Category: Stories In Focus

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Stories In Focus

Sam Kocheri

By Juliana Schmidt ('25)

As the new Professor of History, Sam Kocheri Clement might be new to teaching at Houghton University, but he is familiar with the world of history. 

Kocheri grew up as the youngest of four in a small family in India. He dabbled in other avenues before he decided to pursue a career in teaching. 

“I went to join a Catholic seminary to become a priest. After I realized that was not my calling, I discontinued it,” he explained.

Kocheri graduated from Mahatma Gandhi University—located in Kottayam a city in the Kottayam district of Kerala, India—with a bachelor’s degree in English. He then obtained his masters in English from St. Aloysius university in Karnataka, India. In 2021, Kocheri successfully defended his PhD thesis in Postcolonial History at the University of Birmingham in the United Kingdom. He returned to India to work for ten months, and during that time he received his postdoctoral funding. 

At the time, Kocheri wanted to look for a place that aligned with his beliefs. He found HU while searching for Christian institutions.

“I wanted to go somewhere where I could profess my faith much more clearly,” Kocheri said. 

While Kocheri feels comfortable in his faith now, there was a time when he felt disconnected from God. He opened up about how he fell numerous times away from Christianity and how he was an atheist for about four years before he found his way back to God. 

Kocheri talked about how important it is for him as a teacher to show his students that he is not and has not always been perfect in his faith. By showing that side of himself, he believes it will allow him to relate to his students more in their own faith journeys. 

He was inspired by various people along his journey to becoming a history professor. He shared a quote from Carl Gustav Jung: “One looks back with appreciation to brilliant teachers, but with gratitude to those who touched our human feelings. The curriculum is so much necessary raw material, but warmth is a vital element for the growing plant and for the soul of the child.”

Kocheri tries to live by Jung’s quote in his teaching. Additionally, he mentioned the professors Andrew Davis and Dr. Berny Sebe. 

“Both of them guided me like their brother,” Kocheri remembered. Dr. Sebe was, “Extremely kind to me, compassionate. I want to be someone like him.”

In 2020, he married his wife, Claire, in Birmingham, England. Three years later they welcomed their daughter, Lydia. 

Kocheri reminisced about what he used to do with his free time. A few years ago his answer might have been movies, but after his baby came almost all the movies he watches now are Disney movies. In his free time Kocheri now just wants to “chill.”

“I don’t know how long she’ll be a small kid, but I want to enjoy every second with her,” he explained. Kocheri expressed an interest in fishing with his daughter when she grows older. He also likes raising animals and would love to have some chickens or goats. 

While Kocheri has only spent a few months at HU, he described the community as sacrificial. Everyone “cares for one another,” which is not something he had experienced as much at previous jobs. 

He found the first two weeks hard, but with the help and support of Houghton’s community and students, he has settled in and feels welcomed. 

Currently, Kocheri is “Loving the peace and calm Houghton has.” ★ 

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Sarah Massey

By Julia Collins ('26)

On Thursday, Oct. 17, Music Professor Sarah Massey will be holding a lecture as part of the Faculty Lecture Series on student engagement and learning. The meeting will be in Library, room 323 at 4:25 p.m.

The Faculty Lecture Series is a gathering where professors get a chance to speak to students and colleagues about subjects they have researched. The lectures occur around once a month and are praised for being a way for professors to connect with students.

Dr. Massey said her lecture will focus on “motivating students to be transformed by active engagement in learning requires creative strategies.” 

She explained that “reluctant students who tend to ‘stay on the sidelines’ due to attitudes that they may FAIL can be empowered to move into the FLOW of activities which can maximize learning.” 

While she plans to further explain this in her lecture, the main focus will be on “student-first learning.” This is important because, according to Dr. Massey, “thinking creatively about how class material is presented takes time but pays off with student engagement.”  

Senior Colin O’Mara (‘25) is excited about the lecture. He said that he wants to attend because “the lectures are from professors we know who are speaking to their personal areas of interest and study.” Having knowledge from professors’ personal interests “allows me to become versed in a wide variety of interesting subjects,” he added. 

O’Mara reports that professors have given lectures on a variety of topics. He mentioned that there is often “a solid mixture of students and faculty.” He goes to as many lectures as he can, even if the topic is different from what students typically discuss.

“If I can receive an interesting lecture on a subject I appreciate, but haven’t had time to invest in, on a Thursday evening I’ll be there,” O’Mara said.

Andrew Walton, a theology professor, is currently a part of organizing the faculty lectures.

“[I] enjoy the chance to step away from my area of study and hear about the exciting work my colleagues are doing in diverse fields,” he commented. 

Dr. Walton explained that these lectures provide an opportunity to introduce new and emerging topics not covered in classrooms. Faculty lectures “also serve as a valuable model for students, demonstrating the research process in action,” he added. These lectures bridge the gap between professors’ personal and academic interests.

Dr. Walton himself specifically said that he enjoys talking about the Old Testament.

He said that “my favorite topics to talk about are Job and the Psalms, specifically the Psalms of lament.” This topic is interesting to him because he appreciates “the raw honesty of these biblical texts which provide us with the chance to wrestle with the profound and sometimes unanswerable questions of human existence.” Dr. Massey’s lecture provides a space to learn about music, education and connecting with others. ★

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Ryann Cooley

By Aivery Shuck ('26)

Ryann Cooley has been serving the Houghton community as a professor for 11 years now, but has spent the majority of his life doing photography work. He provides his knowledge and energy in the art department, teaching digital media and photography.

Before Prof. Cooley came to Houghton, he began his journey as a military and business man who dreamed of traveling the world taking photos. To pursue this dream, Prof. Cooley went to college in Santa Barbara, Calif. and then started his career in New York City.

Soon after, Cooley was given an amazing opportunity to follow a missions program to Mexico—escaping the cold of New York—where he photographically documented the missionaries’ work. This experience opened up more opportunities for Prof. Cooley to take photos in a multitude of other countries, and he was able to pursue his dream of traveling the world for many years. Although traveling was thrilling, Prof. Cooley decided to settle back in New York City with his family. There, his advertising career took off as he began photographing for many different companies and magazines. After finding advertising less fulfilling than his past photography work, Prof. Cooley turned to teaching, and ended up at Houghton.

While deciding on which college to teach at, Prof. Cooley said that Houghton was the only school with students who “grilled him with questions for the full hour and a half.” He followed this by saying that Houghton was also the only school that got him thinking, “Holy cow… this is a lot of fun!”

Current art major Rachael Smith (‘26) said, “Professor Cooley’s classes are consistently enjoyable and full of energy. His witty humor and interactive approach makes every class fun. He takes time to involve everyone in discussions, and his thoughtful feedback inspires personal growth and development.” 

Prof. Cooley fosters meaningful and close relationships with his students, and his students appreciate all of the hard work he does connecting with them on a personal level.

Alumna Rachel Smith (Class of ‘22) said that Cooley “supported us outside and inside the classroom as a friend and a professor … we always felt so seen and so valued as one of his art majors.” 

His classes are open to people who have experience taking photos, as well beginners. Chesnie Waddingham (‘26), who is taking Prof. Cooley’s intro to digital photography class, stated that “even before I knew him, I met him, just because his reputation precedes him of being an amazing professor and amazing person. … He finds a good balance of encouraging us and reminding us that there is grace in trial and error when perfecting your craft.” 

Prof. Cooley has had an adventurous career thus far, but it’s far from over. One of the greatest adventures in life is being a teacher, and having the gifts to cultivate knowledge in students. Prof. Cooley is excited to continue building up the art program at Houghton. 

For the first time this spring, Prof. Cooley will be offering a class that prepares students for a photography trip to Puerto Rico during the Spring 2025 semester’s March Break. If you love photography and traveling, join Prof. Cooley on this 10 day adventure! There are limited spots, so start planning soon! ★

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After Party Groups

By Anna Lloyd ('26)

This week, sixteen small groups across campus met for the first time, utilizing a six-week curriculum called “The After Party” to help navigate discussions regarding Christian engagement in politics.

These groups are jointly sponsored by the Office of Spiritual Life and the Kingdom Initiative, with the goal of drawing students, faculty, staff and community members into conversation with one another. The groups will wrap up in the first week of November, just in time for the election, and culminate in the Kindschi Symposium on Faith and Justice on the topic of civility. For students, it is also an opportunity to earn Around-the-Table credits toward their fall chapel attendance. 

Bethany Tubman (‘25), leading one of the small groups, said, “The After Party is a unique opportunity to engage in meaningful and intentional conversation about how Christians should navigate the American political climate. I’m so thankful that Houghton is partnering with the After Party.”

Given the topic these groups are centered on, worrying about the content and atmosphere surrounding these conversations is to be expected. However, that fear is partly what these groups are designed to address.

“[Students] need opportunities to reflect on the meaning of Christian citizenship without getting caught up in the media hype, overhead polemics, and online frenzy,” Dr. Meilaender, Dean of Religion, Humanities and Global Studies and the Kingdom Initiative Director, shared. “This fall’s After Party groups should provide the chance to do that, getting together with a few brothers and sisters in Christ – faculty, students, and staff – to talk with each other about how we engage in public life, live out the faith, and respect our fellow citizens, even when we disagree sharply.” 

The curriculum acknowledges the deeply polarizing atmosphere that many people are familiar with when it comes to discussions around politics, and instead seeks to re-orient participants in these conversations toward living out identity in Christ through the way that they engage with others.

“As Christians,” Interim Dean of Spiritual Life and Chair of Religion, J.L. Miller said, “we must find ways to subvert the current cultural draw towards polarization…to help one another have caring and charitable conversations with people from all walks of life.” 

As participants engage in their small groups, they will be asked to consider questions such as “Who has disappeared from your life because of politics?” in order to shift discussions from being primarily about party, policy and ideology, to being centered on relational practices, relationships and spiritual values. The curriculum stresses that this doesn’t suggest that Christians should not take part in political discussions or actions. Rather, “The After Party” takes this approach because, at this time, the political arena is dominated by a way of relating to one another that ultimately attempts to deny the worthiness and value of those whom you may disagree with. The hope is that as individuals refocus on relating to one another in a way that affirms their being created in the image of God. In this way, we will be able to move forward into conversations that do involve party, policy and ideology in ways that are helpful and beneficial. 

Miller shared that it is his “sincere hope that our campus’ participation in the After Party will help all participants grow in their ability to demonstrate Christ’s love during a contentious time in the public sphere.

A group participant, Mary Blake (‘26) said of her experience in an After Party group: “I’m excited to have the opportunity to be in an After party group with other people who are looking to honor God and prioritize loving their neighbor in the election season. I hope that these discussions inspire us to be more active in building relationships with people who may see things differently than us and less passive in having difficult conversations.” ★

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Ransom Poythress

By Lydia Merrill ('25)

“If you’ve ever been a student in one of Dr. Ransom Poythress’s STEM classes at Houghton University, you probably know that he is enthusiastic and dedicated,” Lydia Zampella (‘25) said. Yet, there’s so much more to Poythress than what’s seen in the classroom. From his journey to Houghton and his life beyond academia, to the story behind his childhood stuffed animal, Froggy, there’s a wealth of experiences and passions that define him. 

Growing up in the suburbs of Philadelphia, PA, with his brother and family pets, Poythress had a Christ-centered childhood with the support of his parents. The intellectual environment that his parents provided inspired him to get a Biology degree, and later a Ph.D. in Molecular and Cellular Biology from Boston University. His diverse background in faith (which includes multiple denominations) and the rural location of Houghton led him to teach in the university’s biology department. Beginning with his first job at a toy store called Zany Brainy, where he enjoyed organizing the LEGO section, Poythress discussed some of the experiences that shaped him into who he is today. 

“I went through a time in my early 20s where I kept trying to find value and worth in things other than Christ,” Poythress said. “First it was intelligence, then athletics, then relationships, then finances, and God kept chastening me by taking these things away. It was an incredibly painful period of life, but I can see now God’s loving care through it all. He disciplines those he loves and he really wanted me to trust and depend on him alone by removing the idols in my life (Hebrews 12:4-11).” 

Although Houghton is home to Poythress, he finds it interesting to think about where life could have led him. When asked about his potential alternate career, Poythress shared his passion for writing on the intersection of Christianity and science. 

“I’ve really enjoyed writing about apologetics, especially presuppositionalism, and how it applies to all facets of life and work,” he explained.

Even if some Houghton students haven’t had him as a professor, it is likely that they have found him on the quad demolishing the competition in ultimate frisbee—one of the many hobbies Poythress enjoys. Otherwise, his interests in board games, reading, watching movies and spending time with his four kids keeps him occupied.

“We are so blessed as a community,” Emma Ryan (‘25) said, “to have an influence like Poythress here with us to share York Peppermint Patties from his office and a strong faith based education with students.” 

Poythress never fails to make distraught students feel better since, admittedly, when asked whether or not he considers himself a silly goose, he shared: “In certain circumstances with certain people, absolutely.” ★

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Embracing the Shift

Portrait of Joey Schunemann
Courtesy of Kaitlyn Avery
By Hannah Strudivant ('25)

Embarking on a lifestyle change can be both exhilarating and terrifying. Whether someone is driven by a desire for new challenges, seeking better work-life balance, or simply craving a fresh start, transitioning to a new profession requires careful consideration and strategic planning. 

Joey Schunemann (‘24) is the jack of all trades: working for the Admissions Office in reception, leading tours and working among Student Life while on the Campus Activities Board (CAB) for three years. 

For being only a recent graduate himself, Schunemann has courageously stepped into the role of Resident Director (RD) for Houghton University’s two men’s halls: Shenawana Hall and Rothenbuehler Hall. 

Schunemann, with no prior residence life experience, effortlessly leads with organization and purpose.

“It was a complicated transition to the RD role,” Schunemann stated, “and I felt prepared but certainly nervous at times… Ultimately I just have to trust that I will be given what I need in the season that I need it.” 

Schunemann is grateful for all the support he has gotten from everyone in the Student Life office. 

The endless support and wisdom that is willingly provided in this community is the type that keeps people wanting to stay. Schunemann accredits CAB for preparing him for this role. He stated, “It is interesting to have no prior RA experience, but I really do feel like my time as a camp program director, counselor, and CAB director have all been silently equipping me over the years.” 

Schunemann’s story is a testament to the power of transferable skills and the importance of supportive environments in making significant career transitions. 

For those considering a similar change, Schunemann’s experience serves as a valuable reminder that preparation, adaptability, and the willingness to embrace support can make all the difference in turning a daunting change into a rewarding new chapter. ★

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Dr. Marcus Dean

Dr. Marcus Dean staff photo - Courtesy of Marcomm
By Abigail Bates ('26)

Dr. Marcus Dean is a professor of Global Studies, and the Director of Off-Campus Studies at Houghton University.

Before coming to Houghton, Professor Dean and his family were Wesleyan missionaries. At the time, Professor Dean pursued his Ph.D. in Intercultural Studies with the expectation that he would use it in Latin America, however he decided to teach college courses instead.

Growing up in the Wesleyan Church, Professor Dean had always known about Houghton, but it wasn’t until his hunt for a teaching position that he became involved in the community. In 2003, Professor Dean joined Houghton’s faculty.

“At first I taught Spanish and worked with Off-Campus studies,” Professor Dean stated, “but soon moved more into the classes I am teaching now, in the areas of Intercultural Studies and Missions.”

Off-Campus Studies Assistant, Karen Hotchkiss first met Professor Dean just before she interviewed for the assistant position.

“He has worked tirelessly to make sure there are study abroad opportunities for our students,” Hotchkiss said. “He’s very knowledgeable and works with students to make sure they find a good fit for their passions.”

Professor Peter Meilaender—the Dean of Religion, Humanities and Global Studies, and a professor of Political Science—has worked together with Professor Dean for a long time, in a number of contexts: in the Off-Campus Studies office when taking students abroad, reviewing International Development majors’ senior capstone projects (along with Dr. Oakerson) and developing the new Global Studies major.

“His background in missions gives him a perspective that most of us lack in trying to understand different cultures,” Professor Meilaender remarked, “and many Houghton students have benefited from his experience over the years.”

Professor Meilaender commented that Professor Dean has worked hard to give students opportunities to travel and engage in other cultures, even as enrollment in the program dropped over the past few decades.

“But Dr. Dean,” Professor Meilaender said, “despite these challenges, has remained committed to helping students understand, engage, and travel the world.”

In both the last academic year (2022-2023) and this current year (2023-2024), Professor Dean has worked tirelessly, helping students complete their requirements in the discontinued Intercultural Studies and International Development majors.

“Dr. Dean puts in long hours on behalf of his students,” Professor Meilaender added. “He is in his office more than most faculty and is always available to students.”

Professor Dean has always enjoyed teaching, especially in the work he does to inform students about different cultures. He hopes that by sharing his experiences of living in other parts of the world, his students will be able to meaningfully interact with our increasingly diverse world and touch the lives of people facing cultural differences. To make choices, thinking, “How can we be like Christ?”

“It is interesting that we really don’t know how what we do will [eventually] end up,” Professor Dean contemplated. “My first year here, I had a student in class [Dr. Klejment-Lavin, who] has been on the mission field, now has his doctorate, is a college professor, and will be the speaker Monday April 22nd for the Chamberlain Missions Lecture … teaching really is about the long term, but today matters so that students engage for the long term.”

In his years of teaching, Professor Dean has learned alongside students in order to continue connecting with them. He enjoys exploring new topics and areas students are interested in, and applying that knowledge in future conversations.

Julia Collins (‘26) describes Professor Dean as a good professor who has a lot of knowledge in addition to personal experience.

“The most important thing I’ve learned from him,” Collins said, “is that Christians need to be tolerant towards other cultures. It is important to treat everyone with love and respect.”

Professor Dean’s classes have been described by students as informative, interesting, organized, and students know what to expect from him.

 “His teaching style is organized and foreseeable,” Chesnie Waddingham (‘26) said. “He follows a set schedule when assignments are due … I like it because it’s nice to know what to expect, and I can trust nothing is going to sneak up on me to do [later]. I think he does it this way for the benefit of the students. It prevents a lot of stress for us.”

Waddingham described Professor Dean’s lectures as being calm and incorporating group discussion and interactions about one to two times a class.

“I love Marcus Dean,” Waddingham declared. “He is very approachable, and cares deeply for his students and what he is teaching us. I appreciate [his] comforting classroom atmosphere, and I know that his office door is always open if I need anything.”

Waddingham explained that one of the biggest things she’s learned from Professor Dean is the practice of considering her assumptions and beliefs about the world, while aligning her reflections with scripture.

“He encourages all of us to see the world through the lens of the Bible, and it’s a beautiful and powerful thing,” Waddingham reflected.

Looking towards the future, Professor Dean said, “We always look forward to understanding what God has next. Before we came here, we had no idea what would be next. Yet I am now finishing my 21st year at Houghton! I need to remind myself that I can look forward to what God will do.” ★

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Rene Stempert

Rene Stempert with her son - Courtesy of Renee Stempert
By Anna Catherman ('24)

On July 4, 2024, Rene Stempert will celebrate her 30th year on the job. 

“My first day on the job was a paid holiday, so that was kinda cool,” Stempert said. 

Stempert started off on that day in July 1994 as a custodian in Gillette Hall. Now, she serves as the lead custodian for Sodexo, who promoted her to the role five years ago.

As lead custodian, there is no “typical” day on the job. Stempert does whatever’s at the top of her to-do list. She trains new hires and cleans guest bedrooms down at the Flats and in the President’s House. She is certified in pool maintenance. In the summer, she maintains all the hard floors on campus, scrubbing between tiles. 

Although Stempert’s day-to-day work is primarily keeping campus clean and safe, Stempert views her work not as a chore but as a ministry. 

Serving exclusively in Gillette for decades, Stempert made it her mission to learn the names of every girl in Gillette. Some years, she succeeded. She even knows many pets. Stempert recalls a seeing-eye dog named Brownie was the first service animal to live in Gillette with his owner, Elicia.

Now that Stempert’s work covers most of campus, she hasn’t had as close a connection to Gillette residents. But she gets to meet and train more students – up to 40 each semester, plus 3-6 new staff per year. 

When students skip work or their performance goes down, Stempert has a heart-to-heart with them. Three times this year, she’s used the parable of talents as a reminder to be faithful in the small tasks. At the end of December last year, she saw a student in Paine who looked like he was depressed and struggling, so she stopped and prayed with him. 

Stempert used to struggle a lot with being grumpy and short with people, and explained that she is still working at showing love and kindness. 

Working at Houghton has helped Stempert’s faith grow. The first time she shared her faith journey in 2001 was a major turning point for her. She had accepted Christ a decade prior, after a childhood riddled with sexual abuse, a stint in the Air Force and marrying a man who became verbally and emotionally abusive. There were no sudden revelations for Stempert. 

“I really wish my faith story had started off more intensely because I continued to make a lot of stupid choices in my life,” Stempert confessed. 

But God used moments throughout the years to slowly transform Stempert. Sharing her story was a big one. One that helped her understand what testimony and ministry are. 

Stempert strives to put what she’s learned into action. This year, she felt a strong call to invite people to come to her church. Thanks to her initiative, five First Year students are now attending Belfast Free Methodist. ★

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Rachel Wells

By Anna Catherman ('24)

Senior Rachel Wells took Transitions this Fall 2023 semester. 

Wells came to Houghton from New York City, where she’d attended The King’s College for two years. When King’s shuddered due to financial woes, Houghton offered a generous teach out program, making it a clear choice. But it still wasn’t easy for Wells to start over in a new place for the second time in three years.

Wells grew up in suburban Florida—vastly different from both New York City and Houghton. 

She didn’t tour King’s, and had only spent half a day in New York City before moving there.

Wells said that her new life “did not feel real for a very long time.”

Thrust into not only starting classes, Wells also had to learn how to grocery shop, cook, and make friends in a place where she knew no one. She contracted COVID-19 in her first month and had to spend time in isolation, which worsened her homesickness. But she pushed through, and in time, grew to enjoy living within walking distance of Battery Park and its views of the Statue of Liberty.

By her second year, Wells said she found she “actually love[d] living in the city.”

Highlights included her college professors, classmates, prayer group, babysitting, and studying at the city’s many coffee shops. She enjoyed King’s unique culture of debate and friendly competition, tutoring her housemates to win a writing contest. It was the only contest the House of Queen Elizabeth won in her time there.

However, the year was fraught with tension as King’s financial woes slowly became public. 

Zoom calls with executives became routine. The interim president, Steven French, said that more money was needed to finish the semester. Students began getting rent notices for their college housing. Yet through May 2023, the school claimed no intention to close.

Then King’s announced no classes would be taught in the 2023-2024 school year. 

Forced to transfer somewhere else, Wells “eventually came around to the idea of Houghton.” Many of Wells’ family members have attended Houghton University.

Wells misses the iced oat milk lattes at Olive’s, her favorite coffee shop; her babysitting job; and her former professors and classmates. But she’s found new people —and drink orders—at Houghton. 

Wells really enjoys chapels. “Hot take, I guess?” she chuckled, acknowledging that many students don’t feel the same way.

And Wells has had a blast at Houghton’s events, including intramural water polo. 

Wells hopes to return to New York City from time to time to visit friends, although she plans to move home to Florida after graduation. There, she wants to teach alongside her high school English teacher. 

Ultimately? She’d like to be Dr. Wells. 

She asks herself, “should you be saying that right now because you’re an undergraduate?” But she still dreams. ★

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Feature: Andrew Walton

Faculty Present Research at Faculty Scholarship Day - Courtesy of Marcomm
By Anna Catherman ('24)

Dr. Andrew Walton has been in school for 21 years. During his undergraduate years at Houghton College, he took a gap year to “go be a ski bum in Colorado.” After his freshman year as a politics major, he was adrift. But once he came back, he “never left school again.” He ended up switching his major after falling in love with the Old Testament of the Bible. 

Upon graduation, Walton immediately entered Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. He toyed with a career in ministry, but ultimately felt led to scholarship. Walton enjoys studying the language and Israelite culture. He went straight from his Master’s program at Gordon-Conwell to Harvard, where he completed his Ph.D. in Hebrew Bible. 

Coming back to Houghton from Harvard was a transition that Walton welcomed. 

“I wanted to be in a college that cared about students,” Walton said. 

Besides teaching Old Testament courses, Walton is also involved in research. The area he’s been focusing on is the idea of challenging God. Last semester, he shared a Faculty Lecture entitled “The Paradox of the Pious Person: When Challenging God is the Most Faithful Course of Action.” He explained that there are many instances in the Old Testament where the Israelites are “talking back to God.” Abraham begs for Sodom and Gomorrah to be spared, David laments in the Psalms and Jacob wrestles with God. It’s a longstanding tradition, and one that comes up frequently in his classes. 

While many Christians view doubts as a major weakness, Walton has a different take on it. He says that ignoring wrestling and doubts is unhealthy for Christians. But at the same time, resisting God in any way is “a delicate and dangerous conversation.” Therein lies the paradox of his work, and one he discusses regularly with students. He reads a lot about it too. 

Walton reads so much that he was recently named the Willard J. Houghton Library’s Faculty Model Reader for 2024. Walton posed with Abraham’s Silence by J. Richard Middleton, one of the many books he’s read on challenging God. It’s the best book he’s read recently, and he doesn’t read much for leisure. 

“I try to read for fun and then I think ‘I have better things to read,’” Walton commented. 

Walton no longer skis. He finds the western New York slopes to be boring compared to the cliffs he used to jump off in Colorado. 

“Mountains are just puny and tiny [here],” Walton claimed. “It just wasn’t the same thing.” 

Now, Walton spends free time watching Houghton’s sporting events and just being with his wife and four children. ★