Lives of Impact: Spotlighting the 2021 Homecoming Awardees

One century ago, Gordon College launched an athletics program—not to recruit students or host activities, but to provide an active setting for students to deepen their experience of building Christian character. From the court, field, water and track, student-athletes take what they learned in competition out into the world, spreading the gospel through Christ-like behavior.

This year at the Homecoming Awards: A Celebration of Faithful Leadership, Gordon College will induct into the Athletics Hall of Honor three members of the Gordon and Barrington Athletics community who have demonstrated a lifestyle marked by Christian faith. Along with them, the ceremony will recognize alumni and friends of the College who nurtured their God-given talents and applied those gifts to a whole range of settings and careers, all in pursuit of serving Christ and their neighbors.

Before meeting these awardees and hearing more of their stories on Friday, October 2, here is a glimpse of the men and women who will be honored at this year’s Homecoming Awards.

Alumni Awardees

A. J. Gordon Missionary Award | Dr. John Samuel Mbiti ’57B In memoriam (1931–October 5, 2019)
Former Professor of African Religion and Theology, Parish Minister and Author

The late John S. Mbiti was considered the “father of modern African theology.” Some of his most remarkable achievements include his groundbreaking writings on religion in the African context and translating the New Testament from original Hebrew and Greek manuscripts into the Kenyan language Kiikamba.

Winifred Currie Award in Education | Pam Heintz ’89, M’15
Head of School, North Shore Christian School

In her wide range of responsibilities as a head of school, Pam Heintz is valued for her student-centered leadership. She desires to develop compassionate students with a biblical worldview and empowers her staff to produce students “who see their intelligence as being influenced by a loving and faithful Savior.”

Jack Good Community Service Award | Schuyler Anderson ’14
Co-owner, Maple Built

Schuyler Anderson and his brother are the creators of a woodworking nonprofit that provides mentorship and trade opportunities to high school boys in the most incarcerated zip code in the country.

Margaret C. Wright Memorial Ward | Aleah Tarnoviski ’12
Kindergarten Teacher, Success Academy Harlem 6

An innovative young teacher, Aleah Tarnoviski is determined to transform access to opportunities for students with financial constraints. The New York City teacher has led her students to achieve state- and nation-wide success in math, chess and soccer.

Marv Wilson Award for Career and Connection Institute | Dr. Cay Anderson-Hanley ’88
Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience, Union College; Founder and CEO, iPACES LLC

An ambitious professor and recent company founder, Cay Anderson-Hanley finds endless thrill in exploring the human mind. Anderson-Hanley and her colleagues recently received a $2.4 million grant from the National Institute on Aging to conduct research related to dementia.

Entrepreneur of the Year | Janine Halloran ’00
Founder and CEO, Coping Skills for Kids

Award-winning mental health counselor Janine Halloran compassionately tends to children’s mental health as the mind behind Coping Skills for Kids, a business that equips children and adolescents to cope with stress, anxiety and anger.

Young Alumni of the Year | Dr. Michael David Bailey ’06
Co-pastor, The First Cathedral

In 2015, Dr. Michael David Bailey became the youngest African American and third youngest student to complete the doctoral program at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. He now serves as co-pastor of The First Cathedral in Bloomfield, CT, alongside his father, Archbishop LeRoy Bailey Jr., a minister of 50 years.

Gordon Alumni of the Year | Michael Messenger ’90
President and Chief Executive Officer, World Vision Canada

Compelled by Michael Messenger ’90 has led a fruitful career serving World Vision, in Canada and around the world. As president of World Vision Canada since 2015, Messenger leads a team of about 500 employees in serving some of the world’s most vulnerable children through advocacy and humanitarian efforts that help communities build sustainable futures. His previous roles include vice president for public affairs and executive vice president.

Athletics Hall of Honor

Ray “Pop” E. Crowell (1893–1977) In memoriam
Cross Country Coach (1962–73), Barrington College

Ray “Pop” Crowell not only founded the cross-country team at Barrington in 1962, but he also achieved the first undefeated season by any athletic team in Barrington history in 1969 and holds a career record of 105–87–4. The 50^th Annual “Pop” Crowell Race, named in his honor, ran on September 18 this year.

Tina (Davey) Bauver ’74B
Field Hockey and Softball, Barrington College

After transferring to Barrington College in 1971, Tina (Davey) Bauver ’74B went on to earn 10 varsity letters in two-in-a-half years for her exceptional skill in field hockey, softball, basketball and volleyball.

Becca (Lambertson) Koelker ’05                   
Lacrosse, Gordon College

Becca (Lambertson) Koelker, a Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) champion team member and 2005 CCC Player of the Year, holds the career record for ground balls in lacrosse with a record of 185.

Additional Awards

Founder’s Medal | Rev. Dr. Charles “Chip” Falcone ’95 and Dr. Aimee Falcone ’99

Chip and Aimee Falcone are faithful supporters of Gordon College whose generosity has provided the College with access to resources and tools that particularly assisted in the transition to digital learning and helped spearhead the launch of Gordon’s initiatives in graduate public health. Both compassionate individuals who care deeply about the pursuit of excellence and emulating Christ, Chip serves as a chaplain and Aimee as a nurse practitioner. 

Lifetime Achievement Award | Dr. Russell Bjork
Former Professor of Computer Science, Gordon College 

In 1980, Russell Bjork began what would become a 40-year career and invaluable legacy at Gordon College. The founder of the Computer Science Department, Bjork kept his students on the frontier of the rapidly growing field with modern curricula and genuine care. In addition to Bjork’s long and fruitful tenure at Gordon, he served on the Beverly School Committee and dedicates time to North Shore Community Baptist Church on the nominating committee and, along with his wife, hosts evening worship services for individuals with disabilities—a ministry started by their son.

George F. Bennett Leadership Award | Robin C. John
CEO and Founding Member, Eventide Asset Management

An influential businessman, Robin John manages over $7 billion in assets as the chief executive officer of Eventide: an investment company that contributes to cybersecurity, energy efficiency, clean technology, and other fields that “make the world a better place.” John and his wife helped found the Darsha Academy, which prepares young women in India for leadership and community transformation through education and character development.

The 2021 Homecoming Awards: A Celebration of Faithful Leadership will take place on Friday, October 1 at 7:30 p.m. in the A. J. Gordon Memorial Chapel. The ceremony will include a keynote address by President Mike Hammond. Register for the Homecoming Awards ceremony >

Gordon College is monitoring CDC and local guidance on COVID-19 and will provide updates on Homecoming safety precautions at a later date. Visit the Scots Strong web resource to learn more about Gordon College’s current safety protocols.

Co-authored by Ellian Chalfant ’22, communication arts