Vanguard
erin donovan ’03
All over the world, Vanguard alumni join together in friendship and fellowship. Even when they are unable to return for annual alumni events like Homecoming, these friends stay connected to the legacy of Vanguard by nurturing the formative relationships that found their frst expression at the school. They are The Vanguard underground.
“I loVe my roomIes,” Is the fIrst thIng Erin
unique: “We train volunteers from churches in the area, and plug them into
(Bongiorno) Donovan ’03 says when she Is
HIV provider organizations, including clinics, enabling Christians to serve the
asked to reflect on the deep frIendshIps she forged whIle a student-athlete at Vanguard unIVersIty. She and her “roomies” were initially united by virtue of being placed in the same residence hall, but they soon established an abiding solidarity that has thrived for the past decade. “We are four sisters,” says Erin of the group that includes herself, Megan (godfrey ’02) Evers, Brittany (Braun ’02) Marinatos, and Jen (Bird ’02) Schoening. “And they are my dearest friends.”
people of the city in a smart way. Our model has been recognized as very unique and very effective by major HIV health organizations.” Indeed, Erin’s model is Christ’s model—she and her volunteers minister to the whole person, giving themselves completely to a merciful and unconditional benevolence. Her work wouldn’t be possible if it weren’t for the support of her three Vanguard “roomies” over the years. “We’ve made it a priority to maintain our relationships,” says Erin. “We’ve been there for all the pivotal moments in each others’ lives, including new jobs, marriages, and kids.” In addition to creating new memories together, Erin, Megan, Jen, and Brittany also happily
The three other women were also student-athletes at Vanguard, and Erin
look back and enjoy the memories they made while at Vanguard. “We had
explains that the extra effort required to be successful at athletics and
a ‘quad journal’ when we lived together,” says Erin. “We still pull it out and
academics helped strengthen the bond they enjoyed. The four enlivened each
look at it and laugh.”
others’ faith and learning. Erin recalls a specifc time during her sophomore year when her three friends helped her through a diffcult season. “They challenged me to live my life completely for Christ,” she says “And their support helped turn me towards him. We all still live our lives that way.” Erin hasn’t lost that commission. She is currently the Executive Director for the non-proft HopeSprings (www.hopesprings.org), which is located in Baltimore, MD, and seeks “to awaken, equip, and engage the church to respond to the HIV pandemic” in that city. Erin explains how HopeSprings is
And Erin understands that these relationships represent Vanguard’s greatest infuence on her story. “Being in relationships is part of the greater purpose of Christ’s love for us,” she says. “We are called to be in right relationships, and to carry one another’s burdens. At Vanguard, God wove my story together with these three amazing women, and I couldn’t be more grateful.” Are you part of the Vanguard Underground? Give us the scoop on your story. Email alumni@vanguard.edu
Above, left to right: Erin and friends from the 2001 women’s soccer team; Megan, Jen, Erin, and Brittany at Vanguard graduation; Megan, Brittany, Erin, and Jen remain close friends. vanguard magazine SPRING/SUMMER 2013
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