Message from the President ‘A Place of Light’

In this issue of the George Fox Journal you will find stories of alumni pursuing their vocational calling, thanks in no small part to the faculty and staff who guided them toward lives infused with the Spirit of God. This mission was personified by Pam Fifer, our beloved dean of the College of Nursing, who this spring finished her battle with cancer and is now at rest with our Lord.

During our celebration of her life, we were reminded of how Pam exemplified walking with Christ in the workplace. She was a leader who demanded professional excellence while reflecting the heart of Jesus in every interaction. Even in the midst of her illness, she formed a profound connection with her physical therapist, Peter Weiss. Peter, an alumnus of our nursing and Doctor of Physical Therapy programs, shared this note with me:

“Working with Pam and her family was life-giving for me and quickly became the highlight of my day… Pam lived these words of Paul: ‘Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.’ – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Despite the heaviness of Pam’s diagnosis and the physical and emotional toll that came with it, her hospital room was not a place of darkness. Quite the opposite, actually. It was a place of light and healing for anyone who stepped foot inside. It was a ‘heaven meets earth’ kind of place. Pam’s circumstances and pain didn’t change her calling. She leaned into Christ even more, living with a boldness in faith that could not be ignored. While her body fought the cancer with every fiber of her being, she took the time to have meaningful conversations with everyone who walked through the door. She wanted to genuinely hear people’s stories and talk about Christ every moment she had.

Pam was living out the Be Known promise from her hospital bed. She used her pain as an act of worship, glorifying God and lifting others up rather than dwelling on her circumstances. The trust, peace and joy that Pam continued to experience in the midst of such a challenging season was not happenstance – it was the overflow from a lifetime of abiding.”

Pam’s example gets to the heart of what we do at George Fox: preparing students for the workplace while anchoring them in their faith. On the pages that follow, you will find stories of alumni who are now bringing that same light into the world, inspired by Pam and many others who are equally dedicated to this mission. I hope you enjoy reading about them.

Robin Baker
President