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"A class act" is what you'd call the Global Service-Learning program at Nyack--even though students and their professors couldn't get any further away from a classroom. For nearly a decade under the direction of Dr. Scott Reitz, courses have been held in the Dominican Republic, the Philippines, Egypt, Taiwan, Israel, Mozambique, Italy, Spain, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Honduras, Cambodia, Japan, Korea, Hong Kong, Thailand, India, Greece, and Mexico.

What distinguishes a Nyack or ATS trip from most college "study abroad" opportunities is that our students aren't just getting a change of scenery. They go to learn and to serve--by being the hands and feet of Jesus--taking His love and hope to countless men, women, and children.

Imagine the thrill for our faculty and staff who take this journey with our students. They lead these courses and come away with more than a teaching experience. They witness breakthrough moments in the lives of their students that will never be forgotten. They are a part of globally engaged personal transformation.

Nyack/ATS faculty and staff are uniquely qualified to travel with our students as many have lived or worked in Germany, Kenya, Ireland, Tanzania, Somalia, Ethiopia, Scotland, Italy, Sweden, South Korea, Japan, China, Iceland, Canada, Ecuador, Hong Kong, Mexico, India, and many other nations.

In this special edition of Class Act, we're putting the spotlight on our dedicated educators who guide our students through the learning and serving experience.

Peoples and Cultures of the Himalayas,

Dr. Scott Reitz

Destination and course description:

The Himalayas, home to the tallest mountains in the world, captures the imagination of us all. After exploring the rich histories and cultures of the large cities of Delhi and Kathmandu, students journeyed to the mountains and the small Himalayan villages along mountain trails. Students in this course participated in ethnographic study, examining the life, culture, and religion of Sherpa, Tibetan, and Indian peoples, how the climate and geography has shaped economy and lifestyle, and how trekkers, spiritual pilgrims, and adventures have influenced life on the mountain.

How many times have Nyack students traveled to this destination? If it was the first time the course was offered, why was this destination chosen?

First time! Dr. Reitz lived in Nepal and wanted to take his students on a new trip this year. Nine students accompanied him on this one.

Chamberfest Asia, Dr. Tammy Lum

This course involved a cross-cultural experience to explore and showcase classical, sacred, and folk chamber music influenced by Asian, American, and Western cultures. The participants engaged in ministry opportunities and shared the Christian faith through music and word.

Number of participating students:

Sixteen students and five chaperones and faculty members participated.

How many times have Nyack students traveled to this destination?

Hong Kong and Macau

We were in Hong Kong and Seoul in 2013. This is Dr. Tammy Lum's hometown, so we received special welcome and support from all the hosts and a lot of love. The place is a cosmopolitan city where English is widely spoken. It used to be a British colony. It is a good first entry destination for first-time travelers to the Chinese region. Macau is a small city, about an hour's boat ride from Hong Kong. It used to be a Portuguese colony. Being that, Hong Kong is like a small Europe in Asia.

Korea

We were also in Seoul in 2013. This time we went because one of our students is from there. It was three years since she had seen her parents. Her folks and church also gave us an overwhelming welcome and hospitality. It was important for her world to see how well she has progressed at Nyack College. Many of our students are also very interested in the Korean culture. We also wanted to minister to some North Korean refugees who live in Seoul.

Japan

This is the first time that Asia GS-L visited Japan. We went because we wanted to minister to this land where the Christian population is less than 1 percent. Ministries in Japan are very challenging. The reasons for the resistance of the people are because faith is a very private matter to the Japanese people. Most of them worship many gods to make themselves feel safe, especially from all the natural catastrophes they have. They also feel that they are intrinsically good, and therefore do not really need God in their lives. We also wanted to see the work of the C&MA missionaries.

What is unique/distinctive about Nyack GS-L trips?

The emphasis of global engagement, service, and evangelism makes GS-L trips very meaningful.

What was the students' interaction with the local community, and what impact did that have on their learning?

The students were immersed in the local culture on their first day. We saw some people learning Tai Chi, a slow martial arts exercise. I asked the master if we could learn from him. We ended up having an exchange of Tai Chi lessons, dance performances, and singing from our team, all right in the middle of the town square!

Any feedback from local agencies or organizations about Nyack students?

All the presenters were very impressed by our group, Chamberfest Asia. The people from the International Christian School in Hong Kong were grateful that our group was able to captivate the middle and high school students with our performances, worship, and remarks made by our students. The principle music teacher, Juniata Wible, is a 1974 music alumna of Nyack College.

What is the most memorable/transformational moment one of your students may have experienced?

The most memorable experience would have to be our performance for the North Korean refugees in Seoul. Many of these people risked their lives to try to leave the North Korean border. They usually leave for China, since that is the closest place. Many of them die or are forced to return. We met a lady whose father died of starvation the day after they left the border. And the following day, her grandmother died of starvation as well. She was all alone in China to fend for herself. They usually live in China for a few years. I was able to communicate to them in Chinese.

Another experience was when we were in Japan. A Korean pastor was called by God to uproot his whole family to be a pastor in Japan. There was a lot of tension (almost arch enemies) between the two countries. Pastor Kim's calling, "But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God." (John 1:12). He was practically preaching to the enemies. His beautiful testimony to a non-believing lady, whose house has many statues of worship, was "Your 15 gods are outside of you; our Christian God resides within us."

Reflections from a student:

"Part of my contextual understanding of the world included how I saw the Christian faith. Yes, we see the stories in the news and Christian culture magazines all the time about people being arrested or murdered for their faith, and we think to ourselves, "How horrible!" After that thought crosses our minds for a split second, we go back to our cup of coffee and reading our Bible in full view of the public. So get up! Get out of your context. Get uncomfortable. Feel lost. Have an adventure, and let God show you His heart."

Reflections from chaperones:

"We experienced God's love and church community across multiple languages and cultures. We learned global political realities through discussions with and insights from brothers and sisters in Asia."

"Keep praying. Your prayers make you a vessel of God's love and grace and peace. Your prayers will help soothe an aching heart, a broken spirit, a life dizzy with grief. I know, because I have walked in that dark place, and the prayers of others held me in the light of God's love."

"I need to spend time talking to Jesus every day, reminding myself that I cannot do life without Him--no matter what others think. It doesn't matter if people think I am perfect, or if they think I am the biggest failure ever--it only matters that Jesus loves me and will always forgive me when I make mistakes. It's okay to make mistakes, because that's how God shows us to be more like Him."

Poverty and Children in Southeast Asia,

Dr. Kwi Yun

Educating Children in Poverty: South East Asia, Dr. Marie White

This trip was a dual course trip, allowing the participation of more students from broader educational backgrounds--social work and education majors.

Number of participating students:

Fifteen students participated in this annual course.

What was the students' interaction with the local community (if any), and what impact did that have on their learning?

Students were deeply immersed in the community beginning with day one. They developed relationships with community members centered around the G1:27 ministry, which empowers the poor through education, counseling, and leadership development in an area called Nanka in Cebu, Philippines.

From the moment they arrived, students were welcomed by the community. They interacted with children, staff, and their families through participation in the classroom, outside activities, home visits, and simply spending time together.

In addition, we brought the students to visit several social service agencies, including various residential facilities for sex trafficking victims, orphans, and boys in conflict with the law. One of these agencies, Good Shepherd, is a shelter for victims of sex trafficking. Along with the girls at this shelter, our students laughed as they played games, group sports, and sang together. We cried with them as we listened to their stories and also shared our own. We praised God when we heard how they are rescued and set on the journey to recovery.

Students were touched by the lives of our hosts, Mr. Rick and Dr. Jiji Harner, Nyack/ATS alumni. The Harners have dedicated their lives to the poor though the G1:27 ministry that they founded ten years ago. Their compassion, competence, and dedication are inspirational to the students who are seeking direction for their lives.

What is the most memorable/transformational moment one of your students may have experienced?

Students' hearts were transformed and opened when they witnessed non-traditional acts of selflessness and love, whether it was witnessing a girl who packed away a piece of chicken for her mom--chicken that was given to her as an award for good attendance at the tutoring center, or visiting a family who welcomed the students into their treehouse. They recognized the preciousness of each life as they listened to the story of a girl who was sold by her poor parents, and they connected with the locals by sharing their own painful life stories, realizing that these stories can be used to connect with and empower the local boys and girls who seek hope and purpose for their lives.

The highlight of the trip happened the night before our departure, when we celebrated our time together with ice cream, songs, and watching a video that documents our two weeks in the community. This night was extremely emotional as local children, their parents, and others from the community brought handmade cards for each one of our team members, expressing how much they appreciated and loved our visit.

Student testimonials

"Today the day started off very sad because it was time to say goodbye to all the children from G1:27 and of course, the wonderful Jiji and Rick. All the children came up to me and started to give me all different kinds of farewell letters. It was so nice to receive them because they were all handmade which made them extra special. These are the little things that made this trip incredible." (Katiria Miranda, Social Work, Junior)

"As we were packing up the van, I started to see people hugging and crying. I tried holding my tears back and stood back so I could be placed in the last cart. As I gave my hugs, especially to my girls and Jason, I started crying. As I write this, I'm crying too. I am not sure when I will see them again, only God knows. We hopped into the van and tears kept flowing. As we were arriving at the airport, I felt a little more at ease. I knew that I would return here again, without a doubt." (Shirley Gavidia, Social Work, Senior)

"I believe that trips like these are very important for everyday human beings. And not just because of the missions aspect, but because it brings you back to what's truly important and takes you out of your comfort zone. It's good for us to be transformed and for our hearts and minds to be touched. We all need to be humbled at times. I personally love journaling my thoughts and emotions. I realized that living in New York, although we are fortunate to have material things, with the business of everyday life, we overlook what is truly important and keep going. Trips like these help you to get back to the place of taking it slow and to simply think." (Herman Fogoh, Social Work, Senior)

Fine Arts in the City of Venice,

Dr. Dana Talley and Dr. Sue Talley

Your first glimpse of "La Serenissima," the serene city in the sea, is unforgettable. The magic of this city of art, music, great churches, and museums still draws millions of tourists from all over the world--and students of Nyack College discovered the city for themselves, in a way that has been called much more comprehensive than a more expensive tourist experience can provide. After a week in Venice and a day in nearby Padova, students were treated to a bullet train ride to Florence. After a quick exploration of the city where Michelangelo's David and the great cathedral provide additional inspiration, it was on to nearby Siena. We learned the political story of Siena through its paintings and murals, as well as through its more famous literary residents, such as Dante. The friendships fostered by the experiences of this GS-L trip do not stop after we return to the United States.

Number of participating students:

This year, there were 11 fine arts students and 11 global literature students. Altogether with faculty, 28 went this year for both courses.

How many times have Nyack students traveled to this destination?

Venice was the original destination. Dana and Sue Talley have traveled to Venice as a fine arts class since 2009. Venice was chosen because of its uniqueness as a city of the arts and Italian culture. Having friends and experience in the arts and culture, we were able to share the highlights with our Nyack students. We added a day in Florence and four or five days in Siena later. The global literature class was added a couple of years ago, with Dr. Kevin Pinkham teaching. The centrality of Venice in global literature makes it a fine location for the class.

What is unique/distinctive about Nyack GS-L trips?

The students are generally wonderful, representing our college and our Christian faith well. They bring joyful spirits and inquisitive minds with them! We love getting to know students from both campuses.

What was the students' interaction with the local community (if any), and what impact did that have on their learning?

First of all, music students from both campuses are invited to prepare church service music and present it in Venice and Siena at gracious churches there. They also are invited to perform or be present in the Tea Room jazz venue in Siena, where professional and bilingual Italian friends perform. There is no doubt that personally meeting and/or performing for the Italians has a great impact. Waiters and hotel managers love our students because they are thoughtful and friendly. Respect for other cultures brings peace and tolerance.

Any feedback from local agencies or organizations about Nyack students?

They are welcomed back every year, and this coming year are invited to serve a meal for the needy in Siena and minister there.

What is the most memorable/transformational moment one of your students may have experienced?

Students constantly refer to the amazing Christian culture which allowed the Italians to build, paint, sculpt, and even govern with reference to the life and teachings of Christ. The dedication of the artists and architects goes beyond skill. It is a very real hymn of praise to our God. I hear those sentiments again and again.

Global Literature in the City of Venice, Dr. Kevin Pinkham

What was the students' interaction with the local community (if any), and what impact did that have on their learning?

The students interacted with the local community in a variety of ways, mostly relating to commerce (restaurants, tourism, etc.) In Venice, the greatest interaction with locals was during and after mass at the Church of Saint Job (San Giobbe), where we had the opportunity to worship with and talk to local people. In Siena, we were shown around the city by the Talleys' friend Mauro, and most of us spent one evening in the meeting hall of the Turtle Contrada, enjoying dinner with the local residents. These events were transformative. For example, one student, a worship pastor in his church, realized that he had a lot to learn from Catholic church tradition and history that would shape how he led worship in his church. Students were consistently challenged with different situations and attitudes, and often realized that the American way is not the only way--it's sometimes not even the best way.

For many of the students, the interaction with different worldviews, whether they were in church or in the marketplace or in a restaurant, deeply affected their interpretations of our global literature texts and of their understanding of the world. Many of them realized something I learned while working on my master's degree--travel is as good as a Ph.D.

Mrs. Carol Ann Freeman with Mrs. Bonita D'Amil and Dr. Marie Kenote

Destination and trip description:

The objective of travel to Hungary is to partner with schools (both Christian and public) and the national church offering academic, but fun English programs focused on conversational English.

Number of participating students, faculty, and staff:

I have been joined on many trips by students, faculty, and staff members of Nyack College. Because the ministry requires some specialized training, the groups that go with me are small to ensure that we are well prepared to teach.

How many times have you traveled to this destination and why was this destination chosen?

March 2016 is my 21st trip to Hungary. My grandparents immigrated from Hungary, and as a child, I was very influenced by their "story" and their concern for Eastern Europe. When I was a student at ATS (2005-2008) in the Intercultural Studies program, my advisor very wisely told me that I could not minister to the whole of Eastern Europe, but that I needed to specialize in just one country. To choose Hungary was natural because it is my heritage which has proven helpful to my work. My maiden name is uniquely Hungarian (Balogh), and mentioning that name provides a point of commonality and conversation.

What is unique/distinctive about this trip?

Because the groups are small, we are more able to immerse ourselves in the Hungarian culture. We take public transportation, do our shopping for food and supplies at the local stores, worship at national churches; and many times, are hosted by Hungarians in their homes. This adds depth to the experience.

Also, the Hungarian language is very different from English. I have never had anyone go with me who was not stunned by the complexity of the language. But if you are interested in linguistics, the Hungarian language is one to study--and maybe you should go to Hungary and experience it firsthand!

What was the interaction with the local community, and what impact did that have on you?

The primary interaction is that of English teachers specializing in interactive programs with children and conversational English for adults. Parents are especially appreciative of people who work for the good of their children. Adults are thankful for a classroom climate where they can practice English in a comfortable, supportive environment. The Hungarians have a respect for teachers and a tradition of thanking them. I am always overwhelmed by their appreciation. They do not take educational opportunities for granted, and I have learned that the opportunity to study and learn is a privilege and blessing which has caused me to be a better student and teacher.

Any feedback from local agencies or organizations about your trip?

I think the most telling feedback from the schools and churches we have taught at is that each year the programs grow more and more. One site faces the problem of turning children away because there simply isn't enough room for them. Another site (a Christian school) has had the summer English program bring new students into their school. A teacher from a small village school told me that my visits to her classroom help the students realize that there really is a reason to learn English! One of the purposes of my upcoming trip is to dialogue with ministry partners at each of these sites to discuss ways to have their programs grow while still maintaining the quality.

What is the most memorable/transformational moment one of your students or you may have experienced?

I once had a student go with me who was convinced that Europe had "had its chance" and "had turned away from God"; therefore, outreach or mission to Europe was not justified. At the conclusion of the trip, touched by all that she saw and experienced, she changed her thinking to be that regardless of who we are, we are all in need of God's grace, and we are blessed to be called to use our gifts to participate in extending that grace where God sends us.

What are your future plans?

I'll be graduating from Nyack College's MSEd in TESOL online program this coming May. I feel that I've been very well equipped by ATS's missions degree, and NC's TESOL degree to develop TESOL curriculum specific to outreach or the mission field that combines English, the creative arts, and the gospel. I remain committed to the work in Hungary. It will be the place where I first present my materials, and through the experience and with the insight of Hungarian nationals, adjust them for other English teachers to use.

UPCOMING GS-L TRIPS

MEXICO

Missions Outreach from a Business Perspective,

Dr. James Muckell and Dr. Gordon Boronow

For seven years, Nyack College has offered global service-learning trips to Mexico that have not only contributed to the well-being of many Mexican people, but have also helped transform Nyack students into global-minded Christian citizens.

A May 2016 business course (BUS 382), "Missions Outreach from a Business Perspective," taught by Dr. James Muckell and Dr. Gordon Boronow, will be sponsored by the School of Business and Leadership. The group will leave the week of May 9. While details are being finalized, interested students can still apply to participate and learn more by visiting the Global Service-Learning website.

Teams of Nyack students and faculty have already accomplished the following in Mexico: they have built a children's home/orphanage that is soon to become operational; established a fledgling micro-finance program that is helping several pastors/businessmen serve the Lord; helped a Christian bookstore become automated and better equipped to serve the needs of the community; and have met with Mexican business owners on every trip.

New opportunities that await the Nyack team include bringing the gospel of Jesus Christ to the people of the Yucatan Peninsula; building a church to house a growing congregation in a village of 12,000 people deep in the Yucatan jungle; and bringing the gospel to children. Many times, the parents respond positively to the message because their children have been moved to respond.

Through the generosity of Nyack's own Assistant Professor of Business, Dr. Gordon Boronow, a $500 stipend will be provided by his Titus Foundation for each student who participates. For more information on GS-L trips, contact the Global Service-Learning Office at (845) 675-4528 or (845) 675-4525 or by email at Scott.Reitz@nyack.edu or gslassist@nyack.edu.

This content was provided by Nyack's Associate Professor of Accounting James Muckell.

CUBA

Divine Healing in Cuba, January 5-14, 2017

Dr. Ron and Dr. Wanda Walborn

God is doing new things in Cuba! Join Dr. Ron Walborn and Dr. Wanda Walborn in Havana, Cuba along with over 50 local pastors and leaders for Divine Healing. Experience teaching sessions, ministry times, and connecting with local culture and church.

What are Nyack/ATS students saying about their GS-L experiences? Click here to hear student GS-L testimonies!

FACULTY HIGHLIGHT

Dr. Lars Frandsen | Professor of Music, Manhattan Campus

What brought you to Nyack College?

Eleazer Rodriguez, a colleague and former student of mine pursued his graduate studies with me at Brooklyn College, where I have taught since 1997. He introduced me to Drs. Sue and Dana Talley. We immediately got along, and the rest is history, as they say.

What makes you most proud of the Nyack students you teach?

Many of our students at Nyack College have overcome tremendous obstacles in their lives. Frankly, our students have better stories to tell than students in other music colleges. In any small way that I can, I am proud to contribute to our mutual understanding of how to communicate better through music. A significant aspect of the music program at Nyack College is that it is rooted in musical performance rather than in music academia. Some years ago, I was given an almost free hand by Nyack's insightful and forward-looking leadership to create a music theory curriculum that would enhance the performing ability and communicative skills of our music majors, rather than treating music theory as the independent academic discipline to which it is often relegated in other institutions. It has been a remarkable ride for me. The incorporation of the combined and shared musical backgrounds of our students into our theory curriculum has been a profound and humbling educational experience for all of us. Like riding a bicycle, any academic program needs constant forward momentum and course correction to stay upright.

What is the most fulfilling about teaching music?

I think all teachers live for the "aha" moment--that point when a student "gets it." A faculty member needs to strive continually to break down into simple terms something that is traditionally viewed as hard and unyielding. I just love those moments!

What has been your most defining career moment, and among your many accomplishments, which one makes you most fulfilled?

Graduating from London's Royal Academy of Music as a postgraduate candidate was arguably the musical achievement that was hardest to predict by those who have known me since the beginning of my musical career. I cannot possibly take credit for that myself. Like everything in my life, I must defer to Divine Providence on that one. **I am obviously thrilled to have been invited, now as an alumnus, to give a lecture at the Royal Academy in March.

**EDITOR'S NOTE: Dr. Frandsen will be traveling to London as a visiting professor at his alma mater, the Royal Academy of Music, and will also lecture at University of Surrey, March 17-19. Dr. Frandsen graduated from the Royal Academy of Music and from Yale University. He earned his doctorate at the Eastman School of Music.

What is your favorite Nyack College/ATS experience?

Hearing presentations by Dr. Scales at faculty assemblies reaffirms my greater purpose at Nyack, but I have also laughed so hard internally at presentations by Dr. Jennings that I felt I had to either leave the room or burst right open. It is certainly an achievement to be able to present numbers that way! Since my own field of music theory requires plenty of number-crunching, I have (secretly, until now) been quite envious of the oratorical skills of Dr. Jennings.

What is your favorite food?

I am vegan. Fruit is high on my list.

Latest interesting read?

Axel Munthe's San Michele. I have read it every year since I was seventeen. My dad gave it to me at a crucial time in my life. It has been with me ever since.

Unknown talent or interesting fact about yourself?

Pretty much all my time away from music is spent on two wheels: I am an avid fitness cyclist. I was a gymnast with lofty aspirations as a kid and I guess I never quite forgot what a joy it is to be active and healthy. I am probably best known to my colleagues as someone who arrives, year-round, for faculty assemblies and committee meetings in a bicycling outfit.

FACULTY HIGHLIGHT

Prof. Kristen A. Luba | Director of Assessment for the School of Education,

Rockland Campus

What brought you to Nyack?

I have been at Nyack since the last century (Fall of 1996), coming initially as a college freshman and then staying as staff and then faculty. I guess you could say that the voice of God brought me to Nyack. As a senior in high school, I spent time praying about the future God had planned for me. One night as I was praying I asked, "Where do you want me to go to college?" and almost before I finished the question the answer "Nyack" came. Daring to ask another question, "What do you want me to do with my life?" Again, an almost interrupting response came as "Missionary." My imagination took me to remote villages on the other side of the world and I did not want to be there alone, so I inquired a third time, "Where will I meet my husband?" The answer was again "Nyack." At that point the only college application I submitted was to Nyack College and I felt at home from the very first time I stepped on campus. Just in case you're dying to know, I did meet my husband at ATS in Nyack and we are missionaries both locally and abroad (http://www.betaisrael.org).

What is your favorite Nyack College/ATS experience?

There have been so many little favorites that it is hard to choose. I suppose my favorite experience is just to have been given the opportunity to "grow up" here. I arrived at 17 years old and experienced college with people from so many different walks of life. I gained confidence in my abilities as a student in the School of Education. I learned how to expand my contributions as an employee and to be stretched in graduate level studies. I experienced getting married and then being a mom three times over. I have learned how to balance work, family, and ministry. I have learned how to do more with fewer resources. And, I have come full circle to now being one of the many people here that give guidance and encouragement to students. It has been a blessing of an experience!

What is your favorite food?

Ethiopian food is fantastic. Try it!

Latest interesting read?

This was a little while ago, but Mideast Beast: The Scriptural Case for an Islamic Antichrist by Joel Richardson. I finished reading it just before ISIS started rising up in the news.

Unknown talent or interesting fact about yourself?

I was recruited to the volleyball team at Nyack College in 1997.

Anything else you would like to include:

Just remember to keep your eyes fixed on God. The journey is directed by Him and, even though it may not take the direction you expect it to take, it will be a good one just because you're taking it with Him.

STAFF HIGHLIGHT

Mr. Gregory Beeman | Director of Institutional Research, Rockland Campus

What brought you to Nyack?

I had this uncommon desire to be a registrar ever since my first year of college. A couple of years prior to arriving, I stopped by ATS on my way to New England and introduced myself to the registrar, at the time noting that I wanted her job someday. She graciously kept my contact info on file, and a couple of years later as she was transitioning out, I received a call for an interview. Being born and raised C&MA probably had something to do with it as well.

What is your favorite Nyack College/ATS experience?

I am currently a student in the D.Min. program. Despite having completed the course work for a program at a different school, I sensed God speaking to me about transferring to ATS (my first time studying at an Alliance school). It has been a transformative experience.

What is your favorite food?

Pretty much anything cooked by someone else.

Latest interesting read?

I'm slowly, almost devotionally, reading through Corrie Ten Boom's Tramp for the Lord. It was casually suggested during a lecture in the first D. Min. residency. She lived an experience in later life that I have always dreamed of, combining simplicity, trust, travel, and speaking.

Unknown talent or interesting fact about yourself?

If there were no God, I would be working for the airlines today. I worked at Delta for five years during grad school, and loved it. If airports had condos, that is where I'd live. I've traveled to fifty states and 33 countries so far.

Anything else you would like to include?

Nyack saved my life six years ago. It is a place of tremendous grace.

STAFF HIGHLIGHT

Ms. Barbara Pierce | Re-enrollment Specialist, Manhattan Campus

2015 Enrollment Services Associate of the Year Recipient

2015 Commitment to Mission Award, Staff Recipient

What brought you to Nyack?

I formerly served in the same church as a former Nyack employee. Upon mentioning to her I was seeking employment, she recommended me for an opening in the Registrar's Office. During the interview process, I was made aware of the wonderful history of Nyack College and its founder, Dr. A.B. Simpson. I knew this was the place where God had sent me.

What is your favorite Nyack College/ATS experience?

In my current position with the Admissions Office, I contact students who have stopped attending Nyack prior to their graduation. During these encounters, I am made aware of many of the struggles of life that our students face. One of my favorites involved a young lady's tenacity to complete her goal of becoming a Nyack College graduate. When she stopped attending school, I tried to reach her by telephone, letters, e-mail--whatever means of communication available to me--all to no avail. I became very concerned, and inquired about her well-being to fellow staff members. Finally, she contacted me and I discovered she was suffering with a severe mental challenge that led to her become institutionalized. Of course she was unable to return to school at that time, but she refused to give up on her dream of graduating. I continued to call, to encourage, and pray for her recovery. She refused to give up, and I refused to let her. She was a beautiful singer, but she had lost her voice--not physically but mentally. Thank God, approximately two years ago, she returned to Nyack to restart her journey to complete her goal. I am so grateful to say she will be participating in our graduation ceremony in May 2016. She has already completed her undergrad degree requirements, and has now entered into a master's program. Not so long ago, she stopped by my office just to say, "Thank You." We shared through tears of thanksgiving how God made all of this possible. Let me not fail to mention, she is singing again!

What is your favorite food?

Any pasta dish

Latest interesting read?

Left to Tell: Discovering God Amidst the Rwandan Holocaust by Immacul�e Ilibagiza

Unknown talent or interesting fact about yourself?

I love to sing, and I am not so bad! I serve as assistant pastor of my church.

Don't be shy...send us your good news!

Please send your latest achievements including books published, research completed, honors received from professional organizations, fellowships awarded, oversight or development of service-learning projects, and work with community organizations to Erica Videc at Erica.Videc@nyack.edu.

Please provide details (who, what, where, when, why) and the significance of news in relationship to our core values, where possible. High resolution digital photos that you can share for publication are welcome. (Please note: copy may be edited for length.)

Don't forget...you're invited to submit information to the "Life After Hours...On My Time Clock" section of Class Act. We want to hear about the books you've read; fun vacations you've taken; cooking/baking skills (share your recipes); family tree updates; good habits; and unknown talents. Share your good news with us!

Join the Nyack College Alumni Facebook group or the Alliance Theological Seminary Alumni Facebook group to connect with classmates and receive important updates on alumni news, upcoming events, and campus happenings!

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