As students traverse their Greenville College journey they not only immerse themselves into the school, they also become part of the Greenville community. After graduating from college, some remain a part of the community, contributing their gifts and talents to Greenville. Alan Gaffner and Susan Watson are two such alums.

Alan Gaffner '76

    Upon graduating from Greenville High School, Alan Gaffner realized that his college of choice lay only a few blocks away. He initially searched for a Christian college with a strong business department; however, it was more than just academics that brought Gaffner to Greenville College. “I was confident that Greenville College would allow me to develop both intellectually as well as spiritually.” said Gaffner.

    Even after graduating from the college, Gaffner felt a calling to remain in the Greenville community. “I certainly prayed for the Lord’s leading and the doors opened up,” said Gaffner. Only three years after graduating he obtained the full-time position of Public Affairs director at the Greenville Regional Hospital, a title he would hold for the next 26 years.

  Even after obtaining a job in Greenville, his involvement in the community had just begun. Gaffner soon became a member of the city council. After serving on the council for 15 years, Gaffner had yet another opportunity for community involvement.

  Mayor Harold Palmer left a vacancy the city council filled by electing Gaffner to serve the remainder of Palmer’s term. The people of Greenville then elected Gaffner mayor of the city of Greenville, a position which he has held since 2002.

     As a GC alum, mayor, and member of the Greenville Collegeto Greenville Community advisory board Gaffner recognizes the importance of city-college relations.“Its invaluable,” said Gaffner, “the college greatly enhances the quality of life for the entire community.” Not only is he quick to give praise to the numerous activities that the college hosts, he also hastily recognizes the college employees who have served the community in numerous ways.

    Being a Greenville resident all of his life Gaffner has had the opportunity to witness the growth of the city and the college as well as the growing relationship between the two. Each fall as hundreds of students travel to Greenville, Illinois, MayorGaffner is excited at their opportunity to not only be a part of the college community, but to be part of the Greenville city community as well.

Susan (Rasler) Watson ’70 

  A native of Greenville, Susan (Rasler) Watson sought to leave familiar surroundings and create her own experiences. She followed high school sweetheart Frank Watson to Illinois State University where she studied Elementary Education. However, a family illness made it necessary for Frank to return to Greenville earlier than planned to run the family drug store. The two planned to marry, so Susan returned to Greenville to complete her final two years of schooling.

    The Watsons have been selfless investors in the community of Greenville and Susan continues this legacy through her involvement in many of the aspects of community life. She has worked in education both in the classroom through the local school district, and at her local church with Sunday school and children’s choir ministries.

     Her influence also extends to the business community. She ran a children’s clothing store and has served in many capacities at Watson’s Drug Store. As a member of the Greenville Business and Professional Organization and former president of the Chamber of Commerce, she is deeply committed to the success of the community.

     When Frank first ran for state senator in 1978 and she began to travel to other local communities, she recognized the impact of the college on the Greenville community. “The college makes our community unique. When we traveled to other communities, I realized how different Greenville is because of the college,” said Watson.

     Susan has also been a devoted alum of GC, opening her home to college students as well as serving on the college’s board of trustees for years. Both Susan and Frank act as tireless advocates of the college both in the community and the state.

     Whether as first lady, business woman, educator, or college trustee, Susan Watson exemplifies faithful and dedicated service to the community of Greenville.