global influence cornerstone university alumni journal • winter 2012-2013
what’s inside 3 A Farewell from the Director of Alumni Relations
4 President’s Corner 5 News & Events
10 Global Influence: Alumni Map 12 Feature Stories Interviews with undergraduate alumna Emily Rolls (B.S. ’10), PGS alum Debo Sadare (M.B.A. ’07) and GRTS alumna Jane Schmitz (M.R.E. ’01)
• University News: Learn about the new lean manufacturing major, an ArtPrize winner on campus and how to access the Annual Report.
15 Alumni News
• Academic News: See what professors have been spending their time on this year.
17 Alumni Involvement
• Alumni Events: Find out about upcoming events including a Christmas concert and Germany trip.
Ways for you to participate in what’s happening at your alma mater!
See what your former classmates are doing.
• Homecoming 2013: CU Honored
CORNERSTONE UNIVERSITY ALUMNI JOURNAL STAFF
Art Director: Caroline Cahoon (B.A. ’03)
Alumni Communications Specialist: Amanda (Kusneske) Lawrence (B.A. ’12)
University Writer/Editor: Kelli Cottrell
Alumni Events & Programs Specialist: Josh Thayer (B.S. ’11)
Contributing Photographers: Ryan Prins Photography, Caleb Williams, Coastline Studios
Executive Director of Marketing & Communications: Bob Sack Assistant Director of Marketing: Katherine Felber
Alumni Board Leadership Team: Chairman: Rick Koole (B.R.E. ’70) Secretary: Terri (Burns) Fowler (B.A. ’81)
Alumni Association Mission The CU Alumni Association exists to serve alumni in their roles as influencers for Christ by developing connections, facilitating celebrations and encouraging contributions. Founded in 1941, Cornerstone University is a Christ-centered institution of higher learning located in Grand Rapids, Mich. Approximately 3,000 students attend Cornerstone’s undergraduate and graduate programs. www.cornerstone.edu/alumni
The Cornerstone University Alumni Journal is produced three times annually through a partnership between the Alumni Relations and Marketing & Communications offices at Cornerstone University. Permission to quote short portions of this publication is granted as long as content is preserved and proper credit is given to the Alumni Journal.
on the cover:
Students and alumni are impacting the world for Christ through knowledge gained while attending Cornerstone University. Pictured (left to right): Members of a “missions prayer band” in 1949; Katie Fox (B.A. ’12) on a GO trip in 2009; Jonathan Highman (B.S. ’08) flew the CU flag during a medi-vac mission in Iraq.
CONTACT US: When you email us with updated contact information for the database, we will mail you a CU or GRTS Alumni window decal as a thank you gift. Go to www.cornerstone.edu/alumni; click “Alumni Office” and then “Update Your Information.” Or simply email us at alumni@cornerstone.edu. If no internet access is available to you, please mail us at: Cornerstone University Office of Alumni Relations 1001 E Beltline Ave NE Grand Rapids, MI 49525-5897
Call us at 616.222.1439. Cornerstone University does not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, sex, age or disability in its policies and programs. © 2012 Cornerstone University. All rights reserved.
Dear Alumni Family, Darci Irwin, who has served as alumni director for
the past three years, has taken a position with World Orphan Outreach and as she explained to me, “I only have one wild life to live. Helping solve the problem of 153 million orphans is something I cannot shake.” While we will certainly miss Darci’s enthusiasm, endless organization and excitable presence we are delighted to have had her influence over the past three years. In the interview below she shares a little about her time here and her future: What’s next? I’ve been invited to serve on the staff of World Orphans (www.worldorphans.org) as its first director of orphan advocacy teams. The ministry is committed to rescuing orphaned and abandoned children, strengthening the local church, and impacting communities with the Gospel of Christ through church-based, family-focused programs. The opportunity aligns with a distinct passion of my heart, so when the invitation was presented I knew I could not refuse. My job will be to develop and implement a strategy to engage individuals and small groups, equip them with resources and empower them to raise awareness of the global orphan crisis and support World Orphans projects around the world. As an alumna of CU, I am humbled to be part of making a global difference in this way.
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Global Influence • Winter 2012-2013
Favorite event as alumni director? The 2012 Homecoming Gala. Worshipping together, with hands raised high after hearing an update on CU and giving five individuals alumni awards, was a moment I’ll cherish. It felt like a convergence of many years of hard work. What I’ll miss most: Besides all the treats that my coworkers in Advancement brought consistently, I’ll miss my team, welcoming new alumni into the association at commencement, meeting alumni for coffee, strategizing at Alumni Board meetings and welcoming incoming students (or future alumni) at New Student Arrival Day. The last thing I’d like alumni to know from me: Your voice matters to the university. Please keep sharing it. While Darci is leaving the her role as Director of the Alumni Association, she will always be a valued alumna. She and Jay, her husband, plan to live in Grand Rapids when they aren’t living the wild life internationally! Visit her on Facebook and keep in touch. I know she would love to hear from you. We look forward to introducing you to the next Cornerstone Alumni Director in the next issue of the Alumni Journal.
Bill Knott Vice President of Advancement
Dear Alumni, i am always honored by the invitation to share with CU Alumni in this little
“corner” of the Alumni Journal. This time around, I want to invite each of you to celebrate with me the wonderful things that God is doing – not only here on campus, but also in the lives of those of you who have already left Cornerstone. I am constantly amazed by the stories you share of dreams fulfilled and goals achieved, but most importantly, of the advancement of God’s kingdom through each of you in your respective communities around the globe. Global impact – it’s something we aspire to at CU as we shepherd each new generation of undergrad and graduate students through their time here. We are committed to the goal that Cornerstone University is a place where students are encouraged and enabled in their walk with Christ so that when they leave, they continue to be salt and light in the cultures to which God calls them. As our identity statement declares, we have a “passion for global influence through the transforming power of the gospel of Jesus Christ,” and it gives me great joy to know that God is using so many of you in fulfilling this outcome. Your stories have always been encouraging, not only to me, but to all of us, so we want to highlight a few of these stories during the upcoming homecoming celebration. In February, we will honor five alumni and a faculty member who have excelled in the fulfillment of Cornerstone’s mission. I hope that you can join the Cornerstone community for what promises to be an outstanding weekend of fellowship and celebration! Blessings,
Joe Stowell President
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Scott VanDyken and VanDyken Mechanical,
Inc. have established the Operating Endowment Fund to insure the ongoing needs of the baseball program. They are lifelong fans of the game, but more importantly are committed to Jesus Christ. Their drive to support the Beyond Baseball program is the combination of those two passions coming together. For more information on how to support the VanDyken Beyond Baseball Endowment Fund, please contact the Advancement Office at 616.254.1668.
M.B.A. in Lean Manufacturing
The Professional & Graduate Studies (PGS)
program now offers an M.B.A. in Lean Manufacturing. This program will be a 42 credit/78 week fully online program designed for individuals in the manufacturing industry seeking to develop their business acumen. The program is in partnership with Innoversity, an educational venture created by Innotech and Ventura, two global manufacturing firms based in Holland, Mich. For more information on PGS degrees, visit cornerstone.edu/adult-andgraduate-programs.
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Global Influence • Winter 2012-2013
Calling GRTS Alumni!
GRTS welcomed back alumni this fall for Q&A
sessions with prospective students at preview events. If you’re interested in joining us for our spring preview events, let us know at 800.697.1133. Prospective students want to hear from you!
Talking Points 2013
Save the date for the Spring 2013 Talking Points:
“Creation in Scripture.” Featured speakers for the March 18 event are John Walton and David Turner.
Winning ArtPrize Entry on Campus
THE WINNING ENTRY from ArtPrize 2011, “Crucifixion,” by
artist Mia Tavonatti, was recently installed at Cornerstone University’s Wood Seminary Building. The 9 x 13-foot, 425 lb. stained glass mosaic was transported from Santa Ana, Calif., last year to be entered in the international ArtPrize competition. The unique competition allows the public to vote on thousands of art pieces displayed throughout the city at numerous venues. We invite you to stop by our campus to see this art piece!
News & Events
University News
Beyond Baseball
In the past year, Cornerstone
Dave Anderson, associate professor of media, recently produced a capstone media production for the 50th Anniversary of Josh McDowell’s ministry and wrote a script for a 2013 interactive display that will showcase at the Grand Rapids Railroad Museum. Alan Blanchard, associate professor of journalism,
University has seen the Lord work oversaw the Cornerstone Journalism Institute sponsored on campus in many different ways. by MLive.com in July. Through the various areas of study Dr. Tim Detwiler, associate provost for traditional we offer, to the different global trips programming and professor of communication arts, was students, faculty and staff have taken, re-elected to serve on the Michigan Association of School God has used CU as an outlet for HIs Boards. handiwork. To see how CU reached out John Duff, associate professor into the world and to see how God has of Bible, completed a paper blessed this campus, take a glance at this summer for the ETS annual our 2012 Annual Report. meeting. The theme of this year’s This report compiles the ETS meeting was “God’s Creation Care.” events in the past fiscal a year and allows us the ke ta Dr. Jonathan Marko, visiting University opportunity to share all of Cornerstone assistant professor of philosophy talk with them udents from d st , an l l ni um fa al and theology, successfully this with you. To see the each r most? donors and be s, em nt m re re pa u ll yo defended his dissertation last report online, visit: www. e month to ca U. What do th C in t of s ou ie or ng mem summer. nch? Hangi cornerstone.edu/annualt lu r os fo about their m e – s tim pu essor? A t this cam ou t ab report s en ie Dr. Kim Nguyen, assistant ud or Maybe a prof St em University yone has m professor of Old Testament, Cornerstone e Corum? Ever th by . d ts te If you would like a printed en or completed a book proposal this of our stud t em are supp en th rc of pe 0 copy of the annual lps 10 to summer. up ED . This fund he BL nd U O Fu report, please contact the ive will be D ce t re si e vi , w ft ve ery gi ity to gi Cornerstone University This year, ev ur opportun l the alumni u missed yo l thanks to al ia ec Advancement Office at sp $50,000! If yo A . ow fts reach -n gi ve ur gi Yo u/ . ed 616.254.1668. our students cornerstone. to in ck ba vested that have in university. r ou nd yo be
Phonathon
News & Events
Academic News
Annual Report 2012
Faculty & Staff News
Dr. Rick Ostrander, provost, completed a new edition of his book “Why College Matters to God” this summer. The new edition is now available. He also wrote an essay on technology and higher education for “Chronicles of Higher Education” and “Books and Culture” last summer. And, he was a panel presenter on “Leading from the Middle” at the 2011 C.I.C. conference for chief academic officers. Brad Porter (B.A. ’08), assistant professor of cinematography, received a Hollywood Foreign Press Association Fellowship earlier this year. He also was nominated for the Palm Springs International Jury Award and received an MFA in film production in June. Kathleen Sindorf (B.A. ’75), associate professor of communication and media, wrote a chapter on Evangelical Women’s Movements for a three volume encyclopedia, Evangelical Christians and Popular Culture in July. William Riter, associate professor of business, served as the treasurer of the National Model Railroad Association Convention this summer. Dr. Sandra Upton, dean of business programs for Professional & Graduate Studies Program, launched a bachelor of science business administration program online this summer.
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Alumni Events
Germany Trip
From Class to Calling
provost, has graciously set aside his time to lead an exclusive group of Cornerstone alumni on a trip to Germany next summer.
together alumni and CU students to discuss careers and life journeys over dessert and coffee. We partner with Student Activities to make this an extraordinary evening of community building and career encouragement.
The trip is scheduled for June 7 – 16, 2013 and is sure to be a rich cultural experience.
When: Wednesday, March 20 at 7:30 p.m. Where: Gainey Conference Rooms A & B
Dr. rick Ostrander,
Visit our webpage for more information: www.cornerstone.edu/alumni-trips. Contact Liz Wheeler, assistant to the provost, at liz.wheeler@cornerstone.edu with inquiries and questions about applications.
From Class to Calling is an event that brings
Contact Josh Thayer, alumni events & programs specialist, at josh.thayer@cornerstone.edu with questions.
Christmas Concert
Celebrate the Christmas season with a holiday concert by Cornerstone’s Chorale Choir and Symphonic Winds Ensemble! No tickets are required for this event – we look forward to seeing you there! An Alumni and Friends dessert reception will follow the concert. Contact Josh Thayer with questions. When: Tuesday, Dec. 4 at 7 p.m. Where: Central Reformed Church, 10 College Ave. NE Grand Rapids, MI 49503
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Global Influence • Winter 2012-2013
Event Updates Whitecaps game Attendance: 52 alum
New Student arrival Attendance: 13 alumni volunteers
CU Artprize vip connection Attendance: 49 alum
Family Weekend Attendance: 37 alumni
Plan to attend these events next year – stay tuned for dates and details to come in 2013! www.cornerstone.edu/alumni-events
VIP Receptions at CU Theatre!
The 2012-13 CU Theatre season is in full swing! We are pleased to continue our partnership with CU Theatre and offer VIP Receptions during select intermissions of the productions. Join us on Friday, Feb. 22, 2013 for “You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown,” and on Friday, April 19, 2013 for “The Taming of the Shrew.”
Contact Josh Thayer for more information. To purchase tickets, call 616.516.0000 or visit www.cornerstone.edu/theatre.
News & Events
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homecoming 2013 • Jan. 31 – Feb. 2
homecoming. It’s a time to celebrate, reunite and honor the things we love best about Cornerstone University, GRTS and PGS. Alumni, you are the roots of this university and have left a remarkable legacy. We desire to honor you at Homecoming 2013. Join us for an unforgettable weekend where we’ll share memories, build traditions and honor one another, our university and our Lord. Thursday, Jan. 31 7 p.m. Athletics Hall of Honor Banquet. Check website for details. Friday, Feb. 1 10 a.m. Praise Chapel with Faculty Hall of Honor Inductee Recognition, Mol Arena 11 a.m.
Alumni Lunch with Special Faculty and Staff Guests, Dining Commons
6 p.m.
Cornerstone Winter Gala, Frederik Meijer Gardens • The Cornerstone Winter Gala is alumni’s signature event of the year. The 2nd Annual Gala will feature dinner in the Grand Room, presentation of alumni awards and so much more. Seating is limited so reserve your spot today! • 2013 Alumni Award Recipients: “Young Alumnus/a of the Year:” Aubree Cantrall (B.A. ’10) • “Traditional Undergraduate Alumnus/a of the Year:” John Maguire (B.A. ’86) • “Professional & Graduate Studies Alumnus/a of the Year:” Anna Goodsell (B.S. ’00) • “Grand Rapids Theological Seminary Alumnus/a of the Year:” Jeffrey Halsted (M.Div. ’99; M.T.S. ’01) • “Alumnus/a Involvement of the Year:” Kelly Ellis (B.A. ’90) • Prof. Raymond (Gator) Gates (attended ’86 – ’88)
Saturday, feb. 2 9:30 a.m. Women’s Alumni Basketball Game, Mol Arena 10:15 a.m.
Men’s Over 30 Alumni Basketball Game, Mol Arena
11 a.m.
Men’s Under 30 Alumni Basketball Game, Mol Arena
Noon
Reunion Row: 1, 5, 10 and 25 year Class Reunions, Dining Commons
1 p.m.
Women’s Basketball Game vs. University of Michigan-Dearborn, Mol Arena
3 p.m.
Men’s Basketball Game vs. University of Michigan-Dearborn, Mol Arena
visit our website for more details and to register for homecoming 2013! www.cornerstone.edu/homecoming
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Global Influence • Winter 2012-2013
Global Influence Cornerstone University is dedicated to preparing our alumni to “go into all the world,� to influence culture everywhere for Jesus Christ. Wonder where other alumni are now? Check out our alumni map online to see just how far your fellow alumni have traveled! www.cornerstone.edu/alumni-maps
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Global Influence • Winter 2012-2013
Undergrad Spotlight: emily rolls (B.s. ’10) emily rolls and her husband, Kris (b.a. ’12), recently moved to Palestine from Grand Rapids to work with a ministry called Paidia International Development where she serves as TREK Program Manager. While at Cornerstone, Emily traveled to Palestine to be a global influence, and now she is able to influence that culture every day. Her husband, Kris, who also has a heart for Palestine is attending school while they are serving through Paidia. How are you using your degree from CU to build a life that matters? It is so incredible to be able to use my degree to help invest into the lives of others in an often overlooked place of the world. I studied marketing and management at Cornerstone, and I must say that I am able to use the skills, education and experiences I have learned in the classroom and through my short term study abroad trips to Greece and Dubai in such creative and impactful ways. I am a program Volunteer Manager and work with recruiting, placing and hosting volunteers from around the world. I love having the opportunity to connect people with the many needs of local communities within the Bethlehem area. I am able to interact with them and help organize their volunteer experiences within our Adventures in English and community development programs. I am thankful for the education I received and how applicable it is in my job!
Feature Stories
What about CU helps in the global sense? CU is focused on global engagement and giving all students the opportunity to engage in the different cultures of our world through study trips, service projects and internships. I was originally connected with the organization I currently work with at a CU Global Opportunities week that the Spiritual Formation Office hosts each year. The staff and faculty emphasize a global perspective to benefit student’s future vocations and overall perspective on how to interact with people in our communities and around the world.
• Favorite place on campus: Hansen Athletic Center Exercise Facility and the Corum, of course. • Involvement while on campus: CU Softball team for two years, student worker in the Marketing and Communications Office and served as a leader in Students of Life Group and Thrive Prayer Group. • Favorite professor: Shawn Newhouse (Thanks for showing and giving me passion to serve and lead in the business and marketing field.) • Souvenirs from CU: My husband • Favorite Food in the dining commons: Definitely the Greek chicken! Cornerstone University Alumni Journal
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PGS Spotlight: Debo sadare (M.B.A. ’07) currently, Debo works for Illinois Tool Works (ITW) as Global Product Marketing Manager where he travels to Europe and other countries annually. The Fortune 200 global diversified company manufactures a range of industrial components and systems for various industries including Test & Measurement. Because the company has operations in more than 60 countries with 65,000 employees worldwide, Debo is using his education gained through Professional and Graduate Studies every day either interacting with global customers or traveling worldwide. What does your job entail? I work within ITW’s Test and Measurement group where I am responsible for the conception, development and commercialization of the Floor Scale and Weight Sensor product category globally. My job also includes product lifecycle management, market research and developing and executing brand strategies worldwide. My job requires frequent international travel to Europe with several trips a year to England, France, Spain, Germany, The Netherlands and Croatia for company meetings and to visit customers. What about CU helps in the global sense? I found the Global Business Experience from the MBA program one of the most rewarding parts of my CU experience. In my case, I had the opportunity to travel to South Africa and Namibia as a requirement for my degree. For my job, I have to interface with colleagues and customers in different countries on almost a daily basis so I really feel the Global Business Experience requirement added a lot more depth than the usual theoretical only approach taken at many MBA programs.
• Favorite place on campus: Faber Hall. That’s where all my classes were held. • Favorite professor: All my instructors were great. I appreciated the emphasis on Professional Learning Team (classmates), projects with fostered collaborations, team leadership, project management and critical thinking, which is what is very crucial in real business situations. • Souvenirs from CU: CU Mug
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Global Influence • Winter 2012-2013
GRTS Spotlight: jane schmitz (M.R.e. ’01) jane schmitz served in Togo for a decade as a missionary before pursing her masters in
intercultural studies degree from Grand Rapids Theological Seminary. She wanted a program that fit her life and taught her to be more effective as a career missionary. She now serves in Cameroon with the Association for Baptist World Evangelism in Cameroon where she helps with ESL courses, group/individual bible studies, a weekly walking club, family film nights in both French and English, American cooking classes and special seminars directed at encouraging and instructing the local community. How did GRTS help you build a life that matters?
Feature Stories
What I appreciated most about the master’s program in Intercultural studies was that I could do many of the courses by extension. Another plus was that the course assignments were practical in many ways. There was so much hands-on type homework. The course on Muslim Evangelism gave me principles I use every day in my contacts with Muslims. The doctrine course assignments helped me defend my beliefs. How do you use your GRTS education on a daily basis? My research project on cross-cultural mentoring is a subject that I continue to use in my ministry today. My heart is in the local church, whether helping to start one as well as mentoring Christian women to serve in their congregations. GRTS prepared me for that.
• Favorite class at GRTS: Muslim Evangelizm by Dr. Cate • Favorite spot on campus: I was on campus only for a month. I hung out in the library a lot. • Favorite memory of time at GRTS: The practical homework that was given in so many of my classes. The assignments were helpful for my ministry. Cornerstone University Alumni Journal
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Randy (B.Mus. ’94) and Kristi (Kersey) Burghart (B.Mus. ’95) welcomed their fourth child, Cecily Carole Kristiana, into their family on June 26, 2012.
2000s
Stephen and Jennifer (Elliot) Twilling (B.A. ’02) welcomed triplets, Joshua Allen, Matthew Elliot and Caleb Elliot into their family on Aug. 16, 2011. Issac and Abigail (DeRoos) Richardson (B.A. ’07) welcomed their first child, Benjamin Dirk, into their family on June 12, 2012. Joel (B.S. ’05) and Bobbi (Maxon) Srehl (B.A. ’09) welcomed their second child, Gray, into their family on Aug. 12, 2012. Christopher (B.Mus. ’10) and Nicky Hamilton welcomed their third child, Oliver Jude, into their family on Feb. 15, 2012. Cody (B.S. ’11) and Sasha (Lewis) Hettich (attended ’07-’11) welcomed their first child, Ember Ruth Ann, into their family on July 17, 2012.
When you share new arrivals to your family, we will send you a “Future CU Alum” baby bib.
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Global Influence • Winter 2012-2013
2000s Chris and Megan (Garner) Lenhart (B.A. ’04) were married on June 30, 2012. Kyle and Cassie (Peters) McKenzie (B.A. ’08) were married on March 31, 2012. Erik and Katharine (Herbert) Hultquist (B.Mus. ’09) were married on June 23, 2012. Raymond and Jenna (DeVries) Venezia (B.A. ’09) were married July 20, 2012. The couple were named incorrectly in the last Alumni Journal.
2010s Michael and Adrienne (Schrauben) Baker (B.A. ’10) were married on Jan. 21, 2012. Curtis (B.S. ’10) and Alyson (Hansen) Peterson (B.A. ’10) were married on April 28, 2012. Brian and Patricia (Kolkman) Koetsier (B.A. ’11) were married on Aug. 31, 2012. Scott and Amanda (Nelson) Hanson (B.A. ’12) were married on June 23, 2012. Andrew (B.A. ’11) and Sarah (Westveer) Kolkman (B.A. ’12) were married on Nov. 11, 2011.
When you share your union, we will send you two metal alumni association luggage tags to celebrate your future travels together.
Alumni News
1990s
Unions
Arrivals
ogether as alumni, you are influencing the lives of people for Jesus Christ all over the globe. Thank you for sharing the ways in which you are doing this and for keeping us up to date on the happenings in your life.
Scott Pfitzinger (B.Mus. ’90) recently accepted the position of liaison for the Dana School of Music and the College of Fine and Performing Arts. Scott also manages the Multimedia Center in the university library. Rob Teis (B.A. ’94) recently accepted a position in financial strategy – risk management at Walmart.
2000s Hannah Roberts (B.A. ’02) recently accepted a position as staff psychologist at Health and Counseling Services at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, CA. Melody Mills (B.S. ’04; M.S.M. ’07) recently was appointed to staff officer at Huntington National Bank. Joel Strehl (B.S. ’05) is in his second year of general surgery residency in Mount Clemens, MI.
Alumni News
2010s Troy (B.A. ’06; M.B.A. ‘10) and Barbara (Korpi) Eddy (B.A. ’09) both recently moved to China for their jobs; Troy is continuing to work as the international program manager at Autocam Corporation and Barbara started a position as kindergarten teacher at Wuxi International Child Care Center.
Scott Gibbons (B.A. ’10) recently accepted the position of senior pastor for Big Rapids Free Methodist Church. Mandee Michielsen (B.A. ’10) recently accepted the position of university center coordinator at Central Michigan University in Mount Pleasant. Kelly Ambrose (B.A. ’11) recently accepted a new teaching position at Bay City Academy Charter School. Jacob Kassuba (M.B.A. ’11) recently was promoted to President of Everest College in Illinois. Andrew (B.A. ’11) and Sarah (Westveer) Kolkman (B.A. ’12) both recently accepted new positions at Shepherds College in Wisconsin. Sarah serves as an academic advisor and instructor; Andrew is the residential life manager. Anne Veltema (M.S.M. ’11) recently transitioned to the Talent Acquisition Center of Expertise at Spectrum Health after spending seven years in the communications department. She is responsible for development and executive of a system-wide student strategy. She is also leading development of an employee value proposition and employee messaging to support the Spectrum Health brand.
When you share a milestone, we will send you a CU alumni association cell phone holder.
honor
Milestones
1990s
1960s Joyce (Botruff) Rohrer (B.R.E. ’65) went to be with the Lord on Aug. 23, 2012. Joyce worked as an L.P.N. in hospitals and physician’s offices. Often you would find Joyce accompanying her husband, Pastor Thomas Rohrer (B.R.E. ’66; M.Div. ’70; M.R.E. ’70), on pastoral calls to members of the church, shut-ins and seekers of the Christian faith.
1980s Mark Hayes (B.A. ’82) went to be with the Lord on April 26, 2010. Mark is survived by his wife, Grace (Jensen) Hayes (B.A. ’80). The couple were married in 1982, five months before he graduated from CU. He is survived by two sons, Jonathan and Christopher. Mark joined the Navy as a Surface Warfare Officer in 1986. After four years of active duty, and receiving a masters degree in history, he became a civilian historian for the Navy at the Naval Historical Center in Washington, D.C. He worked there with distinction until his death. He served his Lord, country and family well.
2000s Dr. Chris Warren, a former professor at Cornerstone University, went to be with the Lord on Sept. 25, 2012. Chris leaves a legacy of kindness and philanthropy as the principal at Kettle Lake Elementary in Caledonia, Mich., and as an adjunct professor at Western Michigan University and Cornerstone University. Most importantly, Chris was a faithful Christian leader in his family and community.
share Your News We are eager to hear from the rest of you! Share events in your life, including answers to prayer; professional accomplishments – none are too small; books authored; albums released; graduate degrees or awards; honors received; additions to your family; alumni to honor. www.cornerstone.edu/ share-your-news
Bernice Hansen went to be with the Lord on Sept. 27, 2012. Known for always having a smile on her face and words of encouragement for everyone she met, Bernice was a pioneer and a visionary. She was a generous supporter of Cornerstone University as well as other local community efforts and ministries.
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Alumni Involvement
Refer a Student
Know a student who is looking for a college to attend? Refer him or her to Cornerstone or Grand Rapids Theological Seminary and receive a free CU pennant or GRTS decal! Refer a traditional undergrad student at cornerstone.edu/refer-tug-student. Refer a GRTS student at cornerstone.edu/ refer-grts-student.
we’re always adding new stories to our website! Here are the alumni stories we’ve received lately: We are encouraging all
Buy a Brick!
Did you have a candlelight (engagement) ceremony while a student at CU? Take those memories and set them in stone! Purchase an engraved brick with your name on it to be set in the Alumni Bell Tower. Your brick will commemorate a significant life event and also benefit the CU Annual Fund. To buy a brick visit: www.cornerstone.edu/give-financially
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Global Influence • Winter 2012-2013
alumni to support our mission by contributing the dollars and cents that represent your graduation year. For example, if you graduated in 2001, we invite you to give $20.01, or move the decimal point and give $200.01 or $2,001. You can give a one-time, monthly or annual gift. Your financial gift shapes the future of your institution, helps us enroll top students and supports the highest quality of faculty and staff.
Lauren Root (B.Mus. ’11) Doug and Donna Fagerstrom (B.R.E ’74; attended ’69-’71) Jessica Cunningham (B.A. ’08) Katharen (Thomas) Welch (A.S. ’11)
Give your grad year!
Be sure to visit our website to read all our alumni stories! Do you have a favorite memory, a major theme or a specific experience you remember from your college days? Take a minute to share your story with us. We’ll send you a special edition “Your Story” bookmark in response!
www.cornerstone.edu/give-financially
Visit www.cornerstone.edu/your-story.
Golden Eagle Days
Estate Planning
Do you think you’re too young to have a will? Are your children protected if something were to happen to you? Would you consider leaving a gift to your favorite charitable organization in your will? Take a few moments to visit our gift planning website at www.cugift.org. and learn more about how to plan a will or establish a charitable gift annuity.
Get Involved Form Our alumni have made our
campus what it is today. We’d love to invite you back to get involved here at CU – fill out our online “Get Involved” form and your name will be entered in a monthly drawing to receive a free CU or GRTS Sweatshirt! www.cornerstone.edu/give-your-time
Do you remember the day you chose to attend CU? Please partner with us as we seek to recruit new students who desire to influence our world for Christ. Encourage a student you know to visit during a Golden Eagle Day, a visit day designed for students who want a broad overview of CU. Friday, Nov. 30 Friday, Feb. 15 Friday, March 15 For more info, visit www.cornerstone.edu/golden-eagle-days.
Road Trip
Are you a youth pastor? Come to CU’s Road Trip: The Creative U (Feb. 22-23,
2013)! During this conference-style weekend, you and your students will experience college life and participate in discussions with Don Perini, professor of ministry and creativity. Together you will take an interactive look at how to develop a creative life and use your God-given gifts to impact the world. The deadline to pre-register is Friday, Jan. 25 If you would like more information or to pre-register for our Road Trip event, please email kayleigh.boston@cornerstone.edu.
Cornerstone University Alumni Journal
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alumni u At Cornerstone University and Grand Rapids Theological Seminary, it’s no surprise that we’re all about learning. The Alumni Association is thrilled to come alongside our alumni who want to become lifelong learners. So we’ve developed a program that’s just for you as you seek to cultivate and expand your knowledge. This program, Alumni U, will serve the vision of our university by demonstrating the belief that academics matter. Starting in March of 2013, we will offer eight courses covering a broad assortment of topics lead by some of your favorite CU faculty members. For more information, please visit www.cornerstone.edu/alumni-u or contact josh.thayer@cornerstone.edu, alumni events and programs specialist, with questions.