The January 2010 alumnus of the month is David Hamilton. David came to Southwestern in the Fall of 1975 and graduated with honors in 1977 with an Associate of Arts degree.
David recalls some of his experience at Southwestern. "A Southwestern recruiter named Dwain Griffin, who had formerly been a youth director in the Pennsylvania conference, happened to call me at an appropriate time in my life. I had just left The Abraham Brothers (touring band) in 1974, and was working in a local steel mill. After deciding to come to Southwestern, I recall driving my childhood friend Debbie Libengood from PA to Oklahoma City, neither of us knowing what to expect. We became lost that first night, but somehow discovered Larry Joyner who set us in the right direction."
During his second year at Southwestern, David was voted as sophomore class president and graduated with honors. While attending Southwestern, David could be seen playing music at different venues and Christian clubs across the city. Music has always been David's first love. "The music part of my life has always been present. I never learned how to read music (frustrating Ray Ballew, & others), but I started with the idea of being a professional performer, vocally and instrumentally. The music happened naturally, so I professionally pursued business with my studies and music was always the deep passion in my life." While attending Southwestern he began working at a few different local banks in the area which propelled him into his current career as a financial advisor.
David is the son of Rev. William H. and Verna Hamilton who were long term ministers in the Pennsylvania Conference of the International Pentecostal Holiness Church. Talking about his parents, David said "I am humbled & honored being the son of such locally & globally respected Christians & am blessed to receive this profound heritage."
David currently lives in Hermitage, PA and has been married to his "childhood sweetheart from youth camp", Debra Hamilton, for soon to be 30 years.
Although David has a successful career as a financial advisor, his true passion and love is still in music. David continues to produce music. If you received our December newsletter and listened to the music link that was included, that was David Hamilton's work.
In closing, David had the following words of encouragement to share:
"Throughout my life I have been truly blessed. I attribute that to putting God's ways 'first' as best as I can understand them. I made daily CHOICES to be surrounded by Christian friends, to do what was necessary to be successful in an excellent profession and develop a true and lasting relationship with God. This will not happen in the exact same way for everyone; however, this WILL happen in the best way that God only knows for you. Whether you are in school now, or have moved on, focus on HIS simple but tremendous truths, and 'choose' to apply them continually. You will see it happen, and will be amazed. Many whom you already know, whose stories are far more enriching than mine could ever be, will completely agree." David sums up his life with these simple words: "it has been a ride, of which I've been so very blessed."