Inspire, Fall 2007

12 Fall 2007 Feature : Conni e Pumpelly ’ 73 Connie Pumpelly ’73 , assistant professor of athletic training at the University of Indianapolis, finished her students’ practical instruction in the school’s athletic training classroom and started putting things in her bag. It had been a good two hours of teaching the students how to deal with knee injuries. Now it was time to get back to the office to prepare for tomorrow’s lecture. She made her way toward the door, answering last-minute questions from her students about the upcoming exam. But there was more on her mind that day. During class, Karina Earnest, a sophomore athletic training major who Connie knew was a Christian, had spoken up in bold witness to the other students — as she had done on numerous other occasions. Connie appreciated Karina’s active faith and made a mental note to say something about it the next time she saw her. Connie wouldn’t have to wait long; providentially, Karina was in the hallway right outside of the athletic training room. Smiling, Connie walked up to her. “Hey, Karina, I just want to let you know how much I appreciate your good Christian witness among all the students in the classroom and the athletic training room,” she said. “You’re a great encouragement to me — keep up the good work!” Connie’s comment proved to be timely, as Karina was struggling with some relationships and with the general direction of her life. “That meant so much to know that she could see a difference between my life and those of my classmates,” said Karina, who at the time was questioning whether to even continue in the athletic training program. “Because of Connie’s encouragement, I haven’t doubted being in the program since.” Looking back on that opportunity to encourage a student, Connie remarked, “That is what is exciting about being a Christian — so many great, unexpected things happen in your life every day!” Connie’s career as an athletic trainer and educator got its start at Cedarville University in a care and conditioning class taught by Elvin King ’64. Her career has since spanned more than 30 years, including an advanced degree; several athletic training, education, and coaching jobs; and numerous athletic training certifications, activities, and presentations. “Athletic training wasn’t even a major at the time,” said Connie, “but the class sparked my interest, and I made it a goal to become an educator.” Connie graduated from Cedarville in 1973 with a bachelor of arts in physical education and health. According to Connie, her time as a Cedarville student provided a solid foundation and significant growth. “The academic and spiritual sides of life are intertwined,” she said. “And that was certainly true at Cedarville while I was a student.” “Everyone in Cedarville’s physical education department had a positive spiritual impact on me,” said Connie, “but probably the greatest influence came from Maryalice Jeremiah [’65] and June Kearney, who were both teachers and coaches. I saw their strong Christian lives, and they were consistent in mentoring us as students. Their doors were always open.” In the Training Room by Mark Kakkuri ’93 Watching the athletic training profession grow and develop has been a great joy to Connie. It is a field that fills a unique niche in the area of medical care.