On occasion I find myself back on the George Fox campus holding a meeting, attending an event, or just visiting my wife. As I walk across the beautiful grounds I am once again reminded of the outstanding education I received here. Not just academically, although the quality of this specific facet is unquestionable, but socially and spiritually as well. Just the other day this phrase crossed my mind: "George Fox University is a place where my friends became professors and my professors became my friends."
What a rich experience we had sharing our lives together as we labored through the six and seven hundred level classes. We worked together, we supported each other, we complained to each other, and we learned from each other. We discussed trivial matters, we laughed, we shared personal testimonies, and we wrestled with the meaning of life. Yes, every brother and sister I was in class with became a part of my education. I may never see some of them again, but their influence remains. Graduate school truly is a special time in one’s life. I may forget some of the things I learned there, but I will never forget my professors and my peers.
It is because of this positive experience that I chose to serve on the George Fox University Alumni Board. I have the privilege of representing the graduate programs of the School of Education. Upon joining, I realized others had joined for the same reason. We are 22 people who share the common experience of a George Fox education and we want to give something back. It is our charge to inform alumni and to provide avenues for them to connect with the university and to each other. It is the least we can do to say thank you for an amazing education.
Yes, it is easy for me because I still live in Newberg, my wife Jere still works in the student life department, my two daughters graduated from George Fox recently, and my son is a freshman this year. For those of you who live farther away and do not have kids attending, it may be a little harder to stay connected, but I encourage you to do just that. Please take advantage of the offerings put forth by Alumni Relations and the School of Education, you won’t regret it. And if there is any way we can help you please let us know. God bless and Go Bruins!
Wade Witherspoon is currently the superintendent of C.S. Lewis Academy in Newberg, Ore., where he lives with his wife Jere. He received his bachelor’s degree from George Fox in 1982 and his EdD from George Fox in 2007. Wade has served on the Alumni Board since September 2007.