The Samreny Family's Geneva Legacy - Geneva College
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The Samreny Family's Geneva Legacy

Picture of The Samreny Family's Geneva Legacy

A Skeptical Start

“What I ended up with was genuine peace.” This was how James Samreny ‘05 describes how he felt after choosing to come to Geneva. James and his wife, Rachel (Cypher) Samreny ‘06, are both Geneva alumni. Although their journeys were different there was one thing they had in common; they were both legacy students, meaning they both have parents who previously attended Geneva College.

James describes making his decision in the 11th hour. His dad had received a Master’s of Organizational Leadership at Geneva, and encouraged James to attend, stressing the importance of spiritual development. Although his dad was a graduate of the college, James had surprisingly few interactions with Geneva. He had been on campus and had a tour, but that was about it outside of what he had heard from his dad.

“On those interactions alone I got the sense my spiritual wellbeing was going to be accounted for and it was going to be a healthy place for me to spend the next 4 years.”

Football was at the top of James’ mind when looking for a school. He admits he did not have the wisest approach initially and was not super excited when thinking about Geneva. As he looked at other schools James says, “The Lord really stirred up a healthy discontent with the other schools I was looking at. I didn’t really know what I wanted until I stepped into Geneva.”

Similarly, Rachel did not begin her journey wanting to attend Geneva either. Rachel’s mom and sister are both Geneva graduates. Rachel longed for a different experience then her mom after growing up very familiar with Geneva and hearing stories about the college from her family. Like most college students, Rachel sought her own path, and wanted to discover her individual purpose and place. After looking at multiple schools, Rachel decided to at least visit Geneva and gave it a chance.

“I went to Geneva on an overnight visit and stayed in the dorms with some of the students and friends that I knew there. It really felt like what I imagined my college life would be like. I could see what I would do there. I went to an activity on campus that night with them and it made all the difference.”

Sometimes students who come from legacy families are hesitant to follow in their parent’s or grandparent’s footsteps. James and Rachel both felt this strongly but made the decision to attend Geneva after experiencing campus and seeing how Geneva can fit into their life.

The Geneva Impact

“We often stand in awe thinking back about Geneva, thinking that 20 years ago James was standing here wanting to play football, get it over with, and get out. And now to think of the tremendous impact Geneva has had on us throughout our lives and how God has worked out so much, with Geneva connected all along the way.” -Rachel

James describes just how much Geneva has impacted their lives, and how often as young people or students we do not realize the foundation a Geneva education is building.

“I did not realize the impact it had on me until I left. You are taking the biblical worldview applied in the classroom and putting it into practice in the business world and raising a family. The reality and foundation of that worldview grows legs and develops. The things you learn in theory and in the classroom, as you get older, you realize that your worldview is at play. It is not just what you are doing, it is who you are. Geneva is spending a lot of time teaching that it is not just what you do or how successful you are, but it is who you are that matters. The return at Geneva College is not just the job you find or money you make, it is so much more than that.”

Rachel and James expressed that while this sentiment is common among students, encouraging students to see the value in the education they are getting now is so important. An investment in a Geneva education, they describe, is one that does not wear off or lose value but continues to bear fruit for the rest of your life.

What Legacy Really Means

 Legacy students at Geneva play an important role at the college and in their families. While many, like Rachel and James, begin not exactly thrilled about their path as a legacy student, looking back they see just how special being a legacy student.

“We love that there is a legacy in our family at Geneva. Legacy is not getting stuck in a rut. We want our children to walk the path we are walking. We want them to stand on our shoulders and follow Christ further. We want them to do more. When a legacy is done properly you are giving future generations the opportunity to work for the Kingdom in a greater way. A Geneva education carries you across the finish line, and legacy students are able to build on the foundation of their parents and carry it even further.”

Joining the Ministry of Education

Geneva College has a large network of alumni, many who stay engaged with Geneva in different ways throughout their lives. Rachel and James have remained very connected, but Rachel does describe a time where they took a step back to make sure the college was in line with them and evaluate whether they really wanted to be supporting Geneva. The Samrenys Are now opening a restaurant, The Oven Pizza Co., close to campus, so their ties to the Geneva community will continue.

“We are so excited about Geneva and the direction the college is going. Geneva has a 10-year plan, a 30-year plan. Geneva is heading in a great direction and we are excited to be a part of that. I would encourage and alumni to get involved. I also want alumni to know there are many ways to get involved spiritually, financially, and relationally, it doesn’t only have to be donating.”

Whether it is through financial contributions, praying for the college, engaging with us online, reading the magazine, coming back to campus for Homecoming, attending alumni events, sharing Geneva with students looking for schools, or posting pictures of your towel when you travel, there are lots of ways to support Geneva’s ministry of education.

We are also excited to be launching our Legacy Link Program, a new way for Geneva alumni to get their children or grandchildren involved with the college and our mission. Legacy Link allows alumni to sign up their children or grandchildren to receive special communication and merchandise from the college on major milestones throughout their life from birth through high school graduation.

“We love the idea of this program! We are definitely signing our kids up and will be so proud if they choose to attend Geneva one day to take our legacy and impact even further.” -Rachel

Geneva is grateful to have so many alumni invested in the college. Over 50% of our most recent incoming class were legacy students or gold & white students, meaning they are connected to alumni in some way. We are excited about this growth and the continually growing opportunities we have to further our ministry and reach more students.

 

Sep 28, 2022

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