NEWS & PRESS RELEASES

Loescher honored by students, faculty, staff

Dr. Friedie Loescher was recently honored during special events held to mark his retirement from Baptist Bible College & Seminary.

A fixture at BBC&S for more than four decades, Dr. Loescher stepped down in May from his longtime role as Vice President for Student Development. He continues working with and promoting the school.

A Chapel Farewell
A farewell tribute was held during chapel on November 10. Students, colleagues and friends attended. Also in attendance were Dr. Loescher's wife, Becky, their 3 children, and 9 grandchildren. His older brother, Dr. Ronald Loescher, and his older sister, Mrs. Evelyn Hopkins, traveled from Amherst, MA, to be a part of the day's events.

BBC&S President Jim Jeffery, Don Trott, Dr. Chuck Emert, Jim Huckaby and Doug Loescher all spoke about Dr. Loescher's great influence in their lives and ministries.

Jim Huckaby appropriately summarized the tone of all the speakers by saying: "Words cannot describe the significance and importance of Friedie Loescher and what he has meant to this campus."

Dr. Loescher's daughters Laurie Schrecengost and Heidi Ryan sang a tribute to him through a compilation of hymns and favorite choruses from their childhood.

In response, Dr. Loescher thanked everyone involved and stated he was "overwhelmed by what God has done." He closed chapel by leading everyone in a chorus of "All Your Anxiety, All Your Care," a song he has regularly led through the years.

Murphy Memorial Library Reception
A reception in the library featured numerous testaments of appreciation and various awards for Dr. Loescher.

Also displayed were gifts given to him by BBC&S in recognition of his retirement. The gifts included a rocking chair engraved with the Baptist Bible College logo, a clock, and a plaque.

A 1959 graduate of BBC, Dr. Loescher returned in 1965 as dean of men. He worked under five presidents, was involved in leading about 100 resident directors, and mentored more than 1,000 resident assistants. He is also responsible for the design of the unique suite-style dorms on campus.

He played basketball from 1955-1959 at then-Baptist Bible Seminary. He still holds the record (27.4 pts.) for best per game point average.

In 2007, Dr. Loescher was honored through the creation of a Friedie Loescher bobblehead. The bubblehead shows a smiling Dr. Loescher carrying a BBC&S pennant, wearing an "I (heart) Alums" sweater, and standing behind a sign marked with "All Your Anxiety, All Your Care."

Money raised from the sale of bobbleheads funds student scholarships. Details on donating and receiving a bobblehead are available here.

Baptist Bible College & Seminary offers 38 academic programs, from a one-year Bible Certificate to PhDs. Programs are available through the Clarks Summit campus and several distance learning options. To learn more, go to www.bbc.edu or call 570.586.2400.

Posted on: 11/11/2008 9:48:49 AM

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