Residence Hall named in honor of John G. Balyo
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John and Betty in front of the new residence hall bearing their name.
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Dr. Balyo raises his scissors in triumph at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for Balyo Hall. |
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President Reno Hoff makes a chapel presentation of the original Charles Schultz cartoon panel featuring Snoopy. |
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Dr. Balyo looks at a plaque commemorating his ministry which hangs in the lobby of Balyo Hall. |
April 20, 2009
In November 2006, the occupants of Corban’s recently completed residence hall proudly gave themselves a new name — “the Balyo girls.”
The women’s residence hall was officially named after President Emeritus John G. Balyo at a celebratory chapel and ribbon-cutting on Nov. 10. This announcement came five days after residents learned about the dorm’s new designation.
“I was really pleased when I heard because Dr. Balyo is someone I’ve always been aware of — and a man I greatly respect,” said Residence Director Pam Horton.
At the celebration, Balyo ceremoniously cut a ribbon draped across the bridge leading to the residence hall. He and his wife, Betty, joined administrators at the ribbon cutting/all-school gathering.
Balyo’s history with Corban goes back to 1983, when he arrived to serve as president. He held that office until 1991 and then served as chancellor before being named president emeritus in 2005. A graduate of Grace Theological Seminary in Indiana, Balyo pastored four churches and taught at three colleges, including Corban.
“Without him, we wouldn’t be here,” said Vice President for Marketing Steve Hunt. “He brought people together in a time of declining enrollment.”
Known as a gracious southern gentleman and a man of character, Balyo is also known for his love of the cartoon, “Peanuts,” from which he pulled wit and wisdom for his sermons for more than 50 years. As a fitting gesture, a set of Peanuts cartoons autographed by Charles Schultz will hang in the Balyo Hall lobby for years to come.
