Dear Fellow Alumni and Friends of BAC ,
With the recent Bryn Athyn College commencement ceremony in May , a cadre of alumni joined our ranks — 47 having earned their bachelor ’ s degrees and four having earned their associate degrees . We welcome them into the alumni community as associate members of the BAC Alumni Association ( BACAA ).
DAVE COOPER BACAA President
Again this year , you will notice we have mostly four-year graduates . For many of us who attended the College even just a few years ago , this is a departure from our experience ; yet it is a hallmark of the current College scene . The College is growing fast , adding new buildings , expanded academic offerings , and more faculty . Alumni stakeholders might wonder how the changes affect students , and whether they are still getting the experience that we associate with a New Church college . Each time I come on campus , I continue to witness the same warmth of community , enthusiasm for the mission , and dedication to academics that I did as a student . This is particularly evident at events surrounding graduation , where the testimonials of departing students capture the impact of their time here .
The BACAA Board recently had the pleasure of speaking with Wendy Closterman , Ph . D . ( BA ’ 91 ), the outgoing dean of faculty and the incoming dean of academics . She visited us to describe how BAC faculty are prepared to carry forward the unique culture of the College . Dr . Closterman reassured us that the rigorous and methodical process through which new faculty members are recruited , oriented , and reviewed still focuses on a deep knowledge of and commitment to the New Church mission , excellence in teaching , strong credentials , and professional engagement in the faculty member ’ s field of study . She relayed with enthusiasm some of the techniques she has developed in her own classes to stimulate discussions about moral and spiritual connections . The in-depth faculty recruitment and advancement process is designed to ensure that new faculty members continue the legacy of past and present BAC faculty — one of sincere commitment to our mission and our students .
I invite you to see for yourself . Contact BAC Alumni Relations and Advancement at 267-502-2444 or alumnirelations @ brynathyn . edu to schedule a campus visit . Take a tour , sit in on a class , and experience Bryn Athyn College again . I believe you ’ ll find a vibrant educational environment and come away with a renewed sense of what Bryn Athyn College offers to higher education .
Best regards ,
DAVE COOPER ( AA ’ 79 )
PRESIDENT , BRYN ATHYN COLLEGE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
4 | SPRING / SUMMER 2018