The Magazine of Elizabethtown College
Spring 2026
Dear ETOWN readers,
Welcome to ETOWN, our annual magazine offering a vibrant look at the extraordinary work, achievements, and momentum shaping Elizabethtown College today.
Following the celebration of the College’s 125th anniversary, we feel more energized than ever as we prepare to embark on Etown’s next strategic plan, launching later this year. This bold roadmap will center on academic excellence, innovation, and our enduring commitment to Educate for Service — ensuring a transformative impact for generations to come.
In this edition, you’ll learn more about our fundraising campaign to Build Brighter Futures for students — an initiative to remove financial barriers and increase access to our transformational educational experience. You’ll also find highlights from across our engaged community, including academic, athletic, and alumni updates that showcase the depth and pride of the Etown experience. In addition, we spotlight the Career Development Center and the many ways we are equipping students to graduate with clear, confident plans for achieving their professional and personal goals.
Together, these stories reflect the heart of Elizabethtown College: a community committed to purpose, progress, and possibility. We invite you to explore this edition, celebrate our shared successes, and join us as we continue building a bright and purposeful future for Etown.
Blue Jays. Always.
Elizabeth A. Rider, Ph.D.
President
Across Campus
News & notes about exciting facility updates and transformative new spaces on campus.
Music Therapy Center
Dedicated during 2025 Homecoming & Family Weekend, the Music Therapy Center in Leffler Chapel and Performance Center serves as a hub for experiential learning, clinical training, and community engagement. Students gain hands-on experience by planning and leading therapy sessions during supervised practicums with community clients. An observation area, designed in collaboration with Information & Technology Services, allows sessions to be viewed through a video feed, supporting first-year lab instruction. The center also hosts faculty-led sessions and plans to expand offerings for both the local community and campus.
Stauffer Courts
A full renovation of Elizabethtown College’s tennis courts was completed in the summer of 2025, bringing significant upgrades to the facility, which included a new asphalt surface, updated nets and posts, resurfaced and repainted courts, upgraded fencing, and branded wind screens. Court spacing was also adjusted to allow for the addition of two pickleball courts. The project was funded entirely through generous donor support, including Tennis alumni Randy Stauffer ’76, Jeff Stauffer ’80, and Dr. Gurtej Singh ’01, and the estate of Martin Heilman ’63.
High Auditorium for Collaborative Learning
The recently renovated auditorium in the Steinman Center, formerly the Brinser Lecture Room, was reimagined as a cutting-edge academic and event space where collaboration and creative ideas can take center stage. Completed in September 2025, the 1,800-square-foot space, now named the High Auditorium for Collaborative Learning, features state-of-the-art technology upgrades and a refreshed look. Made possible through the generous support of the High Foundation, the George I. Alden Trust, and alumna Nancy Hahn ’81, the auditorium now honors distinguished alumnus S. Dale High ’63, H’93, H’25, P’86, Chair Emeritus of High Industries Inc. and High Real Estate Group LLC.
The Marketplace
The Marketplace received a major refresh in time for the start of the 2025-26 academic year, with updates focused on enhancing and expanding seating areas to create an improved dining experience for all. The redesigned space better supports connection among students, faculty, and staff, making The Marketplace an inviting place to gather, eat, and build community. New furniture, flooring, and lighting, along with fresh paint and updated branding, have given the space a modern look and feel.
Golf Simulator Room
A former racquetball court in Thompson Gym has been transformed into a state-of-the-art golf simulator room, featuring advanced technology, putting surfaces, and the ability to play virtual rounds on famous courses from around the world. The upgrade allows the College’s Men’s and Women’s Golf teams to practice year-round, enhancing skill development and on-course performance. The project was made possible entirely through the generosity of alumni, parents, and friends of the program.
New Turf Field Launching 2026–27
Beginning in the summer of 2026, the College will install a new synthetic turf surface on the Ira R. Herr Field, continuing the storied legacy of a space that has served as a cornerstone of Blue Jay athletics and the home of Etown’s Men’s and Women’s Soccer programs for more than five decades. The upgrade will allow for year-round use, advance sustainability goals, and expand opportunities for NCAA, club, and intramural sports, as well as community events.
Dogs
in the
Dell
A student-led service dog training program making a paws-itive impact
By Brad Weltmer
Leash in hand, and her faithful, furry friend in tow, Samantha Machmer ’25, OTD’27, led Farmer, the black Labrador retriever with a big brain and spunky personality, for a walk — just as she has done countless times since she began raising him as a service dog in training on Elizabethtown College’s campus during her junior year.
This walk in early August of 2025 was different. Much shorter, but far more meaningful. It marked an emotional, yet celebratory, conclusion to a three-year journey that surpassed Machmer’s most ambitious dreams. Farmer was graduating from the Susquehanna Service Dogs (SSD) program in a ceremony at Dauphin County Technical School in Harrisburg, Pa. Through happy tears, Machmer ceremoniously “passed the leash” to Farmer’s forever partner, signaling the start of his new life as a service dog.
“The ceremony was super emotional, but it was the perfect reminder of why I chose to be a raiser in the SSD program,” Machmer, who earned her bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences from Etown in May 2025, said. “We took graduation pictures together before he left. He did not love his cap as much as I did, but I thought it was very cute, and it means a lot to have those memories of us both taking big steps forward in our lives.”
During her sophomore year, Machmer persistently advocated to the Office of Residence Life to adopt a program that would allow students to raise service dogs on campus. As an Occupational Therapy (OT) major attending the College through the prestigious Stamps Scholars Program, she knew there were hurdles to overcome, but saw a natural fit within Etown’s Educate for Service motto.
“I wouldn’t take no for an answer,” Machmer said. “But as the year went on, I also shifted the way I presented the program and focused more on the benefits it could provide for the College. We were able to come to an understanding of how the program would fit into the College’s culture of service and community, and the pilot program was given the green light at the perfect time for me to become Farmer’s raiser.”
Farmer joined Machmer in Schlosser Residence Hall during the fall of her junior year as part of a pilot program through SSD — a non-profit based in Grantville, Pa., that utilizes volunteers like Machmer to raise and train service dogs for individuals with disabilities. The organization also trains facility dogs, detection dogs, in-home service dogs, skilled companions, and more.
“Dogs raised on college campuses see so many different people in a day that they would not see living in a typical residential situation, and this teaches them neutrality and calm behavior in big crowds — a vital skill for service dogs.”SAMANTHA MACHMER ’25, OTD’27
The duo quickly became a favorite on campus, which provided an ideal setting for service dog training.
“Our campus offers a huge range of unique situations, from living in residence halls with lots of neighbors to classrooms with desks for dogs to practice settling under, to dining halls with delicious smells for the dogs to learn to ignore,” Machmer said.
Two years later, the program — now known as Dogs in the Dell — continues to thrive with four current puppy raisers on campus and three alumni dogs. In addition to Farmer, graduates of the typical 18-to-20 month program include Cannoli, a yellow Labrador raised by Criminal Justice major Leandra McMahon ’26, who is currently training with the ATF for detection work.
“We’ve found that the dogs raised through our Campus Puppy Raising Programs adapt well to new environments, an essential trait for assistance dogs that will accompany their partners nearly everywhere,” Deb Tack, Executive Director at Susquehanna Service Dogs, said. “SSD is pleased to partner with Elizabethtown College and students to raise these life-changing dogs and serve and support our communities.”
Etown puppy raisers have represented a wide range of majors. In addition to bringing their dogs to class, some students have worked with faculty to integrate the dogs into their curriculum. Madelyn Nicholas ’27, OTD’29, began bringing Corgan, her golden retriever service dog in training, to her OT 310 - Occupations and Activity Analysis course early in her training experience. Corgan became a part of lesson plans, including an occupational analysis project.
“It was helpful getting to learn this activity by example and led me to better understand the topics we were learning,” Nicholas said. “I think everyone in my class would agree that the way my professor utilized Corgan helped us learn the material. Having Corgan in class also helped him learn to sit for a period of time while I was busy and couldn’t focus on him.”
Avonlea Lechleitner ’28, a Biotechnology major, began raising Calvin, a black Labrador, in the fall and brings him to nearly every lecture to help him build social and behavioral skills.
Raising Calvin has been a rewarding experience for Lechleitner, who said the process has helped her become more patient, adaptable, and reflective — qualities that will serve her well in her future career in medicine.
“Raising Calvin has allowed me to draw connections to patient care and advocacy,” Lechleitner said. “Patients can’t always verbalize their needs. Recognizing nonverbal cues helps build trust. I’m so excited to see Calvin continue to grow, learn, and change a life through his future partnership.”
Campus interest in Dogs in the Dell has soared, far exceeding expectations. Machmer, along with fellow past raisers McMahon and Social Work major Kaitlyn Wickenheiser ’26, has grown the program through involvement in Etown traditions like the Homecoming Parade and Tree-Lighting Ceremony. They also host de-stressing events and student volunteer opportunities. Open-campus meetings that started with a handful of attendees have since expanded to regularly draw more than 100 participants.
Students don’t have to be raisers to get involved. They can serve as puppy sitters for on- and off-campus SSD dogs or join service events like a September 2025 toy-making session that resulted in the donation of hundreds of dog toys to SSD.
The program also offers educational opportunities. During the annual Careers Night, Dogs in the Dell filled the Baugher Student Center’s Jay Lounge with 13 SSD dogs and their volunteer raisers, who shared insights into the career paths of service dogs in training.
“I am so proud of how far this program has come,” Machmer said. “It felt like a dream to imagine even just one dog in training on campus, let alone such a large group of students who support our mission. We truly have a village behind us helping these dogs be the best they can be for future partners.”
For Machmer, the experience reshaped her academic journey and reaffirmed her career path as a future occupational therapist. Her Honors in the Discipline research centers around campus-based puppy raising, and her capstone will explore its impact on college students. After graduation, she hopes to continue working with service dogs and exploring how they can be integrated into OT.
A recent lunch with Farmer brought the experience full circle. Machmer saw just how much her faithful, furry friend had grown during advanced training — a moment made clear when Farmer ignored a piece of chicken that fell to the restaurant floor.
“He never moved, he didn’t even look at it,” Machmer said. “He stayed focused on his partner and continued to do his job. It’s clear he loves his partner so much. He was excited to see me again, but the two of them are soulmates. Everything worked out exactly as it was meant to be for Farmer.”
Launched in April of 2025, Build Brighter Futures: The Scholarship Campaign for Etown Students is the most ambitious scholarship fundraising initiative in the College’s history. The campaign aims to raise $40 million to support students in reaching their full potential and to open doors for generations to come. Blue Jays thrive through meaningful experiences and strong support, all rooted in a student-centered education that delivers transformative outcomes in both career and life. Meet just a few of the many remarkable Etown students whose scholarship support is helping them become the compassionate leaders and changemakers the world needs more of.
“This campaign will help ensure future students gain access to the transformational Etown education experience.”PRESIDENT BETTY RIDER, PH.D.
Student Voices: Scholarship Recipients
Ariel Abbott ’26
Coatesville, Pa. • Graphic Design Major • Marketing Minor
Robert ’74 and Karen Rigg Chester County Futures Scholarship“My scholarship has given me a sense of security and allowed me to cherish my time at Elizabethtown College. I would like to wholeheartedly thank the Riggs for their continued support of my education and well-being.”
Thanks to generous scholarship support, Ariel Abbott ’26 has the financial stability to make the most of her Etown experience. As a first-generation college student, Ariel is thriving, both in and out of the classroom, and taking advantage of all of the opportunities being presented to her. That includes a once-in-a-lifetime study abroad trip to Japan, where she immersed herself in the culture and found creative inspiration for a future career in graphic design.
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I chose Etown because I loved the welcoming campus community. Etown’s small campus feels very comforting because it’s easy to get from one place to another, and everyone at the College is very kind and open-minded.
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During my sophomore year, I completed an internship at a local graphic design business called Lola Love Letter. One of my tasks was to assist in painting murals, and included helping with a project for a client in New York City! It was really fun traveling to the city, and a lot of hard work because it was completed in a day. Through this internship, I learned a lot about managing a small business, time management, and utilizing my painting and design skills.
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My experiences in the classroom as a Graphic Design major have enhanced my social and professional experience at Etown. My professors have taught me a lot about the ins and outs of design and business, and how it is applied to the real world. I’ll be able to take what I learned about creating compelling designs, utilizing design programs, and communicating creative concepts to benefit my future graphic design career.
Marvellous Alagbe ’28
Lancaster, Pa. • Mathematical Business Major • Minors in Data Analytics, Business Administration, and Family Business and Entrepreneurship
John W. Gross Jr. Memorial "Above and Beyond" Scholarship | Professor Ronald ’62 and Sandra Shubert Math Direct Award Scholarship | Donald B. and Dorothy L. Stabler Scholarship“Scholarships have allowed me to focus more fully on my academic goals. Thank you to my scholarship donors for your investment in my education and future.”
By stepping into leadership roles and embracing every facet of campus life, Marvellous Alagbe ’28 is pushing beyond her comfort zone and excelling as a driven Mathematical Business major and aspiring actuary. The scholarship support she receives eases her financial burden and empowers her to focus fully on her academic goals, while still making the most of every opportunity on campus.
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I’m a member of the Honors program, as well as Alpha Lambda Delta — Etown’s first-year honor society chapter. I work in Dining Services, am a Blue Jay Ambassador, and am a Resident Assistant for Founders Residence Hall. I serve as a Mosaic Scholar, a Peace and Global Scholar for the Center for Global Understanding and Peacebuilding, and an Ubuntu Mentor. Around campus, I’m also involved in many clubs and hold a leadership position as vice president for Noir (Black Student Union).
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I am proud of getting out of my comfort zone. Being in different clubs and cabinet positions, serving as a mentor, tour guide, and a resident assistant, and working at The Marketplace dining hall while completing schoolwork and studying for actuarial exams are things I didn’t think I could do all at the same time. I’m proud of how I have been able to juggle everything.
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My Etown experience has pushed me to grow academically, professionally, and personally while staying actively engaged in campus life. My experiences on campus have also allowed me to strengthen my communication, leadership, and teamwork skills — qualities that are essential for an actuarial career.
Hailey Erickson ’26
Lock Haven, Pa. • Occupational Therapy Major • Psychology Minor
Jeff T. Jacoby ’85 Scholarship | Howard W. and Margie F. Henry Scholarship“Scholarship support has allowed me to stay focused on my academics and fully engaged at Etown. Thank you for supporting my dream, while helping me and others live life to the fullest.”
When the stress of finances became overwhelming, scholarship support gave Hailey Erickson ’26 the peace of mind she needed to stay focused on academics and fully engaged in meaningful activities at Etown. A senior Occupational Therapy major, Hailey’s time at the College has been marked by impactful experiences, including a service trip to Vietnam to provide therapy training for caregivers in the community and supplies to help families in need.
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I chose Etown because of the College’s amazing and welcoming Occupational Therapy program, which immediately made me feel supported and valued. The program offers countless opportunities for hands-on learning, leadership, and service that align perfectly with my personal values and career goals.
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I serve in several leadership positions across campus, including president of HOPE Club (Helping Orphans Prosper Everywhere) and Service Chair of SOTA (Student Occupational Therapy Association). I’m a member of the Honors program and work as a Lead Events Coordinator for the Office of Student Activities. Away from campus, I volunteer with the organization Brittany’s Hope and am also a Direct Support Professional through United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) of Central Pennsylvania.
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After college, I aspire to become a pediatric occupational therapist working with children and young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder, helping them develop life skills that support independence and participation in daily life. My Etown experience has supported my career goals through hands-on learning and meaningful leadership experiences. This includes an opportunity to travel to Vietnam, which was a deeply meaningful experience that strengthened my cultural competence, better prepared me to work with clients from diverse backgrounds, and reinforced my passion for service. I’ve also taken part in unique fieldwork that’s strengthened my leadership, advocacy, and clinical skills.
Zach Kleinfelter ’27
Exeter Township, Pa. • Political Science Major • Communications Minor
Bonner Leader Program“The Bonner Leader Program has had a tremendous impact on my time at Elizabethtown College and has given me long-lasting professional connections and necessary workplace skills.”
Service has played a leading role in Zach Kleinfelter’s ’27 Etown experience, thanks in part to the Bonner Leader Program and the Excelsior Scholarship, which is awarded to students who graduate at the top of their high school class. As a Bonner Leader, he has benefited from an immersive four-year internship at Midwest Food Bank in nearby Middletown, Pa., where he supports the organization through on-site leadership initiatives. His civic leadership also extends to campus, where he leads various service initiatives through Etown’s Center for Community and Civic Engagement.
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I chose to attend Etown because of the opportunities that the College presented to me, including the Bonner Leader Program and the Semester in Washington, D.C. program, where I developed a better grasp of careers in the political science field. Also, out of every college that I visited, Etown’s campus just felt right to me. It did not take long for my decision to be validated.
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I plan to attend law school and, from there, work for an advocacy organization. I would love to help people fight for good causes, and being their lawyer in that fight is the best fit for my skill set.
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As a Political Science major, I believe that my courses have given me a deep understanding of the American political system and helped prepare me for law school, especially the many law-focused classes I’ve taken. I also gained hands-on experience through Etown’s Summer Creative Arts and Research Program (SCARP), working with Dr. Nathan Gibson. For more than two months, I lived the life of a political scientist with real results to show for it. Our research on the history of U.S. Senate staffers and how they affect Congressional polarization marked the beginning of what we hope will be an insightful addition to political science literature.
Jonah Pertet ’28
Sinking Spring, Pa. • Engineering Major, Environmental Engineering Concentration
Clarence Schock Memorial Scholarship | Donald B. and Dorothy L. Stabler Scholarship | Martin Limestone Corporation Scholarship“Knowing that others believe in me motivates me to work as hard as I can both in the classroom and on the field.”
Scholarship support made Jonah Pertet’s ’28 Etown journey possible and allowed him to attend the one school he truly wanted to call home. As an Engineering major and student-athlete on the Men’s Lacrosse team, Jonah is focused on excelling both on and off the field, without the added financial pressure on him or his family.
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I chose Etown because of the welcoming environment and sense of community on campus. From the moment I arrived, I felt supported and valued, which made it clear that this was a place where I could succeed both academically and personally.
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Being a member of the Men’s Lacrosse team is something that I am very proud of. This experience will help me in my life after college because I have learned how to be a leader and part of a team, which are incredibly important skills to have as an engineer.
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The accomplishment I am most proud of is making the Dean’s List during both semesters of my first year at Etown. This achievement reflects the hard work and dedication I put into balancing challenging coursework, athletics, and adjusting to college life.
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Etown’s Engineering program has helped me gain a better understanding of what it truly means to be an engineer. The coursework and hands-on experiences have taught me how to think critically, work through complex problems, and approach challenges in a structured and effective way that will prepare me for success in my future career.
Build a Brighter Future
by creating a scholarship or high-impact learning fund. Contact Institutional Advancement at ia@etown.edu or 800-877-9658 to learn more or create a scholarship today.
Learn More
Renewed Million Dollar Match
Expands Signature Learning Experiences for Students
Building on the success of Etown’s 2025 Million Dollar Match initiative, the College recently launched a new Million Dollar Match to expand student access to a transformative Etown education through the creation of 20 new $50,000 Signature Learning Experiences (SLE) funds.
SLEs provide Elizabethtown College students with personalized, hands-on experiences that serve as the cornerstone of how they learn, grow, and lead beyond the classroom. SLEs include Internship, Practicum, or Field Placement; Supervised Research; Capstone Course, Project, or Development Portfolio; Cross-Cultural Experience; and Community-Based Learning.
Through a generous $500,000 challenge fund provided by Dusty Putnam ’72 and fellow donors, this new opportunity will double $25,000 SLE commitments, dollar for dollar.
Alumnus Rod Chamberlain ’74 and his wife, Anne, utilized the new Million Dollar Match initiative to create The Dr. D. Rodney Chamberlain ’74 and Rev. Anne Findlay-Chamberlain Student Teacher Fund, which will support Etown students who are completing a student teaching placement.
For Rod and Anne, who both began their professional careers as teachers, it was an easy choice to establish a fund to assist Education majors in this essential capstone experience.
“We learned the importance and impact of full-time student teaching field experiences,” Chamberlain said. “We also lived out the challenge of making ends meet while we were engaged in these important pre-service experiences.”
Chamberlain noted that many Etown alumni have shared with him the ways that the College helped them, and in turn, helped the communities in which they now live.
“Supporting student scholarships — and especially these types of powerful learning experiences — is an investment in both the individual and society,” Chamberlain said. “It makes sense for each of us to step up now through these scholarships and to live out our calling to Educate for Service.”
“Making real-world educational opportunities available to every Blue Jay is at the core of what we do at Etown. We are thankful for the donors who have taken advantage of this unique opportunity and established impactful funds. They are truly enabling our students to learn and thrive outside of the classroom.”Brian Falck ’95
Vice President for Institutional Advancement
The match is only available to first-time endowment donors, and a $25,000 commitment in the form of an outright gift or a multi-year pledge is required. Gifts can be made through cash, stocks or other securities, a donor-advised fund, or an IRA-qualified charitable distribution. Each donor/household is eligible for one match.
JOIN US in helping students apply their knowledge and solve real-world problems.
Double your impact by contacting
ia@etown.edu or 800-877-9658 Learn More
Educating Educators
How Elizabethtown College shapes educators — and educational leaders
By Austin CrullAsk an Elizabethtown College graduate working in the field of education, whether it be a classroom, school, or community program, and you’ll find a common thread quickly emerges: teaching is not as much about the knowledge you impart, rather the relationships you build. Whether an alumnus studied education, communications, business, or entirely different majors, many graduates have found themselves leading as teachers, principals, superintendents, founders of early learning centers, and even college presidents. Blue Jays are shaping learners of all ages with a commitment that education is most nobly used in service to others.
This supportive culture of teaching starts with those who are educating these future educators, the faculty. In 2026, U.S. News & World Report ranked Elizabethtown College sixth among Regional Universities in the North — and first in Pennsylvania — for Best Undergraduate Teaching. This ranking focuses on institutions where the faculty is deeply committed to teaching students in a high-quality manner. At Etown, alumni say this recognition affirms their experience, regardless of when they attended.
Photo credit: Valparaiso University
“What sets Etown apart for me is its individualized attention to each student learner — meeting them where they are, helping them grow academically and personally, fostering maturity and confidence.”Mark Heckler '77
former President of Valparaiso University (2008-2020)
As someone who spent the latter part of his career evaluating teaching quality and overseeing the development of academic programs and now serves on the Elizabethtown College Board of Trustees, Heckler identifies Etown’s strength as its commitment to the students walking the campus.
That emphasis permeates all levels and areas of the education system. For Janice Holsinger ’64, P’84, P’85, an Education major at Etown and founder of the early childhood development center U-GRO, the seeds of her life’s work were planted early. Her approach to education is centered on positivity, motivation, and building strong relationships with each child.
“One of the keys to U-GRO all those years was finding each child’s niche, finding out what they like to do.”Janice Holsinger ’64, P’84, P’85
Founder, U-GRO Learning Centres
That philosophy guided Holsinger’s 50-year career at U-GRO, and that of her son Greg Holsinger ’84, a Business Administration major, who took over as president and CEO until 2021.
Across disciplines, alumni consistently point to close-knit faculty relationships as being inspiring and transformational. Etown’s own research, conducted following the notable Gallup-Purdue University study referred to as “The Big Six” on college graduation outcome factors, reaffirms this crucial level of support.
Phil Gale ’93, who majored in Social Studies Secondary Education at Etown and is now superintendent of the Penn Manor School District in Lancaster County, Pa., said his professors modeled the kind of educator he aspired to become.
“Through the learning process my professors led me through, I gained a significant appreciation for the impact a teacher can have on a student.”Phil Gale ’93
Superintendent of the Penn Manor School District
That understanding of the importance of relational teaching has shaped every step of his career, from classroom teacher to principal, and now as superintendent.
For those who majored in Education, Etown’s impact has had award-winning results. Jenna DiEleuterio ’11 earned her bachelor’s in Elementary Education and was named 2026 Delaware Teacher of the Year. DiEleuterio, a middle school reading specialist in the Brandywine School District in Wilmington, Del., describes her undergraduate experience at Etown as mirroring the realities of today’s classrooms and equipping students with applicable skills.
“In my special education block, we completed Functional Behavioral Assessments, analyzed Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills (DIBELS) data, and dove deeply into Response to Intervention practices,” DiEleuterio said. “This work provided incredible preparation for real-world teaching.”
“I strive to create the same kind of human-centered, relationship-driven spaces where people feel safe to grow, explore, and become their best selves.”Jenna DiEleuterio '11
middle school reading specialist, Brandywine School District
Equally important was experience. “I began engaging in education fieldwork in my first year,” DiEleuterio said. “That early immersion signaled to me that Etown truly values hands-on learning.” DiEleuterio attributes her success to the idea that building a connection with a student always comes first.
Ian Daecher ’04, another Elementary Education alum who has seen his career trajectory go from teacher to principal in the Hempfield School District in Lancaster County, Pa., recalls how his professors combined rigorous pedagogy with intentional care. Small class sizes made it possible, he said, for professors to teach students rather than just deliver the lessons.
“Etown has had a lasting impact on me to this day as a principal. I continue to use the mantra of ‘the students that need the most should get the most’ when deciding how to support classrooms.”Ian Daecher ’04
Principal, Hempfield School District
Guiding each alumni experience is Etown’s commitment to Educate for Service. It is a value lived, not stated. Holsinger describes service as something woven into everyday life, whether caring for children or supporting neighbors.
“Educate for Service means that they need to do something for somebody else,” Holsinger said.
Heckler expands that idea to the broader campus experience. Beyond the classroom, he said, Etown cultivates leadership through athletics, the arts, residence life, and student organizations.
“By the time a student graduates, they have been marinated in this community that prioritizes service to community over self,” Heckler said.
Taken together, these experiences reveal why Elizabethtown College has made a name for itself as an institution whose faculty take pride in the teaching of students — and why its impact endures far beyond campus. At Etown, teaching is not simply a profession. It is a commitment to serve others, one learner at a time.
Celebrating Music Therapy and Occupational Therapy at Elizabethtown College
HOW DO YOU MEASURE THE IMPACT OF TWO ELIZABETHTOWN COLLEGE PROGRAMS THAT HAVE BEEN EDUCATING FOR SERVICE FOR HALF A CENTURY?
You start with the people: The trailblazers who turned a vision into reality, the professor-mentors who taught students how to think, and the alumni who carry the College’s motto into their professions as compassionate changemakers.
With an eye toward the future and the desire to expand Etown’s Music Department, Dr. Carl Shull, a longtime professor of music and department chair, began laying the groundwork for a Music Therapy (MT) program in the early 1970s. After several years of planning and coordination with national accrediting organizations, Shull received tentative approval to launch the major in 1973, and Etown officially became just the second higher-education institution in the state to offer MT during the 1975-76 academic year.
Ann Shellenberger Dinsmore ’78, a member of the second graduating class, remembers a time when the program was still finding its footing. With little precedent to guide them, students were asked to be both learners and pioneers.
“As students, we had to find our own clinical placements, and there were no board-certified music therapists to supervise us,” Dinsmore said. “Fifty years later, Etown alumni have established programs throughout the region, and the clinical program remains among the strongest in the country.”
Setting the Standard for Music Therapy Care in the Region
Today, graduates such as Dinsmore, who founded the Masonic Village at Elizabethtown’s MT program in 1999 and served as its supervisor until 2024, have made a lasting impact in the region and beyond. As leaders in health care, education, and community settings, they have established programs that improve client care while expanding employment opportunities. Through deep-rooted Etown connections, these spaces have also become invaluable training grounds for aspiring Blue Jay music therapists.
Over the years, hundreds of Etown students have completed undergraduate clinical practicums and affiliate internships at the nearby Masonic Village, where MT supports residents’ physical, cognitive, and emotional well-being. The program has grown from Dinsmore serving as its single therapist to a staff of eight, including five Etown alumni.
Blue Jays have also left their imprint on healthcare within the region, including Janice Wealand Stouffer ’82, who assisted in establishing the first medical MT program in central Pennsylvania at the Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, where she held a role as the senior music therapist for 37 years. She also helped establish MT in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, using live music to support premature infants’ development and strengthen family bonding.
As coordinator of the MT internship program, Stouffer supervised Etown clinical practicum students and helped countless Blue Jays get their start in the field.
“My classmates and I graduated with that sense of passion for Music Therapy and the belief that we could have a positive impact on people in a variety of settings. I have been fully blessed to work in the field I love for all these years, continually going back to the root of knowing that music can connect with people in ways that give higher function and deeper meaning to our lives.”JANICE WEALAND STOUFFER ’82
SENIOR MUSIC THERAPIST, Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center
For Stouffer, who stepped back from her role in April 2025 and now assists the medical center’s program as needed, her own experience at Etown helped clarify not just a career path, but a lifelong calling.
Alumni have helped redefine patient care in the region through the private sector as well. Melanie Solimeo Walborn ’01 and her colleague Kristyn Beeman founded the clinical practice WB Music Therapy in 2011 to offer individual and group services, early childhood music enrichment classes, and creative-arts-based self-awareness retreats through a person-centered approach to MT.
What started as a two-person practice has grown into a multi-site operation serving more than 250 clients each month through their outpatient locations in Harrisburg, Pa., and Lebanon, Pa.
“We began with an undeniable calling and a belief, albeit shaky, that we could do this; we could be self-employed even though we never took a course in business, marketing, tax liability, or accounting,” Walborn said. “We’ve grown in identifying our personal and professional obstacles and how we best face challenges.”
Over the years, Walborn has employed several fellow alumni — an intentional choice she attributes less to her affinity for the College and more to the professional strengths cultivated through Etown’s MT program.
“Etown graduates continually show an excellent work ethic, a deep love for and dedication to the profession, and readiness for employment,” Walborn said.
With the College exploring the launch of a health care program, President Dr. Morley J. Mays H’77 met with Doris Gordon H’05 in 1971. At the time, Gordon was teaching in the Occupational Therapy (OT) program at the University of Pennsylvania. OT emerged as a natural fit for Etown, whose administration recognized clear parallels between the profession’s service-oriented principles and the College’s values.
Gordon went on to found and chair the Department of Occupational Therapy until 1980. She proved an ideal leader, developing a curriculum grounded in a holistic understanding of human occupation, building relationships with regional clinicians to establish internships, and setting a standard of excellence that has endured for 50 years.
“As rigorous as the academic program was, there was a pride among the earliest students in knowing that what they were studying mattered and that they would become professionals who could make a difference in the world,” Gordon said.
The program received accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy in the 1975– 76 academic year, becoming the first undergraduate OT program in southcentral Pennsylvania. Students quickly embodied Gordon’s vision, including Lori Benner ’76, a member of the program’s first graduating class. Through a connection facilitated by Gordon, Benner began a 45-year career at the Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, where she later served as a longtime manager.
Etown’s people-centered curriculum, emphasizing group dynamics and whole-person care, proved instrumental in Benner’s leadership approach.
“I believe in people, and when you challenge and support them, they often exceed expectations,” said Benner, who also served as a longtime adjunct professor.
During her tenure, Benner witnessed OT at the medical center grow from just a few practitioners to more than 45 and ensured that Etown students were consistently included in clinical opportunities.
“OT is an inclusive profession that looks closely at what motivates people to grow and heal,” she said. “Doris instilled that from the beginning. I can teach skills, but you can’t teach the compassion and passion that Etown drives into its students.”
Empowering Individuals and Families Through Thoughtful Occupational Therapy Care
While working as a director of pediatric OT at an outpatient clinic, Mike Jankowski ’10, MSOT’11, saw firsthand the challenges families faced following a child’s autism diagnosis. Overwhelmed and navigating questions ranging from education options to insurance coverage, he recognized the need for clear support and guidance.
With a goal of meeting families where they are and helping them to navigate their next steps through education and empowerment, Jankowski launched Flow Occupational Therapy in 2019.
“When I’m working with a family, I’m rewarded when they reach a place of relief and no longer feel overwhelmed,” he said. “It’s an honor to help them through a difficult journey by providing hope and structure.”
He began his career in geriatrics at a skilled nursing facility before transitioning to pediatrics, a move that reflects the wide range of paths available in the field. Jankowski encourages students to keep an open mind as they navigate their careers.
“The work we do as occupational therapists is powerful,” Jankowski said. “I encourage Etown students to stay open to where their OT journey may lead.”
Alumna Kristen Hall ’12, MSOT’13, also recognized a gap in care for patients with complex conditions, which led her to found her outpatient rehabilitation practice, Hall Way to Independence in 2024. Based in Fallston, Md., Hall’s home-based model takes an integrative and lifestyle medicine approach to adult and geriatric rehabilitation.
“Hall Way to Independence was born out of a desire to practice OT in a way that aligned with my values: customized, compassionate, and integrative care meeting people where they are,” Hall said.
“Etown emphasized clinical reasoning, ethics, and whole-person care in a way that encouraged curiosity rather than rigid thinking. The program helped me see that OT could be expansive — that there was room to grow, question systems, and build a career that evolves alongside your values.”KRISTEN HALL ’12, M’13
FOUNDER, Hall Way to Independence
From supporting families navigating dementia to helping housebound patients regain independence, Hall’s work reflects a whole-person approach rooted in principles she developed at Etown.
For alumna Susie Martin Touchinsky ’00, OT’s appeal was always rooted in its practicality. Blending art and science, the profession offers countless pathways grounded in a single purpose: helping people do the things that matter most to them. Early in her career, Touchinsky discovered a passion for driver rehabilitation.
In 2018, Touchinsky founded Adaptive Mobility Services in Schuylkill County, Pa., providing evaluations and training for individuals seeking to return to driving after an injury or illness. Her passion for this specialized work is reflected in the stories of transformation she experiences daily, including that of a mother who lost vision in her left eye following a traumatic brain injury from a car accident. The journey ultimately allowed the client to return to driving, reclaim independence, and re-engage fully with work and family life.
“Driving is so often tied to your sense of self and autonomy,” Touchinsky said. “While it may sound simple, it’s actually complex, and I love using all the skills I’ve learned as an OT to help people regain something meaningful.”
Adaptive Mobility Services also provides education for OT practitioners who want to get into the specialized field of driving rehab, and Touchinsky frequently returns to campus to speak with Etown students about entrepreneurship and career development.
“I encourage students to find the professors, mentors, or supervisors who inspire and guide them,” Touchinsky said. “What stood out about my time at Etown is that I left knowing how to think. I was taught to think about the person first, then the condition, and how it all comes together. And if you can do that, you can do OT anywhere.”
Mentoring the Next
Generation of Media
Professionals
Each morning, news anchors Ali Lanyon and Matt Barcaro begin their days long before sunrise, delivering relevant, timely news to thousands of viewers across central Pennsylvania. By the time most people are starting their day, Lanyon, co-anchor of WHTM-TV abc27 News Daybreak, and Barcaro, co-anchor of WGAL-TV’s News 8 Today, have already spent hours on air.
But their mornings don’t end when the cameras turn off. Instead, they continue at Elizabethtown College, where both anchors serve as adjunct faculty members in the College’s Department of Communications. Following their broadcasts, which run from 4:30 to 7 a.m., Lanyon and Barcaro head to campus, bringing real-time news, professional insight, and industry experience directly into the classroom.
“Since some of my lessons draw on current events, while I’m anchoring a show, I am thinking of how to use the news of the day to apply to my students at Etown,” Lanyon said.
Barcaro follows a similar approach, finding value in experiencing the news through the lens of a younger generation. “Media is evolving so quickly, and the students expose me to the latest ways they’re getting information, too,” Barcaro said.
“I love hearing directly from students about how they consume media, because it changes semester to semester.”MATT BARCARO
Co-anchor of WGAL-TV’s News 8 Today
Lanyon arrived at Etown in the fall of 2023, bringing nearly 25 years of professional journalism experience to the classroom. Throughout her career, she has reported on some of the region’s most significant events and produced award-winning segments, earning five Mid-Atlantic Regional Emmy Awards.
At the College, Lanyon has taught Broadcast News and currently teaches Multimedia Journalism, an introductory course designed to help students develop foundational reporting and writing skills in what can often feel like an unfamiliar and intimidating craft.
“It’s incredible when I see growth in a student’s writing from the beginning of the course to the end,” Lanyon said. “I love when a student gets really into a story they’re writing. You can see the spark of creativity come to life, and it’s incredibly rewarding to watch students take pride in their work.”
Lanyon frequently invites professional peers and colleagues to serve as guest speakers, including her abc27 Daybreak co-anchor James Crummel, exposing students to the wide range of career paths available within the media industry. She has organized personal tours of the abc27 studio for her students and invited them to accompany her to the Mid-Atlantic Regional Emmy Awards ceremony, providing an inside look at the professional world they hope to enter.
“It’s super meaningful to me when I learn that a student has found a love of journalism,” Lanyon said. “I’ve had a few students change their major after taking my course and that is an amazing feeling.”
Lanyon brought her Mid-Atlantic Regional Emmy Award for Best Morning Newscast into her Multimedia Journalism class, sharing the excitement of the win with her students.
Barcaro joined Etown in the spring of 2025, bringing 20 years of experience covering a wide range of stories — from hard-hitting documentary specials to uplifting local community features. His work has earned him numerous Mid-Atlantic Regional Emmy Awards, as well as regional Edward R. Murrow Awards and Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasters honors.
Barcaro currently teaches Intro to Communications (COM120), where he guides students on how to think critically about messages that are sent through media, introduces them to various industries and jobs in media, and sharpens their media literacy skills to better assess the accuracy of the content they consume.
“Everyone is a consumer of information, whether it’s from a news article or a post on your TikTok feed,” Barcaro said. “Some information is reliable, but much of it is not. How do you know if the social media post you’re seeing — and possibly sharing — is accurate? I hope to give my students the skills to walk through that process on their own.”
While maintaining a schedule that balances full-time broadcasting and teaching can be demanding, both Lanyon and Barcaro find the experience deeply rewarding — particularly when they see students apply what they’ve learned beyond the classroom.
Journalism major Sal Salomone ’27 experienced that impact firsthand after taking Lanyon’s Multimedia Journalism course during his first year at Etown. With Lanyon’s mentorship and guidance, Salomone secured an internship at abc27 the following summer, where he gained hands-on experience alongside seasoned journalists and helped cover major breaking news events.
“When I began my internship, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to pursue broadcast journalism, but by the end, I couldn’t imagine ever having a different career,” Salomone said. “Professor Lanyon has been an incredible mentor. She has taught me the importance of pursuing meaningful interviews and stepping out of my comfort zone.”
Barcaro similarly finds fulfillment in learning how students apply lessons from his Intro to Communications course to their everyday media consumption.
“It’s been most rewarding to hear students tell me that, because of what they learned in COM120, they’ve started thinking more critically about their online news diets and how they assess the information they read,” Barcaro said. “That will serve them well for the rest of their lives.”
Although their class schedules rarely align, Lanyon and Barcaro share a strong collegial relationship built on mutual respect. The two share an office, and while Lanyon prefers grading from home, she is often greeted with notes and Hershey’s Kisses left by Barcaro, who typically completes his grading on campus.
The two recently connected at the Mid-Atlantic Regional Emmy Awards in September, an occasion that offered a moment to catch up and reflect on their shared commitment to both the newsroom and the classroom.
While their broadcasts reach thousands each morning, the lessons they bring to Elizabethtown College leave a lasting impression on a smaller, but equally meaningful, audience. Through their experience and mentorship, Lanyon and Barcaro help shape the future of media by teaching students how to tell stories effectively and responsibly.
Kelty Oaster ’25
Ben Watson ’23
ExcellenceAcross
Divisions
Discover. Develop. Dedicate.
These are the three pillars of NCAA Division III, aspects of the philosophy that focus on student-athletes’ pursuit of growth, balance, and excellence in both academics and athletics.
“At Elizabethtown College, our coaches clearly see student-athletes as students first and take pride in their academic success alongside their athletic accomplishments,” Kurt DeGoede, Professor of Engineering and Faculty Athletics Representative (FAR), said. “Our faculty embraces athletics not as a competing priority for students, but as a tool that can help them excel academically. That balance of exploration, growth, and disciplined commitment is exactly what the Division III motto looks like in practice at Etown.”
Look no further than recent graduates Ben Watson ’23 and Kelty Oaster ’25, two former students of DeGoede’s who arrived at Etown as under-the-radar recruits and left as standout performers at the Div. III level in baseball and track & field, respectively.
Watson, a star outfielder for Etown’s Baseball team from 2020-23, had interest from other Div. III schools, but wasn’t on the radar for bigger Div. I or II programs.
From the perspective of many Div. I programs, physicality and size are paramount. They were also the factors that initially worked against Watson, despite the fact that he possessed all the skills coaches seek in a player. He could run, hit, and throw.
The opening of the College’s state-of-the-art Bowers Center for Sports, Fitness & Well-Being coincided with Watson’s arrival at the College and played a leading role in his physical development.
“I knew the biggest thing I had to do in order to get to the baseball level I wanted to be at was to change my body,” Watson said.
It wouldn’t take long for that work to turn into impactful success for the Blue Jays.
Watson put together one of the most accomplished baseball careers in recent Etown history, graduating among the program’s career leaders and ranking second in batting average, triples, and home runs. His 85 hits and 63 runs in 2023 set program single-season records as he went on to be named the 2023 Landmark Conference Player of the Year, along with being a First Team All-Conference, All-Region, and All-America outfield selection.
As his résumé on the field continued to grow, Watson was meeting equally high expectations in the classroom as a two-time Landmark Conference Academic Honor Roll honoree.
“Balancing a baseball schedule along with a challenging academic workload was tough, but the Engineering faculty were very supportive,” Watson said. “They gave as much time and effort as needed to help me succeed.”
Watson’s remarkable development during his time with the Blue Jays was rewarded following graduation. With extra eligibility granted due to COVID-19 pandemic-affected seasons, Watson pursued a specialized master’s degree in building construction science and management while competing for the Virginia Tech Baseball team at the Div. I level. He made an immediate impact for the Hokies and put the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) on notice in his first year.
Starting at Elizabethtown College was the best thing for me in my career. Etown allowed me the time I needed to grow as an athlete, student, and person.
Ben Watson ’23 Photo credit: Virginia Tech AthleticsWatson ’23 — Virginia Tech
Watson’s 93 hits in 2024 were a Virginia Tech single-season record and the most hits for the program since 2010. He led the ACC in regular-season batting average at .418 and earned All-ACC Second Team, ABCA/Rawlings Div. I All-Region Second Team, and NCBWA Div. I Third Team All-America honors. He followed up his final collegiate season in 2025 with another 65 hits and eight home runs before Minor League Baseball stints with the Mahoning Valley Scrappers (MLB Draft League) and Washington Wild Things (Frontier League).
“I always told myself that when I was done with my playing career, I would finish with no regrets, and I can confidently say that I accomplished that,” Watson said.
“As a Division III institution, our mission is to develop student-athletes holistically — academically, athletically, and personally,” Chris Morgan ’91, Elizabethtown College Director of Athletics, said. “Seeing Ben earn opportunities at the Division I level speaks to his work ethic, growth, and commitment, as well as the foundation built here at Etown.”
Similar to Watson, Oaster flew under the radar during her college cross country and track & field recruitment. Her senior high school season was disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, costing her a final opportunity to showcase improved times.
During her first year at Etown, Oaster quickly displayed her potential at the 2021 All-Atlantic Region Track & Field Conference Outdoor Championships, winning the 800 meters in 2:13, which was an eye-opening five-second personal best. At the 2022 Landmark Conference Outdoor Track & Field Championships, she made headlines by splitting a sub-:57 second in the 4x400-meter relay.
“That was just at a different level than what ‘2:13 people’ are supposed to be capable of and that’s when I knew she was different,” Brian Falk, Elizabethtown College Director of Cross Country and Track & Field, said.
What most will remember about Oaster’s storied career at Etown are her back-to-back 800-meter national titles at the 2025 NCAA Division III Indoor and Outdoor Track & Field Championships. Behind those wins was a story of resilience.
Oaster dealt with several illnesses and injuries over her Etown career that dramatically altered and affected her availability and training.
“For her to finish fifth at outdoor NCAAs in the 800 (in 2024) was almost as amazing as what she did in 2025 because of how little actual training she was able to do,” Falk said. “That’s when I knew she could win.”
What started as a dream, Oaster turned into reality.
“The more I trained and got better, the more I realized it might actually be possible to win a national championship,” Oaster said.
Her margins of victory across two national championships in the same calendar year were just .17 seconds combined — a testament that Falk credits to Oaster’s astute racing instincts. In each championship final, she trailed going into the final turns and used her incredible finishing kick and determination to guide her to become Etown’s first woman to win multiple NCAA titles.
“It felt a bit surreal to be able to get not only one, but two national titles,” Oaster said. “I feel really grateful that I was able to give something back to the school and the program that gave me so much.”
Oaster graduated from Etown in 2025 with a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science and minors in Marketing and Biology. With an extra year of eligibility due to injury-shortened seasons, she jumped on an opportunity to pursue a master’s degree in marketing and compete at the Div. I level in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) for Vanderbilt’s Track & Field program.
Oaster’s success illustrates the high level of competition within Div. III athletics. Her school- and conference-record 2:05.09 in the 800 meters at the NCAA Division III Outdoor Championships was not only a national best, but a performance that would have earned a podium finish in the SEC that same year.
Oaster ’25 — Vanderbilt
Oaster’s debut at Vanderbilt picked up right where she left off at Etown as she placed top four in each of the Commodores’ opening three meets, taking third in the mile at the Winter Commodore Challenge on Dec. 6, fourth in the 1,000 meters at the University of Kentucky’s Rod McCravy Memorial Invitational on Jan. 9, and second in the 800 meters at the Vanderbilt Invitational on Jan. 17.
I wouldn’t have been able to accomplish any of this without the support of everyone along the way.
Kelty Oaster ’25 Photo credit: Vanderbilt AthleticsFor DeGoede, who witnessed both Watson and Oaster thrive on and off the field, their stories epitomize the true spirit of Div. III athletics.
“Ben’s humble, hard-working, get-it-done mindset was evident both in the classroom and on the field at Etown and later at Virginia Tech,” DeGoede said. “Kelty was always focused on incremental progress and long-term growth, a rare combination of resilience, optimism, and work ethic that clearly laid the foundation for her success.”
Women’s Flag
Football
Takes the Field In
2027–28
Building on the momentum of one of the fastest-growing sports in the nation, Elizabethtown College will expand its varsity athletics offerings with the addition of women’s flag football beginning in the 2027–28 academic year.
The program will become the College’s 25th varsity sport. Added to the NCAA Emerging Sports for Women program in January 2026, the sport continues to gain national traction and is now eligible to pursue NCAA championship status. Women’s flag football features 7-on-7 competition played over four 12-minute quarters, with fast-paced, noncontact action that emphasizes speed, strategy, and skill. The sport will make its Olympic debut at the 2028 Games in Los Angeles.
Building Career
Readiness From Day One:
How Elizabethtown College's Career Development Center Continues to Evolve
The Career Development Center at Elizabethtown College continues to expand its impact through growth, innovation, and a student-centered approach to career readiness. Demand for these resources has never been higher, as students seek ways to differentiate themselves for future employers from the moment they step onto campus.
“We’ve seen a real shift in the way our students are approaching career preparation,” Senior Director of the Career Development Center Maureen Brown said. “It’s not just something our seniors and graduates are focusing on. First-year students are asking these questions and seeking support from a very early point in their college careers.”
The Center is constantly introducing new ways to meet students where they are and help them put career knowledge into action. In 2024, the Center launched the Career Action Plan, a dynamic, online, module-based program designed to guide students through professional preparation throughout college. Modules range from “What can I do with this major?” overviews to using AI to reverse engineer interview questions and connect experiences to employer expectations. The program encourages a proactive approach to professional development rather than reacting to milestones. The Center has also incorporated career planning presentations into nearly every First-Year Seminar, ensuring new students are introduced to Etown’s resources from their first semester.
Brown, who has led the Center since 2023, said she has also seen increased interest from faculty and staff seeking ways to support students’ career development.
As demand continues to grow, Brown is also focused on scaling services while maintaining individualized support. The Center has trained four undergraduate students to serve as Career Peers to help fellow Blue Jays with career-related topics. Career Peers assist with resume and cover letter reviews, promote career events, and increase awareness of campus programs.
It has also added a part-time team member who is available for virtual meetings during evening hours, a service that many students who are working and taking classes are taking advantage of. Student appointments rose by 22% in fall 2025 over the prior year.
“We emphasize training the trainer so employees working directly with students have the best practices and information needed to support their success.”Maureen Brown
Senior Director of the Career Development Center
Professors can schedule the Career Development Center into their curriculum by requesting presentations by the team in their classes. The Center will pilot a new initiative, the Career Champion Program, with the School of Sciences and Health in 2026. This program will offer faculty multiple three-hour sessions per year focused on career topics, employer trends, and best practices offered by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE).
With a growing suite of programs, expanded access to services, and a campus-wide commitment to career-focused learning, the Career Development Center is playing an increasingly vital role in the Etown student experience.
Class
Notes
Stay connected with your fellow Blue Jays. The full Spring 2026 Class Notes — featuring alumni updates from across the decades — are available online.
Read Class Notes OnlineShare your own story at etown.edu/classnotes or email classnotes@etown.edu
Dr. J. Kenneth Kreider ’61, P’81, P’85
Oct. 19, 2025
An Elizabethtown College alumnus, Dr. Kreider began his teaching career at the College in the summer of 1964. Throughout the next 35 years, he served with distinction as Professor of European History and Chair of the History Department, retiring in 1999.
In 2003, Dr. Kreider received the College’s Educate for Service – Service to the College Award. A decade later, in 2013, a former student established the Kreider Prize for Teaching Excellence to honor “both Ken and Carroll Kreider for the decades of exemplary service they had given as professors in the fullest sense.”
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Your Etown Legacy Made Simple
Elizabethtown College’s J.G. Francis Society honors generous individuals who have chosen to support the College through a planned gift. With the right strategy, estates of any size can create a lasting legacy while providing for loved ones — making a meaningful impact on the institution.
Learn MoreElizabeth A. Rider, Ph.D.
Keri Straub MBA’24
Austin Crull
Brad Weltmer
Wendy Sheaffer MSL’24
Ava Deeter ’28 · Wyatt Eaton ’10 · Lindsay Enochs ’17 · Justin Herforth · Zach Klinedinst ’19 · Liz Martin · Emily Svetecz
Eric Forberger · Jason Minick · Emma Sabalaske ’26 · Matthew Tennison · Andy Williams
Social Snapshot
#EtownViewsThe best snapshots of Elizabethtown College often come from those who know it best — our Blue Jays. From quiet, peaceful mornings at Lake Placida to stunning golden-hour views across campus, these community-submitted photos showcase what makes Etown so special.
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