Academic Anniversaries–Celebrating 30 Years of Programs
The Biology Major
Grace Rose McMackin spoke on behalf of the Biology major, one of the three major programs
celebrating their 30th anniversary. The biology major began as the Biological and
Chemical Sciences major, and the first graduating cohort was a class of one: Stephanie
Kuhl. By 2000 it had grown, restructured, and renamed the Biology major. In 2015, the Pre-Nursing program was introduced, and the major grew rapidly. In the 2+2 program, students spend two years at BACNC before transferring to nursing
school and graduating with a nursing degree. With the 4+1 option, they can complete
a full four years at BACNC earning a BA or BS in Biology, then finish nursing school
in one year. Many who came for the 2+2 year option wound up staying for the 4+1 track. Prof. McMackin commented, “I guess our awesome science faculty are just too much fun to leave behind.”
The English and Communications Major
Robin Cooper spoke on behalf of the English department. He thanked many of the original faculty: Kristin King, Bob Gladish, Suzanne Berhardt, and Vera Glenn for their profound contributions over the years. Current faculty, including himself, Thane Glenn, Ryan Pine, and Chandra Hoffman are working hard and enjoying their time teaching the next generation of scholars. In these courses, students learn how to write effectively out loud, on paper, and online. They explore a wide range of texts both read and written—Old English poems, children’s literature, and online content—including their spiritual dimensions. Prof. Cooper looks forward to the next 30 years of the English major.
The History/Human Society Major
Wendy Closterman spoke on behalf of the History/Social Sciences department (Sean Lawing,
Greg Rose, and Aram Yardumian). It began in the capable hands of Brian Henderson,
Ed Gyllenhaal, Brian Schnarr, and Jane Williams-Hogan. Dr. Closterman recognized how
the program has continuously changed to meet new challenges. It is now known as the
Human Society major, a multi-disciplinary program that includes Anthropology, Political
Science, and History. She acknowledged the very first graduates of the History Major,
who graduated in 1998: Jen Kuhl McQueen and Mike Morton. From this beginning to last
May, the History/Human Society major has seen more than 120 graduates.
Dr. Closterman said, “Please join me in raising a glass to the 30th birthday of the Biological and Chemical Sciences major (now Biology), the English major (now English and Communications), and the History major (now Human Society). And here’s to the more than 300 graduates from these three programs. Grads, you have helped to make these programs thrive. We are proud to call you—and all our grads—Bryn Athyn College alums.”
Distinguished Alumni Awards
This award recognizes alumni who have given back to their communities, alma mater, or church by applying values and perspectives from a New Church liberal arts education.
By way of introduction, Dr. Marcy Latta, Chief Academic Officer and Dean of Faculty and Academics, said: “This year’s Distinguished Alumni Award recipients represent the very best of what a Bryn Athyn College education can cultivate. Their stories demonstrate how the values learned here–compassion, service, excellence and faith–continue to guide their journeys long after graduation. Each of them has made remarkable contributions in their respective fields while maintaining deep connections to this community and the principles that unite us.”
Richard Cook
Richard Cook attended Bryn Athyn College part-time in 1979-1980 after completing his education in England. He has built a distinguished career as a portrait artist, working in oils on canvas and creating commissioned works for private homes and corporate collections throughout the United States and Canada. After the devastating loss of his daughter Laura in 1990, Richard's work transformed: "A pivotal point in both Debbie's and my life was the passing of our daughter Laura. It was painting her resurrection that made me realize that I was just a tool in the painting process.” Through his grief, he discovered "a new level of artwork—art that expressed the realm of the spirit." His spiritual paintings, including "Angel of Light," were exhibited at General Church gatherings and published in 2001 as a book that has comforted countless bereaved parents. Swedenborg's writings gave Richard a framework for understanding his loss, demonstrating the lasting impact of his connection to the New Church community. He has shown that personal tragedy, when met with faith and creative expression, can offer hope to others facing similar losses. Richard said, "I am thankful to Bryn Athyn College for being instrumental in showing me the way forward." You can view Richard's work on his website: https://www.americanportraitartist.com/
Deborah Cook
Deborah Cook graduated from Bryn Athyn College in 1978 with a degree in education, and she has served as a beloved educator for over four decades in three countries. When she came to Bryn Athyn College of the New Church, she found more than she ever
expected: “I learned about New Church teachings which have guided my life to this
day and gave me strength through the hard times and peace in the good times . . .
I found the perfect blend of my love of the Church and my love of children in the
educational profession.” After beginning her career at Olivet Day School in Toronto,
she joined Bryn Athyn Church School in 2001, where she became known for her hands-on
teaching approach that engaged all five senses. A passionate naturalist who studied
under Dr. Grant Doering, Debbie created meaningful traditions including Earth Day
walks, seed-planting worship services, and Pennypack woods field trips. Her curriculum
consistently wove spiritual truths into everyday learning, whether incorporating Divine Providence in history lessons or enriching worship with her skill in piano,
recorder, and guitar. Her colleague Chara Dibb noted that Debbie's beliefs have guided
every aspect of her service, and that she embodies an educator who nurtures minds,
hearts, and spirits. Debbie and Richard raised four children, including three sons who all attended Bryn
Athyn College. She thanked the College for this award, stating: “It was surely the Lord’s providence
that led me here.”
Amanda Calamito
Amanda Calamito graduated from Bryn Athyn College of the New Church in 2017 with a BA in Business. She engaged enthusiastically in campus life, serving as a Student Ambassador from 2014 to 2017. Following graduation, she earned dual graduate degrees—a JD and MBA—from Quinnipiac University in 2020, a remarkable achievement that positioned her at the intersection of law and business. Amanda's career has been marked by rapid advancement across multiple sectors. She began at Deloitte's Global Employer Services group, specializing in global tax law and executive compensation, progressing from Tax Consultant I to Senior Tax Consultant within 18 months. She then transitioned to private practice, developing expertise in business formation, mergers and acquisitions, commercial real estate, employment law, and estate planning at firms including Nedder & Associates and Aeton Law Partners.
Currently, Amanda serves as Associate Tax Counsel at Timex Group USA, Inc. in Connecticut, where she applies her unique combination of legal expertise and business acumen to complex corporate tax matters. Licensed in both New Jersey and Connecticut, she brings sophisticated legal skills to global organizations. Amanda remains deeply connected to Bryn Athyn College of the New Church. In her own words: "I take great pride in the core values I learned during my four years at Bryn Athyn College which I utilize every day. Bryn Athyn shaped me into the successful businesswoman I am today, and I am forever indebted to the valuable life lessons I learned here."
Outstanding Volunteer Award
This award honors volunteers for generous contributions of time and talent on projects that benefit the College.
Susan Asplundh and Chuck Blair
Bryn Athyn College of the New Church recognized two longtime volunteers, Susan Asplundh and Chuck Blair, with its Outstanding Volunteers award for their decades of service to the Tools For Life Camp, a program now hosted on the college campus. The honorees, who have been involved for much of the camp’s 30-year history, said they are grateful to see the initiative continue to support rising high school juniors and seniors through a blend of practical skill-building and spiritual growth.
Working alongside Head Counselors and college alumni Libby Allen and Luke David, the pair helped shape the 2025 camp theme, “Finding Your True North.” This year’s program included dorm-life immersion, a career day with alumni and community members, participation in a NewChurch LIVE service, workshops at Glencairn Museum, and etiquette training topped off with a keynote speech on perseverance and resilience.
Susan and Chuck emphasized that the camp’s greatest impact comes from the meaningful relationships formed between campers and counselors, marked by respect, empathy, deep conversation, and lighthearted fun. They said the recognition strengthens their commitment to supporting initiatives that help young people develop purpose, faith, and resilience as they prepare for adulthood.