Rebecca Penner Sneed ’12

Please describe your position and what you enjoy most about it.

The Resound Network exists to catalyze a movement of revitalized and replanted churches resounding for the glory of God and the good of their communities. My job as the coordinator is to handle all communications and event planning and to support our staff and volunteers as they come alongside churches through individual church meetings, brief workshops, or multi-day conferences.

My favorite part of my job is definitely event planning and coordinating. There’s a lot that goes into the planning and executing of an event–so many plates to keep spinning–but it’s such an invigorating challenge that offers a huge reward when everything comes together and runs smoothly.

What aspects of your HLGU experience helped you prepare for your career?

I loved my time as a student, but my full HLGU experience also includes the privilege I had of working there for several years after I graduated. From both faculty and staff, I saw such wisdom and humility. With those two characteristics they guided me in my transition from college student to young professional.

What have you enjoyed most about your career?

I love the work I get to do, but it’s the people I’ve been privileged to work alongside that have made the biggest difference in my life and career, and I’m thankful for all of them and the ways they’ve made me a better professional and person.

How did HLGU shape you as a person?

I am convinced that I felt more joy in my first week at HLGU than I ever felt in the four years I was in public high school. I was a much better, and happier, person and Christian when I finished my freshman year than I was when I started, and HLGU provided the environment that nourished that growth and change. I was challenged to grow academically and spiritually, not only by the faculty and staff, but also by my fellow students.

What HLGU professors played a part in your success? How did your relationship with faculty help you succeed?

Mrs. Burt is the epitome of knowledge, wisdom, class, and genuine kindness. When she’d proof an article of mine, it would be dripping with red ink, but she would take the time to go over every correction with me and teach me with such sweet care. As I continued learning over the years, there would be just a little less red ink.

One time I set the goal to submit an article to her that required no comma correction, and I actually succeeded twice! Oh, there were still plenty of other corrections, but no misplaced commas–a professional accomplishment I am quite proud of!

Do you have any tips to share with students interested in this field?

In this field, and in many others, I would say take the time to really learn how to write clearly and with correct grammar. Social media posts, ad and website copy, promotional articles, email newsletters, and business emails in general, all of these demand excellence in writing. If you aren’t sure where to put the comma, if you don’t know whether or not you should use a colon, if you wonder whether you need a hyphen between those words, take the time to look it up.

English is hard. There are lots of complicated rules, and you will miss things sometimes. Everyone does. If you can get a solid grasp on it though, you’ll be better for it, and you might look better than the competition because of it.

What are some of your favorite HLGU memories?

I have many good memories. Here are a few:
– Climbing the Trinity Tree with some friends one night
– Having classes cancelled for four days because we got 20 inches of snow
– Spontaneous trips to Buffalo Wild Wings for their Tuesday night wings special
– Getting to write a tribute article for Dr. Burt when he announced his retirement
– Meeting and developing a relationship with my now husband
– Many late nights and shenanigans with my friends

What on-campus activities were you involved in at HLGU?

I participated in concert and jazz band, The New Edition, and many plays and musicals. I also served as an RA during my junior and senior years.

HLGU’s motto is “knowledge for service.” What roles have these values played in your life?

Find where God is at work and join him there, because knowledge for the sake of knowledge holds no value, but knowledge for the sake of serving others holds value both in this life, and in eternity for those who have a relationship with Christ.

When I worked at HLGU, I got to be a part of college students receiving a quality education in an environment where they could strengthen their relationships with Christ during a very formative time in their lives. Now I get to be a part of God bringing new life to struggling churches that are transformed into beacons of light and hope in their communities. I’m so humbled and grateful that the Lord has let me be a part of his work. I want to be always learning and growing so I can continue to be used by him.