And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth.
John 1:14 (NRSV)

News

Nance McCown, associate professor and chair of the department of communication, and senior public relations major Sarah Doucette presented a poster session at the International Public Relations Society of America’s Educators Academy in Oct. The poster and paper, titled “Does PR Education Make a Difference? Media Effects on Student Attitudes Toward Public Relations,” was the culmination of an on-campus film screening experiment/survey conducted last spring. Jennifer Fisler, associate professor of education/director of the Teacher Education Program/director of assessment, and Emily Mohler ’13 also co-authored the study.

We are very excited to announce that Neryamn Nieves will be serving as Messiah College’s new assistant director of the Martin and Amigo scholarship programs. Nieves has extensive teaching, mentoring and administrative experience both at Messiah College and Franklin and Marshall College. She has also served as a youth pastor in the First Spanish Assembly of God in her Lancaster community. Nieves’ new 20-hour-per-week role will be to enhance the recruitment and retention efforts of scholars in the Martin and Amigo scholarship programs while working collaboratively with the multicultural programs and admissions offices. She starts in this position on Jan. 2 and her office will be in the Larsen Student Union 204. She will also continue to teach in the modern languages department. Please be sure to stop by and welcome her!
Doug Wood, associate dean of students, and Scott Hwang, director of multicultural programs

On Nov. 24 the Messiah College Faculty Brass Quintet played their much-anticipated return performance at the Trinity Episcopal Church Concert Series in Pottsville, Pa. The program was an eclectic mix of music from Gabrieli to the Beatles, and it also included Mike Harcrow’s fantasia setting of “Immortal, Invisible.” Bill Stowman’s witty repartee kept the time between pieces lively and the audience was wonderfully enthusiastic. Other Messiah College faculty past participants in this series have included the Mendelssohn Trio with artists-in-residence Ya-Ting Chang, Peter Sirotin and Fiona Thompson, as well as voice professor Damian Savarino. The Messiah College Faculty Brass Quintet includes Mike Harcrow (horn), Drew Wolgemuth (outstanding Messiah College senior music major, trombone, substituting for Professor Michael Clayville who was performing in Germany at the time), Melanie Hess Miller (trumpet), Eric Henry (tuba) and Bill Stowman (trumpet and MC). For booking information, contact mharcrow@messiah.edu.

Raeann Hamon, distinguished professor of family science and gerontology, and Julie Guistwite ‘99 had their article, “The Elder Service Partner Program,” published in the “Journal of Intergenerational Relationships,” 2013, 11(4), 440-443. It is available here.

Assistant Professor of Music Damian Savarino received a favorable New York Times review for his latest performance with Teatro Grattacielo in New York City. Of his portrayal of the elder ascetic “Harita” Zachary Woolfe remarked, “Most heartening was the admirable complement of male singers in smaller parts, including the concrete-solid bass Damian Savarino. Even major companies struggle to appropriately cast such roles; it’s a sign of firm artistic leadership that the Teatro Grattacielo does it so well.”

William Stowman, department of music, wrote an article that appeared in the “International Trumpet Guild Journal.” The article, “The Benefits of Performing in Trumpet Ensemble,” highlighted pedagogical aspects and advantages for students who regularly perform in chamber music settings via trumpet ensemble. Bill is also a member of the board of directors for the International Trumpet Guild.

Congratulations to Brian Swartz, assistant professor of engineering, and his wife Tawnee on the birth of their newest daughter, Adelyn Mackenzie. Adelyn was born just in time for Thanksgiving on Nov. 26 weighing 6 lb., 8 oz., and measuring 19.75 in. She was welcomed home by big brothers Avery and Eli and sister Caitlin. Blessings to the Swartz family!

Messiah 411

Oakes Museum to host Open House Dec. 7

The Oakes Museum of Natural History is having its fifth annual Holiday Open House Saturday, Dec. 7 from 1-5 p.m. This event is our way of saying “thank you” to each of you in the community for supporting us throughout the year. Admission is free, so invite a friend. For more information, contact oakesmuseum@messiah.edu, ext. 2431 or see attachment.

December Graduate Reception set for Dec. 10

The 2013 December Graduate Reception will be held in Howe Atrium on Tuesday, Dec. 10 at 5:30 p.m. Enjoy appetizers and time to mingle with the graduating students who have made their mark here at Messiah. Hope to see you there!

Mandatory meeting for all on-campus students

There will be a mandatory all floor/section meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 10 at 10 p.m. for all students who live on-campus. If possible, please do not schedule events during this hour. We understand that there are some conflicts that cannot be avoided, but if an event can be scheduled at another time we ask that you do so.

Farewell reception for professor Dec. 11

Please join us for a farewell reception honoring Anne Marie Stoner-Eby, associate professor of history and coordinator of the peace and conflict studies program, as she embarks on a new journey with Mennonite Central Committee in Rwanda and Burundi. Please stop by as you are able from 4-5 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 11 in the Private Dining Room.

Oakes Museum sale Dec. 11-13

Ready to do some holiday shopping? Visit The Oakes Museum of Natural History next week for some great sales. The museum store is stocked with quality books, puppets, t-shirts and geological specimens for all ages. We will be open for shopping on Wednesday, Dec. 11 through Friday, Dec. 13 from 11 a.m.–2p.m. All items will be 25 percent off for these special shopping days. We will also have some very unique items available at a special purchase price. Take a break and come visit us to get your holiday shopping done! For more information, contact oakesmuseum@messiah.edu, ext. 2431 or see attachment.

Important information from residence life

All campus residences will be closed from 12 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 20 through Tuesday, Jan. 7 at 8 a.m. If you are bringing students back for a college-related reason before Jan. 7, please send the students’ names, reason for return and date of return to housing@messiah.edu by Friday, Dec. 6. Requests received after that time will be charged a $10 late fee.

Reminders from accounts payable

The accounts payable office would like to remind you that there will be no check run the week of Dec. 23. Our last check run is Dec. 19, requests are due to accounts payable by Dec. 13. The first check run of 2014 will be Jan. 3, requests are due to accounts payable by Dec. 24.

ALL TAX REPORTABLE PAYMENTS such as rents, royalties, officials and referees, honorariums, prize and awards and performers for 2013 must be paid to the recipient by Dec. 19 to meet IRS calendar year end 2013 tax reporting compliance. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Reminder to RSVP for Employee Christmas Luncheon

To ensure that we prepare adequately, please send your RSVP for the Employee Christmas Luncheon to human resources by Friday, Dec. 13. The RSVP card, located inside your invitation, is also your entry into the raffle drawing. Please note that you must be present to win. We’re looking forward to a time of fellowship, fine food and festive entertainment! Please contact Kathy Castonguay, human resources, at kcastong@messiah.edu or ext. 7086 with questions.

A few good elves needed for Employee Christmas Luncheon

Each year, in the spirit of the season, employees volunteer to help with setup, serving and cleanup at the Employee Christmas Luncheon. This allows our colleagues in dining services and campus events to more fully participate in the event. If you haven’t participated before, or if you’ve had a great time volunteering in the past, we need you this year! Please consider volunteering for one of the following time slots on Friday, Dec. 20—set-up: 9-10:30 a.m. or 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.; serving, two 45-minute shifts during lunch, meet at 11:40 a.m. for instructions; cleanup: 2:30 – 3:15 p.m. If you would like to volunteer, please contact Kathy Castonguay, human resources administrative assistant, at kcastong@messiah.edu or ext. 7086 by Wednesday, Dec. 11. Thank you!

Opportunity to give to World Vision

The theme for this year’s Employee Christmas Luncheon is the “Global Christmas Village” and in that spirit we are offering the opportunity to give to World Vision initiatives. You will receive a change box which you are invited to fill and bring to the luncheon. When you arrive, choose how your contribution is distributed by depositing your change box in the corresponding collection bin – chickens, clean water or soccer balls! All donations are optional and no gift is too small. Haven’t received a change box? Contact Kathy Castonguay, human resources, at kcastong@messiah.edu or ext. 7086.

Important reminder from the payroll office

With the closing of the College over the Christmas break, the payroll office is notifying you of the modified payroll deadlines needed to assure proper and timely payments for all employees. Please see the attachment for details. It is important that we receive these forms by the due dates listed. Thank you for your cooperation.

Campus Budget Forum Jan. 7

The annual Campus Budget Forum is scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 7 in Alexander Auditorium (Frey 110) from 2-4 p.m. There will be a presentation by David Walker, vice president for finance and planning, and a Q&A session. Following feedback from governance groups, College Council is scheduled to vote on the FY15 parameters on Jan. 23.

The forum is open to all employees and attendance is encouraged. It is especially important that members of the personnel committees and other governance groups that review and recommend budget parameters attend. The slideshow presentation will be posted on the finance website immediately following the forum and can be used to assist governance groups in their discussions.

College Press earns Forest Stewardship Council Certification

College Press has recently received notification that they have passed their Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Chain-of-Custody audit. The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is an international organization that promotes environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial and economically viable management of the world’s forests. The entire College Press team worked extensively with Printers Green Resource LLC and the Rainforest Alliance to gain certified status. An on-site audit verified that College Press’ newly developed FSC chain-of-custody procedures were in full compliance with stringent FSC rules and regulations. Messiah’s very own in-plant print shop is now an official FSC certified printer able to offer FSC certified printing jobs to all customers. Congratulations to our colleagues at Messiah College Press!

“Messiah Goes to the World Cup” update

We currently have 111 Messiah employees participating in the physical activity program titled “Messiah Goes to the World Cup.” In recognition of our outstanding soccer teams at Messiah and the upcoming World Cup in Brazil this summer, employees are accumulating exercise miles and minutes (which get converted to miles). For every 4,800 miles our collective efforts accumulate, we get to symbolically “send” a member of the men’s team to Brazil. So far we have accumulated 14,068 miles and have “sent” Drew Frey and Jack Thompson. We are over halfway through our second six-week phase. If you would like to participate, the third phase begins on Jan. 12. Look for details on how and when to sign up in the next few weeks.

Retirement plan overview and participant notice

Messiah College is required to distribute certain participant notices annually. The attached plan overview and participant notice includes a consolidated listing of the services provided by The Standard to the plan as well as charged fees.

You may also access the notice online by following these steps:

1. Log in to www.standard.com/retirement.

2. Continue to Personal Savings Center (My Retirement Account).

3. Click the link to view the important notice.

Please feel free to contact The Standard at 800-858-5420 if you have questions.

Campus Ministries connection

Advent

Our current chapel movement is around Advent, a time of stirring our souls in preparation to meet Christ anew. As we gathered in Parmer Hall for “Lessons and Carols,” an ancient rhythm of scripture text and carols, we began with a very ancient chant, “Of the Father’s Love Begotten,” and ended chapel with the call, “O Come All Ye Faithful” and a prayer of blessing. Music and text informs our Christian experience at many levels. They express a longing of the heart for Christ’s presence. As meaningful at those expressions are, they ring hollow if Christ is not born anew in our midst.

Classifieds

Job Opportunity:

Part-time Administrative Assistant, Diversity Affairs. For additional information and to apply, please see: https://jobs.messiah.edu/postings/2911. Job-related questions may be directed to Bernardo Michael, special assistant to the president and provost for diversity affairs, at bmichael@messiah.edu or Joan Malick, executive assistant to the provost, at jmalick@messiah.edu.

For sale:

Christmas trees — 4-7 ft. white spruce. $25. Delivery possible. Contact Dale Fogelsanger at 717-623-0735.

VW Eurovan camper — Gas stove, refrigerator, heater, plus two beds and electric and water hook-ups. Asking $19,500. Contact rstevick@messiah.edu for more details.

Youth ski boots — Axis brand, approximately children’s shoe size 4-4.5. Good condition; worn 15 times over two seasons by 9-10 year old. Sole length is 262 mm. $30. Contact Angela at ahare@messiah.edu.

Outside organization announcement:

Amani Bead sale Dec. 3-5 — Visit our annual Amani Bead Christmas sale Tuesday, Dec. 3 through Thursday, Dec. 5 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. in Eisenhower Commons. You can help support the wonderful work of New Life Homes in Kenya through your purchase of our handcrafted Amani bead jewelry or Kenyan market items, all priced between $3 and $40. Amani jewelry, key chains and ornaments feature beads from Kazuri Beads of Nairobi, Kenya, a fair trade organization that employs more than 300 single mothers. One hundred percent of the profits from the sale will go back to Kenya to support the efforts of New Life Homes of Kenya—a network of homes caring for orphaned and abandoned infants – a beautiful circle of love and hope. Hope you will join us! We accept cash, checks, credit cards and Falcon dollars.