August 2011

A Message from Tom Stein, Alumni Relations Director

“In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.” (Proverbs 16:9)

Who could have planned this? God alone.

I had served as a pastor for almost 17 years, and I knew change was coming. But returning to Geneva College as Director of Alumni Relations? I did not plan for that. Nevertheless, God determined that this would be my family′s next step, and I am glad.

As I move into this new course, I want you to know that I love Geneva and I love the mission of Geneva. I long for our alumni to be blessed by Geneva and to be a blessing to Geneva. You were blessed here as a student with lifelong spiritual and vocational training, and you were a blessing to this imperfect but impressive community as you lived, loved, learned and dodged trucks on Route 18. 

May the blessing continue? Geneva should bless you. Yes, with memories. But also with the opportunity connect anew with your fellow alumni, and with our continuing care for you as a member of our community. In return, you should bless Geneva.  Your presence is a blessing. Your talents are a blessing. Your wisdom is a blessing. How can we bless each other? We cannot count the ways.

I harbor an unreasonable but unshakeable dream. I want every alumnus and alumna of Geneva to say, “God determined that I would be here. I received temporal and eternal blessings, and I want that quality of blessing to grow richer and dig deeper. I know the people at Geneva care about me, and I will always care for Geneva. How can I help? What can I be, and what can I do, in order to bless current and future generations of Geneva students?”

We will never fully realize this dream. But Geneva has been an integral part of your journey, and I want to see that blessing continue—for you, and for Geneva.

In the Alumni Relations office, we are here to facilitate that blessing.  How can we do this? Let me know. As I return and renew my relationship with Geneva, I want to be immersed in your joys and sorrows, your commendations and frustrations, your reflections on the past and ruminations on the future.

Please pray for me. Please tell me how I can pray for you. I mean that. Contact our office, and we will offer prayers for God′s grace in your life and living.

Please come to our beautiful campus, or let me come to the community you call home. Let′s discover how we can bless each other—for the glory of our God, and for the good of Geneva College.    

- Tom Stein '86

Upcoming Alumni Events

• August 12 – Hillsong United Concert at Consol Energy Center
• September 10 – Alumni gathering at Albright College, Golden Tornadoes Football Game
• October 1 – Homecoming, Class of 1986 25-Year Reunion
• December 27-January 7 – Israel Trip 
  The Bible Department would like you to join us in a study tour of the Land of Israel from December 27, 2011 to January 7, 2012. There is nothing like visiting the locations where the biblical accounts took place! There is nothing like walking the streets of Jerusalem, tracing the route of the Triumphal Entry down the Mount of Olives to the Garden of Gethsemane, visiting the city of Dan where the Tel-Dan inscription was discovered, picking up five smooth stones in the Elah Valley where David slew Goliath, exploring the city Capernaum which served as Jesus′ homebase for his Galilean ministry, and even participating in an archaeological dig for an afternoon near the Kidron Valley. As a result of this trip, you can add another dimension to your understanding of the Bible. Please join us!