The initial consideration hinged on water. Theresa Gazo had been accepted to several good colleges, including Penn State, Purdue University and Geneva College. Gazo swam competitively in high school, so this factored heavily into how she narrowed down her college choices.

“I met with the Penn State coach…and exchanged emails with Purdue’s coach, seeking out information about their respective programs,” says Gazo. “I spent so much time in the water staring at that black line on the bottom of the pool, and while I really enjoyed the sport—especially the competition—I realized that I did not want to dedicate my entire life in college to swimming like I had in high school.” And despite quality swimming opportunities near the college, Gazo chose Geneva for other reasons.

“I know that I’ve followed God’s call in my life by being here and I’m really excited to see what He’ll do with that. It really came down to liking it here. Really liking it here.”

Located in Beaver Falls, Pa., Geneva College is the only college or university affiliated with the Reformed Presbyter­ian Church of North America. This fact makes it attractive to many college-bound RP students, but it isn’t the only factor that students have found appealing.

“I first checked out Geneva in ninth grade because I felt a duty as an RP to at least look at our denomination’s school,” says Gazo, a sophomore studying communication disorders, and a member of the Anchor Fellowship (Waldorf, Md.) RPC. “I never thought I’d actually end up in Beaver Falls, though I always thought it’d be fun if I did. Now I’m here and it has been such a great experience—a time to really learn in my classes, but also to gain wisdom and knowledge about life in general.”

Reformed students value the fellowship they have with one another and find plenty of ways to get together. “There are evening gatherings and retreats that provide many opportunities for fellowship,” says Audrey Joseph, a junior from Alpharetta, Ga., studying political science. Though many of the RP students at Geneva were friends prior to college, they’re grateful for the bonds they’ve made with students from other denominations. “It’s fun and educational to be around other Christians with different backgrounds and doctrinal beliefs than mine,” says Joseph. “It’s delightful to enjoy unity based on the common denominators in our faith. Talking with other Christians helps to shape my own views.”

Gazo agrees, pointing out that “there are plenty of opportunities to fellowship with like-minded people and those with opposing viewpoints. Just because it’s a Christian school doesn’t mean everyone is a Christian.”

She adds, “I have an amazing support system of people who love me and who I can take anything to—people who want to see me love God more and clearly sharpen me in my knowledge of God and relationship with Christ.”

Another aspect appreciated by students is the Reformed heart beating behind Geneva’s academics. Titus Martin, associate pastor of College Hill (Beaver Falls, Pa.) RPC and ’02 Geneva alum, recalls the impact the college has with its Reformed perspective. “Because Reformed theology and the whole worldview of Reformed theology give unique meaning to every part of life,…the college should be able to cast a vision for the students as they go out into the world as kingdom workers serving a sovereign God in their respective fields.”

Geneva’s close proximity to several RPC congregations is also a boon to students. Joseph helps baby-sit and teach Sabbath school for First (Beaver Falls, Pa.) RPC. Gazo participates in numerous ministries at College Hill RPC, including a recently formed discipleship program that partners college students with older members of the congregation. “My discipleship group has greatly encouraged me and held me accountable in my relationship with Christ,” says Gazo. “Titus [Martin] focused himself last year on establishing programs for the college-age kids and, as far as I can see, they have been a major success.”

The presence of RP students at Geneva has also been a blessing to students who come from different denominational backgrounds. Gretchen Williams, a sophomore studying English, is a member of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church. She has been worshiping at College Hill RPC since she was a freshman, and is involved with many of the ministries and small groups available at the church. “My RP friends have been a source of encouragement and growth. Their time spent giving our relationships depth has been very precious to me.”

Martin notes, “God builds His people up through His church. This is one of the most important things to look for when choosing a college. Is there a church near my college that will incorporate me into the life of the church where I can grow by ministering to others and being ministered to? The college years are an important time of life, and that is why it is so important to be involved in a church, and learn to function and grow within the body of Christ.”

Many of the RP students at Geneva are glad that God led them to the college, but it wasn’t always easy. “I’d encourage any RP students who will be entering college soon to seriously pray about it and to really seek out honest information about the school, even if they’re not sure they want to end up at Geneva,” suggests Gazo.

“It’s a serious commitment to come to Geneva, but it’s definitely worth it,” says Benjamin Roberts, a senior engineer major and a member of the Bloomington, Ind., RPC. “Geneva has in many ways become my home, and it can become your home too.”

Jason Panella works in the public relations office of Geneva College. He is a member of the College Hill (Beaver Falls, Pa.) RPC.