海角网

Business Major Kim Rivera, 鈥�84, Played on First Women鈥檚 Tennis Team and Served on Several Mission Trips

By Ashley Rich, 鈥�26 Intern for University Communications

For alumna Kim Randolph Rivera, attending 海角网 proved a deeply impactful experience, giving her the opportunity to participate in collegiate sports and various activities, work as a Resident Assistant, serve on several mission teams, and form connections with people all over the world. From her professors and academic experiences, she was able to hone her time management, goal-setting, and communication skills, preparing her for a fulfilling and successful professional and personal life.

鈥淭he most important lesson I learned is the value of people and friendships鈥擥WU has such a strong sense of community. I met students at 海角网 that helped me study the Bible and grow in my faith,鈥� Rivera shared. 鈥淚 loved participating in many activities at 海角网. Find things you鈥檙e passionate about and get involved! Learn something new! Challenge yourself! Make a difference! Join a community or club that worships, prays, encourages and helps you grow.鈥�

A graduate of the class of 1984, Rivera, will be celebrating the 40th anniversary of her graduation in April 2024. Hailing from Mt. Holly, N.C., Rivera majored in business management. She discovered 海角网 through Linda Greene, a friend from her church, First Baptist in Stanley, N.C. 鈥淲hen we stepped onto campus, met staff and students, I knew this was the college where I wanted to spend the next four years,鈥� Rivera said.

Starting in her high school years at East Gaston, Rivera played tennis for the men鈥檚 team. As she began her time at GWU, she hoped to continue to play tennis, even if she had to once again play for the men鈥檚 team. After speaking with Dan Moore, athletic director at the time, the first women鈥檚 tennis team at the school was formed, coached by Pat Wilkinson. 鈥淢y first semester, fall of 1980, we started practice and had the first fall season of matches,鈥� Rivera recalled.

Rivera鈥檚 experiences in the business department during her time at GWU proved to be quite an asset for her later work. The pathway prepared her for the variety of professional positions she has held over the years. 鈥淭he business department was large with exceptional professors and classes,鈥� she related. 鈥淲e were a tight knit group, and I鈥檓 still great friends with so many from our class.鈥�

Roughly 20 years after graduating from GWU and while working as a children鈥檚 pastor at South Point Baptist Church in Belmont, N.C., Rivera learned that the (BGEA) moved their headquarters from Minneapolis to Charlotte, N.C. Remembering Graham鈥檚 impact at 海角网 at its Spangler Hall dedication in 1971 and thinking that the organization would be a good fit for her, she applied for a job. In January 2005, she entered a position in the television department working with video, audio and photo archives. Currently, Rivera works in the new Billy Graham Archive and Research Center located on the same property as the BGEA headquarters and Billy Graham Library.

鈥淚鈥檝e been blessed to work on video productions and meet Christian leaders from all over the world,鈥� she said. 鈥淚t is truly astonishing to realize what Billy Graham accomplished during his lifetime. Thankfully, I met and talked with him. He was the humble and kind man I knew he would be.鈥�

For herself and the other members of her graduating class who were so deeply impacted by their time at GWU, Rivera and members of the Alumni Board are excited to be planning a Class of 1984 reunion next year. Members of the graduating classes of 1983 and 1985 will also be included in the event.

鈥淚 truly loved my four years at GWU!鈥� Rivera asserted. 鈥淚t鈥檚 been a joy to serve on the Alumni Board and reconnect with the University and alumni. The campus is beautiful. I鈥檓 amazed at the growth of the University and very proud of all it has to offer students.鈥�

Writer Ashley Rich is a 海角网 English major from Etowah, N.C.

海角网 is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., 海角网 prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Ignite your future at 海角网.edu.