黑料科 honored four alumni during its Legacy Chapel as a part of Homecoming and Family Weekend, recognizing their remarkable commitment to and impact in the fields of ministry, international relations and medicine. Lieutenant General (LTG) Mary (Biglow 鈥91) Krueger Izaguirre, Surgeon General of the United States Army, was named the 2026 Alumna of the Year. She was joined by Young Alumna of the Year Kaylee (Haller 鈥19) Fisher, Public Affairs Specialist with the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom; Alumni Christian Service recipient Barbara (Amidon 鈥62) Patrick and FEARLESS Award recipient Honus Wagner 鈥20.
LTG Mary Izaguirre, Surgeon General of the United States Army, has had a remarkable career in the military meeting the medical needs of servicemen and women and their families. Inspired by her time in 贬辞耻驳丑迟辞苍鈥檚 Highlander Wilderness Adventure program, LTG Izaguirre joined the Army to meet the significant financial hurdles of attending medical school. A graduate of the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, she completed her family medicine residency at Madigan Army Medical Center in Washington state. She subsequently completed a master鈥檚 degree in public health from the University of Washington. Her military career has spanned more than three decades, leading to her appointment as the 46th Surgeon General of the United States Army and Commanding General of U.S. Army Medical Command in September of 2023. Her honors include the Legion of Merit with two Oak Leaf Clusters and the Army Distinguished Service Medal.
Kaylee Fisher, Public Affairs Specialist with the U.S. Commission in International Religious Freedom, has been advocating for religious freedom since her graduation in 2019. Previous appointments include roles with World Relief, the Institute for Global Engagement and most recently Global Operations Director for IRF Roundtable, part of the International Religious Freedom Secretariat in Washington, DC. Her work includes advocating for the religious freedoms of people around the world, including the Yazidi people of Northern Iraq, Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar and Coptic Christians in Egypt.
Barbara (Amidon 鈥62) Patrick represents a legacy of servant leadership in the Wesleyan Church. As a Wesleyan pastor鈥檚 wife, she served for a quarter of a century as Director of Women鈥檚 Ministries in the Central New York District of the Wesleyan Church. Other work included serving as Northeast General Director of Wesleyan Women, the General Board of Administration for the Wesleyan Church and the 黑料科 (then College) Board of Trustees.
Honus Wagner, a transitional case manager with Catholic Charities in Rochester, serves regularly on short-term mission trips to Sierra Leone, a place and people he grew to love during his studies at Houghton. He has participated in work to complete the Kamasaypayna Community School, assisted a team from Jericho Road (Buffalo) to prepare a new health clinic and conducted an economic development study. His work in Sierra Leone resulted in contracting a severe malarial infection complicated by COVID-19 that nearly ended his life. Since recovering, Honus has fearlessly returned to Sierra Leone, most recently in 2025 when he was an honored guest of Daniel Sara Turay, Paramount Chief of the Kalanthuba Chiefdom.
$11.6 Million Renovation Project Brings New Life to The University鈥檚 Oldest, Largest Residence Hall
On October 3, 2026, during Homecoming & Family Weekend, 黑料科 dedicated the newly renovated East Hall, celebrating the completion of the $11.6 million donor-funded residence hall renewal project.
Made possible by a transformational $10.4 million lead gift from Donald and Beverly (Roberts 鈥56) Greene, 黑料科 completed the comprehensive 15-month renovation of the 75-year-old building, the university鈥檚 largest residence hall. The project was inclusive of both interior and exterior spaces, including the creation of a new front entrance, circular drop-off drive and Sastic Courtyard, where the dedication ceremony was held.
鈥淏everly and I are so thrilled that we were able to not only meet the needs of and enhance the experience for today鈥檚 students, but also generations of future women who will call East Hall home,鈥 Donald Greene said. 鈥淥ur heart鈥檚 desire for these young women is they will encounter Christ, and their lives will be forever changed.鈥
Interior renovations focused on accessibility and modernization, including the installation of a centralized elevator in the renovated Gillette Lounge, updated dorm rooms, bathrooms, lounges and kitchens on all four floors. The Student Health Center was also modernized during this project.
鈥淭his project has and will transform our residential student experience for years to come,鈥 said Dr. Bill Burrichter 鈥92, Vice President for Student Life. 鈥淲e are grateful to the Greenes, the Sastics and the countless donors who sacrificially provided the resources and prayer that made this project possible.鈥
鈥淭his project serves as a tangible act of care for our students,鈥 reflected Dr. Katie Breitigan 鈥09, Dean of Students and Director of Residence Life and Housing. 鈥淲e鈥檙e grateful to have completed the East Hall renovations that allow the women of East to make memories in a space that holds so many meaningful moments for those who came before us.鈥
Previously known as Gillette Hall, the building returned to its original name of East Hall upon completion of the project, at the request of Mrs. Greene who resided in East Hall as a student in the 1950s. To preserve the legacy of professor Dr. Frieda Gillette, the main floor lounge was named Gillette Lounge in her honor and features a portrait of one of 贬辞耻驳丑迟辞苍鈥檚 most historically prominent women. The exterior Sastic Courtyard honors the generosity of Drs. Lois (Morgan) and Jonathan Sastic, both graduates from the Class of 1975, whose gifts reflect their longstanding commitment to enhancing the student experience.
鈥淭he newly renovated East Hall provides an updated, beautiful living and learning environment for Houghton women today and for years to come,鈥 President Wayne D. Lewis, Jr. said. 鈥淲e give God the glory for His continued provision through the extraordinary generosity of the Greenes, Sastics, and others. We could not be more grateful.鈥
During the dedication ceremony, Houghton leadership recognized partners who played significant roles in this massive renovation effort. Special thanks was given to the construction team which included Kinley Contractors, CPL architecture, engineering and interior design, DCG Development, and Sodexo.
The renewal of East Hall serves as the lead capital project in 贬辞耻驳丑迟辞苍鈥檚 broader efforts to revitalize residence facilities across campus during COURAGEOUS: The Campaign to Equip Fearless Scholar-Servants. COURAGEOUS is 黑料科鈥檚 $83M comprehensive campaign built on the pillars of Pursing Christ-Centered Excellence, Investing in Places and Spaces, and Solidifying Your Legacy Through Houghton.
Questions about COURAGEOUS can be directed to the 黑料科 Office of Advancement.
This comprehensive campaign will strengthen student experiences, enhance campus facilities, and grow endowment support to advance Houghton’s Christ-centered mission for generations to come.
黑料科 launched the public phase of COURAGEOUS: The Campaign to Equip Fearless Scholar-Servants during Homecoming and Family Weekend on October 2, 2026. The $83 million comprehensive campaign, which has already secured more than $62 million in gifts and commitments during its silent phase, seeks to strengthen the university鈥檚 ability to equip fearless scholar-servants for significant Kingdom impact through strategic investments in student, facility and endowment support.
COURAGEOUS launches at a key moment for 黑料科. In recent years, the university has experienced enrollment growth, significantly increased its endowment (which now exceeds $107 million), and made transformative investments in student residences, academic programs and campus facilities. The campaign seeks to build upon that momentum and position Houghton to serve future generations of students with excellence.
鈥淚nvestment in Houghton’s mission is investment in Kingdom impact,鈥 said President Wayne D. Lewis, Jr. 鈥淗oughton has no purpose other than preparing and equipping followers of Jesus to courageously carry the Gospel to the various places the Lord calls them as competent and compassionate scholar-servants. Investing in Houghton’s mission helps ensure that mission continues here in New York, and that Houghton’s Kingdom impact expands.鈥
Other significant achievements during the campaign’s quiet phase included an anonymous $3 million gift to create the endowed the Ellen F. Donley Dean of Education and Behavioral Science, the creation of 95 new endowed student scholarships, and more than $4.7 million designated for the Scholar-Servant and Student Scholarship funds over the past six annual One Day Giving Challenges.
The COURAGEOUS campaign focuses on three strategic priorities: Pursuing Christ-Centered Excellence, Investing in Places and Spaces, and Solidifying Your Legacy Through Houghton.
Pursuing Christ-Centered Excellence, the campaign鈥檚 most significant priority at $36 million, invests in curricular, co-curricular and extracurricular opportunities that shape a well-rounded Christ-follower. Through the Scholar-Servant Fund and the Student Scholarship Fund, it provides resources to meet current needs and while helping to make a Houghton education more affordable for students and their families.
Investing in Places and Spaces seeks $24 million in gifts to create the ideal environments for students to grow and flourish together in community, while strategically positioning the campus for
future growth. In addition to East Hall, plans to continue residence renewal efforts focusing next on Shenawana Hall. Additional capital investment opportunities include 贬辞耻驳丑迟辞苍鈥檚 nationally-recognized Equestrian Center and its NCAA Division III athletics facilities.
Solidifying Your Legacy Through Houghton seeks to raise $23 million for continued growth of endowment; including unrestricted general endowment and chairs, positions, programs, and scholarships. These legacy gifts will provide long-term resources that strengthen Houghton’s mission and impact for generations to come.
Alumni, friends, university leaders, and students gathered during Homecoming to celebrate the public launch of COURAGEOUS. Campaign leaders shared the vision for COURAGEOUS while student stories and video profiles illustrated the impact of scholarships, community, leadership development, and spiritual formation on today’s students.
鈥淚 am humbled to help lead 黑料科鈥檚 Philanthropy Council as we invite alumni and friends to invest in 贬辞耻驳丑迟辞苍鈥檚 future,鈥 stated John Schneider, the great-great-great grandson of 贬辞耻驳丑迟辞苍鈥檚 founder Willard J. Houghton and co-chair of 黑料科鈥檚 Philanthropy Council. 鈥淚t is an honor to help support 黑料科鈥檚 mission, in which the vision of Willard J. Houghton continues to live today. I invite others to join me in investing in 贬辞耻驳丑迟辞苍鈥檚 future.鈥
More information can be found online at www.houghton.edu/courageous. Questions about COURAGEOUS can be directed to the 黑料科 Office of Advancement.
This summer, Coach Danielle Heffernan and the Houghton Women鈥檚 Volleyball team were preparing for what they imagined would be an unforgettable season. It has indeed been unforgettable. The team is strong. They are remarkable young women we are privileged to call our students, our friends, and Highlanders. As I write, they are preparing to begin conference play and compete for the Empire 8 conference title. They never imagined being this far into their season and neither practicing nor competing on the Dix Family Court. Continued recovery from this summer鈥檚 fire at the Nielsen Center means most of their team activity thus far this season has been away from campus.
It happened on Thursday July 23rd. I received a call shortly after 11:00 pm from Vice President for Student LifeBill Burricther 鈥92. Safety and Security Officer Mark Dashnau had smelled and observed smoke in the Nielsen Center as he made his rounds and had immediately contacted emergency services.
A few minutes after his call, I met Bill and Matt Webb, our Director of Athletics, at the Nielsen Center. When I arrived, the Houghton Volunteer Fire Department (HVFD) was already on the scene. Before the night was over, the emergency response would include most of the fire departments in Northern Allegany County, with the Nielsen parking lots filled with tanker trucks and illuminated by flashing lights. It was a sight to see.
All in all, we were extraordinarily fortunate. The building was empty. No one was hurt. And thanks to the quick response of Officer Dashnau and the responding firefighters, the fire, which started in our Women鈥檚 Volleyball team room, was contained and extinguished in that space. The outcome could have been so much worse. Once again, the Lord protected Houghton from what could have been a disastrous outcome. I am grateful.
Still, challenges remain. Smoke damage has been our greatest challenge. Smoke from the fire impacted most of the building. So much so that the entire wing of the building nearest to Shenawana Hall will require additional cleaning and renovation. That part of the building includes locker rooms, restrooms, athletic training, faculty offices, our auxiliary gym with the climbing wall, and swimming pool. The renovation will be significant. We will likely not be able to use that side of the building before summer 2027 at the earliest.
All of Highlander Athletics has been impacted, with our women鈥檚 volleyball team being the most directly affected. We are tentatively planning to be able to use the main gymnasium (3 wooden courts), vestibule area, front office suites, and restrooms by late October 2026. Temporary facilities alongside Nielsen will provide access to locker rooms, an athletic training area, and other needed spaces not currently accessible in the Nielsen Center.
There is no question in my mind that the Lord is teaching and preparing us through this fire. He never promised that loving and serving Him meant we would not experience trials. While our preference is usually that He keep us from the fire, we come to understand and prayerfully appreciate that sometimes His way is to walk with us through it. For our student athletes, volleyball and basketball athletes especially, this school year will be a challenging and unforgettable one. But as we courageously face this challenging time together, we will emerge better and stronger for it.
More than anything, through it all, may the name of the Lord our God be glorified.
黑料科 the Author
A noted teacher, scholar and leader in higher education, government and P12 schools, Wayne D. Lewis, Jr. serves as the 6th President of 黑料科. He is recognized as being a champion for students and families. He writes, speaks and teaches on Christian leadership, organizational leadership and federal and state education policy.
With the arrival of the Class of 2030, 黑料科 is celebrating its fourth consecutive year of enrollment growth driven by strong gains in graduate programs, significant enrollment from its Early College initiative and expanding partnerships with more than fifty private Christian schools. One in five members of the incoming class entered Houghton having completed coursework through the Early College program.
听“Four consecutive years of enrollment growth reflects more than increasing numbers,鈥 President Wayne D. Lewis, Jr. said. 鈥淚t reflects the continued desire among students and their families for an academically rigorous, intentionally Christ-centered college experience that prepares young people to follow their callings while growing in their faith.鈥
贬辞耻驳丑迟辞苍鈥檚 Early College program continues to serve as a bridge between secondary and higher education, meeting the needs of students driven to attain college credits prior to high school graduation. Through 贬辞耻驳丑迟辞苍鈥檚 Partner School initiative and partnership with NYS LEAH, Early College coursework offers high school students a more affordable college journey, while also giving students early exposure to the demands of the collegiate classroom. The extraordinary growth of Houghton Early College has been aided by the Hal and Sheila Heiner Scholarship, which makes Houghton coursework more affordable for partner high school and homeschool students.
贬辞耻驳丑迟辞苍鈥檚 Partner School program continue to create opportunities for students at multiple stages of their educational journey. These relationships not only contribute to undergraduate enrollment through Early College participation and matriculation but also support graduate enrollment as educators pursue advanced credentials and professional development.
Graduate enrollment experienced particularly strong growth this year, led by increased demand for teacher education programs. Educators from partner schools seek a distinctly Christ-centered graduate-level education that advances their expertise while allowing them to remain active in their classrooms and communities.
Homeschool students also account for a significant portion of the Class of 2030, accounting for approximately 15% of first-year students. Many of these students were introduced to the institution through Early College opportunities, which allow homeschool learners to earn college credit while benefiting from a supportive academic environment.
As Houghton welcomes its newest students, it remains committed to expanding听 providing an unapologetically Christ-centered education for traditional undergraduates, adult learners, and working professionals alike.
黑料科 announced today that President Wayne D. Lewis, Jr., has issued a formal response to U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon’s Aug. 3 letter to colleges and universities. In the response, President Lewis reaffirmed the university’s enduring commitment to preparing students to lead lives of character and purpose as scholar-servants and ambassadors for Jesus Christ in a rapidly changing world.
The letter emphasizes 黑料科’s belief that higher education best serves the nation when it forms individuals who pursue truth with humility, engage respectfully across differences, and work collaboratively to address both emerging and longstanding challenges.
“For over 140 years 黑料科 has been equipping graduates who positively impact their communities, the nation, and the world,” President Lewis said. “We are dedicated to preparing young people who contribute to the well-being of the United States and our world with humility, integrity, and creativity.鈥
The letter also celebrates the importance of America鈥檚 diverse educational landscape, including Christ-centered institutions that align with the convictions of Christian students and their families. President Lewis highlighted 贬辞耻驳丑迟辞苍鈥檚 commitment to being one of the few intentionally Christian, academically rigorous universities serving New York and the broader Northeastern United States.
The response notes the university鈥檚 emphasis on academic rigor, expressed through challenging its students to think critically, communicate effectively, and solve complex problems. Lewis also explained 贬辞耻驳丑迟辞苍鈥檚 interest in preserving political and ideological diversity, high academic standards, and the integration of orthodox Christian doctrine throughout teaching, learning, and scholarship.
Lewis鈥檚 letter further emphasized 贬辞耻驳丑迟辞苍鈥檚 mission to prepare graduates for meaningful and rewarding careers by equipping students for immediate employment, long-term vocational success, and service to others. The institution is also dedicated to employing nondiscriminatory hiring and admissions practices and to remaining a learning community where disagreement is met with civility, dialogue, and mutual respect.
鈥淲e believe intellectual growth requires both curiosity and disciplined inquiry,鈥 Lewis wrote. 鈥満诹峡 will continue to uphold high academic standards, support outstanding faculty teaching and scholarship, and equip graduates with the knowledge and skills necessary to lead and serve in a complex and changing world. My prayer,鈥 President Lewis concluded, 鈥渋s that [the freedom to operate in a manner consistent with our religious mission] will continue to be protected in the United States, including New York, so that Houghton may equip future generations of God-honoring scholar-servants committed to serving America and the world, pursuing truth and excellence, all for the glory of God.鈥
黑料科 Announces a听Flexible, Online Master of Music in Music Education
黑料科 is excited to announce the launch of its new online Master of Music in Music Education program, designed to accommodate the busy schedules of music educators.听The听program, structured over two years, consists of minimal coursework during the academic year coupled with summer intensives to provide the flexibility for professionals balancing their studies with work and other commitments.
Dr. Joshua Ziefle, Provost of 黑料科,听stated, “Houghton’s new master’s program in Music Education represents a faithful expansion of our commitment to musical training and will help current music teachers complete their coursework while continuing to work at their schools. In years to come, our hope is that it helps to deepen Houghton’s work in this field and serve teachers in our region well.”
The program鈥檚 curriculum includes advanced studies in music education, conducting or performing, orchestration, musicology, and education.听Some classes include Seminar in Music Education, Contemporary Issues in Music Education, Music for Exceptional Learners, and Music Psychology.
Additionally, optional听assistance听will be available for those looking to develop a portfolio for the National Board Certification (NBPTS) in Music.
When听I think back on what听first drew me to Houghton, I听immediately听think of the equestrian and听London听Honors programs. I was drawn to the opportunity to be challenged academically while also pursuing my passion for horses in a setting committed to faith and excellence.听During my first visit, I was struck by the professionalism, kindness, and听strong sense听of community within the equestrian program, and that made听a lasting impression听on me.
At Houghton, I double majored in equestrian performance and business administration, with a minor in equine therapies. More than anything, my time there taught me the value of hard work, community, and pursuing excellence with humility. The equestrian program challenged me to grow in both skill and character and gave me mentors and friendships that continue to shape me. I still remember conversations with Professor Larissa (Strappello 鈥08) Ries, while I was serving as a teaching assistant in the equine program, about the best ways to challenge and coach newer students in their riding.
The friendships I formed at Houghton have听remained听one of the most lasting gifts of my time there. Even now, close friends such as听Eileen Goodge 鈥24听continue to be a steady source of encouragement and community, despite living several states away. Through those relationships and experiences, I learned to work hard, love others well, and better see the beauty of God鈥檚 creation.
Today, I serve as the Volunteer Coordinator at Cloverleaf Equine Center,听in Union Mill, Virginia,听where I help coordinate over 120 volunteers each week in a therapeutic equine environment. My equestrian background听equipped听me听teach听volunteers about horses, safety, and the care听required听in this setting, but it also听continues听to听shape听the way I lead and encourage others. Houghton taught me that听true听excellence is not just about technical听skill, but about patience, consistency, and the ability to bring out the best in others鈥攍essons I now rely on every day in volunteer coordination.
I听remain听grateful for the way Houghton strengthened my faith, deepened my love for both horses and people, and prepared me for work that feels deeply meaningful.
Emily Fausnaught 鈥24听is the Volunteer Coordinator at Cloverleaf Equine Center. She earned a听Bachelor of Science in equestrian performance and business administration from 黑料科 and is a PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor.听听
Entering the Next Chapter
By Jiana Martin 鈥26
Gratitude is the first thing I think of when reflecting on my time at 黑料科.鈥疞ike many others,鈥疘 was鈥痑n鈥痚ager and excited鈥痜reshman鈥痺ho鈥痩ooked forward鈥痶o鈥痓eginning鈥痬y听undergraduate education.鈥疘 especially looked听forward to starting my equestrian classes. God鈥痯lanted鈥痑 love for鈥痟orses鈥痠n my heart from鈥痑 very early鈥痑ge,鈥痵o it was a dream come true to鈥痓e able to pursue a career with them鈥痶hrough鈥痶he听University鈥檚听equestrian听program.
There have been many parts of the听equestrian听program that have helped prepare me to enter the equestrian鈥痠ndustry with confidence, especially since I did not enter school with a lot of prior equine knowledge.鈥疐rom the classes to working on farm maintenance听and chore crew听to being a听teaching assistant (TA), I鈥痟ave appreciated the wide variety of learning opportunities.鈥疧ne class in particular, Equestrian Pedagogy Methods听taught by Professor听Larissa听(Strappello听鈥08)听Ries,鈥痯repared me for鈥痬y summer internship,听where I听had the opportunity听to teach a lot.鈥疶he class鈥痟elped me听broaden听my鈥痳iding鈥痥nowledge and skills,听as well as developed听me听as鈥痑n鈥痠nstructor.鈥疉nother鈥痮pportunity鈥痶hat helped me听feel听confident听heading into听my听internship was听working鈥痑t the鈥疷niversity鈥檚 equestrian summer鈥痗amp.鈥疶his鈥痺as鈥痬y first experience鈥痑s a camp counselor and riding instructor,鈥痵o鈥痠t鈥痺as nice to have鈥痑 safe environment where I could grow and learn听before stepping into听an听internship position.
From the beginning, my internship experience鈥痺as鈥痑 testament鈥痶o鈥痟ow God moves鈥痑nd provides鈥痠n life.鈥疘 filled out the application for听working听at听Windwalker听Farms,听a small,听Christian,听family-owned barn in听Fenton,听Michigan鈥痙uring鈥疶hanksgiving听break. The following morning,鈥疘 received an email from鈥痮ne of the鈥痮wners鈥痚xpressing their鈥痠nterest鈥痠n me鈥痡oining their team. I鈥痚xcitedly鈥痑ccepted.鈥疉t the end of听the summer, I鈥痩earned鈥痶hat the鈥痵ame night I filled out the鈥痑pplication,鈥痶he鈥痮wners鈥痺ere actively鈥痯raying鈥痑nd looking鈥痜or a鈥痗ollege鈥痶o reach out鈥痶o鈥痑bout bringing in a student.鈥疘 was the first out-of-state intern they鈥痟osted鈥痑nd am returning鈥痶here鈥痑fter I graduate鈥痶his summer as a full-time assistant barn manager.
Along with the equestrian program, my educational experiences鈥痑s a听whole鈥痟ave鈥痚quipped me for听post-graduation听life not only as an equine professional, but also as a well-rounded Christian scholar-servant.鈥疎verything from the London Honors program to the鈥痓usiness鈥痑nd theology classes to the鈥痑rt鈥痑nd science鈥痗lasses has helped me gain a more comprehensive understanding of the world around me. Over the course of four years,鈥疘鈥檝e鈥痗ome to realize what a Christian听liberal听arts education means.鈥疘t is鈥痑bout鈥痯reparation for interacting with the world with an open mind,鈥痶hinking critically about the鈥痵ituations and ideas I鈥痚ncounter, and understanding鈥痶he things around me听from鈥痸arious perspectives. It has expanded my skills and knowledge in ways I鈥痺ould听not鈥痟ave otherwise had the opportunity to听grow.
As this chapter of my life鈥痗omes to an end,鈥疘听am鈥痶hankful for the friends鈥痑nd memories鈥疘听have鈥痬ade,鈥痶he鈥痗lasses and professors鈥(and horses)鈥痺ho鈥痶aught me,鈥痑nd鈥痶he God who provided it all.鈥疘鈥痗annot鈥痺ait to see where鈥疕e鈥痗ontinues to鈥痩ead me鈥痑s I enter the next鈥痗hapter.
鈥疛iana Martin 鈥26 is a graduating senior majoring in Sports, Recreation and Wellness Management with an Equestrian concentration听and minoring in Business Administration.听A native of Levittown, Pennsylvania, she serves as the co-editor-in-chief of the Houghton STAR.听She will begin her position as听the听Assistant听Barn听Manager听at听Windwalker听Farms听in听June听2026.听 听
If you walk through the bi-level barn at the Houghton Equestrian Center, a friendly black and white听gelding听will invariably poke his nose out听to request a good scratch or a friendly pat.听He鈥檚听a 22-year-old tobiano Friesian sport horse registered as Knight鈥檚听Dream,听and听known affectionately as Otto.
Otto came to Houghton from the Rochester area, generously donated to the program by Sue and David Knight in 2014. He鈥檚 been a barn favorite for years and it isn鈥檛 simply because of his friendly, affectionate nature and beautiful black and white markings.
Donated horses are the lifeblood of the 黑料科 Equestrian Program. 鈥淲e say听our horses are the best teachers in the program,鈥 remarked听program听director听Larissa (Strappello听鈥08) Ries. 鈥溾淎s instructors we are helping the students understand what the horses are trying to tell them, through their body language and the responses they have to the riders positioning and aids.鈥
Not every horse makes a good lesson horse, and Otto is a gem among the Houghton herd.听To make sure听they鈥檙e听a good fit, prospective lesson horses like Otto go through听a number of听steps听before听joining the herd, including visits with Houghton instructors, videos of training or shows, and often a trial period听on campus. Program Director Emerita听Jo-Anne (Olsen 鈥69) Young听evaluated and听accepted Otto into the Houghton herd when the Knights reached out looking for a new home for their horse.听On his acceptance papers, the Houghton equestrian staff remarked on Otto鈥檚 fit for the program.听鈥淗e has a quiet mind,鈥 the form reads, 鈥渨hich will make him a great lesson horse.鈥 The assessment was correct.听Since his early days, Otto has grown and matured into a great lesson horse embodying everything a learning rider and trainer could wish for.
Otto works with 贬辞耻驳丑迟辞苍鈥檚 equestrian students as they learn,听focusing on dressage.听Students have听ridden him in second level recognized dressage shows, schooling shows and in clinics with world-renowned clinicians听such as Agnieszka Majewska and Kristi Wysocki. 鈥淗e鈥檚 a confidence builder,鈥澨齭hared Professor Ries. 鈥淥tto is a confident horse and that instills confidence in the students.听He鈥檚听great at working students through the challenging walk to canter transitions, giving them true lightbulb moments in their educational journeys.鈥
鈥淏eing a lesson horse is hard,鈥 reflected听Andrea (Potteiger听鈥00) Boon,听assistant听professor of听recreation and听equestrian听studies. 鈥淭here are so many people handling听them, all with听different ways听of communicating with their horses. Otto is a special horse鈥攈e鈥檚听worth a million听bucks!鈥
This horse with a heart of gold is only one of the听34听horses in 贬辞耻驳丑迟辞苍鈥檚 herd,听almost all听of听whom听have been donated to the program. Since the original donation of seven Morgan horses from Dr. Demosthene Romanucci, Sr., in 1984, 贬辞耻驳丑迟辞苍鈥檚 herd has been built with the generosity of those looking for the next perfect home for their beloved equine companions.
贬辞耻驳丑迟辞苍鈥檚听Equestrian Event Center,听completed听in 2018,听has听truly听revolutionized what听the Equestrian Program is听able to offer听to both听our students and听the local equine community.听When I think back to how it began鈥攚ith a simple email asking听if we were indeed wanting to build a larger听indoor听riding arena听and听informing me听that听there was听a potential donor to fund the project鈥擨听am astounded at what came about.
The arena project听began听as a dream of听Program Director Emerita听Jo-Anne听(Olsen 鈥69)听Young, who served at Houghton from听1986-2017. I am thankful every day that the Lord put the arena project on her heart. Without听Jo-Anne鈥檚听dreaming and talking about her vision with many individuals,听our听anonymous donor may听never听have heard about the project.听That听short听email I received got the ball rolling, so听we dreamed and worked to build a facility that would be functional and beneficial for our equine students, as well as the larger equine community.听It is truly a blessing to set听foot in that space every day, whether the riding听arena, the classroom,听the Faith of a Mustard Seed Atrium or听the Jo-Anne O. Young Competitor鈥檚 Wing stable.听The Lord provided even more then we could have imagined!
From the perspective of teaching students,听the Event Center听has given us a heated warm space in the cold winter months to train and learn. No longer do students and faculty have frozen fingers and toes while teaching and riding in mounted labs. We don鈥檛 have to end classes early due to being too cold,听and听students are able to take full advantage of the learning process during each 15-week semester, rain, snow or shine! The classroom has allowed us to have a designated space for our lecture-based class learning that听isn鈥檛听shared with the student worker time clock or听the听restroom!
For our local equine community听here in Western New York, it has given us the听ability听to offer even more equine learning opportunities听as we听share our wonderful new space. We听are able to听host many shows,听clinics听and seminars that expand our educational and missional听reach beyond our听four-year听university students.
I鈥檝e听had the privilege to be听a part of the equine program听for over 20 years,听first听for two years听as an undergraduate transfer student听(2006-2008),听then听returning听to work full time in 2013 as herd manager and听instructor,听and听then taking over the reins as the equine program director in 2017.听It听has been听a blessing听to听the see听our听program change, expand, and thrive over听those two decades. I have seen the Lord work听through听the outstanding听investment of听our amazing听faculty and staff, our wonderful students, and the support of hundreds of donors. I am so thankful that the Lord chose me to be a part of His program during this season,听and听to get to see the Lord working in the lives and hearts of听His people.听Every time听I drive听onto听the farm,听I am reminded of the Lord鈥檚 faithfulness in my own life and in听His equestrian program here on the hill in Houghton!
Larissa (Strappello听鈥08) Ries has served at Houghton since 2013 and is now in her ninth year as Equestrian Program Director. She holds a听bachelor of science听in听recreation and leisure听studies听with an equestrian concentration听from 黑料科 and a听master鈥檚 of education听in equestrian education from William Woods University.听Professor Ries听is a Certified Horsemanship Association Master Instructor and Assistant Certification Instructor for Standard English/Western certifications and Equine Facility Management certifications and is a United States Dressage Federation Silver Medalist.听
Summertime at the barn is my favorite time of the year.听贬辞耻驳丑迟辞苍鈥檚 campus is a bit emptier, the students have gone home, and听things听seem to be听quieting down . . . but not at the听Equestrian Center.听In fact,听it鈥檚听quite the opposite. The Houghton equestrian program听hosts听and听organizes听two large,听recognized dressage shows at the start and end of the summer鈥攁nd听sandwiched听in听between,听we听keep busy running听multiple weeks of听equestrian camp听for horse-loving听youth.
Over the course of the summer, 黑料科听runs听five听weeks of girls鈥櫶齩vernight residential听equestrian听camp for听riders听ages 10-18,听and one week of day camp for girls and boys ages 7-14, hosting upwards of 100 campers.听The goal of our camps听is to create a fun and safe environment where听campers听will see and feel God鈥檚 love lived out while learning and growing in their horsemanship skills. We听welcome听riders听of听all levels听and听experience听to join us for听a great week听at camp.
During their time听at camp,听riders听are able to choose what听skills听they would like to work on.听They听have the opportunity to use one听of our amazing听lesson听horses,听or听can bring their own horse for the week. Campers are able to work on听dressage, hunters, jumpers,听eventing, and/or western听during their time at camp. Whether they are brand new to horses, improving current skills, or听experienced riders听eager听to try something new,听there is an opportunity for听everyone.
I think it听is incredible how听broadly known听贬辞耻驳丑迟辞苍鈥檚听equestrian camp听is. We have campers听who听come from all over the country and even internationally. In recent summers, I听have had campers come听from as close as just down the street to as far as California, Florida, Saudi Arabia and even Russia.听I always ask听the campers coming from farther away how they heard about us. Sometimes,听they have a Houghton connection听through friends, family, or their church,听but often they reply, 鈥淵our camp is one of the first ones to pop up when searching for best overnight equestrian camps.鈥
Our听small equestrian camp program听is听such a big draw that can lead to potential听college听students who may otherwise not have听discovered Houghton.听Many summer听campers have turned into听Houghton听students听who听become involved in our Equestrian Program by either听pursuing a major or a minor in an equestrian field.听Every year, we听have students in our incoming class听who听have been campers, some years as many as five students. Many听incoming students听have shared that their time as a camper听impacted听their college decision in choosing to come to Houghton.
Students in our program, whether having been a camper previously or not,听can have the opportunity to work over the summer as a camp counselor and/or instructor. This is a great听hands-on learning opportunity听for current students to build on their leadership skills and better听prepare听themselves听for future jobs in the equestrian field.听For听those听who听started as campers,听it听can be a fulfilling full-circle moment to be on the other side of camp听to听help campers听create听special memories.
Coming full circle is听something I understand well.听Although I听didn鈥檛听attend 贬辞耻驳丑迟辞苍鈥檚 equestrian camp, my start with horses kicked off at Royal Ridges Retreat, where I was a camper at their equestrian camp. I later听worked as a camp counselor and then as a camp听wrangler.听Those experiences led me to pursue听my degree at Houghton and听then听stay on to听direct听our summer camp program.听Looking back, I never would have thought that my start in summer camps would have been so听influential鈥攂ut听here I am,听15 years later,听able to give all of the campers听who听come through 贬辞耻驳丑迟辞苍鈥檚 equestrian camp those听special听summer camp memories that will听stay听with them for a lifetime.
Hannah Williamson 鈥19 has served at Houghton since the summer of 2019 as the Assistant Equestrian Program Director and Equestrian Events Coordinator. Her role as the Equestrian Camp Director officially started the summer of 2022 after having worked as a counselor and assistant director in听previous听summers. She holds a听bachelor of science听in equine studies from 黑料科 and is a Certified Horsemanship Association Instructor and Equine Facility Manager.听 听
My time in the Houghton Equestrian Program was extremely valuable and taught me many of the skills I needed to perform well in my current role as Horsemanship Director of the Camp Hebron Horsemanship program.听Camp Hebron is a camp and retreat center whose goal is to connect people with God, nature, and each other. Meadowview Stables听operates听in Camp Hebron, offering overnight horse camp in the summer, riding lessons, trail rides, school field trips, and other activities. We are excited to begin听expanding our services to host fun shows, clinics, and听some other events throughout the year.
While I am not jumping 3鈥 courses on performance horses鈥攍ike听I听did听at Houghton鈥擨听am applying many of the practical managerial, pedagogical听and people skills I gained through the equestrian program.
One class that has been particularly helpful was Equine Facility Management听(EFM),听which I took in my sophomore year with听Larissa (Strapello听鈥08) Ries.听I learned how to manage听all the ins and outs of听an equine program,听including听things like听developing schedules, pasture management,听and听feed management.听Thanks to EFM, I was able to听implement a lot more structure听in听my program when I started my job.
Along with my management role, I spend a lot of time teaching. My equine pedagogy class听and听attaining听my听Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA)听certification听at Houghton听with听Kathie (Christensen 鈥98)听Hilsher听helped prepare me for this part of my job.听Camp Hebron听operates听under the CHA guidelines,听so it was听a very easy听transition for me to begin a lesson program here听and听apply the many teaching skills I gained at Houghton. I听also served as a teaching assistant (TA)听for some of the riding classes,听including equine pedagogy,听which grew my confidence in teaching people how to ride horses.
I now have students from听beginner听up听to听learning how to jump cross-rails at Camp Hebron! Teaching has been one of my favorite skills to have learned from Houghton听and听I continue to听use听in my work here. It is so rewarding to see the young kids I work with in the summer go from timid and afraid to touch a听horse to听excited to learn new skills with their equine partner by the end of a camp week.
On top of all the equestrian skills I learned in Houghton’s program, I also took many business and management classes as a part of my degree that have helped me to confidently make decisions for the business that I run now.听With听Professor Alex Wright 鈥07, I developed my critical thinking and problem-solving skills, especially when he听challenged us with real-life applications of the things we were learning.听I鈥檝e听discovered that learning how to manage staff and relations with the people you work with is just as important as learning to manage听the horses.听贬辞耻驳丑迟辞苍鈥檚 Equestrian Program understands that and has that covered!
Bella Goss 鈥23 is the Horsemanship Director at Camp Hebron in Halifax, Pennsylvania. She holds a dual degree in Equine Studies and Recreation Equine Management.听
Presented by President Wayne D. Lewis, Jr. 鈥 Saturday, August 1, 2026
One could learn a great deal about this year鈥檚 Alumni Distinguished Achievement Award recipient from reading 贬辞耻驳丑迟辞苍鈥檚 student newspaper, The Star. In November 1965, this first-generation college student was recognized as a nominee for Who鈥檚 Who among students at American Colleges and Universities. A feature article highlighted his participation in Oratorio, Concert Ensemble and the Education Club, as well as his service as the editor of the Boulder and as a Student Senator. It was also mentioned that he was a nominee for both the Danforth Foundation Scholarship and a Woodrow Wilson Fellowship.
In October 1965, Wayne Adams was the 鈥淪enior in Focus鈥 for The Star. This piece noted his role as President of the senior class, his participation on College European Seminar Tour and described him as a 鈥減ermanent member of the Dean鈥檚 List.鈥 If you combine these early accomplishments and accolades with insights of his classmates from the Class of 鈥66 like Bill Francis and others, you see a foundation that led to Wayne Adams鈥 career as a scholar, researcher, practitioner, professor, mentor and leader. We can also gain a perspective on the way he interacted with those around him and the enthusiasm with which he pursued his calling.
After graduating from Houghton in 1966, Wayne planned to pursue graduate work to become a math teacher. He learned of an opportunity to have his graduate school tuition and expenses completely underwritten at Syracuse University, and was immediately interested. The only catch was that he would be studying psychology rather than mathematics. After his first year, Wayne discovered an intense interest in and passion for the field of psychology. After earning his master of arts, he went on to obtain a PhD in developmental/child clinical psychology from Syracuse.
Having discovered a lively interest in child psychology, Dr. Adams taught at Colgate University for several years before accepting a post-doctoral position in pediatric psychology at Memorial Hospital on the campus of the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill. He then accepted the role of Chief Psychologist at DuPont Hospital for Children in Wilmington, Delaware, where he served for 24 years. Dr. Adams also served as Associate Professor at the hospital-affiliated Jefferson Medical College and published papers on a variety of topics, including several related to the cognitive effects of Lyme disease on children.
In 1999, Dr. Adams accepted a role at George Fox University in Newburg, Oregon, as Professor of Psychology in their graduate school. Three years later, he was promoted to the Department Chair of George Fox鈥檚 Doctorate of Psychology program where he served until 2015. While serving in this role, he had the opportunity to chair numerous doctoral dissertations while he challenged, encouraged and mentored students. Dr. Adams also taught courses in Psychometrics, Cognitive Assessment, Neuropsychological Assessment, Child Psychopathology and Pediatric Neuropsychology. He retired from George Fox after 23 years of dedicated service, which bestowed on him the honor of Professor Emeritus.
Over the course of his career, Dr. Adams published more than 40 articles, co-authored a nationally-known children鈥檚 memory scale鈥攖he Wide Range Assessment of Memory and Learning (one of five nationally available test instruments Dr. Adams has co-authored)鈥攁nd presented at more than 80 national conferences and workshops. He is a Fellow of the American Psychological Association鈥檚 Division of Clinical Psychology and the National Academy of Neuropsychology. He holds diplomate status within the American Board of Professional Psychology. Dr. Adams was a recipient of a Fulbright Scholarship to conduct memory research in China and is the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award from the School Neuropsychology Institute. His clinical interests include learning and related behavior disorders, pediatric neuropsychological assessment and various developmental disorders.
To add to some color and perspective to these accolades and unpack the personality and the manner with which Wayne approached his work and those he came in contact with, it is helpful to return to our diligent Houghton Star reporters. From Wayne鈥檚 鈥淪enior in Focus鈥 article, 鈥淭hose who know him find him 鈥榩aradoxical,鈥 鈥榗alm,鈥 鈥榓uthoritative,鈥 鈥榮table鈥 and 鈥榓bsolutely imperturbable.鈥欌 After mentioning his strength of character and enjoyable sense of humor, the writer illustrates the determination that would later serve him in his research. 鈥淲hile in Europe, Wayne, with his typical determination, bought a second-hand bike-and spent the summer trying to keep its tires full of air.鈥 He was also bestowed the honorary title of 鈥減resident鈥 of the Dr. Finney Recessional Club, as he was known for staying after chapel to hear him play.
Wayne still enjoys classical music鈥攁 love that had it鈥檚 start in Houghton thanks to outstanding professors like Charles Finney鈥攑ickleball, and hiking among other interests. He has enjoyed teaching Sunday school, singing in church choirs and participating in short-term missions鈥 work.
One of Wayne鈥檚 colleagues, David Sheslow, had this to say about Wayne when reflecting on the impact of his career. 鈥淲ayne鈥檚 values, guided by his faith, were always part of his decision making. He was not interested in the applause; he was interested in the work, in doing good and making things better. Wayne made my life better; he was more family than friend.鈥
Wayne鈥檚 wife Nora (Swindler) Adams, Houghton Class of 1968, is an accomplished writer who has served Houghton with her gifts throughout the years. They currently live in Lancaster, Pennsylvania near their family including Jennifer (Adams) Fasick, Class of 1995 and her husband Scott, Class of 1994.
In recognition of Dr. Adams鈥 exceptional levels of accomplishment and excellence in in the field of child psychology while maintaining 黑料科’s highest standards of faith, integrity, and servant-leadership, it is my privileged to present Dr. Wayne E. Adams with 黑料科鈥檚 Alumni Distinguished Achievement Award.
I听came to Houghton in 2021 without specific听plans for where we would invest or what听we might change.听I听came听with the intention of listening, learning, and discerning what听our greatest opportunities for growth and development might be. It took听very little听time to听determine听that 贬辞耻驳丑迟辞苍鈥檚 Equestrian Center and equestrian studies program were听both rare and exceptional, and that听these听should听be听central to the University鈥檚 plans for investment and growth.
Houghton is an historic听and highly听esteemed听Christian liberal听arts and sciences university.听Programs most often associated with Christian liberal arts universities include history, philosophy, English literature, or mathematics鈥攏ot听equine management.听Equine studies听is听not what comes to mind when听most people think of Houghton.听But that听is changing.听Located just听a bit off the main residential campus, you only find听贬辞耻驳丑迟辞苍鈥檚 Equestrian Center,听if you are looking for it.听But听once you have experienced it, you will not forget it. Neither will you question听the way its faculty, staff,听and curriculum provide a beautiful complement to the traditional liberal arts and science disciplines.听Equine Studies is not听tangential to 贬辞耻驳丑迟辞苍鈥檚 mission. It听embodies 贬辞耻驳丑迟辞苍鈥檚 mission.
Demand for 贬辞耻驳丑迟辞苍鈥檚 equine programs far exceeds our current capacity. 黑料科听academic听programs听and听the听Summer Equestrian Camp have been at maximum capacity for听several听years.听The quality of the faculty, facilities,听and academic program, coupled with an idyllic setting in rural Western New York, and integrated with a Christ-centered, academically rigorous liberal arts curriculum make equine studies at Houghton听a highly sought听option听for students.听I believe听our opportunities for growth听are tremendous.听It is time听to expand. By God鈥檚 grace and with the support of generous donors,听we will make needed repairs and upgrades,听add faculty,听enhance program offerings,听and expand听the听number of听seats available to both university students and summer campers.
This听issue of Houghton Magazine is a celebration of听the faculty, staff, and听partners who听have made听equestrian studies at Houghton the听beautiful听program听that听it is today,听and the students and alumni听whose lives have been forever听impacted听by their time in equine studies at听Houghton.听As you read, I invite you to dream and pray with us, as we听plan听for the next chapter of the program鈥檚 story, and prepare for the students听and horses听the Lord continues to send to us.
With the love of Jesus,
Wayne D.听Lewis,听Jr.
黑料科 the Author
A noted teacher, scholar and leader in higher education, government and P12 schools, Wayne D. Lewis, Jr. serves as the 6th President of 黑料科. He is recognized as being a champion for students and families. He writes, speaks and teaches on Christian leadership, organizational leadership and federal and state education policy.
When you ask Houghton graduates听鈥渉ow did you end up at Houghton,鈥 invariably听every answer you receive is evidence of God鈥檚 providential hand in their lives.听Shelby (Skinner 鈥19)听Dytschkowskyj听grew up coming to Houghton from Franklinville for the Upward Bound program and remembers visiting campus for school trips.听But it was a spot on Family听Life听Radio听the ministry of听Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch in Bend, Oregon, that put Shelby on the path听she鈥檚听walking today.
Shelby didn鈥檛 grow up as a 鈥渇arm kid,鈥 and never owned a horse鈥攊n spite of her life-long love for horses.听She鈥檇听sometimes听do a little stable work for the听occasional听riding lesson, but it was that听radio spot that inspired Shelby to figure out how to marry her love of horses with her听heart for听serving people. 鈥淚t shaped my whole future,鈥 Shelby听stated.
As a听teen听Shelby started volunteering at High Hurdles, a therapeutic riding center in Sardinia, New York. She grew to love the work and knew听she鈥檇听need to go to college听if she wanted to听pursue a career in听therapeutic riding. Houghton听wasn鈥檛听the only school Shelby considered,听but听at the end of the day she felt听such a听peace at Houghton that she turned down a full scholarship elsewhere听in order to听become a Highlander.
Throughout her time at Houghton, as she pursued a dual degree in Equestrian Studies and Psychology and worked on her PATH*听certification, Shelby thrived in the 鈥渢ry it鈥攜ou鈥檒l learn something鈥 environment.听Under the leadership first of听Jo-Anne (Olsen 鈥69) Young,听who retired听in 2017, and subsequently听Larissa (Strappello听鈥08) Ries,听贬辞耻驳丑迟辞苍鈥檚 equestrian program听offered her plenty of hands-on experience听serving听on chore crew听and听teaching lessons for local听children.
Shelby also had the opportunity to intern with a barn in Arkansas. Like many听student听internships, it听didn鈥檛听turn out exactly how听she鈥檇听anticipated.听鈥淗oughton was such a supportive and kind environment.听I loved being personally involved with professors, like听Andrea (Potteiger 鈥00)听Boon,听worshiping with听them in church, watching their kids, being a part of their lives. I was honestly a bit na茂ve about the听greater听equine world.听My experiences in that internship and听my first jobs听opened my eyes to听some of听the听cruelty听in听the equine world.听Because of that,听I听spend听a lot of time reflecting on 贬辞耻驳丑迟辞苍鈥檚 culture and I work to bring听that culture听into my current role.鈥
As for听her听current roles, those teenage years volunteering at High Hurdles became a job offer after Shelby听graduated. Today, she serves as program director at the听sasi-affiliated barn.听sasi, a Western New York non-profit that听supports听people听with developmental disabilities, connects people with creative opportunities that honor their choices and fit their lives鈥攔iding being one of those creative opportunities.
In addition to taking on the role of director at High Hurdles shortly after COVID,听Shelby听recently became the听director of听equine听assisted听services鈥痜or the Lothlorien Therapeutic Riding Center听in East Aurora, New York, another SASI-affiliated barn. 鈥淚 never envisioned climbing ladders,鈥 Shelby remarked wryly. 鈥淚 struggled a bit to find my sense of calling in my transition to administration.听I鈥檓听now seeing the success of good administration听that听leads听to flourishing programs.鈥 She credits her liberal arts听education听at Houghton听with听equipping her to make the transition into administration.
Along with her听colleagues, Shelby听supports听people听with mental,听cognitive听and physical disabilities,听such as autism, Downs听Syndrome听or cerebral palsy. They work听with children as young as four through adults in their听eighties, making riding an accessible sport for each student.听听While Shelby and her team听aren鈥檛听therapists, they partner with riders to help them translate 鈥渉orse skills鈥 into 鈥渓ife skills,鈥 inspiring听independence and encouraging verbal听and physical听development.
Shelby听approaches听every day as a true scholar-servant.听She lives out that听early dream of working with horses to help people, whether writing policies at her desk or听teaching听in the arena. As听she sees the growth in the lives of her riders and the impact it has on their families, she听feels听a clear sense of the ministry of her calling.
Amanda (Shine 鈥05) Zambrano is the Director of Marketing and Communication and Editor of Houghton Magazine.
*Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship
Going into my time at Houghton, I never planned to leave with a full-time career in horses. I was incredibly passionate about riding, and though the equestrian program was a big part of my motivation to attend Houghton in the first place, my primary intent was to further my training and knowledge before leaving for a career in the medical field. I double majored in Biology and International Development, with minors in Public Health and Equestrian Studies. Though that may sound like a confusing combination, I loved each area of study and finding ways to integrate them with one another.
Despite my plans, by the time graduation approached, I found myself looking more seriously toward an equestrian career. My time in the equestrian program had shaped me so听significantly,听I听couldn鈥檛听imagine听not听continuing to have training and riding as a major part of my life. Over four years, my horsemanship, riding level, management knowledge, and passion for听the sport听had grown exponentially. I graduated in love with teaching and training, and听confident听in my knowledge and skills to do so professionally.
Today, four years after graduating, I am the owner of my own training business in Knoxville, Tennessee,听and the head coach of the University of Tennessee鈥檚 intercollegiate dressage team. I have continued to听grow in听my own education as a rider and trainer, and I use the tools I learned at Houghton daily. I am so incredibly grateful to the professors in the equestrian program who invested so deeply in me, even though I听wasn鈥檛听an equine major. I am blessed to still have relationships with听them,听and听I听know I can always reach out for career help, training advice, or to catch up on life. Having a network of trainers in the industry that I听deeply听respect gives me听the confidence听that there are people in my corner, especially when being a business owner can feel听daunting.
My time in the Biology and Global Studies departments taught me so much as well, and I have never regretted pursuing multiple areas of study. I came away as a more well-rounded person, student of the world and follower of Christ. I have been blessed with opportunities to pursue passions in and out of the equestrian field. Through experiences travelling and working abroad, studying the biological world around me, and pursuing my equestrian dreams, I听left听Houghton听confident听of which path God was leading me down and听better able听to听love听those around me better. My time at Houghton gave me perspective and pushed me to grow professionally and personally. As I navigate life today as a young business owner in a complex听world, I am grateful for the听strong foundation听I built there and for those who invested in me to make it all possible.
Sarah听Maurer 鈥22听is the owner of Strategy Sport Horses LLC in Knoxville, Tennessee, and the dressage coach for the University of Tennessee. She holds a dual degree in biology and international development with minors in public health and equestrian studies.鈥
Partnership听will听enable听Houghton听University to offer coursework toward ACSI Teacher and Administrator Certification听
Houghton听University is pleased to announce听its听accreditation by the听Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) to offer courses that fulfill requirements for ACSI Teacher and Administrator Certification. This听agreement reflects a shared commitment to equipping Christian educators with both the professional competencies and the biblical foundation needed to flourish in K鈥12 Christian education.
A Partnership Rooted in Shared Mission
ACSI Certification exists to strengthen Christian schools by credentialing educators who meet established professional and biblical standards. Through听this听agreement,听Houghton听University will听be recognized as an institution whose coursework aligns with ACSI’s rigorous requirements in three key areas: Bible Knowledge, Educational听Studies听and Christian Philosophy of Education.
The听agreement will听provide a clear and accessible pathway for听current ACSI school teachers听and听current听Houghton students听to pursue听multiple听ACSI K鈥12 certifications 鈥 including Elementary Teacher, Secondary Teacher, Specialist听Teacher听and听Bible Specialist.
鈥淲e believe God calls His people to excellence in every vocation, and teaching is no exception. This agreement with ACSI is a natural extension of our mission 鈥 to send graduates into the world equipped not only with knowledge, but with conviction, character, and the credentials to serve Christian schools well.鈥澨齅ichele Vanasse,听Ellen F. Donley Dean of Education and Behavioral Science
What This Means for Students and Educators
ACSI Certification is widely recognized across Christian schools nationally and internationally as a mark of professional credibility and spiritual integrity. Candidates may earn their first ACSI certificate with a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in any field, and certification levels progress from Temporary through Standard, Professional and听ultimately Lifetime听status.
Under the proposed partnership, students pursuing education-related programs at听Houghton听University would听also听be able to incorporate ACSI-recognized coursework directly into their academic plan, reducing duplication of effort and creating a more seamless journey from university study to classroom ministry.
黑料科 ACSI
The Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) serves more than 24,000 Christian educators and 5,500 schools in over 100 countries. ACSI’s mission is to strengthen Christian schools and equip Christian educators worldwide as they prepare students academically and inspire them to become devoted followers of Jesus Christ. Learn more at听.
黑料科 proudly recognizes our students who earned academic distinction during the Spring semester. These scholar-servants demonstrated academic excellence for the glory of God, qualifying for the President鈥檚 List, Dean鈥檚 List, and Dean鈥檚 Honors List.
Natasha Davis, Ed.D., Interim Associate Provost, congratulated the students.
The students receiving academic honors have demonstrated a commitment to excellence through their hard work, perseverance, and dedication to learning. Through these efforts, they are growing not only in knowledge but also in their capacity to lead and serve others. These accomplishments reflect the very best of the Houghton community and embody the University’s mission to equip scholar-servants for leadership and service in a changing world. Congratulations to each recipient on this well-earned recognition.
Congratulations听to all Spring 2026 academic honorees.
President's Listexpand_more
The highest achievement: full-time students who maintain a perfect 4.0 grade point average
Alayna Rose AkersRethy Joy ArmesJoshua James Armstrong
Chloe Danielle Aten
Jared听 Baesen
Chase Owen Bailey
Elijah Joseph Bailey
Katie Jane Berghorn
Jocelyn Renee Berthin
Mary Melati Blake
Andrew O. Bo
Clara Meadow Bolton
Julianna Rae Bonnett
Campbell Page Bowers
Morgan Marie Brace
Victoria Grace Brewster
Sage Alexandra Brinckerhoff
Natalie Ruth Brown
Chandler D. Canary
Michael Peter Carey
Tricia A. Carmer
Grace Anne Carpenter
Amy Beatrice Collins
Kelsey Gwendolyn Curtis
Taylor Mead Curyto
Emma Makena Dainty
Madison Olivia DelCostello
Susannah Joy Denham
Anna Naomi Dening
Grace Elizabeth DeSpain
Hannah Ruth Dunmire
John Robert Dunmire
Matthew Joseph Dunmire
Emily Rae Dunn
Mckenzie Ann Ennis
Ellie Ruth Eshleman
Hannah Pearl Rose Farley
Arianna Maridel Farrell
Diego Andres Fernandez
Grace Olivia Findley
Molly A. Fitzgerald
Scarlett Rose Gearwar
Mara Jade Gort
Ashleigh Renee Gossman
Arija Lord Grant
Carter Lee Hall
Caleb Lewis Hilsher
Carissa Joy Horst
Josiah Edward Howard
Noah听 Hrustich
Chiara Jean Iantorno
Makayla Marie Johnson
Grace A. Keir
Olivia G. Kennedy
Ava Elizabeth Kramp
JayDonn Daniel Kuenzi
Ryan James Kullander
Edmund Joseph La Dine
Ephraim Estie Langdon
Aria Irene Larson
Dominic Brian Larson
Abigail Christine Lloyd
Abigail Grace Lyon
Luke Richard Maliszewski
Joshua David Marr
Jiana Lien Martin
Britton Esther Mattison
Philip Joshua Mayo
Thomas George McGlynn
Marissa Ruby Miller
Amelia Grace Morrow
Sadie K. Nakamura
Sara Nicole Neufeld
Emberlynn Renee Nolt
Qiu Maire O’Leary
Risa听 Palmer
Taylor Caroline Pascoe
Rachel Kathryn Piefer
Emma Joyce Podobinski
Siena Bridget Rodgers
Tymofii听 Rozvadovskyi
Anjuli Grace Saikia
Keiryn Isabel Sandahl
Daniele听 Schivo
Samantha Reagan Schmaldienst
Aivery Faithe Shuck
Wesley Keller Simons
Paige Evangeline Sliwa
Rylee Scot Sorrells
Aylah Marian Stevens
Raine Cadence Stevens
Wesley Robert Brotzman Stevick
Grace Elizabeth Stickels
Shirley Elizabeth Symmerman
Angelina Maria Terry
Lukas Christopher Thompson
Zoey Simkje Torppey
Warren Peter Torraca
Johnathan Patrick Touma
Mya Helen Trainer
Teghan Leah Trocki
Hayden Denton Ulrich
Riley Allen Van Heukelum
Sophia Medora Vernon
Natalie Anne Wadin
Elizabeth Madison Wertz
Sarah Elizabeth Winne
Samuel听 Yao
Seth A. Yoder
Aubree Yoder
Mackenzie Lynn Yohe
He听 Zhang
Jozie Ava Zickafoose
Dean's Honor Listexpand_more
Full-time students with a grade-point average ranging from 3.75 to 3.99
James Oreofe Adenuga
Elijah Thomas Allen
Sydney Evelyn Arnold
Gavyn Trey Ayers
Evan Miles Babbitt
Kylee Nicole Barshinger
Conner Luis Benitez
Jennifer G. Bensley
Jair Bialek
Janek Daniel Bialek
Jenna G. Binney
Kyra Binney
Lucas J. Birt
Amos D. Bixler
Nathan Michael Bliss
Michael Andrew Blowers
Ryan Alexander Bo
Isaiah C. Borchert
Rudy William Brouillette
Sarah Kathryn Brunone
Kelley Anne Burnett
Anna Marie Cahoon
Matthew Robert Camilleri
Rune Camps
Jesse David Carlson
Anna Louise Chappell
Selah Hope Charles
Brayden Christopher Chase
Lifan Chen
Hannah Joy Chronister
Peter Jonah Clark
Samuel M. Cobb
Joshua Daniel Correa
Jenna Marie Coventry
Elizabeth Crawford
Amber L. Cribbs
TianJia Cui
Hannah Ruth Cuthbertson
Adam Craig Dahl
Evelyn Giles Dainty
Audrey Skye Doty
Jean Marie Elwell
Elena Joy Esh
Alexa Grace Fadale
Samuel Franklin Figard
Jenna Rose Fischer
Thomas Delvin Fish
Addison Rose Fisher
Lauren Grace Flanders
Salim Moses Ford
Elwyn Henry Foster
Linden Charles Foster
Kaylin Joy Fox
Nicole Fraser
Isaac John Gasparri
Evan Graeme Geer
Josiah Daniel Gehman
Dennis John Glinski
Sophia Faith Golden
Brian Michael Graham
Delaney Lord Grant
Evan Nathaniel Griffin
Limat Takele Haile
Samara Rose Hallett
Aubrey Faith Hamm
Rachel Renee Harry
Adria Joy Hartzler
Eden Ruth Haynes
Grace Lucille Haynes
Melodie Elisabeth Hodges
Sophia Lynn Hood
Abigail Jean Hoover
Elijah Dean Howard
Ethan Keith Howell
Adelle Louise Hunter
Emma Kate Illian
Samuel Caleb James Ioset
Aletheia Grace James
Trever Jaques
Julia E. Juron
Halle Isabelle Karlson
Peyton Hope Kellogg
Lydia Ruth LaBarr
Seth Isaiah LaCelle
Owen Chun-Lok Lai
Braydon Thomas Leary
Bailey Anne Lewis
Noelle Marie Linenfelser
Ernest James Lipscomb
Anna Elizabeth Lloyd
Marvin Alejandro Lorenzo Soto
Braelynn Ryan Mack
Parker Stephen Magruder
Emily Mahoney
Mari Cecelia Maxon
Waverly Suzanne McBrearty
Michael Jordan McGlynn
Alana Isabel McLeod
Joshua Gabriel McManus
Isaac Joshua Meeder
Kailey N. Miller
Karina Mireles
Emily Marie Morris
James William John Nelson
Nathan Jeremiah Newcomer
Reuben John Noronha
Dominic Oates
Rebecca Trish Oates
Samuel John O’Brien
Olivia Renea Ocker
Elise C. Ostrander
Elisabeth Jane Ostrowski
Riley Elizabeth Pascoe
Magdalene Geniese Marie Pentz
Leah Grace Perry
Lydia Marie Peterson
Alexia Piva Vieira
Carolyn Grace Powers
Jessica Paige Prentice
Ashley Sofia Quinnett
Samantha A. Renken
Blake David Restivo
Caitlin Grace Rheam
Marian Cecilia Rivera
Elena Shae Roberts
Jonathan David Rosario
Grace Olivia Russell
Giovanni Schivo
Aidan Michael Schooley
Analiese June Schreier
Ella Marie Sheets
Faith Taylor Sherer
Olivia DeAnna Simser
Madison Ellen Sisson
Morgan Ren茅e Slate
Julia Corinne Smith
Rachael Michelle Smith
Elizabeth Anne Stahl
Peter Kliber Stickney
Matthew Stephen Stuart
Mason Noah Sutherland
Preston Daniel Tobolski
Anna Marie Carmella Torppey
Kareena Nikole Ulfig
Chesnie Mae Arlene Waddingham
Hannah Joy Wagher
Hannah Elizabeth Wagner
Eric Clinton Waterhouse
Eddison Charles Wayman-Bender
Hannah Lynn Willistein
Isaiah James David Wood
Lily Joy Worden
Mara E. Wutka
Mindy Ann Yoder
Raychel Yost
Marco Antonio Zanini Filho
Dean's Listexpand_more
Full-time students with a grade-point average ranging from 3.50 to 3.74
Benjamin Martin Allen
Maggie Lynn Almeter
Noah R. Almeter
Wesley Anderson
Willan John Armes
Julian Kayle Baker-Flagg
Lucas Oliver Barry
Aurora Shea Bartlett
Abigail Pristine Bates
Alexa Lianne Belanger
Caysa Marie Benham
Chloe Kay Brandenburg
Miriam Grace Brooks
Jerry Dean Buno
Alexander C. Burgett
Lincoln Bruce Burlingame
Johanna Faith Butler
Rebecca Cain
Lee Andy Camacho
Cori M. Carter
Prashansa Sneha Chakrapani
Ella Mae Christ
Emmalee Anne Coffin
Emma Joy Cole
Zoe-Rayne Simona Coudriet
Cora Sharon Cowell
Summer L. Cunningham
Tabitha Grace DeVries
Edgar Diaz Abascal
Stella Leslie Dover
Bethany Grace Drew
Teresa Gabrielle Kisheri Ehabe
Luke Arenpaul Ellis
Ethan Robert Ernst
Lillian Claire Exford
Jenna Lyn Fay
Luke Benjamin Feldstein
Grace C. Finn
Megan Lynn Fish
Liam Patrick Flynn
Jadenne Mariama Fofana
Ioannis Galanis
Annika Grace Galen
Riley Kathryn Gillham
Ariel Rebecca Groen
Gwenna Haas
Emma Kendra Harding
Benjamin Michael Haytock
Victoria Rose Howard
Samantha Faith Hudson
Karis Alanna Huebner
Sofia Ibraeva
Kristina Elizabeth Irene
Amelia Love Jones
Adrianna Josephine Kappmeier
Asher Robson Knight
Kealon J. Knight
Caeden Levi Kullander
Leah Joy Lazurek
Mark Kennedy Lewandowski
Malachi Ryan Lewis
Jonas Matthew Likens
Gregory Eric Loper
Miranda C. Lyon
Haydn Mel Maneval
Rebecca Elizabeth Mantegna
Elianah Pearl Marr
Hannah Rebecca Matteson
Michael Andrew McCutcheon
Stephen Copeland McLamb
Elizabeth Marie McNett
Kate Elizabeth Meyers
Connor James Michaelson
Angelina Gail Miller
Annaleis Hannah Milne
Karryne Ann Mims
Peter Josiah Murray
Timothy Enoch Murray
Grace Elizabeth Neeley
Lauren Marie Onderko
Skylar Frances Ozimek
Praylan Hope Perkins
David Ronald Philips
Paige Elizabeth Phillips
Olivia Rene Quinn
Simon Elias Reiff
Abigail Hope Renaud
Adah Katherine Ring
Samantha Grace Roadruck
Meka Alena Robbins
Joel P. Rocha
Phoebe Gloria Ruth
James Liam Ruthven
Megan Heather Sanders
Lydia M. Scharlau
Zachary David Sisson
Dhani Victory Slaughter
Julia May Snedeker
Jonathan Richard Stacy
Janelle Elisabeth Stassel
Ian M. Stout
Joshua Allen Swanson
Aiden Richard Talcott
Linh Han Thai
Kelsey Marie Thorp
Nathan C. Tyler
Kanta Ueno
Kate Harumi Ulrich
Maxwell Lukas Vigue
Luke Bentley von Hoffmann
Courtney Lisa Michelle Walbridge
Cari Grace Wasson
Luke Edwards Waterhouse
Sarah Lynn Weber
Moriah Hope Welch
Gabrielle Rose Wiltse
As a college student,听I never imagined I would become a teacher.听From my late听teens, I听felt听a听calling听to serve and positively听impact听my听city.听The people, the institutions, and the culture of the City of New Orleans had听given me so much.听I wanted to听give听back.听In my early 20s,听teaching听middle and high school听students was about the last thing听I听thought I would do as a vocation. But my mom saw something in me that she thought would be wonderful in a classroom听with students. I听am grateful for her vision.
My first opportunity to teach was in the New Orleans Public Schools, at Booker T. Washington High School, my father鈥檚 alma mater.听As听a young听teacher, I听believed deeply听in the potential of every听student. In New Orleans, as in most American urban centers, the quality of educational opportunities available to students largely depended on their parents鈥 income and their ZIP code.听I wanted to make a difference in the lives of students who needed a great teacher the most.听Booker T. Washington gave me that opportunity.
As I began teaching, I most certainly was not a great teacher, but I was committed to becoming one. A combination of graduate coursework, supportive professors, and mentoring from seasoned colleagues who became lifelong friends helped me become a relatively effective educator within a few years. I was wholly committed to the success and well-being of my students. While the places I have served and the positions I have held have changed over the years, my commitment to students鈥 success has never changed.
I was an educator听for a little over a decade before becoming a father. Fatherhood听did not make me a more committed or effective educator, but it did听broaden听my perspective.听As a dad,听I saw my students not听only as听pupils but听as their parents鈥 children.听As a dad,听I came to understand听parents鈥 hopes听and dreams听for their children听in a new way. I have also come to understand firsthand the degree of trust parents place in educators听and schools. My听parental perspective has not made me a better education leader, but it听has听shaped my leadership. My leadership at Houghton听is informed听by听my听training and professional experience,听but it is also shaped by my experience as a dad.
While students are typically central in deciding which college to听attend, many Houghton students have included their parents and families in听their decision-making process. It is also not uncommon for Houghton parents to engage in the life of the university. I have been blessed by relationships with many听of those听Houghton parents and grandparents over the years.听In getting to know them, I find听that as they听send their young adults to Houghton as undergraduate听students,听they do so with hope and trust.听They hope their children will be safe,听and听they听trust that as university leaders, we will do everything within our power to keep听them听safe. They hope their young people will be equipped to meet the demands of their vocations in an increasingly competitive 21st-century economy, and they trust that Houghton will provide an academically challenging educational experience intentionally grounded in God鈥檚 Word听and centered on the Gospel听of Jesus Christ.
As families send their听young people听to听Houghton, they hope and trust that we will be more courageous than we have ever been, refusing to cower or compromise听in the face of the听enemy鈥檚听attacks. That instead, we will stand听boldly听and courageously, proclaiming the truth of God鈥檚 incomprehensible听love for us,听telling everyone who will listen that听hope听and听the听redemption听of man听can come听only through faith in Jesus Christ, and equipping our students for faithful Christian leadership and service.听Families are听hoping听Houghton will deliver on our听promises,听and they听are听trusting听that we will听be true to our word.听We will not let them down.
黑料科 the Author
A noted teacher, scholar and leader in higher education, government and P12 schools, Wayne D. Lewis, Jr. serves as the 6th President of 黑料科. He is recognized as being a champion for students and families. He writes, speaks and teaches on Christian leadership, organizational leadership and federal and state education policy.
The 黑料科 chapter of Psi Chi, the international honor society in psychology, recently welcomed four new members into its ranks. These exceptional students bring the total number of chapter members to 205 since its inception in 2003.
This year鈥檚 inductees are: Matthew Dunmire from Painted Post, New York; Emily Mahoney from Poughkeepsie, New York; Arija Grant from Kennebunk, Maine; and Jozie Zickafoose from Chillicothe, Ohio.
The new members were inducted during a banquet and ceremony on April 28, 2026 at 黑料科.听 Licensed psychologist & counselor as well as current Vice-President of Student Life at 黑料科, Bill Burrichter, gave the keynote address. Limat Haile received the 鈥淥utstanding Senior Psychology Student Award鈥 while Blake Restivo received the 鈥淥utstanding Senior Criminal Justice Student Award.鈥 In addition, Clancey Cockle received a Letter of Commendation from the Department of Psychology and Criminal Justice for her excellence in academics, leadership, and personal growth.
The following seniors graduated on May 8, 2026 as members of the Psi Chi Honor Society: Rachel Bedell, Tasha Bernard, Clancey Cockle, Arija Grant, Limat Haile, Chelsea Hammond, Anna Lloyd, Emily Mahoney, Aivery Shuck, Kareena Ulfig, and Jesse Voltz.
Psi Chi is the world鈥檚 largest student psychological organization, with more than 750,000 members around the globe. It is part of the of the听and is an affiliate of the and the听. Psi Chi seeks to recognize and promote excellence in the science and application of psychology. 黑料科 students who have declared a major or minor in psychology are invited to join Psi Chi when they have completed 36 total college credit hours with a cumulative GPA in the top 35 percent of their class and completed at least nine hours of psychology courses with a minimum 3.0 GPA.
Since its founding in 1929, Psi Chi has grown into one of the largest and most successful honor societies in the world, boasting more than 1,250 chapters. Many members have gone on to distinguished careers in psychology, and are now renowned research authors, professors, and practitioners. At Houghton, the Psi Chi club (comprised of elected student leaders that belong to the honor society) hosts events to raise awareness among the general student body surrounding issues of mental health, psychology, and related topics.
