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EDUCATING CHRISTIANS WHO WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE WORLD FOR JESUS CHRIST.
As we take time to grieve the loss of a friend, we have compiled tributes that honor the indelible impact Juan left on those he encountered. Michael McGee: “Juan was the first friend I made at Corban. We both joined the political science program and very quickly discovered that we were on opposing sides of the political spectrum. However, this didn’t stop him from befriending me. While the world continues to fall to political division, Juan’s friendship to me defeated that darkness. We looked at each other and knew that despite our differences we would be friends through the bond that Jesus Christ gives us.”
A TRIBUTE TO JUAN ARRIAGA-JUAREZ Our Corban family was deeply saddened at the unexpected loss of one of our own. Juan ArriagaJuarez was a beacon of joy on campus. He was deeply involved in student leadership, serving as a Student Senator in the 20-21 school year and elected as SGA Vice President for 21-22. His passion for the Lord and for his fellow students was evident in all he did.
Dr. Tony Caito: “Juan was this year’s winner of our annual political science award. He exhibited political and spiritual maturity as an example to all our other students in the major. Juan was such a joyful person who encouraged everyone around him. I loved witnessing his growth of spiritual, personal, and vocational maturity during his time at Corban. Students in our political science program will feel his positive effect for many years to come.” Professor John Scott: “Juan was actively committed to see Christian justice realized on behalf of the needy. We can continue his legacy by carrying this torch.”
Nate McCall: “He always had an ear to listen, clinging onto every word made in jest or in deep conversation. He would commit it to memory, meaning jokes became running jokes, and issues became solutions. There was never a brother who showed God’s love more than Juan did to everyone on this campus. Every Thursday, he came up to the coffee shop and discussed life or ideas with me. Those times inspired me to go forward with my plans and ambitions, some of which I hope to complete by the start of next fall thanks to his help.” Rebekah Ballard: “Juan lived every day of his life with purpose and intention. One of my favorite things about Juan was the way he pursued a friendship with me and everyone around him. He was one of the most encouraging people in my life, and I saw him encourage others regularly. He often sent me encouragement cards in the mailroom and messages to let me know that he was praying for me. He was a friend that I could always count on and one that I knew truly wanted the best for me. He encouraged and befriended so many people in his life, and I know that I will seek to live a life that honors his legacy in the way that I befriend others.” Read more at: go.corban.edu/ce1
THE COMMUNITY IMPACT OF CORBAN EDUCATION PROFESSIONALS “Every day is a ministry opportunity, and I take great pride in that work,” says Corban alum Karisa Legg (Calderon ‘12). “I’m humbled by the opportunities God places in my path. As educators, it can be lifechanging the students and staff that we encounter.”
Corban education majors graduate and are hired at an exceptional rate, with 99% of education graduates who pursue a teaching job finding a position within six months of graduation. With the success of
Corban’s education program, local communities have been filled with teachers, counselors, support staff, and administrators who are committed to making a tangible impact on what many consider to be the front lines of emerging cultural ideologies and emotional development. With each graduating class, the distinction of what a Corban graduate brings to the teaching profession has become more pronounced in the local Salem-Keizer community. Read the full story at: go.corban.edu/ce3
Karisa Legg teaches a class at Miller Elementary.
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For so many Corban educators like Legg, an Instructional Mentor and Reading Specialist at Miller Elementary School, their classrooms have become some of the most significant mission fields in the world.
“As I look at the current state of education, it’s important that we understand why students are valuable as part of God’s creation and accept all who are placed in our sphere of influence, to show them love and acceptance,” says Principal of Sprague High School and Corban alum, Chad Barkes (‘99).
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Note from the President Alumni Scholarship Opportunities Alumni Connections Reflections from This Year's Golden Grads Alumni Authors Bookshelf
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Alum Helps Bring Pro Life Advocacy and Leadership Worldwide How (Not) to Read the Bible Groundwork Begins for Outdoor Athletic Complex End of Fiscal Year Report
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Frontier Research in Sustainability Year in Review: Corban Athletics Ministry Department Returns to Uganda Events
NOTE FROM THE PRESIDENT “Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let the sea resound, and all that is in it. Let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them; let all the trees of the forest sing for joy.” — Psalm 96:11-12 As we enjoy the sunshine this summer at work, at family get-togethers, and at backyard barbecues, may we take moments to look up. May we notice the world around us, the beauty and the perfume of summer flowers, the shade of towering trees, and the delicious feel of grass under bare feet. These are just a few evidences of God’s merciful hand in this world. He created each living being and the nature that encompasses us all to bring glory to His name. I think God enjoys seeing us enjoy His creation. He is pleased when we step back, look around, and delight in His beautiful world, just like He did each day in which He created it, declaring, “It is good.” In a world of brokenness, God still causes the daffodils to burst through hard winter dirt to blossom. When the world seems to be falling apart around us, let’s be the faithful followers of God who can still see His stunning handiwork and praise Him. Although both creation and humanity are marred, as followers of Christ, we can cheerfully anticipate fulfillment of God’s promise that He will “bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ” (Ephesians 1:10b). To Christ be all Glory,
Sheldon C. Nord, Ph.D. President
ALUMNI SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES We are doubling down on our commitment to our Corban family, offering scholarship opportunities to all students who have been a part of the Corban community. Graduate students who have previously completed any undergraduate, licensure, or other graduate program at Corban University, Western Baptist College, or Northwest Baptist Seminary are eligible for the Alumni Scholarship. This scholarship will cover 20% of tuition costs for your Corban University graduate program. For more information, visit: go.corban.edu/ce7
ALUMNI CONNECTIONS FACEBOOK: Alumni Page: Corban University/Western Baptist Visit our page for University updates and event information. Alumni Group: Corban University/Western Baptist Join our alumni group for more relational involvement within our alumni community. INSTAGRAM: @corbanuniversity LINKEDIN: Corban University
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EMAIL: alumni@corban.edu
Email to share updates such as name changes, marriages, obituaries, or special acknowledgments for yourself, or fellow alumni (that are deemed public information). Do you have questions about transcript or diploma requests, course descriptions, or faculty information? Contact: registrar@corban.edu. To explore all of our social media platforms and pages, visit: go.corban.edu/ce9
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REFLECTIONS FROM THIS YEAR'S GOLDEN GRADS With our Golden Graduate celebration coming up in October, we are taking a look at some reflections from members of this year's class of Golden Graduates, seeing how their education has impacted and shaped their lives and where their faith and life journeys have taken them. Catherine Cox Jacobson: “I grew in my walk with Jesus and I carried that away from Western. I met and married Mark Jacobson. He has never stopped reading, learning, thinking, and adjusting his theology and never stopped encouraging me to do the same! I was recruited to work in cardiac rehab at Providence St. Peter Hospital in Olympia, Wash. I worked there for 30 years in executive administration, cardiac rehab, respiratory therapy, the hospital foundation, critical care services, and addiction recovery services. I had many opportunities to be the hands and feet of Jesus in my years there.”
Gerry Snelson: “I needed the theology in my life to be the spiritual anchor for the ministries involved with after graduation: teaching Sunday School for all ages, including adults, as an Awana Commander, and leading Bible studies. I worked 25 years at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Bremerton, Wash., and retired in 2004. We have four children and four grandchildren. In retirement, my wife and I ministered in nursing homes, singing and playing guitar and a banjolele. We still practice almost every day with hopes the COVID restrictions will be lifted and we can go back to our ministry.”
Wes Hunter: “The Bible and theology teaching I received at Western gave me a solid foundation and perspective for spiritual growth and ministry. The highlight of my time at Western was sitting under the teaching of Dr. David Miller. I’ve been married for 49 years with two children, both of whom attended Western Baptist themselves. We have four grandchildren, the oldest who will also be attending Corban this fall. I pastored churches in Whitefish, Mont.; Birch Bay, Wash.; Reno, Nev.; and Wenatchee, Wash. I retired in 2013 and then traveled full time in a motorhome for four years before settling back in Kent, Wash.”
Phyllis Martinez Fox: “My strength to move through life trusting God for His leading was honed at WBBC as I interacted and absorbed the best parts of Christian living for my future. I learned how to turn my mistakes to the Lord and move forward in His grace. Thirty-four years as an educator was a dream come true. I learned more than I taught, and the light that entered a student’s eyes when they ‘got it’ was my greatest triumph. I have traveled the world and experienced amazing things such as traveling to Israel with Dr. David Miller, driving a dog sled on a glacier in Alaska, and flying peregrine falcons in Nova Scotia.”
Read more at: go.corban.edu/ce11
ALUMNI AUTHORS BOOKSHELF OFFICIALLY LIVE The alumni author bookshelf is now live, providing an excellent place to see what our talented alumni are up to by viewing our growing list of reviewed books written by Corban alumni. If you are an author yourself, visit the link below to submit your own authored work. The review process can take up to three months depending on volume of submissions. Discover more or submit an authored work by visiting: go.corban.edu/ce5
THE ART OF WISDOM — TAMMY FABIAN “Inspired by the personal tone and communication style of the Proverbs, The Art of Wisdom offers an intimate look into verses from Proverbs 10-12. Following Solomon’s example, author Tammy Fabian passes on life wisdom gained from her personal journey. Fabian models a way to interact with Scripture using intimate stories, focused questions, and inspirational pictures. Her approach offers readers moments of reflection on the Scripture itself and opportunities to connect that message to their own lives. This book would provide a good platform for group discussions as it could encourage others to share their own stories on their journey to wisdom.” —Tamara McGinnis, Associate Professor of English and Communication, Corban University
MARRIAGE IN AN iWORLD — DR. DAVID H. MCCLAIN “Dr. David H. McClain’s, Marriage in an iWorld: Restoring God’s Design for Marriage is a deeply biblical and refreshingly practical approach to understanding marriage and honoring the One who created it. The 21 carefully crafted chapters include realistic stories, helpful cultural reflections, and wise biblical counsel. The creatively organized sections, full of allusions to Legos, fairy tales, and business contracts, make the reading more interesting. But the important topics covering God’s design, brokenness, romance, conflict, expectations, fears, money, addictions, parenting, and more are what make the book a helpful resource to keep on a nightstand and share with family and friends. Highly recommended for couples, families, pastors, and counselors.” —Dr. Marty Trammell, English Faculty, Corban University, redeemingrelationships.com
CORBAN ALUM BETHANY HELPS BRING PRO-LIFE ADVOCACY AND LEADERSHIP WORLDWIDE *Due to the nature of the work this featured alum is doing in sensitive global areas, we have removed her last name from this article. Bethany (’16) has always been a go-getter. As a child, when other kids were advocating for extended bedtimes and the elimination of broccoli, she was entering essay competitions, advocating for the rights of an unborn child. It was an early signpost of a calling that would resurface in her adult years, leading Bethany on a continually unfolding journey as a global pro-life advocate.
Corban alum, Bethany
AUTHOR INTERVIEW: HOW (NOT) TO READ THE BIBLE — Dan Kimball Recently we sat down with author and proud Corban dad, Dan Kimball. The following are a few excerpts of his interview discussing his new book, How (Not) to Read the Bible. In this book, filled with stories, visuals, and memes reflecting popular cultural objections, Kimball provides a practical guide to making sense of some of the Bible's more culturally difficult and disturbing passages. What was the motivation for writing this book? “I wrote this out of urgency, seeing what is going in young people’s lives who are Christians even, and how they’re understanding the Bible, getting
In the summer of 2018, shortly after graduating from Corban, she moved to Austria and became Director of European Development at ProLife Europe, an organization she helped to start and establish. Since it began in the spring of 2019, ProLife Europe now operates over 37 student groups
confused, and even rejecting Scripture and faith. To me it’s one of the most urgent things that we can be speaking about right now.” What is the key concept behind your book? “The main thing is understanding the Bible storyline. So much of the misunderstandings and critiques of the Bible come from not understanding the Bible storyline. As John Waltzen, a professor from Wheaton, says, ‘The Bible was written for us, not to us,’ and that makes all the difference in how we understand it.” What are the four major themes of your book? “The Bible was not written to us, but for us, is one. Another is never read a Bible verse—meaning always look at the context of it. The Bible is a library, not a book. We have to remember when we
in 11 different countries. The organization focuses on forming groups of young people throughout Europe, coaching and equipping them to defend life based on philosophical, biological, and ethical principles. “If we can train other people, we can create community change,” Bethany says. “We focus on training university students and young professionals, teaching them how to help someone in pregnancy crisis.” With ProLife Europe now thriving, Bethany has begun scouting trips to Africa and Asia, looking to establish a new movement in a region that has very few voices. “This is a huge opportunity for our young people we are training to practically help and support these girls,” she says. “And when they are asked, ‘Why do you love me so much?’ they get to say that it’s because of Jesus. That’s the beauty of the gospel.” Read the full story at: go.corban.edu/ce13
open the Bible we are opening up to different genres and different time periods in history. Depending on what book on the shelf you are pulling out, you’ll read it differently. The last one is, all of the Bible points to Jesus. We have the fortunate position in our world today of seeing where it all points to, and that is the Savior, atonement, and salvation of all the world that was promised to Abraham.” Watch the full author interview here: go.corban.edu/ce15
MAJOR GROUNDWORK BEGINS FOR NEW OUTDOOR ATHLETIC COMPLEX Major groundwork and initial excavation is underway at the site of Corban’s new Outdoor Athletic Complex. The first phase of the project aims to renovate and remediate existing drainage problems that have plagued Corban’s playing surfaces in the past, with eyes toward the end goal of phase one, a new track and field complex complete with a turf playing field. This vital improvement signals a significant investment in athletics and campus experience. To spearhead the efforts, Corban has hired local Northwest company, K&E Excavation. “We understand this project has been in the works for a long time and are happy to help see this dream come true,” said John Kuenzi of K&E. “So far, we have installed the erosion control measures, removed all of the existing baseball field improvements, and are working on getting the ball field to subgrade.” In the coming months, the K&E team will be focusing on stripping and excavating the site, moving over 35,000 cubic yards of material, and making way for an advanced sub-drainage system that will ensure the onsite playability of all fields for phase one and beyond. For Warrior athletics, the benefit of state-of-the-art, on-campus facilities will only add to the competitiveness the Warriors have achieved in recent years. The commitment to these vital campus improvements aims to not only improve the experience for student athletes, but for the general student body, and community as well, through regular home game attendance, recreational and intramural use, and hosting community events, clubs, and tournaments.
Initial excavation begins at the site of the new Outdoor Athletic Complex.
The project’s aggressive timeline is already up and running and on schedule. “We anticipate a completion date of late fall and are working with the administration at Corban to try and cut as much time off the schedule as possible,” Kuenzi said. With phase one set to arrive in late fall, student athletes and fans of Warrior athletics alike can look forward to an elevated experience, with future improvements and additions planned for ensuing phases in years to come. For more information, or to get involved in this exciting project, visit: go.corban.edu/ce21
END OF FISCAL YEAR REPORT As of June 29, our generous Corban community has helped us raise $838,982 toward the Corban Fund to help make the dream of an affordable, biblicallycentered education a reality for so many students. With only $41,018 left to reach our end of year goal, we are encouraged that even more students will be able to receive the life-shaping experience of a Corban education. For more information, visit: go.corban.edu/ce21
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EVENTS
DR. YUFENG ZHAO CONDUCTS FRONTIER RESEARCH IN SUSTAINABILITY Corban Assistant Professor of Physics, Dr. Yufeng Zhao has partnered with a team at Rice University to conduct groundbreaking new frontier research at the intersection of sustainability and the field of material science. Zhao, a long-time professional scientist at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory prior to arriving at Corban, was recruited for this project by one of the world’s preeminent chemists, Dr. James Tour, specifically for his experience and expertise in theoretical modeling of atomic structures. In collaboration with Tour, Dr. Boris Yakobson, and the Rice University team, Zhao will be researching and investigating a variety of catalytic particles and metallic nano particles to determine the efficacy of an exciting new method, published in Nature
magazine last year, that has yielded promising results in recycling expensive materials from general waste. “This method can be used to quickly recycle precious metals from used batteries, which has been a growing problem that we have been facing over the years,” Zhao says. “Sustainability is a huge topic in modern society,” Zhao says. “We human beings produce a lot of waste. How to regenerate new materials from waste is the big topic. It’s why renewable energy and renewable material science has attracted so much attention in recent years.” To read the full story, visit: go.corban.edu/ce23
SUMMER THEATRE CAMP Each summer, Corban University offers a twoweek theatre camp for students entering grades 4–12. This positive and fun training will provide education in theatre skills while raising students’ appreciation for and understanding of the arts. We provide a platform for students to explore and express their God-given creativity and imagination while encouraging them to delight in the theatre process and the end-product. This year’s camp, Whimsy, Wisdom, and Wonder, will take place July 26–Aug. 7. To register or find more information, visit: go.corban.edu/ce31
Men's Basketball celebrates a victory | Nate Sherwood congratulates Evan Hoover | Corban Volleyball team between sets.
YEAR IN REVIEW: CORBAN ATHLETICS ENJOYS TREMENDOUS SUCCESS DURING CHALLENGING YEAR Men’s Basketball:
Men’s Soccer:
In new head coach Taylor Kelly’s first season, the Warriors shocked the Cascade Collegiate Conference finishing 10-2 in conference play and 15-3 overall to claim the CCC Spring Championship outright. The Warriors’ efforts were buoyed by All-Conference award winners, Kendall Moore and Jordan Newt, with Kelly being named CCC Coach of the Spring.
The men’s soccer team completed another stellar season, finishing 9-2-1 and repeating as CCC champions, with their efforts earning them a spot in the NAIA Tournament for the eighth straight season. Led by NAIA All-Americans Carlos Llamosa, Justin Keegan, and Matheus Giron, the Warriors landed at number 20 in the final NAIA coaches' poll.
Volleyball:
Baseball:
The Warriors completed another historic season, claiming the CCC championship for the third time in school history, upsetting eighth-ranked Eastern Oregon. The team went on to nationals for their fifth consecutive season, finishing in the top 16 at the final site, and coming in at 14th in the final NAIA coaches’ poll. The squad anticipates continued success as the entire roster returns for next season.
This season, the Corban baseball team booked its first-ever trip to the NAIA Tournament in program history. The Warriors finished 16-16 in what is widely considered one of the nation's toughest conferences, dropping a close contest in the CCC championship game. For more athletics content, visit: go.corban.edu/ce25 juggling of a soccer ball. It had been over a year since he had been back. “Africa has become a second home for me,” says Corban Dean of the School of Ministry, Dr. Greg Trull. For Trull, Uganda has become not only a place of continual ministry, but of genuine community.
Dr. Greg Trull teaches Corban's ATP cohort in Uganda.
MINISTRY DEPARTMENT RETURNS TO UGANDA He was greeted by a chorus of children’s voices calling out, “Uncle Greg, Uncle Greg!” As they ran forward, ushering him into a home which had become so familiar to him the past few years, they showed all that they had learned since he had been gone: the practiced motion of tying shoelaces, new games invented during the pandemic, the rhythmic
Since the beginning of the pandemic, the School of Ministry had been unable to continue their twiceyearly trips to the heart of Africa to help provide in-person training for local pastors through Corban’s Africa Training Partnership (ATP). It was easy to see that the past months had been taxing and challenging, but the reunion was sweet and full of gratitude. “It was fun to watch the conversations and the joy,” Trull says. “They recognized that we were coming back early. We were one of the first groups to come back into the country. They appreciated Corban’s commitment to come in when we could have easily waited another six months.”
SIGN UP FOR OUR GOLDEN GRAD REUNION With both our 2020 and 2021 Golden Graduate Celebrations being affected by COVID, plans are moving forward for our Golden Grad reunion on campus October 7-9 for the classes of ‘70 and ‘71. Event activities include Friday chapel service, guided tours, brunch with President Nord, a Warriors athletic event in C.E. Jeffers Sports Center, and more! There will be modest charges for meals/food on campus. Additional expenses include lodging and off-campus meals, and other optional off-campus activities or tours that maybe added to the schedule. All other on-campus events or refreshments will be at no charge. If you are a Golden Grad from ‘70 or ‘71, follow the link below for more information on how to sign up for this exciting event honoring you! Visit: go.corban.edu/ce33
UPCOMING PERFORMING ARTS EVENTS: Music Department Fall Showcase: On October 22, at 7:30pm at the Psalm Center, come enjoy a night of music as our band, orchestra, and choir perform in their Fall Showcase. Fall Play: Corban Theatre Department’s fall play will begin on November 11, running through the 21st. Matinees will begin on the 11th, at 11:30am, with evening showings beginning at 7:30pm. Christmas at Corban: Our annual holiday celebration, Christmas at Corban, will take place on December 3, at 7:30pm, with an additional performance on December 4, at 2:30pm.
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To read the full story, visit: go.corban.edu/ce27
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REACH OUT TO US Do you have something you would like to see featured in an upcoming issue? Let us know at go.corban.edu/ce39, by email at advancement@corban.edu, or by mail.
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