2024 Goshen College News Highlights
1. $68 million ‘Connected Cause’ campaign announced
Goshen College announced the public phase of a comprehensive fundraising campaign titled “Connected Cause: The Campaign for Goshen College,” with a goal of raising $68 million to support seven institutional priorities. Over $60 million has already been raised through gifts such as this one.
2. Goshen College shines in rankings, enrollment
Goshen College was ranked the top bachelor’s college in Indiana for the eighth consecutive year (and #6 in the nation) by Washington Monthly in 2024. The college also earned top-10 national rankings in research, service, graduation outcomes and AmeriCorps/Peace Corps participation. Additionally, GC enrolled over 250 new undergraduates in the fall — 62 more than last year.
3. Students excel in classroom, community and beyond
From individual awards to team research projects, Goshen College students went above and beyond this year, earning national scholarships and being honored for academic excellence. See some of their exceptional stories:
- Seven seniors honored with President’s Graduating Leader Award
- Three outstanding seniors named recipients of 2024 Global Citizenship Award
- Communication students win several national awards in New York City
- Senior Annika Alderfer Fisher wins 2024 peace oratorical contest
- Maple and Hickory Scholars spend summer researching
- Coalition podcast features Goshen College student leaders on Indigenous advocacy
4. Five outstanding alumni honored with 2024 Alumni Awards
During Homecoming Weekend, five outstanding alumni received Goshen College’s 2024 alumni awards for their commitment to living out the college’s motto, “Culture for Service,” and who exemplify the core values of the college: Charles Hostetter ’63 (San Francisco, California), Adam Tice ’02 (Goshen), Samita Thapa ’12 (Turin, Italy), Carl J. Yoder ’57 (Goshen) and Sophia Sears ’17 (Paoli, Indiana).
5. Goshen College employees earn fellowships, awards
Maple Leaf employees were honored in a variety of ways this year. Along with sharing their stories, GC welcomed 37 new employees while saying thank you to nine retirees.
- Goshen College welcomes 37 new employees for 2024-25
- Nine retiring employees say farewell after decades of service
- Five earn inaugural Maple Leaf Awards for Employee Excellence
- Goshen College professor awarded Fulbright fellowship for sustainability research in Indonesia
6. Athletics excel on national stage
Maple Leafs shone this year across sports, setting school records and earning All-American titles.
- Six Maple Leafs named All-Americans, Keitany earns national runner-up at indoor track & field championships
- Leafs earn All-American honors in five events at NAIA outdoor track & field championships
- At cross country national championships, two runners finish as All-Americans with school record performances, women’s team comes in 26th
- Celebrating Excellence: Maple Leafs shine at annual LEAFYs Awards Ceremony
7. Academic Success Center renovated for holistic student support
During the summer, Goshen College renovated the Academic Success Center to include offices and collaborative areas. The center is now a centralized space offering academic coaching, tutoring, advising and inclusive programming.
8. New Master of Arts in Teaching announced
Goshen College’s new Master of Arts in Teaching program will begin in fall 2025, addressing Indiana’s teacher shortage. The program blends research with practical teaching skills, emphasizing experiential learning and cultural competency.
9. ECoSistema celebrates 10 years of accessible music education for Elkhart County youth
This year, ECoSistema, hosted by Goshen College’s Community School of the Arts, celebrated 10 years of transforming lives through free music education in Elkhart County. The program combines music education with youth development, offering an outlet for resilience and growth and impacting 1,000 youth annually.
10. We remember those who passed away this year:
- January 11: Mary Oyer, professor emerita of music, age 100
- March 13: Jonathan Roth, professor emeritus of biology, age 86
- June 21: Celia Vasquez, former Peru SST coordinator, age 66
- November 18: Marvin Bartel, professor emeritus of art, age 87
- December 10: Anita Stalter, retired professor of education and vice president for academic affairs emerita, age 77
Want to see the 2024 year in photos? Check out the top photos of the year here!