'48 Rev. John F. Wagner celebrated his 90th birthday in October surrounded by friends and family. John is the father and father-in-law of Brian (Cindy) Wagner; four grandchildren, Rachael, Jackie, Leslie, and Mitchell; and nine great-grandchildren, Caden, Ava, Alexis, Dominick, Jaden, Aiden, Jackson, Donovan, and Kelsie. Rev. Wagner retired from The Timken Company in 1984, having served the company for 39-1/2 years. His hobbies include woodworking and coin and gem collecting.

'62 Jeannie (Murray) McKean and Paul McKean '64 served as international representatives for Campus Crusade for Christ International (CRU) for 43 years. While serving the CRU, they opened a ministry in China and also developed international projects for CRU. Paul and Jeannie are directors of Champion's Heart Global, an organization that engages, equips, encourages, and challenges those who live and work globally to impact their world with the message of Jesus. For more information on this ministry, click here. Together, Paul and Jeannie have co-authored two books, Leading a Child to Independence: A Positive Approach to Raising Children through the Teens and I'm Not Home Yet.

'63 Richard Kropp and Janice (Taylor) Kropp '64 retired from missionary service in Japan in 2005 and then again in 2013.

'66 Rev. Fred Jeffrey retired from Cumberland Community Methodist Church after 34 years of service. He plans on remaining religiously active in his new hometown of Foster, Rhode Island despite his retirement. Rev. Jeffrey first realized he wanted to be a pastor while he was a teenager living in New York. Following his graduation from Nyack in 1966, Rev. Jeffrey became the assistant pastor at Wadsworth Christian and Missionary Alliance Church and in 1970, he and his wife, Linda, traveled for mission work to South America first in Costa Rica and then in Columbia where they helped build local churches. Rev. and Mrs. Jeffrey have two children.

'67 Judy Reitz, following the passing of her husband, George '68, in 2006, felt God calling her back to Cambodia where she grew up to work in an area of sex trafficking.

'69 Rev. Dr. W. David Thomas retired from his position of CEO/President from Bethany Community Services, Inc. after 37 years of service. Bethany's board of directors honored Rev. Thomas at a big gala event in September and recognized him for his work with the elderly housing programs Bethany owns and manages. The gala also served as a fundraiser to support the Friends of Bethany Fund, which provides support services to low-income senior citizens, a population that Thomas served for many years.

'80 Thomas Hawkins and Beverly (Shuey) Hawkins '84 returned to France in March to serve with Greater Europe Mission. While the majority of Tom's work involves keeping the administrative wheels of GEM-France turning, the couple will also be involved in the mission's next church plant in the city of Clermont, an hour north of Paris.

'83 Mark Barnard co-authored a book entitled The Eighth Letter: Jesus Still Speaks! with Kenneth Quick. The book offers practical commentary on "Seven Letters to Seven Churches" found in Revelation 2-3. Rev. Mark Barnard serves as president of Blessing Point Ministries, which works to mend the tapestry of church life. Mark and his wife, Jeannie Henkel '84, live in Peachtree City, Georgia. Mark writes, "I couldn't have co-authored this book without the training I received from gifted men like Dr. Elio Cuccaro, Dr. Donal Nilsson, and Dr. Harold Shelley!" Click here to read a chapter from The Eighth Letter. Click here to watch the book trailer.

'91 Roy Baldwin was appointed director of Monadnock Bible Conference (MBC) and assumed his position at the beginning of December. As the MBC Director, he is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the day-to-day ministry; including administration, compliance, and financial management. Prior to being appointed MBC Director, Roy worked as a family advocate/

teacher-counselor, houseparent, and supervisor of recruitment, retention, and training. He served as director of Parenting/Youth at Focus on the Family in Colorado Springs. Roy received a master's degree from Duquesne University in 2005 and a bachelor's degree from Nyack College in 1990. He and his wife, Karen, have three children: Nicholas, Anna, and Emily. For information about MBC, click here.

'92 Mark Lynch was named interim director for Candidate Development for The Christian and Missionary Alliance. Mark and his wife, Michele, reside in the Seattle area with their three daughters.

'93 Jennifer S. Ripley co-authored a paper entitled "Integration of Christianity in Research and Statistics Courses" published in the Journal of Psychology and Theology in June 2014, Vol. 42, No. 2, Pg. 220(8).

'04 Jerfelis Pimentel served in the U.S. Air Force following graduation and currently works for the U.S. Department of the Interior.

'04 Shanna Sands-Muigai is married to Kenneth Muigai and has two lovely daughters, ages two and four. She is a social worker and business owner.

'04 Edwin Nieves and Mabel Choi '02 had a child in November. Edwin and Mabel lived in South Korea from 2007 until 2013. From 2013-2014 he studied Chinese at Shenzhen University.

'06 Anthony Ferraro authored a book entitled The Blessed Life. This prayer guide is a tool to help in effectively praying the Word of God and applying prayer to live a life in God with no regrets and no compromise. It helps in gaining a heavenly mindset on different areas of life such as relationships, finances, ministry, emotions, and the physical body.

'09 Jonathan D. Raber, manager of Circles, a program of South Central Community Action Programs (SCCAP), spoke at a luncheon in Waynesboro, Pennsylvania that focused on finding pathways out of poverty. About 60 human-services professionals, educators, elected officials, and criminal justice administrators were also in attendance. Raber states, "The insecurity and inconsistency associated with poverty spills into many areas of life, affecting things such as workplace environments and property values." For more information on SCCAP, visit www.sccap.org.

'10 Melissa Archbold (ATS '14) has been appointed to serve as a member of the College Council of SUNY College at Old Westbury. A resident of Elmont, New York, Archbold is the president and director of youth programs for the Zion Youth and Family Center in Elmont, New York. Since the Center's founding, Archbold has focused on creating a consortium for science, technology, engineering, and math education. She has volunteered for college readiness programs at SUNY Farmingdale and college and STEM awareness programs for Brookhaven National Laboratories. 

'06 Lars Hasseler and Amanda R. Bottle '07 were married on August 30, 2014 at the Bottle homestead in Greene, New York with the Rev. William Reinmuth, All Souls Community Church, officiating. Amanda majored in pastoral ministry at Nyack College and prior to their marriage, was a manager of a Barnes and Noble retail store in New Jersey. Lars also majored in pastoral ministry at Nyack College and is currently stationed at Ft. Bragg, Fayetteville, North Carolina, serving the U.S. Army. He has served deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan.

'10 Randy Martinez married Rosanna Corchado '10 on May 18, 2013.

'13 Robert (Greg) Irving married Thressa Dasilva '13 on August 9, 2014. Greg works full-time at Nyack College in the mail room. The happy couple resides in Nyack.

'13 Samuel Prahst married April Yang '14 in November. Samuel is working as an accountant.

'13 Alyssa Rice married Brian Cruz on March 3, 2014 at the Dumbo Loft in Brooklyn, New York. A reception followed the ceremony. Alyssa is a social studies teacher at Murry Bergtraum High School in Manhattan, where she enjoys working with inner city youth. Brian is a New York City Police Officer in the South Bronx. Alyssa and Brian are members of Times Square Church where they serve and share their gifts with their community in various ways.

'40 Charlotte Melissa Houck, 96, went to meet her Heavenly Father on October 31, 2014. Her trust in God gave her comfort and encouragement throughout her life. In 1937 Charlotte went to the Nyack Bible College and graduated in 1940. She was instrumental in starting the Alliance Church in Sidney. Even as a worker in Scintilla she gave out scripture and tract packets. Charlotte served the Lord as a Missionary in Kentucky, Mexico, and the Philippines, where she spent more than 31 years. Living in the jungles of the Philippines was not an easy life, but she loved her work. She provided spiritual teachings and nursing care to the Filipino people. She translated the New Testament, the Old Testament storybook, Psalms and Proverbs and Pilgrim's Progress into the Botolan Sambal dialect, which had never been done before. Charlotte is survived by many dear friends not only in United States but throughout the world. She is survived by her sister Kathleen Sherman Patterson (NC '62). Also surviving her is David Bishop of California, whom she loved as a son. There are many nieces, nephews, and cousins surviving also. 

'43 Ruth Caroline Ranshaw, 97, passed away on April 25, 2014 at Colonial Park Care Center. She worked at Christian Publications for over 35 years, retiring at the age of 75. She worked at the A.W. Tozer tape collection and was honored at the National Headquarters of The Christian and Missionary Alliance in 1995. Having dedicated her life to serving the Lord, Ruth was active in The First Alliance Church in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

'46 Dr. Ruth Louis Chamberlin, 91, went home to be with the Lord on May 10, 2014. Ruth was a member and a very instrumental part of founding the Forest Alliance Church in Forest, VA. Ruth taught at Liberty University for 28 years after moving to Lynchburg in 1975. She was Chair of the English Department for many years as well as the faculty advisor for Sigma Tau Delta, the English Honors Society at the University. Ruth had such an indelible impact on her position that she was named a Professor Emeritus at Liberty University, the first woman to be bestowed with such an honor at that institution. She was valedictorian of her graduating class of Savannah High School; received a bachelor's degree from Ashland University; a master's degree from the University of Michigan; a doctoral degree from Kent State University; and received missionary training at Nyack College. She served the Lord in the mission field in Vietnam, teaching at the Dalat School in the 1950's. Ruth spent her life serving the Lord and becoming more educated; learning something new every day. Ruth is survived by her son, David; three grandchildren; and a sister.

'48 Rev. Dr. Donald James Trouten, 88, passed away on December 2, 2014. Rev. Trouten earned a bachelor's degree from Nyack College and a Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy degree from New York University. He studied at the University of Minnesota, Columbia Biblical Seminary, and Liberty University. Rev. Trouten was a retired university professor and an ordained clergyman of The Christian and Missionary Alliance. He taught at Nyack College from 1951-1957, where he was also the director of counseling. He also served in several positions at Canadian Bible College and Crown College. In 1977 he took on the role of dean of Columbia International University where he also taught from 1977 until his retirement in 1995. Rev. Trouten was named dean emeritus of the  Bible College of Columbia International University in 2001. He is survived by his brother, Earle Trouten, four children: Darlene Mae Morgan, Donna Grace Olson, Dr. Douglas James Trouten, and Daniel Paul Trouten. Also surviving are stepchildren Murray Lathrop, Philip Walpole Jr., Reed Walpole, and Michael Walpole; 25 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wives Grace D. (Standard) Trouten in 1955, Elaine J. (Terwilleger) Trouten (NC '57) in 1984, and Margaret (Murray Walpole) Trouten in 2011, by his brother Ralph Trouten in 2012, and by his grandson Paul Trouten in 2011.

'50 Rev. George Gruen, 86, passed away on July 26, 2014. George and his wife, Jean, celebrated their 12th wedding anniversary in June. He was married to the late Doris M. Simerson Gruen, who passed away on October 9, 2001. George graduated from Nyack and began his career with The Christian and Missionary Alliance in 1950. In 1978, he went full time with Truth for Israel, Inc. and eventually became the organization's president and director. Upon moving to Philadelphia in the 1950's, George coached championship basketball and baseball teams in Philadelphia city leagues. As an ordained minister he always said he was just a little guy in God's army, but those who knew him, knew he was actually a giant in God's army. Not only did he love sharing the Gospel with all who would listen, he also spent time reading his Bible, putting jigsaw puzzles together, playing Sudoku and Wii, golfing, bowling, and enjoyed traveling. He is survived by his wife, Jean; three children, David, Georgia, and Dawn; and six grandchildren.

'50 Dorothy "Ditty" McDowell, 94, passed away on November 7, 2014. She earned a bachelor's degree in education from Nyack College. She was an active member of Pineview Community Church, where she taught Sunday school and played the organ for Sunday services. Ditty retired from the New York State Department of Transportation after many years of service. She is survived by several nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, great-great nieces and nephews, and two first cousins. 

'50 Rev. Dr. Stanley I. Partridge, 87,went home to be with the Lord on November 13, 2014. Stanley left high school six weeks prior to his graduation to serve the U.S. Navy. He served on Manderson Victory Ammunition Ship in the Philippines during World War II. Following his service in the Navy, he received a diploma from Nyack College in 1950, a Bachelor of Arts degree from Akron University, a Master of Arts degree from Scarritt College, and earned a doctoral degree from Trinity Theological Seminary. He was in ministry for 42 years. Rev. Partridge is survived by his wife of 63 years, Ruth (Keyes) Partridge (NC '51); four sons, Dean, Mark, and Rev. John; and ten grandchildren.

'52 Grace (Patterson) Reiter, 90, was called home to her Lord on November 2, 2014. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in music from Nyack College and received her master's degree in library science from the University of Pittsburgh. Her zeal for life was most evident in her three greatest passions: her love for her Lord, her devotion to her role as a pastor's wife, and her career as an elementary teacher and librarian in the Milton Area School District.

'53 Richard O. Lenehan, 93, went home to the Lord on June 25, 2014. As a young man, he began a lifetime commitment to the Lord. He learned auto and airplane mechanics and earned his pilot's license while working at a local airport. Richard joined the Army Air Corps during World War II, serving most of his military time training aircraft crews. He felt called by the Lord into full-time Christian ministry, leading him to Nyack College. Following his graduation from Nyack, he was accepted by The Christian and Missionary Alliance for missionary service in Papua, New Guinea. Upon his return to the U.S., he was ordained as a minister and served churches in Massachusetts and New York. He and his wife of 57 years, Edna, are survived by a son, two daughters, six grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.

'54 Gordon Paul Loptson, 86, passed away peacefully on May 13, 2014. A gifted teacher, Gordon's life-long commitment to faith and love of learning led him across countries and continents, and included such diverse occupations as farm hand, painter, pastor, missionary, counselor, teacher, college professor, and labor analyst. During World War II, Gordon finished high school at the Westervelt Home for Missionary Children in South Carolina, while his parents were prisoners of war at Los Banos Internment Camp. In 1949, Gordon received his Bachelor of Arts degree in anthropology from Wheaton College, and in 1950, he married classmate Virginia Louise Piepgrass. He earned a master's degree in theology from Dallas Theological Seminary in 1954, and then earned a degree from Nyack College in 1954. A lifelong learner, Gordon completed post-doctoral studies at Princeton Theological Seminary in 1963; he received his Master of Science degree in education and Spanish at the University of Pennsylvania in 1967 and his Master of Arts degree in counseling from Rider University in 1982. Gordon is survived by his wife of 63 years, Virginia Loptson; daughter, Carol; two granddaughters; and many loving nephews and nieces.

'59 Pastor John McDonald, 77, passed away on May 20, 2014. Pastor McDonald has been serving the Lord for over 38 years in various churches throughout Massachusetts, Ohio, and Delaware and was a member of the American Baptist Churches of America. He is a graduate of Nyack College, Gordon-Conwell Seminary, and Wright State University. In his free time, John enjoyed gardening, woodworking/ building, traveling, reading, and spending time with family and friends. He was preceded in death by a son, John Gordon McDonald. Pastor John is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Patricia (Ferguson) McDonald; two daughters, Sharon and Allison; daughter-in-law, Crystal; a sister; eight grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

 
'62 Paul W. Carpenter, 73, went home to be with the Lord on September 18, 2014. He had recovered from esophageal cancer in 2009, a miracle for which he gave all the glory to God. Family and friends enjoyed his presence for six more joyful years before the illness returned. After several years as a high school principal, Paul realized his passion for business and spent the rest of his life dedicated to commercial real estate as a Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) broker, investor, and consultant. Recently he was instrumental in procuring Nyack's new Manhattan campus in Battery Park. Paul was a stranger to no one, and will be remembered for his love of storytelling, a brilliant sense of humor, his conviction of faith, and an abundant spirit with an absolute willingness to help anyone, anytime. He cherished his family and loved nothing more than getting everyone together for fun times. His earthly presence will be greatly missed. Paul is survived by his wife, Marilyn (Doss '63); and four children, Cynthia Hester, N. Scott Carpenter, Candace McLuskey, and Colleen Ishee; their respective spouses, Lindsey Hester, Carnie Carpenter, Dex McLuskey, and David Ishee; seven much-loved grandchildren, Matthew Hester, Grant Hester, Colby Carpenter, Caroline Carpenter, Ethan McLuskey, Megane Ishee, Valya Ishee and one on the way; sisters, Winnie Kaetzel, Joyce Knepper, and Judy Patton; and brothers, Doug and Phil Carpenter.

'62 Gladys I. Harshman, 75, passed away on October 9, 2014. She graduated from Lincoln High School in 1956 and from Nyack College in 1962. She completed her graduate studies at SUNY, Oneonta, New York and the University of Pittsburgh. Gladys worked as a teacher for the Ellwood City Area School District from 1967 until 2001. She was a longtime member of The Christian and Missionary Alliance Church, where she served as church librarian, Sunday school teacher, and stamp ministry coordinator. She was a member of the Woman's Club Unlimited and past president of Business and Professional Women.

'98 Susanne M. Garcia, 39, passed away on December 12, 2014 after a two-year battle with breast cancer. Susanne earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in elementary education from Nyack in 1998. She is survived by her husband and two-year-old twin daughters.

'10 Parris Chanelle Canty passed into the presence of the Lord on October 29, 2014 at the age of 26. Born on June 17, 1988 to Kimschrice Moore and Terrance Lee Canty in Brooklyn, New York, Parris was an excellent student who received many awards and was recognized for outstanding community service. She was part of the Police Athletic League (PAL) program. God led Parris to Nyack College where she was part of the Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP), a Resident Assistant (RA), member of the Dance Team Ministry, More Than Conquerors Gospel Choir, and Chapel Worship Team. She graduated in May 2010 having earned a bachelor's degree in Sociology. Parris loved children and wanted to be a child advocate. Before she was called home to the Lord, Parris worked as a teacher at Bright Horizons where the children were her pride and joy. She was a worshipper, praise dancer, talented poet, "fashionista," and music lover. Her smile was infectious and she celebrated life daily. Parris did not leave anyone to mourn her death but rather left those to rejoice in her life. Surviving are mother, Kimschrice Moore; grandmother, Bertha Moore; uncle, Howard Wright; aunt, Peggy Wright; fiancé, Kenny K. Persons; godmothers, Debra Robinson, Rosella Rivers, and Shelia Smith. Parris' family asks that you keep them in prayer and as you think of her life, may you continue to smile.