As early as eighth grade, Kerry McMahon '79, PhD, knew his ambition was to work in the chemistry field. McMahon attended Geneva for his undergraduate degree, and afterwards worked at a small testing lab in Pittsburgh. Soon after entering the workforce, he decided to return to the classroom, earning his doctorate in inorganic chemistry at the University of Connecticut.
After achieving his degree, McMahon worked as an industrial chemist for 17 years. It was through layoffs and strikes that he found himself teaching a night class. Though not a career he had initially considered, he felt a calling back to the classroom.
“Even though I am a chemist, I am more of a people person than a numbers person. I loved teaching and decided that was what I wanted to do full-time.”
McMahon accepted a faculty position at Duquesne University, where he taught for several years before looking for an option with a shorter commute. When a chemistry professor at Geneva retired, McMahon quickly applied to fill the position.
“It was a perfect fit. I was teaching some of the same courses that needed to be filled at Geneva, I didn’t have to relocate, and I had gotten all of the experience I needed. The perfect opportunity opened up for me.”
Throughout McMahon’s 20 years at Geneva, some of his favorite moments have been graduations and working with undeclared students.
While students, buildings, and classes have changed over the years, McMahon notes one thing that hasn’t changed.
“The faith integration at Geneva has stayed the same. Other places you see drift away with culture, but here it has remained steadfast. I graduated in '79, and I would say the professors and campus have only grown to be more vocal and intentional about faith integration in the classroom.”
Through labs, advising, Chapel, musical ventures, May Term, the SCS 110 course, invitations to his home to make Christmas cookies, and countless other ways, McMahon has contributed his time and skills to make Geneva College a better place.
In retirement, McMahon continues to write songs, spend as much time as possible with his four grandchildren, and stay involved with Geneva through part-time teaching.
Geneva College is honored to grant Kerry McMahon, PhD the status of emeritus faculty.
-Kelsey Ingold '18
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