From the Recording Studio—Gordon’s First Lady Podcasts
Need a spiritual boost but don’t have time to read? Jan Carlberg has recorded daily devotional readings from her book The Hungry Heart (Hendrickson Publishers, May 2005), found online at www.gordon.edu/itunes. Two-minute readings daily explore less familiar Old Testament passages that strongly exhibit God’s character. “I’ve met many people who are afraid of the Old Testament,” she said. “But God reveals so much about Himself through these stories that still resounds today.”
Gordon Wins Prestigious Energy Solutions ContestThe Scientist-Evangelical Initiative—a joint program of the Center for Health and the Global Environment at Harvard Medical Center and the National Association of Evangelicals—held an energy solutions contest inviting campuses to submit ideas on “greener” campuses.
Gordon won, receiving an energy consultation with Terrapin Bright Green, the architectural/engineering firm that designed the world’s greenest skyscraper. The firm will research ways to improve air quality, water conservation, waste reduction and energy efficiency in Lane Student Center.
Gordon already recycles 35 percent of its daily trash and won the 2008 Massachusetts Recycling Coalition Award for best recycling program. Gordon purchases B20 diesel fuel and has converted 95 percent of its buildings to natural gas, reducing emission of greenhouse gases, keeping the groundwater safe and reducing the carbon footprint significantly.
“Creating an environmentally friendly campus has been part of Gordon’s commitment for many years,” says Paul Helgesen, director of physical plant. “To be selected for this award from such a prestigious group reinforces that our hard work has been on target. Terrapin Bright Green’s recommendations will be incredibly helpful.”
Clarendon Scholars—Living out A. J. Gordon’s VisionAs new immigrants poured into the city of Boston in the 1870s, Clarendon Street Baptist Church, pastored by Adoniram Judson (A. J.) Gordon, helped provide jobs. Gordon also started a missionary school as a way of reaching the world, holding classes in the church basement. After outgrowing the basement, they moved to the Fenway, and later to a campus in Wenham, Massachusetts.
To honor that heritage Gordon College has renamed its urban scholars program; what was formerly known as New City Scholars is now The Clarendon Scholars Program. The program, directed by the Office of Intercultural Affairs, will continue its commitment to diversity and leadership but extend its reach to better reflect the global vision of A. J. Gordon.
The scholarship program—which began six years ago in partnership with Emmanuel Gospel Center in Boston—provides scholarships for multicultural students with exemplary leadership skills and scholastic aptitude, awarded annually to qualified students from Massachusetts, Connecticut and New York.
“We have a solid connection to Boston because of our partnership with Emmanuel Gospel, and that enabled us to move into these other areas,” says Sheena Graham, director of intercultural affairs. “It was a natural progression for Gordon to ‘own’ the program administratively and to reaffirm our heritage from Clarendon Street.”
Since the program began, three multicultural classes have graduated and 33 Clarendon Scholars are currently enrolled at Gordon with 10 more coming this fall. The program provides mentoring relationships, training and peer support, assistance during the transition to college, and leadership opportunities to reinforce their success.
“Our graduates are already doing many great things,” Graham says. “Some are working in international affairs, some are teaching overseas or in community development work using their degrees. Gordon benefited from their presence on campus, but now they’re making a difference in the world because of their time here.”
Read More... Clarendon Scholars
“Gordon is more than an institution of higher learning; it is koinonia—a community linked in love by our common faith in Christ; life to life, person to person. My greatest joy is seeing God working in and through this community to bring about redemption and reconciliation for those with broken hearts and broken spirits.”
—Barry Loy
Vice President for Student Development and Dean of Students
Health Professionals
Gordon’s first medical school applicants—David Hall and Glenn McGrath—graduated in 1977. Since then 117 Gordon graduates have followed. Gordon’s health professionals program prepares students for careers as physicians, nurses, dentists, veterinarians, physical therapists, etc., giving students a well-rounded education in a liberal arts setting.
Craig Story, associate professor of biology, supervises students on this track, “working with highly motivated, engaged and enthusiastic students as they refine their callings to serve in medical fields.”
Students in this track meet with healthcare professionals for a unique peek into this field and gain real-world experience through internships and medical mission trips. Significant time is spent discussing biomedical ethics in each class.
“Being exposed to professionals is helping me figure out which field will suit me best,” says senior Ryan Cappa, a neuroscience major under the Pike program. “It’s also given me a realistic look into life after all my schooling is complete.”
Since 1977 Gordon has sent graduates to various medical schools, including Cornell University Medical College, Emory University and Harvard University Medical School, to name a few.
Read More... Health Professions at Gordon
For Their Exemplary Service: Provost’s Awards GivenThe 2009 Provost’s Awards were presented to two staff members who make substantial and consistent contributions to students’ learning. Recipients are nominated by faculty, staff and students.
- Phil Williams ’89, Director of Development Relations
For almost 20 years Phil Williams has led student trips to Latin America—mainly Guatemala. He also volunteers with Partnership Ministries, an organization connecting churches in North America and Central America.
“An avid Red Sox fan, you might expect to see baseball memorabilia all over his office,” says Provost Mark Sargent. “But what I have seen on his walls are the faces of Guatemalan children.”
Williams began his career at Gordon College as a resident director but currently works in the Development Office in fundraising compliance. His great love has always been the Central American people. “His connection to Guatemala runs deep,” says Kirk McClelland, former director of service learning and missions. “When he says ‘mis hermanos,’ ‘my brothers,’ he really means it.”
- Cami (Smith) Foerster ’98, Resident Director of Nyland Hall
People describe Cami Foerster as “someone who listens, is generous with her time, is willing to spend long hours with students who need encouragement and counsel, and cares deeply about students’ spiritual lives.” Her supervisor, Terry Charek, associate dean of students for resident life, praises her for serving “students without counting hours, making a huge impact on students’ lives.” Greg Carmer, dean of the chapel, commends her as one of the people most dedicated to helping students gain a richer “understanding of themselves, faith and the world.”
As a student at Gordon, Foerster and her peers saw a need to reach out to Bostonians with material, educational and spiritual needs and founded the Boston Project, “a community-based organization with a passion for seeing renewal in urban neighborhoods,” according to its website. She still serves on the board and is active in promoting its ministries.
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