Tim Furry swaps roles with President Dowden
Huntington, Ind.-Huntington College's Tim Furry, a junior youth ministries major from Chambersburg, Pa., had the privilege of being president-for-a-day at Huntington College on Wednesday, March 13. Furry was the winner of "Operation S.W.A.P." (switch with a president), a Student Senate fundraiser to help provide costs for Spring Break mission trips.
"Student Senate seeks to build strong relationships with the administration and faculty of Huntington College and to establish traditions on campus for the student population," said Julie Magrum, Vice President of Student Senate. "Dr. Dowden and Senate partnered together to sponsor 'Operation S.W.A.P.' to raise money for Spring Break mission trips. In its inaugural year, S.W.A.P. has garnered much enthusiasm on campus. Everyone is looking forward to seeing Dr. Dowden in class and Tim Furry behind the desk."
Furry spent his day meeting with key members of the campus community. His day started as he gave the President's monthly update at the Huntington College Foundation breakfast. Later that morning he sat in meetings with Jeff Berggren, Dean of Enrollment, and Sharon Givler, Executive Assistant to the President. For lunch, Furry met with local Huntington College Trustees, C. Ray Miller, Bishop Paul Hirschy and John Easterday along with Huntington College's first lady, Chris Dowden. His afternoon consisted of meetings with Norris Friesen, Vice President for Student Development, and Ron Webb, Vice President and Dean of the College.
After the Huntington College Foundation breakfast in which President Dowden introduced Furry, Dowden fulfilled a typical Wednesday in Furry's life. He attended Dr. John Woodruff's Introduction to Philosophy class, followed by Dr. Chaney Bergdall's Old Testament class. For lunch, Furry's girlfriend took Dowden to the Dining Commons where they met with some of Furry's other friends. He then fulfilled an afternoon R.A. (resident assistant) meeting with Resident Director, Jesse Brown.
"This has been a humbling and eye-opening day in the shoes of President Dowden," said Furry. "It has given me a good behind-the-scenes glimpse into the faculty and staff level of our college. It has given me a greater appreciation of the people who work so hard to make Huntington College the quality college that it is."
Huntington College is comprehensive Christian college of the liberal arts offering graduate and undergraduate programs in more than 60 academic concentrations. US News and World Report ranks Huntington among the best in the Midwest. Founded in 1897 by the Church of the United Brethren in Christ, Huntington College is located on a contemporary, lakeside campus in Huntington, Indiana.
