paul Genchanok
2017 Saratoga Fellow
Paul Genchanok, 2nd Lieutenant, United States Army
Hometown: Glenview, Illinois
College: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC)
Degree: B.A. Economics
Paul graduated in May 2017 from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign a Dean’s list student majoring in economics with minors in mathematics and Russian. He was also a Distinguished Military Graduate from the Fighting Illini Army ROTC program. He commissioned into the U.S. Army in May 2017 and will be serving as a Cyber Operations Officer.
While at UIUC he was active in InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, leading a small group and attending InterVarsity Leadership Institute. IV was instrumental in giving Paul direction in how to study and apply God’s Word communally and personally. While at the Leadership Institute, Paul sensed the call of God to help meet the need for authentic Christian community and Christ-like leaders in ROTC programs and broader military service. In his senior year he transitioned to working with Cru (formerly Campus Crusade for Christ) to partner in building up the Valor movement at UIUC to minister to Cadets and Midshipmen.
While at Saratoga he hopes to gain understanding in how to apply God’s Word to his military service and leadership. He is especially hopeful for building an ethical foundation from which he can understand and form prudent opinions on the growing ethical and legal issues in Cyber operations. Currently, Paul plans to spend the next four years building God’s Kingdom where his military service takes him, making disciples, and learning about the Cyber world. He is seeking to discern God’s calling him after his initial commitment but is open to a career in the military or a move to civilian life.