Comments from ALUMNI

I have always been grateful for the Religion/Philosophy program that I completed at Roberts Wesleyan College. It rooted and grounded me in our Wesleyan position, and gave me a network of friends and colleagues in ministry that I have enjoyed crossing paths with since that time.

Roger W. Haskins, Jr. '81
Bishop, Free Methodist Church of North America

I feel that the greatest strength of Roberts lies in its faculty. The faculty of Roberts Wesleyan are not only extremely qualified academics, but they are also individuals that share their particular passion for a subject with students in an open and academically responsible fashion. What makes the Religion and Humanities faculty strong is their diversity in backgrounds and the way they complement one another's academic interests and personal convictions. I honestly believe that my success as a student was because of how the faculty at Roberts took an interest in me as a student, and more importantly, as an individual. They taught me the basics of how to be an effective student and how to internalize the lessons learned in the classroom. As a Ph.D. student, I have confidence in my knowledge, my ability to offer research to the academic body, and my perseverance to see a Ph.D. to completion - all because of the support and encouragement I received from my undergraduate education.

Heather Huntley '99
Graduate Student
St. Andrews University (Scotland)

The Religion-Philosophy program taught me how to think. The professors teach on a personal level and truly care about the progress and development of their students; they are approachable, available, and extremely knowledgeable about their fields. Since I am in full-time ministry, my classes were helpful in that they gave me a wealth of knowledge and information about varying perspectives that assists me when I speak with and relate to people. In addition, the small classes provided a safe environment to try out new ideas and practice communicating what I was learning. My education has greatly helped me to communicate with people, both professionally and personally, and I look at the world around me differently, having completed the RPH program.

Amy Lawver '00
Singer - Only by Grace
Southern Gospel Quartet
www.onlybygrace.org

I found that my time at RWC was vastly rewarding. I was challenged not only to grow in my faith by being in service to Christ, but also to grow by engaging my mind for God's kingdom. What I learned at RWC was an invaluable foundation on which to now launch into higher academic study. The Contemporary Ministries Program has also been a benefit for me. Having had the fortune to closely mingle my classroom knowledge with what I was doing in the local church was a great reward. The sensitivity and emphasis on historical orthodox Christianity, as well as critical analysis of current trends and thought in modern Christianity, gave me what I think was a well rounded worldview of the current and growing Christian church. I found that the program (and the continuing resources [time and mentoring] from my former professors) enabled me to continue to grow as an academic and also as a pastor. As I look towards the future, I have great expectations of what God will do in His church. My time at Roberts has been a foundational experience in my life both in academic pursuit, and more importantly in developing my character for Christ. I am grateful to the many who offered me assistance, counseling, and encouragement during my time at RWC. I had a positive experience through my years at Roberts - an experience that I would gladly choose again!

Malcolm Light '98
M.Div. Student
Talbot Seminary (BIOLA)

I have been shaped by the influence of RWC in its passionate commitment to develop integrated and Christ-like people who serve God. Certainly the classroom provided stimulus for the mind, but the environment shaped the soul. The emphasis in the RP major was not the acquisition of knowledge, but the shaping of the thought processes which, when surrendered to God, become lifelong means of discovering the fathomless depths of walking with Him and navigating the complexity of Christian leadership in our culture. The foundations of character and service formed at RWC have been tested on the journey of life and are found to be strong and grounded. For that investment in my life, I am deeply thankful to God and all those who helped to make RWC what it is.

Kevin W. Mannoia '77
President
National Association of Evangelicals
KNOW GOD AND MAKE HIM KNOWN

Our time at Roberts shaped the rest of our lives. Our professors took the Scriptures and opened them in such a way that we grew both academically and spiritually. Honest investigation allowed us to grapple with theological issues (some of which we had never confronted before) in a way that prepared us for the rigors of ministry. Along with a host of others, I did not discover how excellent my undergraduate training was until I began Seminary. I am sure that having a strong foundation made my seminary experience much richer. Both Cheryl and I look back with great appreciation on our time and association with the Religion - Philosophy faculty at RWC. Being one of those couples that used our college years to meet and fall in love (married just a month after graduation), one of our fondest memories of the closeness we felt with our professors was to have them all in attendance at a wedding shower hosted by our campus friends!

Paul Walter '79
Pastor
Galion, OH Free Methodist Church
Cheryl Walter '79
Pastor's Wife &
Kindergarten Teacher
North Elementary School

Sample PRACTICUM Field Placement Sites

• Avon Wesleyan Church, Avon, NY
  
• Browncroft Community Church, Rochester, NY
  
• Camp Aldersgate, Brantingham, NY
  
• Cross Creek Free Methodist Church, Palmyra, NY
  
• Chenango Bridge United Methodist Church, NY
  
• East Palmyra Christian Reformed Church, NY
  
• Edgewood Free Methodist Church, Brighton, NY
  
• First Bible Baptist Church, Greece, NY
• Heart and Soul Free Methodist Church, Rochester, NY
• Heritage Christian Homes, Rochester, NY
  
• Hilltop Retirement Center
  
• New Hope Free Methodist Church, Rochester, NY
  
• Park Ridge Free Methodist Church, Greece, NY
  
• Pearce 4 Kids, North Chili, NY
  
• Pearce Memorial Church, North Chili, NY
  
• Roberts Wesleyan College, Chaplain Ministries, Rochester, NY
  
• Shema Yisrael Messianic Jewish Congregation, Rochester, NY
  
• Solid Rock Church, New Windsor, NY
  
• Youth for Christ, Rochester, NY
  
• Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church, Rochester, NY