The Office: How It All Began

“Where are the 20-somethings?”

As I talked with Dr. Bill Amstutz, president of Shepherds Ministries, he repeated this question that he had voiced just a few years ago. The very inception of Shepherds College can be traced back to that simple question.

“Where are the 20-somethings?”

For the majority of Shepherds Ministries’ existence, the organization has been known as a residential home for adults with intellectual disabilities. But as Shepherds reached its 50^th anniversary, they realized they were not seeing growth within their program. Their residents did not appropriately represent the younger generations of people in their 20s and 30s. Shepherds wanted to find those people, but they realized they would have to create a new program to reach this age group.

Dr. Amstutz’s soft eyes seemed to twinkle as he told me how it all began.

As the administrators and board of directors met at a visioning summit, Dr. Amstutz asked that important question. Ideas were bounced around, and eventually, the group focused on instituting a program that would connect Shepherds back to their educational roots. Shepherds had begun as a boarding school for children with intellectual disabilities, and now the administrators designed plans to start a post-secondary school for students with intellectual disabilities.

This was new territory for everyone involved, and there wasn’t any other program like this that Shepherds could use as a model example. As the research was performed, Shepherds quickly recognized a nationwide lack of post-secondary options for students with intellectual disabilities. Shepherds College planned to combine education, vocational training, daily living skills, residential life, spiritual training, and lessons in appropriate independence to create their college, a combination that had never been instituted in an intellectual disability program before. This school would truly be the first of its kind.

As Shepherds College continued the development of their program, they realized that many young adults with intellectual disabilities struggle with transitions. These young people need help transitioning from school to work and from home to independence.  Shepherds understood that their school would have to successfully support the students throughout these transitions. It would be an essential element to their program.

Not only was Shepherds College designed to influence their students academically and socially, but also spiritually. You see, Shepherds does not want their ministry to simply offer a service. They want to equip their students to live a successful life by providing high quality education with a spiritual foundation. Shepherds College trains their students to have a meaningful relationship with Christ.

Nikki and Dr. Amstutz at the 2011 Commencement

Unlike Shepherds Ministries, Shepherds College does not anticipate making a long-term commitment with their students. Instead, Shepherds College looks to make a brief, but permanent imprint on their students’ hearts during their three years here. Dr. Amstutz refers to it as “a wonderful touch on their lives.” Shepherds College expects their students to take the next step in independence and go out in the world to wherever it is that God has called them, but to always keep Shepherds College in their hearts and minds.

Shepherds has finally found their “20-somethings,” and they’ve created a program that will help those 20-somethings succeed on multiple levels. Now, Shepherds Ministries is able to offer programs that attract adults of all ages.

And to think, it all started with just one question.

Shepherds College - Guiding Your Transition to Appropriate Independence. Please visit us at www.shepherdscollege.org.

Life's Accomplishments

Accomplishments are always something to be celebrated at Shepherds College. It doesn't matter how big or small the accomplishment is; Shepherds College believes every tiny step forward in life is a major achievement.

Graduation is definitely one of those big accomplishments.

Shepherds College celebrated the graduation of the Class of 2012 on Saturday, June 9. Friends, family, students, residents, and staff all gathered to honor the seven graduates.

Before they could graduate, the students had to get ready. The few hours before the afternoon ceremony were filled with fussing, primping, and prepping. Gowns needed to be wrinkle-free. Hats had to be pinned on straight. Tassels needed to be in the right place. The students were looking very nice.

Once the students were ready, there was some time to wind down and relax before the ceremony. Laughs and a few more memories were shared before the class headed to their graduation.

Prior to the ceremony, the audience was able to view a PowerPoint presentation which featured pictures of the graduates and faculty from the last three years. It was a beautiful way to honor the students and show their personalities, both professionally and personally.

At 1:00 p.m., commencement began with a flag processional. Seven flags were featured in the processional, including the American flag, the Christian flag, and a flag representing each state or country a graduate is from. The flag bearers also symbolized different areas of Shepherds Ministries, including a resident from Shepherds and an alum from the first graduating class of Shepherds College. It was an exciting and meaningful portion of the ceremony.

Shepherds College students and faculty followed the processional. I wonder if the first and second year students were imagining what it will be like to walk down the aisle on their graduation day.

Then, it was time for the Class of 2012 to make their debut. Their silver caps and gowns shone as they walked slowly toward the front of the gymnasium. Despite the nerves and excitement, the graduates looked confident and poised. It was a moment that everyone in the audience will remember.

After the welcome, opening prayer, and congregational song, graduate Brett read a scripture passage chosen by the graduating class. The class chose Proverbs 3:1-6. Brett read these verses that encouraged the students to follow the right path in their life.

Residential Life Staff Daniel Gaschke directed the Shepherds College Student Choir as they recited Bible verses and sang a song. The song was fun and energetic with a spiritual foundation, and it was easy to see that the students enjoyed singing it. The words encouraged the graduates to become more and more like Jesus every day.

Melissa was chosen to represent the Class of 2012 by presenting a speech. She thanked her teachers, family, friends, and internship supervisor. She shared the things she had learned at Shepherds College and explained how her life had changed during her time at Shepherds. Melissa truly had a life-changing experience at Shepherds College when she accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior.

"I learned to control my emotions, I learned to work as a team, and I learned in Bible class that God has a plan for me," Melissa said.

She concluded her speech with a challenge to her classmates.

"I encourage you to remember that God is always with you. Keep following God's plan for your life, even when it seems difficult," Melissa said.

Dr. Jim Pierson, Adjunct Professor of Special Education at Johnson University, delivered the commencement address. He used the class' selected scripture passage as the basis for his message. Pierson used personal stories to encourage the students to stay on the right path, maintain good reputations, trust in the Lord, and hide God's Word in their hearts.

"All of you have decided that you're going to honor God with your lives, and there is nothing more important than that," Pierson said.

He also presented the graduates with a special gift to remember this day. He gave them a wooden heart to remind them to always put God first in their lives.

Then, the moment that everyone had been waiting for arrived. As Angela Houk, the Dean of Shepherds College, read the student's names, they stepped onto the platform and received their certificates of completion from Executive Director of Shepherds College Tracy Terrill and President of Shepherds Ministries Dr. Bill Amstutz. The smiles on the students' faces easily revealed what they were feeling.

The Class of 2012 turned to face the crowd - this crowd of people who has cheered them on, helped them along, or prayed for them during their journey. It was a moment of accomplishment for everyone in the room. Terrill instructed the students to turn their tassels, and seven new graduates joined the Shepherds College alumni.

As the audience applauded, the graduates made their way back down the aisle and out the door. Friends, family, students, and staff gathered outside the Bolthouse Center to congratulate the Class of 2012. It was a time for hugs, laughter, smiles, maybe a few tears, and lots and lots of pictures.

Congratulations to the Class of 2012! You made goals, you worked hard, and you didn't give up. You have reached a wonderful achievement, and Shepherds College feels blessed to have seen you learn and grow. We will miss you, but we know that God has great things planned for your life. Remember to follow Him in all that you do because following after God is the only thing that brings you real success.

Shepherds College - Guiding Your Transition to Appropriate Independence. Please visit us at www.shepherdscollege.org.

A Night of Celebration

Just weeks ago, Shepherds College celebrated their second graduating class, the Class of 2012. June 8 was set aside as a private time for the graduates, their families, and faculty to gather and reminisce the past three years. It was a beautiful celebration designed to honor these seven students and their accomplishments.

The night began with the opportunity for family photo shoots provided by Jim and Cathi Leibforth of Leibforth Photography. Many students and their families took advantage of this wonderful service. These families will now have lasting memories of a very special night.
 

 

The celebration was held in the commons area of the first year dorms. This recently renovated area was warm and inviting. The room was decorated beautifully, incorporating the school colors and flower arrangements designed with flowers growing right on campus. Delicious hors d'oeuvres and desserts were provided by Director of Shepherds Enterprises Allan Castelli.

Tracy Terrill, Executive Director of Shepherds College, set the bar high with his opening statement for the night.

"I know last year this night was one of the most special nights of my life, and I expect nothing less tonight," he said.

Dean of Shepherds College Angela Houk began the program with a quiz for the graduating class. Each student was asked to share one thing they had learned during their time at Shepherds College. Some answers included learning specialized skills in Culinary Arts and Horticulture, developing abilities to live independently, and nurturing a stronger relationship with Christ.

Several faculty members were asked to share their thoughts about one specific student. The teachers told the families how their students had developed and grown throughout their three years at Shepherds College. They encouraged the students to remember the lessons they had learned and to continue in the habits they had formed. It was a unique way to honor the students individually.

"When Seth made a decision to follow Jesus, he made a decision to succeed," Chef Brett McCarthy said.

"I'm very proud of you for reaching this day and becoming a college graduate," Residential Life Manager Brian Canright said to Kyle.

Students were also given the chance to present a speech. They thanked their family, friends, and teachers and challenged their classmates with one final thought. It was very moving to see these students clearly present their thoughts and ideas in front of a crowd.

"Thank you to my classmates for being good friends and supporting me," Rachel said.

"Just remember to seek God in everything you do," Kyle said.

Dr. Bill Amstutz, president of Shepherds Ministries, concluded the program with a devotional for the graduates. He encouraged them to view the Bible as their spiritual GPS. He asked the students to look to the Word of God for direction when facing life's choices. Dr. Amstutz used Proverbs 3:5-6 to support his points.

"Lean on God's Word. It will never lead you in the wrong direction," Dr. Amstutz said.

This night provided a special time of reflection for students and their families. It was exciting to see the smiles on the graduates' faces. They finished. They made it. And their time at Shepherds College has equipped them with what they need to move forward in life.

Tracy Terrill smiled at the students as he offered the closing statement for the night.

"We're so very happy you've spent the last three years of your life here at Shepherds College."

The Class of 2012

Shepherds College - Guiding Your Transition to Appropriate Independence. Please visit us at www.shepherdscollege.org.