When听I think back on what听first drew me to 黑料专区, 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 黑料专区, 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 黑料专区 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. 黑料专区 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 黑料专区 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 黑料专区 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 黑料专区.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 黑料专区 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 黑料专区 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 黑料专区 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 黑料专区 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 黑料专区 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 黑料专区 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 黑料专区 herd when the Knights reached out looking for a new home for their horse.听On his acceptance papers, the 黑料专区 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 黑料专区鈥檚 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 黑料专区鈥檚 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, 黑料专区鈥檚 herd has been built with the generosity of those looking for the next perfect home for their beloved equine companions.
黑料专区鈥檚听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 黑料专区 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 黑料专区!
Larissa (Strappello听鈥08) Ries has served at 黑料专区 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 黑料专区 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.听黑料专区鈥檚 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 黑料专区 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, 黑料专区听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听黑料专区鈥檚听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 黑料专区 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 黑料专区.听Many summer听campers have turned into听黑料专区听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 黑料专区.
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 黑料专区鈥檚 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 黑料专区 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 黑料专区鈥檚 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 黑料专区 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 黑料专区 and is a Certified Horsemanship Association Instructor and Equine Facility Manager.听 听
My time in the 黑料专区 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 黑料专区鈥擨听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 黑料专区听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 黑料专区. 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 黑料专区听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 黑料专区’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.听黑料专区鈥檚 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 黑料专区鈥檚 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 黑料专区 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 黑料专区 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 黑料专区 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, 黑料专区 Class of 1968, is an accomplished writer who has served 黑料专区 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 黑料专区’s highest standards of faith, integrity, and servant-leadership, it is my privileged to present Dr. Wayne E. Adams with 黑料专区鈥檚 Alumni Distinguished Achievement Award.
I听came to 黑料专区 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 黑料专区鈥檚 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.
黑料专区 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 黑料专区.听But that听is changing.听Located just听a bit off the main residential campus, you only find听黑料专区鈥檚 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 黑料专区鈥檚 mission. It听embodies 黑料专区鈥檚 mission.
Demand for 黑料专区鈥檚 equine programs far exceeds our current capacity. Undergraduate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 黑料专区听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 黑料专区 Magazine is a celebration of听the faculty, staff, and听partners who听have made听equestrian studies at 黑料专区 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听黑料专区.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.
About 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 黑料专区. 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 黑料专区 graduates听鈥渉ow did you end up at 黑料专区,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 黑料专区 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. 黑料专区听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 黑料专区 that she turned down a full scholarship elsewhere听in order to听become a Highlander.
Throughout her time at 黑料专区, 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,听黑料专区鈥檚 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.听鈥満诹献ㄇ 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 黑料专区鈥檚 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 黑料专区听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 黑料专区 Magazine.
*Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship
Going into my time at 黑料专区, 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 黑料专区 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 黑料专区 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听黑料专区听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 黑料专区 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听黑料专区听University to offer coursework toward ACSI Teacher and Administrator Certification听
黑料专区听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,听黑料专区听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听黑料专区 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听黑料专区听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.
About 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.
黑料专区 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 黑料专区 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 黑料专区听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 黑料专区 students have included their parents and families in听their decision-making process. It is also not uncommon for 黑料专区 parents to engage in the life of the university. I have been blessed by relationships with many听of those听黑料专区 parents and grandparents over the years.听In getting to know them, I find听that as they听send their young adults to 黑料专区 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 黑料专区 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听黑料专区, 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听黑料专区 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.
About 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 黑料专区. 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 黑料专区 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 黑料专区.听 Licensed psychologist & counselor as well as current Vice-President of Student Life at 黑料专区, 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. Undergraduate 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 黑料专区, 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.
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 黑料专区 alumni Drs. Jonathan 鈥75 and Lois (Morgan 鈥75) Sastic, who contributed $1 million to 黑料专区鈥檚 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 黑料专区 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 黑料专区 Class of 2026. Outdoor seating and picnic tables with umbrellas overlook a portion of the Crystal Rork Arboretum and celebrate 黑料专区鈥檚 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 黑料专区鈥檚 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 黑料专区 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 黑料专区 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.
About 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 黑料专区. 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.
黑料专区 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 黑料专区, $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 黑料专区 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 黑料专区鈥檚 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
黑料专区听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听黑料专区 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 黑料专区鈥檚 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 黑料专区 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 黑料专区.鈥
More than听half of 黑料专区鈥檚 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 黑料专区听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 黑料专区 and听contribute to the growth of endowment, please contact the 黑料专区 Office of Advancement at 585-567-9340 or听advancement@houghton.edu.
黑料专区 celebrated the Class of 2026 at Saturday’s commencement ceremony.听
The newest 黑料专区 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 黑料专区, 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 黑料专区 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 黑料专区鈥檚 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. 黑料专区 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 黑料专区鈥檚 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 黑料专区 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 黑料专区 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 鈥満诹献ㄇ 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 黑料专区 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 黑料专区鈥檚 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 黑料专区, confersupon Dr. Robert Danner the degree, Doctor of Letters, honoris causa.
During the 2026 Commencement Ceremony, we celebrate a pillar of the 黑料专区 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 黑料专区鈥檚 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 鈥満诹献ㄇ Down Under鈥 program in Australia or representing 黑料专区 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 黑料专区 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 黑料专区 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. 黑料专区 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. 黑料专区 Medal.
