A Sense of Belonging, A Sense of Home

Six weeks ago I moved to Newberg. Six weeks ago I became director of alumni relations at George Fox University . Six weeks ago my life changed; but that was six weeks ago. This week, I will witness my first Bruin Brawl. This week, I will cheer on the George Fox basketball teams. This week is homecoming, and I couldn't be more excited!

The last two months have been a sort of homecoming for me. I was born and raised in Oregon , and despite living in Southern California for the past seven years, I have always considered this state to be my home. So it was with great enthusiasm that I accepted this role at George Fox. I have to admit, though, I am not a George Fox guy (at least I wasn't until six weeks ago). I didn't graduate from, or even attend, George Fox. In fact, even though I grew up in Portland , I had only been on campus a handful of times. The most recent was in 1998 to watch a basketball game with Jaliene (Miller) Hollabaugh ('00) who was a dear high school friend.

I am truly enjoying being back in my home state. I am able to see my family on a far more frequent basis. I get to experience actual weather, including the snow and rain that I have missed so much. But there is something else that has made this such a wonderful homecoming for me: George Fox University . During my first few days here, I could tell that this community was special. In the weeks that followed, I started to feel like a part of the George Fox family. Six weeks later, I consider George Fox home.

Driving back to Oregon , I was filled with anticipation and brimming with hope for God's new path for my life. I knew in my heart that this is where I was supposed to be. What I didn't know was that God would surround me with such incredibly loving people. The George Fox family has been a huge blessing to me and has made me feel very welcome. I look forward to meeting so many more members of this family, especially our alumni who have shaped this place and created so much of our rich history through the years.

So here I am at George Fox. It feels so good to be home.

Happy Homecoming!

Robby Larson

Director of Alumni Relations