Farewell, and Continue to Support this Ministry
by Loren E. Swartzendruber
first published in Hesston College Today
Summer 2003
A few
years ago, in a congregation where I was the guest preacher,
an alumnus shared that the six years he spent at Hesston
College were among the best of his life. Listeners chuckled
at the thought of spending six years at a two-year college.
Younger member did not know that Hesston College once included
a four-year academy.
Pat and I have taken even longer to catch the "Hesston
experience." Perhaps we are simply slow learners! In
addition to our personal experience, three of our children
have spent a total of six years here and we have known "The
Hesston Experience" through them.
Some have suggested that the college tagline, "Start
Here, Go Everywhere," refers to students, not the president!
A couple years ago, we began to ask, "What about life
after Hesston?" At the age of 53, it was not wise to
think that I should plan on staying in this role to retirement--it
would not have been good for ht institution nor for me.
I have a deep love for the people at Hesston College and
the place. My desire for Hesston's success will continue
well beyond my tenure here.
I am excited about the future of Hesston College for many
reasons. Peter Wiebe will provide excellent leadership as
interim president and I will support whomever is selected
to serve longer term. Faculty and staff are wonderfully
gifted, and I am confident that alumni and friends will
continue to support this ministry. And, I invite you to
do so!
Finally, I wasn't to express gratitude to Pat for ht partnership
we have enjoyed in marriage and in ministry. She is a registered
nurse and gifted administrator who has served in leadership
roles at Mennonite Board of Missions and Prairie View Mental
Health Center for the past 20 years. At the same time, she
has been an encouragement to me along the way, and she cares
deeply about Hesston College. For her love and support,
I am grateful!
