HEART AND SOUL 22 MARCH 2025 www.goodnewsfl.org Good News • South Florida Edition Palm Beach Atlantic University (PBA) has long been a place where tomorrow’s leaders can grow in wisdom, lead with conviction, and serve God boldly. In the last year PBA has been recognized as the third fastest-growing institution in the nation for applications, and for the third consecutive year, we celebrated our largest incoming class. This surge in enrollment reflects a significant trend: today's students are increasingly drawn to a liberal arts education deeply rooted in Judeo-Christian principles. While we carefully measure our successes at PBA, celebrating initiatives and milestones that strengthen the light we shine for His Kingdom, I believe the true measure of our impact is seen through our students — individuals who take what they’ve learned and use it to transform the lives of others. Women of Distinction Our recent celebration of the 33rd annual Women of Distinction luncheon reminded me of that impact. The event, which recognizes women who cherish community and family and want to preserve those ideals for others, honored Penny G. Murphy, a third-generation West Palm Beach native and president of Pioneer Linens since 2007, and Amanda Schumacher, founder of the Tree of Life Foundation and CEO of Schumacher Auto. On behalf of PBA, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to both women for their outstanding service and community impact. Proceeds support scholarships for deserving female students who demonstrate outstanding academics, service and leadership. This year, six students (Elizabeth Akintujoye, Reagan Bozarth, Claire Crossman, Valentina Guzman, Ludnie SaintJuste and Julia Seagle) were recognized as scholarship recipients, embodying a spirit of leadership and purpose, stepping forward to make a difference in their communities and beyond. From using science to bring justice and help others to harnessing the power of live theatre to foster compassion and empathy, each student embodies what it means to be a woman of distinction. Humanitarian award This year we also continued a tradition we began last year, recognizing a Women of Distinction 2025 Humanitarian Awardee. The award was presented to Kaelin Hatfield, who exemplifies what it means to live her God-sized dream. The change-maker graduated from PBA in 2024 with a degree in elementary education and psychology. Her journey as a servant leader began in high school, when she created LifeLoving365. A social good business, this venture was inspired by a close personal experience. When her sister was hospitalized for depression and suicidal thoughts, Kaelin knew she had to do something. So, she designed trendy, uplifting T-shirts with encouraging messages, giving them to her sister and others in the hospital to bring hope to their healing hearts. During her time at PBA, she saw how the war in Ukraine brought devastation to many innocent lives. Her heart was broken, compelling her to travel to Eastern Europe and directly serve those affected by the conflict. Now, she sells jewelry, hats, apparel and other items, bringing light to others through encouragement. Proceeds support local depression and suicide prevention. They also support communities globally through humanitarian aid, including the delivery of groceries and medical supplies to Ukraine, funding mental health clinics, and supporting low-income families in inner cities. Proceeds have also provided educational support in Zambia, hurricane relief in Florida, and aid to those impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Kaelin has merged her gifts, passions and learnings with the dream God placed on her heart. In 2023, she expanded her focus on helping others by launching Christ in Crisis with her husband. The nonprofit provides humanitarian aid, medical resources and education to people in severe crises around the world. The nonprofit also commits to sharing the Gospel, offering peace and hope to those experiencing some of life's greatest challenges. As we look ahead, PBA will continue to ensure the next generation of both men and women leaders have even more opportunities to grow, lead and impact our world. Dr. Debra A. Schwinn became Palm Beach Atlantic (PBA) University’s ninth President on May 4, 2020. Previously she was Associate Vice President for Medical Affairs, Dean of the Carver College of Medicine, and Professor of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology and Biochemistry at the University of Iowa. Prior to those appointments, Dr. Schwinn served in senior leadership roles at the University of Washington and Duke University. - Dr. Debra A. Schwinn - Palm Beach Atlantic University President Creating Change Makers Through Christ-First Higher Education 2025 Women of Distinction Humanitarian awardee and PBA alumna Kaelin Hatfield receives her award from Francis Fisher, WOD Committee Chair, during the annual luncheon at The Breakers Palm Beach on Tuesday, February 18, 2025.
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