Tag: Access and Affordability

Daniel Bussey ’20 is at home on the stage, comfortable in his own skin, even as he sings his heart out. When it came time to apply to colleges, he knew he wanted a Christian environment in which to learn, practice and thrive. Bussey is now entering his sophomore year, studying vocal performance with the plan of a professional career in the performing arts.

This past spring, Bussey was the only first-year student in Houghton’s production of I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change, which allowed him to combine two of his loves: singing and acting. He credits Amanda (Young ’01) Cox, instructor of voice and director of Houghton Lyric Theatre, for having a significant impact on his life at Houghton. According to Daniel, “She encourages me to keep my faith first and do everything to the glory of God.”

Bussey hopes to pursue a career in musical theater and remains committed to serving as “an instrument of God’s love while using my gifts to impact the lives of the audience members.”

Walking an unfamiliar road isn’t a problem for Grace Walker ’18, an equestrian performance and business administration double major with a concentration in marketing. Walker is not only a full-time student she is also a young entrepreneur with her own equine riding/jumping/dressage business, G Walker Dressage.

Walker journeyed across the country from southern California to study at Houghton, and it was not until she rode and trained under equestrian director Jo-Anne Young ’69 that she began to consider integrating her passion for equine dressage with the formation of her own small business.

Walker’s faith is the central component of her goals as she seeks to be an example of a Christ-follower in a profession and industry where Christianity is uncommon. Walker remarks: “I want to live out a life that portrays [giving] all glory to God in all of my accomplishments as well as grace in my failures.”

As a self-proclaimed planner, Stephanie McMahon ’19 likes to see details sketched out. During her time at Houghton as a biology major with a chemistry minor, she has witnessed God’s gentle guidance down unfamiliar avenues, shaping and molding her life and calling for His purposes.

McMahon came to Houghton eager to pursue a field of study that she was passionate about—as well as participate in a sport that was dear to her—in an environment that encouraged Christ-centered growth. When, in a pivotal moment, she questioned her ability to balance her major and her place on the basketball team, conversations with her coaches Alicia (Campbell ’01) Mucher and Raegan Ryan, as well as support from chemistry professor Dr. Karen (Reese ’93) Torraca, encouraged her to stay steadfast and keep pursuing both. “It was in that moment I learned that I didn’t have to do everything on my own or have it all together all the time.”