At Elizabethtown College, learning is often a shared journey. However, for Noah Peiffer ’27 and his mom, Christie Peiffer M.Ed.’28, that idea takes on a whole new meaning. As classmates navigating different degree paths at Etown, they’re proving that growth, purpose, and family support go hand in hand.
Noah and Christie’s Etown journey began when Noah transferred from Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology to pursue a degree in Engineering with a concentration in Computer Engineering. Around the same time, Christie began her own academic path, enrolling in Etown’s Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction program.
“Lifelong learning has always been something that I’ve strived to model for my children,” Christie said. “I like to consider that pursuing a degree at the same time and at the same college as Noah would be a powerful example of that commitment— showing him that growth doesn’t stop after high school, that it’s never too late to chase your goals, and that education is a shared journey, not just a solo one.”
Noah sees this experience as a rare way to connect with his mom in a meaningful and unexpected way.
“Attending the same college and at the same time as my mom is a unique opportunity for us to connect in a way that many other students may not have the chance to experience,” Noah said. “We both feel we can relate to Etown’s offerings, such as the quality of communication that the College delivers to its students and community through quick replies to emails, website resources, and student support services.”
For Christie, having a built-in tech expert like Noah has made navigating college life a little easier.
“Noah is the computer expert in our family, so I find myself mostly relying on him when navigating Etown’s online resources,” Christie said. “He helped me get started with my first online course and continues to support me by answering questions about registering for classes or contacting the business office, turning the traditional parent-child dynamic into one of mutual encouragement and teamwork.”
Christie was inspired to join the Etown community after seeing the care Noah received during his transfer process.
“Noah’s transfer to Etown went very smoothly, and we felt supported through the whole process,” Christie said. “I wanted a learning environment where I felt welcomed too, and Etown has proven this in just the first course I’ve completed this past spring.”
After Etown, Noah’s future goals include working as an engineer in hardware or software electronics for an innovative, forward-thinking company.
“The education I’m gaining at Etown’s Computer Engineering program is teaching me to think like an engineer as well as equipping me with the knowledge and skills needed to be successful in my career path,” Noah said.
Christie is building on more than 20 years in education and currently serves as a Literacy Coach and Reading Specialist at Hempfield School District. She plans to apply what she’s learning through Etown SGPS to better support inclusive, equitable classrooms where every child feels seen and empowered to succeed.
“Earning my degree from Elizabethtown College will equip me with leadership skills to lead curriculum initiatives and to collaborate with stakeholders to implement effective instructional practices,” Christie said. “I am especially excited to gain more understanding of how best to support the needs of all learners through the inclusive and equitable education focus.”
