“Alan Claassen Thrush ’02, a sociology major, currently serves as the Donor Relations Director for the West Coast Mennonite Central Committee (MCC).
He said, “I love meeting people, learning about their stories and connecting their generosity with MCC’s transformative global work.”
Let’s take a look at a few things this sociology grad has accomplished since his time at Messiah. Over the years, Claassen-Thrush has utilized his sociology skills in numerous ways. Claassen Thrush and his wife Beth, also a Messiah sociology grad, served in Nicaragua with the Mennonite Central Committee. In Managua, Claassen Thrush, served as the Instructor of Peace Theology & Conflict Transformation at the Baptist Theological Seminary. This experience allowed Claassen Thrush the opportunity to interact with a culture different than his own.
What’s a day-in-the-life look like as the Donor Relations Director for MCC? Claassen Thrush travels frequently throughout the western United States. While on the road, he meets face-to-face with MCC donors and thanks them for supporting the MCC mission. He also provides the donors with personal stories of how their donations have impacted the lives of others. He encourages them to expand their impact through financial support. When Claassen Thrush isn’t traveling, he connects through donors through other means. He primarily looks for ways to connect people’s interests with the MCC organization. Each and every day, Claassen Thrush utilizes sociology skills to interact with others.
He said, “The Department of Sociology gave me a good foundation for the cross-cultural work of MCC. I appreciate the writing instruction I received at Messiah College—my job requires lots of written communication!”
The Department of Sociology adequately prepares all its graduates for a successful, life-giving, God-centered future!