GC Presidents Honor Alumni at Dinner
Published: April 13, 2021
More than 170 friends and alumni of Greenville College gathered in the Armington Center last Friday evening for GC's annual President's Society Dinner. Former president Robert "Ish" Smith, current president Larry Linamen, and future acting president Randy Bergen addressed members of the Society in a show of appreciation for their generous contributions to the College's mission and work. The President's Society consists of donors who have given at least $1,000 and young alumni donors who have given at least $100 to Greenville College, during the last fiscal year.
Smith, ninth president of Greenville College, presented alumni James and Susan Claussen of Lakeland, Florida, with the 2012 John and Shirley Minshall Servant Leadership Award. "I don't think anyone has attended more Greenville College alumni gatherings than Jim Claussen," noted Smith, adding that Susan was a close second. "They not only attended more than anyone else, they organized more." After serving on GC's alumni board, Jim Claussen served for 37 years on the College's board of trustees. Together, he and Susan added to the beauty of campus with the additions of Claussen and Page Circles.
"Jim and Susan set the pace in their example of giving," said Smith, "and challenged us in word and deed to take risks for the mission of Greenville College, to give sacrificially, and to trust that God will honor our faithfulness when we do that."
President Larry Linamen provided an overview of Greenville College's recent accomplishments in the use of technology and social media, the development of its COR program, and the expansion of global awareness among students and faculty. He shared a vision for building upon these successes to further distinguish Greenville College as an institution that transforms lives for character and service.
"Where two or three are gathered in Christ's name, He is among them," said Provost Randy Bergen. "That is the nature of Greenville College. We are gathered in Christ's name and He is among us whether we are in biology classes, sociology classes, philosophy classes or religion classes."
Bergen painted a picture of GC's expanded community, revealing that one in four of the graduates to walk across this year's commencement stage will have earned master's degrees through the College's graduate programs. Another one in four will have earned their degrees remotely through the College's off-campus locations and online. "It turns out," he added, "that two or three people can be gathered online, and Christ is still there."
Music supplied by the Greenville College Faculty Jazz Ensemble, hors d'oeuvres, and dinner filled out an evening of fellowship for President Society members - partners in GC's success. Vice President for Advancement Walter Fenton reminded them that their dedication, faithfulness, and generosity remain key to GC's work. "By the close of this weekend 468 students will graduate from Greenville College," he said. "You have helped make that possible."
