Larry Hershberger ’62 | #youareims

Larry Hershberger (‘62) was a big part of athletics and the Boys Athletic Association during his time at IMS, but he also remembers fondly his participation in the Junior Debate Team and Vesper Chorale (now Touring Choir). It was difficult to recall from all those years ago, but Larry did say that U.S. and World History were some of his favorite classes.

According to Larry the result of a comparatively small student body with small classes and a dedicated and caring faculty is in one word, FAMILY. This definitely goes along with one of the aspects he loved most about IMS, the spirit of a close-knit community which allowed him to create lifelong friendships that have lasted 55+ years.

He remembered faith at IMS being a combination of a Christian focused environment, daily chapel services, a Christian oriented curriculum, and complementary extracurricular activities as being one of the many facets of his four-year IMS experience that helped provide him with a well-rounded and solid foundation for future success at the University of Iowa and throughout his life. Larry also mentioned that since he was attending IMS ‘away from home’ while creating drawbacks for sure, it instilled in him a sense of independence and self-reliance that has been beneficial ever since.

When we asked Larry, what would you tell a friend to encourage them to send their child to IMS, he said, “For the many reasons I’ve mentioned. I believe they are still relevant today.” 

Thanks so much, Larry, for sharing your story and telling us a little bit about how #youareims!

📷: Larry at EMU in Harrisonburg, VA with his mother whom he says deserves all the ‘attention’ though she wouldn’t want it.