Dave Radin ’65 guides Gettysburg’s future leaders

Empowered by their consequential education at Gettysburg College, alumni mentors provide invaluable guidance to the next generation of leaders.

Six decades after a career-defining moment at Gettysburg College, Dave Radin ’65 has become a key cog in the wheel of mentorship for students and alumni, helping them discover more about themselves, their passions, and their aspirations as they become the leaders our world needs.

In the spring semester 1963, Radin had fallen short of securing a leadership role in his fraternity, Lambda Chi. He didn’t understand why until he discussed his shortcomings and strengths with one of his fraternity brothers. Empowered by that conversation, Radin refined enduring skills like leadership and communication that helped secure a leadership role on Lambda Chi’s Executive Committee the following year and paved the way for a successful professional career.

“That conversation formed the basis of my future professional inclinations, although I was unaware at the time of its impact,” said Radin, who spent nearly three decades as a sales and marketing executive with Corning, Inc. “I have worked on and honed those skills with young Gettysburg alumni and undergraduates with whom I’ve become friends and coach.”

Through the Gettysburg Approach, the Philadelphia native helps students and alumni prepare for a lifetime of career advancement and personal success. Co-chair of his reunion classes since 1980 and a former member of the Alumni Board of Directors, Radin seeks to impart the knowledge and leadership he has gained to the next generation of leaders.

“Who among all these 2,400 students are going to be class leaders, are going to rally their classmates to come to reunions, are going to be the ones that serve on this board, and are going to be the ones who become trustees?” Radin pondered. “We ought to find them and show them the way.”

Radin shares a meal with alums and students in the fall of 2022. Pictured from left are Angie Scheuermann ’22, Sam Martin ’24, Nina Abate ’23, Emma Love ’22, Grace Verbrugge ’22, and Radin.

Mentoring the leaders of tomorrow

A Gettysburg connection helped start Radin’s mission. Prior to his passing in 2019, Bill McEwan ’65, GP’22, a former fraternity brother and classmate, asked Radin to guide his granddaughter, Grace Verbrugge ’22, through her time at Gettysburg.

“Dave stepped up, became my guiding hand, and assumed the title of Honorary Grandpa,” said Verbrugge, who is from Richfield, Minnesota. “I called him whenever I needed someone to talk to about school or life who I knew would understand the context. He was more than a mentor. Dave became family.”

With Radin’s mentorship, Verbrugge discovered her passion for activism and advocacy. A double major in public policy and women, gender, and sexuality studies, Verbrugge carried on her grandfather’s legacy, and was driven to leave her own mark on campus. Over her final two years at Gettysburg, Radin helped Verbrugge develop and execute a plan to create a bench and garden located near the observatory in the northwest corner of campus. It was dedicated to McEwan the day before Verbrugge’s graduation in May 2022.

“Dave helped me grow as a person, and with his help, I was able to literally grow a whole new community,” said Verbrugge, who bestowed her Stole of Gratitude to Radin following graduation.

Verbrugge, Radin, and Biology Prof. Betty Ferster standing a garden — Verbrugge, Radin, and Biology Prof. Betty Ferster stand in the garden during the fall of 2021.

Today, Radin continues to mentor current students, including health sciences and Spanish double major Emma Blackman ’25. He’s written letters of recommendation, connected Blackman with alumni in health professions, and encouraged her personal growth.

“Mentors are people that exist to be your supporters and cheerleaders,” said Blackman, who intends to go to medical school after a gap year working in a hospital. “They can get connections for you or move you forward in the field you are pursuing, but they also want the best for you. Dave is particularly unique because of his unwavering commitment to the people he considers family.”

Radin also works with the Garthwait Leadership Center (GLC) as part of its Skills-Based Leadership Coaching program. He is one of 20-plus trained leadership coaches connecting with young alumni, helping them embrace challenges and discover their leadership potential.

“I cannot say enough positive things about the GLC, Dave, and my post-collegiate experience,” said Patrick Hill ’14, who double majored in political science and history. “Gettysburg College has blown away my expectations with what it offers to alums, and I would encourage anyone to reach out to the GLC and see what courses and content might be available to them.”

Radin and fellow coaches from the GLC alumni leadership program.

‘Everyone should have a Dave’

Radin is just one of many within the Gettysburg Network ready to engage with students the moment they step on campus. Beginning in the fall of 2025, students participating in the Guided Pathways will have the opportunity to add an alumni mentor to their Personal Advising Team, which also includes a faculty advisor, career advisor, and co-curricular advisor. Radin was among the first group of alumni to raise a hand in support, collaborating with Alumni Board members to mentor a small cohort of students this past year.

“I get so pumped up because here I am, 80 years old, and this is so much fun for me,” Radin said. “I want to try to influence other alums to see what I’m getting out of this and have them say, ‘Look at what Dave’s been able to do. I’m signing up.’”

Gettysburgians like Radin see a need and fill it. They help our students and alumni realize the consequential impact they can make with the knowledge and enduring skills gained at Gettysburg.

“What Dave and I have is unique and not something most people will experience, but he has come to occupy a very important space in my life and in my heart,” said Verbrugge. “His advice and his questions always push me to think and feel deeply. I feel strongly that everyone should have a Dave, even if it’s not Dave Radin.”

Connect with the Office of Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving to become an alumni mentor.