WHITNEY CURTIS | news editor
photo courtesy | GINA DONNELLY
Gina Donnelly with students at May 2007 commencement.


Gina Donnelly seizes an opportunity for growth in a new business career, taking her skills and integrity to the corporate world.

“She brings out life in situations when you’re around her,” new Interim Director of Chapel Programs Bryan Taylor said.

This sentiment seems to be a common one among those who have worked, served and played with Gina Donnelly. But after twelve years of “bringing out life” in various aspects of APU, as a student and employee, Donnelly is now saying her goodbyes.

Donnelly was offered a job from Mark Medley, the owner, founder and manager of Enjoy Lighting, a company that “design[s], manufacture[s], and sell[s] flameless candles to retailers,” according to Medley.

“I wasn’t looking to leave APU,” Director of Chapel Programs for the 2006/07 school year Donnelly said.

It was only after the offer that she began contemplating her role at APU and the opportunities for growth here versus opportunities elsewhere.

“I thought [the job at Enjoy Lighting] was a great opportunity, but I wasn’t sure about the timing. I’ve only been Director of Chapel Programs for a year and a half and I saw myself here for at least 2 more years,” Donnelly said.

Donnelly forced herself to think long term. What would be the next step at APU? Her love for students would motivate her to pursue teaching, but would require a Ph.D. She began looking at Ph.D. programs and anticipated this as the next step in her career, until someone asked if she really wanted to pursue that path.

“I realized, no, I don’t,” Donnelly said. “Mark called a month later, and then again a week after that and said, ‘I want to hire you. What do I need to do to hire you?’

Donnelly recognized that she would rather use her business skills than write long dissertations and she finally accepted Medley’s offer.

Enjoy Lighting candles are sold at such stores as Michael’s, Target and Bed Bath and Beyond. The company has recently experienced tremendous growth and Donnelly will have the chance to directly influence that progress.

“She has the opportunity to help lead and define the direction we take,” Medley said. “A big piece of that is her focusing on people management and systems.”

As Business Developer of Enjoy Lighting, Donnelly will be using her organizational skills and expertise in working with others. These are two areas that Donnelly is known for among faculty, staff and students on the APU campus.

“Gina is truly a team player. She is one of the most analytical—she’s just a great thinker. She’s very methodical,” Donnelly’s roommate and Director of Community Relations Ginny Dadaian said. “She can work with a variety of different types of people.”

Director of the Office of Ministry and Service Matthew Visser agrees with Dadaian. “Gina is great at building teams and being a constant support and encourager,” Visser said. “She is a great support in managing people.”

Those who have had the privilege to work with Donnelly have only the highest regards for her.

“Students, faculty and staff all love Gina. She’s kind, generous, and thoughtful in the relationships that she has. I definitely know she is going to be missed by a lot of people,” Visser said.

“I’m going to miss seeing her on a regular basis. She’s leaving quite a legacy,” Campus Pastor Secretary Kim Cross said. “When you meet Gina you instantly know she loves the Lord with all her heart. She loves students and she just has this joyful countenance about her.”

Donnelly has worked in a number of offices: Business, Admissions, Chapel Programs, but no matter where she worked, she always sought to serve her students and fellow staff.

Wednesday, Sept. 12 was Donnelly’s last day of work on the APU campus. She began work as the Business Developer of Enjoy Lighting on Sept. 13.

“It’s nice to see her step outside her comfort zone, but it’s also really hard to see her go,” Bryan Taylor said.

When asked what she will miss the most about working at APU Donnelly said, “There’s so much I’m going to miss, but mostly the people. I love the people I work with. I’ve been changed and challenged by so many people here at APU.”

The many people who will miss seeing and working with Donnelly echo loudly to the effect that she has had on this campus and community.

“She’s an absolute joy to work with: she’s thoughtful, she’s warm, and she’s kind. She has affected me in a positive way,” Director of Student Life Terry Franson said. “We’ll miss her a lot. People come and people go, but she’ll always be part of the family. She’s irreplaceable.”