As part of an $11.6 million donor-funded capital project, Sastic Courtyard is a prominent feature of the comprehensive renovation of both the interior and exterior of the building which first opened in 1957. Begun in May 2025, the project will be completed in August 2026, when the female residence hall will once again be known as East Hall.
Sastic Courtyard faces Genesee Street, providing students and visitors with an expanded and welcoming entrance, as well as outdoor recreational space. Sastic Courtyard is named in honor of Houghton alumni Drs. Jonathan 鈥75 and Lois (Morgan 鈥75) Sastic, who contributed $1 million to Houghton鈥檚 overall residence renewal efforts by investing in the future of East Hall where Lois once lived as a student.
鈥淚t is indeed a privilege,鈥 remarked Dr. Lois Sastic, 鈥渢o help foster a safe, healthy living environment that will enable future students to focus on both their academics and their personal relationships. The Houghton experience should include great living spaces, like East Hall, which help to build community.鈥
Sastic Courtyard will offer students, their families and friends an idyllic outdoor space to gather and facilitates entry to and exit from the building in an accessible manner. A newly created drive-up loops welcomes visitors directly to a covered entrance and provides immediate access to the newly installed centralized elevator within the renovated main lounge.
Sastic Courtyard will feature a gas firepit that was funded in part by a gift from the 黑料科 Class of 2026. Outdoor seating and picnic tables with umbrellas overlook a portion of the Crystal Rork Arboretum and celebrate Houghton鈥檚 longstanding connections to its natural surroundings.
Now retired, Drs. Jonathan and Lois Sastic were partners in Oneonta Surgical Associates (Oneonta, NY). Along with fellow alumni, the Sastics helped build a practice that not only served its community well, but also encouraged its practitioners to engage in medical missions around the world. This mission took the Sastics to Taiwan, Kenya and Thailand.
The overall renovation of East Hall was made possible by a lead gift from Donald and Beverly (Roberts 鈥56) Greene. It is the first phase of an overall residence renewal effort across Houghton鈥檚 campus . The next priority is the extensive renovation of Shenawana Hall, which opened in 1961. To learn more about supporting residence renewal, please contact the 黑料科 Office of Advancement at 585-567-9340 or advancement@houghton.edu.
The enemy comes not for our entertainment or enjoyment. Despite his tricks and deception, he comes only to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10). That鈥檚 it. No exceptions. Sin can present itself as pleasure, freedom, and empowerment, but in reality, it separates us from the love of our holy and righteous God. Ultimately, sin leads to death and eternal damnation, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus (Romans 6:23).
This is basic Biblical doctrine, rooted in the Word of God, long established by the Church of Christ, believed and proclaimed by Christians around the world for millennia. Yet a desire for societal acceptance within the American Church and among American Christians leads some to find the truth of the Gospel harsh and off-putting. So out of fear of personal rejection or being labeled a fundamentalist or a bigot, Christians who ought to know better choose to placate sin, ignoring or belittling its pernicious effects, often under the guise of being empathetic and compassionate.
But what is compassionate about allowing one who is in bondage to sin to continue to suffer while withholding the truth that would set them free? Such behavior is not at all compassionate. It is cowardly. Cowardice is simply the lack of courage. And it is indeed a lack of courage, not compassion, that leads the so-called believer to hide or neuter the Gospel in order to be accepted in societal circles and applauded by the world for an evolving, progressive view of Scripture. Such cowardice is not only shameful for the Christian, but his affirmation of sin has potentially deadly consequences for the unbeliever.
As some cower under the guise of compassion, the enemy does not retreat. He aggressively pursues their homes, their children, their schools, their communities, and even their churches. Sin reigns rampant in their communities, most often unchallenged, and sometimes even celebrated. God鈥檚 standard for holy living (1 Peter 1:15-16) is mocked. We see the aggressive indoctrination of young children with gender ideology and an intentional desensitization of adolescents to sexual sin and perversion. Educators and political leaders mock the sincere Christian faith of people of all ages, as schools, universities, governments, and corporations attempt to deny their constitutional rights to freedom of religion, freedom of assembly, and freedom of speech. So-called ministers of the Gospel even attempt to delegitimize portions of the Biblical canon, asserting the need for a third testament of the Bible that aligns with Marxist and progressive ideologies鈥攚orldviews that are incompatible with orthodox Christianity.
Despite such cowardice, I am grateful for the courageous generation of Christian leaders the Lord is raising up in our midst. I see them at Houghton and I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of their lives. These are young Christians who have personally experienced the truth and grace of Jesus, and who boldly proclaim the Gospel of repentance and salvation through faith in Jesus. They know Jesus to be the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6), and the Holy Spirit is empowering them to be Christ鈥檚 witnesses in near places, far places, hard places, and to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8-9). They have rejected cowardice and embraced a courageous compassion, rooted in the unchanging and infallible Word of God.
I pray that the Lord strengthens and emboldens them. May He multiply the force of their efforts. And may many unbelievers come to know the salvation of the Lord through their courageous witness and the power of the Holy Spirit working through them.
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.
黑料科 announced听the institution鈥檚听overall听endowment听has reached $103.775 million.听The听endowment has grown rapidly in recent years, surpassing $70 million in 2020 with the successful completion of听IMPACT: The Campaign for Greater Houghton, $80 million听in 2024听and $90 million just eleven months ago.
鈥淥ne of the clear evidences of the Lord鈥檚 provision for 黑料科 is in the rapid growth of our endowment,鈥 remarked President Wayne D. Lewis, Jr. 鈥淎lumni and friends continue to give sacrificially to ensure Houghton鈥檚 mission of equipping fearless Christian scholar-servants who will impact the world for Christ. Additionally, the stewardship by the Board of Trustees鈥 Investment Committee has been instrumental in the endowment鈥檚 growth. Crossing $100 million is a milestone worth celebrating. I could not be more grateful for the Lord鈥檚 blessings and for the many men and women over the years who have made this possible.鈥
Houghton听University鈥檚听endowment is听comprised听of听hundreds of听individual听endowed听scholarship funds, endowed听programmatic听funds, and unrestricted endowment. These funds enable听Houghton to continue听providing an academically challenging, Christ-centered liberal arts education.听Programmatic听endowment funds ensure听that听vital curricular, co-curricular听and extra-curricular programs continue to provide a robust听student听experience.听Unrestricted endowment provides听flexibility on an annual basis to听enhance听the听student听experience and invest in Houghton鈥檚 future.
鈥淭his milestone is only possible because of the exceptional commitment of our incredibly generous alumni and friends,鈥 explains Karl Sisson, Vice President for Advancement and External Engagement. 鈥淭he accelerated growth of our endowment in recent years positions 黑料科 for an even brighter听future and听strengthens our ability to听meet our vital mission.听The continued growth of endowment will remain a priority as听we invite and听inspire听donors听to create their legacies through Houghton.鈥
More than听half of 黑料科鈥檚 370 endowed scholarship funds have been created since 2011.听This includes 20 endowed class听scholarships, created to foster the legacy of past graduating classes,听which听now听total听over $2.7 million.听In 2025, the Ellen F. Donley Dean of Education & Behavioral Sciences was created,听an endowed chair听honoring the life and legacy of a Houghton听alumna听from the Class of 1938.听Over the听last听year, new programmatic endowment funds听have听included听the听Peter and Karin Lee Science Equipment听Fund, the Music Ministry Travel Fund,听and听the Staff Development Fund. Additionally, all 15 intercollegiate听sports听teams听now听have a unique endowment fund, and Highlander Athletics is further supported by a general Athletics Endowment Fund and the听Kristopher W. Clester Intramural and Club Sports听Fund.
To learn more听about opportunities to听solidify听your legacy through Houghton and听contribute to the growth of endowment, please contact the 黑料科 Office of Advancement at 585-567-9340 or听advancement@houghton.edu.
黑料科 celebrated the Class of 2026 at Saturday’s commencement ceremony.听
The newest Houghton alumni gathered one final time as students for the commencement ceremony on May 9 before embarking on their journey as fearless scholar-servants, equipped to transform the world for God’s glory. Already, 70% have determined their next steps. Some will immediately enter their chosen careers while others will continue their education in graduate programs.*
As our graduates departed, Professor Ryan Cooley shared this benediction, “To our 2026 graduates, as you leave Houghton, may God bless your minds to seek and recognize truth. May He bless your imaginations to create what is good and beautiful, and give you the courage to pursue what is right even when it is costly,” remarked Professor Ryan Cooley. “Go then, not simply as graduates, but as His works of art, created by Christ, walking in humility, serving with joy, and trusting that God goes before you in every place He sends you.”
We are honored to send forth another class of Houghton graduates; scholar-servants who are well-prepared to be fearless and faithful ambassadors for Christ in the various fields and places God has called them to.
The Class of 2026 Snapshot
175 Graduates
26 Double Majors
79 Graduates with Honors
Degree Types
Top Majors
Plans Before Graduation
70% of respondents reported already having been hired or accepted to graduate school before graduation. Plans include employment, graduate school, military and volunteer service.
*Based on First Destination Survey for the Class of 2026
Country of Origin
In addition, four distinguished leaders in Christian higher education and ministry who embody the Houghton鈥檚 values of academic excellence and Christian service were honored. David Cram and Dr. Robert Danner received honorary degrees in recognition of their lifelong commitment to academic excellence and Christian higher education, while Rev. Johanna Rugh and Dr. Paul Young ’76 were awarded the University’s highest non-academic honor, the Willard J. Houghton Medal.
Words of Encouragement from our Commencement Speaker
Dr. Carrie Whitcher, Chief Quality Officer at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) Insurance Services Division, delivered the 2026 commencement address on Saturday, May 9, encouraging the graduating Class of 2026 to view graduation not as the end of a chapter, but as the beginning of a calling God has prepared them for. Drawing from Matthew 28:19鈥20 and the Great Commission, she reminded graduates that even in uncertain times, God is actively guiding their next steps and calling them to integrate their faith into their work and daily lives.
Whitcher emphasized the importance of serving others, being the salt and light in a broken world, and using their God-given gifts to influence their workplaces and communities as leaders, disciple-makers, and faithful servants wherever God places them.
Congratulations to the Class of 2026!
Make new discoveries, educate future generations, treat the suffering and reveal the blessing of God’s promise and love. As you take the next steps to live fearlessly for Christ in your chosen fields, we are confident that you will continue to be strong and courageous鈥攃onfident in the knowledge that God is with you and will never forsake you.
During the 2026 Commencement Ceremony, we honor Dr. Robert Danner. His life and career represent a seamless tapestry of service, spanning a distinguished tenure as a Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Army and twenty transformative years as Houghton鈥檚 Vice President for Student Life.
When Dr. Danner arrived in 1981, he stepped into a higher education landscape grappling with the shifting complexities of in loco parentis. With the steady hand of a seasoned leader and the heart of a pastor, he navigated these cultural waters, moving Houghton toward a developmental model of Student Life. He didn鈥檛 just manage a campus; he cultivated a community. Under his guidance, the philosophy of student housing evolved from mere dormitory living into a tiered journey of maturity from traditional residence halls to townhouses and apartments reflecting the growth of the students themselves.
A true pioneer in his field, Dr. Danner was the architect of cooperative graduate programs in Student Affairs. By forging partnerships, he established Houghton as a national leader in faith-based integrated education. Today, his legacy lives on through the dozens of professionals he mentored who now lead Student Life departments across the country.
His contributions to the 鈥淗oughton experience鈥 are ubiquitous. From the creation of the New Student Dedication Service to the establishment of the Office of Vocation and Calling, Dr. Danner ensured that the 鈥渟cholar-servant鈥 ideal was not merely a slogan, but a lived reality. His original conceptual framework, A Concept of Student Development, remains a foundation of our Student Life mission, insisting that excellence must be pursued across three inseparable domains: the intellectual, the spiritual, and the physical.
Beyond his administrative efforts, Bob Danner has been a fixture of our community鈥檚 soul. Whether championing for our ROTC cadets, welcoming students into his home, or serving as the longest-ever member of the Houghton Wind Ensemble with his tuba, he embodies the Wesleyan tradition of holistic holiness. He has spent his life asking, 鈥淲hat do our students truly need, today?鈥 and then dedicating himself to providing it.
For his unwavering commitment to the flourishing of young people, his national leadership in Christian Student Development, and his four decades of being the 鈥渓iving embodiment鈥 of Houghton鈥檚 highest values, during the 2026 Commencement Ceremony by the power vested in President Wayne D. Lewis Jr. by the Regents of the State of New York and with the approval of the faculty and trustees of 黑料科, confersupon Dr. Robert Danner the degree, Doctor of Letters, honoris causa.
During the 2026 Commencement Ceremony, we celebrate a pillar of the Houghton community, a scholar-servant whose influence has spanned decades, disciplines, and even local theater stages. We honor Dr. Paul Young鈥攁n alumnus of the Class of 1976, the Robert L. Davidson Professor of Social Sciences, and a beloved mentor who has spent over thirty years proving that intellectual rigor and deep personal faith are not merely compatible, but essential partners.
Paul returned here to his alma mater in 1980, driven by a redemptive vision of Houghton鈥檚 role in his own life and a desire to offer that same transformation to the next generation. Throughout his tenure, he has stepped into nearly every leadership capacity imaginable: from Chair of the Psychology Department and Area Associate Dean to Interim Academic Vice President. Whether leading students through the 鈥淗oughton Down Under鈥 program in Australia or representing Houghton professionally, Paul navigated the complexities of institutional leadership with wisdom and his signature quick wit.
Paul is a dedicated scholar. His collaborative research, ranging from longitudinal studies on moral reasoning to sophisticated measurements of Christian meditation, demonstrates his commitment to applying the best of social science to understand the human condition. He does not shy away from the 鈥渉ard questions鈥 of what it means to be human in a broken world, bringing a grounded, empathetic perspective to the task of Christian education.
Paul鈥檚 legacy is perhaps best measured by the work he does when he isn’t being a faculty member or dean. Paul has led one of the longest-running Sunday school classes at Houghton Wesleyan Church, fueled by a lifelong passion for Bible study. We would be remiss not to mention his legendary performance at SPOT as Kermit the Frog, or the twenty years he and his wife, Debbie, spent enriching local community theater. From the Short Tract theater to the stage of Houghton Academy, Paul has treated the arts and his neighbors with equal devotion. As retired pastor Wes Oden once noted, 鈥淧aul鈥檚 service is a dual act of worship: a love for God expressed through the quiet, consistent loving of his neighbor.鈥
We will honor Paul for the thousands of hours spent in classrooms, the meticulous care given to his research, and the joyful spirit he bring to the stage. He has seen his own students鈥 children return to campus, a testament to the legacy of excellence he helped build.
In recognition of a lifetime of service, scholarship, and community devotion, President Wayne D. Lewis Jr. presents Dr. Paul Young with the Willard J. Houghton Medal.
Today, we celebrate a leader whose ministry is defined by the breaking of barriers, the building of tables, and an unyielding commitment to the formation of those called to serve. We honor Reverend Johanna Rugh鈥攁 daughter of Costa Rica, a scholar, a pastor, and a history-maker within The Wesleyan Church.
Johanna鈥檚 journey is one of profound discernment and kingdom leadership. From her early calling to her pastoral service at El Monte Wesleyan Church, she has modeled what it means to lead with both grace and strategic excellence. Her academic journey鈥攕panning a Bachelor鈥檚 in Christian Ministries, a Master of Divinity from Wesley Seminary, and doctoral pursuits at Asbury Seminary鈥攔eflects a mind dedicated to the rigorous preparation required for the high calling of clergy development.
Johanna has progressed from a local church leader into a critical architect within The Wesleyan Church through service as an assistant district superintendent as well as fulfilling pivotal roles within Spanish Ministry Education and Formation.听 Her denominational leadership is illustrated by the lasting impact of her overhaul and modernization of the FLAMA program to ensure that quality ministerial training was accessible to every Hispanic student across the United States and Canada. Her work with the Thrive Financial Initiative further demonstrated her holistic care for the personhood of the pastor, addressing the practical needs of those who labor in the vineyard.
Johanna possesses a 鈥減erfect fit鈥 of leadership experience and spiritual passion. Her exemplary service as the Executive Director of Education and Clergy Development over the past 3 years illustrates for each of us what it looks like to faithfully and fearlessly pursue God鈥檚 calling on our lives. Her commitment is to ensure that within the leadership of the church there is 鈥渞oom at the table鈥 for each of our sisters and brothers.
Johanna is an encouraging leader who brings out the best in everyone, and we thank her husband, Robert, and her children, Naomi and Joseph, for sharing her with the global church. Her dedication to our Hispanic sisters and brothers, her advocacy for women in ministry, and her joy-filled service to the Kingdom, is recognized for her visionary leadership and faithful service to The Wesleyan Church.
President Wayne D. Lewis Jr. presents Rev. Rugh, with deep gratitude and joy, the Willard J. Houghton Medal.
A scholar-servant in the truest sense, David Cram has dedicated nearly four decades to ensuring that the global mission of the Church is built upon a foundation of integrity, stewardship, and excellence.
Dave鈥檚 journey began with a brilliant display of technical mastery. After earning his MBA and serving with the U.S. General Accounting Office, he achieved a feat that remains legendary in his field: scoring in the top 100 out of 70,000 candidates on the CPA exam鈥攅arning the prestigious Elijah Watts Sells Award. However, Dave chose to offer this world-class expertise not to the highest bidder, but instead to the highest calling.
For 35 years, Dave served as a cornerstone of Wycliffe Bible Translators and SIL International. As Corporate Treasurer, Chief Audit Executive, and CFO, he navigated the immense logistical and financial complexities of an organization spanning over 100 countries and 1,500 languages. In these roles, Dave did not merely manage accounts; he safeguarded the resources intended to bring the Word of God to the ends of the earth.
His influences have extended far beyond the ledger. Dave has been a mentor to the global missions community, leading the Missio Nexus Finance and Administration Committee and conducting over 150 compliance reviews for the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability. His travel to more than 30 nations was rarely for leisure, but rather to educate national staff in internal controls, empowering local leaders with the tools of professional excellence.
黑料科 holds a deep, personal debt of gratitude to Dave. In 2000, he and Joan modeled the university鈥檚 mission by designing and leading an international Field Audit May Term course. He took our students into the heart of Mali and C么te d鈥橧voire, bridging the gap between classroom theory and the rigorous realities of global service.
In recognition of his extraordinary contributions to Christian missions, his unwavering commitment to financial integrity, and his lifelong embodiment of the servant-leader ideal, by the power vested in President Wayne D. Lewis Jr. by the Regents of the State of New York, and with the approval of the faculty and trustees of 黑料科, it is his distinct honor to confer upon David Cram the degree, Doctor of Letters, honoris causa.听
黑料科 is pleased to announce an expanded partnership with Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM), opening new pathways for Houghton graduates to pursue advanced degrees in four LECOM graduate programs: Master of Science in Health Services Administration (MHSA), Master of Public Health (MPH), Master of Science in Biomedical Ethics (MSBE), and LECOM鈥檚 newly launched Doctorate in Healthcare Administration (DHA).
Through this enhanced agreement听with LECOM鈥檚 School of Health Services Administration, Houghton students who complete their undergraduate degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA and meet the required admissions criteria will听be eligible for enrollment in any of these听healthcare听programs. In addition, accepted students will receive a 15%听tuition discount听toward their LECOM graduate studies.
Dr. Jamie Potter,听Interim Dean of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, says, 鈥淗ealthcare is one of the most human-centered professions there is, and Houghton听firmly believes听that how we love and care for people matters as much as what we know. This agreement with LECOM allows our graduates to carry that conviction directly into graduate programs in听biomedical听ethics,听healthcare听administration, and public health 鈥 fields that desperately need leaders shaped by faith and purpose.鈥
This听new agreement听builds upon the existing affiliation between the two institutions, which previously offered early acceptance for up to five Houghton students annually into LECOM鈥檚听College of Osteopathic Medicine, School of Pharmacy, and School of Dental Medicine. Under this听program, qualifying students begin their undergraduate education at Houghton already holding provisional acceptance to LECOM for medical, dental, or pharmacy听school.
Together, these agreements听represent听a significant expansion of career opportunities for Houghton students pursuing healthcare-related fields鈥攑articularly those interested in leadership, ethics, and administrative roles听鈥 and reflect Houghton鈥檚 ongoing commitment to preparing graduates who are ready to serve with both excellence and purpose
Houghton, NY听 鈥 黑料科 is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Joshua R. Ziefle as Provost and Chief Academic Officer. A Houghton alumnus, Dr. Ziefle’s appointment represents both a homecoming and a forward-looking investment in the University’s academic and spiritual mission. His career brings together rigorous scholarship, administrative leadership, and a passionate commitment to Christ-centered education in the liberal arts 鈥 precisely the values at the core of Houghton’s identity.听
“We are thrilled to welcome Dr.听Ziefle听to Houghton,” said听Wayne D. Lewis, Jr.,听President of 黑料科. “His scholarly formation, his years of leading faculty and programs at a peer听Christ-centered听institution, and his deep love for what Christian higher education can be make him exceptionally well-suited to serve as our Provost. We believe God has prepared him well for this moment.”
Dr.听Ziefle听holds a PhD in Church History and an MDiv from Princeton Theological Seminary听and听joins Houghton from Northwest University in Kirkland, Washington, where he has served as Dean of the College of Ministry, Dean of the Center for Online and Extended Education, and Director of the Center for Calling and Theological Formation.
During his tenure at Northwest University, he secured over $2.6 million in grants from the Lilly Endowment to launch initiatives in vocational discernment and church planting, with a particular emphasis on serving听high school students听and听underrepresented communities听of pastors.
Dr. Ziefle brings to the Provost role a vision that integrates academic excellence, spiritual formation, and mission. He has expressed a commitment to engaging meaningfully with students, faculty, staff, and community partners as he steps into this leadership role 鈥 and to ensuring that Houghton remains a place where the next generation of Christian leaders are formed and equipped. Dr. Ziefle will begin his service to Houghton on July 15, 2026.
“Houghton shaped me,” said Dr.听Ziefle. “I am honored to have the opportunity to give back to an institution that gave so much to me, and to work alongside this community in carrying out its important mission in the years ahead.”
Scripture is replete with the stories of brave men. Flawed and imperfect men made righteous by God and worthy of our admiration, not because of their own cunning or strength but because of their faith in and surrender to God. I have a few favorites.
I marvel at Caleb鈥檚 faith, his belief in the power of God, and his trust that God would keep His promises even as those around him were doubtful and fearful of their environment and Israel鈥檚 enemies (Numbers 13:30-33). Who can forget Daniel鈥檚 conviction to remain true to the God of Israel and God鈥檚 law, even as an exile in a foreign land who lived in the good graces of Babylonian leadership (Daniel 1:8-16). Joseph modeled supreme faith and trust in God as he took Mary, pregnant with Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit, to be his wife (Matthew 1:24-25). Each of these men inspires me, but as a young man, it is King David who may have been the most influential Biblical figure in my spiritual development. While David is often heralded for his bravery and courage, it was his flaws and brokenness that spoke to me as a young man. David鈥檚 failures and redemption showed me that God in fact uses deeply flawed and broken people, which gave me hope that God could use me.
In addition to these biblical examples, I听have personally been fortunate to have many influential听Christian men听to help form me as a Christian man;听particularly听my father, grandfathers, uncles, and听cousins.听In addition to听family members, I have had teachers and professional mentors who have guided, encouraged, and corrected听me. Even today, as a husband, father, and leader, I enjoy sacred relationship with Christian men who support and encourage me, and when needed, question and challenge me.
While I have been blessed with an abundance of faithful Christian men in my life, I grew up in a community plagued by the absence of men. Having married parents was atypical. Having an absent or incarcerated father was not uncommon. The absence of men was felt acutely in homes, church, and community structures. Single mothers did all they could to provide for their children, financially, spiritually, and emotionally, but the result of male absence was often poverty and many of its accompanying hardships. The plain truth is that families need fathers and husbands. And Houghton has a clear and important role to play in the preparation of God-honoring, faithful Christian men. I treasure Houghton鈥檚 opportunity to play a role in their Christian formation.
God created people, male and female, in His image (Genesis 1:27). Men and women bear the image of God our creator, equally valuable and loved by God. But men and women are not interchangeable. We are created with distinctions.听As such, Houghton endeavors to provide听a听nurturing Christian community that equips,听strengthens, and encourages young men as they prepare to become husbands, fathers, and servant leaders in their homes, families, churches, and communities.听I听听want听Houghton men听to understand that they will serve in churches and communities marred by the absence and failures of men, and that their presence, service, strength, and compassion can play a healing and restorative role in听the lives of young people who desperately need the influence of Christian men in their lives.听It is a responsibility to be taken seriously.
The听lives of听Biblical men like Daniel, Caleb,听David, and Joseph the stepfather of Jesus,听continue to encourage and challenge听me.听But then,听so do the lives and service of听the听courageous听Christian听men听who serve at听Houghton today.听As Houghton鈥檚 president, my prayer and my aim听is听that听the听faith,听obedience,听failures,听and triumphs听of听Biblical听men and contemporary Houghton men,听inspire the young men studying at Houghton听to听act justly, the love mercy,听and to walk humbly with God听(Micah 6:8).听By God鈥檚 grace, may it be so.
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.
Over a 24-hour period on April 17, 黑料科 received听$2,416,964 in gifts and pledges听from听2,229 supporters听on its annual One Day Giving Challenge. These gifts will support Houghton鈥檚 Scholar-Servant Fund, endowment growth, capital projects, and academic and co-curricular student experiences.
鈥淲e are privileged to equip students for the work and the places to which the Lord is calling them,鈥 said President Wayne D. Lewis, Jr. 鈥淔or some, that calling is to ordained ministry or missions. For many others, it’s carrying out the Great Commission as lay men and women in their workplaces and communities-marketplace multipliers. The students, alumni, employees, family and friends of Houghton who have so generously supported our mission today are our partners in making sure Houghton’s mission of equipping fearless Christian scholar-servants continues for many generations to come.听I am thankful for our many friends听and supporters and for God鈥檚 continued provision for Houghton through them.鈥
2026 marks the twelfth One Day Giving Challenge for 黑料科. The day began with nearly $1.2 million in challenge gifts.
The success was substantial thanks to two giving challenges made possible by generous lead donors: a dollar-for-dollar matching challenge gift up to $400,000 for gifts to the Scholar-Servant Fund, as well as an additional $725,000 available if Houghton surpassed a threshold of 1883 donors. Additionally, a class challenge encouraged alumni to compete for the most donors, with a prize of a $30,000 endowed scholarship in the winning class鈥檚 name. Alumni from the Class of 1977 came together with the most donors to grow the Nick Bohall Scholarship, an endowed scholarship that will perpetually provide annual student scholarships, and the opportunity for continued growth. The Millennium Challenge allowed the Class of 1969 to grow its endowed scholarship fund and created the Class of 2025 Scholarship, each class having the most donors in their respective millennia.
鈥淥nce again, we are overwhelmed with gratitude for so many generous alumni and friends who stepped forward to proclaim their firm commitment to and belief in 黑料科,鈥 stated Karl Sisson, Vice President for Advancement and Alumni Engagement. 鈥淓ach gift is truly an investment in aspiring scholar-servants who will continue to live out Houghton鈥檚 mission around the world.鈥
A website and social media takeover highlighted the importance of the One Day Giving Challenge, which reaches the extended Houghton community and demonstrates the value of supporting students today and in the future. Student-athletes were particularly engaged in encouraging support of the University鈥檚 many athletic teams.
Gifts to the Scholar-Servant Fund, including the Student Scholarship Fund, meet the varied needs of college students including financial aid, outstanding faculty and staff, challenging curricular and co-curricular programming and the equipment, facilities and resources students need to be equipped to lead and labor as scholar-servants in a changing world.
Decade Challenge
The following classes are winners of this year鈥檚 Decade Challenge, each class winning a $1,000 current-use scholarship named in their honor and supporting a Houghton student:
1950s: 1958
1960s: 1969
1970s: 1977
1980s: 1980
1990s:听1993
2000s:听2005
2010s:听2017
2020s:听2025
Class Challenge
We are excited to celebrate the winner of the Class Challenge: The Class of 1977. This will add $30,000 to the existing Nick Bohall Scholarship!
Millennium Challenge
The Class of 1969 will expand their existing class scholarship and the Class of 2025Scholarship will be created!
Houghton, NY听鈥 黑料科 students earned second place at this year鈥檚 AHA! Allegany County Startup Collegiate Competition, highlighting the university鈥檚 growing strength in entrepreneurship and applied learning.
The team behind Ignite Discovery Center, Katie Berghorn, Corban Gibson, and Elijah Fox, was awarded a $2,500 prize for their business concept focused on creating a hands-on creative and educational space for children in Allegany County. Their idea emphasizes community engagement through interactive exhibits, events, and learning experiences designed for families.
鈥淥ur students came up with some very innovative ideas this year,鈥 said Mark Borchert, Dean of Management and Creative Arts. 鈥淭hey learned about entrepreneurship, teamwork, creative product development, marketing, finance, and oral communication skills. We were very proud of their work.鈥
黑料科 was one of three institutions represented in the competition, alongside Alfred University and Alfred State College. The annual event, hosted in partnership with IncubatorWorks and sponsored in part by the Hoselton Foundation, brings together student teams from across the region to pitch business ideas to a panel of judges and compete for top honors.
In addition to the second-place team, Houghton students also participated with ventures such as Dorm Sweep听and Bliss Planners.
The Ignite Discovery Center听team was supported by faculty mentor Elissa Tyrrell, adjunct professor of business administration at 黑料科, and industry mentor Jennifer Byrnes of the Monroe County Library System, who provided professional guidance throughout the development of the concept.
The AHA! competition aims to cultivate entrepreneurial thinking among college students while encouraging solutions that address local needs and contribute to regional economic development.
The start of Houghton鈥檚 fall semester marks another year of pursuing the Athletics Department鈥檚 motto:听鈥淓xcellence for the Glory of God.鈥澨鼴ut what does excellence actually look like within Houghton鈥檚 teams?听Dr. Matthew Webb, Director of Athletics, offers a perspective that reframes the idea entirely.
鈥淚 think a misconception would be that excellence equates perfection鈥 I听don’t听think听that’s听the case,鈥 Webb says. 鈥淭o me, excellence is more about a pursuit.鈥
Webb emphasizes that perfection鈥攚hether as an athlete, student, or听employee鈥攊s impossible. What matters is听the effort. 鈥淲e’re not going to be perfect,鈥 he says. 鈥淏ut I think we can still be excellent without being perfect.鈥 He draws a parallel to Christian life: believers will never be perfect, yet their pursuit of God is what truly matters.
When听identifying听excellence among Houghton鈥檚 athletes, Webb looks beyond wins and losses. While victories are celebrated, he believes true excellence is embedded in the culture of each team. 鈥淭he excellence that I see in our programs is more behind the scenes,鈥 he explains. 鈥淚t鈥檚 the culture鈥攖hings that teams are doing to pursue Christ culturally.鈥
Each team expresses this culture differently.听The men鈥檚 basketball team sits together at the front of chapel services.听The women鈥檚 soccer team carries a wooden cross across campus during their annual cross run,听praying听and fellowshipping along the way. These traditions rarely take center stage, yet they reveal each team鈥檚 deeper commitment to growth and faith.
At the start of the year, the Athletics Department holds its all-athlete meeting. While it covers required policies and expectations, Webb also uses it to remind athletes听why听they compete. His hope is that each student-athlete not only performs well but grows spiritually through their sport and team community.
Looking ahead, Webb says each team stands in a unique place based on its history and current needs. Some programs with new coaches are focused on building culture; others aim to听build on听last year鈥檚 progress. With a strong start to the fall season鈥攂oth in performance and team culture鈥擧oughton鈥檚 ongoing pursuit of excellence is already in motion.
Houghton Elevates Holistic Athlete Development Through Physical and Mental Performance Initiatives
黑料科 Athletics has taken significant steps in recent years to elevate the holistic development of its student-athletes鈥攑airing a structured strength and conditioning program with a new mental performance partnership. Together, these initiatives reflect the department’s commitment to equipping Highlander athletes with the tools needed to thrive physically,听mentally听and spiritually.
Strength and Conditioning: Building Stronger, Safer Athletes听
Launched three years ago under Head Athletic Trainer Austin Walden, Houghton鈥檚 strength and conditioning program has quickly become a cornerstone of athlete development. The program is designed to enhance performance while reducing injury risk by offering structured, intentional training for athletes both in-season and out-of-season.
鈥淭he goal is to provide structured training programs for our athletes鈥攖o help them perform on the field while minimizing the risk of injuries,鈥 Walden explains. 鈥淥nce our athletes are physically stronger and faster, there鈥檚 a decreased chance of injuries.鈥澨
Each session includes dynamic warmups, agility drills,听sprints听and full-body strength work. Walden collaborates closely with coaches to ensure each program aligns with team goals and reflects sport-specific needs.
Athletes have already seen measurable benefits. Women鈥檚 basketball player听Hannah听Farley听鈥27听credits the program for improvements in explosiveness, agility, and injury prevention.听鈥淎ustin does a great job at implementing exercises that are game-like,鈥 she said.听鈥淚鈥檝e seen growth in my explosiveness and agility, and I鈥檝e been blessed to avoid major injuries.鈥
Walden has likewise听observed听fewer muscular injuries and stronger team cultures around training. His long-term vision includes expanding the program to allow teams up to three sessions per week.
Holos 360: Training Mental Excellence
Complementing the physical training program, Houghton recently partnered with听Jason Rollins, founder of听Holos 360听and a certified Mental Performance Mastery Coach, to bolster athletes鈥 mental preparation and resilience.
Director of Athletics听Dr.听Matthew Webb听says the partnership grew from a desire to give student-athletes proactive mental performance resources: 鈥淚t鈥檚 not mental health resources particularly鈥攊t鈥檚 proactive, intentional mental performance training.鈥
Rollins鈥 curriculum guides athletes through three phases鈥攑reparing well, performing well, and reflecting well鈥攅ach centered on developing mental habits and disciplines that directly influence performance. He works with teams and individuals through online meetings, focusing on personalized support.
One unique element of Holos 360 is its Christian foundation. Rollins helps athletes understand their听Imago听Dei鈥攖heir identity as people created by God鈥攕o they compete from a place of purpose rather than pressure.
鈥淲hen athletes understand that their identity is placed in who God made them to be, it releases them to perform at their best,鈥澨齊ollins听says.
Early feedback from athletes has been highly positive. Webb notes that while conversations with Rollins听remain听confidential, students have expressed appreciation for the program鈥檚 impact.
A Unified Approach
Together, Houghton鈥檚 strength program and mental performance partnership represent a unified effort to strengthen the whole athlete. By investing intentionally in both physical readiness and mental excellence, Houghton is听preparing听its teams to compete with confidence, resilience, and purpose鈥攔eflecting a holistic vision of athletic success.
Kyra Binney ’26 is a senior majoring in Writing and Communication. A native of Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, she is a mid-distance runner for the 黑料科 Track and Field team and a member of the 黑料科 Cross Country Team.
The 1926-1927 academic catalog is the first to show pre-medical as a possible major鈥攄escribed as a 鈥渃omposite major鈥濃攁t Houghton College & Seminary. This coincides with the hiring of Professor听Dorah听Burnell, who came to Houghton in 1926 to teach chemistry.
A native of Nebraska and graduate of State Teachers College (1916) and the University of Nebraska (B.S. 1924, M.A. 1925), Professor Burnell single-handedly built the college鈥檚 chemistry department while fulfilling countless other roles on campus.
Along with colleagues in the Science听Department, Professor Burnell helped students听established听The Pasteur Pre-Medic Society.听In its inaugural appearance in the Boulder in 1928, the society described its aim as听鈥溾o promote a feeling of comradeship, to gain inspiration for future tasks, and to learn something more of the nature and extent of this their chosen field of endeavor.鈥 The inaugural group boasted 27 members听and by the 1950s, the club was one of the largest and most active on Houghton鈥檚 campus.
Today known as the听Pre-Health Professions Club, the group听remains听one of Houghton鈥檚 largest and most active clubs. Their aim, similarly, is听鈥溾o serve as an information resource and generate opportunities for fellowship, career exploration and volunteer service for students interested in health-related fields.鈥
In the dedication of the 1954 Boulder, students听observed听of Professor Burnell that听鈥淸h]er influence was there鈥 Lights were shining out from the meticulously kept chemistry lab until the early morning hours. On the desk were carefully graded papers鈥攁round the room was all the valuable equipment she had听procured. From this lab alumni went forth to succeed鈥 her听influence听was there.鈥
Professor Burnell鈥檚听influence听remains鈥攊n Houghton鈥檚 chemistry labs, in the Pre-Health Professions Club, in the听lives of service led by so many of听our alumni.听Professor Burnell鈥檚 influence听has听played a role in helping to shape thousands of doctors, nurses, researchers, dentists, pharmacists, public health servants, medical missionaries and more who have gone on to, as Willard J. Houghton would say,听鈥渇ix up the world for Christ.鈥
I began my Houghton journey in 2011 as a biology major with a chemistry minor. I completed the first听year听Science听Honors program, and听was听very involved听in the听Pre-health听Professionals club and Sigma Zeta math and science honors society. I took quite a few of the upper-level biology electives, especially during my last couple of years there. These classes really helped prepare me for the听challenging听curriculum that was coming听in听graduate school.
I applied to veterinary听school听my senior year and was accepted to Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. The听course听load was intense in depth and breadth, but听I felt I听had a solid foundation from Houghton. I graduated from Cornell in 2019 and started working at Perry Veterinary Clinic听in Perry, New York,听as an associate veterinarian. I became a partner at Perry Vet in the beginning of 2023. Currently, I practice both small and large animal medicine, splitting my time between cats and dogs in the office, and dairy cows and other large animals on farms throughout听Western New听York. I even go to calls at the Houghton Equestrian center鈥攖alk听about coming full circle!
One of the joys in this profession is the opportunity I have to mentor students鈥攚hether听they鈥檙e in veterinary听school or are in their听pre-vet听studies.听Given听Perry Veterinary Clinic鈥檚听proximity to Houghton, we听have the privilege to听host quite a few pre-vet students, including听Zachary Wolfer 鈥24, who is now a D.V.M. candidate at Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine, and听current pre-veterinary student听Greg Loper 鈥28.听This is听a great听opportunity听for me to be able to give back to a community that gave me so much. Recently,听I鈥檝e听had some students join me who went to Houghton for听their听undergraduate听and are now in veterinary听school.
During these externships,听we always have听ample time to chat in the听truck in听between calls. The conversation听inevitably听goes back to听our听fairly听universal听Houghton experiences鈥”Organic chemistry was so challenging, wasn鈥檛 it?鈥 or鈥淒id you love microbiology?鈥濃疢aybe听鈥淒id you听take听a听Mayterm听off-campus?鈥 or听鈥淲ere you purple or gold?鈥澨(Team Purple!)
And often,听most commonly鈥斺淲asn鈥檛 Houghton the best? I loved it there.鈥
Jenna (Hill 鈥15) Smith, D.M.V.听is a large and small animal veterinary and partner听with听Perry Veterinary Clinic in Perry, New York. She听holds a听bachelor of science听in biology from 黑料科 and a听doctorate of veterinary medicine听from Cornell University
鈥淢y time at 黑料科 was instrumental听for听my success in veterinary school and provided me with the foundation to excel听immediately听at Kansas State University.鈥疶he pre-health professions program challenged me academically, offered me research opportunities, and provided me with connections to gain valuable experiences to help bolster my application.鈥疶he incredible support from faculty I received both when I was a student and after graduation has had a lasting and meaningful impact on my professional journey.鈥
Zachary Wolfer听鈥24听 DVM Candidate, Class of 2028听 Kansas State University听
Erica听Haefner 鈥27 is听a 黑料科 junior studying pre-physical therapy in the hopes of becoming a pediatric physical therapist. Her aspirations began when she was a junior in high school. She says, 鈥淎fter a lot of injuries and physical therapy sessions, I realized this is something I am really passionate about.鈥 After further research and shadowing opportunities, she听determined听that this is what听she鈥檚听called to do.
Erica鈥檚 goals to become a physical therapist align with her faith and her passion for serving others. She听states, 鈥淚 have a very strong passion for helping people, especially helping them learn more about their own bodies.鈥 She draws from her own experience as a patient attending physical therapy sessions, explaining that 鈥淭he physicians听and doctors I connected with most were the ones who taught me what was actually going on in a simple way that I could understand.鈥 As a future physical therapist, she hopes to draw on her positive experiences to help her patients understand themselves and听enhance recovery.
Erica names听Anatomy and Physiology,听taught by Dr. Donald Wilcox,听as her favorite class.听She鈥檚听also enjoyed shadowing, which is a core requirement for her major. She enjoys learning through actual experiences. Erica cites Dr. Ransom Poythress, her advisor, as an encouragement to her, along with Dr. Jamie Potter and Dr. Wilcox, with whom she takes听a number of听classes.听She鈥檚听looking forward to taking听Injury and Evaluation听this Spring听semester, and听eagerly听anticipates听entering more major-specific classes as she furthers her studies.
Erica enjoys being a member of the Pre-Health Professions Club, attending campus events, and her role as a teacher鈥檚 assistant. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a really good way to connect with people,鈥 Erica shares.
黑料科 her goal to become a pediatric physical therapist, Erica says,听鈥淭his is what God is calling me听to do.听I need to live that out and do the best that I can do.鈥澨
Erica听Haefner 鈥27 is听a junior from Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, majoring in exercise science on the graduate track. 听 Salim Ford 鈥28 is a sophomore from Arkport, New York, majoring in English and Writing. He is a member of the听Cross Country听team, the Highlander Chorus and Chamber Choir.听
To Serve Christ Well
By Sam Gerardi ’18
I听arrived at听黑料科听in听2014听and like many young adults, I听was听confident that I knew听precisely听what I wanted to do. I听planned to听major in听communication and focus on videography and photography. That plan听didn鈥檛听last long. I found myself drawn to听biochemistry, a field听that fit how I was wired.听I鈥檝e听always wanted to听integrate听science and faith in a way that allowed听me to love people well, and Houghton became the place where that desire听took听shape.
What made Houghton so formative was not that it told me what to think, but that it taught me how to think. I can distinctly remember asking my chemistry professor, Dr. John Rowley 鈥03, for help during an experiment. He responded, 鈥淣o, you figure it out.鈥 Dr. Rowley and many of my professors understood that true learning happens at the interface between what you know and what you don鈥檛. That approach cultivated my curiosity and desire for discovery rather than just memorization. I entered uncertain of my path and left still discerning what God was calling me toward, but with the tools, confidence, and spiritual grounding to navigate that journey.
Completing my听biochemistry degree at Houghton also fulfilled my pre-pharmacy prerequisites, and I听wouldn鈥檛听have wanted to prepare anywhere else. The academic rigor and community-built study habits, critical thinking, and perseverance that carried me through graduate school, residency, and now my work听at Buffalo General Medical Center as an Emergency Medicine Clinical Pharmacist.听听I learned to take ownership of my learning, stay motivated, and value collaboration.
I still rely on the habits and mindset Houghton fostered听to think听critically, evaluate听data, and apply knowledge听that knowledge to my patients. To serve Christ well is to serve others well, and Houghton gave me the foundation to do exactly that.
Sam听Gerardi听鈥18 completed a听bachelor鈥檚 of science听in biochemistry with a pre-pharmacy concentration. He completed his听D.Pharm. at听D鈥橸ouville听University in 2023, and his residency at Kaleida Health in Buffalo, New York, in 2025. IN addition to his role as an emergency medicine clinical pharmacists at Buffalo General Medical Center, he is the area director for the Christian Medical & Dental Associations (CMDA).听
When I arrived at Houghton,听biology was my听field of听choice, but I had little direction beyond that. I certainly听didn鈥檛听imagine working as an Associate Professor,听with my days full of not just patient care, but听teaching听medical students,听residents听and fellows. I听didn鈥檛听imagine that听I鈥檇听go to Kenya,听building friendships听and听schools, and providing healthcare for their runners. I听didn鈥檛听imagine that it would be possible to have a career as well as be a wife,听mother听and friend.
Deep friendships, strong听mentors听and meaningful solitude mark my time at Houghton.听The girls of听Hazlett听34, now lifelong friends,听held an MCAT party for me. They dressed up like cats and performed a hilarious, yet strangely encouraging, original poem. I听don’t听think I听would鈥檝e听made it without them. Looking back听on听the classroom, I was blessed to learn from some of the most vibrant professors. Dr.听Aaron听Sullivan taught me about patience and simplicity. Dr.听Larry听Christensen opened each organic chemistry class with a pithy saying or a short story, bringing joy to learning.听Professor听Sunshine听Leonard听鈥01听always reminded us that our worth was not in our grades. Dr.听Cathy听Freytag generously welcomed me into her life as a friend. It was also during these听four听years that I found a听鈥渇renemy鈥澨齣n distance running. During the volleyball off-season,听I鈥檇听spend countless hours听running听the shoulders of听Route 19听or dizzying laps around the听old suspended听track. Usually听I听ran听by myself, with听only听my prayers and thoughts. Through these miles, The Lord revealed His faithfulness to me by, not only setting a clear career path before me, but by safely getting me through literal听Western New York听blizzards.
Escaping that winter weather, I went to Florida for medical school then onto North Carolina for residency. I knew Wake Forest Family Medicine was the place when I found some of the brightest and most content physicians. After completing my听family听medicine residency, sports medicine听seemed听a natural fit. My dad鈥檚 career was in professional sports (not to mention my mom,听Linda (Clow 鈥76) Jarvis, and听brother,听Landry Jarvis 鈥10,听were both Houghton athletes), so my childhood was full of practices, games, and injuries. Plus, my osteopathic education set听a strong foundation听for musculoskeletal medicine.
During my fellowship year, I was introduced to Running the Race听(RTR), a missions organization with a goal of sharing the love of Jesus while providing care to local Kenyan athletes. My first trip with RTR,听five听years later, changed my life. I fell in love with the people of Kenya, as my eyes were opened to how big our God is. Now, I get to return year after year, bringing along residents and fellows, introducing them to my friends across the world and helping to听establish听sports medicine care in the 鈥淗ome of Champions.鈥
I never听could鈥檝e听imagined a job where I meet patients in their most vulnerable state of pain. If they are willing, I get to pray with them and that is a great privilege. I never听could鈥檝e听imagined a life in Kenya where I work with some of the best runners in the world. I never听could鈥檝e听imagined the chance to meet new residents and fellows each year; teaching and learning from each other. All of this with an amazing husband, 3 beautiful wild children, countless听friends听and a supportive community.听It鈥檚听more exhausting and more extravagant than I could have dreamed. Nothing is perfect on this side of heaven, neither听my life nor Houghton, but听God听faithfully works in the broken places.听I鈥檓听beyond grateful to the Lord for these friends and mentors (many unmentioned) and the many miles.听I鈥檓听thankful that Houghton is a willing vessel for His ways that are higher than ours.
Laura (Jarvis 鈥06)听Lintner, D.O.,听is a doctor of sports medicine and family medicine with Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Family Medicine and听an associate professor of family and community medicine at Wake Forest University School of Medicine, both in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. She holds a听bachelor of science听in biology from 黑料科 and a听doctor of osteopathy听from听Nova Southeastern University (Davie, Florida).听
When students听walks听through my door for the very first time, they usually already have an idea of what profession they want to pursue. They often know the courses they might听need听and that shadowing someone in the profession is听a good idea鈥攁nd听may even听be听required. They know excellent grades, top scores on entrance exams, and stellar letters of recommendation are necessary.听However, they usually don鈥檛 know听why听they want to take听the听particular path听they鈥檝e chosen.
Some of my students want to pursue a medical profession because they want to help people. Some have been on the receiving end of care and found the work being executed on them fascinating. Some had a close friend or family member who needed specialized care and they saw what a provider did for them in their time of greatest need. Many are pretty smart cookies with proven academic acumen, and they鈥檝e been told they should go into medicine with that aptitude. All of these reasons are good, but none of them really gets to the root of 鈥渨hy medicine is for me.鈥
Not a single student听will walk the听same path. Each one must develop听an听individual plan听alongside their advisors, and then they must听allow for adjustments as they听learn and grow in their own experiences and abilities. Conversations听with my students听are often long,听and sometimes hard,听as they realize their own limitations,听discover听their real interests, and听explore听their unique skills. They start to听find听their听own personal vocational path, and they听begin听to听think听deeply听about their听why.
In order to听discover their true passion for the vocation of medicine,听my听students听must move beyond the basics of grades,听transcripts,听aptitudes,听and idealized visions of medicine to听find their passion and听their听reason for pursuing this听journey.
So, how does Houghton help听students听discover听their听why? They听likely won鈥檛听find it in a classroom, or a lab, or even shadowing a physician. Healthcare is听a听people-oriented, service-oriented field fraught with disparity, inaccessibility, and loopholes. To听prepare students for the reality of serving in the medical field,听they must engage with medicine and the healthcare field听in the most realistic ways听possible.
Houghton students听need to step out of their听classrooms听and into their听community.听Our students are encouraged to engage in service opportunities听like听volunteering at the campus influenza vaccine听clinic,听assisting听the Red Cross at community听blood drives, and听investing in听opportunities听that place them in direct communication听with our rural,听low-income community听here in Allegany County.
Once students听start engaging, in addition to听observing听and learning, they discover they听can play听vital roles听in their own communities. They start to see not听what听they can be鈥攁听medical provider鈥攂ut听who听they can be. They听begin听to understand ways they can serve the people听around them in medicine. They realize 鈥渨hy medicine听is听for me.鈥澨齌heir realizations are听usually rooted in a single powerful idea:听being听the hands and feet of Jesus听isn鈥檛听a symbol听or听an image we can behold,听it鈥檚听the physical act of showing love,听compassion听and care for others.
Jamie Potter, Ph.D., is the Interim Dean of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Professor of Biology and Director of Pre-Health Professions at 黑料科.
Students鈥 paths into Houghton鈥檚 pre-med track might听look听somewhat听similar, but siblings听Dr.听Jonathan Figueroa 鈥13听and听Dr.听Alyssa Figueroa 鈥14听discovered that the paths听beyond Houghton听are as unique and varied as the students themselves.
Jonathan听came听to Houghton in the fall of 2009听thanks to a听desire听to study at听a Christian liberal arts听college听known for its听strong听pre-med program听and听a little guidance from听fellow Timothy Christian School (Piscataway, NJ)听alumnus听Tyler Haggerty 鈥08. Although Jonathan听didn鈥檛听initially plan to play听collegiate听soccer, a campus visit introduced him to听the coach at the time,听Dr.听Matthew听Webb,听and a team of great young men鈥攕olidifying Jonathan鈥檚听decision听to attend Houghton听and听pursue a biology degree on the pre-med track.
Alyssa, like Jonathan, grew up with aspirations听of becoming听a physician. Although Houghton听wasn鈥檛听initially at the top of her list, she loved the small class sizes and intimate feel of campus. During a听campus听visit for a winter indoor soccer听tournament, Alyssa met听Coach听David Lewis and a few incoming teammates.听The opportunity to study in the Balkans with Houghton鈥檚 East Meets West honors program was the final selling point.听A year after her brother, Alyssa also听enrolled at Houghton听as a biology major on the pre-med track.
The Figueroa siblings were attracted by听the way听Houghton faculty听individualized the pre-health professions track. According to Dr. Jamie Potter,听Interim Dean of Natural Sciences and Mathematics,听Professor of Biology and Director of Pre-Health Professions, faculty help students identify what they love most about听health professions and听then听align those passions with听their academic and co-curricular experiences to put each student on the best possible path.
Both Jonathan and Alyssa听benefitted听from guidance and advising from Dr. Potter, along with insights from beloved Professor Emeritus of Biology Dr. Jim Wolfe, former biology professors听Dr. Matthew Pelletier听and Dr. Aaron Sullivan,听and听campus physician听Dr. David Brubaker 鈥90. Alyssa had听visions of听internal听medicine听or pediatrics听while Jonathan听initially considered a career in听international medicine.
鈥淚 liked having professors who really took the time to get to know me,鈥 shared Jonathan. 鈥淭hey wanted me to perform well, but they also challenged me. Nothing was听given,听I had to work for it.鈥澨
Alyssa听reflected on听the well-known challenges presented by听Dr. Karen Torraca鈥檚 鈥93听infamous organic chemistry course鈥攁ffectionately (or not) known by generations of Houghton students as 鈥淥-Chem.鈥
鈥淚 had听a听conversation with Dr. Wolfe as well as Dr. Potter, wondering if I should keep pursuing medicine, if听it听was听going to be possible for me,鈥 said Alyssa.听鈥淭hey were mentors who assured me I was capable, that everyone听struggles听and it听wasn鈥檛听meant to be easy.听That听close mentorship was important to me.鈥澨
Jonathan鈥檚听international听interests resulted in a minor in public health, which included a study abroad opportunity听in Ecuador听with former intercultural studies professor听Dr. Ndunge听Kiiti听鈥88. Dr.听Kiiti听inspired Jonathan to see health beyond a medical and pharmaceutical viewpoint,听helping him听discover how to听integrate听his faith with his work鈥攁 formative learning experience he carries into his work today.
Alyssa explored options in both osteopathic and allopathic medicine, and in her听advising with听Dr. Potter discovered that osteopathic medicine听was the right approach to her career aspirations.听Alyssa听found听Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM), in Erie, Pennsylvania,听to be the right听option听for her to pursue听medical school.
Jonathan was intent on听pursuit of听allopathic medicine.听After Houghton, Jonathan attended St. George University School of Medicine (Grenada),听motivated by St. George鈥檚 placement rate at his residence hospital of choice鈥擭ew York Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital. After听three years听in听residency, Jonathan听did a two-year fellowship at Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center.
Today, Jonathan is an endocrinologist at New York University Langone, where he teaches residents, primarily in an outpatient听clinical setting. Alyssa听did听her residency听in internal medicine at Jefferson Health Northeast in Philadelphia. When her husband听Lucas, a member of the US Air Force, was stationed for active duty in Tucson, Arizona, she听took on the role of听internal medicine hospitalist at Northwest Healthcare鈥擳ucson. She recently was听also听appointed听Associate Director for the Internal Medicine Residency听at the hospital.
The Figueroa siblings carry the things they learned at Houghton with them as they serve their patients on opposite sides of the country.
鈥淗oughton鈥檚 affiliation with the Wesleyan Church broadened my scope of how听to听approach Christianity and meld it with medicine,鈥澨齭aid听Alyssa. 鈥淚n Medical Ethics with Professor Benjamin听Lipscomb, I听thought about taking care of people from all听walks of life听and all perspectives and religions and backgrounds. I thought deeply听about how I would approach my beliefs within the medical system.鈥
鈥淭here is benefit to having a strong conviction about your beliefs,鈥 remarked Jonathan. 鈥淏ut I think that some of what听we鈥檙e听seeing in the world today is听more or less a听result of not being able to听hear the other side and not being able to love people who are different. Part of my education at Houghton was that鈥攍oving people who are听very different. Houghton allowed me to explore how to love in the way that Christ would love and still hold my convictions strongly.鈥澨
