news Briefs Corban University Partners with Mars Hill Church Starting in the fall of 2014, Corban University and Mars Hill Church will offer a 24-credit Bible certificate at the Mars Hill Bellevue, Wash. location. Classes are slated to begin in the fall of 2014. The curriculum will include Bible and Theology Foundation, Ministry Skills Foundation, Introduction to Bible, Introduction to Theology, Christian Worldview and Apologetics, Biblical Spiritual Formation, Gospels, Bible Study Methods. “We are anticipating a great, ongoing relationship with Mars Hill Church, pending approval of the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities,” said Corban Provost Matt Lucas. “This certificate is not included under Corban University’s accreditation until NWCCU approves the program.” Mars Hill Church began in 1996 as a Bible study in the Wallingford, Wash. home of Mark and Grace Driscoll just north of Seattle. Today, the congregation is distributed across 15 locations in five different states, reaching millions around the world through a robust outwardfacing ministry that includes podcasts, music, events, and websites like theResurgence.com. Mars Hill has been named one of the largest and fastest-growing churches in America, as well as one of the most innovative. Driscoll’s sermons are viewed millions of times per year online and regularly rank number 1 on iTunes podcast charts. “I am enthusiastic and optimistic about Corban University’s partnership with Mars Hill Church,” said Dr. Sheldon C. Nord, president of Corban University. “It is consistent with our strong desire to be ‘Christian thought leaders’—a leading voice on cultural, philosophical and academic issues, with a commitment to raise up future leaders who will champion the cause of Christ in their respective disciplines.”
Corban expands advancement team
Curt Jones
Corban University welcomed a new vice president for advancement on Sept. 30. Curt Jones has a proven history of leading teams and raising funds. He is an entrepreneurial start-up specialist with significant consulting experience. Among his many credits, he served as owner/president/CEO for The BEST Companies Inc., executive vice president at Delta Financial Associates Inc., and senior vice president for Continental Equities Corp.
Jones’ ministry and work experience during the past four years involved a project-driven entrepreneurial lifestyle of ministry endeavors, business ventures and consulting gigs. Jones is also a certified coach and trainer specializing in marketing/ entrepreneurship. He considers himself to be a lifetime student of leadership and organizational development. He is married with three grown children and three grandchildren. Jones can be reached at cjones@corban.edu. “After months of avid searching, I am enthusiastic and optimistic about the person God has provided for such a time as this,” said Corban President Dr. Sheldon C. Nord.
8
The advancement office also hired two other new employees as part of its team. Associate Director of Development Karen Lewis, ’96, previously worked in the Office of Admissions from 1993 to 1997. She has also served as an executive assistant for the president of Willamette Valley Hospice and as a volunteer grant writer for several Salem-area non-profit organizations. Most Karen Lewis recently, she served as the development director for United Methodist Retirement Center, where she worked on fundraising, donor outreach and more. Advancement Coordinator Alyssa Teterud, ’11, previously worked as an employment coordinator for Garten Services Inc., a Salem non-profit dedicated to giving job opportunities to adults with disabilities. At Garten, she worked with the human resources department to fill staff positions, facilitate training and work on employee Alyssa Teterud relations. She also oversaw the agency’s volunteer and internship programs.
Soccer teams go off field to help others Corban’s soccer players are more than athletes. They are citizens involved in their communities and in making a difference for others. On Aug. 9, the men’s soccer team worked with the Portland Timbers, the Major League Soccer team based in Portland, Ore., to help the Oregon Food Bank. At the agency, they took bulk food that had been donated in large packages and distributed it into smaller packages that would go to families in need. “I want our guys to be able to think outside of themselves,” said men’s soccer head coach Aaron Lewis. “There are so many people out there who are in worse situations than we are, and I want to instill these guys with a desire to serve in any way they can.” On Sept. 12, the women’s soccer team facilitated a soccer clinic at a girls juvenile facility in Albany, Ore. The team members taught the girls some basic skills and held scrimmage matches with teams composed of Warriors team members and girls from the juvenile facility. “The team did a good job getting the young ladies involved,” said women’s soccer head coach Marty Ziesemer. “At the end of the time, a couple of our players were able to share their testimony and share the Gospel. A number of the young ladies asked to pray with some of our team. I was very proud of the character of our ladies and the way they represented each other, Corban and Christ.”
Corban provides leadership for Salem Free Clinics Our Master of Arts in Counseling program has developed an invaluable strategic partnership with Salem Free Clinics (SFC). The numbers for the past two months speak for themselves: 741 medical