May 2011

On Saturday, April 9, Geneva College alumni gathered to celebrate Founders Day. Special reunion years honored the classes of 1951, 1961 and 1971. Please visit the website to see pictures of these class reunions and of the events held throughout the day. Graduating senior Laura Zerbe welcomed the alumni and shared her story during the dinner program. Here is a portion of what Laura had to say about her Geneva experience.

Much has changed at Geneva since many of the alumni attended classes here. No longer do women wait for donuts to be tossed into their windows after curfew (ask a member of the class of 1961), and the clapper for the bells are much harder to steal. The community may function differently, but the love of learning is still very much alive. Students at Geneva are enthusiastic about learning and about participating in events that benefit the community. 

My experience at Geneva has left a huge impression on my worldview and thinking. As a communications disorders major, the courses I took pushed me further as a student than I ever thought possible. While the academic rigors have provided graduates competency in our world today, the college continues to spend a significant portion of its time and resources into meeting the diverse needs of all students.

During my four years on the varsity volleyball team, I was given an opportunity to see a genuine picture of what a student-alumni interaction could look like. My coach always drilled it into our minds that we were to not just simply entertain alumni, but we were to care and interact with them. This is exactly how I met Carolyn (Metcalfe ′62) Mollenkopf. Carolyn lives in the Baltimore area, miles away from Geneva. She took the time to come out and support our team at an away game in the Baltimore area. As one of the few fans that were in our cheering section that day, she cheered us on, and even brought us snacks to eat between games. She continues to attend many of our games, and I can speak for the whole volleyball team when I say, “We love Carolyn.” To me she is a perfect picture of what alumni interaction is all about.

There are other alumni who have played crucial roles in my Geneva experience: alumni who have supported me financially throughout my time here. I would not be at Geneva today if it weren′t for the alumni who have given so generously. If you are a donor, I want to say thank you on behalf of the students you have helped. You have changed lives and provided many new opportunities for God to work in the lives of students like myself. Some choose to show their support by returning or keeping in touch. Others choose to give money to the college to support in its functions. But I want to make one thing clear: any gift given to Geneva, whether financial or time, goes directly to supporting the students – students like myself who are being raised up to be effective servant leaders for the kingdom of Christ. I encourage you to stay connected. Please know that you are welcome on campus and that there are people here that value you and appreciate your continued involvement.

Now, as a graduating senior myself, I leave a home that has meant so much to me and has been such a critical part of my own spiritual, personal and academic growth. Ending up at Geneva was never something I had planned on, but God knew where he wanted me to be for this time in my life, and I′m so blessed to have been able to be a part of the Geneva College community.        

Laura Zerbe will become a Geneva College alumna following her commencement on May 7, 2011. She majored in communications disorders and is looking forward to the next chapter in her life.

Nominations for Distinguished Service Alumni

Please help us pick the next Distinguished Service Alumni recipients by nominating a fellow classmate or alum. They will be recognized for their service and awarded a plaque at Homecoming. For guidelines, past participants and a nomination form, click here. The deadline for Homecoming 2011 recipients is May 31 so please complete a nomination form soon.

Homecoming 2011

Save the Date: Plan to go “Back to the Future” and join us for Homecoming 2011 on October 1!