HC Stories 2011-2012
08.29.11
Dr. Silas Kessler
As Hastings College begins classes for the 129th year, one of its long-time supporters and current Honorary Trustee, the Reverend Dr. Silas G. Kessler, celebrates his 100th birthday.
Born in St. Louis, Missouri, on August 29, 1911, Dr. Kessler followed his father into the ministry, earning his Doctor of Divinity from the University of Dubuque (Iowa) in 1934. Soon thereafter, he accepted calls as a Presbyterian minister first in Farmington, Iowa, and Fullerton, Neb. In 1940, Dr. Kessler accepted a call to the First Presbyterian Church in Hastings, Neb., where he served as Pastor for 36 years.
In 1941, Dr. Kessler joined the Hastings College Board of Trustees where he assumed various leadership positions including Vice President of the Board, Chairman of the Church Relations Committee and member of the Instruction and Faculty Relations Committee. For his remarkable service to the college, he was inducted into the Pro Rege Society in 1997 and received the President’s Award in 1998.
On October 25, 2000, after 59 years of service on the HC Board of Trustees, Dr. Kessler attended his final meeting as an active Trustee. During the meeting, he offered a prayer which included the following quotation:
“Grant that Hastings College shall not simply teach what people need to know to earn a degree but provide all who study here with a philosophy and a perspective of life that shall lead not only to material success, but to growth in the spirit and the service of God and others, a lifestyle which will make life abundant and satisfying.”
Happy birthday, Dr. Kessler!
08.29.11
Dr. Silas Kessler
As Hastings College begins classes for the 129th year, one of its long-time supporters and current Honorary Trustee, the Reverend Dr. Silas G. Kessler, celebrates his 100th birthday. Born in St. Louis, Missouri, on August 29, 1911, Dr. Kessler followed his father into the ministry, earning his Doctor of Divinity from the University of Dubuque (Iowa) in 1934. Soon thereafter, he accepted calls as a Presbyterian minister first in Farmington, Iowa, and Fullerton, Neb. In 1940, Dr. Kessler accepted a call to the First Presbyterian Church in Hastings, Neb., where he served as Pastor for 36 years.
In 1941, Dr. Kessler joined the Hastings College Board of Trustees where he assumed various leadership positions including Vice President of the Board, Chairman of the Church Relations Committee and member of the Instruction and Faculty Relations Committee. For his remarkable service to the college, he was inducted into the Pro Rege Society in 1997 and received the President’s Award in 1998.
On October 25, 2000, after 59 years of service on the HC Board of Trustees, Dr. Kessler attended his final meeting as an active Trustee. During the meeting, he offered a prayer which included the following quotation:
“Grant that Hastings College shall not simply teach what people need to know to earn a degree but provide all who study here with a philosophy and a perspective of life that shall lead not only to material success, but to growth in the spirit and the service of God and others, a lifestyle which will make life abundant and satisfying.”
Happy birthday, Dr. Kessler!
