Unnviks Journey Forward Together

BY DEANNA COOPER

Central has a history of bringing couples together for a journey in life together, and today’s students are no different – only perhaps their paths may begin much farther apart. Grace Stumbaugh Unnvik, ’21, and Marius Unnvik, ’21, met at St. Paul’s Lutheran High School in Concordia, Mo. Their journeys, however, began a little over 4,000 miles apart.

Grace grew up in Concordia with her parents and three brothers. Her mother and father instilled a strong work ethic and were her biggest supporters throughout her college volleyball and academic career. She transferred to Central from a small community college after one semester and instantly loved campus and the proximity to her hometown. An All-American Eagle volleyball player, Grace majored in professional writing and publication, worked in the writing center, and was an editor of Inscape magazine.

Her favorite experience, though, was her internship with the CMU marketing department. Central has always maintained a healthy reputation for great mentors, and there were three who Graced looked up to: Ryan Woldruff, Kavita Hatwalkar and Scott Queen.

“I came into college very unsure of myself and what I wanted to do, but they supported and encouraged me, and taught me many invaluable lessons,” Grace said.

During her Central career, Grace would earn many accolades as an Eagle volleyball player and publish numerous articles for Central’s bi-annual Talon. After graduating, Grace taught elementary school in Fayette and later in Fayetteville, Ark. She loves her classroom of students and clearly embraces her new career.

Marius was born and raised raised on the island of Askøy, just outside of Bergen, Norway. He transferred to Central after former head volleyball coach Allison Jones-Olson offered him a position as a manager on the team. Double majoring in history and psychology, with a minor in philosophy, he became a dedicated member of Psychology Club and Honors Program. He feels “extremely grateful” for his mentors Richard Bradley, Elizabeth Gold, Jacqueline Anson, and Travis Smith.

In the summer of 2021 after graduation, Marius worked at Great Circle in Columbia with at-risk children and families. He had the honor of being accepted to a combined MA/PhD Fellow program for experimental psychology at the University of Arkansas, with an ultimate goal of professorship.

Both Grace and Marius earned consistent Dean’s List placement throughout their time at Central. Marrying during the summer of their senior year, they returned to campus for their final coursework and graduated in December 2021.

They wouldn’t forget their alma mater, returning to Central for their first Homecoming after graduation, and they look forward to returning to many more. Both enjoy soccer, volleyball, the outdoors, art, music, hiking, and traveling. This summer will be particularly special, as Grace and Marius will be able to return to Norway and visit family for the first time in several years – thanks to the lifting of pandemic restrictions and the receipt of a long overdue green card.

Their paths began a half a world apart, but together they are on a fantastic journey as life-long learners with a passion to contribute to the world around them.

They no doubt will continue to represent the “Central experience” well, in life and career.

Hello alumni friends and family, I hope this note greets you in good tidings! The CMU Alumni Board of Directors has been discussing many CMU alumni events. We have been exceeding attendance expectations and receiving wonderful feedback for our alumni socials. Most recently, we had more than 350 Central alumni and friends purchase tickets for our CMU Day at Busch Stadium. We have several upcoming alumni social events that you will not want to miss! Please be watching your emails for updates on these events and to get your tickets. I have personally attended every alumni social, and it has been wonderful reconnecting with alumni and making new memories.

The biggest and most exciting event we are looking forward to is 2023 Homecoming on October 27-29. The CMU Alumni Board of Directors and I are planning another outstanding Homecoming weekend! The Distinguished Alumni Award ceremony will be held on the Sunday of Homecoming. We will get the opportunity to honor and celebrate an exceptional group of Central Methodist alumni. This ceremony is a very heart-touching event and a terrific way to close Homecoming weekend. The honorees share memories filled with love for their alma mater, which fills the room with pride and admiration for Central. Our connection and love at CMU are strong.

As always, I look forward to seeing you and wish you the very best.

Go Eagles!!!

Sincerely,