My daughter, Anne Johnson, and I returned from our mission trip to Sheldon Jackson College, on Wednesday, June 14th, 2006. I will begin this report by giving you some information about Sheldon Jackson College and then summarize our work experience.
As Alaska's oldest continuously operated institution, Sheldon Jackson College has had the privilege of serving the families of Alaska and the nation for 127 years. Since 1878 in historical covenant with the Presbyterian Church (USA), the mission has been to teach and model the value of service by providing outstanding educational opportunities to the people of the region, state, nation, and the world. Originally established by Presbyterian missionary Sheldon Jackson to provide for the education
of Alaska's native peoples,the college today enrolls students from approximately 30 states.
Sheldon Jackson College began as the Sitka Mission School and since then, it has grown from an industrial trade school to a boarding school, to an elementary and high school, to a junior college, and now to a fully accredited-four year liberal arts institution. Since its inception as a college, many degree programs have been added. Educational strengths continue to be teacher education, environmental sciences, human services, outdoor leadership, business administration, liberal arts and individualized studies. The college grants certificates, and associate and bachelor degrees. It is the intention that each student will have obtained not only intellectual competence and technical career skills but also wisdom, service leadership, and the personal character required to become a great leader by the time he graduates.
The 350 acre campus and the city of Sitka are located on the western shore of Baranof Island in Southeast Alaska. The college is nestled within the largest temperate rain forest in the world and Sitka, population 8,500, is Alaska's fifth largest city. In addition to the rain forests, muskeg, tidal zones, wetlands, mountains, and the Pacific Ocean are within walking distance of the campus. The college operates a full-production salmon hatchery and the science building houses freshwater and saltwater aquariums. Sheldon Jackson College is a living laboratory.
Our mission team, led by Rev. John Baumann, consisted of 18 people. According to our abilities and interests, we were divided into work groups. Some painted, some worked in landscaping, some in the library, some in the kitchen. We began our day by arising at 8:15 am and following breakfast, we met for devotions and then reported to our work site on campus. On Wednesday evening, the SJC Chaplain,
Pat Sheahan, spoke to us about the needs of the students and his ministry to them. He said that most students need scholarship help and these scholarships are provided through the money given to the college from the One Great Hour of Sharing Offering and funds from Presbyterian Women. The cost of tuition, room and board is $27,000 a year.
I believe that all of our work group was thankful for this mission opportunity and for the educational opportunities that Sheldon Jackson College provides to their students. Anne and I appreciate your grants assisting us in the travel expenses for our trip to Sheldon Jackson College.
