New Church Life Mar/Apr 2015 | Page 87

  Jersey, when he succumbed to a brave battle against cancer. Bishop Keith had visited with him just before Christmas and said he was looking forward then to ending his medical treatments and returning to work in Ghana. In a message to General Church employees, Bishop Keith said: “We are all surprised and deeply saddened by this. As much as we know he will be awakening shortly and having his strength renewed, mounting up with wings like eagles, it is hard to imagine him not being with us. “Nicholas was one of the early New Church clergy in Ghana and did tremendous work supporting its growth development there. His vision, his energy and his devotion to the New Church will be sorely missed in this world.” Nicholas graduated from the Theological School and was ordained in 1995, then into the second degree in 1997. new president for the college Academy Chancellor Brian W. Keith has announced that Brian Blair has been elected as the next President of Bryn Athyn College of the New Church. He will assume office July 1, 2015. Dr. Kristin King will continue her leadership of the College as President until that time. Prior to assuming office Brian is providing consulting services to the College, especially in the areas of the new business major and in seeking new avenues of fund raising, in addition to learning about the College’s academic processes and procedures. Brian attended the Pittsburgh New Church elementary school, the Academy of the New Church Boys School for two years, and Bryn Athyn College for two years before graduating from Duquesne University with a degree in business administration. He has an extensive business resume including computer systems sales, management, recruiting, training and most recently in his own consulting firm that advises banks on risk analysis. He has been a close advisor to AIM Academy, a school his wife, Nancy, and a friend established for challenged learners. Brian has also served on several General Church congregational boards, the General Church Board of Directors, and most recently on the Academy Board of Trustees. During that time he has volunteered many hours at the College in a range of areas. Bishop Keith said: “Brian’s organizational and management skills, hi 0