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PHOTO BY JOHNNY QUIRIN
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CORNERSTONE HOUSING RECORD NUMBER OF STUDENTS q & a
DETROIT ICON PURSUES A NEW ACADEMIC FORECAST – IN HIS PAJAMAS
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Meteorologist Chuck Gaidica answers questions about his decision to pursue a master’s degree through CU’s online program.
f e at u r e
A PLACE TO CALL HOME
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A glimpse into the lives of the children of international missionaries on campus, their unique struggles and how Cornerstone values their contribution to the campus. by ann byle
by kelli cottrell
ON THE COVER PICTURED: Cornerstone logo sculpture in front of the Hansen Athletic Center. PHOTO BY: RYAN PRINS
f e at u r e
WCSG CELEBRATES RUBY ANNIVERSARY
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Cornerstone University radio turns 40 this year. Take a look at how it all began and hear what the radio personalities have to say about the journey. by ann byle f e at u r e
WALKING A LONELY ROAD, RUNNING TOWARDS THE CROSS
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Grand Rapids Theological Seminary student, Anne Parpas (CU ‘13), is using what she learns in class and her personal experience to help parents who have lost a child navigate the lonely road few have traveled. by tom rademacher
FROM THE PRESIDENT 2013 | WWW.CORNERSTONE.EDU 1001 E BELTLINE AVE NE GRAND RAPIDS MI 49525 MAIN SWITCHBOARD: 616.949.5300 EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS BOB SACK PROJECT MANAGER KATHERINE FELBER WRITER/EDITOR KELLI COTTRELL ART DIRECTOR CAROLINE CAHOON (CU ‘03) GRAPHIC DESIGNER KARMEN LOW WEB DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR JACLYN VISBEEN CONTRIBUTING WRITERS ANN BYLE KELLI COTTRELL TOM RADEMACHER PHOTO BY COASTLINE STUDIOS
ASHLEY VANDERGELD (CU ‘14) CALEB WILLIAMS (CU ‘12)
IT’S THE BEGINNING OF A NEW YEAR AND A LOOK THROUGH THE REARVIEW MIRROR AFFIRMS THAT WE HAVE MUCH TO BE THANKFUL FOR. The year 2012 was a year of unparalleled growth as Cornerstone University experienced a near record-setting enrollment, a continued journey toward financial strength, and the
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS COASTLINE STUDIOS AIMEE LUURTSEMA RYAN PRINS JOHNNY QUIRIN Cornerstone Magazine is an annual publication produced by the Marketing and Communications Office at Cornerstone University. Approximately
compelling testimonies of our students, faculty, staff, and alumni who continue to embrace
22,000 copies are distributed to friends of the
our mission to influence the cultures of our world for Christ.
university to connect them to happenings at CU.
In particular, we applaud the accomplishments of CU Radio, which celebrates 40 years
IDENTITY
of ministry in 2013, as well as being awarded “Station of the Year.” On campus, we
Cornerstone is a Christ-centered university with a
continue our commitment to provide a richly resourced learning environment where our
passion for global influence through the transforming power of the gospel.
students can thrive. A new residence hall and state-of-the-art baseball stadium are under
MISSION
construction, and plans are in motion for the addition of a $20 million chapel that will also
We exist to empower men and women to excel
house the music and media departments! I have never been more encouraged by the trajectory of this university on every front! God has seen fit to show his favor on the work of our hands (Psalm 90) and, for that, we are grateful. As I complete my fifth year of serving Cornerstone, I feel blessed to be a part of raising a new generation who will effectively impact our world for Christ. In fact, we are so encouraged that Martie and I have recently committed to another five years at CU. We’d hate to miss the joy of what lies ahead! We are energized by the unusual opportunity to be involved in this strategic enterprise for the Kingdom of Christ and the future of His church. Blessings, and may 2013 be your best year yet!
Dr. Joe Stowell President of Cornerstone University
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as influencers in our world for Christ by offering a student-focused learning community where Jesus Christ is central. VISION We aspire to create a thriving community of fully devoted followers of Jesus in a spiritually contagious, academically excellent, richly resourced and culturally diverse learning environment that attracts outstanding students, faculty and staff who influence our world for Christ, his church and his kingdom.
DesigneD to accommoDate the specific neeDs of busy, working aDults, cornerstone university’s professional & graDuate stuDies (pgs) Division offers you flexible anD convenient programs taught from a christ-centereD worlDview. Associate, Bachelor and Master degrees feature courses that have immediate and practical application in the workplace. Cohorts are enrolling now in Grand Rapids, Lansing, the Lakeshore, Kalamazoo and online!
www.cornerstone.edu/pgs
CU HOUSING RECORD NUMBER OF STUDENTS
by kelli cottrell
“WE BELIEVE THE BEST WHOLISTIC COLLEGE EXPERIENCE IS LIVING ON CAMPUS.” – JOE STOWELL PRESIDENT OF CU
FALL 2012 BROUGHT RECORD BREAKING GROWTH TO CORNERSTONE’S RESIDENCE HALLS AND THE NEW CLASS RIVALED THE CAMPUS’S HIGHEST ENROLLMENT SINCE 2005.
“We believe the best wholistic college
record breaking 62 percent of enrolled
explored ways to meet both needs.
experience is living on campus,” said Dr.
students live on campus, including
In the spring, the completed baseball
Joe Stowell, president of Cornerstone.
upperclassmen.
field will be home to the CU baseball
“It’s been our goal to increase the
“I can’t think of a better place to
team, but the residence hall is still in
number of students living on campus.
live in community than Cornerstone,”
progress.
We’ve been praying and working on
said Gerald Longjohn, vice president
The first floor of the building will be
increasing that rate.”
of spiritual formation who welcomed
used for baseball and softball offices,
More than 400 new students arrived
the students to campus and spent the
locker rooms and a training facility.
on the Cornerstone campus Aug. 29
summer configuring the residence halls
The top two floors will be occupied by
to begin their first year at CU, setting a
to accommodate the growth.
students.
record as the largest incoming class. Of
He won’t have to worry about where
During the summer months the
those, about 340 were freshmen and 70
to put additional students this fall,
residence hall will house sports
were new transfer students.
though.
campers.
An eight percent increase in students
The new residence hall is expected to
living on campus occurred from Fall
be ready for move-in August 2013.
2011 to Fall 2012, continuing a climb
The combined baseball stadium
since 2008 when only 50 percent
and residence hall was a dream local
lived on campus. This academic year a
architect Wayne Visbeen had as he
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TO SEE RECENT UPDATES TO THE NEW BASEBALL STADIUM AND RESIDENCE HALL COMBINATION, VISIT, WWW.CORNERSTONE.EDU.
INTELLECTUAL COMMUNITY. CHRIST-CENTEREd WORLdVIEW. At our core, we are compelled and inspired by Jesus Christ. Of all the relationships you’ll walk away with from Cornerstone, your relationship with Him rises above the rest. Academic excellence, accessible resources and a culturally rich community are building blocks to help you attain a rewarding education, fulfilling career and a meaningful life. Our students rise to the high standards put before them with the help of a supportive community surrounding them. We invite you to visit our campus and experience a day at Cornerstone. We offer individual and group visits throughout the year where you can hear great chapel speakers, visit classes, meet professors, tour the residence halls, attend an athletic event, explore opportunities for overseas trips and ask as many questions as you want. To schedule a visit or for more information, visit www.cornerstone.edu.
WINNER OF 2011 ARTPRIZE HOUSED AT GRTS ARTPRIZE’S 2011 WINNING ENTRY, “CRUCIFIXION”, BY ARTIST MIA TAVONATTI OF SANTA ANA, CA., FOUND A NEW HOME IN SEPTEMBER AFTER BEING STORED IN THE GRAND RAPIDS PUBLIC MUSEUM ARCHIVES FOR A YEAR. The 425-pound inspiring piece depicting Jesus on the cross now resides indefinitely in the lobby of the Grand Rapids Theological Seminary. “It really means a lot to me that it is in a university setting and that it can possibly help to transform people’s visions for their future both spiritually and artistically,” said Tavonatti who visited Cornerstone in October. The 9x13 foot stained glass mosaic, was transported from Santa Ana in 2011 in a moving truck driven by Tavonatti to be entered in the international competition. ArtPrize allows the public to vote on hundreds of art pieces displayed throughout the city at numerous venues. After the first round of voting ends, the top 10 pieces are voted on with a winner receiving $250,000 from the Dick and Betsy DeVos Foundation. In 2010, Tavonatti entered another piece that made the top 10 as well. A new rule instituted last year did not allow Tavonatti as the reigning 2011 winner to enter in 2012, but Tavonatti still visited Grand Rapids during ArtPrize 2012 to see friends and family with artwork in the competition. During her visit a private reception was held at GRTS where Tavonatti spoke to a small group about her process of developing the piece and what it means to her. “I create work that is designed to make you feel,” she said after explaining that many people are moved to tears while viewing the piece. “It’s divinely inspired.” With ArtPrize growing each year, hundreds of visitors are expected to
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visit the seminary each fall during the event. More than 400,000 viewers participated in the three-week event with hundreds coming to view last year’s winner, the “Crucifixion” at the seminary. The 2012 public competition included 1,517 art pieces from 46 countries and
41 states. Cornerstone University Alumni Association hosts an alumni reception every year during the competition downtown where alumni can enjoy refreshments, a place to relax and learn about alumni artists.
TO SEE MORE ABOUT THE CRUCIFIXION AND A VIDEO OF TAVONATTI SPEAKING, VISIT WWW.CORNERSTONE.EDU/ARTPRIZE.
FORMER WNBA PLAYER HEADS WOMEN’S BASKETBALL PROGRAM
by caleb williams
GRAND RAPIDS NATIVE AND FORMER WNBA PLAYER KATIE (FEENSTRA) MATTERA JOINED CORNERSTONE UNIVERSITY IN MAY 2012 AS THE NEW WOMEN’S HEAD BASKETBALL COACH.
Mattera launched her coaching career after an eight-year career in professional basketball, including five years in the WNBA. “First and foremost, Katie brings to Cornerstone a love for Jesus Christ and a passionate desire to mentor and develop young women as followers of Christ,” said Dave Grube, director of athletics at Cornerstone University. “Beyond that, her experiences at the highest levels of women’s basketball will provide us with outstanding player recruitment, development and a blueprint for championship teams. I am confident that Katie will continue
PHOTO BY AIMEE LUURTSEMA
Katie Mattera, left, instructs freshman center Jill Hendrickson.
the winning tradition at Cornerstone University.”
was selected to the All-Big South First
The position became open last spring
Team three times (2003, 2004, 2005),
after Carla Fles, Cornerstone University’s
the Kodak/WBCA All-America Region II
women’s basketball head coach since
Team (2004), and was named Big South
1999, announced she was going to retire.
Player of the Year three times (2003,
Fles had just completed a season that
2004, 2005) and Big South Women’s
included her 300th career win.
Athlete of the Year (2004).
But, Mattera, 29, is not new to the
“I never dreamed, when I first picked
basketball scene.
up a basketball, that someday this
In October, she was inducted into
would happen,” said Mattera, a graduate
the Grand Rapids Sports Hall of Fame
of Grand Rapids Baptist Academy (now
(GRSHOF) for her accomplishments in
Northpointe Christian High School). “It
women’s basketball.
just goes to show what hard work and
Her professional career in the WNBA
dedication does, and I’m very glad that I
included three years with San Antonio,
get to glorify God through it all.”
one year with Detroit, one year with Atlanta and three years in the China Pro League. Prior to her professional career, Mattera had an outstanding collegiate run at Liberty University, averaging 17.8 points and 10.5 rebounds per game. During her four years at Liberty, she also
FOR A COMPLETE SCHEDULE OF GAMES THIS SEASON, VISIT WWW.CORNERSTONE.EDU.
“FIRST AND FOREMOST, KATIE BRINGS TO CORNERSTONE A LOVE FOR JESUS CHRIST AND A PASSIONATE DESIRE TO MENTOR AND DEVELOP YOUNG WOMEN AS FOLLOWERS OF CHRIST. BEYOND THAT, HER EXPERIENCES AT THE HIGHEST LEVELS OF WOMEN’S BASKETBALL WILL PROVIDE US WITH OUTSTANDING PLAYER RECRUITMENT, DEVELOPMENT AND A BLUEPRINT FOR CHAMPIONSHIP TEAMS. I AM CONFIDENT THAT KATIE WILL CONTINUE THE WINNING TRADITION AT CORNERSTONE UNIVERSITY.” – DAVE GRUBE DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS AT CU
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DETROIT METEOROLOGIST PURSUES ONLINE MINISTRY DEGREE CHUCK GAIDICA, DIRECTOR OF METEOROLOGY FOR WDIV-TV IN DETROIT, DECIDED TO PURSUE THEOLOGICAL EDUCATION THROUGH ONLINE COURSES WITH CORNERSTONE UNIVERSITY. The successful meteorologist has been in Detroit for 30 years and is a three-time Emmy award winner. An adventurer at heart, he has flown through the eye of a hurricane and flown with the U.S. Navy Blue Angels. Chuck is also an instrument rated, private pilot. He served as a substitute for Al Roker on the NBC Today Show for two years and considers it his proudest professional accomplishment. He has been married to his wife, Susan, for 31 years and has five children. Chuck answered a few questions about his experience taking online courses with CU.
CORNERSTONE MAGAZINE: WHAT PROMPTED YOU TO SEEK ANOTHER DEGREE AFTER HAVING SUCH A SUCCESSFUL CAREER?
GIVEN YOUR SCHEDULE OF NEWSCASTS AT 4, 5, 6 AND 11 P.M., WHAT WERE YOUR ORIGINAL THOUGHTS ABOUT TAKING COURSES ONLINE?
CHUCK: It wasn’t needed for my
CHUCK: I wasn’t sure it would work
current career. My wife and I took two consecutive years of Bible study together. We were able to be together on weekday mornings, once a week for nearly a year each time. So, God was already moving. At the end of the second year of study, my wife Susan asked what we should do next. I replied that if I was going to study for another year, I wanted college credit. I was only half joking.
for me. I have a hectic and often busy schedule. The online routine is nice, but my life is not routine. The things that compete for my time seem to fly at me in large waves. So, there are days I get swamped. I like the idea of attending class from anywhere in the world.
WHY CORNERSTONE? CHUCK: CU made the most sense after some exploration. The reputation and solid grounding of the CU courses was important. I knew most classes would be online, but I wanted to be close if needed. Also, the unique MAML (Master of Arts in Ministry Leadership) degree was appealing. So many master degrees in ministry are short on theology and seem to focus on other things. I wanted to dig deeper.
HOW WERE YOUR EXPECTATIONS VERSUS REALITY ABOUT THE HOMEWORK OR TIME COMMITMENT? CHUCK: I think my expectations and reality were very close. As I mentioned, I get busy in waves. And some weeks I have felt a bit overwhelmed. To be honest, sometimes a grade was not what I hoped for because of my schedule. In the long run, it has been a great experience and I have learned much about managing my time.
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Chuck Gaidica, far left, with his fellow anchors on the WDIV set.
MANY ONLINE DEGREE PROGRAMS HAVE COMMERCIALS SHOWING STUDENTS IN THEIR PAJAMAS WHILE THEY TAKE THEIR COURSES? IS THIS TRUE WITH YOU? CHUCK: It was true with me! I don’t get home from work until after the late news. So, I have been known to be changed out of my suit and reading at 12:30 a.m. some nights. I worked on many posts or even the finishing touches on papers on Saturday mornings. I would wake up before my family, get some coffee and work on the class. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE WHO WAS CONTEMPLATING TAKING ONLINE COURSES – WHETHER SEMINARY, GRADUATE OR UNDERGRADUATE? CHUCK: Find a routine that works for you and use it. It makes it easier to remember deadlines, from week to week. There have been a couple of weeks where a post was due, I was busy and nearly forgot. My routine always helped more than sticky notes and alerts on my iPad. 10
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HOW WELL HAVE YOU BEEN ABLE TO INCORPORATE YOUR KNOWLEDGE FROM CU INTO YOUR DAILY LIFE? CHUCK: First, I have a deeper understanding of Scripture and what I believe. Creating my own creeds of sorts has been helpful. Since I am asked to be a public speaker from time to time, I have been able to refocus my messages and add many Biblical examples that matter. I also studied in Israel and Jordan this summer for about a month. It was a rigorous trip, but I was ready for the multi-tasking demands of my reading, studying and exploring. I have learned a great deal about leadership in my current class, too. We see many examples of failed leadership in our businesses and in the headlines. The current class encourages me to be a better servant leader and encourage others to be better examples of Christian leadership. For this I am both excited and blessed!
HOW HAS THIS EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE SERVED TO TRANSFORM YOUR UNDERSTANDING AND APPROACH TO GOD/FAITH, RELATIONSHIPS, LIFE AND VOCATION? CHUCK: Since I have a job and career outside of ministry I have found both practical and spiritual rewards from my classes. Systematic theology classes have allowed me to sharpen my own personal beliefs. As recent as last week, a class on organizational leadership helped me see an opportunity that could combine ministry, media and business in a new way. I am anxious to leverage my connections to all three areas of my life as a force for good. The impact on my life is dramatic. Studying in the Holy Land this past summer for nearly a month was life changing, too. Many things and people in Israel are large in stature and cast a huge shadow. But I found a God who came in great humility. And, now He is helping me along a new path. I am so thankful.
HOW WILL THIS EDUCATIONAL JOURNEY BE USEFUL IN YOUR FUTURE ENDEAVORS, BOTH PERSONALLY AND PROFESSIONALLY? CHUCK: Realizing that my eventual MAML degree is really a key to unlocking the doors to new opportunities in service and even education is exciting. I see a day when I can use decades of life, business and media experience for God’s Kingdom. But, like many people who wonder (not worry) about their future, I feel God is giving me more direction in life now. I used to say to people that I was having fun being confused. You know, I have a great job and family life and now maybe God is calling. That is not usual for most of my friends. God led me to Cornerstone for a reason. I am pursuing this degree for a reason. In my life, God doesn’t set bushes on fire. He really has spoken to me in a series of whispers and nudges. While studying at Cornerstone I realized the nudges are getting harder. And that’s OK with me!
IN DETROIT, VIEWERS WHO TUNE INTO METEOROLOGIST CHUCK GAIDICA KNOW WHAT TYPE OF WEATHER TO EXPECT WHEN HE CALLS FOR A “CUDDLE ALERT.” And, you can probably guess. Gaidica, a meteorologist for 30 years, created the phrase in the early years of his career in Little Rock, Ark., where the winters were mild. “I was looking for a way to have some fun when it got colder than average,” said Gaidica, who has used the phrase on NBC’s Today Show. “I started using the phrase in Detroit and it stuck.” As a result he created the plush Cuddle Bear toy that has been given to about 8,000 children by first responders when they find a child in trauma and is used by numerous churches as fundraisers. “I got a call one day from a mom who told me her son fell off his bike and shattered his elbow,” said Gaidica. “The EMS gave him a cuddle bear and it got him through the night.” That incident prompted him to write a children’s book about the benefits of cuddling. And, his most recent book “Cuddling Is Like Chocolate” encourages readers to cuddle or hug others because it releases the same chemical in the brain that is released when we eat chocolate. Throughout the year, Gaidica visits adoption organizations with the bears and recently donated 800 to the United Way to distribute. “It has been a fun and busy season of helping others understand why we need to hug and cuddle our kids, parents and grandparents. In the process many others have been helped by the fundraising component.” To order the books or a Cuddle Bear, visit www.cuddlealert.com.
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FEATURE
BY ANN BYLE
FEATURE
PHOTO BY JOHNNY QUIRIN
Jessica Taylor (CU ‘14), whose parents are missionaries in the Ukraine, studies with Nate Ebersole (CU ‘15), whose parents are medical missionaries in Togo, Africa. They became friends during a freshman orientation just for missionary kids.
CORNERSTONE UNIVERSITY DREAMED OF BECOMING THE PLACE THAT CHILDREN OF INTERNATIONAL MISSIONARIES COULD CALL HOME FOR THEIR COLLEGE YEARS. THAT DREAM IS COMING TRUE THANKS TO A CONCENTRATED EFFORT TO BOTH FIND AND FUND THESE STUDENTS.
For Gerald Longjohn, vice president for spiritual formation and a child of missionaries himself, the effort began 3.5 years ago when the university approved a scholarship intended for children of missionaries (MKs). “The effort was made to connect with schools overseas that cater to international high school students,” said Longjohn. “We sent notices to guidance counselors and missions organizations, all to help us with our vision of being an international campus.” The first wave of 10 to 15 MKs arrived in Fall 2009, with the campus now having “passed a critical mass point,” according
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to Longjohn, with 50 to 60 MKs and third-culture kids (international students, others who grew up cross-culturally) here for the 2012-2013 school year. “The critical mass point came when older students began chomping at the bit to be peer guides for younger students,” he said. The university invites MKs and their families to campus a week earlier than other students for a series of orientations designed to address issues such as integrating into a new culture, finding important places on and off campus and getting to know one another.
For Nate Ebersole, whose parents are medical missionaries in Togo, Africa, the MK orientation was just what he needed. “I was a little nervous about starting college and being away from my family. But the MK orientation made me feel right at home; I made most of my friends on campus right away.” He participated in get-to-know-you activities, toured campus, met CU President Dr. Joseph Stowell and was introduced to the Grand Rapids area. “Cornerstone really helps people adapt to a new environment. The orientation was a huge blessing and a huge benefit,” said Ebersole, a sophomore pre-med major. His parents agree. Russ and Melody Ebersole, temporarily in the States due to medical concerns, attended orientation sessions designed for parents. They met other parents, attended sessions on how to let go of their student, met Dr. Stowell, and participated in a special prayer session for incoming freshman MKs. “It was a huge benefit to have the orientation ahead of time for MKs,” said Russ Ebersole. “We’re happy with the atmosphere at Cornerstone and our son loves it here. Cornerstone is one of the first to emphasize reaching MKs, and that is a huge part of what made us happy.” Key to drawing MKs from around the world is offering them help paying for college costs. Scholarships are available for all four years, with applications due before freshman year. For Jessica Taylor, whose parents are missionaries in Ukraine, news of the scholarship came through their mission agency Association of Baptists for World Evangelism (ABWE). The Taylors were familiar with Grand Rapids thanks to attending seminary here,
“I WAS A LITTLE NERVOUS ABOUT STARTING COLLEGE AND BEING AWAY FROM MY FAMILY. BUT THE MK ORIENTATION MADE ME FEEL RIGHT AT HOME; I MADE MOST OF MY FRIENDS ON CAMPUS RIGHT AWAY.” – NATE EBERSOLE (CU ‘16)
so the scholarship really put CU on the Taylor’s radar. Taylor, now a junior elementary education major, attended the orientation for MKs as a freshman. “The biggest way it helped me was getting to know several upperclassmen who were MKs, and some of the faculty,” said Taylor. “We heard from upperclassmen who have gone through this transition, so we could get an idea what to expect during our first year at CU.” Taylor and Nate Ebersole are now part of the government for Mu Kappa, an internationally recognized organization for MKs started by MKs. Mu Kappa offers a variety of activities and is often the center for MK social activities. “Mu Kappa tries to provide that family connection for MKs so they know there are people who care and who understand and relate to them,” said Taylor. “We can be there when they’re missing home or experiencing culture shock.” Part of Mu Kappa’s mandate, as well as that of Cornerstone, is to educate non-MK students about what it’s like to live overseas and to offer another perspective on the world. “We’re looking to help each other by being that support, but also reach outward to Cornerstone and give back by helping share our experiences,”
said Taylor, secretary for the Mu Kappa chapter at CU. Ebersole, VP of the chapter, says the Mu Kappa group gets together twice a week to play soccer, has monthly prayer and worship times, and celebrates holidays together. “We want to offer a multicultural influence on campus, but also support those whose parents are on the other side of the world,” he said. According to Longjohn, Cornerstone University is now a place with a growing population of international students—both MKs and students from other countries here via an exchange program with universities in the Netherlands and South Korea. The university is drawing interest from third-culture students already in the U.S. who want to come because of CU’s global passion, and it is seeing a new wave of students arrive thanks to those already here. “Now that we’re in our fourth year of hosting more international students and MKs, we’ve got students who have been recruited by other students, such as younger siblings or friends,” said Longjohn. “We want students to know that we value their heritage, and let them know that each one is a unique and valued member of our community.”
FEATURE
PHOTO BY JOHNNY QUIRIN
On-air personalities John Balyo (CU ‘02), left, and Amanda Hildabrand love interacting with their listeners weekdays on the morning show.
SIT THE STAFF AT WCSG-FM 91.3 IN A CONFERENCE ROOM AND YOU’LL DISCOVER NEARLY 200 YEARS OF RADIO EXPERIENCE AND EACH PERSON DEDICATED TO DRAWING LISTENERS CLOSER TO JESUS CHRIST. That dedication to both radio and Jesus Christ is a big part of
others. The station’s home was 800 square feet in the
what brings WCSG and Cornerstone University Radio into its
basement of the old campus gymnasium.
40th year. June 9, 2013, marks the 40th anniversary of going on
By 1983 the station had moved to its current location, a
the air for the premier Christian radio station in West Michigan.
former Grand Rapids Fire Department station on the northeast
What started as a student-driven desire in the late 1960s and
corner of the CU property. The sounds were now “light
early ‘70s to bring radio to the CU campus (then Grand Rapids
contemporary” as listeners enjoyed Amy Grant, Evie, Sandi
Baptist College) became an easy-listening, classical music and
Patti, Steve Green and the Gaithers.
preaching station in 1973.
“Listeners ate it up,” said Chris Lemke, executive director of
Frank Boggs, George Beverly Shea and Doug Oldham
CU Radio, which includes WCSG, WaY-FM 89.9, and Mission
blended their “peaceful sounds on stereo 91.3” with the
Network News. “We started getting listeners in a grass-roots
preaching of J. Vernon McGee and Dr. M.R. DeHaan among
way. Listeners told their friends, who told their friends. In 1981
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we had 10,000-15,000 listeners; by 1988 we had 50,000-55,000.” The 1980s were a decade of change, not only in format and listener numbers, but in how the station was
CORNERSTONE UNIVERSITY RADIO HAS
supported. What had been bleeding
EXPANDED ITS AUDIENCE TO INCLUDE
red ink from its owner Cornerstone
LISTENERS ACROSS WEST MICHIGAN – FROM
University became a listener-supported station that paid for itself. The station’s
BIG RAPIDS TO THREE RIVERS – DURING THE
first Sharathon in 1981 brought in
PAST 40 YEARS. HERE ARE A FEW MAJOR
$35,000 of its $65,000 goal. In 1982,
DEVELOPMENTS OVER THE YEARS:
the Sharathon brought in $101,000, beating its goal of $65,000. These days WCSG has a $2.3 million budget, met yearly by individual donations, business
1995
CU Radio acquired Mission Network News, an internationally syndicated news feature conveying events of God at work around the world through His people. It grew from being heard on 250 radio outlets to more than 1,000 with an audience exceeding 3 million each day.
1997
CU Radio signed on WaYK in Kalamazoo, a progressive format targeted to teens and young adults.
1999
CU Radio signed on WaYG in Grand Rapids.
2010
WCSG extended its signal into Battle Creek with WCFG.
2011
CU Radio signed on WaYO in Benton Harbor.
underwriting, and larger gifts. “I learned everything I know about radio from CU Radio,” said Dodd Morris, WCSG’s Director of Operations and New Media and with the team since 1988. “Like a lot of people who get into radio, I got bit by the bug. I had planned to major in youth ministry and music when Lee Geysbeek hired me. After a few years I discovered that radio was my calling, not just a job to put me through college.” Morris, like other WCSG personalities such as Becky Carlson, Amanda Hildabrand, Joel Hill, Don Michael and John Balyo, see their jobs as much more than paychecks. They love interacting with listeners, hearing their stories and pointing them to Jesus. “We’re listener focused because
“We do it through great content,
even CDs. Music is delivered via MP3
they support us. Our goal is to be as
relevant platforms, and a desire to point
files, with Facebook, Twitter, email and
interactive as possible, so we can point
people to Jesus Christ,” said Lemke,
mobile apps an integral part of the
listeners to the hope of Jesus,” said
who began at WCSG in 1981. “We want
radio experience. Listeners can chat
Hildabrand. “It’s so exciting to be part
to be a significant, positive, Christ-like
with radio personalities on Facebook,
of WCSG.”
influence in West Michigan and around
email prayer requests and get updates
Carlson, who started WCSG’s news
world.”
on Twitter.
department in 1982, also answered
Don Michael, cohost of the afternoon
The future is bright for the station.
phones, helped with shipping and did
show with Steve O’Dell, points to
Lemke sees more targeted integration
an on-air shift. Morris remembers doing
WCSG’s intentionally being “live and
with Cornerstone University, improved
janitorial work along with his usual
local” at a time when radio seems to be
facilities and rebuilding reserve funds
job. The point, they both say, is that
decentralized. He calls it “super-serving
depleted during the lean years of 2008-
everyone chips in to get the job done
our listeners.”
09 when giving was down. As always,
when needed. WCSG is all about family.
“The relationship with our listeners
however, the future is about listeners.
In Spring 2012, WCSG was rated the
makes us strong and keeps us strong.
“People come and go, but our mission
top morning show in West Michigan.
Our listeners aren’t there to serve us,
has ultimately stayed the same,” said
The station is in the top three overall
but for us to serve them,” said Michael.
Balyo, morning show host and assistant
in the area. The Christian Music
“We glorify God when we serve them.”
program director. “We exist to
Broadcasters named it the national
Radio in the 21st century is far beyond
encourage and engage listeners to a
2012 CMB Station of the Year.
reel-to-reel tapes, vinyl platters and
deeper relationship with Jesus Christ.”
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by tom rademacher
LYDIA SURVIVED 32 HOURS. HER TWIN BROTHER HENRY, LESS THAN HALF A DAY. AND IN THE WAKE OF THEIR DEATHS, TOTALLY UNEXPECTED, THEIR PARENTS WONDERED HOW THEY WOULD EVER COPE WITH THE SEEMINGLY INSURMOUNTABLE GRIEF. THEY DISCOVERED IT LARGELY THROUGH THE HANDS AND HEART OF A STUDENT AT GRAND RAPIDS THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY (GRTS) ON THE CAMPUS OF CORNERSTONE UNIVERSITY.
PHOTO BY JOHNNY QUIRIN
Eric and Rita Graham hold photos of their twins who died shortly after birth.
Her name is Anne Parpas, 41, a married mother of two who never imagined that her walk with God might place her in front of parents reeling in unimaginable ways from the loss of their most precious gift – their own kids. Her story begins not at Cornerstone, but in the lakeshore town of St. Joseph, Mich., where she was born and raised until the family moved to Mt. Pleasant. She was the daughter of a pastor, and traveled with him while he performed evangelistic work that included her participation in a Christian musical ministry. She married shortly after her graduation in 1990 from Mt. Pleasant High School, and soon discovered she’d entered into an abusive relationship from which she feared she might never emerge. “I’d met this guy through church, and was in a very abusive marriage for 10 years – spiritual, physical, emotional.” Anne says her husband first began abusing her verbally, calling her degrading names. It mushroomed to a point where she felt controlled, manipulated, trapped. “I was isolated from my family and friends, and limited in what I was permitted to do.” Working as a registered nurse at a pair of Grand Rapids area hospitals, she tried to hide from co-workers the welts
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and bruises she says her husband rained down on her. “I made up all kinds of excuses. It felt like being in prison.” In classic style, Anne looks back now and can see all the warning signs informing her she should have escaped earlier. “People asked me all the time why I stayed with him for so long. But over the years, you start to believe all the names you’re being called. “I lost who I was.” Her epiphany came during the fall of 2001, while witnessing the carnage of 9-11. “I saw all these people losing their lives, losing their families, and I sat there, transformed, seeing and feeling reflections of the pain and loss in my own life.” Resolved to seek a new and better life, she fled the marriage, seeking asylum from Safe Haven Ministries in Grand Rapids, a faith-based refuge that provides shelter and services to women and children in crisis. It grew into a two-way relationship when Safe Haven’s administrators recognized the gifts Anne might provide to their own clients, and she was asked to serve on their Board of Directors, where she ascended to the role of vice president.
In sharing her own stories of abuse, she resigned her position at Safe Haven and decided to develop a program that put her in front of groups in the West Michigan community. “I was healing from the abuse itself, trying to build up a sense of trust in my life, and my presentations helped give me the strength to continue the healing,” she says. Her relationship with God quickened as well, and in 2010, Anne went on her own as a speaker and consultant, founding “The Lydian Spirit.” She took her story of inspiration to schools, churches and community centers, anywhere she might make an impact with girls and women at risk. Victims and potential victims soon surfaced, and some asked for individual counseling, something for which Anne wasn’t professionally credentialed. So she sought out various programs, with a desire to provide Biblical-based services.
PHOTO BY JOHNNY QUIRIN
Anne Parpas, a GRTS student, helped launch a group for parents to walk through the grieving process after losing a child.
“I SAW ALL THESE PEOPLE LOSING THEIR LIVES, LOSING THEIR FAMILIES, AND I SAT THERE, TRANSFORMED, SEEING AND FEELING REFLECTIONS OF THE PAIN AND LOSS IN MY OWN LIFE.” – ANNE PARPAS
She found it at Cornerstone, where Anne enrolled in January of 2011, and expects to earn a master’s degree in counseling in May 2013. What she never did expect, however, was to be thrust into an arena that counsels not abused women, but grieving couples. That evolved after Dr. Robert Lehman, professor of counseling at GRTS and director of CU’s counseling program, recognized the same sort of gifts that Safe Haven saw years earlier – a woman with empathy, leadership qualities and real-life experience in
front of people. As part of an internship, Anne was introduced to Nancy Kingma R.N., L.P.C, Bereavement Services Coordinator at Spectrum Health’s Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital. Anne remembers Nancy suggesting that “I’ve been wanting to start a group for parents who have lost their children. And I’d like you to take the reins and develop it.” They dubbed it “Journey,” an apt description for a bittersweet walk that never ends, only changes.
The first group launched in May 2012, and it included Eric and Rita Graham of East Grand Rapids, the parents of twins Lydia and Henry. Their loss had occurred less than a month earlier, their pain still fresh, raw, complex. Rita had been experiencing a normal, trouble-free pregnancy. On April 27, she’d seen her doctor, who gave her a thumbs-up ultrasound report. “We were getting ready to put the cribs together,” she remembers. “A shower was planned. My pregnancy was going perfectly.” But the early morning of April 28, just one day after exiting her physician’s office, she awoke with a start. “Something’s not right,” she told her husband. “In a split-second,” she recounts, “everything changed forever.” She delivered at just over 23 weeks, and they beheld babies each weighing less than a pound and a half. They were advised that the survival rate was just
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PHOTO BY JOHNNY QUIRIN
10 percent, but refused to believe their son and daughter would succumb. “It was a nightmare,” says Rita. “It is a nightmare.” They dragged themselves to a first meeting of “Journey,” and there stood Anne Parpas and Nancy Kingma, who brought in others to share their stories of loss, but never demanded that anyone be forced to speak, or even act in a certain way. Bottom line? We all process our tragedies differently, and you have to discover your own path to healing. Anne Parpas says she owes a lot to her training to GRTS, where she embraced a program that submits to Biblical principles, but is also unapologetic about exposing its students to a variety of professional settings. For her, that included sessions in front of long-time professionals who provide non-traditional counseling at prisons, inner-city shelters and more. Anne lauds Cornerstone for how faculty “emphasize the theories and techniques in counseling psychology,
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“[THE FACULTY] EMPHASIZE THE THEORIES AND TECHNIQUES IN COUNSELING PSYCHOLOGY, WHILE TEACHING US HOW TO CRITIQUE AND INTEGRATE THE THEORIES OF FREUD, ADLER, SKINNER, ELLIS, AND MANY OTHERS, WITH A CHRISTIAN WORLDVIEW.”
while teaching us how to critique and integrate the theories of Freud, Adler, Skinner, Ellis, and many others, with a Christian worldview. They want us to understand the theories of psychology, things we can adapt to a Christian setting.” The Grahams are grateful for Anne’s aid, not only in helping them to express their pain, but managing comments and behaviors that emanate from family and friends who can present peripheral challenges. One typical obstacle is to convince others that the death of a stillborn or newborn can have the same dramatic and devastating consequences as losing a much older child. “They reacted to our voices,” Rita
says of their little boy and girl. “They squeezed our fingers. They were real. They were our babies.” Anne is convinced she learns more from couples like the Grahams than she herself can teach. And in her ongoing quest to provide counseling, she says she’ll never forsake her belief that, with God, anything is possible. “There is hope,” she says, “through the cross.”
AS THE MAGAZINE WAS GOING TO PRINT WE RECEIVED NEWS THE GRAHAMS ARE EXPECTING AGAIN. CONGRATULATIONS!
Alumni Journal • Welcome Back Wednesdays Alumni Reunions • CU Theatre Events • Yearbooks Online Assessment Survey • 2013 Homecoming
Looking forward to connecting with you soon! phone 616.222.1439 • email alumni@cornerstone.edu website www.cornerstone.edu/alumni “Cornerstone University Alumni Association” @CornerstoneAlum
DEVASTATING HURRICANE PROVIDES STUDENTS WITH A GOD-GIVEN OPPORTUNITY
B Y A S H L E Y VA N D E R G E L D ( C U ‘ 1 4 )
A GROUP OF CU STUDENTS DROVE TO NEW JERSEY TO HELP HURRICANE SANDY VICTIMS. THEY OFFERED WHAT THEY COULD: A LITTLE BIT OF TIME AND A LOT OF ELBOW GREASE.
The team of CU students jumped in
damaged. The team arrived at 1:30 a.m.
their cars and headed to New Jersey the first weekend in November to aid in hurricane relief. While there, they busted out warped floor boards, ripped up old carpeting, tore out water-damaged dry wall and gained the support of the Grand Rapids community. “I think that God gives us a lot of opportunities and we pass them up all the time,” said Devin Town, Cornerstone University student government vice president and coordinator of the trip. “This was a great opportunity He gave us to be his hands and feet and I didn’t want to pass it up.” Zack Meyer, a Cornerstone freshman and baseball player originally from New Jersey, saw Town’s plan as an opportunity to help in his hometown of Egg Harbor Township – seven miles from the shore. “I thought in my head that I wanted to go back home, but I didn’t know how I could get there,” said Meyer, who nervously received updates from his parents throughout the historical hurricane the last week of October. He grew up just a few miles from the Jersey shore. “This trip was my chance to actually help people that needed it,” he said. As soon as he heard of Town’s plan to coordinate a hurricane relief project, he jumped on board and made arrangements for the group to stay at his parents’ home that wasn’t badly
on Nov. 3rd and were up early the next morning working on two houses in the surrounding area. Many of the local residents had just returned to their homes and were surveying the damage. Most of the damage was on the interior. Inside, water damage and flooding had completely ruined floors and drywall. The team of mostly freshmen spent their days crawling under floor boards and clearing driveways so people could get into their homes. Originally, the group had planned on assisting Shore Fellowship, Meyer’s
“I THINK THAT GOD GIVES US A LOT OF OPPORTUNITIES AND WE PASS THEM UP ALL THE TIME. THIS WAS A GREAT OPPORTUNITY HE GAVE US TO BE HIS HANDS AND FEET AND I DIDN’T WANT TO PASS IT UP.” – DEVIN TOWN (CU ‘14)
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Cornerstone freshman, Sarah Andersen (CU ‘16), cleans a house near the New Jersey shore during a weekend trip to show “active love” after Hurricane Sandy hit the east coast.
home church, and working with the Red Cross. However, in order to volunteer with them, they would have had to go through hours of mandatory training. With such a short window of time, the team decided it would be more beneficial to simply get to work. Meyer said he had wanted to clean up and help as many people as they could to move back into their houses. Meyer’s father knew families who needed help with cleanup in their homes. On Sunday before they left, the group worked just outside of Atlantic City, cleaning up three more houses and helping one local resident tear out his carpet. “The guy had no income and had a lot of medical expenses, so he had to save everything,” said Town. “It was definitely eye opening. He needed to salvage everything he could.” The team believed in the trip so much that they were willing to cover the cost of the trip themselves. Within hours of letting others on campus know about the project, J&H Oil and VanDyken Mechanical pledged $500 in
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gas cards and D&W Fresh Market contributed a gift card for food to take on their trip. Gus’s donated lunch for the team before they left Grand Rapids. The team was overwhelmed by the contributions. “God took the ones who had the time but not the money, and the ones who had money but not the time, and He changed lives,” said Town. The donations covered all their gas and food expenses for the trip. “I thought that by going, we would be a blessing to these people. “But truly, it was as much a blessing to me if not more,” said Keely Deutsch, a freshman. “Christ gave his life for us on a cross, and we got to show these people what active love is in the midst of their hardship.”
FOR MORE ON THIS STORY, VISIT WWW.CORNERSTONE.EDU/THEHERALD.
Under the leadership of Coach David Mitroff, Cornerstone University’s relaunch of baseball has been spectacular. Coach Mitroff has recruited 38 players to begin play this Spring, and he has maintained an unwavering commitment to find student-athletes who will achieve excellence on the field and in the classroom. Most importantly, Mitroff has recruited students who reflect Cornerstone’s mission to influence our world for Christ. In addition, new players have been awed by Cornerstone’s plans and construction of the new one-of-a-kind stadium and team facility. Please join us in preparing the next generation to influence the world for Jesus Christ by providing students with the best possible resources. Box Seat ClUB | $300 (one time gift) • Your name engraved on a seatback behind home plate • Four invitations to the Dedication Day in September • two invitations to the baseball team’s season-ending banquet in the Spring* • a Cornerstone Baseball t-shirt • Your name listed on the baseball website page Plaza ClUB | $100 (one time gift) • Your name engraved on a brick in the Stadium’s plaza entrance • two invitations to the Dedication Day in September • a Cornerstone Baseball t-shirt • Your name listed on the baseball website page DUgoUt ClUB | $30 (Renewable each year) • Your name inscribed annually on display affixed to the top of the Cornerstone team dugout • two invitations to the Dedication Day in September • Your name listed on the baseball website page Your tax-deductible contribution can be made by visiting www.cornerstone.edu/rounding-third. For further information about supporting Cornerstone athletics, visit www.cornerstone.edu or call Bill Knott at 949.5300. *Value for tax purposes to be included on receipt