Professor Wing had a dry, unusual sense of humor, and he made the classroom a place I didn’t want to leave. He even made Technical Writing fun! From teaching the craft of writing to showing he cared about his students, Professor Wing was truly an original, one-of-a-kind professor. It was because of his recommendation to the then-director of public information, Dean Liddick ’60, that I got my very first job two days after graduation. Professor Jack Leax ’66 was an inspiration. A gifted writer and teacher, he was like a movie star professor to me. He wasn’t afraid to question the status quo and write about topics that other Christian writers might not. He never worried about other people’s opinions. His writing shed light in dark places, and it still does.
Cynthia (Kinard ’85) Machamer
Mrs. Lois Wilt ’46, flute teacher and professor of other music classes, was like a mother away from home. She was so caring towards her students, and she even traveled to south Florida to play in my wedding a few years after I graduated! That meant a lot.
Jeannine (Sanson ’83) Krieger
Dr. Paul Young ‘70 taught me that it is possible to be deeply thoughtful about the world around me and still maintain a relevant faith. He challenged me to learn more than I thought I was capable of…and that you should take a walk with your spouse every chance you can.
Jenniffer (Wheeler ’89) Miller
Harold Kingdon ’57 was the Bible professor with whom I took my first Bible class—Inductive Study of the Book of John. It was in that class that I discovered that the Bible is alive! I found that I enjoyed Bible study, and I learned so many ways to study the Word that I still use today. I remember marking up my Bible, finding words that were “alive” and seeing connections between the Word and my life. I read questions, answering them as though pouring through a letter written from a dear friend. It was after that class that I declared a Bible major, changing the direction of my life.
Karen (Eckstrom ’80) Clark
The Houghton faculty member I still remember fondly is Robert Cummings. I enjoyed learning about classic German literature in the classes he taught. His classes where so relaxing. More relaxing were the times we students visited his home. Mrs. Cummings always served tea and a home made goodie. I loved his basement where he had his office and WWII collection. When I got married, the Cummings were invited to the wedding, and Herr Cummings kept my German-speaking Oma entertained during the reception. He was the first person I saw when arriving at Houghton to attend my 10th reunion.
Chris (Schulz ’90) Ozemko
I’m old, and so are my memories. But a great deal of my four Houghton years continues to resonate. I loved Mayterm classes with H Cummings. He made it so fun and had so many great stories that made the language come alive in a way a textbook never could. I loved philosophy classes with Brian Sayers. Such a smart yet down-to-earth person. He challenged me to investigate my beliefs and come to terms with what and why I believed what I said I did. A tool that has proven its worth untold times in the past 30 years. My own living and breathing faith, not just the one my parents had. Paul Young was one of the most genuine people I have ever met. Discovered the value of learning beyond the books and classroom to fulfill grade requirements. He showed there was always another way to look at something and get to the core meaning. I love that he has stayed there for so long sharing his gifts and example with so many students.
John D. Kareis ’84
Dr. Bressler was the quintessential scholar practitioner—always getting us dig into an authors’ text and context yet asking us to engage our worldview and grapple beyond the obvious, moving to an informed faith. Dr. Warren Woolsey lived what he taught and mined the scripture with us and for us but showing us how to move ourselves—learning from him to be more in love with the Lord than a mere observer.
Sharon Yadon ’87
Dr. Helen Hirsch was my Christian Education professor. But she was more than a professor. She was a mentor, an encourager, and stretched my thinking. She allowed me to become her assistant in the Christian Education office, opening my eyes to curriculum, teaching methods and resources as well as helping me to find my gift in teaching. I remember her opening each class one semester with Psalm 1. We memorized it, talked about it and “chewed” on it each session—until it became a part of me. The principles that she lived out in front of me became part of me as well. When I taught second grade, my students learned Psalm 1 each year as well! But it was not the memorization; it was the “living out” of scriptural principles and applying what I learned to my life. It was through Dr. Hirsch that I learned the importance of applying what I learned to my own life. It wasn’t just the Biblical knowledge; it was taking the Word and using it as a lens to look at my life and to see what needed changing.
Karen (Eckstrom) Clark ’80
Intro to Psychology was an elective for me, and I had no idea what to expect. Dr. Young made a lasting impression in the first lecture of the semester and never ceased to make every class interesting and fun. His method to teach us about the autonomic nervous system has stuck with me to this day. He loves his field and loves his students.
Jon Bradley ’84
I’m certain that there is insufficient space to say all I’d like about Jake. Jake’s brilliance was apparent in every lecture. I loved math when I entered Houghton, and he led me to love it even more and declare Math as a major at the first opportunity. He gave thoughtful devotionals, offered help and guidance at every turn, and was always a source of encouragement. He was a model of grace and understanding. He always made time for everyone whether in his office, in the cafeteria or on the sidewalk. Evidence of his lasting impression on my life is that my son is named Jake.
Jon Bradley ’84
I often wonder if there was anyone who ever met Dr. Ken Lindley who did not like him instantly. He had a gentle spirit and a glow of kindness that are rare and wonderful. Among my favorite recollections of Dr. Lindley is that he’d hold his writing implement in his right hand and the eraser in his left. As he lectured, he’d walk while writing with his right hand and erasing with his left so he wouldn’t have to backtrack. It was always a trick to position yourself strategically so you could capture notes from his lectures. I had him for math classes and physics classes. I enjoyed every one of them.
Jon Bradley ’84
Dr. Ortiz was a risk-taker who challenged conventional boundaries of conservatism. He embraced Christ-centered compassion as the cornerstone of his life. He planned AMAZING experiences in Buffalo for students where we talked with people who were different than us, ate ethnic food that was uncommon (Ethiopian I think), listened to musical groups from around the world. He showed me that the world was far more diverse, interesting and ready for engagement than I had realized. He also had two rambunctious boys who loved Ninja Turtles and would pretend to have Ninja battles all around campus (much to the frustration of their peace-loving, gentle father).
Jenniffer Miller ’89
Daryl Stevenson was always so nice and kind towards me and very supportive of the Women’s Soccer team, having been a collegiate player himself. Dr. Stevenson taught me that it was possible (“okay”) to integrate the study of psychology with my newfound Christian faith.
Judy Gale ’87
Dr. Donald Bailey, director of the College Choir during my time at Houghton, helped to instill in me an appreciation for quality performance. His oft-quoted motto, “Holy shoddy is still shoddy,” has inspired me many a time when I have directed my own music groups. He had such an impeccable ability to lead his choirs into producing such glorious sounds; I still get tingly when I think of the awesome experience it was to be a part of the College Choir. Herr Cummings, professor of German, and his wife often opened up their home to students just to come and hang out. When we were feeling a little homesick for a real home to be in, they made their home available. He was so much fun, and I loved his class! Thank you, Houghton College, for the influence you had on me through your professors!
Jeannine Sanson Krieger ’83
Dr. Kay Lindley always told us at the start of a new semester that she would be demanding a pound of flesh from us in order to do well for this upcoming class. I would work my tail off and be relieved to get a B+, and by the time I was a second-semester Junior, I finally received a coveted “A” in one of her classes—Russian History, I believe.
Chuck Wheeler ’89
Professor Detwiler had a simple faith in Christ that was refreshing in a time of life when I and those around me were questioning so much and often doubting God. His appreciation for God’s design demonstrated in living things encouraged and inspired my own awe of creation. His lectures were interesting, and I enjoyed the many hours spent in the fruit fly lab learning about genetics. I felt his care for me in the midst of heavy academic loads, and he even came to my wedding six hours away. Professor Woolsey inspired us to love God with our minds by striving to understand the Bible beyond Sunday School class levels. He was the advisor for the World Missions Fellowship and shared time freely with us as student leaders. He had a quiet intensity, and it was always great when a smile could be detected under that grey and white beard.
Jennifer Deal Becker ’89
Jean Louis Roederer and Ray Horst—had it not been for these two gentlemen’s gentle leadership, patience, encouragement, kindness and mercy (even despite my foolishness and failures), I would not now be in the midst of my 36th successful year of teaching. I owe them so much more than I can say. What godly servants of the Lord they are and how blessed I am that the Lord put them in my life.
Lori Raterman Johnson ’81
Anthony Petrillo and Keith Gallagher were two of my computer science profs in the ’80s. In short, they told me in no uncertain terms that my roommate (Paul Alderman) and I were going to apply for a summer mission trip with SIM in 1983. (I think Keith framed it something like, “You’re going, or else…”). We served nine weeks at the ELWA radio station outside of Monrovia, Liberia, writing computer code for some of their systems. Thus began a transformative journey of understanding the lives of missionaries, and “missions” in general, giving me a heart’s desire to serve God in some “mission” capacity. This led me to apply to Houghton when Anthony called in May or June of 1986 to tell me that the Programmer/Analyst position at the college had opened up, strongly encouraging me (once again) to apply. I began working for Tech Services the beginning of August 1986 and have been at Houghton ever since.
Mark Alessi ’84
No Comments