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A Five-Generation GU Family

Published: April 13, 2021

Like many students, business management major Chris Myers 23 goes to class, tackles homework, makes friends, and enjoys activities across campus.

But unlike most students, Chris walks in a GU tradition 93 years in the making.

For five generations, since 1926, members of Chris family have attended Greenville University. When he says, I came to GU [based on] family recommendations and word-of-mouth, hes not kidding!

His grandmother Jackie Myers, who attended GU in midlife from 1989-91, realized the length of her familys GU timeline when a dinner conversation sparked her curiosity. Chris informed a family friend he planned to enroll at GU, drawing the amazed response, How many generations is that now?

Jackie started digging.

Grandpas and Grandmas and Aunts, Oh My!

It began with Chriss great-great grandfather Ross Hendon, who took classes at GU (then GC) in 1926, likely to improve his management skills on the family farm. Around the same time, probably with some overlap, his daughters Martha and Willabelle attended also.

Willabelle completed her education at Missouri Baptist School of Nursing, but when it came time for her son Ross Myers to attend college, he chose his mothers first college home. He graduated from GU in 1960 and enjoyed a long career in the healthcare industry and teaching high school STEM classes.

He also married Jackie.

She attended GU just as her own children began enrolling. Daughters Theresa and Elizabeth attended circa 1998 to 2004, and her son Christopherfather of current student Chris Myers 23studied at GU in 1996 before entering a career in management.

Thats one great-great-grandfather, one great-grandmother, one great-great aunt, two grandparents, two aunts, a father, and now Chris, walking GUs campus between 1926 and 2019. By the time Chris graduates, his familys engagement with the University will span nearly a century.

Changing Times, Steadfast Mission

Chris grew up with stories about GU floating into family conversations, but grandmother Jackiesandwiched between generations has a longer view of the family history. She heard stories of campus culture in her mother-in-laws day; women couldnt wear slacks, jewelry, or makeup, and strict rules prevailed.

By the time Jackie entered the classroom, dress codes and other regulations had loosened, and campus culture continued to evolve. Now, she hears about student life from her grandson.

Chris feels the college is more laid back and more open to discuss issues that are relevant to the young adults today, she says, adding that the central and most important elements havent changed.

The thing I valued most is the professors that care, reach out to you, offer help, mentor, and genuinely, authentically care about students, she says. Chris is currently experiencing that himself.

I like the fact that with fewer students in each class, we get one-on-one time [with professors] more than most other schools I have seen, Chris agrees.

GUs mission likewise remains steadfast: a Christ-centered Wesleyan education emphasizing character development and service.

Education for character will be our motto, said GUs first president Wilson T. Hogue in 1892. The Bible will have a place in all our courses of study.

Generations of Chriss family discovered the benefits of this mission, and now, Chriss own journey is just beginning.

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