Bryn Athyn College Alumni Magazine Winter/Spring 2019 | Page 2

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT contents WINTER / SPRING 2019 | ISSUE NO. 7 20 The Courage to Reach Out: How Caleb Kerr Created his Dream Career by Sasha Silverman Through talent, tenacity, and willingness to make connections, a recent graduate builds a freelance photography business. Dear Friends, Pick up any issue of the Bryn Athyn Alumni Magazine, and there is almost certainly an underlying theme of connection and growth within its pages. As an alumni- focused communication, it is no surprise that friend- ship, family, and camaraderie come to the fore in many of our stories. But today, the rich network of past grad- uates, longtime friends, and new partners seems to be pulsing with a vibrancy we haven’t quite seen before. In this moment of the College’s life, it feels a bit like we are beginning to catch the rise of a new swell that brings great promise for propelling us forward. Our current students are being lifted up by that wave, thick with potential and deeply powerful. At its core, this ris- ing, lifting, and moving is all about relationships. In this issue you will read about the value of intern- ships and exposure to new experiences—both close to home and in far-flung locales. You will be introduced to the head of the recently launched Master of Science in special education, Kelly Ballard, Ed.D. You can share in our delight about the induction of our first cohort of business majors into the Sigma Beta Delta Interna- tional Business Honor Society. You’ll get to know the first-year theologs and perhaps sense their warmth and humor even through the imperfect medium of words on a page. From a recap of the successful Summer Writing Re- treat, to an update on the construction of the student union, there is much to celebrate together. As we get acquainted with new associates and reconnect with those we already know and love, I am astonished by the strength of one of our greatest institutional resources— each other. Thank you for being a part of that vital spark for the College. Thank you for being in the personal and professional networks that students lean on, learn from, and come back to. Our success is all about relationships, which means our success is thanks to all of you. 33 Strength in Variety: Building New Relationships Within and Beyond the College Community by Amanda Lichtenstein and Sasha Silverman President Brian Blair stands behind the call to embrace variety in its many forms. To that end, he is working to forge new connections and strengthen existing relationships within the College community as well as with various other organizations. 5 Alumni Awards: An Architect, a Translator, and a Businessman 8 Charter Day 2018 10 Difference-makers of the Future 12 Faculty Spotlight: Kelly Ballard 16 From the Ground Up: The New Student Union 18 Building on the Past: A Changing Campus & a Changing World 23 Student Spotlight: Jess Philipp Clarity Through Action 26 Five First-Year Theologs 30 MARS: A Truly Signature Program 32 Renée Rosenfield: High Standards in Human Resources 36 Summer Writing Retreat 38 The Hunger Project Gala 2018 38 Alumni Milestones Sincerely, Brian Blair President Bryn Athyn College ALUMNI MAGAZINE managing editor & layout Serena Silverman Sutton  senior editor Angella Irwin (BA ’08)  contributing editors Amanda Lichtenstein, Lori Odhner (BA '79, MA '06), Sasha Silverman (AA ’99),  copy editor Holly Adams (BA ‘14) contact us [email protected] | 267-502-2444 | Bryn Athyn College, Office of Alumni Relations & Advancement, P.O. Box 717, Bryn Athyn, PA 19009 2 | WINTER/SPRING 2019 The Bryn Athyn College community gathers for the inaugural Christmas tree lighting ceremony. B RY N AT H Y N A LU M N I M AG A Z I N E | 3