Connecting alumni and friends with San Diego Christian
Issue #6
Alumnus Spotlight Don Ellsworth Jr. 6 Devotional by Chris Carroll 7
New Student Orientation 10
Class Notes 13 Pictured: NSO Staff Erika Maldonado and Nikko Santos 1
September 2014
Dear Alumni, I get excited this time of year. Our traditional students are back and we are anticipating a wonderful first full year on our Santee campus. We are thrilled to report we had the highest enrollment in our history. As we celebrate God’s goodness, I continue to stand behind my statement, “we didn’t come this far to go this far.” There is much to do moving forward and it is going to take every one of us to get there.
Dr. Paul and Lorri Ague
We have reset the mission and vision of San Diego Christian that will allow for further growth opportunities, the utilization of a multi-modality approach to education, and the investment in innovative technology to enhance the educative environment. To adequately and efficiently accomplish this, we have instituted our new 2014-2019 Strategic Plan to include the building of our residential apartments and athletic facilities, the growth of enrollment, and the introduction of our first graduate programs. I invite you to visit and take a personal campus tour and receive information about our strategic plan. I look forward to seeing you here. Sincerely,
Paul Ague, Ph.D. President
TRUTH P U R P O S E IM PAC T 200 Riverview Parkway
Santee, CA 92071
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(619) 201-8700
sdcc.edu
TABLE OF CONTENTS
FEATURES
6 / GLOBAL MISSIONS
8 / SCHOLAR
10 / NSO
7 / DEVOTIONAL
9 / RESIDENT
13 / CLASS NOTES
Don Ellsworth Jr. (‘89), Global Missions Pastor at Austin Ridge Church in Texas shares his role as the Global Missions Pastor.
Chris Carroll (‘05) encourages us to come to the fountain all who are weary.
ATHLETES Five of nine athletic programs recognized for academic excellence.
APARTMENTS Santee gives SDC the greenlight to build resident apartments.
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New Student Orientation highlights.
Featuring our alumni who are actively involved in church ministry.
Office for Advancement and Alumni Relations advancementoffice@sdcc.edu 619-201-8788
Greetings! We are excited to approach our first full year being on our new campus. Although our Adult and Professional Studies (APS) students were here all summer, it was exciting to see our current and new traditional students return. Our campus is now filled with much activity and energy. We are looking forward to an incredible year ahead. We have recently added Communication and Psychology to our APS program and have begun our SDC Youth Class Days for homeschool students in the San Diego area. With the new year ahead, we will be intentional about implementing our strategic initiatives, which focus on Academic Excellence, a Biblical Worldview, and being Cultural Involved in everything we do. Sincerely, Robert Jensen, MSEL
UPDATE YOUR INFORMATION:
Please update your e-mail and mailing address by contacting the Advancement Office at (619) 201-8788 or via e-mail advancementoffice@sdcc.edu.
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Robert Jensen Vice President for Advancement and Administration
UPCOMING EVENTS
ALUMNI REGIONAL DINNER: SEPT.13 Saturday, September 13, 2014 6:00 in the evening Location: San Diego Christian College Dinner is available at no cost. RSVP by emailing advancementoffice@sdcc.edu
BROADWAY NIGHTS
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ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT How did SDC help prepare you for where you are today? SDC certainly helped form my Christian worldview in a way that gave me confidence as I entered ministry in the local church. The practical training in music and worship ministry was strong, giving me the tools that I needed to step into a local church as a “young kid” on the block. Connie Gale, Larry Wilson and Dr. Ellsworth (yes, my dad!) were great in their training and encouragement through the early years of the Church Music program at SDC. Theologically and spiritually, through many of the profs, chapel speakers and Dr. Jeremiah’s preaching, the gospel message became more clear and grace-filled. I was blessed to grow up in a Christian, ministry home and SDC built greatly on this foundation to give me the practical and theological training to serve in the local church. The worship ministry in the local church desperately needs leaders with a strong theological foundation. SDC gave me that foundation, and helped sow the seeds for further seminary training. As a pastor still in the local church, I value that foundational training greatly!
DON ELLSWORTH JR. (‘89) Degree:
Church Ministry Occupation:
Global Missions Pastor What have you done since graduation? Where has God brought you?
What do you love most about what you are doing today?
After my wife (Becky Foster Ellsworth) and I both graduated from CHC/SDC in May 1989, we stayed on campus and worked at the College. I served as Road Director for one of the College’s traveling music teams, the Sounds of Heritage through that fall semester. We then moved to Texas to attend Dallas Theological Seminary. We lived in Dallas for a year and a half and then served for ten years in the Houston area as Worship Pastor at Northwest Bible Church and Freedom in Grace Ministries in Spring, TX. In June of 2001, I accepted the position of Worship Pastor at Austin Ridge Bible Church in Austin, TX. I have been serving as Worship Pastor for the past 12 years. In 2013, I began serving as the Global Missions Pastor, a change that I am very excited about and in which I continue to passionately serve. The new position has already allowed me to serve with our global partners in many areas around the world including China, Vietnam, Uganda, India, France, Hungary, the Dominican Republic and Mexico. The move to TX was supposed to be a temporary move in order to go to school for a couple years… we got stuck! However we love where God has placed us here as TX is a great place to raise our family of four kids and serve in a great culture.
What I love most about my job today is twofold. One is to travel and see how the Lord is remarkably at work around the world. Every time I travel and am exposed to God’s global work my view of God gets bigger, I get smaller and the value of the Church gets greater. I also love how the Lord has given me the opportunity to help shepherd our church to kingdom-minded involvement throughout our community and the world. My passion is to see people both connected in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, and for the church to “be the church” and realize all the joy and potential the Lord left us to fulfill on this earth. When I read passages like Revelation 5:9 and 7:9 and see the beautiful picture of all nations worshiping Christ, I not only love the fact that one day we will get to participate in that worship scene; but also to know that the church can help shape that picture by being the hands and feet of Christ and help bring additional people into that great picture we see in Revelation!
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DEVOTIONAL HAVE YOU EVER BEEN DRY? by: Chris Carroll (‘05) Have you ever been dry? I mean Sahara, tongue stuck to the roof of your mouth, soul cracking dry? When the memories of your last satisfying drink from wells of living water are fading quickly in a haze of desert dust and tumble weeds? There are few experiences as distressing to the Christian as those seasons of dryness of the soul. It reminds me of words penned by that fugitive of the Judean desert, David, who while in exile, called out to God in the dryness of his soul:
Isa 55:1-2
O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water. Ps 63:1
2 Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread,
It just so happens that he was literally in a dry and weary land where there was no water, but it was at that moment when the bleak and barren landscape became the perfect metaphor of his soul. Have you ever been there? Spiritually in a dry and weary land where there is no water? I have trudged long through dry deserts while in the ministry, and have felt that continual nagging and guilt that I should be in a more intimate and satisfying walk with Christ, and yet I continue to trudge wearily along. Scripture reading becomes a struggle. Prayer is passionless. Worship is woeful. Church life becomes cynical. It is seasons like this that we need to return to the well of living water…
Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good,
“Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.
and your labor for that which does not satisfy? and delight yourselves in rich food. There is nothing more delightful than a good and satisfying meal, nothing more satiating than a cool long drink from living streams. The invitation is extended. Simply come. The Word does not tell us to work harder, nor does it stress greater sacrifice. The Word does not tell us to add more structure or implement greater disciplines. The Word simply tells us to come. Christ calls to us, and He invites us to come and sit with Him. If you are weary, come. If you are heavy laden, come. If you are thirsty, come. If you are hungry, come. How long will we avoid that which satisfies, to engage in that which strips us of spiritual vitality? Hmmm…I guess I could write more but I at this moment hear Him calling, and it is time for me to draw away and spend time with Christ.
Chris and his wife, Madelaine, live in Texas with their four sweet boys and a fifth one on the way. Chris is the current Pastor at Fire Wheel Fellowship in Texas. 7
IN THE NEWS
2013-2014 Athletic Scholar Teams Five of Nine Athletic Programs Recognized Five of the nine athletic programs at San Diego Christian have been recognized by the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics as NAIA Scholar Teams for the 2013-14 year. Softball (3.27), Volleyball (3.43), Women’s Basketball (3.50), Women’s Cross Country (3.43), and Women’s Soccer (3.62) all met the requirements to earn the award.
“We are incredibly proud of our student-athletes for their achievements in the classroom,” SDC Athletic Director Kyle Ferguson. “This achievement highlights the hardworking students we have at SDC.” For a team to be considered for the NAIA Scholar-Team, it must have a minimum 3.0 grade-point average (on a 4.0 scale) as defined by the institution. The team grade-point average includes all eligible varsity student-athletes. The NAIA recognized 1,290 individual athletic programs for their academic achievements. For the 2013-14 year, the entire SDC student-athletic body averaged a 3.24 GPA. “In all we do, whether on the field, in the community, or in the classroom, we seek to honor Christ,” Ferguson said. “This is an example of that in action.” sdcchawks.com
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SDC Receives Approval from the City of Santee to Build Residential Apartments Wednesday evening, Dr. Paul Ague, President of San Diego Christian College (SDC), attended a public hearing where the college was granted permission to begin the building of SDC’s residential apartments. Currently, SDC traditional students are housed in apartments containing 74 units that are about a mile away from the campus. The building of these new apartments will be owned by the college and built onsite. At the meeting, Dr. Ague was asked a series of questions by the Santee City Council. These questions were centered on the assurance that the apartments are used to accomplish its educational mission, are completed, and provide an area near the San Diego River that allows access for pedestrians. The city agreed that the long term benefits of having a 4-year institution are immense. Councilman Dale expressed the economic advantages of having SDC in the city and charged SDC with the responsibility of making Santee a better place. The plans for building the residential apartments consist of three contemporary architectural designed buildings, with the first building scheduled to be completed by the end of 2016. The structures will contain a total of 128 units. The college will also be focused on the building of athletic facilities and a performing arts center, along with the introduction of the college’s first graduate programs and increased enrollment. With the newly announced 2014-2019 strategic plan, SDC will be focused on new strategic initiatives centered on Academic Excellence, a Biblical Worldview, and Cultural Involvement. SDC is committed to training students to excel in their education, while gaining a Biblical perspective. The skills learned in SDC’s supportive community provides students with the opportunity to impact the greater community by being involved and by demonstrating servant leadership.
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New Student Orientation 14-15
SDC Enrollment reaches a historic high
Day 1 - Check In - Welcome Session - President’s Fiesta - Broomball Day 2 - Ice Breakers - Lunch sponsored by the Alumni office - Chick-fil-A - Game night Service Day Photo credit: Jay Renard/East County Herald
Service Day volunteer hours =
10
750 hours
Service Day Photo credit: Jay Renard/East County Herald
Day 3 - Santee Beautification Day - Kayaking and Frisbee Golf - Phils BBQ and a Movie Day 4 - Church - Workshops - Beach Bonfire
New student enrollment =
200+ students 11
SPIRITUAL LIFE
OPENING CHAPEL (Aug. 27) and CONVOCATION CHAPEL (Aug. 29): During opening chapel, Dr. Paul Ague, President of SDC, symbolized servant leadership to the student body by washing the feet of the ASB Student Body President, Brandon Jarosin. Following that demonstration, Brandon Jarosin washed the feet of a student in order to set the example of serving others as we seek to impact the world for Christ. The following Friday at Convocation Chapel, Dr. Jon DePriest introduced recent faculty promotions. Students congratulated Dr. Elizabeth Stanton for her achievement in completing her doctorate degree, Dr. Lisa Dunne became the Dean of Social Sciences, and Steve Whitten was promoted to Associate Pofessor of Biblical Studies. Dr. Jon DePriest followed Dr. Ague in announcing the first strategic initiative, Academic Excellence. He spoke about real learning involving the whole person, heart, mind, and will.
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CLASS NOTES 1. 2.
1. TROY LEEMAN (‘01) I graduated from SDC in 2001. I immediately became the High School Pastor at Shadow Mountain Community Church. I couldn’t believe that I was able to take what I learned and experienced at college and begin to put it to full-time use. I married six years later and my wife and I now have 3 children. I am still here at Shadow Mountain and am about to complete 15 years of youth ministry. 2. AMY MATHEWS (‘12) Since graduating San Diego Christian, life has been an adventure! I lead worship as a part of a team at the Live at 5 services for Shadow Mountain Community Church and serve there on Sunday mornings and evenings as I’m able to. I have sung beside some very talented people who have taught me through their experiences about worship leading, vocal technique, conducting choirs, arranging and other such important lessons. I also guest lead worship for different Women’s Retreats and churches in the San Diego community. I am currently in the process of working on my own music and hope someday to share it with my friends and family. It is liberating to create something as amazing as music, knowing that what you create is just a “peek” into the creativity of our Creator! 1Cor 1:31 3. GORDON FRANZ (‘78) Since graduating from CHC in 1978, I have engaged in Biblical archaeological work in Israel and Malta. I have cotaught the Talbot School of Theology’s Bible Lands Program with Dr. Richard Rigsby, but this program is on hold at the moment. Presently, I am home in NJ taking care of my elderly parents, mom is 92 and dad is 90, but I still have time to do research in libraries in New York City and New Jersey and am able to write articles on various Biblical topics. My website is: www.lifeandland.org. 13
newborns 2014 FAMILY ADDITIONS
ESTHER WILHELM Born August 8, 2014
Daughter of Jake (‘12) and Abigail (‘11) (Thomson) Wilhelm
ANNIE BURDETTE Born June 7, 2014
HUNTER VERMILLION Born July 6, 2014
Daughter of James (‘10) and Heather Burdette
Son of Cody and Jennifer (‘11) (Leduc) Vermillion
Mystery Staff Guess who and win a package of SDC apparel and gifts. (First 2 people to send in their answer wins!) Email: advancementoffice@sdcc.edu with your answer.
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2014-2015 Resident Assistants
SUPPORT Thank you for being a part of the mission.
How to Give:
Why Give:
Online:
Each year, 95% of SDC students receive financial aid assistance in order to obtain an education in a learning environment that believes in the foundation of a Christian worldview. Staff and faculty are committed to investing in the lives of each student that passes through these doors, in order to equip them with truth and the professional tools they need to impact the world for Christ.
sdcc.edu
By Mail:
We ask you to consider giving towards the education of current and future HAWKS, and commit to the goal of providing a Christian education that is accessible to students prepared to pursue a college education. To do this, give towards scholarships for the 2014-2015 school year.
SDC Advancement
200 Riverview Parkway
Santee, CA 92071
Women’s Volleyball Team
Thank you for supporting
By investing in the lives of current and future students, you not only provide them with the opportunity to get a degree, but you equip them with Biblical truth and the skills of servant leadership. We believe these values prepare our students to become positive and impactful difference makers on a local and global scale. Invest in the legacy today!
the SDC mission of “equipping the next generation of Christian leaders with truth, whose purpose is to impact the world.” Dr. Paul Ague, President of SDC, addresses the student body at the first chapel of the 2014-2015 school year.
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SEPTEMBER ATHLETICS VOLLEYBALL
WOMEN’S SOCCER
MEN’S SOCCER
CROSS COUNTRY
9/9 - Tuesday Volleyball vs. Arizona Christian @7pm
9/13 - Saturday Women’s Soccer @ Pomona-Pitzer @4PM
9/16 - Tuesday Men’s Soccer vs. University of Antelope @3PM
9/10 - Wednesday Volleyball @Pacific Union College @8PM
9/19 - Friday Women’s Soccer vs. Bethesda University of California @12PM
9/19 - Friday Men’s Soccer vs. Bethesda University of California @3PM
9/13 - Saturday Men’s and Women’s Cross Country @ UC Riverside Invitational @7:30AM
9/24 - Wednesday Women’s Soccer vs. Westmont College @12:30PM
9/23 - Tuesday Men’s Soccer vs. Westmont College @2:30PM
9/12 - Friday Volleyball vs. William Jessup University @7PM
9/16 - Tuesday Volleyball vs. RV California State University San Marcos 9/27 - Saturday @7PM Women’s Soccer @ William Jessup University 9/19 - Friday @11AM Volleyball @ RV Westmont College @7PM
9/20 - Saturday Men’s and Women’s Cross Country @ San Diego State Aztec Invitational @8:30AM
9/27 - Saturday Women’s Soccer @ William Jessup University @1:30PM
9/20 - Saturday Volleyball @ The Master’s College @5:30PM 9/23 - Tuesday Volleyball vs. Biola University @7:00PM 9/27 - Saturday Volleyball @ Hope International University @7PM 9/30 - Tuesday Volleyball @ La Sierra University @7PM
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sdcchawks.com