Graduate Profile: Andrew Pomerville
Rev. Andrew Pomerville credits Alma College with preparing him for both his graduate studies at Princeton Theological Seminary and his future ministry.
Rev. Andrew Pomerville in a 2005 trip to Alaska
“The history major and religious studies minor gave me ample opportunities to write, study a variety of languages and consider practical approaches to critical research,” says the pastor of Church in the Hills in Bellaire, Mich.
Originally attracted to Alma for its size, Presbyterian heritage and academic integrity, Pomerville says the hand-on instruction was what helped prepare him for further studies and a career in the ministry.
“Opportunities to review and publish materials that normally would be reserved for graduate students were available for undergraduate at Alma,” he says. “In addition, Alma honed my ability to produce professional, academic papers. The liberal arts education exposed me to an abundance of perspectives in all areas of academia.”
Pomerville also says that Alma encouraged him to try new things outside of the classroom.
“The beauty of Alma is the ability for students to be involved in a variety of activities,” he says. “Unlike a large university, Alma encourages its students to try new things and remain involved in all sorts of clubs, sports and programs.”
While attending Alma, Pomerville was a member of Sigma Chi (a social fraternity), the Alma choir, general manager of student radio station WQAC, treasurer of Student Government and a volunteer youth director for the First Presbyterian Church of Alma.
Related article: Ministry in the Great White North.
