December 2025
A Note from Dr. Blanc
As we reflect on the Christmas season together, my heart is drawn to the simple yet profound promise of Matthew 1:23: “They shall call his name Immanuel (which means, God with us).” In a month often filled with noise, activity, and expectations, this name quietly reassures us that we are not walking through any of it alone. The God who stepped into our world in Bethlehem is the same Savior who walks the halls of our campus, sits with us in the classroom, and meets us in our moments of weariness and joy—“I am with you always” (Matthew 28:20).
My prayer is that each of us, as part of this college family, will make room in our hearts and rhythms to notice His presence afresh and to rest in the wonder that He truly is with us. As a college community devoted to knowing Him and making Him known, may we pause to marvel at this gift anew and let His presence shape every part of our work and worship.
As we celebrate this season of giving, consider how your support of our scholarship fund can extend that same grace to aspiring leaders—students who are called to make Christ known in their worlds. Every gift, no matter the size, helps remove barriers to biblical education and equips the next generation. Donations may be made securely online through Davis College.
Dr. Alan Blanc, Ph.D.
President, Davis College
Christmas Break / Christmas Party
Our Davis students had a wonderful time at our annual Christmas party held at Dr. Blanc’s church. This is one of the few times each year that all of our students are able to gather together for fun, food, and fellowship. We also welcomed some second-year students to join the celebration and get a glimpse of what life as a Davis student looks like.
Our students are currently on break, spending time resting and refreshing with family and friends. We are praying that they return with fresh minds and ready spirits. This past semester was a blessing, filled with meaningful ministry opportunities and life change.
Student Feature – Kelly Rivest
A couple of years ago, I was introduced to biblical counseling, and I decided to pursue it. I chose to attend Davis College and pursue the counseling concentration to learn more about biblical counseling and how to apply what I am learning in my daily life.
One thing God has been teaching me this year is that He has placed me here, right now, for a purpose. I can choose to miss the past or worry about the future, or I can choose to invest fully in the relationships around me. As I have invested in these relationships, God has been growing me spiritually and developing my skills as a counselor in ways I know He will use in the future.
– Kelly Rivest
Staff Feature – Matt Layton
My role at Davis College is adjunct professor, and I specifically teach the Health and Fitness course. I first became acquainted with Davis College through basketball. When the college was located on its previous campus, I was coaching basketball for Word of Life, and we would travel to Davis College to play games against them.
The best part of my role is the interaction with the students—getting to know them and engaging with them during class. Since joining the staff, I have learned more about the subject I teach and have been able to apply that knowledge in my own life. I also enjoy using what I’ve learned to encourage others, both personally and professionally, in day-to-day life.
Matt Layton
Health and Fitness Professor
CCI Spotlight – Duncan Robertson
I am currently pursuing a degree in biblical counseling, and I will be serving in Nicaragua. Since I have not yet gone to the field, my current ministry is support raising, and my studies have been a great encouragement to me.
What I am learning at Davis, even though I may not be applying it immediately during this season, continues to keep me focused on God’s Word and deepen my relationship with the Lord. I will be working with people of all ages in Nicaragua, and wherever there are people, there is a need for biblical truth. Davis is equipping me to share that truth with those who need it.
Please pray that I will rely on God as I adjust quickly to ministry and that I will be able to support and encourage my fellow interns as well.
—Duncan Robertson
Alumni Feature:
I graduated from Practical Bible Training School in nineteen eighty. At the time, PBTS did not offer a degree program and functioned as a three-year training school focused on preparing students to serve the Lord wherever He led them. I majored in Christian education and also completed a special course to earn a teacher training certificate.
Currently, I am a wife, a mother of two sons, and a grandmother. My training at PBTS prepared me for service in both church and community settings. After PBTS, I worked at summer Christian camps and taught in Vacation Bible Schools. Over the years, I have taught every age group in Sunday school, served as a Sunday School superintendent, and led Christian education programs. My responsibilities included planning Christmas programs, Vacation Bible School, and overseeing Sunday school ministries.
In the community, I taught Good News Clubs in my home and hosted five-day clubs through Christian Evangelism Fellowship. Currently, I serve as a leader in our AWANA club at Little Falls Baptist Church in New York and teach junior church several times a year. Teaching children is a joy for me—they are full of promise, and I am grateful that God allows me to serve as His mouthpiece to teach and train them.
My three years at PBTS hold many cherished memories. The friendships formed during those years remain meaningful to me today. Dorm life provided the opportunity to grow spiritually by sharing our hearts, praying together, and supporting one another. One of my highlights was traveling with two different music groups—first with The Rejoicers and later with Living Joy. The spiritual growth gained through those experiences is immeasurable.
I am also deeply thankful for the teachers who grounded me in my faith and helped shape me into the Christian I am today. Through experience, I would encourage every Christian high school graduate to spend at least one year at a strong Christian college for spiritual grounding. I would not trade my years at PBTS for anything. The campus and the people were truly a home away from home.
December Semester Wrap-Up
December marked the conclusion of the fall semester. Students returned to campus from Thanksgiving break on Monday, December first, beginning the final three-week stretch before the semester ended and Christmas break began.
The highlight of the month was the annual Davis Christmas Party. Each year, Dr. Blanc hosts this celebration at his ministry center, Hope Chapel, in Johnstown, New York. Dr. Blanc and his wife, Sally, prepare a generous feast—often enough to send students back to campus with containers of leftovers.
In addition to the meal, students enjoyed a variety of activities, including an arcade room, pickleball, basketball, volleyball, and a favorite tradition—bowling. Yes, there is a bowling alley in the basement of the ministry center. This event is always a highlight of the year, and we are grateful for the opportunity to celebrate Christmas together as a campus community.
As students return home for Christmas break, we ask that you pray for them. Pray that they rest well, continue growing in their walk with Christ, and return in January refreshed and ready to be faithful in their academic and ministry responsibilities. Thank you, and Merry Christmas.
Concentration Highlight: Associate of Applied Science
The Associate of Applied Science degree in Bible and Theology is a two-year program designed to provide a strong biblical and theological foundation. This program serves students who plan to pursue upper-division study in another field or those seeking an associate degree to complement leadership roles within the local church.
Student Ministry
My ministry as a Davis student is the biblical counseling internship. I serve as a biblical counseling intern at Word of Life, where I have opportunities to practice what I am learning through counseling, discipling, and leading groups.
Davis classes have challenged me to think critically. I grew up in Japan and attended Japanese public schools throughout my education. Compared to Japanese education, Davis emphasizes critical thinking through discussion, writing, and asking questions of professors.
Biblical counseling challenges students to discern right from wrong, understand who God is and what He has done for us, and apply those truths to daily life. Learning about God in the classroom has strengthened my personal walk and prepared me to minister to others through counseling and discipleship.
– Hosahna Junker
Upcoming Events
Our spring semester is just around the corner. Please be praying for our students as they begin this new season—especially that our seniors finish well and our juniors remain diligent.
Snow Camp season is also approaching quickly. Several Davis students will participate and serve alongside Word of Life staff. They will engage with campers and assist Bible Institute students during counseling sessions, gaining valuable ministry experience.
Prayer Requests
If you have any prayer requests you would like our student body and staff to pray for, please email us at alumni@davisny.edu. We are always praying for our alumni and current students, and we would love to hear from you.
Support Davis College Students
If you would like to support Davis College students, you can give now. Just click the “Donate Now” button, and it will direct you to our giving site. Every gift helps provide scholarships and support for our students. Thank you for your generosity!
For questions or updates, please contact us at alumni@davisny.edu.
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