A GC liberal arts education: a foundation for the future

'..Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.' 
1 Corinthians 15:58

By Kelli Burkholder King, Director of Alumni, Church and Parent Relations

Recently, one of our local newspapers (The Elkhart Truth) published a special news and advertising section, "Spotlight on Local Colleges; Education the REAL Power Tool." I was pleased to read a wide range of stories affirming the value of colleges and universities in northern Indiana and that Goshen College was featured in one with the headline: "Employers value college graduates with a liberal arts education."

In the article, Goshen College Public Relations Director Richard Aguirre wrote about the value of a liberal arts education in preparing students to succeed in the work place and life. The article pointed out that in our global economy, employers value graduates who have cross-disciplinary knowledge in science, cultures, technology, and advanced skills in communication, teamwork and analytical reasoning.

The article also quoted Goshen College student Tony Janzen, an Elkhart Central High School graduate, who is a senior education major. "A liberal arts education better prepares you for the real world. I was able to get a whole new perspective. And if my major turns out to be something I don't want to do, I feel that my liberal arts education has prepared me to be flexible in my choice of career."

Goshen students such as Janzen exemplify the benefits of a liberal arts education. Goshen College's core values embrace the qualities emphasized above: reasoning and understanding the sciences and technology are valued, along with being a global citizen and understanding the complexity of culture and diversity.

As the Class of 2008 graduates from Goshen College, I believe your children have an excellent education that will serve them and the world well as they encounter the challenges and opportunities in this complex, global economy. The core values and liberal arts education they have been immersed in at Goshen College are in urgent need out there!