Geneva College held its 160th anniversary celebration Apr. 18-19. At the center of the celebration was the passing of a torch that traveled from Ohio to Pennsylvania in a symbolic journey of the college.

On Saturday, Apr. 19, at 11:30 a.m., a spark was kindled at the landmark stone in Northwood, Ohio, where the college began 160 years ago. A number of people with historical ties to Geneva participated in the sparking ceremony, including President Emeritus Joseph W. McFarland (serving 1984-1992) with his wife Roberta, as well as alumni whose roots date back to Northwood—Ralph McKelvy, his wife Dawn and cousin Maribel. Director of the Logan County Historical Society Todd McCormick and dozens of people from the Logan County area also participated.

Once the flame was sparked, a contingent led by Vice President of Marketing Ed Vencio and Publications Manager Jenny Pichura transported the torch across Ohio. Upon reaching the Pennsylvania border at 5 p.m., the contingent stopped to meet Director of Security Dennis Damazo, nurse Connie Erwin, and a bus provided by McCarter Coach and Tour that was filled with torch participants ready to help carry the flame to Geneva. Three local municipalities along with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provided police escort.

Participants were taken to their spots on the course to wait for the arrival of the torch. Passed from hand to hand across 12.5 miles of roadway, the torch made its way to College Hill in Beaver Falls, Pa., in the three-and-a-half hours projected for the event.

Getting off the buses after they had carried the torch, participants shared smiles and laughter. “That was awesome!” and “I’ll never forget this day!” were common refrains among the torch bearers.

“It was neat to see all the families and college students and alumni doing this together,” noted participant Ryan Cerbus. “It was especially fun hanging around Old Main afterwards. It made me realize that I am part of a very special community. ”

The last person to carry the torch was Josh Lee, president of the student senate. Amidst sirens from a Beaver Falls fire truck and cheers from both sides of College Avenue, Josh lifted the torch and made his way around Old Main Circle, where President Ken Smith was waiting.

President Smith placed the torch in a stand and discussed God’s blessings on the college during its 160-year history. He noted that the Christ-centered foundational concepts of the college remain integral to the institution today.

The evening’s wind and drizzling rain did not stop the candle-lighting ceremony, fireworks or the festive mood of the crowd at Old Main.