Surrounded by more than 100 students, employees, and his wife Betty at his side, President Emeritus John Balyo celebrated his 85th birthday, Jan. 18, in WB's dining facility. Minutes after hearing Happy Birthday sung by those attending, Prof. Matt Strauser recruited members of the WB male choral group who gathered around Balyo's table to surprise him with a touching full harmony version of the same song.

WB President Reno Hoff and his wife Linda, and several friends joined Balyo at his table for lunch where he continually received congratulatory best wishes. A basket full of greeting cards sat near the first slice of birthday cake that was baked in his honor by ARAMARK Dining Services.

"The Lord's really blessed me to allow me to live this long," Balyo quipped. "I'm so grateful to all of these people for their love and for being here today. God is good."

The night before Balyo received a lengthy cheer as he stood and was recognized before a crowd of more than 600 fans at a WB home basketball game.

As a theological student, he preached his first sermon before a church on his 22nd birthday in 1942. A minister for more than seven decades, Balyo served as WB's president for eight years (1983-91), as Chancellor (1991-2004), and now serves as President Emeritus. He and Betty have been married 59 years.