Just as hundreds of Taylor University seniors will be graduating Saturday, May 23, a graduation of sorts is in store for me, too.
I retire this school year, following nine years of service to students as their journalism professor and Echo faculty adviser. After which my wife and I will move closer to family in Michigan.
And in this, my last Echo column, I wish to pay honor and thanks to all of my current and previous students. For I have learned much from each of them.
I have asked a few of my graduating seniors below to reflect upon and share how God has worked in their lives at Taylor.
Kate Delaney
Senior Kate Delaney, multimedia journalism major, from Gaylord, Michigan, shared:
“My Christian faith has been strengthened for the last three years. When I got here, I struggled with anxiety and being able to handle uncertainty in my life. Taylor brought friends and mentors into my life. They have challenged and encouraged me to step into the unknown confidently when I know that it is in the Lord's will. I have learned to embrace adventure. And be open to new experiences through J-term, spring break trips. And all of the journalism assignments for my major. The key to success is willingness to learn. Taylor has taught me that.
“I interned at WANE 15 News last fall. For the first few weeks I felt like a fish out of water. Everyone rushing around, leaving for assignments as I arrived. I wasn't in the computer system yet, so I couldn't work on video editing. It was really important for me in that time to trust that God had me there for a purpose. And to just start conversations with producers, connect with those around me. I ended up having a wonderful co-intern who filmed and edited videos alongside me. I got to know most of the reporters, producers and photogs. God taught me to rely on Him, not think too far ahead and to trust Him to take care of me during every moment.”
Jane‘Aubry Page
Senior Jane‘Aubry Page, multimedia journalism major, from Texas, finished up her coursework in December 2025, a semester early. She landed a position as photographer for the CBS TV news affiliate station in Austin, Texas, in January.
Listen to what she has experienced at Taylor:
“Freshman Jane did not have the slightest clue that God had so much to teach her at Taylor University. During college, I’ve learned by God’s grace to stop my striving and rest in him. He is enough.
“Like many people, I really struggled with self-condemnation which neither glorifies God nor encourages faith and trust in him. I got stuck in that rut of feeling sorry for myself for what a sinner I am. I could only see my failures. Throughout college, the Lord has brought to mind Romans 5:1.”
“We must realize that God loves us – despite us. He loves us because of who he is. This idea of peace with God was modeled and taught to me by professors and friends throughout college.”
Kali Siemers
Senior Kali Siemers, multimedia journalism major, Colorado, finished a semester early in December 2025, too.
She shared: “My faith is a night and day difference from when I first came to Taylor. I remember freshman year. I wanted to transfer so badly. I made a PowerPoint presentation to show my parents why I wanted to transfer.
“I was in an English class with Professor Carie King. I felt helpless and stuck. I explained my situation. Dr. King told me, ‘God can and will use whatever decision you choose to make. That decision may make people around you upset. But you have to just trust what the Lord is calling you to do.’
“She hit the nail on the head. My problem wasn't that I was at the wrong school. It was because my trust in the Lord's plan for my life was nonexistent. I will never forget her kindness and the impact that it had on my faith and life. Staying at Taylor was a decision I have never regretted. Taylor has provided me with things I will cherish for the rest of my life.”
Kendall Beck
Senior Kendall Beck, multimedia journalism major, Tennessee, shared these thoughts:
“There’s a deep intimacy with the Lord that grows in utter dependence on Him. My faith has been strengthened exponentially by both the corporate experiences offered to us at Taylor – whether through worship, small groups, or discipleship in the classroom – and also through my personal walk with Him.
“Living with friends is one of the greatest blessings that comes from being a college student. It’s humbling to let people in on every aspect of your life – sleeping, eating, doing homework, coming back to the dorm after a long day – but it’s so worth it.
“In really tough seasons, my friends have spoken Scripture over me, written me notes of encouragement and sat with me in my tears. In sweet seasons, they have celebrated with me, laughed with me and cheered me on. Grateful doesn’t begin to describe how I feel for who He has placed in my life.”
Kenna Hartian
Senior Kenna Hartian, multimedia journalism major, Chicago, talked about her growth at Taylor:
“My very first semester at Taylor found me with a difficult situation. God in His grace was teaching me patience and compassion. During chapel that year we were given the opportunity to write notes of gratitude to fellow students, anonymously or not. I received a note from someone who just said they had noticed what was going on, admired how I was handling it and was praying for me.
“That was such an encouragement. Because there were points where I felt like I was going crazy. It was a little God moment to show I was OK. I was grateful for the encouragement shown by the girls on my floor.
“I've had fairly heavy semesters throughout my time at Taylor, which has stretched me. I've also dealt with grief due to the death of family and friends. Seeing beauty on campus in the form of trees and flowers (and relationships!) has been comforting to me as I know these things glorify God – and remind me of His promises.”
Katie Siedenburg
Katie Siedenburg, multimedia journalism major, Seattle, Washington, reflected on her time at Taylor:
“Since entering Taylor, the Lord has softened my heart. He has allowed me to see the beauty of people of different church backgrounds coming together to glorify the Lord. He has changed my priorities and shown me that He is the important one. I have learned the importance of loving my brothers and sisters in Christ well. Rather than worrying about the details of everyone else's faith. He has shown me that my plans are not His plans, but that He is faithful.”
Dalton Jones
Senior Dalton Jones, multimedia journalism major, Frankfort, Indiana, shared the following about his time at Taylor:
“I would say my faith has grown in realizing that I know nothing. I think I came in thinking I had it all figured out. Boy was I wrong. I realized that there is a whole breadth of knowledge that I never accessed before.”
“I remember the first day I met (fellow senior classmate) Caleb Heffron. I walked into Intro to Media Writing class. And I saw a guy sitting there with a Chicago Bears hat on. I'm wearing my Indianapolis Colts jersey. So, I figured I found a sports guy to relate to. I thank God for putting Caleb in my life. His friendship has been the biggest blessing. I think God gave me Caleb as someone to lean on. Now I'm a groomsman in his wedding this June.”
As these seven students of mine and hundreds more, and I, prepare for next chapters in our lives, I pray Proverbs 3:5-6 for them, one and all.
Godspeed.
Alan D. Blanchard, Ph.D., associate professor of journalism, director of the Multimedia Journalism program and Pulliam Journalism Center at Taylor University, advises The Echo student newspaper. alan_blanchard@taylor.edu
