CORBAN CONNECTION M A R C H
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EDUCATING CHRISTIANS WHO WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE WORLD FOR JESUS CHRIST.
NOTE FROM THE PRESIDENT “Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way." — 2 Thess. 3:16
Head Coach Norm Berney is determined that his track and field and cross country athletes will one day be able to train and compete on campus.
COACH BERNEY'S DREAM OF A NEW ATHLETIC COMPLEX Sports are usually defined by their equipment. Basketball, baseball, track and field—their very names come from the equipment required to play them. And yet, for Corban’s track and field teams, there is no track. For the past few years, Corban’s cross country and track and field teams have had to practice off-campus every day at Salem Academy. While the high school is nearby, the added travel hours, logistics, and rental costs take a toll on head coach Norm Berney’s program, his coaches, and, most importantly, his athletes. “We share with other teams,” Berney says. “It’s difficult, but we’ve made it work. We have to travel for all of our track meets. We’re on the road just about every weekend in the spring.”
Coach Berney is determined to put the track into track and field at Corban. The current circumstances might be an obstacle, but years of competition have taught him exactly how to handle those. It’s nothing more than another challenge, another lap, another leg of the race he has been running. “It’s been a long journey,” he says. “But God has blessed us so much with the athletes we’ve had. It’s not a disappointment, it’s just a journey we are on right now, and with prayer and God’s will, we will get the thing done.” Read the full story at: go.corban.edu/cc1
In Ephesians chapter 6, we are reminded that, “we do not wrestle against flesh or blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places” (Eph. 6:12). COVID, politics, financial uncertainty, none of these things are the enemy. Satan is our enemy. He is powerful, but our God is greater, and He alone sits on the throne. Let us not give in to fear, but instead give in to the peace that passes all understanding. I hope that this communication will help you know how to pray for us, celebrate with us, and share how God is working faithfully in our midst. To Christ be all Glory,
Sheldon C. Nord, Ph.D. President
NON PROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID SALEM OR PERMIT NO. 51
The inadequacy of Corban’s current situation has only been illuminated and exacerbated by the onset of COVID. “Right at this point in time, we’re frozen,” Berney says. “If we had a track, we could practice, but
right now we can’t get on any tracks. The closest one that we could get is 104 miles away.” With facilities rental options even more scarce due to COVID, Corban student athletes have been forced to adapt their training and development to circumstances that are even less ideal.
These words have come to my mind this year as we've confronted and conversed about issues like COVID regulations, cancel culture, vaccinations, wildfires, and ice storms. We are all a bit weary, struggling with feelings of isolation, uncertainty, and fear that threaten to so easily steal our joy and peace. These are days in which we must be in God’s Word to get perspective and a daily dose of truth. We must adopt extra measures of grace toward others, especially those with whom we disagree. We must remain continually in prayer, seeking wisdom. Christ must be glorified in our relationships so that we can experience unity beyond measure.
New Development staff members Scott Sherman, Shannon (Madsen) Johnson, and Darrel White.
In January, Corban University’s Advancement department added three new team members. Scott Sherman, Shannon (Madsen) Johnson, and Darrel White joined the University as Senior Development Officers. Sherman made the decision to leave the Corban Board of Trustees to assume his new position as Senior Advancement Officer, where he will focus on fundraising and strategic planning for the development and advancement of the Agriculture Science Program. After a career that included full-time ministry, mental health counseling, and work in Christian higher education, Johnson will fill the role of Senior Development Officer with a special focus on the Outdoor Athletic Complex. Darrel White makes a return to Corban University in his new part-time role as Senior Development Officer. From 2008-2016, White served as Director of Development for the University, engaging donors and fundraising for capital projects and student scholarships. Read their full bios at: go.corban.edu/cc5
INSIDE
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CORBAN UNIVERSITY 5000 DEER PARK DRIVE SE SALEM, OR 97317-9392
CORBAN ADDS THREE NEW MEMBERS TO ADVANCEMENT STAFF
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Alumni Awards Nominations Alumni Authors Bookshelf Alumni Connections Alum Collin Box Uses Soccer to Serve A Case for Corban's New Athletic Complex
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Gina Ochsner Wins Kurt Vonnegut Prize for Speculative Fiction Garrett Trott: The Faithful Librarian Corey Gilbert: I Can't Say That! Campus Improvements Corban Fund Update
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Six Corban Students Have Poetry Published Corban Hiring Online English Language Learning Teachers Worldview Video Series Events
THE GREATEST INVITATION: CORBAN ALUM COLLIN BOX USES SOCCER TO SERVE HIS COMMUNITY “One of my favorite quotes is that ‘the ball is the greatest invitation in the world,’” says Collin Box, Corban alum (’10) and current Executive Director of Capital Futbol Club (CFC) in Salem. “You don’t have to speak the language, but you can roll a soccer ball out on a field and you’re instantly able to make connections with people. I think the value of athletics is in the opportunities it presents to create community and connect that are pretty unique.”
ALUMNI AWARDS NOMINATIONS Do you know an exceptional Western Baptist or Corban alum who deserves recognition for how they’ve made a difference in the world for Jesus Christ? The Annual Alumni Award nominations deadline is quickly approaching on March 15. You still have time to help contribute toward a robust and growing list of eligible nominees in the two categories of "Distinguished Alum of the Year" and "Young Alum of the Year."
Before Collin became Executive Director, he was an aspiring soccer player himself. As a freshman on Corban’s team, Collin continued to follow a passion that had been cultivated in him since childhood. In between practices, games, and studying, Box also helped coach several youth teams at CFC. It was his part in giving back to the community and the sport that had given him so much. After a severe hip injury in his freshman year robbed him of the ability to continue pursuing his
passion on the field, Box chose to turn even harder into volunteer coaching. He wanted to continue to extend the invitation, rolling the ball out for kids who needed an outlet, a space to grow, and the ability to learn valuable life lessons in a safe environment. “I owe a lot in my personal development to athletics and Corban,” he says. “There aren’t many situations growing up where you get a chance to have real responsibility that means something. You learn how to work as a part of a team. You learn what it means to lose and to try and come back from those setbacks. You learn how to work on some of your weaknesses, the value of hard work, handling criticism, goal-setting and how to achieve those goals. All of those things are life skills that have a great impact on people’s futures.” Keep reading at: go.corban.edu/cc5
Learn more about eligibility criteria and the selection process, or submit your alumni nomination by visiting: go.corban.edu/cc9
Collin Box ('10) helps lead a youth soccer camp at CFC.
ALUMNI AUTHORS BOOKSHELF
A CASE FOR CORBAN'S NEW ATHLETIC COMPLEX
For an opportunity to be featured on the Alumni Authors Bookshelf, please visit the link below. Once an adequate number of approved works are received, the bookshelf will be made available for perusal on our website.
Outdoor athletic competition at Corban University is marked by many distinctive qualities: outstanding student-athletes committed to Christ, dedicated coaches who train Corban teams both in sport and in discipleship, a supportive community of fans cheering for athletes on and off the field, and… rain-soaked facilities. The mid-Willamette Valley has a well-earned reputation for months of rain through fall, winter and spring. Athletic facilities at Corban are impacted by the rainy season, and therefore athletes take a direct hit as well.
Read more at: go.corban.edu/cc11
On a rainy day at Corban, the soccer fields and
Many alumni have the distinction of being a published author. If you, or a fellow alum you know, have a published book, we want to know!
The circumstances surrounding COVID-19 make the need for this complex all the more critical. Not only is it increasingly difficult to rent facilities due to the restrictions of the University’s off-campus partners, but the University is also cognizant of the health and safety risks students experience when going to off-campus facilities outside of Corban's control. Improved outdoor athletic facilities would also benefit the general student body, providing a safe and well-lit field for physical education courses, intramural sports, and personal fitness activities. Keeping students on campus is a benefit in many ways.
ALUMNI CONNECTIONS FACEBOOK: Alumni Page: Corban University/Western Baptist Visit our page for University updates and event information. Alumni Group: Corban University/Western Baptist Join our alumni group for more relational involvement within our alumni community. INSTAGRAM: @corbanuniversity A preliminary rendering highlighting the initial phase of the Outdoor Athletic Complex.
LINKEDIN: Corban University
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EMAIL: alumni@corban.edu
Email to share updates such as name changes, marriages, obituaries, or special acknowledgments for yourself, or fellow alumni (that are deemed public information). Do you have questions about transcript or diploma requests, course descriptions, or faculty information? Contact: registrar@corban.edu. To explore all of our social media platforms and pages, visit: go.corban.edu/cc13
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baseball field are often under water or too soggy to use. As a result, athletes competing in outdoor sports must practice and compete off-campus. The use of off-campus facilities is costly in many ways. Corban pays fees to rent fields for practice and competitions, and athletes bear the cost of personal time and resources to travel to off-campus locations, cutting into valuable study or work time. Additionally, the academic calendar adjusts to the needs of athletes by ending most classes by 2:30 p.m. so that athletes can access rented facilities during daylight hours.
Corban student-athletes are resilient and for years have made the best of inconvenient circumstances. In 2013, the University drafted a plan to fundraise for a new Outdoor Athletic Complex, and donors responded with significant support. As of Feb. 1, 2021, donor pledges and contributions totaled nearly $2.2 million toward the $4 million project, over half of the needed funds.
In 2021, the University is renewing the efforts to raise the remaining $1.8 million in order to break ground on the project in 2022 without incurring debt. The Corban Connection will continue to provide updates on the Finish the Race Campaign during this final push to the fundraising finish line. Use this link to find out more and/or make a contribution to the Outdoor Athletic Fund: go.corban.edu/cc7
WRITER–IN–RESIDENCE GINA OCHSNER WINS KURT VONNEGUT PRIZE FOR SPECULATIVE FICTION Corban Associate Professor of English and Writer-inResidence, Gina Ochsner, was recently awarded the 2020 Kurt Vonnegut Prize for Speculative Fiction by the North American Review for her short story, "The Snow Queen." First published in 1815, the North American Review is America’s oldest literary magazine, and the Vonnegut Prize is considered one of the most prestigious fiction prizes for authors in the United States. Ochsner’s short story is a modern retelling of a fairy tale, loosely based on Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Snow Queen”—a relatively obscure story made more prominent by the popularity of Disney’s Frozen movies, which are very loosely based on Andersen’s work. “I’m really fascinated with the form of the fairy tale and the fun of taking something older and making it
new while still trying to retain some of those moral fibers in there that sometimes get lost in some of the modern retellings,” said Ochsner. “I want to put those little moral strands and fibers back in.” Through Ochsner, Corban’s aspiring young writers have access to the expertise and guidance of a talented and critically–acclaimed author. Ochsner enjoys her dual role, producing her own literary works while also studying and exploring fiction and narrative forms with her students. “I really enjoy being able enjoy, analyze, and dissect literature with our students. They amaze me every semester. They are so smart. It’s really a joy to talk about craft and they come back with stuff that is just wonderful.” Read the full story at: go.corban.edu/cc15 Corban professor and writer-in-residence, Gina Ochsner.
THE FAITHFUL LIBRARIAN — GARRETT TROTT
I CAN'T SAY THAT! — DR. COREY GILBERT
"Abraham Kuyper stated, 'There is not a square inch in the whole domain of our human existence over which Christ, who is Sovereign over all, does not cry, "Mine!"' This includes one’s vocation or profession, which for me is librarianship.
This book was written to help prepare parents and church leaders to lead kids and teens in an understanding of sexuality and gender from a biblical sexual ethic.
"This book is a collection of essays representing Christian librarians who aim to manifest their faith in Jesus Christ through their profession. This volume seeks to enter a tradition of bridging the sacred/secular divide with an exploration of how Christianity and the gospel are manifested through the profession of librarianship. The collection of essays was a privilege to contribute to, edit, and compile, and through it, I was able to see how colleagues manifest their faith through their profession." – Garrett Trott Watch the full author interview here: go.corban.edu/cc17
“My biggest concern for families today is the deferring to others to teach and lead their children in an understanding of their bodies and sexuality that does not consider God’s design for them. We MUST know what God’s Word says so that we can live by His standards for our health, protection, and even freedom.” Dr. Gilbert has been a counselor, coach, and speaker on topics of gender, sexuality, and trauma for over 20 years. Watch the full author interview here: go.corban.edu/cc19
CORBAN CAMPUS RECEIVES MAJOR UPDATES AND IMPROVEMENTS Even though the stagnant feeling of 2020 seems to have bled into the beginning of 2021, it has not stopped the University from moving forward with crucial improvements across its campus. During this time, our administration has worked diligently to improve the efficiency of our campus, working with the Energy Trust of Oregon to install more energy efficient lighting across campus while also upgrading visibility for our students, faculty, and staff, and also installing web-based programmable thermostats that will allow for more efficient and timely temperature regulations that can be altered remotely. Corban University has also risen to the challenge of COVID-19, setting up classrooms, facilities, and campus spaces for compliance to restrictions and regulations. The new Student Health Center provides students with free access to medical professionals, offering essential functions such as basic health screening and COVID testing. Additionally, the University has undergone several facilities and maintenance upgrades, including a full reevaluation and streamlining of our grounds operations, repair and replacement of sidewalks and lighting across campus, and additional lighting and
staircase updates to parking lot A. Corban’s C.E. Jeffers Sports Center, home of the Warrior basketball and volleyball teams, received several crucial updates, including renovations to the restrooms and a full replacement of the gym
roof. One exciting new feature was the debut and dedication of the new custom designed gym floor in honor of former Corban men’s basketball coach and Warrior Hall of Fame member, Tim Hills. Learn more at: go.corban.edu/cc21
CORBAN FUND UPDATE The Corban Fund fills the gap where tuition dollars stop. The greatest areas of need are supported by these unrestricted dollars, and this fund effects students every day, from financial aid to faculty research, academia to student life. Despite COVID, 2020 has shown us how much our Corban family around the world cares for our students, faculty, and the sustainability of the University. Thanks to your generosity, 2020 was the second highest year on record for giving to the Corban Fund. For more information, go here: go.corban.edu/cc23
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EVENTS
SIX CORBAN STUDENTS HAVE POETRY PUBLISHED Corban students Jade Walker, Jacquelyn Clark, Kateleen Vetter, and Mallory Kellum will have their work featured in The Poet Magazine, while Hannah Mead’s poetry will be published by Black Moon Magazine, and Miriam Steinbach’s work will be featured in Peeking Cat Literary. For some, it was the culmination and affirmation of hard work and personal passion that began early on, while others developed a love of poetry more
recently, after arriving at Corban. But one thing all of these young poets have in common is Poetry class with Corban English professor Dr. Colette Tennant, herself a widely acclaimed and published poet. “All of the best advice that now lives in the voice in my head is from that class,” Walker said. For Tennant, the experience of seeing her students succeed is just as rewarding. “I’m just so happy their hard work and talent are being recognized by being published together alongside poets literally from around the world,” she said To read the full story, visit: go.corban.edu/cc25
SPRING PLAY: THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST Corban Theatre’s spring play, The Importance of Being Earnest, will be available for livestreaming starting March 7. The play, directed by Jeremiah Price, weaves a story of double lives and their hilarious consequences. Delightfully witty, Oscar Wilde's “trivial comedy for serious people” is sure to entertain. For additional information and to purchase your tickets, visit: go.corban.edu/cc31
CORBAN HIRING TEACHERS FOR ONLINE ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNING ACADEMY IN INDONESIA Corban University’s Center for Global Engagement, in partnership with Universitas Pelita Haripan (UPH), has announced the formation of the SPH Online English Academy, a new initiative to provide equitable English language learning opportunities to students throughout Indonesia. “We are really looking toward our former SPH teachers,” Allen says, “teachers who are committed to furthering the gospel in a Muslim majority nation.” The opportunity extends beyond educators
as well, as the new initiative is also looking for curriculum developers with a similar knowledge of English language learning. For instructors, the time commitment includes two hours of remote instruction per week, broken into one-hour sessions, class sizes of no more than 15 students, and an estimated additional two hours per week of prep. Interested individuals are encouraged to contact global@corban.edu for information on how to apply To read the full story, visit: go.corban.edu/cc27
COFFEE CLUB UPDATE After several rounds of revisions and numerous polls, we have decided on a logo and design for our Corban Coffee Club mug. This beautiful piece of pottery, along with a custom coffee blend from Conversatio Coffee Roasters, will be sent out to all of our Coffee Club members. Though the mug and coffee blend will be distinct each year, the mission of the Corban Coffee Club will remain the same—uniting thousands of donors around the world through their love of coffee and their heart for Corban. But Corban Coffee Club isn't just about great coffee. When you sign up, you'll be joining a group of passionate Warriors dedicated to preparing the next generation of world-changers. To join today with a recurring gift of $25 a month or more to the Corban Fund, visit: go.corban.edu/cc33
GO PAPERLESS WITH CORBAN CONNECTION
CORBAN LAUNCHES WORLDVIEW VIDEO SERIES At Corban, we believe learning to make a difference in the world for Jesus Christ doesn't stop after college. In a year with so many trials, obstacles, new social challenges, and widespread divisive rhetoric, we have asked our faculty to share their wisdom and expertise with all of us. The Worldview Video Series provides a glimpse behind the scenes to see how our faculty help prepare Corban students to be positive voices and to challenge and shape current thinking from a biblical perspective.
Launched officially in February, this video series, found at connect.corban.edu, covers a wide range of topics, featuring eight of our expert Corban faculty as they speak into the importance of a biblical worldview in their respective fields.
Do you prefer to read your news digitally? Go paperless and receive the digital version of the Corban Connection newsletter. Let us know if you prefer only a paperless version by emailing us at advancement@corban.edu.
GOLDEN GRADUATES TO BE HONORED
It is our hope that this series will help us learn together how we can be positive voices of genuine change and proclaimers of God's unchanging truth and love to the world.
After both of our 2020 and 2021 Golden Graduate Celebrations were affected by COVID, we are excited to announce a Golden Grad reunion planned for the fall of 2021. As a prelude to this reunion, the University will highlight both classes in online and print formats early in May.
To access these videos visit: go.corban.edu/cc29
For more information, visit: go.corban.edu/cc35
If you would like to view this online go to go.corban.edu/cc37 or scan this QR code.
REACH OUT TO US Do you have something you would like to see featured in an upcoming issue? Let us know at go.corban.edu/cc39, by email at advancement@corban.edu, or by mail.
www.corban.edu | 5000 Deer Park Dr. SE, Salem, OR 97317
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