executive director FOR Development
It is a subject of much debate whether Benjamin Franklin ever in fact said, “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” Regardless of who deserves credit for this famous quote, at Messiah University there is no debate about how seriously we take our mission to prepare students for lives of service, leadership and reconciliation of church and society by educating them for maturity in intellect, character, and Christian faith. There is of course a focus on the present in that mission via intensive academic, personal, and spiritual experiences. But there is so much more at play, as Messiah University must also plan for the future to ensure that we are preparing for an ever-changing and competitive educational landscape to meet the needs of students for generations to follow.
It is in this way that the Development Office best serves Messiah University’s mission. We must continually strive to improve and enhance all that impacts preparing students and the institution for what lies ahead. When you see and hear requests for support of the Messiah Fund, scholarships, programs, capital improvements or endowment, please know it is in response to not only present needs, but also to meet the needs for the long-term sustainability and success of Messiah University in pursuit of educational excellence.
THANK YOU, Messiah Community, for all you do to help us now and for the future. You are making a difference!
— John P. Zeigler, Executive Director for Development
generosity furthering generations
Students enter Messiah with a desire to be engaged global citizens whose faith will be deepened and to develop a worldwide sense of belonging through the people they meet and the experiences they encounter. Knowing Messiah will supply invaluable lessons to help them find their life’s purpose, many seek out ways to afford a Messiah education, and The Messiah Fund is a critical resource that helps the University minimize the amount of debt a student must take on to attend college. Donor support financially assists students in a number of ways:
- The Messiah Fund supplements tuition for 100% of the student body.
- Campus improvements; student-faculty research; service and mission trips; and new facilities are all made possible by donor support.
- 96% of Messiah University students receive some form of scholarship aid.
“Because of your generosity, Messiah is more affordable for students, like myself. My peers and I look forward to serving Christ through our education now and our actions tomorrow.” — Si Barnes ’24 nursing major
Not every student has equal access to an education. The more we can raise for The Messiah Fund, the less we must ask of current students in tuition dollars. Thank you for helping to make Messiah affordable for all students—students like Si! Make your donation today at messiah.edu/MessiahFund.
Giving Day 2024
This year, an astounding 577 donors gave to Messiah University’s 24-hour Giving Day event and raised $191,520! The overwhelming generosity of the greater Messiah community is a true blessing to every student that steps onto campus. With these gifts, Messiah will continue to facilitate learning and encourage student growth built on a Christ-centered foundation.
Throughout the day, 4.2.24, students received Giving Day giveaways and expressed their gratitude for all of the support that generous donors provided. 19 states and 55 alumni classes were represented in total giving, and 8 donor challenges were met, with 696 “campaign shares” across social media. We in Development are so very grateful for the ways that you pour into Messiah University! Thank you!
Senior spotlights
How did your Messiah experience and education prepare you for your future?
Messiah has prepared me well academically. With access to undergraduate cadaver labs, a strong background in the health sciences, and hands-on fitness consulting, I have been well-equipped for success in my future career as a Physical Therapist. In my 3 years at Messiah, I have had the opportunity to experience many things ranging from joyous occasions to character-building situations. These things, along with being a residential student, commuter student, student leader, student scholar, student mentor, student mentee, and student employee, have allowed me to develop my character and strengthen my faith.
How did your Messiah experience and education prepare you for your future?
As a transfer, I have had the opportunity to have two very different college experiences, despite the schools both being similar in faith background and size. Messiah put me in situations where I can use what I am learning in the classroom and apply it to the real world. Messiah has also given me the opportunity to grow professionally, through opportunities like Into the City, several different networking events, and recently, through the American Marketing Association chapter of Central Pennsylvania. The events through each organization here on this campus allow me to stay socially engaged, while also creating an environment where balance is taught between work, friendship, and personal time.
How did your Messiah experience and education prepare you for your future?
I would say my professors taught and graded courses at a high level; the Career Center showed me how to properly search for and apply for jobs and connected me with alumni and other resources. Additionally, the Into the City program was very valuable for growing my professional network and giving me insights into options for my career path.
Learn more about the impact that you make for Messiah students at: messiah.edu/Impact
Messiah University’s Career and Professional Development Center, also known as the CPDC, is a vital resource in guiding students’ paths to the workplace. Part of the office’s core beliefs are that our Christian worldview and identity influences the way we work, not just the type of work we’re doing. Dwayne Kieffer, Assistant Director for Career Coaching & Education, notes that “Students are what give my job its meaning. Making an impact for the Kingdom in their industry is what it's all about.”
Whether a student is writing their first resume or filling out applications for law school, this office offers a wide range of services. In addition to providing career preparation, the CPDC hosts networking events, maintains a library collection focused on skill development, and facilitates internships/job hunting by using applications such as Handshake. Students can also attend Into the City, an intensive multi-day career immersion and networking program intended to introduce students to living, working, and connecting in the city. With these unique experiences and accessible resources, Messiah students are being well prepared for lives of service, leadership and reconciliation in church and society.
Messiah seeks a Warmer Welcome for all who cross the Red Covered Bridge
The Starry Athletic Field Complex supports not only Messiah’s tremendous athlete programs but the community as well in many important ways. Despite upgrades to the fields and surfaces, concessions and other facilities have not been renovated since the 1980s. The quality of our current facilities in no way compares to the caliber of our student athletes and their remarkable accomplishments and does not provide the level of hospitality desired for visitors to the complex. Having a high-quality hospitality and concessions area and improved team support facilities will promote community as well as competition at the highest levels. Many gracious donors have helped to raise nearly $5M for Phase 1 of Warmer Welcome. Accordingly, construction is underway for a state-of-the art hospitality center, now officially named The Sawyer Pavilion. Next in line is the Witmer Family Lacrosse Stadium which will create greatly improved seating and an elevated press box within a fan supportive and visually appealing structure. We are so thankful for the generosity of the Sawyer and Witmer families and all who have contributed to help make what was once a dream now a reality
An additional $2M will allow for much needed improvements specific to baseball and softball to include expanded dugouts, improved seating, press box construction and improved backstops, landscaping and signage. Finally, a new plaza will greet all who enter and provide for a centralized meeting and eating area with tiered landscaping, Messiah signage and a recognition wall for those who have pledged or given $15k or more to Warmer Welcome. We need your help to complete Phase 2! Multi-year pledges are accepted and, there are still many opportunities for naming and family gift level recognition on site. Your gift to this important project matters. Go Falcons!
To learn more or give online, visit messiah.edu/warmerwelcome