College is a comprehensive Christian college of the arts, sciences and professional studies. Founded in the tradition of the Reformed Christian faith, Geneva prepares students to serve Christ in all areas of society: work, family and the church. Geneva College’s philosophy of education is based on the Foundational Concepts of Christian Higher Education. Geneva is a founding member of the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities (CCCU).