Alumni Spotlight
The alumnae group spent the weekend at a cabin in Branson for their first annual getaway in February. (L-to-R) Mary Beth King, Chrissy Daco, Lisa (Scoma) Van Gorp, Joani Vander Molen, Katy (Wynant) Fenton, Maureen (Daco) Simpson, Lorena Weingartner, Amber (Pardee) Jenkins, Amanda Rickman.
One group of alumnae proves that college friendships last well beyond graduation. The group meets monthly for brunch. But as time and distance have changed their circumstances, they take any chance they can to spend time together.
“With cross-country moves, growing families, career changes and busy schedules, we have remained very close,” said Amanda Rickman ’02.
College Memories
The girls met during a span of years from 1998 to 2002. According to Amber (Pardee ’02) Jenkins, everyone with one exception lived on the same floor in Lewis Hall (L2N).
Amber remembers Homecoming weekend, 1999. “We were sitting on top of our deck in our suite and these women walked by with their kids in tow and came into their old room to recapture fond memories,” she said. “Though it seems like yesterday, it was nine years ago! We are now those women.”
“We prayed they would be lifetime friendships,” said Amber. “We had no idea. God has blessed that prayer and spoiled us with six wonderful years living in close proximity.”
As a freshman in college, Katy (Wynant ’02) Fenton, could not have imagined that “those fun evenings in the old EU cafeteria would be just as necessary to this 28-year-old mother of two.”
Since graduating, the girls have stayed in Missouri—mostly in Springfield with the exception of relocations to Lebanon and St. Louis. But this summer is bringing major changes for many in the group.
With more group members moving away from Springfield, their plans are now to meet annually for a weekend together. Their first annual weekend was in February at a cabin in Branson.
Big Changes Ahead
Sisters and members of the group, Maureen (Daco ’01) Simpson and Chrissy Daco ’05 both have big changes ahead of them.
Maureen married Matt ’02 and has two children, Olivia, 1; and Elijah “Eli” Matthew born on May 9. They are moving to Arizona to help build a Chi Alpha program at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
Chrissy is the Director of Public Relations and co-founder of Dusty Feet, an organization focused on improving living conditions in slum and war-torn areas of Africa. She is moving to Massachusetts this summer and engaged to be married in September.
The first to marry and have kids, Katy and her husband, Sam Fenton, have two children, Gianna, 3; and Amelia, 1. In April, they moved to Costa Rica for language school to prepare for mission work in Argentina.
“We have cried many tears, as she was the first to leave the immediate area,” said Amber. “We look forward to our annual weekend being abroad sometime soon!”
Amber married Jon Jenkins ’02 and works as the Purchasing Manager for Promoter Advertising Products. They are expecting their first child in December.
Amanda is currently in India working for Project Rescue, an organization dedicated to helping the victims of human trafficking. She also works with The Network for Women in Ministry.
Lisa (Scoma ’03) Van Gorp married Aaron ’03 in 2006. She is an English teacher and department head at Glendale High School. She and Amber live down the street from each other.
Joani Vander Molen ’02 recently moved to Branson to begin her new job as a counselor at Shelterwood, a Christian residential teen treatment program.
Lorena Weingartner ’02 teaches drama at Lebanon Junior High. She directs two plays each year, and members of the alumnae group make treks to Lebanon for the productions.
Mary Beth King lives in an apartment with Amanda and Lorena. Although she did not attend Evangel, Amber said, “She fits [in our group] like a glove.”
“I have named these girls my ‘intimates,’” Amber added. “They are dear to my heart in every way.”
Amanda confirms that they all know each other well. “But Amber,” she said. “She pays close attention.”