Bridged - Spring 2021

BRIDGED

VOL 01

SPRING 2021

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We go deeper.

Our shared curiosity drives us to think, create, do, and be better. Every day. At Crown, we create experiences that establish connections, increase understanding, and develop Christfollowers who will serve and influence the world.

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Crown’s Congolese

By Josiah Bondy

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n August 2015, Sam stepped onto campus. He was a long way from The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), his home. His 4th Main dorm greeted him with the August heat, but Sam is used to hot weather. The DRC lies in the heart of south-central Africa, and it boasts rich natural resources, vast forests, and plenty of potential.

“I had heard about Crown from a flyer I got in the mail,” says Sam. “I knew some people there and that it was a good Christian institution and Minnesota was a good place to go to college.” Sam was the first of the wave of Congolese students coming to Crown. Since Sam, 23 Congolese students have come to Saint Bonifacius, Minnesota, to pursue an education. So how did it all start?

“I think everyone has a different story,” Marguerite answered when asked how the Congolese students ended up at Crown, “but Matondo is the one who helped us.” Matondo came to the states for college, then returned to the DRC where he found success and made a sizable impact. Wanting others to have the same opportunities, he began to dream about what it would look like to help Congolese students get an American education. Marguerite explains, “The education system [in the DRC] is good, but it’s not as good as the United States. I think he really wants to help people get a good education.”

A chance interaction in Chicago

with a Crown Board of Trustees member moved Matondo’s dream forward. With the help of leadership at Crown, Matondo was able to sponsor future Congolese students.

And history began. The 7,646mile journey from the DRC to St. Boni became a more typical route, and a new culture joined the Crown community.

With the move came quite the cultural transition. Marguerite mentioned the difficulties, “Saying goodbye to family, saying goodbye to friends. The weather.

The food. The culture. It’s part of us — we give up on that part to come here and receive a good education.” Marguerite fondly recalls the bustling streets and friendly people that she hasn’t been able to visit. She explains, “I miss my family, of course. I’ve been here for three years now, and I’ve never gotten the chance to go back and visit them.

And oh my gosh, I miss the food so so much. Back home, when you go out, there are people everywhere. I miss that. And I miss the weather, too.”

Amidst the DRC’s rich culture and natural resources lies political turmoil and poverty. The country went through a civil war in the late ’90s and early 2000s, during which time over 5.2 million children didn’t receive an education, according to UNICEF1.

The repercussions are still evident today, and in recent years there have been ethnic conflicts, suspicions of rigged elections, and a tragic measles outbreak that have left over 5,000

dead. “I took Advanced Economics this past module, and it made me realize when you’re not doing anything, you’re part of the problem,” says Marguerite.

“We know there is poverty. We know that people are starving, struggling!

But what are we doing about it?”

Marguerite went on to explain how Americans have everything they need.

Though more is wanted, there is seldom a day when basic needs aren’t met. She challenges us to love through action.

“We don’t have to just say things; we need to act,” says Marguerite. “For me, when I took the class, it made me realize I’m still a student here, but I also can start thinking about ways I can invest my money and make a good impact. So I think when I go back as a businessperson, I want to create ways to help people.”

At Crown, we don’t want students to simply get a degree to move into an average job and live an average life; we want students to go deeper and to align themselves with God’s will and live abundant lives. Marguerite and the other Congolese student's passion for change drives them to study hard and make practical choices with their home country in mind.

Sam has continued to grow as a businessman here in the states, someday hoping to return to the DRC with his skills. In 2020, Sam landed a position at a top software company in Denver.

“Everything at Crown prepared me for the professional world: the business CONTINUED»

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“CONGO, DEMOCR ATIC REPUBLIC OF THE .” W W W.DOL .GOV 2005 FINDINGS ON THE WORST FORMS OF CHILD

L ABOR, BUREAU OF INTERNATIONAL L ABOR AFFAIRS, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF L ABOR (2006).

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2021 CROWN CONGOLESE STUDENTS

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training, the business department being so personable,” Sam reflects.

“The teachers try to get to know you on a personal level — not just on the education level. They open your eyes to know what to expect out in the market, and they go the extra mile to give you financial advice and say things like ‘Hey, this is your first job out of college and you should probably save up’” — the type of advice Sam says prepared him for a successful future.

Sam and Marguerite served as MuKappa leaders during their time at Crown, and all of the Congolese students are involved in the group. MuKappa is a club created for international students to connect and grow together amidst moving from cross-cultural contexts to suburban Minnesota. Initially founded for missionary kids, it has expanded to include students from all over the world with unique intercultural traditions.

Sam grew as a leader in his position and notes, “I hope I played a huge part with my contribution. I’m just thankful for the upper management at Crown to make it possible for us to do our thing.”

Congolese students have continued to bless the halls of Crown College. Amidst the bustle of on-campus activity, you’ll hear French spoken and vibrant laughs projected. And it’s not just a rich culture that Congolese students bring to Crown — they are assets as deep intellectual thinkers, globalized movers, and Jesus-lovers. They challenge all to love Jesus and to love others not just here in St. Bonifacius, but around the world with bright minds and godly hearts.

When asked if there was anything else she wanted the Crown community to know, Marguerite said, “We’re glad to be here.”

SAM MBUTU (2019)

MARGUERITE ASSAK A (2021)

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DR . ANDREW C . DENTON CROWN COLLEGE PRESIDENT- ELECT

Introducing Dr. Denton

By Nancy C. Zugschwert

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n March 19, the Crown College Board of Trustees announced their selection of Dr. Andrew C. Denton as the 17th President of Crown College, effective July 1. Denton succeeds Dr. Joel Wiggins, who has served as president for the past eight years.

The decision came after a several month-long selection process orchestrated by the Presidential Search Committee, chaired by Pat Costello, with the assistance of SIMA Partners. Board of Trustees Chairman Gordon Paisley said, “Crown College is pleased to welcome Dr. Andrew Denton to the Crown family as our next president. Dr. Denton brings excellent experience, a strategic mindset, and a deep love for God and people to this role. We are excited to work with him as he leads Crown.”

Deep roots in education and faith Denton holds a Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration from St. Louis University and an MBA from Missouri State University.

He earned his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a double major in Marketing and Management from Evangel University in Springfield, Missouri.

Evangel was also where he launched his career in higher education, but his roots and passion for education go back much further than that. Denton was born and raised in Sault St. Marie in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. He was the youngest of three sons, and his parents were both educators — his father an elementary school principal and his mother a second-grade teacher.

His parents met at Evangel University,

and both his brothers attended there, so it was an easy decision to choose the school when it came time for the youngest Denton to go to college.

One of the things that excites Denton about Crown is seeing similar family and generational ties. “I’ve already met several people who have had parents and grandparents go to Crown,” Denton said. “The legacy of faith and education is extremely important to me.”

Denton’s paternal grandparents were career missionaries in the Philippines whose amazing stories of faith and the Lord’s provision were shared with Andrew by his dad, who grew up on the mission field. “I was raised in a very strong Christian home,” Denton said. “We were in church three times a week, and it was at the center of who we were and what we did as a family.”

CONTINUED»

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Detour However, as a young man in college, Denton took a detour from the heritage that had marked his life.

“When I got to college, I was wrestling with my faith,” Denton said.

“As I was trying to figure out what my faith was — not just my parents’ faith — I became disillusioned by people who claimed to be Christians but were living double lives.” In the rearview mirror, Denton realizes that those were young people also trying to figure out their own lives, but he became sidetracked to the point he didn’t want to be part of Christianity anymore. “I made a conscious decision to step away from my faith and not serve the Lord.”

Denton recounted that for about a year, he lived his own “prodigal son” existence. And it left him empty. “I can still remember the night when I looked in the mirror and thought, “Wow. If this is what life is like without the Lord, I don’t want it anymore.”

A few days later in a campus chapel service, he came forward to the altar to rededicate his life and turn back to the Lord. “Since that time, I have never turned away, never turned back,” Denton said. “But that experience gave me compassion for young people who go through phases where they’re questioning their faith — even at a Christian institution.”

The power of a mentor and a dream Denton remained at Evangel, and after graduating, he began work as an Admissions Counselor. Within two years, he earned a promotion to Director of Admissions. This role would change his life’s course because it opened the door to a relationship with the university president, Dr. Robert Spence. “He saw something in me that I didn’t yet see in myself,” Denton said, “and over the years became a tremendous influence in my life.”

After five years in Admissions, Denton and his wife, Linda, felt the Lord’s leading to join the staff with a growing church plant in Springfield.

During that four-year ministry sojourn, he learned more about himself and his leadership style and pursued his MBA degree, but he knew his heart was in Christian higher education.

He met with Spence, his mentor, who encouraged him to return to higher ed. Several months later, Spence facilitated that return, inviting Denton to serve as Vice President for Enrollment Management at Evangel.

Just days before Denton started his new role as a university vice president, his father passed away suddenly and unexpectedly. “Dr. Spence stepped in during that painful time and became a father to me,” Denton said, “right up

until the time he passed away last year.”

Denton, who was the youngest vice president on the cabinet by decades, spent the next seven years absorbing the deep wisdom of Spence and four other long-term leaders on the cabinet. “I received the most incredible education for those seven years,” Denton said.

“I was able to invest in my alma mater and help them set multiple enrollment records, but I also received this incredible mentorship where I sat at the feet of these unbelievable leaders who just poured into me.”

But it was Spence who planted a prophetic idea in Denton’s heart. “Dr. Spence began to talk to me about his belief that I had a call on my life to be a college president,” Denton said.

As the newest member of the leadership team feeling like he was among giants, Denton said it was initially a challenging vision to embrace — until the Lord confirmed it for him.

“In January 2009, I went on a personal prayer and fasting retreat,” Denton recalled. “And that’s where the Lord called me to be a president.

And I didn’t know when, I didn’t know where, but I knew the call had come, and I just held that in my heart.”

As it turns out, it would be 12 years before that call would come. In the meantime, Denton committed to being faithful wherever the Lord had him.

And I didn't know when, I didn't know where, but I knew the call had come, and I just held that in my heart.

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THE DENTON FAMILY: ANDREW, LINDA , LEXIE (16), ASHLYN (15), DREW (13)

Moving and preparing After seven years at Evangel, Denton was invited to Bethel University to serve as Vice President for Enrollment Management, so his family relocated to the Twin Cities. In 2015, an unexpected invitation came from Dr. Gordon Anderson, President of North Central University, who asked Denton to lead at North Central as Vice President for University Relations.

The prospect of serving under a seasoned leader like Anderson and being connected to a school tied to his faith heritage presented an opportunity Denton could not pass up. He now sees his time at North Central as essential preparation for his call to Crown.

Serving first in University Relations and appointed by President Scott Hagan as Executive Vice President in 2017, Denton provided oversight for Enrollment, Admissions, Financial Aid, Marketing, Communications, Advancement, Athletics, Human Resources, Finance, Accounting, and Operations.

In the past two years, he has also served as an adjunct faculty member for North Central’s College of Business and Technology. “There are few things that I enjoy more than teaching,” Denton said. “I love leadership; I love strategy; but I truly love mentoring students.”

He noted that teaching has also allowed him to understand what faculty face — both victories and challenges.

The well-rounded background

Denton brings to the table gave the Crown Presidential Search Committee robust confidence in his selection as the next leader.

Crown College Vice President of Marketing and Enrollment Mike Price said, “I had the opportunity to work as Chief Enrollment Officer under the leadership of Dr. Andrew Denton at North Central University. I am confident he will bring a high level of vision, strategy, and execution to Crown College while upholding our deep commitment to the integration of faith and learning. I am looking forward to knowing what God has in store for Crown College through his leadership.”

Denton commended Crown’s efforts in recent years to be at the forefront of CONTINUED»

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LINDA AND ANDREW DENTON'S WEDDING

educational innovation. He is drawn to the college’s mission and the passion of its constituents — including alumni and friends, faculty and staff, and students — and he is grateful that his time at Crown will follow the leadership legacy left by Dr. Joel Wiggins.

“It’s clear that Crown College is a Christ-centered community that cares deeply about students succeeding as whole persons — academically, spiritually, and socially,” Denton said. “President Wiggins and the Crown leadership team have laid an outstanding foundation for success. I am honored to continue what they’ve begun and to work with the leadership team to prepare Christian leaders to serve and influence the world and to pursue strategic initiatives that will guide Crown to the next level.”

Family and hobbies His faith is priority one in Dr. Denton’s life, and he is committed to his calling in higher education, but a passion that for him is both earthly and eternal is his family.

Denton met Linda during his sophomore year in college — on her very first day at Evangel. He recalls telling his roommate he’d just met someone he thought could be significant in his life, and even though this thought scared him a little, he called her on the phone that night. “We talked on the phone what seemed like the whole night long,” Denton said. “It was crazy.”

They dated for a short time but paused the relationship, partly because it felt serious so quickly and because he was still on his return from his “prodigal” stage and wanted to be on firmer

footing. When they got back together, they both knew it was the real deal.

Andrew and Linda have been married for 23 years this month.

Linda earned her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Evangel University and is a graduate student at Trevecca Nazarene University. She is a fitness trainer, serves as a women’s ministry leader who teaches and writes curriculum, and is a speaker at ministry events and retreats.

The Dentons have three children, Lexie (16), Ashlyn (15), and Drew (13).

If you were to ask Dr. Denton what his hobbies are, he’d tell you he has four hobbies: Linda, Lexie, Ashlyn, and Drew.

“I once had a pastor and mentor who gave me a perspective I greatly value as a father,” Denton said. “He told me he had made a conscious decision to put away his golf clubs and his fishing pole

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THE DENTONS ON VACATION

when his kids came along, ‘because you only get the kids so many years and then you’ll have your whole life after that.’ That resonated with me and has helped me prioritize my family.”

The Dentons enjoy actively participating in church life as a family, being present for the sports and activities of each child, traveling, and serial-watching some of their favorite shows. They are excited about the adventure of moving close to Crown.

Why Crown? Why now?

Since he was an athlete in high school and even before, Denton has known that he is a person who’s willing to take risks. “Whether it involved choosing which sport to stay in as a high-school student or whether to take the next career step, I have always

been confident that if the Lord is in the decision, I don’t have to worry about what’s next,” Denton said.

Stepping up as Crown’s president at a time when some might say Christian higher education is vulnerable — or even under attack — does not scare Denton. “I’m the type of person who is going to go into the fire. I’m not going to turn the other way,” he emphasized.

“I see Christian education as a critical part of this country, and the role of a Christian college president is as a key partner with the Church to further the Gospel and God’s Kingdom here in the United States and around the world.

“The next decade is not going to be easy. We’re going to be faced with challenges as we figure out how to continue to fulfill Crown’s vision, staying close to the legacy and the mission at its heart while

also continuing to make adjustments to equip and strengthen us for the future. The reality is, God’s going to give us wisdom on how to do that, to show us the right way as we lean into Him, as we seek Him, and as we keep Him at the center of the college.”

The right leader Board Chair Paisley noted that when outgoing Crown president Dr. Joel Wiggins announced his retirement, they knew they would have their work cut out to find a successor. He remarked, “Through much prayer and the tireless work of our search partner and Presidential Search Committee, we have found the right leader in Dr. Denton.

Crown College is thrilled to welcome Dr. Andrew Denton, his wife, Linda, and their children to the Crown family.”

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Watne at Watne

By Thomas Clapper

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PETER WATNE , NAMESAKE OF PETER WATNE MEMORIAL LIBR ARY

TOM WATNE , BROTHER OF PETER + BAY'S GR ANDFATHER

he Peter Watne Memorial Library boasts over 300,000 physical and electronic resources. All of Crown’s programs, whether online or on-campus, rely on the library’s 87 databases.

Communication majors check out video production equipment, theology students find thousands of biblical resources, and local pastors make use of the library’s offerings to help prepare thoughtful Sunday sermons.

It’s also a student-favorite, being known as one of the most accommodating spaces on campus. It’s serendipitous Bay Watne became a student worker in the library last year. Bay is an exercise science major and great-niece of the library’s namesake, Peter Watne.

Originally from Nebraska, Bay considered a school down in Oklahoma.

On a whim, she tagged along with a friend to visit Crown, and by the end of the tour, she decided to change direction and come upward to St. Bonifacius, Minnesota. Her connection with Crown’s Professor of Exercise Science, Dr. Ingraham, the smaller class sizes, and the community were her deciding factors. Bay noted that at Crown, “If you want to make close friends, you can” — something that makes it an easy place to call home. Her extracurricular activities, Cross Country and Track, complemented

her major, Exercise Science. As Bay’s transition ran smoothly, she came across the opportunity to work in the Peter Watne Memorial Library.

Who was Peter Watne? Peter attended Crown during the seventies when the school still held the name St. Paul Bible College. Tragically, he developed Hodgkin's disease, a blood cancer that starts in the lymphatic system. According to his roommate, Bill Arant, Peter discovered he had the illness during Christmas break of his senior year. Bill noted Peter’s resolution to believe that God was with him during the disease was astounding, carrying on by faith amidst a deteriorating body. Dean at the time, Reverend Charles W. Shepson, recalls Peter’s relentless encouragement of others and his unmoving faith. Peter believed that God had the right to do as He wills because He is the Creator.

The Peter Watne Memorial Library is a fitting name for a place that develops young minds to be the light of Christ throughout the world and live in accordance with God’s direction.

Bay continues the legacy set by her late great uncle. Her commitment to Christ and sharing His love speaks not only of her character but of the lasting impact a family member can have through generations. Bay is struck

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by the sheer volume of knowledge housed in the library. She explains, “If you want to know more about the Lord and the Bible, we have so much here.” Her servant heart is on display in how she loves to help other Crown students find the resources they need.

When Bay told her family that she would be working in the Peter Watne Memorial Library, they thought it was incredibly cool. Crown’s library is quite different from its form in the seventies. Today, the Peter Watne Memorial Library houses 3-D printers, curriculum for the teacher education department, and more quiet studyrooms than ever — yet the Christcentered mission remains the same.

Bay plans to continue serving her fellow Crownies in the library as a student worker until she graduates.

She hopes to graduate with a Bachelor’s in Exercise Science and continue to graduate school to get a Master’s in Nutrition. As Bay continues her studies, the library will be an even more invaluable research tool. She may use its human anatomy models, or perhaps she’ll take advantage of the electronic Visible Body database.

Whatever resources she needs, it's clear that Bay will stay connected to the Peter Watne Memorial Library in the future.

BAY WATNE , EXERCISE SCIENCE MAJOR

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K YLE RUDOLPH, FORMER VIKING PRO - BOWLER, CURRENT GIANTS TIGHT END

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Master’s of Sport

By Dr. Fawn McCracken

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he sports industry has continued to grow, valued at around half a trillion dollars globally, with the largest market share held in the USA. 1 Industry growth means growth in demand for qualified professionals.

This fall, Crown Online will launch two new master’s degrees: Exercise Science/Sports Performance, M.S. and Sports Coaching + Administration, M.A. The undergraduate exercise science program has seen growth and success, testing high-caliber athletes like NWHL MVP and White Caps Star Allie Thunstrom, and NFL Pro-bowler Kyle Rudolph. The sports management program is a favorite amongst many students, especially collegiate athletes.

It’s a natural step for these programs to rise to the graduate level.

The Master of Science in Exercise Science/Sports Performance will advance knowledge and applied skills to disseminate in the field. By combining theoretical exploration and practical application through performance testing in Crown’s high-tech Human Performance Lab, students will gain deep insight into innovative industry

practices. These insights will equip students in exercise and prescription as they relate to working with varied populations, including healthy, clinical, and geriatric populations.

Students will have the opportunity to intern in sports performance and clinical facilities. This, combined with the immediate integration of hands-on laboratory experience, will produce market-ready graduates.

Expertise will derive from areas that include human physiology, exercise physiology, exercise testing, applied exercise prescription, sports performance conditioning, strength and conditioning theory, biomechanics, nutrition, and metabolism, as well as psychology and psychophysiology of sport and exercise. The program will also prepare the student to sit for certifications for the National Strength and Conditioning CSCS Exam, National Academy of Sports Medicine – Performance Enhancement Specialist, and the American College of Sports Medicine, Exercise Physiologist Exam. The entire program will be delivered online with

a summer residency requirement.

The Master of Arts in Coaching + Sports Administration will prepare students for athletic leadership at both the team and athletic organization levels. Jamison Ross, Crown’s Director of Athletics says, “I am so excited for the opportunity that this will bring for both our current students and new students.

This program will prepare the next generation of athletic leadership.” The entire program will be delivered online.

Coaching and sports administration students will develop skills in strategic planning, communication, sports operations, financial management, athletic recruiting, fundraising, human resources, and financial management.

They’ll be challenged to see the vocation and calling of coaching as it relates to the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) and its transformational purpose by helping them become skilled at coaching the mind and focused on developing the heart. The program will culminate in an athletic management or coaching internship, giving the students the opportunity to apply their skills and knowledge of the discipline.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT THE DIRECTOR OF GR ADUATE ENROLLMENT, MAGGIE UNGER HESS, AT UNGERM@CROWN.EDU OR 952 .446.4300.

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COMMUNICATIONS- MEDIA-TECHNOLOGY/ARTICLE?%2FA%2FTHE-SPORTS- MARKET

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Breaking Ground July 1 Thank you to our donors for funding 100% of this project. Because of your help, students will have an outdoor space to enjoy in the heart of our beautiful campus.

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BLUEPRINTS OF UPCOMING COURT YARD PROJECT, LOCATED BETWEEN THE NURSING AND ATHLETIC WINGS

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Tuition is Frozen

By Chelsea Bailey

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e’re from Minnesota, so freezing weather is normal. But frozen tuition? That’s new.

You know the culture at Crown College. We care for each other, and all the more during difficult circumstances. Amid the ongoing global pandemic, we realize many families are enduring unforeseen challenges and financial hardship. For months, we’ve listened to the stories of students in need. Many have gone through uncertainty and added stress, yet it’s been heartwarming to hear how they’ve found aid and comfort in Crown’s tight-knit community.

Crown donors and alumni have also rallied around a new scholarship initiative — Fund the Gap — to support students in crises. In a short time, this fund has contributed thousands toward tuition payments, ensuring students can stay on campus and on track to graduate. Now, as the season shifts and temperatures rise, we’re praying for continued relief and fresh hope while also doing our part to prioritize access and affordability. Crown has

halted tuition prices for all on-campus programs, effective for the 2021-2022 academic year. Not only can returning students count on an identical tuition cost from Fall 2020, but all new oncampus students admitted for Fall 2021 are guaranteed an academic scholarship to reduce the load. Individual amounts will vary based on qualifications and can combine with other awards.

Affordability is always a priority at Crown, along with upholding excellence in academics and fostering authentic faith. We believe everyone should have the option to choose private Christcentered education without breaking the bank. And education infused with a biblical worldview is more important than ever. That’s why we’re striving to keep tuition rates low and offset students’ expenses in various ways, such as scholarships, grants, work-study, internships, and other job opportunities. Nearly 100 percent of Crown students receive financial aid. On average, each student receives $21,500 in awards — including institutional aid, grants, and loans — slashing the sticker price for tuition, fees, and

room and board by over 50 percent.

Last year alone, Crown awarded more than $6 million in scholarships and grants, helping students invest in their future while growing in their character and calling. After filing the FAFSA and calculating all awards and options, students are often surprised at Crown’s affordability. Many others, like senior Janette Maendl, are also willing to make short-term sacrifices because they believe in the benefits of a Christian higher education. Maendl chose Crown for its Jesus-only approach and small campus size. “I wanted for this time in my life to be in a strong Christian community before I launch into the real world,” says Maendl, an assistant resident director. When the virus hit last spring, Maendl considered transferring to save money. Thankfully, she received additional scholarship support, allowing her to stay on track toward graduation.

“Crown is where I want to be,” she says. “It’s a huge blessing because now I get to finish my education and go out in the world and let Christ use me.”

TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT FINANCIAL AID OPPORTUNITIES, VISIT CROWN.EDU/COST-AID.

CROWN'S FRONT CIRCLE FROZEN WITH HOARFROST

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PRESIDENT JOEL AND K ATHY WIGGINS STAND ON THE BRIDGE

Farewell A letter from President Wiggins

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first learned that I would become Crown’s 16th president in December 2012. I remember thinking what an opportunity I am being given to lead an organization that can have such an impact for God and good in this world.

We teach and coach and mentor and shape over 1,500 students every year for a lifetime of servant leadership

in the world. I wondered if I could provide the kind of leadership that would help us reach the promise and prospect of unleashing all that potential into the world.

Well, eight years later, I can give glory to God that He fulfilled my wonder and then some. Perhaps that is why He is so wonderful — whatever we can wonder He can fulfill!

And so, my memories go to recent graduates since I’ve been here.

› Sam, a lead sales executive for Spotify Ecuador.

› Tommie, an Account Executive at Nightfall AI.

› Max, Young Life Director in the Greater Twin Cities area.

› Rachel has taught English for 7 years at Handong International School in Korea.

› Joy, Manager at Biogen in Boston.

› Austin, Operations Coordinator at LPGA.

› Zach, a youth pastor and serves on our Board as the President of the Alumni Association. › Abby, thriving in her graduate Veterinary Medicine program at Iowa State. › Ally, Director of Financial Aid at Crown. › Katie and Justin married, going overseas as medical professionals.

› Austin, Legislative Director for Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life. › Molly, Head Women’s Basketball Coach at an Iowa community college. › Ben, Civil Engineering Project Leader at R&M Consultants in Alaska.

› Daniel, Youth Director in Bloomingdale, IL. › Grace, Middle School Science Teacher. › Zach, Pastor of Staples Alliance Church.

› Janelle, medical professional in Sri Lanka.

And to hundreds more who are getting good at something in keeping with their God-designed purpose in life to make a difference in the world wherever God sends them!

CONTINUED»

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You have partnered with us in unleashing this potential on the world. Thank you for your generous financial and faithful prayer support.

Many of you have asked what is next for Kathy and me. Our next great adventure begins July 1.

We are selling everything we own except what we can fit into our SUV! We will rent furnished houses or apartments as long as we are healthy and mobile so we can be free to do whatever we think God wants us to do and go anywhere we think He wants us to go.

Our first stop is Durham, North Carolina. Our daughter Heather works for a software startup that connects young people with experienced mentors. Her husband, Juan Carlos, is a tenured Economics Professor at Duke University. They have two wonderful children that we want to get to know better, Sebastian, three, and Emilia, who turns one in August.

God has been so good to us. Our President-elect, Dr. Andrew Denton, and his family will purchase our home. It is just what the Dentons were looking for. God provided for them even as he provided for us!

Speaking of Dr. Denton, I am grateful for God leading him to Crown.

Thanks to the diligent and careful work of our Search Committee, bathed in prayer and carried out in a spirit of dependence on our Lord, God has provided Crown with an experienced, younger, energetic, and godly leader to navigate Crown into a bright future.

Dr. Denton’s doctorate in Higher

Education Leadership from St. Louis University and his experience at three Christian universities — including Bethel and North Central in the Twin Cities — equip him with competence and confidence for the work that lies ahead.

I think we’ll be able to say of Dr. Denton what was said of David (Psa. 78:72 LB), “God presented David to his people as their shepherd, and he cared for them with a true heart and skillful hands.”

Linda is a wonderful partner to her husband. She is a fitness trainer and leads the women’s ministry at their church — teaching and writing curriculum.

They and their three children are fully committed to our Lord and his calling in their lives. I am so expectant of the great future Dr. Denton has at Crown and that Crown will have under his leadership.

I want to thank all the great people I have been blessed to work beside and support as their president. To the board, my leadership team, faculty and staff, our students, their parents, and our alumni and donors and friends, Kathy and I express our sincere appreciation for giving us the privilege to serve as your president since 2013. It has been the “crowning” achievement of our life.

One final word. I have told many of you that I hope people will miss me just a little bit. But I know you will all miss Kathy. She has been a fantastic first lady and a true partner in this work.

We love you from the bottom of our hearts.

THE WIGGINS ON THE ISL AND OF THE FRONT POND

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Alumni news Marriages:

Deaths:

Sarah Plasky (Holmquist) (2015) married Aaron Plasky on Oct 10, 2020

Lois Williams passed away Dec 21, 2020 in Apple Valley, MN. Lois was married to Ralph Williams (1943), who passed away in 2017.

Babies: Verna Bouchard (1950) passed away Nov 18, 2020 in Billings, MT. Leon Seldon Bowman (1956) passed away Dec 16, 2020 in Shell Point, FL. THOMAS CLAPPER (2013) AND LAUR A CLAPPER (2012) WELCOMED EVAN HUDSON CL APPER ON FEB 6, 2021

Inez Hamill (1960) passed away Oct 27, 2020 in Longmont, CO. Vernon Caston, a beloved and respected professor of Bible and Missiology at Crown College, passed away Nov 19, 2020 in South Windsor, CT.

ALYSSA AND NICK GILLETTE (2014)

Muriel Johnston, wife of late Arthur Johnston who was President of St. Paul Bible College, passed away on Apr 22, 2020 in Phoenix, AZ.

WELCOMED BABY BOY, JA XSON, TO THEIR FAMILY ON JUNE 30, 2020. AVA (BORN ON AUG 30, 2017) LOVES BEING A BIG SISTER!

ETHAN (2015) AND MORIAH KELLER (2017) WELCOMED THOMAS EVERETT KELLER ON FEB 2 , 2021

Stephen Walters (1980), husband of Terry Walters (1981), passed away in Mar 7, 2020 in Vermillion, SD.

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Anytime. Anywhere.

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8700 COLLEGE VIEW DRIVE SAINT BONIFACIUS, MN 55375

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CROWN COLLEGE