February 2011

Geneva College graduates not only have the benefit of a high quality academic education to prepare for their careers - but also a biblical worldview which sets them apart in contemporary culture. In an age where questionable business and work ethics have become commonplace, Geneva graduates are often noted to have a strong work ethic, good career preparation and a heart to serve their employers, customers, shareholders, and God.

Sam Siple (′85, MSOL ′00), president of Eden Christian Academy in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania has hired a number of Geneva graduates over the past few years. "At Eden, we're committed to providing an exceptional educational experience by engaging the mind and heart of each student to think and act with Christ-like character. This is best accomplished by the quality of the teachers we put in the classroom. Recognizing Geneva′s commitment to developing a Christian worldview within its students, we know that when we hire a Geneva grad, they've been well educated in the integration of faith and learning. In turn, they make that a reality for our students at Eden." Sam is just one example of an alumnus recognizing and pursuing the type of excellence that comes from a Geneva education.

So how do Geneva alumni who are looking for the quality of a Geneva education find Geneva students and grads to hire? I've asked that question myself. At my previous employer, when I was in a position to hire many people, I was often challenged to find the best employees. It would have helped me, my company and Geneva alumni if I had an easy way to connect with our grads. In response and recognition to this need, in recent months we've improved our ability to help Geneva employers and Geneva job seekers to connect.

Perhaps our best resource to help connect employers with Geneva graduates is the Career Development Department, headed by Director Rob Rostoni. I didn't consider this option for my company working in the Sunbelt, but Rob′s office provides support for not only local opportunities, but regionally, nationally and even worldwide. If you are hiring recent college graduates or would offer internship opportunities, I'd ask that you consider connecting with Rob (rrostoni@geneva.edu, 724-847-6636) to explore how his office can provide your organization with top shelf candidates.

We have started an official LinkedIn group called "Geneva College Alumni and Students." This group began in October ′10 and already has more than 300 members. As we promote the group, we expect membership to increase. If you're not familiar with LinkedIn, I recommend you sign up (it′s free) and try it for yourself. It′s a professional business networking website which I've found to be a great resource over the past few years. LinkedIn provides the opportunity to see resumes, job experience, vocational talents, professional recommendations and much more. And it will be a great way to link together Geneva alumni, both new grads and established professionals, as well as students.

Alum are finding each other through other social networks such as Facebook and MySpace. And now LinkedIn is a powerful new way to connect our constituents. Our hope is that our alumni and students can help each other be used by the Lord to advance His kingdom on all aspects of life.

Larry Griffith (‘85)
Executive Vice President
Geneva College

Upcoming alumni dates to remember:

• February 19, 2011, 6 p.m. - Alumni Basketball reunion
• March 24, 2011, 7 p.m. - Third Day Concert
• April 4, 2011 - Founders Day
• May 31, 2011 - Deadline for Distinguished Service Award nominations
• October 1, 2011 - Homecoming