Helping Our Newest Alumni Succeed
 Do you remember?
It was the coldest and darkest part of winter, and it was your senior year at Geneva College. Graduation loomed-stimulating every emotion from joy to relief to panic. Did you know what you were going to do after you received your diploma? Did you even know what you wanted to do?
As Geneva College alumni, we can all relate to this season of life. That is why a committee of Geneva staff members has been working on a program called "Beyond Here: The Senior Success Project." The concept was conceived by Christy Coulter, who is now the Director of Geneva′s ACCESS office, which assists students in achieving their academic goals. As part of her work in Geneva′s Master of Higher Education Program, Christy studied the issue of transition out of college. She discovered that colleges like Geneva are wise to provide resources to seniors as they prepare for life beyond their undergraduate years, and that by pursuing such a program, Geneva is performing a unique service, especially among Christian colleges. "The year following college is a very stretching year for many recent graduates," says Christy.
The Beyond Here program consists of a series of opportunities for seniors to gain the knowledge and skills they need to live successfully in the so-called "real world." Seniors can learn about everything from how to cope with the emotional challenges of separating from college friends, to navigating the intricacies and pitfalls of renting an apartment or buying a car.
Events are spread throughout the spring semester of the senior year, and all seniors are welcome. As well, faculty and staff members nominate seniors to be part of a focus group, whose members will attend several of the programs and provide feedback to the Beyond Here committee.
Christy adds, "We′re very excited about the programs Geneva offers to assist seniors in leaving college well and transitioning into new jobs and communities after college."
So, do you remember? What wisdom might you be able to provide to Geneva′s seniors? You can offer a few words at: http://www.geneva.edu/object/beyond_words, and seniors will be able to use the Beyond Here blog at genevabeyondhere.wordpress.com to read what you have written.
We have all been there. How might you assist our seniors in moving Beyond Here?
Nominations for the Distinguished Service Award
Now is the time for you to nominate a fellow Geneva College alumnus or alumna for the Distinguished Service Award. The DSA is presented each year to alumni of Geneva for service above self, and for embodying the principles for which Geneva stands. You can nominate any alumnus or alumna, but the DSA is normally given to people during their reunion years. This year′s Homecoming reunions will include the classes of 1973, 1983, 1988, 1993, 1998, 2003 and 2008.
Learn more about the DSA and nominate someone here: /alumni/alumni-association/dsa/dsa.
Moving On…
In God′s providence, I will soon be leaving my position as Director of Alumni Relations. I have accepted a call to serve as Assistant Pastor at Chapel Presbyterian Church (PCA) in Brighton Township, here in Beaver County. I leave with mixed emotions because I love Geneva, but my wife and I believe this is God′s leading for our lives.
I will complete my work here at the end of February, and begin my work at Chapel on March 1. But I look forward to continuing to support Geneva′s mission. And I hope to see many of you at Homecoming 2013 on Saturday, October 19 - the day of the 25th reunion for my wife, Beth Ann (McIlhenny ′88) Stein!
Thank you to all of the Geneva alumni who have richly blessed me during my time here.
|
