Grace Story, Fall 2021

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In the gospel of Matthew, two words changed the trajectory of millions of lives forever. We believe that these two words can still transform hearts and change lives today: “‘If anyone wants to come after me, he must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.’”

“Follow Me.” This is our 2021-22 campus theme. This year, we are taking a deep dive through the book of Matthew to examine this command which calls us to humility, self-sacrifice and a singular focus — Jesus Christ Himself. It is what Eugene Peterson calls “a long obedience in the same direction.”

As you enjoy this issue of Grace Story, you’ll read the inspiring biographies of our 2021 Homecoming Alumni Award winners. You’ll find a photo gallery of dozens of alumni who returned to Winona Lake for our Homecoming celebration. And you’ll “meet” many alumni on mission all around the world as we celebrate the 60th anniversary of our Conference on Mission.

Each unique story testifies to the same message: “Follow Him. It’s worth it!”

In numerous ways, you, our alumni, are trailblazers. You are paving a path that hundreds and thousands of Lancers are trekking behind you...and the number continues to grow. Pictured on the front cover is our 2021 incoming class, the largest in Grace College history. In August, we welcomed all 471 of them into the Grace family — a family of followers.

Remember, this theme is not just for students. It applies to you. It applies to me.

A couple of months ago, I announced my plan to retire at the end of this school year. I cannot think of a better theme to cap off my time at Grace. The call to follow Jesus challenges me to keep my eyes fixed on Him as I strive to finish well and transition into a new, unknown season of life.

So let’s live out the ways of Grace as we follow Him together. Let’s welcome with unmatched hospitality. Let’s embrace with relentless mercy. And let’s give with radical generosity. Let’s live in such a way that those around us are spurred to ask, “Whom are they following?”

William J. Katip, Ph.D. (BA 74) President

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GR ACE ST ORY MAGAZINE INSTITUTIONAL MISSION We are a Christ-centered community of higher education applying biblical values in strengthening character, sharpening competence, and preparing for service.

GRACE COLLEGE & SEMINARY A DMINISTRATION President: Dr. Bill Katip (BA 74) Executive Vice President: Dr. Drew Flamm

GRACE STORY CREATIVE TEAM Managing Editor: Madison Cowman (BA 18) Art Director: Vincent Sell (BS 13) Contributing Writers: Josh Neuhart (BS 11) Photographers: Jeff Nycz, Andrew Palladino, Chinges Sabol (BA 14) Alum Notes Editor: Collette (Lehman BS 90) Olson Copy Editors: Mary (McNally BS 78) Polston Sarah Prater (BS 10) Dr. Paulette (Macon BA 64, CERT 77) Sauders

ON THE COVER First-year students create the shape of a cross — a reminder for students to take up their cross and follow Jesus. (Matt. 16:24)

Comments may be sent to: gracestory@grace.edu. Opinions expressed by individuals in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of Grace College & Seminary.

Grace College & Seminary reserves the right to edit alum note submissions.

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INSIDE

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FALL 2021

Alumni Award Winners When it comes to following Christ, we’d be hard-pressed to find eleven individuals who better exemplify what it’s all about. Discover this year’s Grace College & Seminary alumni award winners.

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Celebrating 60 Years on Mission For more than 60 years, the Conference on Mission has encouraged student initiative, facilitated prayer, fostered authentic connection and mobilized students to live on mission. Join us, as we reflect on this rich tradition and look forward to carrying on the legacy for many years to come.

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Looking Forward to Look Back Meet David Amaya, a young man worthy of being followed. Despite a challenging past, Amaya credits where he is today to many teachers who poured into him. Now, an elementary education major, he hopes to provide the same kind of support to young men just like him.

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ANNUAL REP ORT

Year in Review B EH IN D THE N U MBERS

It is no surprise that Grace College & Seminary’s financial condition was greatly impacted by COVID-19 in the 2020-2021 fiscal year.

Despite a strong enrollment in the fall of 2020, our finances were negatively impacted by lower auxiliary revenue and net tuition revenue.

Thankfully, the investment market rebounds in 2021 bolstered our investment earnings, and our contribution income increased due to various COVID-related government grant programs including the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF). Overall, we had a positive growth in total revenue compared to 2019-2020.

While COVID had a negative impact on several of our revenue categories, it actually had a balancing effect upon many of our expenses. Due to COVID, we had a large decline in several expense categories including utilities, travel, international trips and auxiliary activities. Additionally, the faculty and staff have all done a tremendous job of stewarding the resources God has provided to us, allowing us to reduce our total spending in 2020-2021. These efforts resulted in a consolidated annual surplus.

Given our tuition revenue dependence, we continue to focus on recruiting and retaining students. We are greatly encouraged to report that our 2021 incoming class broke the record for largest incoming class in Grace College history. We have seen strong growth in our online and seminary programs, and we have several new exciting academic partnerships with Purdue University, John Patrick University and RIZE. Each of these new programs will continue to enhance our distinctiveness and attractiveness to students.

We are so very thankful for the constancy of your prayers and generosity during this difficult year. We find comfort and peace in knowing that God is in control and directing us as we progress forward under His grace and mercy. We are excited to see where God continues to take us as we follow Him. Forward in Grace,

Doug Baumgardner VP of Financial Affairs & Chief Financial Officer

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Financial Activities 2020-2021

58,552,559

TOTA L R E V E N U E

Tuition Room & Board $37,469,430 63.99% $7,337,466 12.53%

Auxiliary Services & Sales $1,095,146 1.87%

Fundraising Investment Return $8,778,099 14.99% $3,550,638 6.06%

Grace Community Education $321,780 0.55%

53,612,128

TOTA L E X PE N SE S

Student Scholarships Institutional Support $16,838,525 31.41% $7,550,667 14.08%

Gain or Loss on Sales $4,183 0.01%

Instruction & Academic Support $12,944,886 24.15%

Auxiliary Expenses $6,719,603 12.53%

Student Services $9,492,317 17.71%

Grace Community Education $61,947 0.12%

Enrollment Statistics

5-Year Giving History

NEW RESIDENTIAL UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS

361

FALL 2018

400

FALL 2019

459

FALL 2020

$8,577,739

$8,442,136

8M

471

FALL 2021

7M

$6,558,516

6M 5M

PROGRAM INCREASES: FALL 2021

$4,299,517 $4,436,107

4M 3M

33

%

ACCELERATED PROGRAMS

17

%

AKRON

47

%

ONLINE BACHELOR’S

35

%

DEPLOY

2M 1M FY 16-17

FY 17-18

FY 18-19

FY 19-20

FY 20-21

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Grace Schools Board of Trustees The Grace Board of Trustees exists to define the mission and to influence, support and nurture the development and accomplishment of the institution’s vision by the administration, faculty and staff. In July, the corporation voted in two new board members.

NEW MEMBERS Jonathan Allan (BA 12) serves as Deputy General Counsel of Stoke Therapeutics where he acts as the chief legal adviser to the board of directors, CEO and executive team. After graduating from Grace College, Allan received his J.D. from The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law in 2015. Jonathan and his wife, Danielle (Goodman BA 13), currently live in Boston.

Monica Morrison retired in 2011 after selling her business, Sunshine Stitches, a quilting supply store.

Monica earned her bachelor’s degree in business from Grace University in Omaha, Nebraska, where she went on to serve on their foundation board for ten years as well as the board of trustees for over ten years.

Monica and her husband, Tom, reside in Omaha and are actively involved in Westside Church.

RETURNING MEMBERS Mr. Matt Abernethy (BS 03) Mr. Robert Bishop (BS 69) Dr. Kip Cone (BA 90, MDiv 96, DMin 18) Mr. Gregory Dosmann (BS 86) Dr. Kelly (Manahan BA 90) Geisler Mr. James Grady Mrs. Jennifer Hollar Dr. Gregory Howell (BA 76, MDiv 79, DMin 07) Mr. Randy Lake (BS 88) Mr. Lamarr Lark Sr. (BS 87) Ms. Phyllis Marwah (BS 69) Rev. John McIntosh (BA 71, MDiv 87) Mr. Seth Nash (BA 04) Mr. Daniel Renner Mr. Daniel Sandoval Mr. Andrew Serafini 7

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Mr. Ray “Butch” Shook (BS 72) Mr. Scott Silveus Dr. John F. Smith (DMin 03) Mrs. Letitia Williams (MAMin 10) Rev. Michael Yoder (BA 93, MDiv 96) Ms. Janine Zeltwanger (BS 85) Dr. William J. Katip (BA 74)

CELEBRATING 15 YEARS OF SERVICE Bob Vitoux and Bill Burke (MAMin 07) have completed a full term on the Grace College Board of Trustees. Together, they have dedicated 30 years to serving Grace. We are forever grateful for their influence on our school, but most importantly, for their advocacy and support for our students. Thank you for serving with enthusiasm, humility and passion.

Alumni Awards As you read the bios of our alumni award winners this year, you will find a common thread: They have committed their lives to follow Him. Some of our award winners quite literally have followed the call to go to another country, to start a new organization or to join a specific industry. Others demonstrate what it means to follow the ways of Jesus through radical kindness, faithful advocacy and unmatched hospitality. But all of our honorees have tethered themselves to the good Guide and have taken the words of Matthew 16:24 to heart.

We believe you will be delighted by their stories and exhorted to deny yourself, pick up your cross and follow.

If you’d like to drop a line of congratulations to any of the winners, email us at gracestory@grace.edu, and we’ll get it to them.

We invite you to submit nominees for the 2022 Alumni Awards at www.grace.edu/alumni/awards

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ALUMNI AWARDS Chester Marshall | Washington, D.C.

Christian Sheckler | South Bend, IN

College Alumni of the Year

College Young Alumni of the Year

Chester Marshall (BS 86) is no stranger to pain.

After a childhood in abject poverty and enlisting in the military at age 17, Marshall was introduced to Jesus. Several years later, Marshall enrolled in Grace College, majoring in psychology and playing basketball for Coach K. With a college degree in tow, some might expect Marshall to run for the hills and leave behind the trauma-inducing world he was raised in. But for Marshall, following Jesus meant keeping one foot in that world and helping men of color find healing.

Fair. Accurate. Trustworthy. Christian Sheckler (BS 11) is a journalist’s journalist. It only takes a few minutes talking to Sheckler to recognize his precision of language, love for research and commitment to the truth. Most likely, these were the same qualities Sheckler’s boss at the South Bend Tribune saw in him when she encouraged him to apply for the Local Reporting Network with ProPublica, an initiative that covers one year’s salary for reporters at local outlets to focus on investigative projects in the area.

Nearly 240 reporters from around the country applied for the opportunity. Sheckler was one of seven selected.

In 2002, after obtaining two master’s degrees from Howard University, Marshall founded the Institute for African Man Development Inc. to provide a wide range of mental and social services to African-American boys and men who have experienced trauma or previously been incarcerated. His organization serves 200 men and their families through training curriculum, mentorship and therapy. In addition to serving as the institute’s CEO, Marshall teaches as an adjunct professor in Howard’s School of Social Work and frequently travels to speak on his book series “Black Man Heal.”

Over his 25-plus years of experience, Marshall has become a leading voice in the development of African-American men. This has landed him a spot on Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton’s Commission on Black Men and Boys and speaking engagements on CNN and BET.

During his year with ProPublica, he investigated wrongful convictions in Elkhart County (IN). Following the publications, the police chief resigned, the city dedicated $150,000 for an independent review of the police department and two officers were indicted on civil rights charges. Sheckler’s work not only resulted in community action, it also demonstrated the need for fair, diligent, honest and ethical reporters — reporters who follow Christ.

One of Sheckler’s most influential professors, Dr. Terry White (BME 64), said, “Christian is one of my favorite former journalism students — both for his journalism accomplishments and for the fine young Christian leader he has become. Christian has always been helpful to our students by coming to guest-lecture and in other ways.

This is an award well-deserved by a Grace grad we can all honor.”

Who would be on your GC Mount Rushmore?

“I can’t take credit for any of my success because it’s all due to the work Christ has done. God gets all the glory.”

My personal Mount Rushmore would be Terry White, Paulette Sauders and Tom Prinsen, to whom I will always be grateful for training me and cheering me on. Also, I would like to see depictions of them in powdered wigs.

How would you sum up your Grace experience?

It crystallized my faith; it gave me a foundation on which I was able to stand when I left Grace.

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Read Sheckler’s articles at: www.propublica.org/people/christian-sheckler

Dan & Miriam Pacheco | Winona Lake, IN

Bob Vitoux | Fort Wayne, IN

College Distinguished Service Award

College Honorary Alumni of the Year

Tucked away in Dan (BA 64) and Miriam (Ashman BS 65, MABC 85) Pacheco’s kitchen, you’ll find seven treasured tablecloths. Treasured not for their pattern or price, but because every square inch is covered in signatures of guests who have stayed at the Pacheco home or enjoyed a meal at their table. Whether it was a Grace student who came for a biweekly Sunday dinner, a missionary who visited from the field or an international student who needed a place to stay for the summer — the revolving door of the Pacheco home has impacted too many lives to count.

The couple met while attending Grace, and both went on to teach in the Warsaw Community Schools. During that time, they remained connected with Grace, meeting whatever need presented itself: helping out with Welcome Weekends, serving on the alumni council, participating in the “Adopt a Student” ministry at their church, acting as hall parents, and faithfully giving to advance Grace’s mission. Miriam also served as the first female trustee on the board. Not to mention, Dan and Miriam both worked at Grace: Miriam as the coordinator of women’s ministries from 1989-93, and Dan first as the alumni director and then as an associate professor in the teacher education department.

Over the past six decades, Dan and Miriam have followed the way of Jesus in showing unmatched hospitality, and they continue to touch lives within the Grace family, one open door and one shared meal at a time.

Vitoux’s 30-plus years in the business sector have landed him jobs at orthopaedic giants, DePuy, Zimmer and Biomet and have earned him the titles CEO, CFO and COO. But he is quick to glimpse over all of that. He is a finance guy through and through, but his passion is for people.

This passion became evident to then Grace President, Dr. Ron Manahan (MDiv 70, ThM 77, ThD 82) when seeking orthopaedic professionals to help him develop the curriculum for the Orthopaedic Scholar Program. Vitoux was an eager volunteer in the program, and he quickly became an advocate for Grace. “My attention continued to be captured by the things happening at Grace that both served the Lord daily on campus and prepared the students for a lifetime of the same thereafter,” said Vitoux.

Now, after serving fifteen years on the Grace Board of Trustees, Vitoux has been a part of many innovative shifts and creative solutions for the school. But most importantly, he has impacted countless students. “Bob not only supported me in my career but took the time to invest in me as an individual,” said Amanda (Hayes BS 99) Gould.

Vitoux’s current position as a senior leader at Ambassador Enterprises, a legacy-minded, faith-based private equity firm, has multiplied his opportunities to pay it forward and leverage his work for the Kingdom. When he felt God call him to be part of the organization three years ago, he followed. And now, Vitoux’s day-to-day work includes generating financial returns with the goal of making cultural and eternal impacts.

What is a little-known fact about you?

What does it mean to follow Christ in one sentence?

Dan: To follow Christ is to put Him first in all of my decisions and activities; to keep Him in mind to make sure that He gets the glory.

Miriam: Following Christ is to be obedient to what I read in the Scriptures and to always remember that I am an example, and someone is always watching.

I had two holes-in-one in consecutive rounds at Sycamore Hills Golf Club during a three-day stretch this past summer.

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ALUMNI AWARDS John & Tricia Foster | Wakarusa, IN

Rick Hawks | Fort Wayne, IN

College Parent Distinguished Service Award

Seminary Alumni of the Year

John and Tricia Foster have practiced medicine for 23 plus years.

While some might flaunt the doctor title, that’s not the case with the Fosters. They live with a deep conviction that they are doctors third, husband and wife/parents second, and first, they are followers of Christ. The couple chuckles recalling their graduation photo from the Kansas City University of Medicine where the first of their three daughters, Sarah (Foster BS 21), was being cradled under Tricia’s graduation robe.

It’s not every day that you hear about God calling a local pastor into politics — especially when that pastor had served in a thriving church for many years. But this is the story of Rick Hawks (MDiv 79). After some time as a youth pastor under nationally known Dr. David Jeremiah, Hawks became senior pastor of the same church for seven years.

After five years in medicine, the couple opened their own cash-pay, direct-care clinic in Wakarusa. The clinic allowed the Fosters to have flexibility and spend time with their girls. To this day, they count the clinic as one of their most proud accomplishments. During that time, a divine cold call from the Elkhart County Jail led John in a new direction. What started as a part-time jail doctor role has become John’s full-time ministry today. Tricia continued at the clinic until three years ago when God led her to join a group of osteopathic family physicians in Nappanee where she continues to practice family medicine.

Through it all, the Fosters have remained present parents.

When Sarah joined her now husband, Obadiah Clemans (BA 20), at Grace, John and Tricia joined the parent council.

Over the past four years, the couple has played a vital role, advocating for married students and collaborating with the council to find creative solutions to the challenges these students face. “They are incredible role models to follow,” Sarah says of her parents. And to that, we couldn’t agree more.

In 1990, several shifts occurred in the political landscape.

Hawks knew the Lord was leading him to run for Congress, and he followed. While the campaign did not result in a win on the ballot, it did result in big wins for the Kingdom.

“In time, we became just as excited that we had lost as we would have been if we had won,” said Hawks. Hawks knew that God had a plan to use it. Shortly after, Hawks founded a new church in Fort Wayne called The Chapel.

On the very first Sunday, 480 people filled the rows of the sanctuary, many of whom came as a result of his campaign.

Now, 26 years later, Hawks still serves as a pastor at The Chapel. His 40-plus years in ministry all stem back to his decision at age 23 to attend Grace Theological Seminary.

It was at Grace that he grew in his love for the Word and was afforded the opportunity to know professors like Reverend Ivan French (BDiv 53) and Dr. John Davis (BDiv 62, ThM 64, ThD 67) whom he deeply admired, in and out of the classroom. Hawks is quick to praise the rich, theological foundation he received, “I’ve used the things that I learned about preaching the Word at Grace every weekend to this day,” he says.

What is the best advice you ever received?

John: Show me your friends and I’ll show you your future.

Tricia: Keep good boundaries in your career, family and faith. Don’t be afraid to make hard decisions to keep your priorities straight.

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What Scripture has helped you on your journey?

Joshua 1:9 “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

David Hobert | Winona Lake, IN

Ken & Ruth Balmer | Telford, PA

Seminary Distinguished Service Award

Seminary Honorary Alumni of the Year

It was during Dave Hobert’s (BA 74, MDiv 80) studies at Grace Theological Seminary in the late 1970s, that he and his wife, Susie (Thompson BME 73) Hobert, were first made aware of the fact that 36,000 cities and towns in France are without a gospel witness. Immediately, their hearts were burdened, and the couple began to consider how their gifts and abilities could be used in France.

“There were no lightning bolts or audible voices; the need in itself was our ‘call’ to make disciples in Burgundy, France,” says Hobert. The Hoberts followed the call in faith and moved their family to France.

Forty-one years later, Dave and Susie’s greatest passion is still to see God’s Kingdom spread throughout all of Burgundy. Their ministry has taken many shapes and forms over the years, but has consistently emphasized evangelism, church planting, discipleship and leadership training. The past eight years, the Hoberts have resided half of the year in France and the other half as missionariesin-residence at Grace College & Seminary. Their desire is to raise up a new generation of global workers and to mentor students and graduates in their spiritual development. Dave and Susie have helped teach and participate in various courses, engaged with students at the annual Conference on Mission and hosted several Go Encounter trips. The Hoberts are living proof that following Jesus is a long game; and that at the heart of discipleship is deep, trustworthy relationship.

What is a little-known fact about you?

I received my nickname, “Hobie” on Grace College choir tour because there were five Daves on the tour.

And here’s a bonus answer: As a bench-warming freshman, I hit the shot to break 100 points on the old Lancer gym scoreboard, and it read “00.”

Penn Valley Gas has been coined “The Lord’s Business” since the day it was founded by Ken and Ruth Balmer in 1957. In fact, Ken would often say, “The Lord gave us the business to support Grace Brethren causes.” Ken went to be with the Lord in January 2021. Over almost 65 years of building and maintaining a thriving business, the Balmers have stayed true to their original mission and stewarded the business to bless others.

In 1969, the Balmers (Ken, Ruth and their six children) started attending Penn Valley Church in Telford, Pennsylvania, which was under the leadership of Pastor Robert Griffith (BDiv 53) at the time. Ever since, the Balmers have been active participants in Charis Fellowship ministries with a special passion for international missions.

What would start as an invitation for missionaries to come enjoy a meal in “Ruthie’s kitchen,” would often segue into long-lasting, gospel-centered friendships. In fact, Ruth can rattle off a litany of Grace Seminary graduates they’ve supported all around the globe. Through the years, the Balmers have hosted, prayed for and even visited many of the missionaries they supported financially.

For Ken and Ruth, their call to follow the Lord in 1957 was about being faithful with what God had given them. Little did they know, their stewardship would not only bless those they employed in Telford, Pennsylvania, but also mobilize numerous missionaries and impact countless lives around the world.

What is your most proud accomplishment?

That our children know the Lord and are keeping Christ at the head of their homes.

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A Path Worth Following

First-year students file into lines to create the 2021 Hike photo. The Hike is one of many campus traditions students experience during their first week at Grace.

This fall, we welcomed a record number of incoming students to campus, and many of you played a role in making it happen!

Pictured are just a handful of Grace alumni who dropped off their sons, daughters and grandchildren as part of the incoming freshman class. Thank you for entrusting your students to us. We count it a privilege to teach, mentor and coach them during such a formative time in their lives.

We trust that your student will find that Grace is an ideal place to grow, bond and become — and that the path to Grace was a path worth following.

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One of the best ways to support Grace is by telling your children, grandchildren and friends that Grace College is worth a visit. Share the ways that a Grace education impacted you, and let your community know that we have more than 100 majors, minors and concentrations offered in a wide variety of delivery methods.

Our Christ-centered community is committed to engaging every student in thoughtful scholarship and career preparation so that whatever it is they study, they are equipped to follow Him.

Encourage your family and friends to schedule a visit at www.grace.edu/visit

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Student Katelyn Harstine with parents Joel (BS 92) and Lisa (Hostetler BS 97).

Theo Cooke, grandson of Dr. Paulette (Macon BA 64, CERT 77) Sauders, smiles with his mom Cathy (Sauders BS 10) Cooke and dad Kenneth Cooke.

Annalieze Crawford, a third-generation Grace College student, pictured with stepdad, Aaron Davis (BS 01) and his parents James (BA 64, MACSA 87) and Judy (Kirkpatrick BA 66) Davis.

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Student Kaylee Friesen with parents Stephanie and Dr. Steve (BS 94) Friesen.

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Kensie Ryman with parents Nicole Ryman (BS 93) and Matt Dick (BS 94).

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Jake Smith with parents Boyd (BS 98) and Krista (Lantz BS 99) Smith.

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Student Jonathan Biller (center) smiles with dad Trent (C 89) and sister Rebecca.

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Student Gracie Lewis pictured with parents Andy (BS 88) and Shari (Oatley BS 89). Gracie will be joining her father at Grace who serves as the head men’s tennis coach.

Student Carissa Butler (left) with dad Daron (BA 87, MDiv 91, ThM 92), mom Melissa (Buriff BS 87), and sister Talia (right).

Do you have a family member in high school who would be interested in Grace College?

Sign them up to receive information from Grace. www.grace.edu/worthfollowing

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Celebrating 60 Years on Mission

BY M A DISO N COW M A N

Images on this page were captured at Grace’s annual mission conferences spanning back to 1961. While many things have changed through the years, the conference continues to host passionate speakers and foster authentic connections between students and missionary guests.

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Note: The 60th anniversary was in 2020, but due to reduced gathering sizes, we delayed the celebration. This year, we welcomed alumni back to campus for a banquet to give the 60-year benchmark the honor it deserves!

In 1960, the first “Missions Conference” was born from a group of passionate students with hearts ablaze for reaching the world for Christ. The group, “World Missions Fellowship,” (WMF) would pray weekly for missionaries around the world, hear updates from missionary guests and raise funds for cross-cultural ministries. While the conference has grown and adapted to the ever-expanding methods of missions through the years, these same elements: student initiative, prayer, authentic connection and ministry mobilization, have remained conference pillars.

STUDENT INITIATIVE “From the very beginning, the conference has been studentled,” said Valerie (Kesterke AS 97) Crumbley, conference coordinator since 1995. “Throughout the years, students will get ideas that they want to implement, and we encourage them to run with them,” she said.

One example is when Amy Keith (BA 90) started “Taste of the World.” The event began to help missionary kids and international students connect the campus to their countries by making food to share with other students. “‘It really gave identity to international students on campus,” said Wayne Hannah (BA 72, CERT 77), conference director for nearly a decade. From the 2 a.m. underground church services to the North Korea exhibit in the tunnels under the library — the list of student initiatives continues to grow.

PRAYER Many, many fervent prayers of intercession have been lifted up during the conferences. At the second conference in 1961, students met to pray each day at 7:10 a.m.,

12:30 p.m. and 1 p.m. Some years even included 24-hour prayer for the duration of the conference. Linda Kline (BA 70), who served as secretary for the WMF in 1968, recalls, “We had time after chapel for groups to meet to pray for specific mission fields.

This carried on weekly throughout the year.” A core objective of the conference was, and still is, that these prayers would not just be an annual tradition, but a part of students’ regular prayer lives.

AUTHENTIC CONNECTION Alumni are quick to share about the honest, late-night conversations they had with visiting missionaries and speakers who stayed in the dorms with them. From missionary pilots to church planters, filmmakers to business leaders, there have been a wide variety of roles represented at the conferences.

Dr. Roger Peugh (BA 65, BDiv 68, DMin 06), former conference director and retired missionary, recalls the influence of a speaker when he was a student. “During my freshman year, the main speaker was Vincent Joy, a missionary pilot in Alaska. I remember being deeply moved by his life and his messages,” he said. The guests will never fully know the impact of their presence and the authentic connections they make.

MINISTRY MOBILIZATION Last, but certainly not least, the conference has been a vehicle of mobilization. Since 1999, Grace students have raised nearly $95,000 for missions projects. The conference has also mobilized many students to go into cross-cultural ministry themselves. Just flip the page to hear how God has used the conference to inspire many.

While the early years heavily emphasized cross-cultural missions, the conference has expanded to encourage students of all disciplines to consider how they can creatively and intentionally live “on mission.”

This is why the name was changed from “Missions Conference” to “Conference on Mission.” It is our prayer for all graduates, that wherever they go, whatever they do and whoever they become, they do it all on mission for their Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

60 YEARS AND COUNTING...

Thanks to the Sterling and Ruth Ann (Cone) Theobald Endowment, the conference will continue to equip students to live on mission for many years to come. Ruth Ann (Cone) and Sterling (S 52) Theobald both served as cross-cultural missionaries for many years. Ruth Ann served with the Foreign Missionary Society of the Brethren in the CAR for 17 years and in France with Grace Brethren International Missions for ten years.

Sterling did medical missions with New Tribes Mission in Senegal and at its headquarters in Missouri.

After losing their spouses, Sterling and Ruth Ann reacquainted and were married in 1995. They spent their time visiting children and grandchildren involved in cross-cultural ministry and faithfully praying for and supporting many missionaries before passing away in 2020.

“Grace Schools and cross-cultural ministry were two of their great passions,” said Kip Cone (BA 90, MDiv 96, DMin 18), Ruth Ann’s youngest son. “The endowment for the Conference on Mission seemed to be a natural way to honor them for their commitment to both.”

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Zoe (Rozsa BA 13) Fletcher

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Budapest, Hungary | YEARS IN MINISTRY: 5 Years “It was at Grace that I first realized that the call to ‘go’ was for all believers, not just a chosen few. After having the opportunity to interact with missionaries all over the world at the conference, I began to feel a tug on my heart that perhaps ‘going’ for me actually meant leaving the United States. Since 2016, I have been teaching middle schoolers in Budapest from a variety of cultures.

I get to disciple them as they learn more about His world!”

Margaret H. Hull (BSN 63, MAMiss 82)

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Central African Republic / Portugal | YEARS IN MINISTRY: 41 Years “I was already afire with the desire to serve God, but it was during my time at Grace that His leading became clear to me. This was partially accomplished by hearing missionary speakers at mission conferences.

In 1965, I followed God’s leading to the CAR to do medical and youth work and then to Portugal where a new Brethren field was being opened. Following Jesus has been the joy and anchor of my life.”

Joanna (McCallister BS 02) Major

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Central Asia | YEARS IN MINISTRY: 19 Years “I loved meeting missionaries and hearing their stories at the annual Conference on Mission! It was a privilege to pray for them and learn about so many possibilities around the world and numerous ways to share the Gospel. The concepts of living by faith and not trying to change someone’s culture specifically stayed with me.”

Erin (Shuler BS 18) Nabongho

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Jinja, Uganda | YEARS IN MINISTRY: 2.5 Years “I always loved Grace’s Conference on Mission! I was touched by the ways that people were serving and living out their calling. I never would have imagined that I would end up being a missionary, but throughout my years at Grace, I did several month-long missions trips to Uganda and just fell in love. I now work as a Director of Wandering Feet Inc., a mobile medical clinic offering free basic care to the villages.”

Jon (BS 11) & Grace (Gerber BA 14) McDillon

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Kaohsiung, Taiwan | YEARS IN MINISTRY: 2 Years “We had both been interested in global missions for quite some time. So, as teachers in Warsaw and Grace alumni, we attended the Conference on Mission over our fall break. We talked to several of the mission agencies there, including Send International, which connected us with positions at Morrison Academy in Taiwan. As teachers, we were able to be disciplers, coaches, cheerleaders, counselors, and friends.”

Kent (BA 74, MDiv 78) & Becky (Sheffer BA 75) Good

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France / Cambodia | YEARS IN MINISTRY: 39 Years “As students in Grace College & Seminary, our steps were directed toward overseas service by teachers and missionary speakers at events like the annual missions conference where we were challenged to think outside the box of North America ministry. We served in Eastern-Central France as church planters from 1979 to 2003 and as church-planter coaches in Battambang, Cambodia from 2004-2015.”

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We know this is just a fraction of our alumni who have been influenced by our Conference on Mission and ended up pursuing full-time missions.

Do you have a story of following the Lord into the ends of the earth? We’d love to hear it! Visit www.grace.edu/ gracestory to fill us in on the details.

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ATHLETICS

Kammerer inducted to NCCAA Hall of Fame In June, Grace men’s basketball legend Chet Kammerer (BA 64) was inducted into the NCCAA Hall of Fame.

Kammerer graduated from Grace with 2,504 career points, still the most points ever scored in a Lancer uniform. After graduating, he began coaching the Lancers in 1965 and went on a stellar 10-year run, winning 183 games and helping Grace reach four NCCAA national tournaments. Grace President Dr. Bill Katip (BA 74) said, “Chet’s legacy as a man of character and integrity was foundational to our athletic department in the beginning years. His heart for serving the Lord and others while building character through sport has shaped Grace College Athletics for many decades.”

Kammerer’s coaching career led him to the ranks of Westmont College (CA), where he won another 176 games, and eventually into the NBA. He has spent the last few decades working as a vice president for the Miami Heat, winning multiple NBA championships. He currently serves as the Miami Heat Senior Advisor of Basketball Operations.

Kammerer, who was a pioneer in the NCCAA, also served as the NCCAA president from 1973-77. His consistent Christian testimony throughout his career challenged others to become strong followers of Christ.

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(left to right) Director of Athletics Chad Briscoe, Chet Kammerer (BA 64), and Grace President Dr. Bill Katip (BA 74) at the NCCAA induction ceremony.

Grace Welcomes Four New Athletic Coaches

MICHAEL MOFFITT JR. Track and Field Head Coach

BO & SAM COOLEN Softball Co-Head Coaches

Moffitt served as the director of track and field as well as cross country at Eastern University (PA) last year. In his first year, he coached 18 AllConference performers, 3 conference champions and 1 NCAA national qualifier (who became an NCAA AllAmerican).

The Coolens are migrating from Westcliff University, an NAIA school in Irvine, Calif., where Bo served as the associate head coach for the baseball team, and Sam was the associate head coach for softball.

Moffitt makes the move back to the Crossroads League after starring as an athlete in the conference. As an elite high jumper at Indiana Wesleyan, he won eight national titles in the high jump during his career and qualified twice for the USATF National Championships.

“I am truly honored and grateful to President Katip, Coach Briscoe and the search committee for trusting me to lead Grace’s track and field program. Coach Raymond and his staff have done an amazing job growing this program into something special, and I’m excited to build upon that success,” Moffitt said. “I couldn’t be more excited to meet the team and grow together as we pursue excellence in Christ.”

The duo boasts a distinguished softball lineage. Bo is the son of Bob Coolen, the softball head coach at the University of Hawaii of 30 years.

Bo enjoyed tremendous success as a college baseball player, first signing to play at Pepperdine University before transferring to Ohio State where he helped the team to the East Carolina Regional. After graduating, Bo was an assistant baseball coach at Vanguard University. For the past two years, he has been at Westcliff.

Sam graduated from Vanguard in 2019 where she was a two-time NAIA All-American and a three-time AllConference honoree. She was named the 2019 conference Player of the Year and was also Vanguard’s Female Athlete of the Year. Overall, Sam batted .414 with 231 hits, 154 RBIs and 15 home runs. The catcher had a career slugging percentage of .597 and fielding percentage of .992. Sam spent the past two seasons helping

direct Westcliff in its inaugural seasons as a varsity program.

“We are very excited for Bo and Sam to join our family at Grace. They have a desire to impact lives for Christ through their coaching while building a strong culture of excellence,” said Grace Director of Athletics Chad Briscoe. “We look forward to their leadership and impact both on and off the field.”

JESSICA DURANDO Cheerleading Head Coach Durando is a local product, cheering for Warsaw’s football and basketball programs during her high school career. She went on to cheer collegiately at NCAA Div. II Cedarville University (OH). While at Cedarville, she helped with recruiting and choreographed many of the dances and routines during men’s and women’s basketball games.

“I am thrilled and humbled at the opportunity to lead the Grace College cheerleading program. My desire is to use this position to foster spiritual growth within the team so that they can lead in a way that is honoring to Christ. I am excited to lead the team in the tradition of bringing energy to the Lancer fans,” Durando said.

Durando is also a CPA with several years of experience with Crowe, LLP. She currently works as a staff accountant at Paragon Medical.

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Looking Forward to Look Back RECORD-BREAKING ENROLLMENT On August 21-22, Grace College enrollment history was made when we welcomed a record-breaking 471 new students to campus. These students from diverse backgrounds have brought their unique personalities and perspectives to our campus culture, and all of them have their own stories of coming to Grace.

One of these students is David Amaya.

Freshman student David Amaya sits in front of the new Grace College sign on Kings Highway.

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David Amaya, from Goshen, Indiana, credits his arrival at Grace this fall to several teachers, coaches and mentors who spoke into his life as a young man. Now a freshman studying elementary education, it is his desire to provide the same kind of encouragement and support to young men just like him.

Amaya’s early family life brought a lot of instability. He never had a relationship with his dad, and for the first four years of his life, Amaya lived in his uncle’s basement with his mom and his older brother. By the time Amaya was 16, he and his brother lived on their own.

For most of his life, Amaya thought he would graduate from high school and go on to work at a factory. He had no plans of going to college. But that changed in eighth grade when Amaya was introduced to Mr. Utly, a community volunteer at his school. Amaya and Utly met every week during his study block where Utly would check in on him and hold him accountable for his grades. “After I started meeting with Mr. Utly, my grades started going up,” said Amaya. “I started thinking about my future for the first time. Before that, I didn’t care.

But Mr. Utly motivated me,” he said.

“I started thinking about my future for the first time.

Before that, I didn’t care.”

Those half-hour weekly meetings with Utly left an indelible mark on Amaya. “Meeting him changed my whole future to this point,” said Amaya. “If I hadn’t met him, I don’t think I would want to be a teacher.”

And ever since then, Amaya has had a vision and a dream to work toward. Amaya heard about Grace College from Jonny Mora, one of his soccer teammates at Northridge High

School in Middlebury, Indiana. When Amaya was a sophomore, Mora was the impressive senior who scored a game-winning goal in sectionals. “At Northridge, there are not a lot of Hispanics, so Jonny was my first Hispanic role model,” he said.

Mora was the reason Amaya wanted to attend Grace. But it was Tracy Martin that made attending Grace a reality for Amaya.

Amaya was paired with Martin, an elementary school teacher at Jefferson Elementary in Goshen, Indiana, through the work-based learning program at his high school. Not only did Martin expose Amaya to a career in elementary education, but she also played an influential role in helping Amaya prepare for college.

“Tracy volunteered her personal time to take me on my Grace visit, and she helped me with my FAFSA application since my mom doesn’t know English,” recalled Amaya. “She checks in on me frequently to this day,” he said.

Thanks to the influence of many supportive mentors in his life, Amaya is beginning his freshman year at Grace. Amaya looks forward, recognizing he would not be where he is today without the investment of positive role models.

“It was hard to find motivation and support growing up,” said Amaya. “Without my dad, I didn’t have any male Latino role models. So I want to look back and help out kids who are in the same situation I was in. I want to give them praise and support so that they can succeed in their lives,” he said.

After he graduates from Grace, Amaya plans to continue his education and get his master’s in education. He continues to look forward so that he can look back and help the next generation.

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GR ACE WIRE

President Katip Announces Retirement On Monday, Sept. 20, Grace College & Seminary President Dr. Bill Katip (BA 74) announced his plan to retire at the end of the 2021-22 school year.

Katip has worked in higher education for 47 years, the past eight years as the sixth president of Grace.

“Bill has led Grace College & Seminary with Christ-like character, professional competence and passionate service,” said Daniel Renner, chair of the Grace College & Seminary Board of Trustees. “He is a tireless worker, a strong spiritual leader and has been highly visible and engaged with students. Dr. Katip will be deeply missed, and we couldn’t be more thankful for his faithful servant leadership,” he said.

During Katip’s tenure, he led the institution in a number of groundbreaking initiatives, including an accelerated three-year bachelor’s degree program, a four-year bachelor’s and master’s program and Deploy — Grace’s competencybased seminary program.

As a result of these initiatives, and many more, Katip has led the school through some historic milestones, including Aspire, its $40-million comprehensive campaign, and recruiting the school’s largest-ever incoming class of students for the 2021-22 school year.

Katip has forged the way for many inter-institutional partnerships and strengthened Grace’s reputation at a local, regional and even national level.

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“Bill is a leader among his college president peers in Indiana. We all benefit from his optimism and, well, his grace,” said Dr. David Wantz, president and CEO of the Independent Colleges of Indiana (ICI).

“Bill’s personal relationships and integrity have opened doors at the State House and in DC for us to have meaningful conversations with our elected and appointed officials. At ICI, we will feel the loss of his influence in our work to advance private higher education,” said Wantz.

“I count Bill as a leading president in the CCCU. Even in the midst of challenging circumstances, he has remained orthodox, steadfast and optimistic. I’m confident his legacy will continue to impact the Grace community, and Christian higher education at large, for years to come,” said Shirley V. Hoogstra, president of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU).

Despite his many accomplishments, Katip has always put students first. Katip is known for attending campus events, traveling with students on co-curricular trips and taking students for a ride on the Grace boat on Winona Lake.

Hannah (Deblois BS 20, MBA 20) Dawes, said she owes much to Katip.

“If it weren’t for Dr. Katip, I would not have been able to attend Grace

College,” she said. “Private education was not financially feasible for my family, but he bent over backward to advocate for me. I will be forever thankful to him for paving the way for me to get a Christ-centered college education,” she said.

Grace College & Seminary faculty have also been impacted by Katip.

Dr. Steve Grill (BA 70), a long-time professor at Grace said, “Dr. Katip is the most gifted and energetic leader I’ve met in my 50 years of college teaching. His expertise and driving work ethic have, in my opinion, taken Grace to a new level of excellence. It has truly been a joy to work with him.”

Katip and his wife, Debbie (Cahill BA 74), look forward to retirement.

Katip will be on sabbatical during the 2022-23 school year and will be available to work with the new president in any way that is desired.

Grace trustees will work with CarterBaldwin Executive Search to initiate a search process to identify Katip’s successor.

NEWS AROUND CAMPUS

New Alpha Dining Opened to Students Grace opened its brand new Alpha Dining Commons to students for the first time during Welcome Weekend, but the grand reveal came as returning students, faculty and staff shuffled into Alpha for their first meal back. Students and employees alike responded to the new space with gasps, squeals, wide eyes and dropped jaws. There might have even been some happy dances.

“I wish that each and every individual who contributed to this project could have witnessed the sheer excitement on students’ faces as they saw the dining hall for the first time,” said Dr. Drew Flamm, executive vice president of Grace. “The space is truly phenomenal. It will serve as a crucial place where students’ minds and hearts are shaped for many years to come.”

Students have enjoyed the host of food and drink choices they have each time they step foot in the door, as well as the variety of seating options — inside or outside, booth or table.

“I think that the new Alpha Dining setup is amazing. I love the booths.

I love how open and modern it is.

And obviously, the slushie machine is impeccable,” said Maddie Bremer,

a second-year student. “I think they should be very proud of what they created.”

The lobby space, complete with a fireplace, is also a big hit with students. “I think the biggest improvement of the remodeling is the lobby area out front,” said second-year student Skylar Wetzell.

“It’s a great place to meet friends before going in to eat or to just hang out afterward.”

The lobby, intended to help foster community, is doing just that.

On any given day, you’ll find a number of students sitting and waiting for friends or a professor to join them for a meal.

The new Simple Servings station, which accommodates students with dietary restrictions and allergies, is another highly praised update.

“A huge thank you to all who have made this project possible — the contractors, the Sodexo team, the advancement team and all of you who generously gave! When we all come to the table together, it’s incredible what we can accomplish,” said Dr. Bill Katip (BA 74).

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Dr. Eugene (BS 78) and Wanda Inman (center) are honored by Grace College Chair of the Department of Science and Mathematics Dr. Joe Frentzel (left) and President Dr. Bill Katip (BA 74) (right) with a custom Grace College & Seminary chair.

Grace College Science Program Receives $1.5 Million Endowed Chair Dr. Eugene (BS 78) and Wanda Inman recently established a $1.5 million fund for an endowed chair for the science program at Grace College.

The chair is the first of its kind at Grace and is designed to help the college recruit and retain high-quality science faculty.

“The endowed chair helps us attract top-notch leaders in the science community to deepen our relationship with the world and to train students in new ways to make positive real-world impacts,” said Dr. Bill Katip (BA 74), president of Grace College & Seminary.

Gene attended Grace from 1974 to 1978. He came in as a math major, but partway through his education, he realized he wanted to study chemistry.

Although the major did not exist at Grace at the time, Mr. Ray Gsell, one of Inman’s science professors, said, “We’ll have to create such a thing.”

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Inman became the first-ever chemistry major at Grace and also helped create a computer team at Grace. His time learning from faculty mentors Dr. Vilas Deane and Gsell laid the early groundwork for his career. “I was encouraged to think about what it meant to be both a scientist and a Christian. I found that my purpose was to be the best scientist I could be, and that has shaped my leadership style to this day,” said Inman.

After graduating, Inman went to the University of Florida to get his Ph.D. in analytical chemistry. This led to a 40-year career in pharmaceutical product development, including 33 years with Eli Lilly. Inman has served 14 years as a technical manager and 13 years as a research and development executive where he oversaw groups of up to 750 scientists.

While Inman has accomplished a lot in his career, including the development of many drugs that have helped countless individuals, he is most proud of his leadership philosophy marked by accountability, integrity and character. “These things go hand in hand with my Grace experience,” said Inman.

Even in retirement, Inman continues to generate impact in his field in a consulting, coaching and mentoring role today. He is currently helping develop a COVID-19 vaccine.

“As the first chemistry major at Grace, Inman paved a path and set the bar high for the dozens of chemistry majors who followed behind him.

Through his gift, Inman’s legacy will continue to impact our science program. It’s our prayer that the endowed chair would enable us to develop and launch many more excellent Christian scientists like Gene in the years to come,” said Katip.

Dr. Brenda Whitehead Associate Professor of Behavioral Science

Dr. Kevin Voogt Assistant Professor of Education

Grace Welcomes New Faculty Members This fall, Grace College welcomed two new faculty members to campus: Dr. Brenda Whitehead, associate professor of behavioral science and Dr. Kevin Voogt, assistant professor of education.

Whitehead holds an M.A. and Ph.D. in lifespan developmental psychology from the University of Notre Dame, and B.A. in psychology from Northwest Nazarene University.

She has a strong background in research, receiving external and internal funding for more than 20 peer-reviewed articles.

Whitehead comes to Grace from the University of MichiganDearborn where she reached the rank of associate professor.

“We’re ecstatic to welcome Dr. Whitehead to the School of Behavioral Sciences,” said Dr. Kevin Roberts (BS 93, MAIR 96), dean of the School of Behavioral Sciences.

“Dr. Whitehead’s expertise in

developmental psychology, aging and coping allow us to strengthen and diversify our course offerings.

Her extensive experience working with older adults including areas of health behaviors, religiousness, perceived stress and well-being aligns with Grace’s commitment to doing applied research.”

The Grace College School of Education is equally delighted to bring a new member on board.

“We are so excited to welcome Dr. Kevin Voogt to our team. Dr. Voogt brings with him rich experiences in teaching along with impressive expertise in mathematics education.

His energy, positive attitude and collaborative skills make him a great fit for our team. Our students will be blessed by getting to know this wonderful, caring professor,” said Dr. Cheryl (Bartel BS 92) Bremer, dean of the School of Education.

Voogt graduated from Calvin

University where he majored in secondary mathematics education.

He taught high school math for eight years in public schools around the country, including New Mexico, Florida, Wisconsin and Texas. Voogt’s extensive teaching experience allowed him to go straight into his Ph.D. program in mathematics education at Michigan State University after his undergraduate degree.

“Both Brenda and Kevin are shining examples of the ways of Grace which lead us to explore powerful academics, create meaningful careers and launch purposeful lives,” said Dr. Laurie Owen, vice president of academic affairs at Grace.

To stay up-to-date with all that is happening at Grace, visit www.grace.edu/news

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The RedZone shows its Lancer spirit with face paint and powder at the Homecoming men’s soccer game.

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We had a marvelous time welcoming so many of you back to campus on Oct. 1-2. Our weekend was filled to the brim with tours of the new Alpha Dining Commons, the Lancer 5k, the Greek Reunion Banquet, the numerous class reunions, the parade and tailgate and so much more. We had an absolute blast.

Mark your calendar to get in on the fun for next year: Sept. 30 - Oct. 1, 2022.

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Grace Athletics recognizes its new Hall of Fame inductees during halftime at the men’s soccer game. Pictured (left to right) are Director of Athletics Chad Briscoe, Andy Bonham (BS 84), Jessica (Stolle BS 11) Muneza and Max Anders (BA 70).

2. Grace students dress up for the Homecoming Banquet and Variety Show.

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Alumni enjoy a tailgate lunch before the men’s soccer game. (Left to right) Jon (BA 12) and Danielle (Goodman BA 13) Allan, Dana Johnston (BS 14), Steve (MDiv 97) and Vicki Gerber.

4. Grace students on a float during the annual Homecoming Parade.

5. Underclassmen compete against upperclassmen in The Beanie Bowl, a longstanding flag football tradition.

6. Beta Hall residents celebrate after reclaiming the Hall T-shirt Chapel title.

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ALUM NOTES Connecting With Our Family of Friends

Class Notes 1973 Dr. Kevin D. Huggins (BA 73, MABC 83, MDiv 85) has served on the staff of Fellowship Church (Knoxville TN) since August 2005 and is the pastor of soul care and spiritual direction. khuggins@fellowshipknox.org

1976 1 At the close of the 2020-21 school year and after 45 years in education, Dr. Phil Norris (BME 76) “commenced” from full-time music teaching. Following graduation from Grace in 1976, he taught in the Grace music department and at Lakeland Christian Academy.

From 1979-82, Norris taught music at Western Baptist College (now Corban University) (Salem OR), where he met and married his wife, Julie.

During those years, Phil completed a master’s degree in trumpet performance at Northwestern University (Evanston IL). He went on 29

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to teach at Wheaton Christian High School (now Wheaton Academy (IL)), Sterling College (KS) and for the past 28 years at the University of Northwestern (St. Paul MN).

1979 Don McCluskey (BA 79) has authored a new book, “The Messiah Beyond a Shadow of a Doubt,” with Ancient Words Ministries. It is a fascinating study about how the Jewish holy days in Leviticus 23 are actually shadows of the Messiah and prove that Jesus is the Messiah. He has also published “Principles of Bible Study” in 2015. Don and wife Jill (Burke 80) met at Grace, married in 1980 and have lived in Fort Worth TX since 1983. Learn more about the book at www.TheAppointedTimes. com. don056@gmail.com

2004 Jessica (Norris C 04) Geib completed her Master of Public Administration in Emergency Management and Homeland Security at Florida State University in 2021. jessica.geib@yahoo.com

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Harriet Zook (BS 79) retired as the catalog librarian for the University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law (Sacramento CA) after 41½ years. Friends and family celebrated her retirement on her birthday, July 31. Harriet always loved books and desired to be a children’s librarian, so she established her own library filled with over 800 colorful picture books.

She lends them to friends and enjoys reading them to little ones. She faithfully serves at River City Grace Community Church in Sacramento. catbooklady@gmail.com

2000 In September 2019, Deb (Ward BS 00, MAC 02) Newswanger became an owner and mental health counselor at Healing Hearts Ministry (Pierceton IN), a faith-based ministry focusing on those dealing with trauma, loss of a baby, infertility or grief. healingheartsministry20@gmail.com

2008 Micah and Rachel (Neff BS 08) Yoder: Married April 17, 2021. The newlyweds call Wakarusa IN their home. rachel.neff@gmail.com 3

2014 Luke Gard (AA 14, BS 16) is an acoustic guitarist in Nashville TN, writing thoughtful guitar instrumentals with approachable melodies. What started as a hobby quickly became a passion and a creative outlet. Luke’s most recent release, “Surely You Are There,” is a ten-track album of original solo acoustic guitar arrangements.

Recorded at home in Nashville TN, the result is an album containing songs that create space for the listener to be still. Luke is eager to share these songs with listeners. You can purchase this album and find out more about Luke by visiting his website, lukegardmusic.com.

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Michael (BA 15) and Marina (Ramirez BA 14) Shank: Moses Eugenio, February 7, 2021. Marina achieved a Master of Arts in TESOL and Intercultural Studies at Wheaton College in 2020. The Shank family is preparing for cross-cultural ministry beginning with a six-month internship with Iglesias Reforma in Guatemala City, Guatemala, in September 2021. They will then begin serving in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia. www.merefollowers.com mmshank@ southamericamission.org 5

2015 6 Benjamin and Kathleen “Kate” (Graham BA 15) Philip: Judah Graham, May 6, 2021. Judah joins brother Asher (2) at their home in Noblesville IN.

2016 Sterling and Lauren (Scavo BA 16) Scavo-Fulk: Theodore, October 8, 2019. The family resides in Jeannette PA. ljscavo@gmail.com 7

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2017 Ben (BS 21, MSNM 21) and Abby (Phinney BA 17) Logan: Married April 10, 2021. The Logans call Winona Lake home where Abby has served as the public relations specialist for the Lilly Center for Lakes & Streams at Grace College since January 2018.

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Sam (BS 18) and Emma Hall: Married August 3, 2019. The Halls made Warsaw IN their home where they welcomed Margaret “Maggie” Jean on April 25, 2021. Sam serves as an accounting specialist at Lake City Bank.

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In Memoriam 1955 Reverend Robert “Bob” R. Coon (C 55) went home to Jesus and was reunited with his beloved wife of 50 years, Helen, on July 28, 2021. Robert is survived by three children: Russell (Kathy) Coon (Goshen IN), Cathy (Merv) Bitikofer (St. George KS) and Dorothy Coon (Topeka IN); five grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; two greatgreat-grandchildren with one more expected soon; and several nieces and nephews. Robert served with the U.S. Marine Corps from 1949-1951.

Following his service, he attended Grace College and completed his bachelor’s degree at Bluffton College (now Bluffton University (Bluffton OH)). He went on to complete his Master of Divinity at Mennonite Biblical Seminary (Chicago IL). Robert faithfully served as a pastor in Illinois, Kansas, Pennsylvania and Oklahoma.

In retirement, Robert sang with the Evergreen Singers while at Greencroft (Goshen IN). He also volunteered his time at the Topeka Train Depot (Topeka IN) and Menno-Hof (Shipshewana IN). From 2000-2004, he served as a chaplain at Traveler’s Rest Resort (Dade City FL).

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1962 The Lord called James “Jim” M. Brundage (BA 62) to enter His presence June 8, 2021. Jim is survived by his wife, Eva Mae, with whom he would have celebrated 61 years of marriage on June 25. He was a father to Bethany (Dave) (deceased in 2012), Amy (David), Jerry and Katelynn (Max). Jim is also survived by his brother, Rick (BA 74, MACSA 77) and wife (Susan (Humberd C 76)) 31

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and their children Noelle (Brundage AS 00), (Jim) Daley and Nathan; sister Elaine (Ken) Price and their family.

He has a great-grandson who is a special gift from God. Jim began his career by teaching at Madison Schools in the junior high. He went on to further his education at Ohio State and received his master’s degree in speech and language pathology. Jim also taught Bible classes for years and was a leader in the church. He enjoyed singing with the Fun Center Chordsmen for several years.

1963 2 Roland L. Fletcher (BS 63) passed away on June 14, 2021. After graduating from Grace College, he earned a master’s degree at Ball State University. Roland worked as an educator, coach and athletic director for more than 50 years, most recently at Edgewood High School (Ellettsville IN) and Bloomington High School North (Bloomington IN). He retired in 2007. Roland enjoyed golf, spending time with his family, watching sports of all kinds and relaxing on the screened-in porch. Roland married Susan Walters on August 5, 1978.

Surviving with his wife Susan are: sons, Jason T. (Laura) Fletcher and Matt S. (Alli) Fletcher; four grandchildren; and brothers, Ralph Fletcher and Roy (Marilyn) Fletcher.

1964 Ward A. Kriegbaum (BA 64) passed away on June 18, 2021. Ward married the former Kristin Adair (Auxt BS 67) on August 21, 1965. Ward attended Wheaton College (Wheaton IL) and earned a bachelor’s degree in history from Grace. He went on to earn a master’s degree in psychology from Indiana University (Bloomington IN) and a Ph.D. in Higher Education

Administration from Purdue University (West Lafayette IN). Ward served at Wheaton College for 36 years in various positions, including dean of the faculty and vice president of academic affairs. He retired in May 2007. As senior vice president at Wheaton College, he made many trips abroad and was the college’s representative in establishing Daystar University (Nairobi, Kenya).

In addition to his wife, Kriegbaum is survived by: brother, Richard (Peggi) Kriegbaum (Fresno CA) and sister, Karen (Kriegbaum BS 65) (Chuck) Bragg, (Fishers IN); daughters, Courtney (Kent) Graham (Wheaton IL) and Stephanie (Dan) Waldron (Naperville IL); son, Matthew (Evie) (Arroyo Grande CA); and nine grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and an infant daughter, Adair.

1974 Alan Nolt (BA 74) passed away unexpectedly on March 9, 2021. He started working at Buehler’s Fresh Foods when he returned home from college. Forty-one years later, he retired from Buehler’s. Alan was a lifelong member of Rittman Grace Brethren Church (Rittman OH). His greatest loves in life were serving the Lord, spending time with his family and sports. He served the church as an elder, Sunday school teacher, worship leader, youth leader and choir member. Nolt did not miss a game for the Rittman Indians. He was honored at a Rittman High School basketball game for his years of support and for being their biggest fan. Surviving are his brother and sister, Gary Nolt and Linda Nolt (BS 77) (Rittman OH). He was preceded in death by his parents.

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1975 Thomas Alan Ring (BS 75) passed away peacefully on August 9, 2021.

His battle with Lewy Body Dementia ended when he met his Lord and Savior. He married Frances “Fran” (Unger BS 77) on July 28, 1979. Tom’s degree equipped him for various accounting jobs, including route auditor for Crystal Bottled Water (Phoenix AZ) and accountant for the Danka Corporation and Perry Engineering (Winchester VA). Tom was a member of Fellowship Bible Church, where he enjoyed serving as an usher, singing in the choir and attending the Crack of Dawn Men’s Bible Study. He is survived by: his wife, Fran; daughter, Julie K. Ring (Winchester VA); son, Matthew T. Ring (Tupelo MS); four grandsons; and sister, LeEtta Ring Bartlett (Indianapolis IN).

1975 4 Linda (Walker BS 78) Edgington passed away on June 9, 2021. Linda was one of five children born to Dr. William Leroy and Donna (Troyer) Walker. On August 6, 1977, she was married to Dr. Thomas James Edgington (BA 79, MABC 83, MDiv 85). They shared the joy of raising three children and becoming grandparents. After earning her degree in elementary education, she taught at Leesburg Elementary School (Leesburg IN) from 1978-1981.

Linda worked for a number of years at Owens & Company (Warsaw IN) as well as at Grace College. For years she quilted, had an eBay business and helped author her husband’s books. Her smile will be forever missed by her family and friends.

She will be lovingly remembered by: husband, Tom (Warsaw IN); daughter, Callie (Luke) Tillett (Gurnee IL); sons, Nate (BA 06) (Victoria (Casey BA 12))

Edgington (Cincinnati OH) and Ryan (Makenna) Edgington (Altamonte FL); five grandchildren; mother, Donna Walker (Winona Lake IN); brother, Dave (Ann) Walker (Pullman MI); three sisters: Karen (Walker BME 77) (Carl) Hardcastle (Hagerstown MD); Jan (Walker BS 82) (Bill) Remington (Warsaw IN); and Tina Walker (BA 86) (Warsaw IN). She was preceded in death by her father, Dr. William Walker in 2010 and her mother- and father-in-law, Marilyn and Duane Edgington.

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1986 On August 21, 2021, Tina Marie (Boswell C 86) Watkins met her savior. Tina studied Bible and missions at Barclay College (KS) (1982-1983) and studied counseling/ psychology at Grace College (19831985). She ministered as a teacher to Navajo natives in New Mexico and at the Center for Women’s Ministries (Cloverdale IN). Tina had one goal in life: to be someone who delights God. She loved books, writing, teaching, collecting penguins, telling cheesy jokes and counting down the days until Christmas. Tina is survived by David Paul Watkins (MAM 87), her loving husband of 35 years. Tina is remembered by her children: Danielle Yates, Stephanie Wilson, Crystal Dorman and David Michael Watkins; seven grandchildren; her parents, Larry Ray and Sandra Jean Boswell; her siblings, Cynthia (Boswell BS 90) Marsh and Brian Tad Boswell.

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Acknowledgements

The Plaster family receives the faculty emeritus award on behalf of their father and husband.

Pictured left to right: Chair of the Grace Board of Trustees Dan Renner, Andrew (BSW 01) Plaster, Robert (BA 01, MASM 02) Plaster, Ginny (Crees BS 71) Plaster, Rachelle (Plaster BS 96) Creighton and President Emeritus of Grace College & Seminary Dr. Ron Manahan (MDiv 70, ThM 77, ThD 82).

Dr. David Plaster Named Vice President and Professor Emeritus On August 26, Dr. David Plaster (BA 71 MDiv 74, ThM 84) was posthumously named Vice President and Professor Emeritus at the 2021 Convocation Chapel.

After two years as an adjunct professor, Plaster began his fulltime ministry at Grace in 1984 as a professor in the seminary and chair of the Pastoral Ministries Department. In 1987, Plaster became the dean of the seminary, and from 1991 to 2007, he served as the vice president of academic affairs for the college and seminary.

“Dr. Plaster’s intimate relationship with Christ spilled into every part of his life: He was a brilliant biblical scholar and theologian; he was a passionate and inspiring educator; and he was a compassionate mentor and courageous leader. It is the joy and pleasure of the Grace 33

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Board to honor him with emeritus status,” said Dr. Bill Katip (BA 74).

Plaster’s 25 years of impacting students at Grace will never be fully grasped but are best captured through the testimonies of those who knew him. Many of these individuals have become influential professors, deans and administrators at Grace themselves, and Plaster’s legacy continues to live through them to this day: “Having not come from a church background, Dave’s mentorship over a number of years had a huge impact on my life,” said Dr. Kevin Roberts (BS 93, MAIR 96), dean of the School of Behavioral Sciences. “He poured into me and taught me to value the application of the Word of God. He was like a spiritual father to me, and I cannot express the importance of that.”

“Dr. Plaster and I had a special connection with the French language,” said Jacqueline (Julien BA 86) Schram, dean of academic engagement and success and HLC accreditation liaison officer. “I started my journey at Grace teaching French under his leadership as VP of academic affairs. He was the one to lead us through the addition of the cross-cultural field experience to our general education curriculum, which has become so distinctive for transformative learning at Grace.”

“Dr. Plaster’s life was devoted to knowing more and better the Lord who was his redeemer,” said Dr. Ron Manahan (MDiv 70, ThM 77, ThD 82), President Emeritus of Grace College & Seminary. “He loved God, and he wanted to live his life for Him. I’m so grateful I got to know him.”

Episodes: E57: Kim Reiff, chair of the Department of Visual, Performing

and Media Arts E56: Marcus Moore (BS 08), athletics admissions recruiting

coordinator & women’s tennis head coach E55: Dan Schlatter (BS 95) and Chris Manduka (BA 05), Cable

Bullet business partners E54: Dr. Kevin Roberts (BS 93, MAIR 96), dean of the School

of Behavioral Sciences E53: Eddie Gill IV, environmental science student, basketball

player and founder of Journey for a Cause

Listen and subscribe on iTunes or Google Play, or find us at www.grace.edu/podcast.

We are eager and expectant to see how God uses our campus theme in the lives of students through our weekly chapels, growth groups and core Bible courses. We pray that many would point back years from now and say, “That was when I really began to understand what it means to be a disciple of Christ.”

W W W.G R ACE . E DU/ FO LLOW- M E

We are striving to raise $500,000 by the end of 2021 for the Grace Fund, which enables us to keep our faith-forward approach to higher education. You can play a vital role in making this year one that prepares students for a lifelong commitment to following Christ.

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