Spring Bridged 2022

VOLUME 3

SPRING 2022

REIMAGINED

RENDERING OF FRONT OF BUILDING, READ MORE ON PAGE 20.

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PRESIDENT ANDREW C. DENTON 17TH PRESIDENT OF CROWN COLLEGE

A Letter From Our President

By Andrew C. Denton, Phd

first academic year at Crown has been incredible!

T his Linda and I have been so blessed by the amazing people in our Crown Community. This is a special place from our student body to our deeply invested faculty and staff. We've loved the opportunity to connect with our alumni and friends of Crown throughout the country. And what a joy it's been to visit with Christian and Missionary Alliance district leaders and pastors.

It's been a year filled with excitement and success in all aspects at Crown. Some of the top highlights, so far, include Homecoming, Friday Night Live, Mock Rock, Global Impact Fest, Deeper Life Conference, Faith and Science Conference, and a Spring Choir Concert. Our athletic teams saw success through team growth and competition, we launched our new Crown Honors program, and we see God working in extraordinary ways through Chapel and our Community Life Groups.

This Fall, I would like to personally invite you to Homecoming on September 16th and 17th. This Homecoming, you will see the incredible way God has blessed the facilities on our main campus. We have launched six new major renovation projects to lead us into a new era of excellence. Our Dining Center, Student Center (Storm Café), Simpson Hall, Faith Village, and Athletic Locker Rooms will all have significant work done to provide a better experience for our on-campus students. Also, this Fall, when you arrive on campus, you will be greeted with a modernized front of Main and Welcome Center.

While we are excited about our future, we are also ready to celebrate this year's graduates in just a few weeks. Please join me in praying for our graduates as they finish strong and prepare for life post-graduation. There are great days ahead as we plan and invest in the next decade of excellence and growth.

"THERE ARE GREAT DAYS AHEAD AS WE PLAN AND INVEST IN THE NEXT DECADE OF EXCELLENCE AND GROWTH."

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CHRIS MATHEW, D.M.A. AND JUSTIN WINZENBURG, PH.D

CROWN COLLEGE HONORS SCARF

DIRECTORS OF HONORS PROGRAM

EACH COHORT MEMBER RECEIVED

Crown College Honors set to foster academic excellence

By Samantha Bergum hen President W Andrew Denton began his role this past summer, he shared his vision of Crown College entering a season of "Excellence and growth."

The vision quickly spread across all departments.

When Chris Mathews, D.M.A., Vice President of Academic Affairs, first arrived on campus, he began dreaming of how to push Crown's academics in that same direction.

Mathews began conversations with President Denton and several faculty members about how they could continue raising the bar and improving academics.

With his extensive experience and insight, Mathews believes that revitalizing the Honors program is a top priority.

He said that an honors program is not new to Crown, noting, "We did not have to reinvent the wheel; we are just reinvigorating it."

Distinguished Scholars & Big Questions Mathews got straight to work, drawing inspiration and rallying a team from Crown's stellar faculty to create Crown College Honors. The program is structured as a minor centralizing on the ideas of truth, beauty, goodness, and wisdom and will challenge distinguished scholars to ask big questions with complex answers.

The CCH program is a four-year track. The first two years focus on the Honors community, exploring ideas of truth, faith, science, and culture in Honors-specific courses and holistic retreats. Years three and four train students to be distinguished scholars.

They will have the opportunity to go on an immersive academic study abroad trip while working 1:1 with a faculty member on a thesis project.

Programmed Leadership Justin Winzenburg, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of New Testament and Greek, serves as the Crown College Honors program director.

Mathews noted that Winzenburg—who is in his 12th year of being a professor, is a Crown and honors alumnus, and is a recently published author —was a natural choice to lead the program.

Winzenbug has brought a level of passion and excitement to the program felt throughout Crown and infused into the program's first event in February.

February's inaugural banquet for prospective Honors program students was a massive success.

For the event, 19 honors finalists came to campus for a day of small and large group interviews with honors faculty, concluding with a banquet dinner.

Following the campus visit day and banquet, the Honors Committee notified XX students that they were selected for the 2022 Crown Honors cohort. Members of the Honors cohort also receive substantial scholarships.

"The students were the best part of the banquet, shared Winzenburg.

"Seeing how quickly they were engaging in discussions on current events and how sharp they were was extremely energizing to me."

A Bright Future

Winzenburg will teach the first Honors course this coming fall. The Crown community is looking forward to seeing the level of excellence this new group of students will bring to campus and the new opportunities the initiative will bring to go deeper.

Both Mathews and Winzenburg see a bright future for Crown's new Honors program after reflecting on the first banquet and, more importantly, the students who attended.

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GRADUATE STUDENT, SETH BETTS UP TO BAT

Crown Baseball

By Nancy C. Zugschwert MA

Florida Tournament Prepares Team To Continue Winning Tradition n yet another below-zero

O day in Minnesota, Head

Baseball/Golf Coach Ryan Doheny is thinking about Florida. Planning a dream vacation? Not exactly.

Doheny is planning for a team of 51 baseball players and several coaches to spend spring break near Orlando, where they will participate in the RussMatt Central Florida Invitational Tournament during Crown’s spring break, March 5–12. While a spring-break baseball trip to Florida is a longstanding Crown tradition, this will be the team’s first “normal” tournament appearance since 2020.

Recalling the chaos that ensued in 2020 when the team was summoned home from Florida due to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Doheny is excited about this year and anticipating a smoother ride.

“Two years ago, when COVID hit in March, we had just landed in Florida,” Doheny explained. “I think we played four games, and then we had to get everybody—it was almost like an emergency— back to Crown. I sat on the phone with Sun Country Airlines for hours, just trying to get everybody home, switching flights and handling all the logistics amid uncertainty and chaos.”

Extraordinary Growth Going to Florida isn’t the only thing Doheny is excited about. The Crown baseball program has experienced extraordinary growth under his leadership, and he believes the team is poised for its best season ever.

When Doheny stepped from an assistant to head coaching role for Crown’s baseball team in 2017, he knew he had his work cut out for him, but he also knew he wasn’t alone. “It’s really been a miracle to see God work,” Doheny said.

“When I first started, we only had 11 players!”

But Doheny had a dream. “I believe when God has a purpose and a plan, it’s going to happen,” he said. “A lot of it is the right people—our assistant coaches have been tremendous leaders.”

In addition to giving the credit to God, Doheny said two players had pivotal roles in the team’s turnaround over the past five years: Brooks Repking ’19, M’21, who was recently named Associate Head Coach for Crown’s team, and Seth Betts ’21.

Repking came to Crown in 2017 as a junior transfer student. He was looking for a different type of program after two years at a state school in Wisconsin. On his first day as head coach, Doheny called Repking to invite him to Crown.

“Brooks was my first-ever commit,” Doheny said.

Repking recalled, “I saw his vision for the program and jumped on board.”

CONTINUED >>

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CROWN BASEBALL PLAYERS WARM-UP FOR FLORIDA GAME

Catching The Vision Doheny believes Repking did more than just “jump on board”; he became a catalyst for the team.

“With Brooks’s leadership as a ballplayer,” Doheny said, “and a handful of guys that had that vision, they were tremendously motivated to win at life and to help those around them. When your best players on the team are also your hardest workers—in the classroom, on the field, in the community—guys want to be a part of that.”

Repking reflected on his first year at Crown and why it was good even though it might have looked bad.

“We had 15 guys, and we were not very good,” Repking said, “but we really believed in Coach and where the program was going.”

Doheny said a couple of weeks after signing Repking, he contacted Betts,

Doheny recalled, “Seth was looking for a place to play and took a chance—never even visited—and came to Crown.”

dedicated and had the perseverance to become an excellent team.”

Betts now shares Repking’s assessment of the team. He sees Coach Doheny as a driving force for the changes on the team in the past five years. As an unlikely recruit from Utah, Betts said there are many reasons he could have called it quits.

Betts is currently a graduate student at Crown (Sports Performance) and can continue on the team with extended eligibility granted players due to COVID-19’s impact on their regular college seasons. As a player living the team’s transformation from marginal to conference champions, he said no one magic or miracle moment made it happen.

“I got here, and there were not a ton of guys, we didn’t win many games, we didn’t play good baseball,” Betts said candidly.

“There were a lot of tough instances that first year, but I realized Coach Doheny would do anything for us. I knew after that first year he would do everything in his power to provide the best baseball experience he could. I could see was

The Power of Consistency

“It was a lot of things,” Betts reflected. “You want to attribute it to some pivotal moment, but it was so many small things, one after another. To me, it was the consistency and willingness to show up every single day and just get a little better as an entire team, not just at play, but on campus and

SOPHOMORE, TYLER VANCISE PITCHING FOR THE STORM

in the quality of practice, improving our roster. Sometimes it seems it was just a grain of sand better, but after a few years, it starts to look like a lot.”

Doheny believes in the value of small changes making a big difference but credits his team for the positive trajectory they’re on. “It's an amazing group of guys—” he said, “how they go about their daily approach to life and the game. We expect to win our conference and represent well at the regional and potentially national levels. Still, you’ve got to take each day at a time, really focus in on the moment, and have more of that day-by-day mentality.”

Training Ground For A Winning Team Vice President of College Relations Travis Whipple, M.A., sees the impact of the baseball team’s growth and

success going well beyond the playing field. “I appreciate their approach to recruiting and being relentless to ensure they grow the roster,” Whipple said. “The efforts of the coaching staff have had a significant impact on our enrollment. They also take great care in finding the right fit for the program and our institution.”

Whipple noted that upon return from Florida, the team will compete at Missile Park (just minutes from campus) in a new collaborative partnership with the City of Saint Bonifacius. “This program continues to grow in a variety of ways,” said Whipple.

Doheny looks forward to their time in Florida as an opportunity to build team culture. Repking is excited for the team to have so many opportunities to play —upwards of 10 games during spring break—while they’re in Florida.

Betts sees the trip as a time to become a team instead of individuals.

And he also may have the best handle on the value of the experience for the team. “I have told the new guys it’s one of the greatest weeks of your college career. A week straight of playing baseball and hanging out by the pool? It’s all you can ask for as 1822-year-olds.”

Whatever Doheny, Repking, Betts, the coaching staff (Maris Blanchard, Andrew Kemper, and Jon Cerney) and a group of 51 players are doing as a team, it’s working. As they head to Florida, they look forward to warm weather, time with the team and family members who join them there and gearing up for the next winning season.

Christian Ministry for inmates in the Nebraska State Penitentiary. Faculty from a local community college will teach eight general education courses.

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The degree-specific courses will be led by Crown adjunct faculty who teach in their church-based program in Omaha.

When I was in prison, you … educated me Hope to the Hopeless opens new doors for inmates

By Nancy C. Zugschwert MA

F enough for Steven D.

our years in prison was

Scott, M.S., to know he never wanted to go back. Yet he is grateful for his incarceration because it was in a Nebraska prison where he found Jesus—in the pages of the Holy Bible.

“I had read a hundred books in prison,” said Scott, founder of Hope to the Hopeless, explaining his voracious prison reading habit, “because there wasn’t anything else to do. I decided I’d pick up the Bible— more for scholarly pursuit. I had read all these books and thought, ‘I’ve got two years, I’m reading all the classics, and [the Bible] is such an important book.’”

Scott continued, “I was planning on reading a Quran, too, but I never got to it because after I read the Bible, I thought, “Oh wow. This is actually true!’”

Once he knew the truth of the Bible, he realized he needed to change his life based on it. “You know, it spoke to me, and I was like … I can’t keep doing what I’m doing if I believe this is true.”

Giving Back After Scott’s release from prison in 2015, he finished his bachelor’s degree and earned a

master’s degree, but he wasn’t satisfied to just move forward with his own life.

“When I was released,” he explained, “I wanted to give back. I felt like there was more that people could be doing to help [inmates] rehabilitate—not just be punished. They want to use time productively and correct behaviors.”

Through that seed of an idea and his desire to help, Scott founded a nonprofit with his brother that brought University of Nebraska classes into penitentiaries in Lincoln and Omaha. He was pleased with the program and believed it would help since research shows that taking college classes in prison results in a 50 percent reduction in recidivism.

But in his heart, Scott knew that he wasn’t changed because of his college education but because of Christ. And an even better scenario would be to bring Christ-centered education into the prison. “Even though the college degree is great and it’s a step forward,” Scott said, “I think the strongest way is to make it faith-based.”

A Good Pairing Scott was still pursuing his educational dreams, as well. He was carrying a 4.0 GPA toward his Ph.D. when he was unexpectedly dropped from the program. The university had not realized he was a felon and, when they found out, denied him the opportunity to continue.

Scott was still pursuing his educational dreams, as well. He was carrying a 4.0 GPA toward his Ph.D. when he was unexpectedly dropped from the program. The university had not realized he was a felon and, when they found out, denied him the opportunity to continue.

Getting kicked out was a big disappointment, but Scott used it as the impetus to pursue—in earnest—the idea of bringing Christian education to prisons.

He formed Hope to the Hopeless and wrote a proposal to send to colleges, believing, “If God wants it to happen, it will happen.”

But after sending out inquiries to multiple colleges, the doors either closed, or he heard nothing at all. He was ready to give up on the idea until an ad

for Crown College classes being offered in Omaha popped up on his phone. Scott has no recollection of seeking that information, but there it was. “I thought, ‘Well, I guess this is one more; I’ll try them.’” He reached out to the director of Crown College’s Omaha site, and in short order, he was connected to Dr. Fawn McCracken, Associate Vice President of Adult Online and Graduate Studies at Crown College.

McCracken recalled that her conversations with Scott quickly led to a mutual understanding that this could be a good pairing. Scott already had experience bringing college education into prisons, and Crown had already been offering on-site classes in Omaha.

After many conversations with Steven, we realized that this was kind of central to our mission,” McCracken said. “It just fits very well with providing biblically based education [in the prison setting].”

Preparation and Provision Crown’s ministry partnership with Hope to the Hopeless will offer a twoyear Associate of Science degree in

McCracken said they’ve seen God’s provision consistently in the programplanning stages. Crown recently hired an academic advisor to serve their church-based site and the new students in the prison program. In one of their interviews, McCracken broached the subject of working with the prison population. The candidate paused, and McCracken thought the woman might be unsure about this part of the job. Instead, the woman said, “I drive past that prison every day, and God has been preparing my heart to do ministry at the prison. I haven’t been able to figure out how he wants me to accomplish that.”

“She was almost in tears,” McCracken said, “at seeing the intersection of a desire God had put on her heart and our need.”

Puzzle Pieces and Patience The puzzle pieces were nearly in place to launch the program this spring. However, staffing at the prison has not fully recovered from the impact of the pandemic, so new program initiatives are temporarily on hold. “They’ve said things are starting to normalize,” McCracken said, “but they're just not there yet.”

Beyond serving the prisoners, McCracken is excited about how the program could influence others. “We believe the positive impact will extend to the professors and also open doors to partner with churches in the Omaha area,” she said. Church partnerships are especially vital because they can be a powerful source of support when the students are released and looking to establish their lives beyond prison.

FOUNDER, STEVEN SCOTT

Another element of the Hope to the Hopeless prison education program that McCracken and Scott collaborate n is funding. Scott made a personal gift to help start the program, and other individuals and several churches in the Omaha area have also supported the effort. McCracken noted that there are opportunities for others to be involved as well. She said, “For the sustainability of the program we will need other churches and individuals to get engaged and give.”

From having a prisoner find faith in prison by opening a Bible to sending an academic advisor whom God has prepared for prison ministry, McCracken knows the Hope to the Hopeless endeavor has God’s fingerprints all over it. She sees it as a tremendous opportunity for the extended Crown family to be involved in, as well.

Reaching People and Changing Lives According to McCracken, there are three important opportunities for prayer and involvement. “First, I

encourage people to pray for the initiative,” McCracken said, “and that God would continue to open up the doors for us to go into the Nebraska State Penitentiary and offer an associate’s degree program there.

“Second, that God would continue to bring along donors to help make this project a reality. And the third is to pray we find a solid cohort of students —the right students—for the first cohort.”

Crown’s Hope to the Hopeless program has the potential to transform the lives of men while still in prison and change the trajectory of their lives when they are released.

Steven Scott will never forget his prison transformation. “I changed my life around because I became a Christian and was reborn,” Scott said.

“As we bring in opportunities, we’re going to reach people who will change their lives as I did.”

Learn how you can become involved with Hope to the Hopeless at https://www.crown.edu/alumni/h2h/

Students In Summer

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By Anna Chapman

Crown’s students work hard during the school year, but what they do over breaks––specifically summer break––often reveals their character. Some stay at home and find jobs. Some pursue internships. A few travel the world.

We checked in with Crown students Titus W. and Sarah Vang about their plans for summer 2022 and their responses show Crown students want much more than just a paycheck.

Titus W. - Summer in France

I uncomfortable in a position,” Titus said want to learn what it’s like to be

with a gleam in his eye as he described his summer plans. “I had a little bit of a transition coming [to Crown], but [this summer] is going to be nothing like [that] and I’m really excited to be able to work through that.” These words are uncommon for the average first-year college student. Many are looking for stability after being uprooted from their childhood homes, but Titus is eager to take on a new challenge.

The organization hosting him also shares in Crown’s purpose and identity, so that will add familiarity to help him feel like he belongs there. Besides serving and becoming more adept at cross-cultural communication, Titus will also be taking on a big step in embracing adult responsibilities. “I’ll have a weekly stipend where I have to buy my own food,” he laughed. “That’s definitely going to be an adjustment.”

This summer he’s going to France for a fiveweek internship at a service organization in Toulouse. His primary focus is reaching out and connecting with the community through music, running, and English conversation groups to offer them Good News they might not have heard before. Of these, he seems particularly thrilled about the running, which will help him stay in shape for his next crosscountry season.

Titus is prepared to face the differences and opportunities, though, as he keeps his goals and passions in mind. He plans to be an international worker using his talents in problem-solving, running, and music to impact his community wherever he goes. This summer will provide a taste of the life he plans to live, but his life here at Crown is already helping him on his way. “Anywhere else, people would say, ‘Why would you do that? What’s the purpose of it?’” Titus explained. “Being here, everyone’s like, ‘That’s so cool! I love that you’re doing that.’

It’s such a great community here that’s built me up.” This supportive community among the students, staff, and faculty of Crown is part of what makes it so special. Titus feels ready to take on whatever comes this summer because of the support he receives from his family and friends, but also from the rest of the Crown community. Even more than those, though, he is prepared to go by the strength of He who sends him there.

As a young adult who has never left the country, Titus is excited and nervous to be stretched and shaped by this experience.

“Thankfully, I know a good amount of French culture and French language, so the adjustment won’t be too much,” he said. He hopes this knowledge will help him connect with the community more quickly than he would if we were to go somewhere completely unfamiliar.

Titus says everything has gone smoothly as he’s planned his internship. Flights were a good price, and everyone is supporting him as he goes. However, he is making some sacrifices to do this. Not only is Titus giving up an opportunity to work his job he loves and spend time with his family back home, but he will also miss a friend’s wedding due to the internship. Even though that’s a disappointment, he fixes his eyes on his purpose and what he wants to accomplish.

Through his internship, Titus hopes to develop a passion for new students entering Crown next year and for empathizing with people from around the world. He isn’t naturally driven to reach out to others when he is content with the connections he has. He hopes that this summer will remind him what it’s like to be the new person entering a new situation and that it will motivate him to reach out and befriend new students that come next semester. His experience will undoubtedly help him learn a little more about what it is like to be an adult, to serveCONTINUED overseas, and,>> certainly, to be uncomfortable.

CONTINUED >>

STUDENTS IN SUMMER

Sarah Vang - Learning Close to Home

C

ollege is, for many, a time to find one’s identity. In Christian circles, it’s also a time to find God’s calling. “I feel like I have this passion to take care of people––to serve them as Jesus served us and his disciples,” said Sarah Vang, who is on her way to making these important discoveries through her junior year at Crown College. “I think I know that this is God’s calling for me,” she said as she discussed her future in nursing. Sheplans to find out a little more about her future career through a summer-long internship at St. John’s Hospital in Maplewood, Minnesota.

Over the course of her internship, Sarah will spend 30 hours every week shadowing a working Med Surg nurse (Medical-Surgical nurse who helps care for patients preparing for or recovering from surgery). Not only will she get to see the work in action, but she’ll also gain an understanding of how life might look when she is on a nurse’s schedule. “I think it’s either going to make me or break me,” she said as she considered the challenges sure to arise this summer. She knows it will teach her something about herself, whether it’s that she can do it or that it might not be what God has for her. While that would be a difficult message to receive, she is ready to take the risk, recognizing how encouraging success would be.

Hospital work is Sarah’s dream, so this internship seems to be a perfect fit. She will experience a taste of a hospital nurse’s daily life and an abundance of hands-on learning that directly applies to what she wants to do in the future. The opportunity has long-term benefits, but it also helps her in the short term. Classroom material will be demonstrated in real life, and she will most likely be able to perform tasks she had only learned about in a textbook. Her recent clinical experiences have shown her that she

does her best learning on the job, so following and watching someone representing her potential future self will be a great advantage to feeling confident in her skills and class material. She also hopes that all this learning will help solidify her knowledge and gain confidence as she prepares for the NCLEX—the dreaded licensure exam every nurse must pass.

Sarah looks forward to hands-on learning and seeing the medical profession in action this summer. She’s also excited to share about the experience with her family. Sarah’s mother always wanted to be a nurse, but a language barrier held her back from realizing her dreams.

Now, her youngest is living out her dream and following God on this inspirational path He has prepared. “I’ve come to realize I have my mom’s heart of serving and her heart of compassion,” Sarah said. In addition to being inspired by her mom, Sarah credits another source of inspiration for her career path. “Jesus is the perfect example as a nurse. He took care of the sick when nobody did,” she reflected.

Crown has helped Sarah recognize Jesus’ example as the nursing program emphasizes holistic, ministry-centered work. While many healthcare professionals are only concerned with patients’ physical issues, Sarah is learning to connect that with patients’ emotional and spiritual health as well. As she cares for their bodies, she wants to be a light to them and be a witness to the Gospel and Christ’s love for them.

Throughout the process of applying for this internship, Sarah has been learning what it means to trust God and his timing. She anticipates the internship will test her reliance on God and encourage her to depend on his strength as she tries something new and challenging. As difficult as it may be, she is up for it. Sarah is grateful for the support and prayers of the Crown community as she boldly steps out in faith this summer.

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MAJOR PROJECT UPDATES “I am so excited for all of the projects happening here at Crown, I believe these will bring the student experience to a whole new level. Thank you for your continued support as we move into a new season of excellence + growth.”

-President Denton

UPDATE DETAILS Locker Rooms: All four up New epoxy flooring New paint Shower updates Laminate lockers Simpson Hall Updates: New ceiling, lighting, paint, carpet New seating New Audio Visual Dining Center Updates: Increased food options Modernized layout Full sponsored by our food service partner

Welcome Center Updates: Modernized Front Welcome Center Canopy New ceiling, flooring, paint, furniture Updates Meeting Spaces Student Center Updates: Glass door entry Open ceiling New lighting, paint, carpet, furniture + entertainment Faith Village: All new exteriors: Roofs, vinyl, soffit, windows, remove decks, front porch + doors 3 Building interiors: bathrooms, carpeting, painting, kitchens, + laundry rooms

STUDENT CENTER

STUDENT CENTER

DINING CENTER RENDERING

WELCOME CENTER

Staff Spotlight: Mitch Fisk, Alumni Relations + Annual Giving

By Samantha Bergum

T God has provided yet another puzzle

he Crown Community is excited that

piece for our season of "excellence and growth": A new Director of Alumni Relations + Annual Giving.

When looking at areas where Crown could grow, President Andrew Denton and the Cabinet saw an opportunity to build stronger connections with alumni by finding the right person for the open position. As the search was underway, current staff member Mitch Fisk—a Crown alumnus—seemed to be a perfect fit for the job.

Fisk came to Crown as an undergraduate student in 1992. Crown College was the only school to which Fisk applied. He grew up attending a Christan & Missionary Alliance church with multiple Crown alums, so it seemed like an easy decision.

Broad Crown Experience Fisk has fond memories of his time as a student. When reflecting, a few are at the top of his mind. "I spent a lot of time in the men's lounge playing ping pong and watching March Madness," Fisk recalled. "It was also when I was a student that my faith really became my own."

STAFF SPOTLIGHT: MITCH FISK

After graduating in 1996 with a degree in Psychology and minors in Counseling and History, Fisk joined the Crown staff. He has held multiple roles at the college, including Recruitment Program Manager, Assistant Director of Alumni + Church Relations, Director of Admissions, and now, Director of Alumni Relations + Annual Giving.

As a staff member, he also completed his Master of Organizational Leadership degree in 2007 and has found fulfillment in knowing that his work is making a broad impact worldwide through his different roles.

Building Connections When asked what he is most excited about in this new role, Fisk shared that the position was an answer to prayer. "I'd actually been praying about being able to move into this role at Crown," he said, "so I was very excited when approached about considering the shift."

Fisk also said that he looks forward to connecting with alumni from his era at Crown and hearing stories from other generations of alumni.

While a lot has changed since Fisk attended Crown as an undergrad, one thing has stood the test of time: "Crown is still engaged on a minute-by-minute basis in developing leaders who will impact the world for Christ," he said.

"The community has not changed! Current students talk about community as the highlight of their experience … and this includes relationships with students, faculty, and staff!"

Fisk offered two simple ways alumni can get reconnected: attend Homecoming and follow Crown on social media. New quarterly events are also on the horizon and will provide additional ways for alumni to engage with their alma mater.

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MEMORIALS Joanna Haire Freedman: April 24, 1980 - February 3, 2022 Her childhood began in Ham Lake, and at age 7 they moved to Andover. She attended and graduated from Meadow Creek Christian School where many lifelong friendships were made.

Joanna earned her degree in Business Administration at Crown College in St. Bonifacius where she met the love of her life, Josh Freedman. They were married on June 4, 2005 in Stillwater, MN. Joanna’s heart for people was unmatched. She found great joy and fulfillment in hosting people in their home around the table. To say Joanna was a “foodie” is an understatement. Preparing and consuming food was a huge passion of hers. Joanna leaves a gaping hole in her family and circle of friends who will all miss her witty and quirky sense of humor. Her compassion spilled over to all of God’s creatures, the most important to her were many fur babies. Above all, Josh and the kids were her pride and joy. She intentionally loved and invested in each one wholeheartedly.

June Dodge ‘91: September 15, 1935 - January 5, 2022 She was born Sept. 15, 1935, in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, to Elmer Conklin and Arlene (Edwards) Conklin. She graduated from Hayward High School in 1953 and St. Paul Bible College (Crown College) with honors in 1992. June considered herself a professional homemaker, baking bread, canning, sewing, frugal shopping, and keeping a tidy home. While raising her children she often opened her home to neighbors, friends, and relatives. When her children were in school she opened a home daycare and enjoyed those fond memories her entire life.

Sandy Parker: January 18, 1949 - January 4, 2022 A 1967 graduate of Ottumwa High School, she attended St. Paul Bible College for 3 years, graduated from Concordia College with a major in music and later attended William Penn University to be able to teach. Sandy was a dedicated wife, mother and grandmother and loved attending their events.

Debbie Slinkman: January 18, 1962 - December 21, 2021 Deborah Ann Sadie Slinkman, passed away on 12/21/2021, age 59.

Deborah loved her family, especially her siblings and her grandchildren. She will be missed Dwight Williams ‘72: July 5, 1949 - December 14, 2021 Dwight Sterling Williams age 72, of Apple Valley, MN unexpectedly entered the loving arms of Jesus Christ December 14, 2021. Born July 5, 1949 in Fremont, Nebraska he began singing publicly at age three, always accompanied by his mother Lois on the piano. He learned to play the trumpet while his father Ralph served as a traveling evangelist throughout the Midwest. The three of them established a thriving evangelistic ministry and also became involved in a Christian radio ministry.

He continued his musical pursuits as he and his parents made the decision to have him attend and reside at Nebraska Christian High School in Central City, graduating with the class of 1967. His collegiate choice was Saint Paul Bible College in Minnesota, where as a freshman he performed around the country with a vocal quartet. He played an integral role in the campus relocation from Saint Paul to its current location in Saint Bonifacius Minnesota, when it was later renamed Crown College.

Carolyn Dean (White) ‘78 Roger Dean, a graduate, passed away 03/11/2021 after serving in full-time ministry. We had been married almost 65 years

Claudine Hindmand: February 20, 1920 - November 7, 2021 Claudine Hindmand was born February 20, 1920 in Crookston, NE, the daughter of Claude and Cleo (Green) Elliott. Claudine attended college at Wesleyan University in Lincoln, NE and Asbury Seminary in Wilmore, KY. Claudine taught remedial reading and 2nd and 3rd grades in Lincoln, NE for approximately 15 years. After receiving her Masters Degree, she prayerfully accepted the position as Dean of Women at St. Paul Bible College (Crown College). She served the students faithfully and lovingly. Claudine’s position also included teaching several courses. She enjoyed entertaining many students in her home as well. She will also be remembered for her keen sense of humor. After retiring, Claudine volunteered in the Crown College Library for many years.Besides teaching, she knew the importance of following Christ and raised her family to love the Lord. She will be greatly missed.

Rae Ann Tewinkel: June 3, 1933 - November 4, 2021 Rae Ann attended school in Spokane, WA, graduated from North Central High School, and attended college at Whitworth, Spokane, and the University of Minnesota. In 1955, she was married to Joe Tewinkel whom she first met in third grade. They moved to the Twin Cities, where she lived the rest of her life. She was employed at Brown and Bigelow and Crown College. Central to her life was her faith in Jesus Christ. She taught children, soloed, and sang in choirs in six Twin Cities churches. She loved her family and cared deeply for each one.

Doug Foreman ‘83: November 23, 1953 - September 24, 2021 Doug was born November 23, 1953 in Orange, TX to Ozare & Carmelete (Istre) Foreman. He graduated from Stark High School with the class of 1972. He briefly attended Lamar University before joining the Air Force. He served four years during the Vietnam war but was never faced with combat. After leaving the Air Force he attended Saint Paul Bible College where he received a BA in Bible & Theology and was later ordained into the Christian Missionary Alliance. He went on to earn a Masters and subsequently an honorary Doctorate in Theology.

Gabby Marks-Cisneros: 1965 - September 14, 2021 Gabriela was a woman of God and an amazing wife, mother, daughter, sister, teacher, mentor and friend. She impacted this world. Her legacy will continue.

Becky Krats ‘05: August 4, 1981 - April 17, 2021 Becky passed away after a courageous battle with cancer. She will be dearly missed by all but is Rejoicing with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ completely whole and healed from the cancer that took over her earthly vessel.

Janet Evelyn VanSchooten ‘55: August 12 1927 - November 3, 2021 Born in Oakdale, IL. Janet attended St. Paul Bible College. where she met Alvin Van Schooten. They married in 1951, and pastored a church in Clutier, Iowa.

In 1955, the couple departed for Japan, where they served for 25 years as C&MA missionaries. While there, Janet and Alvin were involved in planting and supporting churches, teaching at the Bible School, and chairing the mission field.

Mary Ebbett ‘71 My brother, David Christian Paul, passed into the Lord's presence on October 15, 2021. I believe he entered SPBC in 1971 and graduated in 1975. Not sure if anyone else informed the Alumni association.

UPDATES 50's

Charles Fiero ‘54 Life Update - Charles married Hulda Rempel, (grad of Briercrest Bible Institute). They served in Northwestern District Indian missions, then in Bible translation and literature with Northern Light Gospel Mission, Ontario, with CMA, Canadian Bible Society and Wycliffe Bible Translators. They are presently members of CMA in Saskatoon, Canada, involved in teaching English as a second language.

60's

Rich Brown ‘69 Career Update - In December 2021, Rich was promoted to National Director of Pastor and Regional Relationships for Interim Pastor Ministries.

70's

Judy Anderson ‘70 New Baby - Judy’s first grandchild, Levi Victor Anderson, was born (premie) July 2 of 2021, and they are thrilled!

Bryan and Elaine Johnson (Holmgren) ‘74 and ‘75 Life Update - Bryan and Elaine have been married 44 years come July. They are both retired, and have 4 children and 9 grandchildren. They started Farmhouse Flowers & Gardens on the family farm last year, and love making seasonal flower bouquets and selling pumpkins roadside.

Dana Rosendahl ‘74 Life Update - Dana is retired in Des Moines, Iowa.

He would love to hear from any friends and classmates who attended the college during that time period (1970 to 1974 or other nearby). His EMail address is DRLRGR@aol.com.

Julie Huebner ‘75 Life Update - Julie has been involved in about 10 different churches throughout her life, and is now involved with a church plant for the first time.

Tom Lundeen ‘79 Life Update - Tom and his wife Gwen are soon celebrating their 44th anniversary, and have been in ministry with the C&MA in the USA and Australia for 43 years. They have 2 adult children and 4 grandchildren, and Tom is in his 19th year of serving as the Senior Pastor at Riverside Church in Big Lake, MN.

80's

Joni Cagney (Wood) ‘80 Career Update - After 39 years of teaching at Chapel Hill Academy (Chanhassen, MN), Joni took a 2nd grade position at Hope Academy, Mpls. where she ministers to kids and families navigating trauma due to the unrest in the neighborhood.

Patti Miller ‘85 Life Update - Patti will be celebrating the 10 year anniversary of her art studio and gallery called Patris Studio and Art Gallery, where the Lord has been gracious and his blessings have been many and camaraderie and creativity flourish.

Scott Marsh ‘86 Life Update - Scott pastored Texas Christian Church in Clinton, IL from 2001 and has pastored Maroa Christian Church since 2016.

He is also a volunteer firefighter/chaplain of the Kenney Fire Department and has authored 15 books.

James Pettit ‘98 Career Update - James earned his Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership from Columbia International University in August of 2021. He continues to be the senior leader of Lakewood Park Church and School in Auburn, IN where he serves as Senior Pastor.

Lynnae Bussell (Cauble) ‘86 Career Update- I am now a virtual assistant that provides back office administrative skills for solo-professionals and small business owners. Now I serve female business owners such as life coaches, fashion designers, and other types of companies.

Julie Maas-Kusske ‘97 Recognition - Julie received the Orono High Schools Distinguished Alumni of the Year award.

David Dunn ‘87 Career Update- David now teaches World History at Halifax County High School in Virginia.

Frank Mata ‘86 Life Update - Frank has been in pastoral ministry for about 30 years. He is now semiretired, but is still the part-time Associate Pastor of Seneca Assembly in Seneca, IL as well as a chaplain with Marketplace Chaplains.

He builds relationships with business employees to be available to talk with them. He and His wife Kathy (Oastes) have one grandchild with two more on the way.

Rev Michael Ireland ‘87 Life Update - Michael received the Chaplain Commission from the Nursing Home Ministries of Portland, Oregon as their first Chaplain in Minnesota in 2019. He was also ordained to the Christian Ministry as an endorsed military Chaplain by the International Ministerial Fellowship. In 2020, he received a commission and appointment as Chaplain, First Lieutenant with Civil Air Patrol, Auxiliary of the US Air Force in MN.

90's

Geoff and Heather Grudzinski (Hanson) ‘99 (graduate degree ‘07) and ‘99 Moved- Geoff and Heather moved in June 2021.

Amy Bennett (Gibbs) ‘96 Life Update “After award of a National Military Family Association scholarship, Amy was chosen to represent all USAF military spouses at the NMFA 50th Anniversary Gala in Washington, DC. General David Goldfein, 21st chief of staff of the Air Force, and Mrs. Dawn Goldfein, honored Amy to the gathering of Joint Chiefs and military attendees. In 2021, Amy opened Evergreen Therapy, a private practice for integrative counseling. Amy is currently in the Traumatology doctoral program at Liberty University.”

EvLyn Rudd (Gilbertson) ‘95 Life Update - EvLyn has been a stay-at-home mom with her son Kevin for the last 5 ½ years, but he will start attending kindergarten in the fall. She will spend her time leading a Women’s Bible Study and being the Truth and Training Director for Awana at Faith Evangelical Free Church in Grand Forks, ND.

00's

Rebekah Gran (Kuhfuss) ‘05 Recognition - Rebekah received the Twin Cities Business and Mpls.St.Paul Magazine Super Real Estate Agent award and Edina Realty’s Master Circle award for Sales Volume.

Elliott Malm ‘05 Recognition - I was received into the ministerium of The Lutheran Church— Missouri Synod last year and accepted a call to serve as the sole pastor of Grace Lutheran Church of Dodge Center, Minnesota.

Chris and Angie Stay ‘07 Career Update - Chris and Angie celebrated 10 years at youth Dynamics–Stonewater this spring. They still love their ministry as they share the love of Christ with youth.

Jacob and Marcie Cantleberry ‘07 Life Update - Jacob and Marcie got married in 2015 and now serve overseas as workers/missionaries with CMA Marketplace Ministries based in Thailand, and have three children: Shashi (age 5), Reuben (age 3), and Amarina Joy (10 months).

Jacob and Marcie Cantleberry ‘07 Life Update - Jacob and Marcie got married in 2015 and now serve overseas as workers/missionaries with CMA Marketplace Ministries based in Thailand, and have three children: Shashi (age 5), Reuben (age 3), and Amarina Joy (10 months).

William (Bill) Metcalf ‘08 Moved - Bill Metcalf moved from Southern California to Dunedin, Florida (Tampa area).

Jason Bents ‘08 Moved - Moved to Bemidji and is now working at Cass Lake Bena Middle School as a Fifth grade teacher Shane Monnett ‘08 Life Update - Shane has been married to his sweetheart Kathleen (Meredith) since 2006, with 4 children Wylie, Blaise, Carver and Scout. After completing Med school and Surgery Residency, he was appointed assistant professor surgery and surgery clerkship director for WVU Charleston Division. He is also a member of the Fellowship of American College Surgeons, 2021. He and Kathleen attend worship at Southridge Church in Charleston, WV. Katie Lucey (Walters) ‘09 Life Update - Katie has two daughters and is approaching 12 years of marriage.

Josh Ottoson ‘09 Career Update - Josh is serving with the West Central Minnesota Youth for Christ as the Ministry Director, where he works to raise up lifelong followers of Jesus who bear good fruit in their lives.

Josh Ottoson ‘09 Career Update - Josh is serving with the West Central Minnesota Youth for Christ as the Ministry Director, where he works to raise up lifelong followers of Jesus who bear good fruit in their lives.

Josh Ottoson ‘09 Career Update - Josh is serving with the West Central Minnesota Youth for Christ as the Ministry Director, where he works to raise up lifelong followers of Jesus who bear good fruit in their lives.

10's Amy Thiel (Stenlund) ‘10 Life Update - Amy has been teaching in Christian education since she graduated. She got married in 2016, then moved to Washington state, where she had her first baby boy. She later moved back to Montana, where her second boy was born in March of 2021, and where she now teaches at Billings Christian School.

Shauna Waldhauser (Schiebout) ‘10 Life Update - Shauna married Ben Waldhauser in 2015. They live in Andover with their son Henry and are expecting their second son at the end of May. They are both teachers at Edinbrook Elementary in Brooklyn Park, MN. John Palmer ‘11 Retirement - After 30 years of serving the people of Canada as a Public Servant, John has retired to the "country" to focus on his family, his faith, his writing, and his teaching.

Troy Mapes ‘12 Life Update - Troy got married four years ago, had a child two years ago, and moved one year ago.

Nate and Anna Kugel (Tyler) ‘13 Life Update - Nate became the Young Adults and Young Couples Pastor at Lincoln Berean Church in 2020, and Anna has found her dream job in teaching preschool at Lincoln Christian School where their two oldest kids attend. They are also expecting their third child (a daughter) in April of 2022.

Grant & Rachel Roethel ‘14 and ‘16 New Baby - Grant and Rachel welcomed their second child on February 19, 2022. Russell James Roethel. Big sister Emma Louann Roethel is excited to have a little brother.

Lana Anderson ‘16 New Baby - Lana and her husband Jared (also a Crown alumnus) welcomed their second child, Wilder Leif Anderson on 2/16/2022, joining his sister Eliana.

Chris Anderson ‘18 Career Update - Chris started a new job.

Hannah Dunn (Malone) ‘19 Life Update - Hannah attended the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse to attain her master’s degree in Occupational Therapy. She recently passed her boards, obtained her license, and started a job for OT in an outpatient orthopedics clinic, rotating to the inpatient hospital as needed. She also married Gideon Dunn (alumnus of Crown), who now teaches high school social studies at a small Christian school near La Crosse.