Growing in Faith: Johnny Zuidema
Jonathan (Johnny) Zuidema is a senior at Alice Lloyd College pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in communication studies. Upon graduating this December, Johnny plans to attend Cornerstone Theological Seminary in Grand Rapids, MI. After completing a Master of Divinity, Johnny’s desire is to become a career missionary, devoting his life to spreading the word of God and serving those in need.
When choosing a college, Johnny wanted to enroll in an institution that shared his Christian beliefs and values. A native of Martin County, KY, he first heard about Alice Lloyd College when our admissions team visited his high school. He knew from that moment that ALC was the right fit for him.
Johnny says that he is grateful for his time in Pippa Passes, crediting the College for helping him find his purpose, grow in his faith, and develop life skills. “I appreciate the tuition guarantee and the opportunity it provides me to graduate debt-free,” he says. “The student work program is helping me prepare for my career, and I love the community at ALC and how easy it is for everyone to fit in, regardless of their backgrounds.”
ALC’s teaching philosophy, The Purpose Road Philosophy, aims to prepare students for a lifetime of service, first to God and then to the world around them. Johnny said that throughout his time at ALC, he’s been placed in roles that have given him the opportunity to learn service through leadership. He holds two work positions on campus: helping the men’s soccer team and the College’s Marketing and Communications Department. In his role with the soccer team, Johnny serves others by ensuring athletes have the equipment and resources they need at practice, on trips, and in competitions. For the marketing team, Johnny serves as a student leader to a group of students in charge of media for all of the College’s athletic events.
In the fall of 2023, ALC launched a minor in Christian studies, which Johnny says has given him the tools to better understand how to serve and glorify God. He credits these classes and his wonderful professors for preparing him to go on to seminary. “I come from a lower-income household, and my parents run a mission in Martin County. ALC has given me the priceless opportunity to earn a great education and stay out of debt.” Johnny says that ALC teaches students work ethic, integrity, and other Christian values that help him and his peers succeed in the classroom and prepare them for life after graduation.
Johnny is grateful for the educational opportunities ALC provides him. Thanks to our wonderful friends across the nation, students like Johnny take one step closer each semester on Purpose Road to making their dreams come true. Thank you for your gracious contributions to our students’ success.
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