Coming Home Again

Think of one of your most favorite places in the world. A place where God’s purpose for your life merges with a sense of belonging and enjoyment. A place that just feels like home. For Scott Haakenson, Blue Mountain Academy (BMA) is that special place. As the new boys’ dean, this marks his fourth time living or serving on the campus in Hamburg, Pa.

Haakenson first came to BMA as a junior and graduated with the Class of 1992. He recalls the spiritual emphasis in every class, including math, where the teacher shared devotionals and Bible stories daily. This, along with student leadership opportunities, played an integral role in his faith journey. He says, “I had an opportunity to be a spiritual leader. And I think that helped, because that’s the role I have today.”

Haakenson previously took a year from his college studies to serve as BMA’s Magabook (literature evangelism) program leader in 1994 and returned in 1998 to serve as the program leader and chaplain. He has also served as a pastor, most recently pastoring the Reading (Pa.) Kenhorst and the Grace Outlet churches in nearby Reading, Pa., until last August.

Now, during his fourth BMA experience, Haakenson’s goals include building relationships “so that all the guys have a good relationship with God and understand what it means to follow Him before they leave BMA.” His vision is for them to “understand and have a faith that is growing on their own initiative and not just because they’re in a Bible class.”

As focused as he is on present goals, Haakenson sees beyond dorm life. He shares, “I think this is an opportunity for me to inspire, train, mentor and encourage others to go and be the missionary that I see is so much needed.” He also has some thoughts for his fellow alumni whom he hopes to see during BMA’s 70th anniversary cele- bration, April 24–26, 2026. “I want alumni to know that BMA is still a top-notch school, that it still has a strong spiritual foundation, and that the academics are good as well. It’s a school worth supporting, not just because they graduated from here, but [because] it’s a good investment.”

Haakenson has found investing in BMA to be a key to purposeful living and invites others to do the same. He explains, “With God’s help, I believe I can make a difference because how could you not expect to make a difference if you’re where He wants you to be?” Perhaps, like Haakenson, returning home to BMA is the right place for you to make a difference. For more information on investing time, resources and/or abilities in BMA, please email finance@bma.us.