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
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