Strengthening A Department of Health and Human Performance publication for students and alumni Summer 2004 the core Dancin’ for a cause by Emily Benson ’04 (Left to right) Lauren D’Aquino ’04, Anna Feeney ’04, Amy Murray ’04, Nicole D’Aquino ’04, and Beth Wilson ’04. There are people who believe that high pulled off. The organizing committee school students only care about appear- wanted the event to be largely student- ance and impression. This may be true run. I was doubtful that there would be for some students, but not for all stu- enough student involvement, but as the dents. This spring, I had the privilege days went by, there were more and more of completing my secondary student students in and out of Mrs. Etter’s office, This fund was established to assist teaching at East Pennsboro Area High helping to make plans for the dance School in Enola. Just before my arrival marathon. I got more involved as time families from the district who were at East Penn, my cooperating teacher, went on, calling companies about dona- struggling with serious illness. Sharon Etter, had agreed to help plan tions, helping with student committee and organize an event called “Boogie for meetings, and assisting with planning the Bucks.” I heard it mentioned in conversa- schedule for the event. I found myself tions between my co-op and others, but I waking up in the morning looking for- still wasn’t exactly sure what it entailed. I ward to going to school, largely because came to find out that “Boogie for Bucks” of the dance marathon planning. It was so was a dance marathon planned for raising rewarding to work alongside high school money for the East Pennsboro Family students who were putting their busy Fund. This fund was established to assist schedules on hold to put in time and families from the district who were strug- effort for families in need. gling with serious illness. The school’s goal was to raise $8,000 As “Boogie for Bucks” drew closer through “Boogie for Bucks.” To register and my cooperating teacher began to get for the dance marathon, students had more involved, I began to understand to make at least a $30 donation. Thirty how the event was actually going to be dollars is a lot of money for a high school continued on page 2 . continued from front . Scott Kieffer honored as Smith student. I was curious as to how many students would actually commit that Outstanding Teacher much money to attend the event. Thankfully, on the day of the marathon, never end in the classroom. His websites the gym’s bleachers were filled with stu- and Power Point presentations are evi- dents who had made at least the mini- dence of countless hours exploring and mum donation. After a lot of “boogie- updating his material before every class. ing,” eating, contests and game playing, His openness in the classroom to share the final hour of the dance marathon what he personally is learning or strug- arrived when East Penn’s principal, gling with spiritually and relationally is Mr. Robbins, would announce the total refreshingly honest and real.” amount of money raised. The students Another student stated that this pro- were talking quietly when Mr. Robbins’ fessor “has a unique care for his students voice echoed through the microphone, and will go above and beyond to make saying that the final total was more sure that his students understand the than $16,000. What an incredible expe- material he is teaching. He is willing to rience it was to watch and listen to alter his teaching methods to better suit these students celebrate what their hard students’ needs, and he encourages ques- work and effort had helped produce! tions which also enable him to take part in the learning process . I believe that All of us involved in the special event got he has single-handedly implemented an much more out of it than we put into it. excitement for undergraduate research within the sport and exercise science Alongside me for this event were major. I know that I have a new found eight other Messiah students and passion for research that wouldn’t have alumni who, after hearing me talk been discovered without his enthusiasm The following are the remarks made by about the event, volunteered to do and passion for teaching . I feel very whatever they could to assist. Amy Kim Phipps, provost and interim president, well-prepared to take my education to at the 2004 Commencement. Murray ’04, Christina Vouriotis ’03, the next level this coming fall in gradu- April Frye ’04, Lauren D’Aquino ’04, Each year, senior students are invited to ate school as a result of the undergradu- Nicole D’Aquino ’04, Beth Wilson ’04, nominate faculty members for the Smith ate research I have performed here at Anna Feeney ’04, and Josh Hutchin- Outstanding Teacher Award. The award Messiah . ” son ’04, suddenly found themselves is made possible by the generosity of the This faculty member’s school dean judging dance contests, hula-hoop late Dr. Robert and Mrs. Marilyn Smith. concurs with student comments. Dean contests, and whipped cream pie-eating Bob and Marilyn have been wonderful Jeffrey Moshier described the faculty contests. All of us involved in the spe- supporters of the work of Messiah member as “passionate about student cial event got much more out of it than College, and we are grateful for their learning and student well-being — he we put into it. It was such an encour- faithful support. works with inspired dedication to create agement to see high school students Earlier this spring, dozens of seniors the most effective learning experiences going out of their way to help their took the time to prepare and submit for his students. This commitment com- classmates. I know of students who nominations for over sixty talented fac- pels him to constantly redesign courses, gave up their free time, allowance, ulty members. Messiah students are for- adapt instructional technologies, and paychecks, study halls, and weekends tunate to sit under the tutelage of gifted implement new pedagogical strategies. to help plan and run this event. I saw educators — professors who teach with In particular, he has profoundly the school put things in perspective, confidence and hope, professors who enhanced teaching effectiveness and lay their schedules aside, and unite to demonstrate academic and scholarly raised scholarship standards by his pull off a fundraiser that would help excellence, professors who model socie- extraordinary efforts to involve students families in need. I was truly blessed tal and civic engagement, professors in collaborative research with faculty.” by this total experience and am so who practice intellectual and spiritual I am pleased to present the 2004 thankful it was a part of my student hospitality. Smith Outstanding Teacher Award to teaching. After “Boogie for Bucks,” I The recipient of this year’s Smith H. Scott Kieffer, associate professor can tell you without a doubt that high Outstanding Teacher Award in the cate- of exercise physiology. school students care about far more gory for Instructors, Assistant Professors, than appearance and impression; they and Associate Professors was described care about others. by one senior student as someone who “teaches students that learning should 2 Twists and turns in life Michael Barbato ’94, returned to Messiah’s campus as guest speaker for the spring Advising Luncheon. The program’s theme was “Twists and Turns in Life,” and Michael shared about his struggles battling melanoma cancer. Life took an unexpected turn for Michael and his family when he was diagnosed with stage four metastatic melanoma. Yet Michael continues to testify to God’s grace and mercy in his life in the midst of these challenges. He reminded us of Jim Elliot’s words, “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” Michael concluded his message with a reading from “The Fellowship of the Unashamed” (Signature of Jesus by Brennan Manning). Here is an excerpt from this reading: “I’m part of the fellowship of the unashamed. I have the Holy Spirit power. The die has been cast. I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made—I’m a disciple of His. I won’t look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still. My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, my future is secure. I’m finished with low living, sight walking, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tamed visions, worldly talking, cheap giving, and dwarfed goals.” Michael and his wife Kristi and sons Zachary and Peter live in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania where Michael is director of the Pisgah Program at Geneva College. Michael Barbato ’94 (left) with Barb Burwell and Scott Kieffer. Unique and united to serve Spud Wentzell, professor of health, others.” The AAHPERD National physical education, and recreation, Convention in Philadelphia, and the served as president of the Pennsylvania PSAHPERD Convention in Lancaster, State Association for Health, Physical provided special opportunities to connect Education, Recreation, and Dance during with some Messiah College alumni. “It 2003. His theme for the year, “Unique was great to see our graduates and chat and United to Serve,” emphasized initia- about what they are doing.” Messiah tives focusing on connecting the disci- College graduates are serving and mak- plines, meeting the challenge to serve, ing a difference. and impacting lives. In one of his initial One of Dr. Wentzell’s primary proj- messages, Wentzell said, “We have ects for 2003 was the writing of Making the potential to establish a firmer foun- a Difference, a collection of stories dation for who we are and what we do.