loyalty cornerstone university alumni journal • winter 2011-2012
what’s inside 3 Letter from your Director of
Alumni Relations
10 Loyalty A timeline of CU’s heritage, celebrating a tradition of loyalty.
4 President’s Corner
12 Feature Stories
Dr. Joseph Stowell, president of Cornerstone University
Interviews with undergraduate alumnus Mike Krick (B.A. ’94), PGS alumnus David McFarland (B.A. ’11) and GRTS alumnus Don Peterson (B.A. ‘83, M.T.S. ’89)
5 News & Events • University News: News about financial gifts to CU and updates from GRTS and PGS. • Academic News: New academic initiatives and the latest news from our faculty and staff. • Alumni Events: Updates on events and new opportunities for you to connect with fellow alumni!
15 Alumni News See what your former classmates are doing.
17 Alumni Involvement Ways for you to get involved at your alma mater!
• Homecoming 2012 – Celebrating 70 years of Loyalty: Join us for the best of fall and winter combined into one celebratory week!
CORNERSTONE UNIVERSITY ALUMNI JOURNAL STAFF
Marketing Project Manager: Katherine Felber
Director of Alumni Relations: Darci Irwin (M.S. ’09)
Art Director: Caroline Cahoon (B.A. ’03)
Alumni Communications Specialist: Amanda (Kusneske) Lawrence (B.A. ’11)
University Writer/Editor: Kelli Cottrell
Alumni Events Specialist: Nicole Bragenzer (B.A. ‘11)
Contributing Photographers: Nicole Bragenzer, Leah Bailey, Coastline Studios, Ryan Prins Photography, Studio 6.23, The Image Group
2011-2012 Alumni Relations Student Staff: Karissa Ryan (B.A. ’12)
Alumni Association
Executive Director of Marketing & Communications: Bob Sack
on the cover:
Alumni Board Leadership Team: Chairman: Rick Koole (B.R.E. ’70) Vice Chairman: Robert Sundelius (B.A. ’86) 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. More than 2,700 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. CONTACT US: When you e-mail us with updated contact information for the database, we will mail you a CU Alumni window decal as a thank
Cornerstone marks 70 years of influencing others for Christ, both here and throughout the world. In this issue we honor those who have been loyal throughout the years.
you gift. Visit www.cornerstone.edu/alumni; click on “Alumni Office” and then “Update Your Information.” Or simply e-mail us at alumni@cornerstone.edu.
Cornerstone University does not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, sex, age or disability in its policies and programs.
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 616.222.1669.
© 2011 Cornerstone University. All rights reserved.
Dear Alumni Family, i believe we all have the opportunity to build strong, loyal relationships. God has wired us to have this capability. And I’ve seen that through the grace and love of Jesus, our Cornerstone community is capable of being dedicated, trustworthy, devoted and reliable to each other. Think of a person, brand, organization or habit that represents your loyalty. Why are you loyal? How did your loyalty develop and grow over time? One person’s loyalty list might look like this: a morning coffee routine, a church, a brand of sneakers, a baseball team, a type of guitar string or a hotel chain. Maybe, like me, you tend to shop at the same stores, purchase the latest album of a favorite artist, go to the same hair stylist and remind your spouse that you’re committed for life. Loyalty always represents our ability to choose; it demands courage, invites curiosity, offers one’s trust. In this issue of the Alumni Journal we’re asking if your loyalty list includes Cornerstone University and Grand Rapids Theological Seminary. We need loyal alumni. We’re constantly on the look-out for them. People we can trust to speak well of their alma mater, who will hold to the unshakable truths on which the university was founded, who will send their kids and grandkids here, and who care enough to help advance the university. But we do not simply hope for your loyalty, we give you ours. We recognize that loyalty is earned over time and that trust is the main ingredient. That is why we go to such lengths to stay in touch with you and why CU/GRTS has remained steadfast in the mission to offer quality, Christ-centered education to men and women for 70 years! You are those men. You are those women. And we hold you in high regard. Loyal to you, loyal to Christ,
Darci Irwin (M.S. ’09) Director of Alumni Relations Pictured: Darci Irwin with Reagan (Boomershine; B.A. ’11) and Nate Reynolds (B.A. ’10) at the Alumni VIP reception during CU theatre’s production of “Arsenic and Old Lace.”
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Loyalty • Winter 2011-2012
President’s Corner in this life, it is our relationships, beliefs, and experiences that shape us. When we think about the people we love, the things we believe in, and the life we have lived, it is not difficult to determine which of these remain especially close to our hearts. It is these people, places and causes that inspire a sense of loyalty in our hearts. To be loyal is to combine the faculties of the mind and heart in the unshakeable support of a person, idea or cause. It struck me that loyalty to Cornerstone University could be seen as commitment in all three areas: your gratitude for the people who impacted your life here, your belief in the unique way we do Christcentered education, and the cause that Christ himself charged us with – to go into all the world, loving people and sharing the good news of the gospel. In short, loyalty to CU is inspired by people who make up the enterprise, its fundamental beliefs and vision, and the cause for which we work. Loyalty shows up in many areas of life. I am loyally devoted to my family, loyally committed to my job, and I will always be a Chicago Cubs fan. Most importantly, though, I strive to be loyal to my Savior and friend, Jesus Christ. He has called me to serve his kingdom by being a part of the work here at Cornerstone University, and I could not ask for a better institution to support and believe in. If your heart is drawn to the people that served you here, if you resonate with the beliefs and vision of CU, and if making a stop at Cornerstone during your life’s journey has been enriching, then I trust that you have a sense of loyalty to this school; a loyalty which expresses itself through prayer, in being a cheerleader and recruiter for us, and in supporting the mission and vision with your gifts. We are working hard to make loyal fans for CU. We welcome you to the experience! Blessings, Pictured: Dr. Joe Stowell, and his wife, Marti, with son Joe (far right) display loyalty at a CU basketball game.
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Cornerstone University is pleased to announce it has received a $5 million donation! The gift is the largest one-time contribution in the school’s 70-year history. The donors, Jack and Mary DeWitt, have designated the major part of the donation as a lead gift for the construction of a state-of-the-art chapel, media studies and music arts building. The remainder of the gift will underwrite a baseball facility and the launch of a baseball program at the university. A fundraising campaign will begin in 2012 to raise the estimated additional $15 million needed to fully fund the new chapel, media studies and music facility. A groundbreaking is expected to take place in 2013. Plans to construct a baseball stadium are underway. The first pitch is scheduled to be thrown in the fall of 2012. The lighted field, featuring state-of-the-art artificial turf, will also be used to host high school tournaments, summer leagues and youth programs. Read more about this gift at www.cornerstone.edu/edu_news.
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Loyalty • Winter 2011-2012
Grand Rapids Theological Seminary GRTS is pleased to introduce the new Addictions Counseling Cognate, comprised of three courses (9 credits). For more information please visit the GRTS website: grts.cornerstone.edu/grts/academics/addictions.
Kern Scholars Program The program provides generous scholarships for Master of Divinity students who are intending to enter full-time ministry in a local church. For more information contact Craig Johnson, Kern Scholars program director at craig.johnson@cornerstone.edu.
The Master of Arts in Ministry Leadership and the Master of Arts in Biblical Studies are now being offered as fully online degree programs. Visit online.cornerstone.edu/programs/ministry for more information.
Professional & Graduate Studies Cornerstone Student Fund Each Fall, Cornerstone students call alumni, parents and friends of the university to invite their support of the Cornerstone Student Fund. This year, 13 students worked 3.5 weeks to help make those calls. Maybe you connected with one of them! A special thank you to all of our alumni who were involved! The Cornerstone Student Fund is committed to students by providing student scholarships, faculty excellence, classroom enhancements and technological improvements. If you didn’t have a chance to give during phonathon, you can still give online! Go to www.cornerstone.edu/give.
The Professional & Graduate Studies (PGS) Program of Cornerstone University offers a Health Care Master of Business Administration (MBA), and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. For more details, visit www.cornerstone.edu/pgs. Staff members from PGS were privileged to travel with a group of PGS MBA students to the Czech Republic in September. Throughout the trip, Dr. Rob Simpson, associate provost of PGS, showed the students how business is transforming globally while Dr. Sandra Upton, dean of business programs, challenged them to develop cultural intelligence. If you are an alum of PGS, we encourage you to join us as we travel in the coming year to China, Israel, South Africa and Eastern Europe. Visit www.Bglobalstudies.com for more information.
News & Events
University News
$5 Million Gift
Academic News
Faculty & Staff News New Academic Initiatives Recommending specific increases in academic rigor in the undergraduate program. These recommendations, crafted by the Task Force on Academic Rigor, are now being discussed in Faculty Senate and will be implemented next spring. Approved a new major in Non-Profit Administration to equip graduates to advance the Gospel through the means of non-profit organizations.
News & Events
Creating an Honors House that serves as a residence for honors students as well as a gathering space for honors events. Implementing a New Faculty Orientation program for our five new tenure-track professors.
Dr. Jeremy Grinnell, visiting assistant professor of systematic theology at GRTS, completed a doctor of philosophy in theology at Calvin in May 2011. Dr. Timothy Gombis, associate professor of New Testament at GRTS recently authored two books entitled “Paul: A Guide for the Perplexed,” and “The Drama of Ephesians.” His study on Paul was recently featured in an article in Christianity Today. Read the article here: www. christianitytoday.com/ct/2011/july/paulwethink.html. Professor Pete Muir, assistant professor of media and chair of the communication and media studies division, presented a paper entitled “The Future of Film Production Education: Vocationalism and the Liberal Arts” at University Film and Video Association. Dr. Michael Pasquale, associate professor of linguistics and chair of the humanities division, participated in a symposium and a paper entitled “The Folk Linguistics of Second Language Learning and Teaching” at the 13th World Congress of Applied Linguistics in Beijing, China in August.
Professor Michael Stockdale, division chair of music, prepared a new program for a five-concert season of the Grand Rapids Guitar Quartet, of which he is a member. This season concluded with a mini tour at the end of the semester in Michigan and Ontario. Dr. Joan VanDessel, assistant professor of music, participated in the world premiere of a new work by Thomas Cipullo for voice, violin, clarinet and piano at a benefit concert for the Beaver Island Cultural Arts Association. Dr. Kent Walters, associate professor of music, taught the Worship Practicum Course sequence in June for postgraduates students at the Robert E. Webber Institute for Worship Studies in Orange Park, Fla. Matthew Westerholm, associate dean of chapel, published an article entitled “The Cream of Creation and the Cream of Faith: The Lord’s Supper as a Means of Assurance in Puritan Thought” in the Puritan Reformed Theological Journal 3:1 (Jan, 2011).
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Alumni Events
CU VIP Connection at Art Prize® The first year of our CU VIP Connection was a hit! Over 80 alumni, professors, families and friends visited our downtown space during ArtPrize to enjoy delicious refreshments along with special appearances by Bette Dickinson (M.Div. ’11), Kelsey (Rottiers) Pray (B.Mus. ’09) and Warren Kramer. Thank you to everyone that stopped by and supported this event! You helped make it a success and we look forward to seeing even more alumni next year! Check out our website and Facebook for links to pictures and to tag yourself in photos.
Quincer Reunion A special thank you
to all of the Quincerites that returned for our Quincer Reunion! Quincer alumni and current Quincerites came together for a time of memory sharing and terrific food from Yesterdog and Madcap Coffee. Those who attended the event received a limited edition “Quincer for Life” t-shirt. If you lived in Quincer and were not able to make it to the reunion, let us know and we’ll send you a t-shirt as well!
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Loyalty • Winter 2011-2012
VIP Receptions at CU Theatre! The Alumni Association
will host VIP receptions for alumni during select intermissions of the 2011-2012 theatre productions! You won’t want to miss these productions or the chance to spend intermission like a VIP! We have a space reserved just for you to reconnect with other alumni, the alumni relations staff and enjoy some refreshments that take their cues from the show.
1940s Radio Hour – Friday, Dec. 2, 2011 A Little Princess – Friday, Feb. 3, 2012 The Sound of Music – Friday, April 13, 2012 Visit www.cornerstone.edu/alumni/connect/events or email amanda.lawrence@cornerstone.edu with any questions about the receptions. For more information on these productions or to purchase tickets, call 616.516.0000 or visit www.cornerstone.edu/theatre.
Athletic Events The Men’s Basketball Team
will host the Grand Rapids Sports Hall of Fame Classic on Thanksgiving weekend, with games against Calvin on Nov. 25 and Hope on Nov. 26. Check out www.cornerstone.edu for a list of both our 2011-2012 men’s and women’s basketball schedule, as well as the game schedules for our other athletic teams. Go CU!
Christmas Concert CELEBRATE the Christmas season with a holiday concert by Cornerstone’s Chorale Choir and Symphonic Winds Ensemble! Where: Park Church • 10 E. Park Place NE • Grand Rapids, MI 49503 When: Sunday, Dec. 4 at 7 p.m. No tickets are required for this event – we look forward to seeing you there!
Women’s Leadership Conference CALLING ALL ALUMNAE! When you register for the Women’s Leadership Conference, note that you are an alumna to receive the $5 discount! Also, remember to mark your calendars for 8 a.m. on Feb. 18 to join the Alumni Office for a pre-session breakfast. To register for the conference or for more information, please visit www.cornerstone.edu/alumniwlc.
Join us for the best of fall and winter combined into one celebratory week! Feb. 12-18, 2012 Sunday, Feb. 12 2:30 p.m. – CU Theatre Production: A Little Princess with Alumni VIP Reception Matthews Auditorium | Tickets available at www.cornerstone.edu/theatre 8:30 p.m. – Winter Homecoming Kick-Off | Hansen Center 9 p.m. – Evensong | Mol Arena Join us in worship with current CU students and Evensong.
Monday, Feb. 13 10 a.m. – Chapel (Speaker: Andy Crouch) | Mol Arena 11 a.m. – Alumni Lunch | Dining Commons
News & Events
7:30 p.m. – From Class to Calling | Gainey A & B Alumni and students discuss careers and life journeys over dessert and coffee.
Wednesday, Feb. 15 10 a.m. – Chapel (Speaker: Bethany Hoang, Director of IJM Institute) | Mol Arena 11 a.m. – Alumni Lunch | Dining Commons 7:30 p.m. – Women’s Basketball Game vs. Concordia University | Mol Arena
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thursday, Feb. 16
Saturday, Feb. 18
Athletics Hall of Honor Banquet Details available on our website.
8 A.m. – Breakfast Reception for Women’s Leadership Conference | Wood Seminary Building
7:30 p.m. – Battle of the Bands | Corum Student Union
9:30 A.m. – Women’s Alumni Basketball Game Mol Arena
Friday, Feb. 17
10 A.m. – Reunion Row: 1, 5, 10, 25 and 40 year Class Reunions | Hansen Center
10 A.m. – Chapel (Speaker: Larry Thompson) Mol Arena
10:15 A.m. – Men’s Over 30 Alumni Basketball Game | Mol Arena
11 A.m. – Alumni Lunch with Special Faculty and Staff Dining Commons
11 A.m. – Men’s Under 30 Alumni Basketball Game | Mol Arena
Cornerstone Winter Gala Frederic Meijer Gardens Friday, Feb. 17 at 6:30 p.m.
Noon – Rocky’s Tailgate | Dining Commons 1 p.m. – Women’s Basketball vs. Davenport Mol Arena 3 p.m. – Men’s Basketball vs. Davenport | Mol Arena
The Cornerstone Winter Gala is going to be THE signature event of Cornerstone’s year! With dinner at Fredric Meijer Gardens, performances by Evangelical Choral Society with guest conductor Dr. Richard Stewart, presentation of alumni awards, and so much more, this will be a night you won’t forget!
Visit our website for more details and to register for homecoming 2012! www.cornerstone.edu/homecoming 9
Loyalty • Winter 2011-2012
1965 Gordon Music Hall was constructed; The Herald became the official school newspaper
Loyalty.
It’s the fabric of who we are. cornerstone has been marked by a rich heritage of lives dedicated to furthering our mission. Take a look at our past 70 years and join us in celebrating a tradition of loyalty.
1949
1970
Name changed to “Grand Rapids Baptist Theological Seminary & Bible Institute”
Five varsity sports marked the beginning of this decade – basketball, cross-country, soccer, baseball & track
1972 Nov. 1, 1959
School received full accreditation as a liberal arts college and name was changed to “Grand Rapids Baptist College & Seminary”
Dr. W. Wilbert Welch assumed presidency
1945 Seminary-educated professors were hired, raising the level of eduction for ministry.
Jan. 7, 1941 “Baptist Bible Institute” Established
First day of classes held at Wealthy Street Baptist Temple. Fees for regularly enrolled students were $2 per term!
1964 1944 Name changed to “Baptist Bible Institute and School of Theology”
“Grand Rapids Baptist Bible College & Seminary” moved onto the E. Beltline campus. The first meal for students on campus was oven-heated Spam!
1962 Property was purchased on E. Beltline for the construction of a new campus. Name changed to “Grand Rapids Baptist Bible College and Seminary.”
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1999 1991
1981 Library dedicated as Miller Library
2011
Men’s basketball team wins first NAIA national championship
Dr. Rex M. Rogers became our school’s 10th president.
Men’s basketball team wins second NAIA National championship
“Cornerstone College” becomes “Cornerstone University”
2003 “Grand Rapids Baptist Seminary” becomes “Grand Rapids Theological Seminary”
1994 Name changed to “Cornerstone College & Grand Rapids Baptist Seminary”
1993
1985 “Comets” (Basketball team) joined NAIA; Mudbowl tradition began
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“Grand Rapids School of Bible & Music” merged with “Grand Rapids Baptist College.” Adult & Continuing Education Program (now Professional & Graduate Studies) is launched.
Loyalty • Winter 2011-2012
1998 Women’s Volleyball team wins first conference championship
2007 Dr. Joseph Stowell became CU’s 11th president
2011
Cornerstone marks 70 years of influencing others for christ, both here and throughout the world.
Undergraduate Spotlight: Mike Krick (B.A. ’94) For 11 years, Mike Krick, served at Spring Hill Camp. Then God prompted him to raise support to be
a missionary with World Orphans. He now serves as the Midwest regional director for the organization and is responsible for communicating the World Orphans model to Western churches, businesses, foundations and individuals. The ministry comes alongside indigenous churches and helps resource projects to care for the orphans in their community. Why did you choose to attend Cornerstone University?
My Life AT cu
I decided to attend Cornerstone because I was attracted to a smaller Christian college. I also wanted to get away from home, but not too far away so 2 hours away seemed perfect, and I liked Grand Rapids. How has CU prepared you for what you are doing now? I, unfortunately can’t say that CU education, prepared me for what I am doing now. It took God preparing me for many years after graduation. I can say, however, that a quote I heard in chapel in 1993 rocked my world, and perhaps that quote was part of the “preparation” of keeping my hands and heart open to whatever God may call me to. I still have the quote framed in my office: “There is one thing in life I fear more than failure, and that is being successful in something that doesn’t count”.
Feature Stories
We can have a Kingdom impact and make a difference wherever we work/serve. You don’t have to be in ministry to be doing something that “counts”...But that quote really drove me to seriously consider full time ministry and I am thankful for the speaker to this day – even though I can’t recall who he/she is!
Favorite Memory: Too many to count, but I have many fun memories of living in Van Osdel for four years and attending and being the obnoxious fan at soccer and basketball games. Favorite Food: Greasy chili cheese fries at “The Skillet.”
What do you do to build a life that matters on a daily basis? The most important impact I desire to be having is not within the ministry I am a part of, but in the lives of four of the most important people in my life...my kids. My wife and I have a 10-year- old son and three daughters. We are traveling this journey of parenthood together and hopefully instilling characteristics of the fruits of the Spirit in our kids. Can’t imagine a more important way to be a part of building lives that matter.
Favorite Activities: Intramurals and Breakpoint volleyball ministry team. Last Visit: Last month! Currently serving on the CU Alumni Board.
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PGS Spotlight: David McFarland (B.A. ’11) David McFarland, who earned a degree in business management through PGS, was recently honored at the Grand Rapids Business Journal’s 40 Under Forty event and featured in a magazine supplement for being one of the areas most dynamic, up-andcoming, young business leaders. The 40 people honored “are the business and community leaders of the future in West Michigan” according to the Journal. He is currently president of The Lead Company in Grand Rapids where he resides with his wife, Jenna, and their daughter, Peyton. Why did you choose to attend PGS? The availability of classes from 6 p.m. – 10 p.m., the Christian worldview and accelerated nature of the program was appealing. How has PGS prepared you for your vocation? The company I currently own and operate was already started prior to attending Cornerstone, but the relationships I developed throughout the education process have been great. Simple things, including learning better grammar, writing papers, researching, etc., helped me as my company grew. How do you feel you are able to build lives that matter on a daily basis?: I have, and always will, feel that how I act towards others makes a difference. I try my best to have a positive attitude all of the time, and by doing so, have an impact on people around me. I am not perfect and will never claim to be, but by portraying a positive attitude, people notice, and that helps me to make a difference.
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Loyalty • Winter 2011-2012
My Life AT cu
Favorite place to study: Starbucks, Panera and my house. Favorite professor: James Evans because he took a “boring” subject (accounting) and not only made it interesting, but fun, therefore allowing me to actually retain the information. Last time on campus: Graduation. Favorite memory: The best part of my Cornerstone experience was the fact that we had the same class throughout the program, and the groups we were placed in are people with whom I still stay in touch.
grts spotlight: don pearson (b.a. ’83, m.t.s. ’89) Don pearson, who currently oversees student ministries, parents of adolescents and empty nesters at
Blythfield Hills Baptist Church, recently published his second book, “iParent.” He holds a bachelors from Moody Bible Institute, Cornerstone University and a masters in New Testament and Greek from Grand Rapids Theological Seminary. Pearson and his wife, Julie, have three grown children and live near Grand Rapids. How did the education at GRTS prepare you for your current vocation?
GRTS gave me the comprehensive Biblical theological narrative and in particular, how to exegete scripture in light of the whole Bible. How do you feel you are “Building Lives that Matter” on a daily basis? Building lives that matter on a daily basis has to do with influencing students and parents towards a Christian worldview as a framework with which to grow their walk with Jesus within.
Feature Stories
In what ways did your education at GRTS influence the writing of “iParent?” My education at GRTS gave me the confidence from a theological perspective to have categories for current trends and deviant behavior as displayed in the book. “iParent” addresses the issue of accelerating technology and teens stuck in the middle of it. The book is a guide for parents to get into the mindset of dealing with new trends in dating and relationships among adolescents.
My Life AT cu Favorite Memory of CU: Class with Portfleets; intramural basketball Favorite memory of GRTS: Class with Hoch favorite professor: Carl B. Hoch, Jr. Favorite place on campus: Last Spring, to hear Kirk Cousins speak Souvenirs: Faded t-shirts Cornerstone University Alumni Journal
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ogether as alumni, you are influencing the lives of people for Jesus Christ all over the globe. Thank
Matthew and Rachel (Lanning) Sawatzky (B.A. ’99) welcomed their third child, Benjamin Aaron, into their family on Aug. 10, 2011. Matthew and Rachel have lived in Taiwan for the past eight years; all of their boys were born in Taiwan.
2000s Steve (B.S. ’05) and Sarah (Cahoon) Rice (B.A. ’06) welcomed their first child, Katelyn Eleanor, into their family on Sept. 4, 2011.
Roger Herrington (B.A. ’88) and Doreen Corl were married on July 30, 2010, and now reside in Michigan.
2000s
Gregory and Sarah (Fresse) Oaklief (B.A. ’04) were married on July 4, 2011 and now reside in Colorado. Matthew (B.A. ’10) and Caitlin (Whitman) Haller (B.A. ’11) were married on July 23, 2011.
Scott (B.A. ’10) and Charity (Elzerman) Gibbons (A.S. ’10) welcomed their first child, Micah Scott, into their family on Aug. 17, 2011.
Joel and Amanda (Kusneske) Lawrence (B.A. ’11) were married on July 30, 2011. Joel is a student at GRTS and Amanda works in the alumni office as the communications specialist.
Nate (B.S. ’11) and Dawn (Kruis) Knox (B.S. ’09) welcomed their first child, Linus David, into their family on Feb. 12, 2011. Linus is the first grandchild on both sides of the family.
Josh (B.S. ’11) and Alyssa (Morrow) Thayer (B.S. ’11) were married on July 30, 2011.
When you share the arrivals to your family, we will send you a “Future CU Alum” baby bib.
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1980s
Loyalty • Winter 2011-2012
When you share your union, we will send you two metal alumni association tags to celebrate your future travels together.
Alumni News
1990s
Unions
Arrivals
you for sharing the ways in which you are doing this and for keeping us up to date on the happenings in your life.
Milestones
1980s
Scott (B.R.E. ’83) and Sandy Tremp recently authored a book together, entitled “Surviving Life.” This book is the first in the “Surviving Life” series. To find out more about the Tremps’ ministry, visit slsnow.com. Dr. David Nemitz (M.A. ’85) recently received the “Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching” from Liberty University. The award recognizes residential and online teachers who have used exceptional skills, instructional technology and creative approaches to promote learning. Dr. Nemitz is the director of the Center for the Advancement of Faculty Excellence at Liberty, as well as an associate professor of religion and instructional design.
1990s
Steven Witter (M.R.E. ’95) recently became the Executive Director at Providence Christian High School in Fremont, Mich. Steven and his wife, Wendy, moved back to Michigan after living in Iowa the past 16 years.
2000s
Trevor Corlett (attended ’96-’00) was featured on the cover of Barista Magazine in the October – November 2011 issue. The article called him “the founder/CEO of one of the most successful young specialty roasting companies of the new millennium.” Read the full article at baristamagazine.com/Issues/VolumeVII/index.html.” Sarah (Fresse) Oaklief (B.A. ’04) furthered her education by completing an M.A. in English creative writing and MLIS in library science from University of Wisconsin- Milwaukee. Debra McGuire (M.B.A. ’10) was appointed chair-elect of the Certified Association Executive (CAE) Commission, headquartered in Washington, D.C.
Alumni News
Matthew Elmore (B.A. ’11) recently began a position as a nurse technician in the Blodgett Hospital emergency room.
When you share a milestone, we will send you a CU alumni association cell phone holder.
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. Please include a photo to post on the website version of your story. www.cornerstone.edu/ shareyournews
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Alumni Involvement
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? Would you like to learn more about giving a gift that gives back to you? 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.
Assessment Plan Starting this year we will conduct annual alumni surveys to assess satisfaction and gather alumni ideas. Surveys will be online May 2012 and will assess 1, 5 and 10 year graduates or the classes of 2011, 2006 and 2001. Thank you in advance for your vital feedback!
one of the ways
we love to celebrate our alumni is by sharing their stories with other alum! 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! Visit www.cornerstone.edu/sharestory today! Share your story to receive one of these bookmarks from the Alumni Association!
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Loyalty • Winter 2011-2012
we have noticed
that our current CU students have a longing and hunger to be influenced by another person’s presence and life experience. In hopes to fulfill this need, the office of Spiritual Formation has created the Sojourners mentoring program, designed to partner alumni like you with current students interested in having a fellow sojourner walk through the school year with them. Through the program we’ll connect you to training and resources to help make your relationship a success. Contact Cassandra Haller, discipleship ministries coordinator, at cassandra.haller@cornerstone.edu for more information or to complete a mentor profile.
CU Service Awards Alumni Relations congratulates the following alumni for
Golden Eagle Days with Undergraduate Admissions do you remember
the day you chose to attend CU? Did visiting campus help confirm your decision? Please partner with us as we seek to recruit new students who desire to influence our world for Christ. Know any students already interested in Cornerstone? Refer a Student* and encourage a visit during a Golden Eagle Day (GED)! GEDs are large visit days designed for students who want a broad overview of CU and include: attending chapel & class, taking a campus tour, meeting faculty & current students, and eating in the newly renovated Dining Commons.
Upcoming GEDs:
2007. dent staff in missions stu ); Ryan Humm Pictured: Ad ham (B.A. ’08 ing nn Cu ica ’10); Jordan .A. (B ty (L to R) Jess Do ) ten Schad ta (Sherwood (B.A. ‘11); Keirs ell (B.A. ’11); Calis br Kim e ne Re ); ’10 .S. (B Cooper (B.A. ’10)
2011
Dec. 2, 2011
2012 Feb. 3 Feb. 24 March 16
* Refer a student to Cornerstone University Golden Eagle Days and receive a free CU pennant! You can refer students by going to: cornerstone.edu/alumni/contribute/refer_a_student_form/refer_a_student.
their years as staff and faculty members at CU! Thanks for your continued loyalty and service to your alma mater!
5 years of service Emilie Azkoul (M.B.A. ‘08), Director of Human Resources John Balyo (B.A. ‘02), WCSG Morning Host Darci Irwin (M.S. ‘09), Director of Alumni Relations Layne Kreh (B.A. ‘05), Assistant Athletic Director
15 years of service Gail Duhon (M.B.A. ‘08), Registrar Robert Lehman (M.Div. ‘80), Director of Counseling Program & Professor of Counseling
20 years of service Dodd Morris (M.S. ‘11), Director of His Kids Radio
30 years of service Rebecca Carlson (B.A. ‘82), Morning News Announcer, WCSG Brian Jackson (M.R.E. ‘85), Vice President for Development
35 years of service Brenda King (M.R.E. ‘72), Division Chair, Professor of Sociology
Cornerstone University Alumni Journal
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visit us at www.CUBooksOnline.com
Join Alumni Relations on Wednesdays throughout the year for a visit day tailored just for you! Visit www.cornerstone.edu/welcomebackwednesdays to register and select the activities you would like to attend. Options include: attending a University Chapel, touring the campus renovations and improvements, eating lunch in the NEW dining commons or sitting in on a class.
Upcoming Dates for Welcome Back Wednesdays: Fall Semester Nov. 30 Dec. 7
Spring Semester Feb. 8, 15, 22, 29 March 14, 21, 28 April 4, 11, 18
Questions? Contact Amanda Lawrence, alumni communications specialist, at amanda.lawrence@cornerstone.edu.