Exit 17 Spring 2012

Pursuit

Kramer Rasmussen and Christian Dawson share their passion for worship every Monday night at Pursuit, a student-led worship service.

Eagle Dominance

Basketball Seasons for the books

Community Profiles

a look into the lives of students, faculty, and a recent Graduate

Get ready for college 5 Easy steps From start to finish

Northwest University / Exit 17 / March 2012

NUSG PRESIDENT

BERNARDO GARCIA

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his past year has been truly fantastic! It has been a privilege for me to serve the Northwest student body. Throughout the year, we have put on various projects and student events. We have provided areas for students to express themselves and feel at home in this community. It has been a joy to welcome the incoming students to NU. The energy and excitement of this new incoming class was so strong that they brought an electric culture to this campus.

This year, the University’s student government (NUSG) focused on three themes: outreach, servanthood, and acceptance.

Outreach: We encouraged our fellow students to be leaders and constantly spread the word of God, locally and globally. We have provided groups to help students reach their immediate community. Also, this year NUMA (Northwest University Ministries Association) has grown immensely in the planning of missions trips to Asia, Africa, Europe, and South America.

Servanthood: We encouraged students to lead by example. This theme was really important because it is one of the foundations of leadership. We focused on giving students more opportunities to serve as leaders in life groups, clubs, and in their day-to-day living.

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Acceptance: We encouraged a community that focused on acceptance. The beauty of the University is in its diversity; acceptance is essential for NU to build a strong, united community.

Like many students, I have changed since coming to NU. The culture at NU has provided me with the environment and opportunities to become a great leader. This past year, I have learned many valuable lessons. I have learned that no matter how much I thought I had my life figured out and put together, I always need God as my foundation; the moment I forget that, my life begins falling apart. He is my rock and my strength and I need Him every day of my life.

Another important lesson I have learned is that if we let go of an opportunity, it won’t come back, but will be given to someone who wants it or is willing to take a risk.

Northwest is filled with students who thirst for the presence of God, who are passionate about their calling, and who are willing to step out of their comfort zones to let God use them in incredible ways.

Students are passionate about worship and prayer.

The student body expresses the need of these two elements in their life daily, but you can see this most on Monday nights in Pursuit and in prayer meetings during the week.

You will always find someone to smile at or say hi

to when walking to your classes. It is a genuine loving environment that I have not found anywhere else.

As an international student who was embraced with warmth and enthusiasm, I am confident and certain that you will be, too.

Life at Northwest is what we choose to make of it. NU is a great place to grow as a strong leader.

It provides a safe environment in which you can discover your passions and skills, and ultimately your vocation. In addition to academic excellence, this truly is a university with spiritual vitality that you will experience the first time you step onto this campus.

This university will prepare you and teach you valuable lessons for life. Put this in God’s hands; if NU is the right place for you, He will provide the right circumstances for you to attend.

I hope to see you in the next academic year!

In Christ, Bernardo Garcia President, Northwest University Student Government (NUSG), 2011-2012

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NEW AT NU

Sister Universities in Korea

Northwest University recently announced the development of sister university relationships with top universities in Korea: Ewha Womans University, Soongsil University, Gachon University (formerly Kyungwon), Handong Global University, and Hansei University.

The exchange agreements not only qualify NU students to study in these prestigious Korean universities for up to one academic year, but also to apply for scholarships sponsored by the Korean government. Through these partner relationships, exceptional NU students can also apply for Global Korean Scholarships through the National Institution for International Education of Korea (NIIED), which covers airfare and living costs during students’ exchange programs at partner universities.

“Attending these universities is a fantastic opportunity for NU students. Exchange students can choose from hundreds of university courses, taught in English or Korean, as well as Korean language classes,” said Dr. Autumn Witt, Director of the Center for English Language Education (CELE). “Everyone we have worked with from these international programs has been so kind and professional and we look forward to starting our new relationships.”

NU students can apply for the exchange program in March for the fall 2012 exchange.

Students are encouraged to apply before their sophomore or junior year. Local families or students are welcome to schedule a campus visit.

(NUVO) The Northwest University Vocation & Occupation Center (NUVO) is a new resource for students seeking vocation and career guidance. NUVO’s mission statement is to “serve students in the life calling discernment process by means of assessment, skill development, and life coaching.”

Some of the services NUVO offers are: • Guidance for the transition into, through, and out of higher education.

• Assistance in the identification and application of strengths, passions, skills, and experiences.

• Promotion of networking between current students and local businesses, as well as alumni, to establish career opportunities.

• Personal coaching sessions for students to build their resume, prepare for interviews, discover interests, and become more selfaware.

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Presidential Heli-Pad

President Barack Obama landed on Northwest University’s campus on February 17.

The former Seattle Seahawks fields were deemed an adequate place for Marine One and six other support helicopters. Many students and neighbors from the community lined the streets to watch the motorcade pass. The President was attending a private function in nearby Bellevue.

Softball at NU Northwest University just expanded its athletic department with a new women’s softball team, whose first season will start in spring 2013. Seven high school seniors from Washington and Oregon have already signed letters of intent to play for the NU Eagles.

“We are so privileged to have these phenomenal athletes as part of the first softball team in the history of Northwest University,” said John Bacon, head softball coach.

Brittany Bovard, the first to sign up for the team, plays second base at Arlington High School, where she earned three varsity letters in softball in addition to staying on the honor roll.

“I have played since I was a little girl in Little League and just fell in love with the game,” she said. “I love the intensity during the game and the adrenaline rush I get while playing.”

Brittany plans on majoring in nursing when she comes to NU in fall 2012.

Her decision to enroll became official after visiting on a Northwest Friday, which occurs around once a month as a special day for prospective students to visit and tour the campus.

“I love that you can feel God’s presence, that NU is such a warm community, and being on the inaugural softball team is a once in a lifetime experience!”

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ATHLETICS

Eagle Basketball Owns T

he men’s and women’s basketball teams at Northwest University have had quite the season and for the men’s team, the season continues on to the NAIA National Championships.

Despite suffering a close 77-71 defeat in the CCC tournament championship to Oregon Tech on February 28, the NU Eagles men’s team climbed one place in the final NAIA national coaches poll to No. 8 and will move on to the NAIA National Championships in Missouri, March 7-13. They will be playing the No. 9 ranked team, Cornerstone of Michigan, the defending NAIA national champion for the first round game at the championships. Visit www.northwestu.edu/athletics to find out the results of our men’s season.

We’d also like to congratulate NU Eagle men’s head coach, John Van Dyke, who was named the 2012 Cascade Conference Coach of the year by a vote of the league coaches announced by the CCC office.

Coach Van Dyke led the Eagles to the best season in school history posting a 27-3 season record and a CCC co-championship. The Eagles also earned the highest national ranking in history since joining the NAIA as they rose to the No. 8 position.

Along with Van Dyke’s recognition, Rich Skillman was named Defensive Player of the year and first team All-CCC as well as Jordan Call earning first team honors. Senior Ahmaad Cook and sophomore Michael Greene received honorable mention honors.

On the women’s team, Jessalyn Jackson was named Cascade College Conference Player of the Year after a vote of the league’s coaches, and Domi Mendezona of Issaquah, Wash., earned honorable mention honors.

To learn more about athletics at NU, please visit www.northwestu.edu/athletics.

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Ahmaad Cook Domi Mendezona Jordan Call Jessalyn Jackson

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FACULTY FOCUS

Professors at Northwest University are more than just teachers—they serve as mentors, encouragers, and friends. Meet Tracie Delgado and Jack Wisemore, two faculty members who are passionate about teaching and committed to their students.

How did you come to Northwest University?

Delgado: About a year before graduation from UW, my

TRACIE DELGADO

pastors at Calvary Christian Assembly knew I was looking for a teaching position for the following year so they recommended I check out NU. A few months later, I met with some NU faculty members about the possibility of me teaching here in the future, but there were no faculty positions open at the time. I really enjoyed my interview and the people I met, so I left it to prayer whether God would open doors for me to come to NU. The following year, a position had opened.

What are your favorite things about being a faculty member at Northwest?

Delgado: The faculty and staff are super friendly, welcoming, and loving, and the students are a pleasure to teach and be around.

What is your favorite class to teach and why?

Delgado: Cell biology has been my

favorite class so far. It is really fun to teach students the inner life of a cell, which in the end allows you to appreciate how complex life really is.

Why would you encourage a student to attend Northwest?

Delgado: It’s a small college where you are able to interact with professors more often and your professors know who you are. It’s a great environment and you can be open about your faith in and outside the classroom.

What is one interesting thing about you that a lot of people may not know?

Delgado: I am pretty good at

impersonating the singing voices of Disney princesses, especially Snow White. It was my childhood dream to one day be the singing voice of Snow White if a “Part 2” ever came out.

California native Tracie Delgado joined the Northwest University community last August as Assistant Professor in Biology. The first person in her family to graduate from college, Tracie studied at UCLA where she earned a B.S. in Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics and went on to earn her Ph.D. in Microbiology at the University of Washington (UW). In her free time, Tracie enjoys music—playing piano or guitar and singing (she has even sung professionally)—and has recently begun writing and recording her own music. She is also a loyal UCLA football fan and never misses a game.

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JACK WISEMORE What appeals to you about teaching at Northwest?

Wisemore: For one thing, I don’t just teach students—I

can do that at any school. At Northwest, I am still pastoring students; I am simply doing it in the classroom and in my office. I am still helping students to know God and understand who they are in Christ.

What is your favorite class to teach and why?

Wisemore: Pentecostal Spirituality, a sophomore

theology course that’s required for all ministry majors. Not all my students are Pentecostal and the goal of the course is not to convert anyone, but I enjoy watching students make intellectual connections as they come to understand and think through what they do and why they do it.

How would you advise a student to prepare for college life?

Wisemore: Students often have the mistaken

impression that success in college is about being smart or having gone to a really good high school.

None of these hurt, but what really separates those who are successful and those who are not is perseverance. A good work ethic goes a long, long way.

Why would you encourage a student to attend Northwest?

Wisemore: I think Northwest provides a great

environment for students to become mature believers so they can serve Jesus effectively, regardless of their particular occupation. I think students and parents may initially be attracted by the spiritual atmosphere at Northwest, but I think they may be surprised by the academic rigor that is available here as well. You don’t have to choose between intellect and spirit.

What is one interesting thing about you that a lot of people may not know?

Wisemore: My roommate freshman year at UW was

the actor Garrett Dillahunt (currently on the TV show Raising Hope). I haven’t seen him in over 20 years, but he was a really nice guy.

Northwest University Philosophy professor Jack Wisemore grew up in Yakima, Wash. After attending the University of Washington, where he earned a B.A. in History and also met his wife, he went to seminary in Fresno, Calif. When Jack and his family returned to Washington, he became NU’s campus pastor in 1994, but left in 1998 to pursue a Ph.D. in Theology at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland. He returned to NU as a faculty member in 2001 and currently teaches courses in theology and religion as well as philosophy.

Jack and his wife Jennifer enjoy racing their sailboat in the summer months.

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TRANSFORMATION STARTS BY HAVING FAITH

Story - Janie Kliever Photos - Jane Johnson

The lights dim and the strum of a guitar echoes through the auditorium. It’s 9:30 p.m. on a Monday night and college students stream in to fill their university’s chapel. They could be sleeping, doing homework, or hanging out with friends instead, but they’re here—not because they’re required to be, but because they choose to join in the Pursuit.

Pursuit is a special student-led service that is a core part of Northwest University’s spiritual vitality.

Every Monday night, students come together to worship, pray, and pursue a deeper relationship with God and with each other.

Although NU students are required to attend chapel three times a week and chapel is an important time to worship together as a community, Pursuit is a little different.

“It is distinct because everyone who goes chooses to be there and chooses to engage,” said Pursuit’s Student Worship Director Christian Dawson. “People deliberately and intently choosing to seek and find Jesus is the heart of Pursuit.”

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Back in 1996, two students approached NU’s Campus Pastor, Jack Wisemore, with the suggestion of starting a Monday night worship service. The first night, nearly 500 students showed up. At first, it was simply called Monday Night Worship, but in the past 16 years has grown and evolved into a campus legacy known as Pursuit.

Monday-night Pursuit has become a tradition that retains its energy and vibrancy largely due to the commitment and enthusiasm that students bring to it. Christian believes that Pursuit meets a need in the NU community by offering the student body a time of refreshment and spiritual revival.

Most nights, the majority of the service is spent worshipping through music. NU students may lead, but often worship bands from local churches are brought in. Pursuit Director Kramer Rasmussen explained that this variety in music and style is part of what makes Pursuit unique and draws in students, allowing them to enter into worship and engage more fully. “One week you will get an

upbeat, high energy sort of vibe and the next you will hear from a more liturgical, reflective sort of band,” he said. “Both are important; however, it keeps things fresh and allows different students to connect.”

The students that help lead Pursuit hope to reach out to every person who walks in and create a safe, familiar atmosphere that encourages openness and growth. “Everyone who comes is there because they want to and because of that, there is a lack of apathy,” Christian added. “I find that there is power in unity.”

This past October, the Pursuit team launched the first annual Pursuit Conference, a three-day, four-service event that drew visitors from over 20 local churches. Nationally recognized speaker and author Chad Veach, who is also the youth pastor at Puyallup Foursquare Church, was brought in as a speaker along with the United Generation band.

According to Christian, the goal for the conference was simple: “to unite the community, see Jesus,

and respond.” Students did just that and were given “What I Got” cards to write down something they could take away from the conference. Months later, those cards can still be seen posted in dorm rooms and apartments—evidence of spiritual growth, lessons learned, and changed lives. For Christian, that’s proof enough of the success of the conference.

“Transformation starts by having faith. By holding a conference like this for students, it is helping us grow and ‘Carry the Call,’” said NU sophomore McKinzie Quiocho. “Northwest is filled with potential to change the world even more than it is now.”

“Next year, due to the success of the event, I believe we will need to add services, dream even bigger, and prepare ourselves for a complete transformation of God in the NU community,”

Kramer added. “This is one of those moments where we are poised to do what is only possible with God, and I am excited to see that come to fruition.”

“EVERYONE WHO COMES IS THERE BECAUSE THEY WANT TO AND BECAUSE OF THAT, THERE IS A LACK OF APATHY” In addition to the conference, one of the highlights of Pursuit this past year was a special concert marking the release of Deeper, a studentled worship project. The CD was produced,

recorded, mixed, and mastered in the campus’s professional-grade studios, which are part of NU’s Creatio music education program.

Seniors (now alumni) Travis Lindseth and Matthew Lobe spearheaded the project, along with 11 other students who wrote, arranged, and contributed vocals and music for the CD’s 12 tracks, composed of both original songs and covers of popular worship songs. The release concert was a powerful night of worship and celebration.

Pursuit continues to be a weekly highlight for NU students as a time to unite in worship, free of distraction, and ready to engage. Kramer described the tone of Monday nights as “unbelievably positive”: “it is hard to forget the moments Jesus touches your life in a room filled with people who are broken yet joyfully worshiping because they believe in the hope that only God provides.”

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STUDENT FOCUS

STUDENT PROFILE: NIKOLA DJOKOVIC Hometown: Belgrade, Serbia Academic Year: Freshman Major: Business Administration Why Northwest I was offered a basketball scholarship, and it seemed like a healthy environment to spend the next four years.

NU Basketball Highlights There are many great things about being on an athletic team, but the best parts for me are that you get to hang out with a great group of guys, you get to compete, and it’s fun!

Most Valuable Lesson at NU You can’t control everything. Sometimes you have to learn to let go, and believe that God has a plan for you.

Advice for Prospective Students Definitely come to visit NU first. It’s not about how fancy our classrooms are or how big our campus is, it’s all about the people who are here.

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From the Pacific Islands to Eastern Europe, students come from all over the world to join Northwest University’s distinctive community. Anu, a senior from Hawaii, looks back on her time at NU and Niko, a freshman from Serbia, looks forward to his college career.

STUDENT PROFILE: ANUHEA AKAMINE Hometown: Hauula, Hawaii Academic Year: Senior Major: Communication Involvement at NU Outside hitter on the women’s volleyball team, senior staff writer for the Talon newspaper, small group leader, Lighthouse Homeless Ministry, and this summer I am planning on traveling to Thailand for a mission trip with NU. NU Highlights Without a doubt, playing volleyball has changed my life. Also, the trip I took to Canada during the summer with one of my classes was so much fun. But the brightest highlight are the friendships I’ve developed. I have the best group of friends I could have ever asked for. Because of them, I will never be the same.

Most Valuable Lesson at NU Live in this moment to the fullest and trust God that He has it under control.

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NU ALUMNI

MIKEL ADAME

Minister/Entrepreneur JANIE KLIEVER

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Mason Wheeler

Mason Wheeler

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ecent Northwest University alum Mikel Adame is making the most out of his major, but not in the way you might expect.

Mikel graduated in May 2010 with a degree in Pastoral Ministries and Biblical Studies. During his time at NU, he immersed himself in ministry, both at his home church and on campus. With experiences like being a Campus Ministries’ intern, serving as the student government Vice President of Ministries, organizing a men’s conference, and speaking in chapel on his résumé, it might appear that being ordained as a pastor was in his future.

But almost two years out of college, Mikel’s job title isn’t Pastor, it’s Entrepreneur. He founded a Seattle-area business called Eastside Mentors, which provides academic, social, and emotional support for teens.

In running his business, Mikel finds his education invaluable. “I use my degree every day.

Not in the sense that I work in a church, but in the sense that I deal with people everyday and strive to treat them as Christ would,” he said. “I pastor a lot of kids who don’t even go to church, and what I do gives me a great opportunity to share the love of God with people who would not receive it any other way.”

Looking back, Mikel realizes that his determination and involvement during his college years paved the way for his current success. “My advice would be to realize you can accomplish any goal you set your mind on. NU is a great place to make friends and have fun, but don’t forget to set personal goals and work hard to achieve them.”

Mikel and his team, which includes a number of NU students and alumni, offer mentoring, tutoring, and music lessons to local teens in hopes of being a positive influence on the next generation.

NU student Ryan Garza works with Mikel as a tutor in pre-calculus, calculus, chemistry,

Mason Wheeler

biology, and Spanish. “Last month I had around eight students and not only did I tutor them, but I became their friends and got involved in their lives,” he said. “Mikel is a great example and boss to me. His willingness and determination has inspired me in many ways.”

Mikel’s journey to where he is today picked up much of its momentum at Northwest University. “The most valuable thing I learned at NU is that everything is about relationships,” he said. “Our relationship with God is most important, but the way we treat others in the community is key.” Mikel’s relationship with Alan Ehler, a Pastoral Ministries’ professor at NU, inspired him in his calling to ministry within the community. Mikel views his college education as much more than academic—NU helped him identify his gifts, taught him how to serve God and others, and equipped him with practical skills to help him, in his words, “care for others in the best way possible.”

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Research

While academics are important, college is about a lot more than potential majors. Check out college websites and request information to learn more about what makes each school unique.

Visit

The best way to find out if a college is the right fit for you is to visit the campus. Sit in a classroom, talk to current students, and meet with your enrollment counselor.

Apply

After you have narrowed down your list of schools, apply for admission! Follow the application requirements and contact the Admissions Office whenever you have a question.

Financial Aid

The cost of college can seem intimidating, but there are many ways to help make it affordable. Find out about available scholarships, grants, and loans.

Colleges also have the Net Price Calculator on their websites, which is an excellent tool designed to help you estimate your financial aid options at each school.

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Ask Questions

Throughout the process, you’re going to have questions. Your enrollment counselor is the expert on the college and will be able to answer all of your questions. Get to know your counselor!

So Why Choose Northwest?

Areas of Study

What sets NU apart from other schools? Is it the right school for you? Keep reading to discover what Northwest has to offer.

Majors & Concentrations

Distinctly Christian Community • Live out your faith in everyday life and in your classes.

• Engage with campus ministries and local outreach.

Personalized Campus Experience • Small class sizes—get to know other students and your professors!

Location • Right outside Seattle in the safe and convenient residential suburb of Kirkland—we even have a waterfront view and are steps away from Lake Washington.

• Plenty of recreational activities nearby, from shopping to skiing.

• Great networking and professional opportunities with corporate giants like Microsoft, Boeing, Costco, and Starbucks only minutes away.

Globally-Minded • Study abroad as part of your degree or on your own.

• Get involved in missions and outreach opportunities.

• Have an unforgettable on-campus experience, but also take advantage of learning opportunities outside the boundaries of our campus.

For more info, contact us today: 800.669.3781 admissions@northwestu.edu

EXIT 17 Editors: Harmonie Vallerand Janie Kliever

Layout: Mark Sheraton John Vicory

Photography: John Vicory

Exit 17 is published for high school students to learn about the Northwest community. Exit 17 is the exit off I-405 that you take to get to our campus in Kirkland, Washington.

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For a complete list of majors, minors, and concentrations, visit northwestu.edu/programs.

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