Conversations - Winter 2024

Letter to the College

When Mary Gatterdam Folkemer ’68 was named a digital engagement winner in the last issue of GETTYSBURG College Magazine, she penned this letter of appreciation to Assistant Director of Alumni Relations Amanda Wittle. With permission from both parties, the Communications & Marketing staff at Gettysburg College would like to share her words to help ensure they reach our alumni.

Dear Amanda,

With joy I received and accept the wonderful Gettysburg College picnic blanket. I could not imagine what was in the package or figure out why the package had been sent to me. I did cry after reading your note. Thank you very much for your kind words and this thoughtful gift.

With the rainy weather, I waited for a better time to stage a photo. Today provided a sunny moment outside in our backyard, sitting near the hydrangeas to complement the scene.

You asked me to share a photo with social media (Facebook) with hashtag #GettysburgAlumni. I did share on my Facebook feed with the hashtag, but without any guarantee that the photo with my words will reach our alumni. Thus, I attach my photo to you and the “POD” address (pod@gettysburg.edu) as you advised.

I appreciate being a graduate of Gettysburg College and a resident of its town.

Sincerely,
Mary Gatterdam Folkemer ’68

Social Media

The strength of the Gettysburg College community continued to shine on social media, as alumni, parents, and staff shared their support of college offerings, generous efforts of fellow alumni, and distinctive student experiences.

Lasting Impact

In the Summer 2023 issue of GETTYSBURG College Magazine, Connections featured Brian Pumphrey ’98, who established the Brian ’98 & Noel Pumphrey Endowed Scholarship and Kermit H. Finstad Award in honor of Music Prof. Emeritus Kermit Finstad. Upon reading about it on Facebook, members of the Gettysburg College community chimed in with their gratitude and memories:

“What a wonderful and well-deserved tribute to Kermit! He had such a positive influence on so many even before becoming the director of the Gettysburg College Choir.”
– Pam Sweeting Kuczawa ’82 | Facebook

“Thank you, Brian and Noel, for your commitment to the education of future ’Burgians!”
– Deb Kime Hydock, Dining Services director | Facebook

“Forever grateful for all of the people who contributed to the Finstad Award. A terrific group effort!”
– Brian Pumphrey ’98 | Facebook

Antique Artifacts

The land between Musselman Library and Pennsylvania Hall once again last fall became the site of an archaeological dig, co-directed by Anthropology Prof. Ben Luley and Prof. Kirby Farah. Students excavated a few feet deep to recover artifacts, such as animal bones, fabric, glass, and a spoon, as well as architectural remains of an 1800s house, which served as the residence for then-College custodian John “Jack” Hopkins, a pillar of Gettysburg’s Black community. Through this experience, students learned about the College’s past, seeking to better understand the diverse social lives and histories of people who lived on campus.

“This is such a great experience. I sure wish this had been happening in the early 1990s when I was a student! I would have jumped on this opportunity. 🧡 💙 ”
– Jennifer Haase ’93 | Facebook

“Our College is so rich in history and culture! I love Gettysburg!”
– Alyssa Kaewwilai ’20 | Facebook

“This is a wonderful experience! Have fun and appreciate this moment in time!!”
– Grace Genduso Dattolo P’15 | Facebook

Game-Changing Support

As an integral part of the Gettysburg Approach, Gettysburg College introduced the Guided Pathways, which helps students maximize their time on campus, practicing and deepening their knowledge and enduring skills with the support of their Personal Advising Teams. The Guided Pathways connect the skills they hope to strengthen with their experiences in an intentional way.

“This initiative, when fully executed, will be a game changer in higher education. Students who elect to participate will be surrounded by a support system designed to nearly guarantee a successful life as a citizen of the world. I graduated there nearly 60 years ago; I want to go back and do it all again. ”
– Dave Radin ’65 | Facebook

Gettysburg College also welcomed co-curricular advisors Cara Smith and Emma Stubbe to help first-year students participating in the Guided Pathways understand how their co-curricular activities complement their coursework. Smith and Stubbe join the Personal Advising Teams alongside a faculty advisor and a career advisor, as well an alumni mentor after a student’s sophomore year.

“I am impressed with the Guided Pathways and look forward to seeing how this all evolves. #gettysburgreat ”
– W.Kent Barnds ’92 | Linkedin

In The Media

The Rev. Dr. Stephen Chapin Garner ’92, senior minister of the Congregational Church in New Canaan, Connecticut, recently appeared on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” to discuss his latest book, “Practicing What Jesus Preached: A Month-Long Journey of Reflection, Practice, and Prayer.” During the interview, Garner delved into the significance of Yom Kippur and the practice of forgiveness, highlighting the importance of self-awareness to build healthy relationships and communities.

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The American Council of Education highlighted the Gettysburg Approach, which “preserves the inquiry and exploration at the heart of a liberal arts education while preparing students for success in a competitive world,” the article read. As the College’s response to the preparedness gap, the Guided Pathways and Personal Advising Teams will help students gain the knowledge and enduring skills required for success after graduation. “

The Guided Pathways will provide students with an intentional, holistic college experience, allowing them to articulate the values of their degree to potential graduate schools, employers, and other postgraduate experiences. ”
– Associate Dean of Co-Curricular Education
Jim Duffy

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Inside Higher Ed spotlighted Gettysburg College’s Guided Pathways as part of the Gettysburg Approach, equipping students with the knowledge and enduring skills they need for personal and career success. With 76% of Gettysburg’s first-year class opting into the Guided Pathways, Anne Ehrlich, vice president for College Life, described its creation.

“Supporting students more intentionally in their co-curricular endeavors has always been a needed area of growth in higher education, and the COVID-19 pandemic has certainly exacerbated that need and instilled in us a sense of urgency,” said Ehrlich. “With the support of their Personal Advising Teams and through the Guided Pathways, students now have an intentional way of selecting the out-of-class experiences that will equip them with the enduring skills that align with their passions and the expectations of tomorrow’s employers.”

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