Countless inspirational stories speak repeatedly to the foundational and transformative experiences had by Hesston College students and alumni. These experiences are made possible through the generosity of donors who have gone ahead, paving a way for personal, educational and spiritual growth for the next generation.
While some students may not recognize it in the moment, looking back they’re beyond grateful for those who contributed to their life-altering experiences and find a way to begin having this same impact on future students. Here are two such stories.
Aviation partner doubles his generosity
A career as a pilot didn’t occur to Mike Eberly ’87 until he visited a high school friend enrolled in Hesston’s aviation program.
“I think he took me up for an airplane ride,” Eberly remembers. “I’m like, ‘If you can do this, maybe I can.’”
His dream took flight, but the taxiway to his aviation career wasn’t easy. Limited financial means meant Eberly had to chart a course that would guarantee a future. Hesston aviation offered hope.
“I was paying for it myself,” Eberly recalls. “The only place I found that I could guarantee I would finish and be employable was there.”
Hesston College offered Eberly a path to a career and provided crucial financial assistance to make his dream possible. Now a captain for Delta Air Lines, Eberly feels doubly fortunate for enjoying his work and being fairly compensated for it.
Reflecting on his journey, Eberly emphasizes the importance of giving back.
“I’ve always felt like they gave me more than I was able to give back,” he says. “I wouldn’t be where I am had I not gone to Hesston, a Christian school, for aviation.”
Shortly after Eberly sent his first gift to Hesston he learned about Delta’s matching gifts program which doubles his gifts and his impact on Hesston College.
Jay and Sadie (Leatherman) ’20 HeinoldGEM (Giving Every Month) values foundational experience
Sadie (Leatherman) ’20 Heinold’s journey took a different route. Uncertain of her career plans, she was drawn to Hesston’s welcoming atmosphere and the opportunity to continue playing softball.
“It really was the only opportunity that I had to continue my sport,” Heinold explains. “I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do career wise. Hesston was a really good start for me to figure that out.”
Through encouragement from her professors, Heinold discovered her passion for biomedical engineering. To pursue this dream, she transferred to Indiana Tech after her first year, but her love for Hesston never left.
“I loved Hesston, the community and my teammates,” Heinold recalls fondly. “That was definitely a foundational year for me, starting out college and finding lifelong friends.”
This experience and a desire to give back to a community that gave her wings prompted Heinold to begin giving every month.
“I didn’t graduate with a degree from Hesston, however, I was involved and impacted by that community,” Heinold explains. “If I didn’t go there, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”
Giving back
Eberly and Heinold are grateful for the opportunities their time at Hesston provided. Their experiences of transformation were made possible by the generosity of others and they are committed to paying it forward.
For Eberly, giving back is a testament to the blessings he’s received and the belief in using one’s talents for the greater good.
“We’re given time and money and everything else, and we should try and use it,” Eberly says, “use it for God’s glory, if you can, to help others. That’s why we’re here.”
For Heinold, it’s about supporting a community that shaped her as a person.
“Going to Hesston you can’t not be impacted in some way by that experience that’s so unique. I would encourage others to consider giving, even if it’s just a small amount.”
Giving has transformative power. Generosity can pave the way for others to reach new heights and chase their dreams, just like it did for Eberly and Heinold.
