Rich
Schutt '77
Trinity Alum Named Chair
of AAHSA
Schutt brings a Reformed
perspective to thousands of not-for-profit organizations.
Pure providence." That is
how Rich Schutt '77 describes his transition from Trinity Christian College
to Rest Haven Christian Services, where he serves as chief executive officer,
and as president of Providence Management, which manages more than a dozen
not-for-profit facilities in Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan. What a contrast
to his plans of being an auto mechanic.
Relationships. Rich valued
the relationships with classmates and professors that he developed at Trinity.
"I am a different person for having participated in four years of academic
training at Trinity," he said. "It was an incredible education. The manageable
class size allowed professors to reach out to the students and meet their
needs." Rich's wife, Linda '98, returned to Trinity to complete her nursing
degree and their daughter, Jennifer, was also a student.
Since his election in November
as chairman of the board of directors of the American Association of Homes
and Services for the Aging, he now is involved in building relationships
among thousands of mission-based organizations nationwide. The AAHSA represents
5600 not-for-profit nursing homes, continuing care retirement communities,
assisted living and senior housing facilities, and community service organizations,
serving one million older persons across the country. Rich's career reflects
the pattern of his Trinity education, which has called him into leadership
roles within organizations such as the Life Services Network of Illinois,
and Health Resources Alliances, both of which he has served as past chair.
"All of life is a platform," Schutt said, "allowing me to share my ministry
with a broader constituency than the one in which I grew up."
Continuity. Just as Rich
was graduating from Trinity with a degree in business administration, Rest
Haven-a group of independent, assisted living, skilled care, and home health
care facilities-was opening a second nursing home. He was already familiar
with the organization, having worked in maintenance there during high school.
So, armed with knowledge, a caring spirit, and a degree from Trinity, he
became part of their administration.
"And 25 years later, as a
product of Christian higher education, I'm still working for a Christian
organization," Rich said. "I continue to serve the same constituency."
Today, Rest Haven Christian
Services has extended to seven different campuses-five in metropolitan
Chicago and two in West Michigan-with multiple facilities on each.
"Since the time when I was
mopping floors here, Rest Haven has experienced measured growth by responding
to the need for services." In the same way, Rich is reaching out to others.
"It is because of God's providence, through my affiliations with state
and national organizations, that I am able to have an impact on others
and bring the Reformed world-and-life view to a broader community."
For someone whose first career
goal focused on servicing cars, Rich Schutt has expanded his focus to include
a willingness to serve others through involvement in his community, in
his profession, and in faith-based organizations.
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