The GēDUNK Summer 2026

A SESQUICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION

• TIMELINE: GCC THROUGH THE YEARS

• 150 YEARS OF ATHLETIC EXCELLENCE

• PRESIDENT LINGO INAUGURATED

Celebrate 150, a signature anniversary event at Pittsburgh’s historic Carnegie Music Hall, brought more than 100 student and alumni performers to the stage for a musical tribute to Grove City College. See more event photos on pages 44 and 45.

GCC AT 150 – WORTHY OF OUR VERY BEST

As this academic year closes, I find myself reflecting on what we’ve been calling my second freshman year at Grove City College. Like the first, it has been marked by extraordinary kindness as I’ve come to know more deeply the rhythms, traditions, and shared purpose of this remarkable college.

This year has been full in the best way. We launched the President’s Scholarship Program with great success, and my first cohort of President’s Scholars will be about twice as large as we first expected. We adopted a Statement of Faith for our faculty, reaffirming with joy the Christcentered mission that has defined Grove City College for generations. And I had the privilege of traveling across the country and meeting thousands of alumni during our Celebrate 150 events.

Yvonne and I have been deeply grateful for the meals, stories, and fellowship we’ve shared with current students, faculty, and alumni. Those moments were among the greatest sources of joy during our first year. And, of course, my inauguration is a day I will always treasure.

We also completed Phase I of the Impact 150 Campaign in record-breaking fashion. That generosity from alumni and friends has been a motivating affirmation of the College’s mission and a powerful reminder of how many people care deeply about our beloved school.

Yet much remains to be done, and the need is great. Now we turn to Phase II, which will expand merit- and need-based student aid and support the renovation of Lincoln and Hopeman men’s residence halls. These investments will strengthen the students’ experience and our College’s future.

In May, we had the joy of sending 545 new Grove City College graduates into the world, a fitting close to a memorable year. I am deeply grateful to our trustees, faculty, staff, students, donors, and alumni for the warm welcome you have extended to me, Yvonne, and our girls. Your support, encouragement, and prayers remind me again and again why Grove City College matters and why it is worthy of our very best.

I look forward to continuing the celebration with many of you at Celebrate 150 events this summer and at Homecoming 2026. Here’s to 150 years of faith and freedom—and to all God will continue to do through Grove City College in the next 150.

EDITORIAL BOARD

Jeffrey Prokovich ’89

Vice President for Advancement

Melissa (Trifaro ’96) MacLeod

Senior Director of Alumni and College Relations

EDITOR

Nick Hildebrand

Director of College Communications

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Joanie Baumgartner

Director of Advancement Communications

DESIGN

Justin Harbaugh

Art Director

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS

Janice (Zinsner ’87) Inman

Advancement Communications Coordinator

Brad Isles

Website Manager/Content Coordinator

Amy Evans

Associate Director of Advancement Communications

OFFICE OF ALUMNI & COLLEGE RELATIONS

Tricia Corey

Karen Grassell

Kiley (Hajek ’19) Miranda

Mandy Sposato ’00

Michelle (Jeffries ’19) Vogt

COLLEGE ARCHIVES AND GALLERIES

Hilary (Lewis ’09) Walczak

OFFICE OF DEVELOPMENT

Brian Powell ’03

Doug Angle ’20

Jason Burtt ’00

Elizabeth (Smith ’81) Hanley

Zach Jew ’11

Randall LaBrie ’20

Megan Snitchler ’19

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

Steve DeCaspers ’97

President

Amy (Martin ’06) Simon

Vice President

Cover photo by Kiley (Hajek ’19) Miranda

Interior photography by Jason Jones, Justin Harbaugh, Nick Hildebrand, Brad Isles, Kiley (Hajek ’19) Miranda, Amanda Mittleman ’20, Derek Isles, Tiffany Wolfe, Matt Durisko, Mara Brak ’26, John Hake ’26, Luke Morton ’27, Luke Paglia ’27, Cairistiona Tarullo ’29, Carson Brown ’29, Michael Bock ’27 President

A SESQUICENTENNIAL

CELEBRATION

A yearlong celebration of Grove City College’s 150th anniversary is well underway, with special events and a deep focus on the College’s story, one of strong leadership and a commitment to a mission of academic excellence, affordability, and Christian faith developed over a century and a half. In this issue, we take a look at where Grove City College has been and where it is headed in the next 150 years.

ON THE COVER: The present meets the past as Andrew Hoover ’26, our living J. Howard Pew sculpture, snaps a selfie with the inspiration for his sesquicentennial guise. He might be bronze, but his performance at anniversary events has been gold. Scan the QR code below to see Hoover’s iconic transformation.

The GēDUNK, an award-winning magazine published for alumni and friends of Grove City College, highlights College news and alumni achievements. Named after the on-campus gathering place / snack bar for students since the early 1950s, the word “Gedunk” made its way into the Grove City College vernacular when Navy veterans returned to campus and brought the term with them. For decades, the Grove City College Gedunk has been the place to come together to share news and ideas, live and learn, and this magazine strives to connect our family in similar style. College and University Public Relations and Associated Professionals (CUPRAP) has recognized the GēDUNK with awards for excellence in design and writing for five consecutive years.

Campaign Progress

PHASE I: COMPLETE A TRANSFORMATIVE FOUNDATION. BUILDING MOMENTUM FOR WHAT’S NEXT

Phase I of the Impact 150 campaign marks a significant milestone in Grove City College’s extraordinary journey. Through the faithful generosity of alumni and friends, the College has made meaningful progress—enhancing academic spaces, expanding financial aid, and strengthening the student experience.

These accomplishments reflect more than completed projects; they represent lives shaped, opportunities expanded, and a continued commitment to preparing students to lead and serve wherever God calls them. With this strong foundation in place, Grove City College is well positioned to build on this momentum—continuing to invest in people, programs, and places that will sustain its mission for generations to come.

Phase I Milestones

2023

Campaign Launch Phase I Begins

SMITH HALL OPENS

A NEW ERA FOR SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Completed in Fall 2025, the $48 million transformation of Rockwell Hall—now Smith Hall of Science and Technology— creates a modern, connected hub for innovation, linking seamlessly with STEM Hall.

BREAKING GROUND: M c NULTY ATHLETIC CENTER (MAC)

Construction begins this summer on the MAC, an airsupported facility behind the Physical Learning Center. The addition will enhance varsity training and expand weight room access for the entire student body. Raised $5.3M toward $6.5M goal.

FINANCIAL AID GOAL SURPASSED —AND EXPANDED

Phase I exceeded the initial $50 million goal for financial aid. To expand access and increase merit opportunities, the campaign has now raised its financial aid goal to $145 million. Raised $90M toward $145M goal.

$48M project fully funded and complete. LOOKING AHEAD Phase II Expanding Impact

Smith Hall of Science &

TAKING SHAPE: STEWART FIELD

The new baseball field is underway and will be ready for the Wolverines for the Spring 2027 season. With more than $3 million raised to date, the project will deliver key upgrades—enhancing GCC’s ability to host NCAA tournaments and serve regional programs. Raised $3M+ toward $8M goal

Stewart Field

Construction Begins

PHASE II: EXPANDING IMPACT

INVESTING IN STUDENT LIVING SPACES

Phase II will focus on essential renovations to Lincoln and Hopeman Halls, ensuring these residence spaces continue to support student life for years to come. Planned upgrades include improvements to plumbing, HVAC, electrical systems, windows, walls, and restrooms—enhancing both comfort and functionality.

As part of this project, the Zerbe Health Center will be relocated to a new connector between the two halls, improving accessibility and creating a more integrated residential experience. A new parking area will replace the current Zerbe location.

These renovations, completed during summer months to minimize disruption, represent an investment of $8 million in the student experience.

Phase II Priorities

Phase II Begins

EXPANDING ACCESS THROUGH FINANCIAL AID

Financial aid remains a central priority in Phase II, helping ensure a Grove City College education is accessible to students from a wide range of backgrounds. More than 70% of students receive financial assistance, but there’s still need for continued support.

Building on strong early support, more than $90 million has already been raised toward the campaign’s expanded $145 million goal— allowing the College to continue growing both need- and merit-based aid.

THE MOMENTUM CONTINUES

Thanks to the faithful generosity of alumni and friends, Phase I of the Impact 150 campaign has laid a strong foundation. Now, Phase II builds on that progress—expanding financial aid, enhancing student spaces, and investing in the future of Grove City College.

Rooted in a nearly 150-year legacy of faith and excellence, the College remains committed to preparing students to lead and serve with purpose.

JOIN US IN SHAPING WHAT COMES NEXT

Scan to explore Phase II priorities and opportunities to give.

2027

Continue Support for the Lower Campus Fieldhouse

LOOKING AHEAD: PHASE III

Renovate Residence Halls - $16M

Increase Financial Aid - $22.5M

New Lower Campus Fieldhouse - Raised $3.5M toward $22M goal

ALL PHASES

Grove City’s Greatest Needs (Unrestricted Annual Gifts)

Raised $10.3M toward $15M goal

An Unsurpassed Student Experience (Restricted Gifts)

Raised $29M toward $5M goal

A full circle LEGACY

Mr. Andrew S. Korim is a devoted supporter of Grove City College whose philanthropy reflects a lifelong commitment to intellectual independence, faith, and service.

Although not an alumnus, Korim has established a lasting legacy at the College through an endowed scholarship and two named spaces, the Korim Career Services Library (Career Services office) and the Andrew S. Korim Engineering Project Commons (Smith Hall) that continue to shape student learning and campus life.

Raised in Sarver, Pa., Korim credits his parents—Andrew and Mary (Lucas) Korim— and their Austrian Slovak Lutheran heritage with instilling enduring values centered on education and original thought. He served as a special agent in the U.S. Army, with assignments in Europe, Japan, and Korea, and later worked to promote higher education at community colleges. He is keenly interested in Austrian Economics, which the College champions.

I

am really enthusiastic to come back and invest in students... I want to help make the physics department as good as it can be and provide opportunities for our students to do high level work that they might otherwise have to go to a larger university to do.

Dr. Allen Scheie ’14

In 2005, he established the Andrew S. Korim Original Thought Senior Scholarship Endowment to encourage academically gifted students to think boldly and independently. Since then, Korim has impacted 38 students. His vision to send out talented thinkers into the world has now come full circle, as one of his former scholarship recipients, Dr. Allen Scheie ’14, will return to Grove City College this fall as a professor—embodying the very purpose of the scholarship.

“I am really enthusiastic to come back and invest in students, because Grove City College is unique in how it has built up such a strong STEM program at a Christian liberal arts college. I want to help make the physics department as good as it can be and provide opportunities for our students to do high level work that

Mr. Andy Korim with scholarship recipient Margo (Weller '22) Fontana at her graduation.

think about the intersection of science and faith,” said Scheie.

Korim’s impact has sent many students out into the culture, well prepared to challenge it and change it. Dr. Scheie now follows inKorim’s footsteps, on a mission to equip the next generation of “bold and independent” thinkers.

Dr. Allen Scheie '14, a Korim scholarship recipient, is set to return to teach Physics at GCC in fall 2026.

upfront

News about the College, alumni, students, campus, faculty, and sports

The Inauguration of the 10th President of Grove City College

Mission is a ‘precious inheritance’

On Thursday, March 19, Bradley J. Lingo ’00 was formally installed as the 10th president of Grove City College, joining a line of leadership that stretches back 150 years.

The College community gathered for the service in Harbison Chapel, with faculty in full regalia, students fresh from class, administrators, staff, alumni, friends, and Lingo’s extended family joining the pomp and circumstance around the new president’s inauguration in the College’s sesquicentennial year.

The service featured sacred songs, scripture, salutations, and remarks by Lingo’s immediate predecessors, presidents emeriti Paul J. McNulty ’80 (2014-25) and Richard G. Jewell ’67 (2003-14), speaking on Grove City College’s tradition of faith, leadership, and how past presidents advanced the mission across 15 decades.

Board of Trustees Chair Edward D. Breen ’78 oversaw the formal installation and presented Lingo with his presidential medallion, a one-of-a-kind symbol of the office.

“On behalf of the Board of Trustees, it gives me great pleasure to invest in you the presidency of Grove City College and the authority and powers of the office and to bestow all the rights and privileges of that position,” Breen said.

Board members laid hands on Lingo and First Lady Yvonne Lingo as Vice Chair Craig Jones ’74 offered an inauguration prayer. “Grant to him the fruits of the spirit and clear

discernment as he endeavors to carry out the high duties entrusted to him,” Jones petitioned the Lord.

In his remarks, Lingo quoted College founder Isaac Ketler – “If this College stands for anything, it stands for the integrity of the Bible and the Gospel of the son of God” – and acknowledged all those who had “worked so hard and given so much to build” Grove City College into what it is today.

“The mission and vision of this College are the most precious inheritance we have received from those who have come before us. They anchor us. They sustain us. And they propel us forward — into our next 150 years,” Lingo said. “We embrace a distinctive vision of higher education — higher education with a higher purpose.”

Grove City College is “a Christ-centered community that resists conformity, pursues renewal, rejoices in hope, perseveres through challenge, and remains faithful in prayer and purpose,” he said. “Christian, conservative, academically excellent, affordable. That’s who we are. That’s the mission I’m honored to steward,” he said.

Lingo said it is a “remarkable moment” to be leading the College. “This year, we celebrate the 150th anniversary of Grove City College alongside the 250th anniversary of American independence. These twin milestones call us to look back with thanksgiving — and to look ahead with renewed purpose. For me, they call to mind

President Ronald Reagan’s sense of ’morning in America.’ From where I stand, it’s not just morning in America; it’s morning at Grove City College, too,” he said.

“As for me, I am deeply honored to steward this legacy with you — to build on the work of those who have come before us, grateful for the past we celebrate, energized by this moment, and ready to lead Grove City College into its next 150 years,” Lingo concluded.

Lingo, an attorney and law professor, was selected last year to lead the College and began work in July. He is the fifth alumnus to lead his alma mater and the third attorney in a row to occupy the president’s office.

“The mission and vision of this College are the most precious inheritance we have received from those who have come before us. They anchor us ... “We embrace a distinctive vision of higher education — higher education with a higher purpose.”

– President Lingo

Embrace optimism, independence

U.S. Sen. Rand Paul urged Grove City College graduates to embrace optimism and individualism in the face of doomsayers and groupthink at the College’s 146th Commencement on May 9.

“Let nothing and no one stomp on your dreams,” Paul (R-Ky.) told the Class of 2026.

“You have every reason to be proud as graduates of Grove City College … You are graduating from the one college brave enough to tell the Federal Government to ’Take a hike – we will do it our way!’ That is quite a legacy. No doubt many of you here today carry that same independent streak,” Paul said.

In his remarks, Paul contrasted that spirit with what he said he sees in his travels to other

colleges and universities, and the fear generated by media and elites, particularly surrounding the advent of artificial intelligence.

“I’m concerned that most students are being taught that solutions only come from government, or from some unchallengeable class of ’experts’ – and not from creative and disruptive individuals. I worry about the defeatist attitude and victimhood of many young people,” he said. “So today, I want to accomplish one task – I want you to leave here jubilant at achieving this milestone in your life and excited at the possibilities that await you.”

Paul’s remarks were part of a ceremony marked by pomp and circumstance that saw Grove City College confer 545 undergraduate

and graduate degrees. Fifty-two percent of the Class of 2026 graduated with honors, with 88 students earning summa cum laude status.

It was the first Commencement presided over by Bradley J. Lingo ’00, who noted that he will always remember the class who were seniors when he was “a freshman president” and he was grateful for them.

“In classrooms and labs, residence halls and rehearsal spaces, on athletic fields and in churches, you served. You led. You studied. You ministered. You cared. And in doing so, you shaped the culture of this campus. Grove City is a stronger, richer, more Christ-centered community because of you, Class of 2026,” he said.

Scan this QR code to view the Commencement photo gallery! Or visit gcc.edu/commencement

“The goal was never simply that you would succeed here—but that you would be prepared to go: to live faithfully, to serve joyfully, and to lead with purpose wherever God calls you. The world you are entering needs wisdom, integrity, courage, and hope. And you are well prepared to offer it,” Lingo said. “If you ever wondered why we were so hard on you – why we took this so seriously, why we cared so much – well, that’s why. Because we were not simply getting you ready to get a job and put food on the table. We were preparing you for the work to which you have been called. We were preparing you to step fully into God’s plan for your life.”

Ashley VanDixhoorn ’26, who graduated summa cum laude with highest honors in Mathematics and a minor in Biblical and Religious Studies, delivered the student speech on behalf of her classmates. The Trustee Fellow from Charlotte, N.C., represents “the best of Grove City College’s commitments to both Christ-centered community and academic excellence,” Lingo said.

VanDixhoorn invoked Grove City College’s favorite writer as she reflected on the Class of 2026’s journey together. “When C.S. Lewis said, ’There are no ordinary people,’ all the best scholars agree that he was referring specifically to Grovers.”

“Our time here was for a purpose,” she said. “As we go out into what has been called a ‘strange new world,’ we can take the lessons we learned, and continue to see the glory of God when we coach, teach, build, manage, study, sing, and more. One day, it might hit us that these are ordinary things. But if four years of Grove City have taught us anything, it is that God uses ordinary means to accomplish the extraordinary.”

The College awarded honorary degrees to Paul and Rev. Ethan Magness, rector of Grace Anglican Church, Grove City, who spoke at Friday evening’s Baccalaureate service.

Faculty retirees left their mark

Faculty members retiring this spring have, collectively, spent nearly 200 years in Grove City College classrooms. Their impact on students, their disciplines, and the College community is immeasurable.

Among the retirees are Dr. Timothy Homan, dean of the Albert A. Hopeman Jr. School of Science, Engineering, and Mathematics and Professor of Chemistry, and Dr. Kristin Homan, professor of Psychology. The faculty power couple have a pair of ODK Professor of the Year awards between them, with Kristin earning the 2026 award and Timothy taking the award in 2002. Timothy

Homan joined the faculty in 1991, with his wife working on and off as adjunct from 1992 until she became full-time in 2012.

Other Hopeman School retirees are: Dr. Joseph Augspurger, who joined the Chemistry Department in 1996 and served as professor and assistant department chair during his tenure, which included teaching “baby Chemistry” as well as upper level courses; and Dr. Glenn Marsch, a professor of Physics since 2004 who taught a variety of courses, including Studies in Science, Faith and Technology.

Alumnus Dr. Andrew Markley ’82, has been teaching International Business and

other Management and Marketing courses since 1991, including using his legal degree to enlighten business law students and studying corporate social responsibility.

Dr. Stacy (Hensley ’93) Paparone, leaves her alma mater after 18 years of service to the Department of Music, where she served as associate chair, taught music education majors, and led the GCC Singers ensemble.

Dr. Kristin Barbour, an adjunct professor of Theatre, joined the faculty in 2007 and has taught intro courses, stagecraft, theater design, and Civilization and Literature.

Groundbreaking heralds Nature Classroom

An unlikely group of VIPs lined up along the fence outside of Grove City College’s Early Education Center (EEC) on a wet April morning to break ground for a new Nature Classroom.

Decked out in hard hats and safety vests and seemingly more fixated on the balloons tied to the fence that fluttered in the wind and the cupcakes that awaited them than the business at hand, nine 3- and 4-year-old students from the oncampus preschool were handed tiny gold shovels for the obligatory photo op.

They said “cheese” and smiled – mostly – for the cameras, their delighted parents, and teachers. A few tried to turn some ground as EEC Director Jolene Munson spoke about the innovative classroom soon to be a part of the College’s preschool center.

“Today is about planting the seeds of curiosity, creativity, and connection. We know that young children need play to learn. Through play they build relationships, test ideas, and grow in confidence. When nature is included they are able to learn lessons through exploration, imagination, discovery, and wonder,” Munson said.

The EEC’s Nature Classroom is being built next to its playground behind the

Staley Hall of Arts and Letters on campus, where the preschool is located. It was conceived by Munson and designed by 2025 alumnae Taylor Funai, Hannah Lewonka, and Faith Sheldon when they were students with help from architect Mark Scheller, principal of Draw Collective, and Associate Professor of Biology Darren Wood.

Funding came from alumni Scott ’87 and Donna (Fallas ’87) Dysert. “We are thrilled to support Grove City’s Education Department in this project,” Scott Dysert said. “Donna was an elementary education major at Grove City and went on to teach for many years. Grove City gave her a great foundation and start to her career. We’re happy to see this program continue to thrive.”

History major earns prestigious Oxford scholarship

Ginger Schiffmayer ’26 will continue her academic adventures at Oxford University thanks to a to a highly selective Barry Scholarship, which will cover all her expenses.

Schiffmayer will pursue a master’s degree in Late Antique and Byzantine Studies to complement the degree in History, with minors in classical and medieval studies, that she earned from Grove City College this spring. Oxford is a dream destination for Schiffmayer, whose love of history and vocational goals were inspired by a Hollywood blockbuster featuring a fedorasporting, whip-cracking archeologist on a quest for the Holy Grail.

“I love Indy,” she said. “I watched ’Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade’ as a child and asked for history/geography books that Christmas and never looked back! Of course, real archaeologists don’t usually go in guns blazing, but in my experience, it is a very adventurous profession, filled with unexpected events.”

Earning the scholarship makes a prediction Schiffmayer’s father made when he dropped her off at the College for her freshman year seem almost prophetic. “My dad laid out a hypothetical life plan: ’Grove City, then Oxford for archaeology, then you can discover Excalibur.’ I guess Excalibur is next up,” she said.

The chance to find King Arthur’s magical sword, raid a lost ark, or brave a temple of doom may be in the future for Schiffmayer,

who hopes to attain a Ph.D. and find a position that lets her do research in the field and publish prolifically. In the meantime, she is looking forward to studying the history of the era popularly known as the “dark ages” following the fall of Rome at one of the world’s greatest universities.

Schiffmayer, of Evergreen, Colo., was part of Grove City College’s Trustee Scholar program, which provides full tuition and enhanced educational opportunities for standout students.

Professor of Biblical and Theological Studies Dr. Carl Trueman, who nominated Schiffmayer for the scholarship, said she was up against a very competitive field of students. “Her selection sends a clear signal that the best Grover students are academically worthy to stand side by side with the best from anywhere,” he said.

Football has long been a part of Grove City College athletic tradition, providing an exciting outlet for students since the 1890s. Archery, at right, and other pursuits offered co-eds a competitive pursuit in the years before women’s varsity sports programs were established. Track and field, below, is another staple of College sports

150 years of athletic excellence

By Mia Gallagher ’26

As the 2025-26 school year closed, Wolverine student-athletes captured seven Presidents’ Athletic Conference titles and won countless individual honors, with several individuals and teams advancing to NCAA Division III playoffs.

“Grove City has fared well in the Division III era, as evidenced by the number of conference titles, conference All-Sports Trophies, All-Region and All-America selections and postseason appearances,” Sports Information Director Ryan Briggs ’01 said.

Those achievements are the latest in a storied athletic tradition at Grove City College that goes back to the latter days of the 19th century and covers a broad array of sports programs for both men and women.

“What is particularly notable is that Grove City’s success has been broad-based, not limited to just a couple of sports. Men’s and women’s teams in the fall, winter, and spring all excelled, whether it was sports that date

back to the 19th century like baseball and football or the newest additions to the varsity lineup, such as indoor track and field and men’s and women’s lacrosse,” Briggs said.

But when did this impressive athletic tradition begin at the College? And how did the Wolverines become the formidable opponents they are today?

In 1884 — just eight years after the College’s founding — Grove City played its first intercollegiate contest: a baseball game against Westminster College.

Baseball was the College’s most popular intramural and intercollegiate sport before 1900, with the intercollegiate program playing 18 games a season against various regional opponents, according to Professor of History Emeritus Dr. Gary Scott Smith ’72, who delved deep into Wolverine sports records to write Standing Strong, a new history of Grove City College.

Eight years later, the College added intercollegiate football to its athletic offerings.

“You win with good people, and Grove City College is blessed with quality men and women across campus in all areas.”

– Ryan Briggs ’01

From 1893-96, Grove City faced colleges, athletic clubs, and industrial teams, coming away from those years with a 29-7 record.

Interestingly, many early College leaders were founding members of Grove City’s athletic tradition. Both Alva Calderwood ’96, namesake of the College’s school of arts and letters, and its third president, Weir Ketler ’08, were early stars.

“Calderwood, who later served for 35 years as the College’s dean, was a star halfback during these years, and he pitched and played outfield for the baseball team … Ketler was a superb athlete who lettered in football, basketball, tennis, and track and field,” Smith wrote.

Throughout the 1910s and 1920s, Grove City put together numerous winning seasons

and produced countless athletic prospects. The 1911-12 athletic calendar featured a 53-week period in which Grove City did not lose a single contest in baseball, football, basketball, or track. At the time, the College’s basketball team was so popular that a lottery system was used to dispense tickets.

During this era, athletics success originated from two sources: former studentathlete and longtime Athletic Director (192157) Robert E. Thorn’s leadership; and athletics scholarships.

“The Collegian called Thorn, who earned letters in basketball, football, baseball, and tennis, ’the most all-around athlete’ in College history,” Smith writes in Standing Strong Thorn would also coach basketball, soccer, and tennis and have the football field named for him.

The College began to phase out athletic scholarships in 1933, and Thorn’s leadership was essential to weather the change, reflected then-president Ketler’s views on collegiate athletics that he shared at a conference in 1934. While many administrators saw athletics as a way to draw attention and raise money for their institutions, Ketler said that varsity athletics should be an integral part of the educational program to stimulate fitness and participation.

The loss of scholarship players and the subsequent pressures of World War II caused the College’s athletics success to fall off briefly in the 1940s. Slowly, however, the Wolverines began to find recruiting success, leading to

a renewed era of athletics excellence in the 1950s and 1960s.

“The shining star among Grove City’s sports teams in the postwar years was the soccer squad. Grove City’s soccer team proved that good coaching could produce good teams without giving athletic scholarships,” Smith recounted.

The era also saw the introduction of mascot Willie the Wolverine, who made his debut at the 1948 Homecoming game.

And in 1956, Grove City joined the NCAA on a permanent basis, beginning the “modern era” of Wolverines athletics, according to Briggs.

In 1959, Ruth (Bogert ’63) Wible became the first woman to letter in a varsity sport as a member of the rifle team.

By the 1960s, Grove City’s athletics success rose to new heights. Baseball, which had been dropped in the 1920s, was reestablished as a varsity sport, and other teams like basketball, soccer, swimming, track, and rifle remained consistent throughout this era.

In 1966, the football team achieved its first undefeated season in 40 years under coach Jack Behringer. The team “crushed Geneva 41-6, squeaked by Delaware Valley 8-6 in a mud bowl, and dominated Hiram 38-6 and Thiel 34-0 to finish 8-0-1, its first undefeated season since 1926. The Wolverines broke the school’s scoring record with 269 points; while holding opponents to an average of 10 points per game,” Smith recounts.

The passage in 1972 of Title IX, which required parity in women’s sports, prompted the College’s long battle with the federal government. And while College leaders fought the law, they expanded athletics offerings to include women’s varsity programs. Grove City had long supported women’s recreation through intramural and club competition, but the advent of varsity tennis, volleyball, basketball, and softball in the mid-70s created renewed opportunities for female student athletes to shine.

During the 70s and 80s, the College put together an impressive lineup of head coaches to guide its athletics programs. Coaches from those years, including Patti Zbell and Joe Walters (tennis), Jim Longnecker (swimming, cross-country, track and field) and Don Lyle (soccer), were standout leaders who are honored today with facilities named after them.

Longnecker, upon his retirement in 1997, had one of “the most spectacular career coaching records in Division III history of 695-177-1,” Smith wrote. “His three teams had a combined 19 undefeated seasons and only two losing ones.”

Prior to the 1984-85 season, Grove City joined the Presidents’ Athletics Conference (PAC), which offered the program a consistent, competitive schedule. When the PAC faced membership challenges in the 1990s and 2000s, Grove City remained committed to the conference and continues to shape its governance today.

Since the early 2000s, Grove City has consistently competed well in the conference and on the national stage. The Wolverines have claimed both PAC All-Sports trophies 10 times, sweeping the awards for the last three seasons. The College also produced numerous All-American prospects and has even found success in the NCAA tournament as well.

“The biggest factor for the success is the people involved: the student-athletes and coaches. Their physical skill and mental acuity are both very important in doing well in sports. But the character of the people has played — and continues to play — a major role in that success. You win with good people, and Grove City College is blessed with quality men and women across campus in all areas,” Briggs said. ■

Mia Gallagher ’26 was sports editor of The Collegian, a member of the women’s lacrosse team, the band front, Tri Zeta sorority, and served as the College’s official Celebrate 150 correspondent. She graduated summa cum laude with highest honors in Molecular Biology and is going to medical school.

Wolverines dominate PAC

The Grove City College athletic department swept the Presidents’ Athletic Conference All-Sports Trophy in both the men’s and women’s competition for the 2025-26 academic year. It is the third straight year Wolverine student-athletes have captured both prestigious trophies and tenth sweep overall.

The All-Sports Trophies are annually awarded to the schools which perform the best across the board in league competition. Overall, Grove City won seven conference titles and produced nine runner-up finishes across league competition during 2025-26.

On the men’s side, Grove City won conference titles in soccer, swimming and diving and lacrosse while also recording runner-up status in cross country, football, indoor track and field, outdoor track and field, tennis and baseball. Grove City captured conference crowns in women’s soccer, women’s volleyball, women’s swimming and diving, and women’s lacrosse while also claiming runner-up finishes in women’s tennis and both indoor and outdoor women’s track and field in 2025-26.

It’s the fourth-straight win for the men and third for the women’s program. Grove City has won the Men’s All-Sports Trophy 16 times while the College has earned the Women’s award 22 times.

MESSAGE FROM ALUMNI AND COLLEGE RELATIONS

Dear Alumni and Friends,

Ihope you’ve been finding ways to stay connected with us this year. Are you following along on social media? Have you checked to see if we’re hosting an event near you? And have you marked your calendar for Homecoming 2026, October 2–4? Maybe you’ve even “phoned a friend” –reaching out to someone you haven’t connected with since your college days. As I’ve shared with many of you, this past year has been a wild ride – in the very best way. Celebrating our 150th anniversary is something we’ve approached with great care and intention, and we hope you’re beginning to see all that’s been coming together behind the scenes. For this issue, I’d like to share a glimpse from my “front row seat” vantage point of this very special year so far. My hope is that as you read, you’ll smile – and feel even more connected to what we’re building together.

FEBRUARY Celebrate 150 event in Bonita Springs, Fla. This offered a perfect reminder of what makes our College so special. Doug and Jeff, both members of the Class of ’79, embody lifelong friendship – still journeying through life together. We had a great evening at the home of Ed and Lynn Breen (both Class of ’78). Thank you for such gracious hospitality.

MARCH The Inauguration. Witnessing our Trustees pray during the Inauguration as they lifted up the future of our College, and the leadership of our new President, was a powerful reminder of how important faith is to us here. Congratulations, President Lingo!

MARCH Celebrate 150 event in Pittsburgh. This moment captured another reason why I love our College. We often talk about our excellent academic preparation – engineers, business majors, teachers, exercise science, and now nursing – but our Music Department is doing something truly special as well. On March 20, our students performed in the incredible Carnegie Music Hall as they led our guests in a grand celebration of our 150th anniversary. It was an amazing evening! Thank you to Chair of Music, Dr. Jeff Tedford ’00, our music faculty, and our talented students.

MARCH Carnegie Music Hall, take II. History brought to life. I couldn’t miss sharing J. Howard Pew with you. Have you seen him online? Our “living statue” was a hit! If you haven’t already, I encourage you to follow us on social media and check out the fun videos featuring this iconic figure. A legacy of our College, reimagined in the present. Thanks to Andrew Hoover ’26 for bringing him to life!

alumni

APRIL Campus. Community. What could be better than a 150th birthday party with a 12-foot cake and a whole lot of togetherness? The whole GCC community gathered on a sunny Grove City day for party hats, ice cream, music, and plenty of laughter. Community is what makes us special, and it’s the part of our College I treasure most. Thank you, Isaac Ketler!

APRIL Scholarship donors and students. What a powerful combination. I treasure the opportunity to celebrate their impact on the College. While the cost of education continues to rise, it’s made more affordable through the generosity of our donors. It was great to see nearly 100 of you at the annual Scholarship Celebration. Thank you, donors! For more, see page 31.

ANYTIME. ANYWHERE. Anytime. Anywhere. Who remembers the phrase, “It’s a great day in the Kingdom”? Originated by former Dean of the Chapel Dr. Richard Morledge ’54, who was – and will always be – a part of our College story, it’s now on a T-shirt available from the bookstore. I wore mine on a great day on an alumni tour visiting Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia and it just reinforced how much we are shaped by so many people who have poured so much into this place. We’ve done our best to identify many of them with our 150 for 150 feature, which wraps up in this issue.

Scan this QR code to view the complete 150 for 150 list! Or visit gcc.edu/150for150

Finally, I encourage you to visit our bookstore or shop online to get your GCC swag like mine, or find something fun from our 150th anniversary collection. Wearing your GCC gear has a way of sparking meaningful conversations with others who share – or are curious about – your connection to Grove City College. Thank you for helping us spread the word.

That’s all for now. Hope to see you at Homecoming this fall – our 100th! Now grab that cup of coffee and enjoy this 150th anniversary issue of the GeDUNK!

Melissa (Trifaro ’96) MacLeod Senior Director of Alumni and College Relations

Red Box keeps GO-ing

By Virginia West Director of Christian Formation

For 150 years, Grove City College has made an indelible mark on Christian higher education as a place where academic excellence is cherished within and beyond the walls of the classroom and young minds and lives are shaped through academia by the gospel of Christ.

From across all fields of study, specialized talents, abilities, and gifts are cultivated for the highest endeavor, one of an eternal kingdom established by grace; wherein, the world has no bounds, for the earth is God’s handiwork, and we, his people have been given a great commission: “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit; teaching them to observe all that I have commanded” (Matthew 28:19-20).

Fifty years ago, this verse inspired former Dean of the Chapel Dr. Bruce W. Thielemann to initiate the Red Box Global Outreach program and encourage the campus

community of Grove City College to press beyond its borders and into the worldwide mission of the church. In 1976, red wooden boxes were placed in Harbison Chapel with the idea of collecting donations to send students onto the global mission field.

As the summer of 1977 approached, Jim Leuenberger ’78, the first Red Box mission applicant, boarded a bus for the opportunity of a lifetime to the beautiful country of Guatemala. Since then, there have been more than 200 Red Box Global Outreach participants giving testimony to the light of God’s salvation among 80 nations around the world.

In 1985, Dean Weaver ’86 could not have anticipated how the Lord would develop “a deep love and profound sense of calling” on his life through the Red Box program. Weaver traveled to Geneva, Switzerland, to serve with Youth for Christ. Through a summer of international ministry, a faithful obedience red box global outreach

“He is the same God in different places.”

– Charlotte Nass ’27

interwove a passion for radio broadcasting and youth ministry, and now, a pastor for over 40 years, there have been many moments filled with gratitude as Weaver has been blessed to share the gospel in more than 30 countries around the world.

During the summer of 1997, Jim Kilmartin ’98 accepted a Red Box mission internship to Ukraine, a country experiencing upheaval in a region of the world where Americans were not viewed favorably. Kilmartin recounts that the trip “stretched his faith as much as it possibly could,” while also being a catalyst to “grow in a culture that was very uncomfortable” to him. As he ministered among the Russian-speaking community, the love of God and the proclamation of the Word clarified his call to preach the gospel of the kingdom. Now, a senior pastor at Rock City Church in Baltimore, Md., he leads a congregation representing around 20 nations, hosting international events and partnering with churches and ministries across the globe.

Many years have passed since Alexandra (Morrison ’06) Brandenburg went on a Red Box trip to Bolivia in 2004. Nevertheless, the memories remain vivid through the heartbreak and joy of those she served.

The time she spent caring for orphans and a terminally ill single mother shaped and affected her present career in the field of healthcare. Of the impact, she said, “My trip also enriched my life in being able to truly experience another culture and appreciate the beauty in it, and the life God has given me ... I hope and pray it continues to be an avenue for those interested in [global] missions to be given the opportunity to do so.”

More recently, rising senior Charlotte Nass was introduced to a culture very different than her own, which has only increased her desire to hold onto a life-long perspective focused on the kingdom of God. In a coastal city of northwestern Peru in the summer of 2025, she encountered the sovereignty of God and marveled: “He is the same God in different places.” Her experience accentuated the vibrancy and warmth of the Peruvian

people, and the endearing children solidified a passion for intertwining education and missions. “I miss it!” she exclaims.

For Grovers, the Red Box Global Outreach program has provided an opportunity to broaden the wonder of a biblical worldview as cross-cultural engagement deepens an understanding of the global church and Great Commission. Life is filled with uncertainties, and to cross cultural barriers for the Gospel comes with the overwhelming realization that the unfamiliar will lead into the uncertainty of the unknown, but it is also an occasion to step forward by faith with love of God and the unfettered prayer for his “kingdom come and will be done on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10).

APRIL 24-26, 2026

A family affair

Grove City College came alive April 24–26, 2026, as families returned to campus for a exciting and impactful Family Weekend celebration– made even more meaningful during the College’s 150th anniversary year. As always, the weekend offered GCC families a glimpse into what makes their children’s experiences at the College so life-changing and special. Across familiar walkways and in gathering places rich with memories, generations came together to reconnect and to celebrate student achievement and excellence in the classroom, on the field, and on the stage with those who are most proud of their successes. For Legacy families with multiple generations of Grovers, it was a chance to revel in common experiences and make new memories together. Campus life was on full display over the weekend with special events, including Orchesis, One-Acts, concerts, showcases, and the much-loved All-College Sing, in which hundreds of voices were raised in the spirit of joy and community. Family weekend is an enduring tradition and another reminder that while much has changed over 150 years, the College’s family values haven’t.

Mark your calendar for next year’s Family

alumni & friends events

CLEVELAND, OHIO | Alumni and friends gathered at The Union Club to “Celebrate 150” in President Lingo’s home state. Ohio is the second largest center of alumni population outside of Pennsylvania.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. | President Brad Lingo ’00 and First Lady Yvonne Lingo joined a group of alumni, friends, and parents in Charlotte on February 19, the first of the regional Celebrate 150 events.

BONITA SPRINGS, FLA. | GCC Chair of the Board Ed Breen ’78 and his wife Lynn (Branstner ’78) Breen warmly welcomed Florida guests to their home for the southernmost Celebrate 150 celebration. Over 60 alumni and friends enjoyed the hospitality and fellowship.

Alumni music educators gathered for a meal with current GCC music faculty during the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association Conference in Pocono Manor, Pa.

Alumni and their children alike enjoyed the Character Breakfast on April 18 prior to a performance of Mrs. Piggle Wiggle by our talented students.

ALUMNI & FRIENDS DATES TO REMEMBER

July 11 Hosanna Industries Alumni and Friends Service Day Pittsburgh Area

August 1 Alumni and Incoming Students Ice Cream Social Mechanicsburg, Pa.

September 3

Alumni & Friends Golf Outing Ellwood City, Pa.

September 16 Alumni & Friends Social at Sienna Mercato Pittsburgh, Pa.

September 27 The Lion King & Pre-Show Reception Pittsburgh, Pa.

October 2-4

Homecoming 2026 Grove City College

October 15-18 Leaders Club Weekend Hot Springs, Va.

November 9 Celebrate 150 Richmond The Boathouse at Rocketts Landing Richmond, Va.

November 11 Wolverine Challenge Day of Giving

November 12 The Notebook Pittsburgh, Pa.

November 13 Alumni & Friends Sporting Clay Shoot Weirton, W.V.

Nov. 30 – Dec. 3 Carnegie Christmas Concerts Grove City College

December 3 & 4 A Musical Christmas at Grove City College

December 5 Santa Breakfast Grove City College

A legacy of opportunity

On April 11, the College’s actual 150 th birthday, scholarship donors and student recipients joined for the annual Scholarship Celebration— an afternoon that brought to life the powerful connection between generosity and opportunity. Held in the Staley Hall of Arts and Letters, the event created space for meaningful conversation, shared gratitude, and a renewed appreciation for the lifechanging role scholarships play in a Grove City education.

Donors and students met face to face to share stories, express gratitude, and celebrate the opportunities scholarships provide. For today’s students, scholarship support opens the door to fully experiencing all that Grove City offers, both inside and outside the classroom, while preparing them to lead lives of service and purpose. For donors, the gathering brought the College’s mission into sharp focus through the students whose educations they help sustain.

As Grove City marks a century and a half of impact during its 150th anniversary year, the Scholarship Celebration underscored a powerful truth: the College’s story continues to be written with each new generation of students who are formed by the same commitment to faith, learning, and stewardship. Donors and students share in this enduring legacy—one that continues to ensure a Grove City education remains accessible for the next 150 years and beyond.

Where will GCC take you?

The Grove City College Alumni & Friends Travel program offers carefully curated educational travel experiences to destinations of historical and cultural significance. Trips are designed to combine meaningful learning, memorable excursions, and fellowship alongside fellow alumni and friends of the College. Participants enjoy expert guides, thoughtfully arranged itineraries and accommodations, and the unique opportunity to strengthen their connection to Grove City College while exploring the world together. Where will your journeys with GCC take you?

ANTARCTICA DISCOVERY

January 9-20, 2026

Travelers: Larry Baumgartner, Elizabeth Oliver Ellsworth ’64, Katherine Dakota, Sharon Elder, Susan (McCoy ’77) Fowler, Mary Kotlia ’81, Suellyn (Wright ’73) Novak, Ronald O’Dowd ’86, Wendy O’Dowd, Ivica Smid, and Maria Smid.

CROATIA AND CRUISING THE DALMATIAN COAST

April 21-May 2, 2026

Travelers: Cynthia Barrington ’82, Ronald Core, Shelly (Crevar ’85) Core, Cheryl Dutka ’82, Donald Eberwein, Jane Fox ’74, Regina (Pustover ’86) Harm, Robert Harm, Melissa (Trifaro ’96) MacLeod, Sondra (Smith ’81) McDermott, Nancy (Kelly ’78) McKnight, Kathy Raymond, Lisa Smith, Rebecca Steigerwalt ’72, Emily Trifaro ’03, and James Wick ’69.

2026 DESTINATIONS 2027 DESTINATIONS

AROUND THE WORLD BY PRIVATE JET

September 13 - October 3

An Orbridge Travel Partnership

November 28 - December 6 An GoHagan Travel Partnership

RICHES OF THE EMERALD ISLE

May 24 – June 3, 2026

Travelers: John Alexander ’73, Nancy (Den Herder ’74) Alexander, Kathleen Beels, Michael Beels ’81, Jason Burtt ’00, Robert Crawford ’81, Janet Den Herder, William Den Herder ’71, Joan (Kinard ’77) Donatelli, Philip Donatelli ’77, Kathleen Floyd-Crawford, Kathleen Kiselica, Lawrence Kiselica ’71, Greg Krause ’80, Patricia Krause, Michael McDermott, Patrick McDermott ’80, Sondra (Smith ’81) McDermott, Stacy (Hensley ’93) Paparone, Charles Woods, Karen (Hanna ’82) Woods, Dale Yeager, Larry Yeager ’74

JOURNEY TO SOUTHERN AFRICA

February 17 – March 3

An AHI Travel Partnership

GRAND SEINE RIVER AND NORMANDY PASSAGE

April 2 - 10

An AHI Travel Partnership

DISCOVER SOUTHEAST ALASKA

July 25 - August 1 An Orbridge Travel Partnership

THE CHARM OF THE AMALFI COAST

October 27 – November 4

An AHI Travel Partnership A ROYAL ENGLISH CHRISTMAS

AFRICA BY PRIVATE JET

March 13 - April 1

An Orbridge Travel Partnership

SCOTLAND HIGHLANDS AND ISLANDS

June 5 - 15

An Orbridge Travel Partnership

AROUND THE WORLD BY PRIVATE JET

October 21 - November 10

An Orbridge Travel Partnership

HOLIDAY MARKETS

December 9 - 16 An Orbridge Travel Partnership

CELEBRATION

One-hundred-and-fifty years, nearly to the day, after Grove City College founder Isaac Ketler welcomed the first class of students to his school in Pine Grove, Pa., their 21st century successors gathered outside the Breen Student Union to mark the school’s sesquicentennial. The courtyard was filled with a crowd of students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends of the College. There was a giant cake, a jazz combo, balloons, games, a “Happy Birthday” singalong, door prizes, and a trio of dancing mascots. A walking “statue” of legendary College benefactor and leader J. Howard Pew circulated among the throng, posing for pictures and nibbling on cake. The birthday party was a joyful way for the campus community to celebrate the landmark anniversary and reflect on the rich history and profound influence that Grove City College has had since that April day in 1876 when 13 students reported for class under Ketler’s tutelage.

a brief history...

The story of Grove City College is one of strong leadership and a commitment to a mission of academic excellence, affordability, and Christian faith developed over 150 years.

Within a few years, Ketler had transformed and expanded Pine Grove academy and, by 1884, Grove City College – taking its name from the rechristened town – was incorporated as private, four-year college. Enrollment grew exponentially in those early decades and the entrepreneurial Ketler scrambled to raise funds, acquire facilities, garner support of the region’s industrial chiefs – critically Joseph N. Pew, his onetime school teacher who had gone on to found People’s Natural Gas Co. and Sun Oil Co. – and pursue a vision of education built on Christian truth, American values, and academic excellence.

The College’s first decades were marked by rapid expansion – every year there were more programs of study, more students drawn by advertising that promised a “thorough, Christian, cheap” education, and more buildings raised or acquired across lower campus. Ketler’s passing in 1913 didn’t slow that growth and despite strict, almost Victorian conduct rules, student life flourished through clubs, societies, athletics, the arts, and traditions born among the first generations of Grovers.

By the 1920s, it was clear that the College needed to expand across Wolf Creek and the elite Olmsted Brothers firm, whose pedigree included designing New York’s Central Park, was tapped to design the “new” campus. After a decade of fundraising, the College broke ground in 1930 for two buildings on Upper Campus – Harbison Chapel and the Hall of Science.

Their completion and dedication in 1931 marked the beginning of a new era for Grove City College that saw consistent construction on Upper Campus around the Olmsteddesigned central quad and a thriving campus culture. J. Howard Pew, Joseph’s son and a member of the Class of 1900, became both a key source of funds and a strong leader, serving as chairman of the Board of Trustees for 40 years.

New dorms were filled quickly with more students and then emptied, at least on the men’s side, when World War II began. To make up for the lost tuition revenue, the College contracted with the federal government to provide technical training to U.S. servicemen to aid the war effort. After the war, enrollment boomed thanks to veterans on

the G.I. Bill. The growth strained institutional and academic capacity to the point of endangering the College’s accreditation.

As the Cold War dawned, changes were afoot. A new president, 1925 alumnus J. Stanley Harker, started work to improve faculty and resources and the College’s natural conservatism became more of a feature. Pew, a staunch capitalist, devout Christian, and sworn enemy of statism, installed a young professor and student of Austrian economist Ludwig von Mises as head of the Economics Department. From 1956 to 1992, Hans Sennholz preached the gospel of free markets and free people to thousands of students.

While student life flourished and the College’s academic quality increased in the 1960s, the campus culture was not immune to the forces disrupting the larger society. By the end of the decade, Grove City College was starting to look and feel more like a secular school. That was too much for Pew. In the year before his death in 1971, he recruited Charles S. MacKenzie, a professor and pastor, to succeed the retiring Harker and restore the College’s historic Christian character.

During his 20 years in office, MacKenzie planted the seeds that later leaders would harvest. Changes to the curriculum, chapel program, faculty, the student body, and approach to student life and conduct, which included the end of off-campus housing, remade the College into the intentional, Christ-centered living and learning environment it is today.

With the institution of the Keystone Curriculum and campus-wide efforts to inculcate a Christian worldview, faith became the unifying force on campus and freedom became the rallying cry when Grove City College took a historic stand against federal control of higher education in the 1970s.

“The Court Case” is shorthand for the defining event in modern College history. The case, Grove City College v. Bell, was filed in 1977 after the College refused to sign off on compliance with regulations related to Title IX – barring gender discrimination – and any subsequent federal rules. The College didn’t have a history of discrimination, but it did have a bedrock belief that a private Christian institution that didn’t accept any federal funding should be able to teach what it wanted, the way it wanted, without undue governmental interference.

The College had eschewed federal funding throughout its history, with the exception of the wartime training contract and the acceptance of some New Deal funding for the construction of Ketler Hall. By the 1970s, refusing federal support was part of the College’s DNA. Harker once told an official offering federal support for campus construction that if he agreed, he’d lose his job.

The government’s threat to pull funding if Grove City didn’t submit rang hollow – until it identified grants and student loans as a pressure point. The College sued the federal government, arguing that students, not the College, were the direct beneficiaries of those grants and loans. The case worked its way to the U.S. Supreme Court, which in 1984 ruled against the College. A loophole that limited federal regulations to the office that accepted those funds from students was closed in 1987 with the passage, over Ronald Reagan’s veto, of what was known as “The Grove City Bill.”

The loss in court might be the best thing that ever happened to Grove City College. Extensive news coverage of the case, which often had a David and Goliath angle, and the College’s decision in the aftermath to maintain its independence and stop accepting federal student grants and loans, enhanced its national reputation as a bastion of academic freedom and institutional autonomy. That profile was helpful in recruiting students who

valued the faithfulness and independence the College displayed and in the fundraising that was now critically necessary to provide students with scholarship support to make up for the lost loans and grants, which underwrite operations at most colleges and universities.

The College began marketing and fundraising campaigns in this era and established itself as a technology leader in 1994 by providing every incoming student with a laptop computer, a program that continues today.

By the turn of the 21st century, Grove City College was on an upward trajectory, reaping what was sown in the previous decades. More firmly than ever, it was a Christian college. Most students were serious about their faith and their studies. Academic rigor was a hallmark, as was the College’s conservatism, rooted in the Austrian economics and values of Western Civilization that its faculty cultivated and alumni championed. The College’s historic commitment to affordability, always important to students and their families, endured as well in a time of everrising tuition and costs. Fundraising success fueled a campus building boom that produced a pair of academic buildings, a new student union, apartments, and other new facilities and upgrades between 2002 and 2013. New programs and initiatives advanced entrepreneurship and amplified the thought leadership of faculty and others committed to America’s faith and freedom foundations.

In the last decade, Grove City College has weathered challenges, from an international pandemic to demographic changes impacting enrollment to a mainstream culture that is oftentimes at odds with the one cultivated on campus. It has created new opportunities for students to grow in their faith, expand their knowledge, and pursue their callings. And it has stood strong, firmly committed to its founding mission for 150 years. ■

Celebrate 150 Campus History Tour

Explore 150 years of Grove City College history through a self-guided tour highlighting campus landmarks and our rich history and unique culture.

CAMPUS HISTORY TOUR

The tour features a dozen stops on the 180-acre campus that exemplify the College’s growth over a century and a half, from a rented schoolhouse in what was then Pine Grove, Pa., to one of the nation’s top Christian liberal arts and sciences colleges.

Stops include Carnegie Alumni Center and Rainbow Bridge on Lower Campus to Upper Campus icons like Harbison Chapel, Mary Anderson Pew dormitory, Staley Hall, and the recently rededicated Smith Hall of Science and Technology.

Explore 150 years of Grove City College history through a self-guided tour of 12 campus landmarks.

HOW IT WORKS

• Begin at any of the 12 stops.

• Scan the QR code or visit the tour webpage.

• Select a building, view photos, read the history, and watch the video.

• Move to the next stop and continue.

ACCESS THE TOUR

Scan the QR code below to begin, or visit: gcc.edu/HistoryTour

Foundation: 1876 to 1930

April 11, 1876

Twenty-three-year-old Isaac Ketler is hired as principal of Pine Grove Academy. Under his leadership, the local school will become Grove City College.

1884

Grove City College is formally incorporated as a private, four-year college. Enrollment tops 500.

1879

Collegiate sports begin, with the first baseball game against Westminster. Football will follow in 1892.

1895

Oilman J.N. Pew becomes Chairman of the Board. His business expertise and invaluable connections to regional industrial leaders are crucial to the College’s growth.

Recitation Hall, the first college building, rises on Lower Campus to meet the needs of a growing student body and expanded curriculum.

1891

The Collegian publishes first issue.

1900

Carnegie Hall is built. Originally a free library, it has served many purposes for the College and is the only building left of the original campus.

1913 Isaac Ketler dies. He is succeeded by Alexander Ormond and Ketler Gymnasium is named in his memory.

1904

Colonial Hall, the first on campus residence hall, is built as housing for women. Most men live off campus in rented rooms.

1910 s Greek life commences with creation, in secret, in 1911 of Pans, the first fraternity. The first sorority, Tri Sigs, was established, also in secret, in 1917.

did you know?

1916

Weir C. Ketler becomes president. The son of the College’s founder will lead for a record 40 years.

1920

did you know? The

1917

The College radio station, later named WSAJ, makes one of the country’s first broadcasts.

With the world at war, male Grove City College students are required to participate in military training.

1914

Memorial Hall, a men’s residence hall, is the first building on Upper Campus.

1930

The Board of Trustees approves the construction of Upper Campus in accordance with the Olmsted Brothers plan.

Growth: 1931 to 1970

1931

The College begins building Upper Campus with the construction of Harbison Chapel, the Hall of Science, and Rainbow Bridge.

J. Howard Pew, class of 1900, becomes Chairman of the Board of Trustees, which he will lead for 40 years.

1942

The College serves as a technical training school for U.S. servicemen, helping the country win the war.

1948

Willie the Wolverine becomes the school’s mascot.

1932

Ketler Hall is built on Upper Campus. It will be joined in 1937 by Mary Anderson Pew South Hall and Crawford Hall in 1938, completing the Quad laid out in the Olmsted plan.

1945

The G.I. bill drives enrollment as veterans become students.

1950

A post-war building boom begins with Hopeman Hall and MAP West and includes the PLC (1953) and Buhl Library (1954).

1956

Stanley Harker, class of 1925, becomes president.

Hans Sennholz joins the faculty, driving the College’s long association with Austrian economics.

1960 s

Under Harker, new academic departments were established, better qualified faculty brought in, and campus life flourished Rifle team standout Ruth (Bogert ’63) Wible becomes the first woman to earn a varsity letter.

1970

Enrollment hits a record 2,100 students.

1958

Calderwood Hall is built, providing much needed classroom space on Upper Campus.

1966

Hoyt Hall is built to accommodate the growth of engineering studies.

The Hall of Science becomes Rockwell Hall.

Standing Strong: 1971 to 2026

1970 s

An innovative core curriculum is developed to integrate faith and learning.

1976

The Pew Fine Arts Center is built on Upper Campus.

1984

U.S. Supreme Court issues a ruling in GCC v. Bell and the College decides to stop accepting federal student aid to preserve its independence.

1971

1991

Jerry Combee becomes president.

1977

The College refuses Title IX compliance, sues federal government over student aid.

Charles MacKenzie becomes president with a mandate to focus on the College’s Christian character.

J. Howard Pew dies.

1996 John Moore becomes president.

The College completes the process of ending federal student aid.

1994

The College begins providing every student with a laptop computer.

2000

The first capital campaign marks a new approach to the fundraising for the College.

2002

The Staley Hall of Arts and Letters is built, marking an era of new construction.

2004

Breen Student Union is built.

2006

Colonial Hall student apartments are built.

2005

The Center for Vision & Values, now The Institute for Faith & Freedom, is established.

2012

Rathburn Hall dedicated.

2003

Richard Jewell ’67 takes office as president.

2013 STEM Hall opens.

2014

Paul McNulty ’80 becomes president.

2025

Bradley Lingo ’00 becomes president.

$50 million renovation of Smith Hall of Science and Technology.

2024

Chick-fil-A opens in the Breen Student Union.

2020

The College successfully weathers the COVID Pandemic.

2023

Undefeated football team makes first trip to NCAA playoffs.

2026

The College celebrates its 150th anniversary.

March 20, 2026, was a night to remember at the Carnegie Music Hall in Pittsburgh as the College pulled out all the stops for Celebrate 150! This signature 150th anniversary event included an elegant reception, history exhibit, a musical tribute concert featuring over 150 musicians, and a guest list that included alumni, friends, faculty, and students.

THE COLLEGE’S IMPACT IS DEMONSTRATED IN THE CHARACTER AND ACHIEVEMENT OF THOSE WHO EMBODY ITS VISION AND VALUES.

The College has had a significant impact over the last century and a half, not only on the tens of thousands of students whose lives have been transformed by the lessons learned, relationships formed, and faith fostered on campus, but on a world that has changed dramatically in that time. To celebrate our milestone 150th anniversary, we are highlighting 150 for 150, a selection of 150 people who embody 150 years of Grove City College history, and the excellence and faithfulness that are our hallmarks.

They are people who have made an impact on the College and the world beyond campus during the last century and half. Some are key figures in Grove City College’s history, while others are accomplished alumni, legendary faculty, or simply beloved members of the College community. They shaped, and were shaped by, the distinctive character of this special place and they are exemplars of Grove City College’s mission, vision, and values.

This is the sixth and final installment in a series that presents a cross section of “great Grovers” without regard to any ranking or chronology.

Scan this QR code to view the complete 150 for 150 list! Or visit gcc.edu/150for150

DR. ROSS FOSTER

In the pantheon of Grove City College faculty, there’s certainly a spot for Dr. Ross Foster. The longtime professor and administrator played important roles in the spiritual and academic revival that shaped the College we know today.

The Philadelphia-born Foster served in the Air Force during the Korean War, was seminary trained, Temple Universityeducated, and a one-time butcher who owned and operated a meat market in Ocean City, N.J. He came to Grove City College in 1969 with degrees in philosophy and religion and a passion for teaching. He was in the right place at the right time when President Charles S. MacKenzie arrived in 1971 with a mandate from the board to revive the College’s Christian character.

Foster, working with Drs. Andrew Hoffecker and John Van Til, developed a series of courses known as the Keystone

Curriculum and later the Humanities Core, that was designed to provide students with a shared, solid grounding in history, philosophy, literature, art, science, and religion designed to foster a Christian worldview. Foster “insisted there be a difference between a simply churchrelated college and a truly Christan institution, showing his commitment to the implication of the gospel for the curriculum,” Hoffecker said.

Foster became a key ally to MacKenzie, moving to administration and becoming vice president of Student Affairs in 1976, where he guided the campus to embrace the Christian worldview that was being developed in the classroom and dispensed discipline. During those turbulent years, MacKenzie said he didn’t know if Christian values would have survived on campus “if it had not been for the courage and faithfulness of Ross Foster,” who stood out as an unsung

hero who had dedicate himself “to move the College toward greatness.”

In 1990, he returned full-time to the classroom to teach religion, philosophy, logic, civilization, and marriage and family courses. His impact on students was enormous. He enlightened and challenged them, dispensing knowledge and wisdom and serving as a friend and mentor up to, and beyond, his retirement in 2000.

When he passed away in 2024, the tributes rolled in from countless alumni who praised his intellect, faithfulness, wit, character, and sense of humor. He was, many recalled, simply the best professor they ever had.

DR. LAWRENCE W. REED ’75

Libertarian icon Ron Paul called Lawrence W. “Larry” Reed, president emeritus of the Foundation for Economic Education (FEE), “one of America’s leading advocates for liberty.” The 1975 graduate’s commitment to limited government and free markets has made him something of an icon himself as he’s advanced those ideas as a leader of influential think tanks and advocate for free markets and free people around the world.

In the 1980s, Reed built Michigan’s Mackinac Center for Public Policy into one of the country’s most influential state-based think tanks and later, as president, revived FEE as a force in the liberty movement. A prolific writer, his essays, journalism, and books have inspired thousands. He’s traveled to 92 countries on six continents to advance his principles. His work highlighting Polish resistance figures during the

PAUL J. MCNULTY ’80

Shortly after his law school graduation, Paul J. McNulty ’80 embarked on a career in public service in Washington, D.C., that spanned three decades. He was a top lawyer for the U.S. House of Representatives and later the Department of Justice, where he helped prosecute terrorists after the Sept. 11 attacks and later served as Deputy U.S. Attorney General, the department’s second in command.

After leaving the government in 2007 and successfully moving into private practice, a family tragedy – the death of his son Joe to cancer in 2012 – prompted McNulty to reassess his professional life and led to him being selected as the ninth president of Grove City College, where his faith had been sparked as a student and he served on the Board of Trustees.

Cold War earned him the enmity of its communist rulers and later, after the thaw, the highest award that nation can bestow on a foreigner.

Today, he’s still active as a writer and speaker. He was a guest at this year’s Institute for Faith & Freedom conference and his latest book, Born of Ideas: How Principles, Faith and Courage Forged America, will be published in September by the College’s Faith & Freedom Press.

McNulty’s 11-year tenure was marked by a focus on the College’s Christian character and student life, academic excellence, athletic programs, and campus improvements, including the renovation of Henry Buhl Library, the Smith Hall of Science and Technology, and bringing Chick-fil-A to campus. During his term, the Winklevoss School of Business, the Johnson School of Nursing, and the centers for Rural Ministry and Faith & Public Life were established. McNulty also led the effort to codify the College’s values and reform the Chapel program.

BRADLEY J. LINGO ’00

Twenty-five years after he graduated, Bradley J. Lingo ’00 said returning to campus as the College’s 10th president felt like coming home. “My life was transformed through Grove City College. As a student, I found professors who believed in me and friends who encouraged me in my faith, and I experienced the joy of working hard to pursue excellence in a Christian community.” As president, he’s committed to ensuring that future generations of students will receive the Christian, conservative, academically excellent, affordable education that profoundly shaped him as a student.

Lingo, who graduated first in his class and summa cum laude with a degree in business-economics, went on to earn his juris doctor from Harvard law school and enter private practice. He routinely represented accounting firms and financial institutions in high-stakes

DR. M. BARBARA AKIN

In a long line of faculty who have had an enormous impact on the College, Dr. M. Barbara Akin stands out for dedication and loyalty to students and her remarkable resume. Akin served 29 years as a professor of History and department chair before retiring in 1999.

Born at the peak of the Great Depression and raised Catholic on the South Side of Chicago, Akin worked for a local television station, the U.S. Air Force in Japan, Ladies Home Journal, and St. Xavier College, taking night school classes to complete her bachelor’s degree in history in 1962. After a stint as an intelligence analyst with the CIA, she went on to earn master’s and doctorate degrees from the University of Chicago before coming to Grove City College in 1970, where in addition to teaching she served as head resident in MAP West from 1971 to 1974.

litigation and litigated many pro bono and religious liberty matters. In an effort to “give something back,” Lingo shifted to academia, teaching and later becoming dean of Regent University School of Law, where he co-founded Regent’s Center for Constitutional Law.

When his alma mater needed a new leader, Lingo heeded the call. He was selected to succeed retiring President Paul J. McNulty ’80 and began his term in office in July. By the time he was formally inaugurated in March, the new president has made his mark with a focus on strengthening academic excellence and raising Grove City College’s national profile.

She took a year off to attend seminary and in 1985 became an ordained Episcopal priest, serving as vicar of Grove City’s Church of the Epiphany. She passed away in 2009, a year after retiring from the ministry.

Rev. William McConkey – The Presbyterian pastor was a key administrator in the College’s earliest years, serving as founder Isaac Ketler’s right hand and the fifth president of the Board of Trustees. He received a Doctor of Divinity degree in 1888.

Kay Mitchell Emigh – The College’s first and longest serving athletic trainer, Emigh joined the Athletic Department in 1985 and retired after 32 years of service in which she worked with thousands of student-athletes.

Leo Stevenson ’34**– A successful businessman, Stevenson operated a machine shop in Grove City and was a generous and crucial supporter for decades, earning both the Florence MacKenzie Campus Community Award and the first Alumni Association Distinguished Service award.

Dr. Brian Leftow ’77*– An accomplished academic, Leftow specializes in philosophy of religion, medieval philosophy, and metaphysics. Currently a professor at Rutgers University, he is a leading Aquinas scholar and author.

Dr. Mae M. (Parham ’82) Pouget* – A doctor and highly-decorated veteran, Pouget led medical teams all over the world for the Navy and Marines during her 26 years of active service.

Matt Kibbe ’85 – A Grove City College and George Mason University trained economist and bestselling author, Kibbe is a leading spokesperson for libertarian ideas and founded FreedomWorks, the advocacy group behind the tea party movement.

Dr. Carl Trueman – A professor of Theological and Religious Studies since 2018, Trueman is a prolific writer and author of several seminal books on religion and culture, including The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self

Maj. Gen. Robert Kane ’80* – The retired Air Force major general commissioned through the Reserve Officer Training Corps program served as a command pilot, senior operational leader, and defense acquisition executive during a 33-year career.

Betty Tallerico – A staple of the presidential office suite, Tallerico has served three presidents, serves as advisor to Theta Alpha Pi sorority, and routinely goes above and beyond in service to the College and students.

Dr. Howard Winklevoss ’65 – The namesake of the College’s school of business, Winklevoss is a former professor of Actuarial Science at the Wharton School, author, technology entrepreneur, and investor who made the first Bitcoin gift to the College.

Susan Roberts – Roberts compiled one of the finest multi-sport coaching careers in NCAA Division III history as she amassed 750 total wins over three decades while leading women’s softball, volleyball and basketball to Presidents’ Athletic Conference titles.

Dr. Scott Powell – The long-serving professor of Business and Marketing, formerly an assistant in the President’s Office, retired in 2025. He was beloved by students and earned Professor of the Year honors in 2017.

Cindy Walters – She joined the athletic department in 1966 as an instructor of physical education and pioneered women’s sports in the 1970s. Over a 32-year career the Athletics Hall of Famer launched nine women’s varsity programs before her retirement in 1998.

Alice (Bryant ’39) Ketler – The 1939 May queen and daughter-in-law of the College’s third president, Weir C. Ketler, she lived to the age of 102 and served as a matriarchal figure to campus community for generations. Dr. Bruce Ketler ’71 – The great-grandson of the College’s founder and Alice’s son was the last member of the Ketler family to work for Grove City College. The Air Force reservist served on the faculty for 41 years.

Lois Hamilton – A longtime art professor and watercolor artist who painted many Grove City College scenes, she was the first woman to advise a men’s housing group, the Tri Rhos, and owed the Pottery Dome for many years.

Dr. Michael Coulter ’91 – Coulter has been teaching political science for more than 30 years, distinguishing himself in the classroom and abroad as the leader of many international study courses.

John Barr – Over a 26-year coaching career he mentored men’s cross country and basketball teams to numerous PAC championships and began the women’s cross-country program before retiring in 1998.

Robb Jones ’75*– The attorney served as cocounsel on the landmark Grove City College v. Bell case and as a College trustee for 15 years. He was also chief of staff to Supreme Court Chief Justice William Rehnquist and one of the country’s top higher education lawyers.

Willie the Wolverine – The College’s beloved mascot made his first appearance during the 1948 Homecoming game and was officially given the title in 1951. He serves as a symbol of school spirit, good nature, friendliness and sportsmanship. for

* denotes Jack Kennedy Memorial Alumni Achievement Award winners. ** denotes David Rathburn Distinguished Service Award winners.

class notes class notes

KEEP IN TOUCH!

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1965

David Cook is the executive director of The Wolff Center for Entrepreneurship at the University of Houston, recently ranked #1 by Princeton Review for the sixth year in a row. He is a professor of practice in the C.T. Bauer College of Business.

1973

Have exciting news? Submit a class note for the magazine and for viewing online at alumni.gcc.edu/classnote.

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Email alumni@gcc.edu for more information.

Dr. Robert Zimmerman, a dentist in Waynesboro, Pa., was honored by the Rotary Club of Gettysburg with the Dwight D. Eisenhower Humanitarian Award in February. Zimmerman has provided dental care to his community and impoverished people around the world for 50 years.

1977

Dr. Joseph Patterson retired after serving the church for 48 years. He served in a pastoral role in five churches in northern New Jersey and the Pittsburgh area, as district superintendent of the ErieMeadville District, a teacher, and dean of the Foundation School of Leadership with the United Methodist Foundation of PA, through which he developed educational experiences for clergy and laity. In retirement, he plans to find new ways to strengthen congregational life among the region’s churches.

1984

Dr. William Lloyd authored and published Destruction of Democracy: Essays on the Fight for Democracy. Information on the book can be found at WilliamHowardLloyd. com. Lloyd is president of The Lloyd Financial Group, LLC, in State College, Pa.

1986

Brian Manville retired after 40 years in the electric utility industry. He worked for six different utilities in five different states, the last 27 years with First Energy as a design technician. He is now focusing on his photography hobby and taking more photos of Wolverine athletes.

Leah Ann (Rieg) Williams was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers and the NFHS (National Federation of State High School Associations) as a football official for the high school crew of the year. In November, she became the first woman football official in Western Pennsylvania to work a playoff game. She is also a PIAA State championship basketball official. Williams retired in 2021 from New Castle High School after 35 years as a biology/anatomy teacher.

1988

Sally (VanBuren) Wallace is now executive vice president, chief operating officer for Leonardo

DRS, Inc. The company, based in Arlington, Va., develops defense technologies for U.S. national security customers and allies. She has been with the company since 2002.

1993

Robert Scholz is lead author on a new book from the American Psychological Association, The Deliberate Practice of the Assessment of Self-Directed Violence. He works as a therapist, executive coach consultant, and trainer.

1994

Dr. Lisa (Allenbaugh) Goss has a new position as vice president of medical affairs at UPMC Washington (Pa.)

1995

Michael Kaminicki was ordained and installed as associate pastor by the church leadership of Grace Church, Smithtown, N.Y., in January 2025.

2003

Andrea Humphrey and Ed Lacis were married April 5, 2025, in Pittsburgh, Pa.

EP PIRATES | The Epsilon Pi Alumni Association hosted the annual Pirates game at PNC Park on April 18. More than 90 actives, alumni, family, and friends enjoyed an afternoon at the ballpark. Dave Brown ’82 organized the event with Scott ’83 and Joanne (Iscobucci ’84) Tovissi hosting a tailgate.

CHARLESTON COHORT | These Grovers enjoyed Charleston’s warm March weather. From top, Helen (Kim ’73) Fitzkee, Toby Fitzkee ’73, Diane (Russell ’73) Rhoads, Marilyn (Vasey ’73) Gennett, Paul Gennett ’71, George Kugler ’73, Joan (Pitcairn ’73) Kugler, Debra (Stevenson ’73) McConahy, Brian Cox ’73, Ed Harris ’73, Jane (Peale ’73) Sham, Sue (Knappenberger ’73) Appleton, and Dorothy (Williams ’73) Weeks. Joining them on the trip were Rich Leibson ’71, Sandee (Smith ’73) Leibson, Cary Harris, and Sandi Cox.

GRACE CHURCH GROVERS | Alumni members of Grace Church of Harmony, Pa., which celebrates its 200th anniversary this year, thought it would be a great idea to get a picture together, since Grove City College is celebrating its 150th. Row 1, from left: Nick Prugar ’04, Amanda (Nelson ’04) Prugar, Autumn (Sevick ’94) Bupp, Cole Redrup ’21, Morgan (Prouty ’22) Redrup, Gretchen (Gutzwiller ’02) McMichael, Natalie (Miller ’09) Palma, and Elizabeth (Trocano ’10) Lewis. Row 2: Lois (Morton ’79) Kuttesch, Anna (Lindstrom ’89) Schmidt, Tim Palma ’10, and Michael Lewis ’10. Row 3: Colleen (Lorigan ’73) Cotherman, Carol (Beighey ’73) Steinacker, Mary (Garwig ’88) Barnes, and Cheryl (Bupp ’94) Prouty. Row 4: Bob Kuttesch ’78, Sarah (Bray ’07) Cooper, Steve Cotherman ’72, John Beighey ’74, Luke Sherrod ’21, Daniel Barnes ’18, Jack Barnes ’89, Jason Satteson ’02, and Steve Prouty ’94. Honorable mention: Norman Frederick ’54, a lifelong member of GCOH, who passed away in October 2025.

PARK CITY PILGRIMAGE | Grovers from the ’90s gathered in Park City, Utah, for a ski trip in February 2026. From left, Steve Hurst ’94, Brittany (Stephens ’95) Hurst, Rob Pogue ’92, Dawn (Tarase ’92) Pogue, Don Balla ’93, Deb (Robich ’94) Balla, Paul Arnold ’99, Heather (Busin ’00) Arnold, Shawna (Martin ’95) Haynes, Brandon Haynes ’96, Sharon Aho, and Rob Aho ’96.

2004

Dr. Randy Cole was named spokesperson for the U.S. Embassy in Baku, Azerbaijan. A member of the Foreign Service since 2014, he previously worked at the U.S. Embassies in Cyprus and Sudan, and at the State Department in Washington, D.C. He lives in Baku with wife Yalin Yuksel, the director of medical safety for Switzerland-based Novocure, along with their children Olivia, 4, and, Adrian, 2. Nathan Lunetta and wife Rebecca are the parents of Nathan Joseph, born Dec. 26, 2023.

2007

Jonathan Schnell was appointed vice president, senior fiduciary wealth advisor for the Wealth Management division of United Bank. He is managing client relationships in Morgantown, W. Va., and surrounding areas.

Lindsey DiGiaVatter graduated cum laude from the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science in January 2026 and is continuing her career in funeral service with Ed & Don DeCarbo Funeral Home & Crematory, New Castle, Pa. Kelly (Beahm ’07) and Lt. Gary Peters welcomed daughter Iola Wren on Jan. 13, 2026. She joins sisters Arden, 8, Elodie, 6, Esme, 4, and Ondine, 2.

2008

Elle (Speicher) Adanitsch and husband Cody announce the birth of son Ezekiel Emmett on June 25, 2025.

Rebecca (Flynn) Ciesielski was appointed by Texas

Governor Greg Abbott to the Early Childhood Intervention Advisory Committee. She is a stay-at-home parent and president of the Texas Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Network.

Dustin Heath and wife Holly are the parents of sons Arlo Evan, born Dec. 22, 2024, and Leo Miranda, 3.

Dorothy (Willilams) Hildabrand and husband Clark welcomed son Bruce Dean on Sept. 16, 2025. He joins sister Mary Frances, 4.

Joy (Gardiner) Robb and husband Jackson welcomed daughter Jocelyn Elizabeth on June 30, 2025. She joins brothers Beckett, 8, and Aiden, 4.

2009

Erica (Reiter) and Freddy Adams ’11 welcomed daughter Wendyl Rose on May 14, 2024. She joins brother Ambrose, 3.

2010

Julia (Pershe) and Daniel Berkenpas ’09 welcomed son Jeremy Daniel on June 17, 2024.

Paul Chenowith and wife Natasha welcomed twin daughters Addison Natasha and Meredith Natasha on March 8, 2025. They joined brother Ethan. 7.

Tyler Emerick and wife Jiprille welcomed son Jasper David on May 31, 2025.

Rachel (Stelzer) and Shaun Mills welcomed son Eli Adam on July 22, 2024.

Justin Olson was confirmed by the U.S. Senate in February to serve as a federal judge in the Southern District of Indiana.

2011

Rachael (Genders) and Andrew Dymski welcomed daughter Suzanne Mercy on Aug. 5, 2025.

Emily (Kuezek) Heffner and husband Daniel are the parents of son Monroe Richard, born Oct. 23, 2023.

Dr. David Janssen was honored with the 2025-26 Family Physician of the Year Award in November by the Iowa Academy of Family Physicians. The award honors one outstanding physician who exemplifies the tradition of the family doctor and upholds the highest standards of family medicine. He serves Sioux Center at his small-town critical access hospital.

Gabrielle (Welker) and Ross Kucks ’10 are the parents of daughter Miriam Lucia, born March 4, 2025, and son James Walter, 5.

2012

Allison (Spaulding) Clapp and husband Brian welcomed Finnley Boaz on Nov. 20, 2025.

2013

Connor Baer was admitted to partnership in the global law firm Jones Day. He will focus on business and tort litigation in the firm’s Pittsburgh office.

2014

Madeline (Seefeldt) Finucane and husband Michael welcomed son James Michael on Oct. 8, 2025.

2015

Marie (Carroll) and Christopher Curran welcomed daughter Clare Noelle on Dec. 23, 2025.

Katie (Stone) Elias and husband Anthony welcomed Sami Patrick on Dec. 21, 2025.

Dr. Samuel Ivan is now an assistant professor in the Department of Urology at the Fox Chase Cancer Center and its Fox Chase-Temple Urologic Institute, both in Philadelphia, Pa. Garret Keibler and wife Heather welcomed daughter Claire Chelsea on Nov. 22, 2025.

2016

Emily (Bartlow) Harryman is completing her debut cookbook, Plain Jane Sourdough: Simple Ingredients & Techniques for Stunning Artisanal Bread

Daniel Chapman and wife

Caroline are the parents of son John Shepherd, born Dec. 30, 2024, and daughter Elizabeth Laurens, 3.

Lacey (Lobdell) Ferrara launched her own law practice, Ferrara Law, PLLC, in Edinboro, Pa., specializing in estate planning, probate, and elder law.

Julie (Wilson) and Eric Gardner ’18 welcomed son Theodore Thomas on Nov. 24, 2025.

Jonathan Neal and wife Brooke welcomed son Samuel Reed on June 26, 2024.

Ashley White (Brothers) Quinn and husband Will welcomed son William “Willie” Richard Jr. on Sept. 8, 2025.

Nate Weiland published the article “American Citizenship in Crisis” in a recent issue of The American Mind. The article explores the historical meaning of citizenship.

2017

Jordyn (White) Cole and husband Hudson are the parents of daughter Kennedy Anne, born Feb. 19, 2025.

Bryan Denny, a senior manager, marketing at athenahealth, was named 2025 Pipeline Generating Marketing Manager of the Year at the 2026 GKO meeting. Lilly (Lenes) Crenshaw and husband Aaron welcomed daughter Mabel Vera on Oct. 29, 2025.

Nolan Myers was promoted to partner at RKL LLP, a CPA firm in central Pennsylvania. He is in the Small Business

RECITAL REUNION | Frank Dodd ’10 performed an organ recital titled “Organ Transplants” in November at Westminster Presbyterian Church, Lancaster Pa., where he is director of music. In attendance were, from left, his mother Caren (Flick ’84) Dodd Lewis, Holly (Over ’84) Kann, and Nancy (Ferguson ’83) Notaro.

BETAS MEET UP IN FLA | Four members of the Beta Sigma fraternity met in Punta Gorda, Fla., this spring for what is becoming an annual South Florida tradition. From left, Bob Bush ’68, Don LaBelle ’68, Mark Kreisler ’70, and Gary Privett ’68.

BASKETBALL BROTHERS | Epsilon Pi brothers played hoops at the College in March at a fraternity basketball outing. New brothers joined actives and a few from the “over the hill gang,” they say. After the game, they enjoyed pizza in Ketler Rec.

HAWAII HELLO | A chance alumni mini reunion took place on top of Diamond Head State Monument, Oahu, Hawaii, in April. Dave Marshall ’84, left, was wearing his GCC alumni hat, when a surprised voice said, “Grove City College?”  The query sparked a connection with Derek ’97 and Jennifer (Hoogerbrugge ’98) Moses. They reminisced about time at Grove. Marshall says it pays to display Grover merch!

GRAND TETON GROVERS | Phi Tau brothers and special guests, from left, Mark Schmidt ’81, Laura Schmidt, Gene Nowak ’81, Sue (Shields ’81) Nowak, Ken Gritzan 81, Louise (Joseph ’81) Rogers, Bill Rogers ’81, Tom Williams ’81, Tim Jamison ’82, Jenny (Friend ’83) Jamison, and Marybeth (Steele ’83) Williams traveled to one of the West’s greatest getaways.

Services group in the Mechanicsburg office. He is also on the board of directors for the American Subcontractor Association of Central PA.

Justine (Marsheck) Ravindranath and husband Jeremiah announce the birth of daughter Darcey Sinclaire on Dec. 28, 2025.

2018

Emily (Bach) and Steven Maker are the parents of sons William Lucas, born May 28, 2025, and James Theo, 3. Cade Myers and wife Kylie are the parents of daughter Eloise Joan-Marie, born Nov. 6, 2025.

Brian Schonewald and wife Holly welcomed son Luke Sanborn on Oct. 23, 2025. He joins Joshua Jack, 2. Tyler Stone and wife Morgan welcomed daughter Ella Kay on June 19, 2025.

2019

Juliet (Long) and Kyle Harshbarger are the parents of son Luke Ross, born Jan. 7, 2026.

Rachel (Smith) and Kyle Kirchhofer ’20 welcomed daughter Lydia Marie on Dec. 4, 2025.

Natalie (Slick) Landis and husband Devon are the parents of daughters Margot Joy, born Aug. 6, 2025, and Everly Marie, 2.

Brianna (Murphy) and Evan Lundburg welcomed daughter Zoey Joy on June 2, 2025.

2021

Bethany (Juergens) and Jacob Hehn announce the birth of son Charles Enoch on June 20, 2025.

Madalyn (Gustafson) and Damon Lewis ’21 announce the birth of daughter Lucy Mae on March 19, 2026.

Catie (Fluharty) and Thaddeus Reynolds ’22 welcomed son Forrest Michael on Feb. 11, 2026.

2022

Kellyann (Baker) and James Lagaras announce the birth of daughter Theodora Brigid on Oct. 3, 2025.

Benjamin Phelps and wife Emma welcomed son Soren Collings on Dec. 26, 2025.

2023

Marc Dieter and wife Roben announce the birth of daughter Philomena Marie on Feb. 12, 2026.

2025

Ryan Evans and wife Olivia welcomed son Bowdoin Jeremiah on May 23, 2025.

Katelyn Klotz and Matthew Runninger married on June 8, 2025, in Akron, Ohio.

Raegan (Swistock) and John Lassiter announce the birth of Yannis Aurelius on July 21, 2025.

KAP HOLIDAY | Many Kappa Alpha Phi brothers from the late ’70s have met during the holidays since their time on campus. This year’s event in Pittsburgh drew 15 brothers plus seven wives who are also alums.

CHI GIRLS’ TRIP | Gamma Chi sisters arranged a girls’ trip weekend in St. Augustine, Fla. From left: Sandy (Logel ’90) Fink, Stephanie (Goda ’90) Rossi, Krista (Patrick ’91) Elwell, Annmarie (Spong ’90) Strachan, Jennifer (Stafford ’90) Lachajczyk, Brenda (Emminger ’90) Hillard, and Kris (Grimm ’90) Ottobre.

Katherine (Dudt) MacGregor and husband Roy welcomed son Harris John on Oct. 21, 2025. He joins brother Lewis. Hannah Schuller and John Terranova were married Nov. 15, 2025, in Lakewood, Ohio.

Connor Rodgers was elected president of the Jim Thorpe (Pa.) Borough Council in January. He was first elected to council in 2023.

2020

Melissa (Sorg) and Micah Wenger welcomed son Clive Randall on Dec. 31, 2024.

ADELS ON THE BOAT | Five ADEL brothers searched for fish with Captain Bob Strange ’80 in November in Myrtle Beach, S.C. The ADELs on Bob’s boat included Dave Davies ’78, Pat McConnell ’78, Don Pollitt ’80, and Jack Owen ’80, who was the Fisherman of the Day on both days of the trip.

in memory

The Grove City College Alumni Association places a book in Henry Buhl Library in memory of each alumnus for whom the Office of Alumni and College Relations receives written notification of death, including a copy of the obituary. This pays tribute to the lives of deceased alumni while benefitting current and future students.

To notify the Office of Alumni and College Relations of the passing of a loved one, please send an obituary to alumni@gcc.edu.

Esther (Canning ’45) Rucker, Portland, Ore., July 25, 2025. She was a teacher, counselor, and military spouse.

Lois (Shaffer ’45) Schafer, Wilmington, Del., Dec. 3, 2025. She was a homemaker.

Betty (Schultz ’46) Brown, Pittsburgh, Pa., Oct. 29, 2025. She taught high school English. Survivors include children David Brown ’82 and Amy Brown ’85.

Ruth (Merwin ’50) Moser, South Bend, Ind., April 1, 2026. She was a teacher and professor. Survivors include daughter Barbara (Moser ’75) Oldroyd

John S. “Jack” Reno Jr. ’50, Lancaster, Pa., Nov. 18, 2025. An Army Air Corps veteran, he worked in education before leading Fleming H. Revell Publishing.

Jean (McIntyre ’50) Robertson, Cranberry Township, Pa., Jan. 7, 2026. She was the College’s first Homecoming Queen and a homemaker.

Dorothy (Hall ’50) Thorpe, Dayton, Ohio, March 5, 2026. She taught business education for 20 years.

Glade H. Lantz ’51, Rockdale, Texas, Jan. 23, 2026. The Army veteran was a chemical engineer with Alcoa for 44 years.

Margery (Mosch ’51) Schornstheimer, Saint Augustine, Fla., Jan. 3, 2026.

She taught children of Air Force members and G.E.D. programs.

Lillian “Sandy” (Rodgers ’52) Allen, Mechanicsburg, Pa., Feb. 12, 2026. She held school secretarial positions and assisted her husband’s ministry.

Earl J. King ’53, Jackson Center, Pa., Jan. 17, 2026. A Navy WWII veteran, he spent 30 years with U.S. Steel. Survivors include daughter Diane (King ’80) Ziegler

Dr. Richard R. Brock ’54, Hendersonville, N.C., Feb. 10, 2026. He served in the U.S. Navy Medical Corps and retired as a radiologist after 30 years with Polyclinic Hospital in Harrisburg, Pa. Survivors include wife Bina (Booth ’54) Brock

Norman E. Frederick ’54, Zelienople, Pa., Oct. 27, 2025. He worked for Crucible Steel and a local sewer authority.

Sally (Coutts ’54) Keaney, Cornwall, Pa., Dec. 18, 2025. She was a church secretary then homemaker.

Shirley (Watson ’54) Minshull, Grove City, Pa., Aug. 3, 2025. She was a retired legal secretary.

Janet (MacFarlane ’55) Gosnell, Hermitage, Pa., April 10, 2026. Her work included executive secretarial positions.

Michael E. Lepore Jr. ’56, Butler, Pa., Feb. 11, 2026.

An Army veteran, he worked at Armco for 35 years.

Richard A. Brigger ’57, Horseheads, N.Y., Dec. 19, 2025. The Army veteran worked in credit for Corning Glass Works for 33 years.

Daryl L. Johnson ’57, Cornelius, N.C., March 19, 2026. A veteran, he was a teacher and football coach at Ford City (Pa.) High School, and a vice president at Merrill Lynch.

Robert H. Montgomery ’57, Winchester, Va., Nov. 7, 2025. He worked with Bell of Pennsylvania and Verizon. Survivors include sons Robb Montgomery ’82 and Don Montgomery ’90.

Charles F. Sack ’57, Slippery Rock, Pa., Jan. 16, 2026. After working as a plant engineer at Cooper-Bessemer, he worked in the sportsmen’s field.

David E. Miles ’58, Yukon, Okla., April 1, 2026. An Army veteran, he spent 34 years with Continental Insurance, retiring from the ECI Agency.

Cedric F. Plavney ’58, Strongsville, Ohio, Dec. 25, 2025. The Army veteran retired as financial director at Thompson, Hine & Flory.

George M. Romig ’58, New Wilmington, Pa., Feb. 1, 2026. He had a career with benefits consulting firm William M. Mercer. Survivors include wife Nancy (Byers ’57) Romig.

Albert J. Lelekacs ’59, Clearwater, Fla., Sept. 19, 2025. Survivors include wife Betty (Kulcheski ’59) Lelekacs

Verne H. Rainey ’59, Fort Mill, S.C., Sept. 12, 2025. Following Air Force service, he spent 33 years as a captain with American Airlines. Survivors include wife Judith (Milner ’61) Rainey

David E. Case ’60, Aurora, Ohio, April 7, 2026. He was an Army veteran.

Dr. David M. Dayton ’60, Grove City, Pa., Dec. 22, 2025.

The son-in-law of President J. Stanley Harker ’25 and Helen (Calderwood ’23) Harker through his wife Anne (Harker ’60), he joined the math faculty in 1966, later teaching accounting until 2003. He also founded Dayton Computer Services and Slovak Folk Crafts, both in Grove City. He served faithfully as an alumni leader, chapel speaker, and community builder. Dr. Dayton’s 1971 thesis, ’Mid the Pines, is regarded as the first authoritative history of the College. Survivors include daughter Betsy (Dayton ’92) Slater and many extended family.

Col. Bruce W. Johnson ’60, Orlando, Fla., March 21, 2026. He had a distinguished 30-year Air Force career, later working in airport engineering. The College presented him with a Jack Kennedy Memorial Alumni Achievement Award in 1986. Survivors include wife Shelvey (Pease ’59) Johnson, and children Jennifer (Johnson ’85) Green and David Johnson ’89

Franklin P. Bingham ’61, Allentown, Pa., Feb. 7, 2026. The Navy veteran and electrical engineer had a 31year career with Air Products and Chemicals.

Ruth (Foreman ’61) Hoffman, Mechanicsburg, Pa., Feb. 24, 2026. She taught for many years, retiring from the Franklin Area School District. Survivors include daughters Shela (Hoffman ’86) O’Hanlon, and Wendy (Hoffman ’90) Callahan

Paul C. Balentine Jr. ’62, Scottsdale, Ariz., Nov. 26, 2025. He worked in marketing and founded Aztec Exterminating.

Daniel R. Bowser Jr. ’62, Summerville, Pa., Jan. 23, 2026. He was a business consultant and wrote “The Bottom Line” column for the Durango Herald

Martha (Ruben ’62) Lumley, Uniontown, Pa., Dec. 7, 2025. She taught English, then shared her vocal talents at Villa Maria and Allegheny colleges.

Gale D. “Butch” Marsh ’62, New Freedom, Pa., Jan. 18, 2026. He retired after 40 years with Bethlehem Steel.

William H. Trethewey ’62, Pittsburgh, Pa, Feb. 1, 2026. The metallurgical engineer built a distinguished career in the steel industry.

James R. Wright Sr. ’62, Latrobe, Pa., Feb. 28, 2026. The Army veteran had 36 years with Standard Steel and Latrobe Steel.

Robert D. Patrick ’63, McCormick, S.C., Jan. 6, 2026. He worked in marketing and sales management with Dow Corning. Survivors include children Patricia (Patrick ’91) Cooper, Krista (Patrick ’91) Elwell, and Jon Patrick ’97

Harry A. “Rusty” Pfendler Jr. ’63, Pittsburgh, Pa., Dec. 25, 2025.

Martha “Muff” (Rollins ’63) Poundstone, Jupiter, Fla.,

Feb. 26, 2026. She was an elementary school teacher.

Ronald S. Abbott ’64, Bellevue, Pa., Dec. 29, 2025. He worked in IT for 50 years.

Jayne (Mook ’64) Anton, Phoenixville, Pa., Jan. 20, 2026. She spent her career teaching in the Lower Moreland School District.

Dr. R. Hays Bell ’64, Penfield, N.Y., March 1, 2026. A chemist, he worked for OSHA and retired as a vice president from Eastman Kodak. Survivors include wife Karen (Canning ’64) Bell.

Donald G. Campbell ’64, North East, Pa., Dec. 20, 2025. He was a guidance counselor for the Wilkinsburg School District for 35 years.

Fay (Hendrickson ’64) Mackey, Macungie, Pa., April 10, 2026. Her work supported both child development and fundraising.

Calvin E. Pollins Jr. ’64, Greensburg, Pa., Jan. 4, 2026. He worked in sales for 44 years with Beckwith Machinery and on his family farm.

John R. “Jack” Reimer ’64, New Kensington, Pa., Nov. 9, 2025. He ran his own Reimer Industrial Sales Co.

Cornelia (Kuhn ’65) Hennon, Orchard Park, N.Y., Feb. 21, 2026. She taught school both in Pittsburgh, Pa., and Falconer, N.Y.

Lynne (Cookson ’65) Jackson, Camp Hill, Pa., Dec. 20, 2025. She taught third grade at Harrisburg Academy. Survivors include son Carl Jackson ’95.

Robert W. Koehn ’65, Wellsboro, Pa., Feb. 27, 2026. He had a management career with Sears, Roebuck & Co.

James M. Livermore ’65, San Francisco, Calif., Sept. 1, 2024. The GCC Hall of Fame Diver retired from a career with Charles Schwab.

James P. Marner ’65, Vero Beach, Fla., Aug. 27, 2025. He worked in sales with a passion for technology. Survivors include wife Helen (Skinner ’65) Marner

Rosalie (Parker ’65) Schneider, West Newton, Pa., and Germany, Nov. 4, 2025. She taught German in the Derry and Latrobe school districts. She also lived in Germany, assisting in her husband’s dental practice.

Thomas H. Wentz III ’65, Sarasota, Fla., Feb. 6, 2026. He was an attorney and supporter of the arts.

Lynn P. Boehmer ’66, Rochester, N.Y., Nov. 20, 2025.

Lawrence H. Buzard ’66, Canton, Ohio, Dec. 20, 2025. A Vietnam veteran, he was editor of classification systems at the Library of Congress. Survivors include brother Russel Buzard ’69

Thomas W. Doctor ’66, Poland, Ohio, Nov. 10, 2025. He worked for Goodyear Aerospace and Youngstown State, where he directed the computer center.

Gordon L. Fullerton Jr. ’66, Gilbert, Ariz., Jan. 25, 2026. The Air Force veteran was director of administration at the Maricopa Skill Center.

David W. Craig ’67, Corry, Pa., April 14, 2026. He was a music teacher for Wattsburg School District.

Mary (Tomlinson ’67) Hickey, Gaithersburg, Md., Jan. 10, 2026. She taught school and studied marine science. Survivors include husband Clarence Hickey ’66 and daughter Leigh Hickey ’00.

Jon A. “Jack” Rasch ’67, North Tonawanda, N.Y., April 21, 2025. The Army veteran retired as vice president of Riverside Chemical.

Patricia (Steele ’67) Wahls, Pontiac, Ill., Jan. 1, 2026. She was a Marine officer, later working in church and community positions.

Richard A. Bell ’68, Waverly, Iowa, March 14, 2026. He retired with 23 years of Air Force service.

Gail (Hansen ’68) Deitrick, Austin, Texas, March 9, 2026. She is survived by sister Pamela (Hansen ’72) Holmes

Nancy (Linnert ’68) Dickie, Brooklyn, Mich., Feb. 12, 2026. After working as a flight attendant, she became an accomplished photographer and watercolorist.

William D. Gorman ’68, Moorhead, Minn., Oct. 27, 2025. He worked in the food industry, including his own Billy G’s Café in Texas.

Richard A. Hunt ’68, Washington, Conn., Dec. 22, 2025. He was a Marine for 13 years before commercial aviation and airline careers.

James W. Pontier ’68, Spirit Lake, Idaho, Nov. 12, 2025. He had an Air Force career. Survivors include brothers John Pontier ’68, Ralph Pontier ’72, and Philip Pontier ’76

Dwight G. “Rip” Ralph ’68, Saegertown, Pa., March 1, 2026. He had a career with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Resources. Survivors include wife Nancyjo (Niles ’69) Ralph

Norma (Mitcheltree ’68) Shelatz, Conneautville, Pa., Feb. 12, 2026. She coowned Mitcheltree’s Inc. and greatly served her community. Survivors include children Jeremy Shelatz ’93 and Jody Shelatz ’96

Bobbie B. Brooke ’69, Arvada, Colo., Nov. 25, 2025. She was a school media specialist then permanent substitute.

Barry J. Ross ’69, Johnstown, Pa., Jan. 28, 2026. He was an athletic trainer at the University of Virginia.

Dominick J. Balistreri ’70, Auburn, N.Y., Feb. 13, 2026. He had an award-winning career in sales.

Richard N. Gurley ’70, Zionsville, Ind., Feb. 17, 2026. After Air Force service, he spent 40 years with Allison Engine/Rolls Royce. Survivors include wife Catherine (Lees ’71) Gurley and son Scott Gurley ’02

Elizabeth (Roderick ’70) Jarok, Chelmsford, Mass., Jan. 9, 2026. She retired as an instructor at Middlesex Community College.

William H. Johnson ’70, Jaffrey, N.H., Feb. 13, 2026. He was a teacher at Hampshire Country School and CAPS Collaborative Special Education. Survivors include wife Elizabeth “Betty” (Whitehouse ’70) Johnson

Dr. Wayne O. McKee Jr. ’70, Montgomery, Ohio, Dec. 28, 2025. He spent 30 years with the Hamilton County Board of Developmental Disabilities.

Joseph T. McMichael Jr. ’70, New Castle, Pa., Jan. 4, 2026. He was office manager for Connerly Cleaners.

Dr. Richard L. Freeh ’71, Cleveland, Ohio, Nov. 8, 2025. He was a research scientist.

Philip W. McConahy ’71, Byron Center, Mich., Oct. 28, 2025. He worked in plumbing.

James C. O’Harrow II ’71, Englewood, Fla., Dec. 4, 2025. He was superintendent

of Claysburg-Kimmel (Pa.) School District from 19832010.

David L. Cox ’72, Clarion, Pa., March 4, 2026. The Navy veteran became president and CEO of Farmers National Bank and Emclaire Financial.

Kathleen E. Kennedy ’72, Baton Rouge, La., April 10, 2026. In her varied career, she helped children and adults with special needs, and taught anthropology.

David A. Stanton ’73, Ocean City, Md., Jan. 28, 2026. He was an attorney in labor relations with the U.S. Postal Service.

Deborah (Duff ’74) Bower, Albuquerque, N.M., Dec. 20, 2025. She retired after 31 years with the Anderson School of Management at the University of New Mexico.

Robert R. Coppolo ’74, Weedville, Pa., Jan. 23, 2026. An electrical engineer, he worked with Brockway Glass and GTE Sylvania.

Richard Engle ’74, Greensburg, Pa., Jan. 26, 2026. He had a career with Kraft Nabisco. Survivors include wife Deborah (Baumann ’73) Engle

Beverly (Marquis ’74) McFarland, Newark, Del., April 13, 2026. She taught music for 30 years and directed music at church.

Katherine (Cope ’75) McGraw, Wormleysburg, Pa., March 3, 2026. She worked in public accounting, retiring as controller at Mount St. Mary’s University.

Gerard D. “Chip” Paradis Jr. ’75, Havre de Grace, Md., Nov. 6, 2025. He worked in sales with Curtis 1000 Paper, later owning a Bruster’s Ice Cream franchise.

Janet (Mouganis ’76) Helms, Pittsburgh, Pa., Jan. 1, 2026. She founded Orphan Heart Ministries, co-founded Tumaini Academy in Kenya, and wrote two books.

Barbara (Suter ’77) Bojarski, Camillus, N.Y., Dec. 16, 2025. She founded and directed Our Community Preschool for many years.

Kevin R. Sutton ’77, Youngsville, N.C., March 27, 2026.

Mark G. Meehan ’80, New Brighton, Pa., Jan. 30, 2026. He was a heavy equipment operator at Mark Meehan Excavating.

A. Christohper Bakken III ’82, Madison, Miss., April 16, 2026. The Jack Kennedy Memorial Alumni Achievement Award winner worked in the nuclear power industry, retiring in 2023 as executive vice president and chief nuclear officer for Entergy. Survivors include wife Katherine (Hofmann ’82) Bakken and sister Ellen (Bakken ’86) Colonna

Pamela (Manfredi ’85) Malloy, Las Vegas, Nev., Dec. 23, 2025. She worked in Christian education, directed training at Vanguard Airlines, and became a corporate trainer.

John C. Cellerini ’86, Gibsonia, Pa., Dec. 24, 2025. He was a salesman in the office furniture industry. Survivors include wife Beth (Runatz ’88) Cellerini

Stephen R. Maddalena ’86, Grove City, Pa., March 13, 2026. He had a 40-year sales career with Burdick’s Men’s Clothing and also helped at Cunningham Funeral Home.

Ramona (Treu ’87) Braun, Liberty Township, Ohio, Jan. 21, 2026.

Barbara (Stubna ’89) James, Berlin Center, Ohio, Nov. 27, 2025. She was a homemaker and volunteer. Survivors include husband David James ’91.

Richard E. McNatt ’91, Alpharetta, Ga., March 11, 2026. He was a healthcare executive for 30 years and lifelong athlete. Survivors include wife Jody (Seaman ’91) McNatt

Kevin R. Wolf ’03, Jefferson, Ohio, Dec. 18, 2025. He taught special education then fifth grade at Pymatuning Valley Middle School and coached youth sports.

Daniel B. Hanson ’11, McLean, Va., Jan. 13, 2026. The former SGA executive president had a career in global finance.

Friends

Clifford L. Cox, Edinboro, Pa., Jan. 10, 2026. A guest lecturer in strings from 1993-01, he was a noted musician worldwide. Survivors include daughters Lisa (Cox ’86) Tenerowicz and Bethany (Cox ’90) Buckley

Virginia “Ginny” Cole, Grove City, Pa., Feb. 7, 2026. The wife of retired Professor of German and English J. Harvey Cole, she was a long-time supporter of the College’s international students, as well as being a sorority mother and a winner of the Florence E. MacKenzie CampusCommunity Award. Survivors include daughter Catherine (Cole ’92) TePaske

Grove City College President Emeritus Dr. John H. Moore died Jan. 8, 2026, in Florida. Dr. Moore became the College’s seventh president in June 1996 and led Grove City College during a time of significant change. He retired in 2003.

“President Moore’s leadership safeguarded the College’s independence, strengthened its commitment to academic excellence, and reflected its Christian and conservative convictions … His legacy continues to shape the College today, and he will be deeply missed by the entire Grove City College family,” College President Bradley J. Lingo ’00 said.

Dr. Moore oversaw the College through its withdrawal from federal student loan programs and instituted an innovative private loan program in its place in October 1996. This move completed the College’s break from federal student aid programs in the wake of Grove City College v. Bell. He led the College in its successful $60 million Change & Commitment capital campaign, which provided capital for the Staley Hall of Arts and Letters, an addition to the Pew Fine Arts Center, Breen Student Union, and renovations to the Carnegie Alumni Center.

The College hired and retained exceptional faculty during Dr. Moore’s tenure and he reorganized the faculty structure into two schools – The Albert A. Hopeman Jr. School of Science and Engineering and the Alva J. Calderwood School of Arts and Letters.

After leaving Grove City College, Dr. Moore and his wife Sue retired to Florida. Mrs. Moore preceded him in death on May 30, 2024. He is survived by two sons, John and Matthew, and their families.

JOIN US

THE PINES

EPISODE 35:

From Psychology Major to Bank Executive: Leadership, Being PeopleForward, and Finding Your Path with Jordyn (Taylor ’03) Kemats

EPISODE 36:

1,200 People. One Vision. How Great Leaders Make it Real with Barbara (Bentz ’83) Staniscia

EPISODE 37: Time, Talent, and Tradition: Investing in the Place that Invested in You with Alumni Council President Steve DeCaspers ’97

IN MEMORIAM DR. EDWIN P. “DOC” ARNOLD

Director of Bands and Chair of the Music Department (1945-2026)

Grove City College mourns the passing of Dr. Edwin P. “Doc” Arnold, longtime director of Bands and chair of the Music Department, who passed away March 16 at age 80, leaving a legacy of service and dedication to students and the College he served for 38 years.

Dr. Arnold joined the faculty as director of Bands in the fall of 1975. In 1981, Dr. Arnold was appointed chair of the Department of Music and Fine Arts. He retired in August 2013.

During his tenure, Dr. Arnold held several senior administrative positions including assistant dean of the College, executive assistant to the president, vice president of External Affairs, and administrative liaison to the Commission on Higher Education. He also served as Director of the J. Howard Pew Fine Arts Center.

Over his career, he left a lasting impact on thousands of students, the College community, and music education.

Professor of Music Dr. Stacy (Hensley ’93) Paparone met Dr. Arnold at band camp during her freshman year at Grove City College and worked closely with him as a student. “I was fortunate to have him as trusted advisor and mentor,” she said. “In the western Pennsylvania region, his influence in music education has been vast, as many graduates who were his students stayed in the area.”

“Outside of music education, his impact on the lives of hundreds of band alumni cannot really be measured. He shaped the lives of his band students, especially those in the Wolverine Marching Band, through his leadership and care. No matter how busy he was, he always had time for a conversation and a laugh. The culture he built in the marching band led many of us to form lifelong friendships that still flourish today,” Paparone said.

A Beaver Falls, Pa., native, Dr. Arnold received his Bachelor of Science in Music Education at Geneva College, Master of Music Education from Duquesne University, and doctorate from the University of Houston. While at the University of Houston, he served on the band directing staff and assisted with the development of half-time performances in the Astrodome.

Dr. Arnold was sought out by bands and orchestras as a guest conductor, clinician, and adjudicator for high schools, colleges, festivals, and Military Ensembles throughout the United States and Canada.

Dr. Arnold was the recipient of numerous awards during his career. He was recognized by the Commission on Higher Education, and with the PA Music Educators Citation of Excellence Award and the Grove City College Campus Community Award. He is past president of the PA Collegiate Bandmasters Association and served as executive secretary treasurer of the PA Collegiate Bandmasters for over 20 years.

In 2013 Dr. Arnold received the Henry N. Mancini Achievement Award for outstanding contributions to the Musical Enrichment of the Beaver Valley during his induction into the Beaver Valley Musicians Hall of Fame.

In 2007, Dr. Arnold was elected to an eightmember Board of Directors, for the purpose of founding the International Youth Band of the United Nations. He worked with band directors from around the world to conduct a mass band program for the commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 2016.

Professor of Music Dr. Jeffrey Tedford ’00, another former student, now holds Dr. Arnold’s job as chair of the College’s Department of Music. He remembers Dr. Arnold as “a colleague and friend.”

“‘Doc’ was instrumental in the development of my confidence and leadership skills and provided so many opportunities for me to grow, even when I didn’t realize it in the moment. It was an honor to work alongside him when I was first hired and I will treasure every conversation we had,” Tedford said.

He is survived by his wife Ellen; a daughter Erin ’95 and her husband Joseph M. Pisano ’94; a son Paul ’99 and his wife Heather (Busin ’00); five grandchildren, and an extended family of former students, colleagues, and friends whose lives were forever changed by his mentorship.

Dr. Arnold’s life and legacy was celebrated at a memorial service on April 12 in Harbison Chapel.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Arnold Family Band Scholarship Fund at Grove City College, continuing Dr. Arnold’s lifelong commitment to music education and service to others.

li’l Wolverines ONCEA GROVER ... ALWAYS A GROVER

CONGRATULATIONS NEW PARENTS!

Grove City College welcomes your new bundle of joy. We want to send your newborn a Grove City College T-shirt! So between the feedings and late-night lullabies, be sure to send the Office of Alumni and College Relations your child’s name and date of birth. Shirts are available in infant sizes and up to 5T.

Due to the popularity of the Alumni Babies feature, photos will be limited to babies under the age of 5 in Grove City College shirts only. Digital photos must be high resolution, 300 dpi. Please do not embed photos in the body of an email message, but rather attach a high-resolution image. To request a baby shirt, visit alumni.gcc.edu/babyshirt Send pictures to alumni@gcc.edu.

Born 5-14-24

Erica

Helen Rose Chapman

Born 5-10-25

Laura (North ’10) and Ben Chapman ’11

Born 11-24-25

Julie

Born 10-8-22

Lauren

Charles Enoch Hehn

Born 6-20-25

Bethany (Juergens ’21) and Jacob Hehn ’21

Born 10-3-25

Kellyann

Ella Kay

Born

Jeremy Berkenpas Born 6-17-24

Julia (Pershe ’10) and Daniel Berkenpas ’09

Born 7-21-25

Reagan

Arthur

Born 12-23-24

Krista

Camille

Born 12-28-25

Justine (Marsheck ’17) and Jeremiah Ravindranath

Born 10-23-25

Brooke

It’s the 100th Homecoming at Grove City College! In this special 150th anniversary year, we are celebrating with a WHOLE NEW schedule of events:

ALL THIS AND FOOD TRUCKS GALORE! Plus, reunions for class years ending in 1’s and 6’s.

Other anniversary gatherings include: GREEKS

Pan Sophic - 115 Years

Delta Iota Kappa - 110 Years

Theta Alpha Pi - 105 Years

Kappa Alpha Phi - 70 Years

Phi Tau Alpha - 60 Years

HOUSING GROUPS

Alpha Epsilon Chi - 50 Years

Nu Delta Epsilon - 50 Years

AFFINITY GROUPS

Touring Choir Reunion

Orchesis - 50 Years

Red Box - 50 Years View