Geneva college hosts send-off ceremony

Amelia Jones- Guest Writer

Photo Credit: John Bernard

As chapel concluded on September 9, 2026, Dr. Kickasola did not launch immediately into the singing of Psalm 117B as is typical. Instead, he announced that following chapel’s dismissal, there would be a sending ceremony for Specialist Joshua Woodring.

Woodring began as a Geneva student in August 2024 and is a social services major. He has also served as the president of the Veterans Club during his time as a student.

Lt. Col. Gordon Richards, USAF (Ret.), Associate Professor of Computer Science, began the ceremony by thanking Woodring for his service, stating: “giving up your liberties and freedoms to protect the freedoms of others.” Richards shared that Woodring is to be deployed on location in Africa for nine months.

Woodring then shared that his time at Geneva has been his “best two years” and that thinking of his Geneva “friends and family propels [him] forward.” He looks forward to returning and resuming his studies, despite not graduating with his initial cohort.

Calvin Troup, President of Geneva College, then shared, “We are grateful that you are part of the Geneva College family and for your service to this country. ...We will be praying for you. You represent not only this country but also Geneva College, and first and foremost you represent the Lord Jesus Christ. We will be at a distance, but He will not.”

Photo Credit: John Bernard

After Troup led the assembly in prayer, Richards presented Woodring a blue star service flag. Troup shared that he would keep a flag in his office and that another would be hung in the entryway of Alexander Dining Hall to honor Woodring during his deployment.

Let us remember this member of our Geneva College community during his time of service away from us.

AMELIA JONES