This is Vincent’s Story

I have been honored to know and coach hundreds of great athletes at GC, but none like Vincent Kibunja. The third of four siblings, Vincent grew up in Nakuru, Kenya, about a three hour drive from Nairobi. One day in the spring of 2016, Vincent spontaneously decided to go to the city’s track to burn off some steam after a stressful day. A recruiter happened to be there and recognized Vincent’s potential. After more training he won a scholarship to a junior college in New York and Vincent’s dream of studying in the United States was becoming a reality.

However, Vincent’s transition to the United States as an international student was painful and challenging. To make matters worse, after his first year, he was devastated to learn that his scholarship wasn’t continuing. Still following his desire for a better future, Vincent prayed for a miracle. In a final effort of hope and vulnerability, he spent his last dollar on a train and then taxi ride to get to Goshen College. Optimism, faith, two suitcases, a huge smile and a big dream were the only things Vincent had with him when I met him on the first day of school three years ago.

Thanks to you, and our community of supporters, when Vincent arrived we were able to provide for him through gifts to the Goshen College Fund. Vincent’s smile is contagious and continues to be a shining light among his peers; always humble, grateful and kind. Vincent has been an active member of our Cross Country team during his time with us. While not the best runner coming in, his tremendous work ethic and 10,000+ miles with the team, has earned him the 2nd fastest 8k time in school history and he was our top runner at the national competition last fall in Washington.

» Read more about Vincent

Vincent will be graduating this spring as a business major and is engaged to be married to another Goshen College graduate. Vincent asked me to pass this message on to you:

I will forever be grateful for Goshen College donors who helped me in my time of need. I knew the bitterness of life and this motivated me to work hard knowing that God had a plan for me. God is good. You were my blessings, thank you. My goal is to make an impact in the lives of others and give back to help other students get an education like what you have done for me. Thank you for believing in me.” -Vincent 

While the Goshen College Fund touches the lives of our students, like Vincent, in critical and sometimes surprising ways, so does philanthropy. In our 125th year of transformational education, I invite you to consider a meaningful gift today to support students through the Goshen College Fund.

Kindest regards,