An GLCC Alumni Reflection by Carrie (Foust) Leazenby
(presented at the alumni meal on August 22)
I could tell a thousand stories about my time at Great Lakes during the 3 short years I attended. I could talk about how friends became family, about how professors took the time to get to know students on a much more personal level by spending just as much, if not more, time with us outside the classroom, about how God was pursuing my heart and how He used my time at Great Lakes to help me grow in knowledge and in faith. But that would take all day and Phil promised I only needed to share a minute or two. Before I begin, I would like to apologize to the rest of my class as I am sure there are much more trained and eloquent speakers, but since only 3 of us rsvp’d to this event, you got stuck with me.
I would like to use my minute or two to recall a few of my most notable memories. I would love primarily to remember some people who are no longer with us, some of whom have received the ultimate reward for a life lived well and faithfully, a few who moved on to pursue other great and noble opportunities, as well as a few who continue to bless Great Lakes Christian College with their presence and service.
I would like to acknowledge what a privilege it was to learn from some seriously great and inspirational professors and teachers. What an honor to have been a student here and to learn under the wise and faithful tutelage of Doc Doty. I still vividly recall the sound of sirens and can see in my mind the flashing lights of emergency vehicles from the corner of my dorm room window on that dreary, winter morning that the Lord called him home. I will never forget his humor and wit and how, by the time WE were students, he could barely stay awake in class. And who could forget, Mr. Fisher. I still remember the shock on the faces of some of the students when I referred to the beloved Professor as Ron (which was simply NOT allowed and unheard of), because I had known him my entire life before I came to Great Lakes. I cannot name them all (time does not allow) but what a blessing it was to experience teachers like Jim Estep, Mark Christian, Ron Klepal, Greg Steere, and Paul Kissling to name a few. I would like to take his moment to offer a special apology to Mark Christian. I still cannot give a speech without writing it word for word, and I probably never will. I’d also like to give a special thanks to Paul Kissling, whom I will never think of and not remember this phrase so passionately uttered in class on many occasions, “You didn’t learn THAT in Sunday school, did ya?”
I would be remiss to miss the opportunity to express my appreciation for Esther Hetrick as some of my most favorite and beloved memories revolve around singing in the choir, choir tours, and madrigals. And speaking of Madrigals, for George Brown, also without whom Madrigals could not, would not, should not exist, nor the ability to diagram somewhat grammatically “complex” sentences such as those that exist within this speech. And last, but certainly not least, the national treasure that is Lloyd Knowles. Lloyd will forever have a little piece of my heart. But poor Lloyd. When we were students, Lloyd was in charge of tracking down every student at the end of the year to take a survey. During that time there was a popular television commercial for Dominoes Pizza with the catch phrase, “Avoid the Noid” (something about freezing pizzas, I don’t know…doesn’t matter). I’m assuming this wasn’t any kind of big secret back in the day, but the students, MOST affectionately I assure you, changed that catch phrase to, “Avoid the Lloyd!” It was a great game to see who could “avoid the Lloyd” the longest and be the last man standing. On behalf of the class of 1998, I would like to formally apologize for our mischievous behavior as it relates.
As a freshman, I was offered a job in the PR department and then quickly moved on to the mailroom. That job offered me the unique opportunity to get to know staff and faculty in a way that I probably wouldn’t have otherwise, especially those staff who operated a little more behind the scenes. I got to serve and work with some amazing individuals during that time. These individuals played a special role in my life, because we became friends and family, and they were huge sources of encouragement to me. I fondly recall Pat Girdwood who was my first boss at Great Lakes. She invested in me and believed in my abilities and stretched me to step out of my comfort zone and take on responsibilities that I felt inadequate for but rose to the occasion for because she believed in me. I recall fondly so many wonderfully encouraging conversations with Mary Lou Platner and Marie Riggs and Sandra Kuest. Their friendship was and continues to be a blessing to my heart. And speaking of my heart, Mr. Ted Kees will always have a special spot. I think mostly because he reminded me of my dad. He knew no stranger and could talk and talk and talk…and talk some more. One of my most favorite memories was when he discovered the “Hamster Dance” video on YouTube and he went around playing it for everyone to enjoy and experience! One more thing that I think is worth mentioning: I am pretty sure that Jerry Paul was secretly “the Menards guy” and I told him so, once. If you don’t know, google it. It’ll be worth it, I promise.
I wish that I had the time to name and praise each and every individual, because there are so many more, all equally deserving of mention, who have touched my life and the lives of countless others, in one way or another here at Great Lakes Christian College. But there would never be enough time, this side of heaven. And so, I end with a consolatory thought. One day, when Christ returns, we’ll have an eternity to share ALL our wonderful memories together. What a blessed assurance and hope we have as followers and servants of Jesus.