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Grace College’s incoming class forms the shape of an anchor, symbolizing its 2025-26 campus theme, “Hold Fast.”

FALL 2025

As we embark on a new academic year with a record 2,485 total headcount at Grace, our hearts are filled with expectation and hope. Our campus theme for the year, “Hold Fast,” is based on Hebrews 10:23, which reads, “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.” This verse is a call to remain anchored in the truth of Christ in a world that is ever shifting and drifting. Our students walk into a world filled with conflicting voices and fleeting promises, but we encourage them to anchor themselves in something and Someone who is eternal. As the book of Hebrews describes, Jesus is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact imprint of His nature (1:3). He is our Great High Priest (4:14), our Mediator (9:15), our Intercessor (7:25), and our King (1:8). What a glorious picture of our Savior! This is the One to whom we hold fast: the Anchor of our souls. In this issue of “Grace Story,” we lift the curtain on a strategic initiative that anchors us as a campus: faith and learning integration, rooted in a biblical foundation. This is not only a means of holding fast as an institution but an attractive differentiator for prospective students and their parents. But what exactly is meant by “faith and learning integration?” First, when we say faith, we don’t mean a broad-sweeping definition of spirituality. We’re talking about faith defined by the infallible, inerrant, and authoritative Word of God. We believe the principles and promises in Scripture directly impact the daily work we do to disciple the next generation of Christ-followers. Second, when we pair faith with learning, our definition extends beyond chapel, growth groups, and Bible classes. We’re referring to all of our 100+ academic programs. Whether it's through exercise science, business, nursing, or psychology, we recognize that all created things originate from God and serve as a means to know Him more. In the following pages, you’ll discover how we define this initiative (pg. 17), how athletic teams are taking God’s Word to heart (pg. 5), how recent building renovations support our faith and learning integration (pg. 11), and how a ceramics class played a role in leading one student to Christ (pg. 21). All glory be to the sure and steady Anchor!

Drew Flamm, Ph.D. President

GR ACE ST ORY MAGAZINE

VISION To Know Christ and To Make Him Known.

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

GRACE ADMINISTRATION President: Dr. Drew Flamm Vice President of Advancement: John Sloat (BS 10, MDiv 12) Director of Alumni Engagement: Olivia (Kmieciak BA 18, MBA 20) Targgart

GRACE STORY CREATIVE TEAM Managing Editor: Madison (Cowman BA 18, MS 21) Maxwell Art Director: Vincent Sell (BS 13) Contributing Writers: Dr. Drew Flamm, Brian Dewey, Dr. Tom Edgington (BA 79, MABC 83, MDiv 85), Dr. Christy Hill, Bam Amornrat Kiatkamonmal (BS 24), Doug Baumgardner (BS 03), Josh Neuhart (BS 11), Dr. Kevin Roberts (BS 93, MA 96), Dr. Christy Hill Photographers: Chinges Sabol (BA 14), Josh Neuhart (BS 11), Austin Wilson, Thomas Alejado

Copy Editors: Collette (Lehman BS 90) Olson, Elisa (Stump BS 16) Wise, Emryn Williams (BA 25), Elizabeth West Archives: Miriam Liethen Comments may be sent to gracestory@grace.edu. Opinions expressed by individuals in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of Grace. © 2025 by Grace College and Grace Theological Seminary All rights reserved. On the Cover: Bam Amornrat Kiatkamonmal (BS 24) stands outside of Alpha Hall.

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FALL 2025

INSIDE

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FALL 2025

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The Gordon Health & Wellness Center (GHAWC) underwent major renovations this summer, and there are more to come! But do you know its storied past?

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DISCOVER

Discover what faith and learning integration looks like at Grace through programmatic updates, a faculty Q&A, and a student story.

IN THIS SEC TION A N E W CH A P TE R O F N U R S I N G AT G R ACE PAG E 13 LOV I N G G O D W I T H O U R M I N DS PAG E 17 FA I T H : D E FI N E D PAG E 21 N E WS PAG E 2 9

CONNECT Meet the new associate provost, Dr. Karla McGehee, and read the biographies of our 2025 alumni award winners.

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1 L AN C E R WAY, WI N ON A LA K E, I N 4 6 5 9 0

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for the joy WR IT TEN BY COACH B R IAN DEWE Y

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There are typically two powerful motivators in life: fear and joy. However, only one is a good master. Most of us can bear the weight of fear for a while. But at some point, we will tire of feeling the anxiety, pressure, and frustration that fear brings. Then we leave the thing that is causing the fear: the relationship, the job, the team, or the situation, because we can no longer bear the mounting weight that they place on us. We long to be free. However, when it comes to joy, you never hear of someone walking away from something because it was too joyful. It just brought them too much happiness, and they couldn't stand feeling that way any longer. We tend to gravitate toward things that cause us joy so we can experience more of it. It brings freedom from fear. Joy is a powerful motivator and a great master! As a cross country coach, I interact with athletes from a wide variety of backgrounds. Too often, I see athletes arrive on campus with a high amount of fear associated with running and too little joy. Why? Because when a runner first starts their career, many of them will experience praise when they show signs of success. At least at first. But inevitably, the bad race comes. The praise turns to questions. And that is where the joy turns to fear. What was once a fun sport has now become full of pressure and anxiety. Practices are no longer enjoyable. Ultimately, races, places, and times become where runners find their worth. And, if they stay in that state of fear long enough, many will quit the sport. Why? Because those race times become where they find their worth and their value. It becomes who they are instead of something they do. It becomes their identity. This fear and misplaced identity is not just an issue for cross-country runners. We may be motivated by fear more than we think. Why don't we speak up and defend the marginalized? Why do we answer dishonestly or parent the way we do? The answer is often due to fear. But what happens when we pursue joy? In Nehemiah, he says, "For the joy of the Lord is my strength." It's not my job, money, accomplishments, or anything else. The fact that He rejoices over me is

where I draw my strength. Why? Because His joy over me is not contingent upon my performance. He rejoices over me because I am His. Joy also enables us to do hard things. Hebrews says, "for the joy set before him, Jesus endured the cross, scorning its shame." There was something joyful on the other side of death that enabled Jesus to endure the crucifixion. What was it? Two things. One: his Father's will. Two: you. You were the joy set before him. The Scriptures refer to us, His Church, as the bride of Christ. At weddings, watch the groom when the bride makes her appearance. What do you see on the groom's face? Often, besides a lot of tears, it’s joy! For reasons we cannot comprehend, Jesus receives joy in knowing that we are his bride. So what enabled Jesus to go through the horrors of the crucifixion? Joy. Joy empowers us to do all sorts of things. Women go through childbirth. Why? For the joy of children. Men go through anxiety to ask a girl out on a date — for the joy of dating her. Runners go through the pain of exceedingly difficult workouts — for the joy of racing and improving. As a team, our theme is "for the joy." We run for the joy of it. Not for fame or recognition but because experiencing a gift that God has given us is a joyful thing. We will sometimes say we get to run, we don't have to run. Because the minute it turns from "getting" to run to "having" to run, that's the minute joy leaves. As stated earlier, both fear and joy are powerful motivators, but only one is a good master. May you experience light, freedom, and life that comes from joy in Christ. #forthejoy

BRIAN DEWEY Head Cross Country Coach

Dewey is the head coach of Grace's cross country programs. He and his wife Marybeth have four children: Addi, Clara, Brady and Tate. 6

FAITH AND FORESIGHT The Story of the Gordon Health & Wellness Center W R IT TEN BY M A D I SO N M A X W ELL WR IT TEN BY MADISON MA X WELL

Watercolor painting of the Gordon Health & Wellness Center by Scott Holladay (BA 82).

In 1999, Grace’s Head Basketball Coach Jim Kessler (BS 70) and Business Department Chair Bill Gordon had struck a deal. Instead of their usual basketball match at noon, they would begin walking to lunch together. The two friends shared many passions and interests, but at the top of the list were athletics and integrating biblical principles into the classroom. Conversations about Grace College

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and ideas for its future flowed freely between the two. A topic they often returned to was the establishment of a student recreation center. “Being a business guy and an athletic guy, I looked at our facilities, and it left a lot to be desired,” said Gordon. The Lancer Gym was already booked for intercollegiate competitions, leaving no space to host intramurals. And as it was, students had to drive

off campus to the local YMCA to work out. The pair had gone so far as to draw up sketches of their dream facility, which hung on their office walls, and their excitement built as they began spelling out their priorities for the space. It would be a place where students could gather on campus between classes, a site for on-campus fitness and intramural sports, and a venue for community events.

“There was no question we needed it. The question was, how in the world would we ever pull it off?" Bill Gordon Former Business Department Chair

“There was no question we needed it,” said Gordon. “The question was, how in the world would we ever pull it off?” On one particular lunch outing, the friends made a quick detour on their way to lunch to drop off something for Kessler’s daughter, Sarah (Kessler BS 98) McCray. Sarah was working in the shipping department at Medtronic Sofamor Danek, a medical technology company specializing in spinal and cranial treatment products,

located near campus at the corner of College Avenue and Publisher’s Drive. Sarah, who had told her dad of the company’s plan to move to Route 30, was stationed in the storage area in the back of the facility, where trucks would load and unload packages. As Kessler walked through the building, a vision began taking shape. “A picture of Spiece Fieldhouse & Fitness Center in Fort Wayne came

to mind,” said Kessler. “I remember thinking, ‘Wow. This could be the perfect space for a field house.’” Forgoing their lunch plans, Kessler and Gordon made a beeline to President Dr. Ron Manahan’s (MDiv 70, ThM 77, ThD 82) office. “We literally grabbed him on either side and said, ‘We’ve got something to show you,’” said Gordon.

Looking back now, Gordon and Kessler see that it was no coincidence they stopped by to see Sarah that day. In His perfect timing, the Lord was opening a door for the landlocked institution to expand. HONORING HISTORY According to Tom Dunn, chief operating officer at Grace from 1996 to 2015, Grace had not built anything since around 1970. In fact, Dunn was hired by Manahan primarily to oversee the renovation of Westminster Hall. A historical landmark well-loved by the community, Westminster’s renovation was a high-stakes project. “Having received words of warning from prominent community members, Ron wanted to do an unbelievable job on the renovation, and he did," said Dunn. Manahan knew that to grow the school, the administration had to reimagine the spaces surrounding the campus. But despite the success of the Westminster project, Dunn recalls being taken aback by Manahan’s proposition to purchase the Danek building.

“I just kind of looked at him like, ‘You're crazy. Why would we want to buy an old warehouse?’” Dunn recalled. “And in his wonderful way, he explained to me that we could put a gym in it, and we could do this and that. The more he talked, the more I saw the vision he had.” Despite its appearance as nothing but an “old warehouse,” the building had a storied history of its own. The building was originally constructed by the Free Methodist denomination and subsequently leased to various tenants. The first of which was Rodeheaver HallMack Music Publishing Company, owned by Homer Rodeheaver. The corporation had been housed in the basement of the Westminster Hotel before it eventually grew to become the largest gospel music publishing company in the U.S., outgrowing its space. After moving its shipping and storage to the Free Methodist building, Rodeheaver Publishing Co. was purchased in 1969 by Word, Inc., a Christian record company based in Waco, Texas. Just five years later, Word was acquired by the American

Grace leased its new aerobics room out to the MasterWorks Festival, a four-week summer program that provided intensive training in classical music, dance, and theater, combining artistic excellence with Christian faith and teaching.

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Broadcasting Companies, Inc. (ABC). At the time, Word and its subsidiaries had combined revenues of $14.5 million and represented well-known artists such as Burl Ives, Anita Bryant, Wayne Newton, and Danny Thomas. ABC continued operating in Winona Lake until 1987, when it closed its local warehousing and distribution operations to consolidate in Waco. After ABC’s departure, the building was occupied by Sofamor Danek Group, Inc., which was later acquired by Medtronic in 1999. Both companies were highly regarded in the medical technology industry. As they merged, they required a larger space for manufacturing, leaving a perfect opportunity for Grace in its time of need. THE GORDON RECREATION CENTER Gordon’s parents, the late Robert (Bob) and Frances Gordon, had an affinity for Winona Lake, as it was a frequent vacation destination for their young family over the summers. When their son accepted the position as chair of the business department at Grace, they became highly involved with the school.

The Gordon Center has been used for many campus events including Taste of the World, an event for Conference on Mission where students enjoy food from cultures around the world.

A successful businessman who worked for AireTool Manufacturing Company in Springfield, Ohio, Bob served as a guest speaker for his son’s business courses. Both Bob and Frances appreciated how the school integrated biblical truth into the classroom and leveraged athletics as a learning tool for life — two of the reasons Gordon came to Grace in the first place. In addition to their emotional support, the Gordons were longtime financial supporters of the institution. The couple had given a $1.5 million donation toward the restoration of Westminster Hall and had supported several other campus projects through the years. “My parents were very generous people who felt that God had blessed them,” said Gordon. “They were firm believers that you can't outgive God. And so they saw themselves as mere stewards because God owns it all.” When Manahan met with the Gordons to seek support for the purchase of the Danek building, he had a proposal: the building would

be named in their honor. Despite initial pushback from the Gordons, Manahan implored them that this would be an effective fundraising strategy for the school, allowing other buildings to be named after people moving forward. The couple conceded, and as a result of the Gordons’ generosity, Grace was able to negotiate a deal with the Free Methodist owners to purchase the building in 1999. Manahan began raising support for the renovations of Grace’s new “Gordon Recreation Center.” PROVIDENTIAL PROVISION Despite the Gordons’ lead gift to purchase the building, the renovation funds did not come in as quickly as hoped. During that time, a tornado tore through Warsaw in late October of 2001, causing an estimated $10 million in damage to the newest portion of Da-Lite Screen Company’s headquarters on Indiana 15 North. Dunn recalls traveling home from the South Bend Airport for a business trip when he received a phone call.

Students and community members package bags of food for Feed My Starving Children, an organization that provides food to malnourished children worldwide.

“I was informed about the tornado that had hit Warsaw and asked what I thought about offering the warehouse area of our building, which we hadn't started construction on yet, to Da-Lite,” said Dunn. “Before I got home, they already had trucks pulled up to the building.” At Grace’s invitation, the audiovisual equipment supplier moved a portion of its warehouse to the former Sofamor Danek building. For the next six months, approximately 25 employees were based there until Da-Lite’s reconstruction process was completed. In addition to the leasing agreement, Da-Lite donated $100,000 to the Gordon Rec Center, bringing the total raised to $3 million for the renovation and equipment of the 81,000-squarefoot facility. The school held a groundbreaking for the building on Thursday, Feb. 20, 2003, and renovations began on March 1. What was formerly the manufacturing area became an enclosed field house, featuring a collegiate basketball-volleyball court, two practice basketball-volleyball courts,

One of Grace's longest-standing community events, FunFest, is a community alternative to trick-or-treating where games and crafts are hosted by students in the Gordon Center.

The fitness room has been one of the most popular spots on campus for the last 20 years and has become even more heavily trafficked as a result of a growing emphasis on health and fitness.

a 160-meter jogging track with a separate 50-meter straightaway, and two batting cages. The fitness area included $130,000 worth of new Cybex exercise equipment for weight training, an aerobics room, locker room facilities, as well as physical education department offices and a classroom. Dunn still looks back and is amazed at all the ways, big and small, that God provided for the project. “The going rate for new construction back in those days was $100-$150 per square foot,” said Dunn. “After purchasing the building, paying the architectural fees, and funding the renovation costs, everything came out to $60 a square foot. So it was about half of what it would have cost to build new.” Not only did the build itself come in on budget, but the building’s furnishings did as well. Following its move to Route 30, Medtronic left a lot of its furniture for the school to use. Additionally, Dr. John Boal (BS 84), chief advancement officer at the time, took it upon himself to raise the

REFLECT

The Gordon Center has become increasingly popular among community members, particularly for pickleball in the field house.

funds to provide the fitness room with cutting-edge technology of the 2000s — flat screen TVs. The old manufacturing facility was now filled with students working out before class, gathering to play board games, and competing in late-night intramurals. Community members began hosting events in the field house, and alumni could work out for free. Kessler and Gordon’s vision had come to life. THE OLD MADE NEW In 2019, the Gordon Recreation Center was renamed the Gordon Health and Wellness Center to reflect the growing academic programs and services housed within the building, including counseling, exercise science, nursing, and medical imaging. As the building's purposes have expanded over the years, it has retained its early focus on health and wellbeing, not only for students but also for the broader community.

As Dunn reflects on his tenure as COO at Grace, he recognizes a pattern in the way Grace has made capital decisions. “A lot of schools are in a big field with room to build new infrastructures, but Grace is in the middle of Winona Lake, which has such a wonderful history,” said Dunn. “Salvaging some of the older buildings and redoing them was a great way of keeping us connected to that history, which has shaped who we are.” In addition to community connection, Grace President Dr. Drew Flamm sees the college’s expansion efforts as a reflection of what grace is all about. “We purchase old buildings, often with a past of their own, and repurpose them for our discipleship mission — to train students in all fields and disciplines with a biblical foundation to more deeply know Christ and make Him known,” said Flamm. “The old is restored, given a new mission, and often a new name. That is the definition of grace.”

Summer 2025 Renovations Grace College is working to address the fitness needs of community members and students, ensuring the Gordon Health and Wellness Center (GHAWC) continues to serve as a hub for academic and community life for years to come.

This summer, we completed Phase 1 of the renovations, which focused on the west side of the building. The project, funded in part by Lilly Endowment Inc. through its College and Community Collaboration (CCC) initiative, included expanding

Former athletic offices were renovated into new student counseling spaces. Additional private counseling spaces allow students to receive the emotional care they need.

the Center for Movement & Wellbeing, adding classroom and faculty office spaces, establishing an academic conference room and student collaboration space, and relocating the counseling center.

The Center for Movement & Wellbeing now has additional space for community fitness, assessments, and classes.

Phase 2 Renovations

MAKE YOUR GIFT TODAY.

Phase 1 is complete, but we're not done yet! If you would like to be a part of the rich legacy of the GHAWC by contributing to the renovation of the entryway, weight room, or field house, consider making a year-end gift today! We have $1.4 M to go! Help us complete the GHAWC renovations. www.grace.edu/GHAWCProject The next round of renovations will include an expanded fitness and weight room to keep up with the growing demand at Grace.

The field house will be renovated for indoor sports, student recreation, and community events.

DISCOVER

A NEW CHAPTER OF NURSING AT GRACE W R IT TEN BY M A D I SO N M A X W ELL

Grace College recently introduced its own Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree for freshmen starting in the fall of 2026. Historically partnering with Bethel University in Mishawaka, Ind., to offer nursing degrees, Grace can now provide a comprehensive experience on its Winona Lake campus, where nursing majors can participate in campus life activities and earn a diploma from Grace. “We are thrilled to make this longawaited transition,” said Dr. Kristen Richmond, director of nursing at Grace. “Our nursing majors will now be fully Grace students and share the same rhythms and routines as their peers. Since Grace is an institution that highly values Christ-centered community, we are excited for the ways our future nursing students will be able to experience this at a new level and finally complete their studies with a Grace nursing degree.” Richmond, who has served at Grace since 2014, will be leading the school in its efforts to grow the nursing program. She received her BSN and MSN from Ball State University and earned her DNP from Regis College. Richmond specializes in maternity nursing. “With her educational background, practical expertise, and institutional knowledge, Kristen is the perfect candidate to lead our nursing program at Grace,” said Dr. Nate Bosch, dean of the School of Science & Engineering. “We want to build upon the strong foundation we’ve had with Bethel, with strategic goals to grow the nursing program in students and personnel in the coming years.” The school’s strategic goal to

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grow the program aligns with projections from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, which predicts that the employment of registered nurses will increase by five percent over the next five years, a fasterthan-average growth rate for all occupations. It also projects that there will be nearly 189,100 openings for registered nurses each year, on average, over the decade. “We’re focusing on nursing as a strategic program because the demand is undeniable, both nationally and here in Indiana,” said Dr. Kevin Roberts, provost at Grace.

“With a growing aging population and a critical statewide nursing shortage, the need for highly skilled Christian nurses has never been greater. By equipping our students to step into these roles, we’re not only preparing them for meaningful careers but also helping to meet an urgent need in our communities.” While the school will focus on strengthening the pipeline of nurses for Indiana residents, the nursing program’s highest priority is consistent across all of Grace’s programs: approaching the field from a distinctly Christian perspective.

“Dr. Richmond's educational background, practical expertise, and institutional knowledge make her the perfect candidate to lead our nursing program at Grace.” Nate Bosch, Ph.D. Dean, School of Science & Engineering

“At Grace, we look at patients in a spiritual way,” said Richmond. “Our nursing majors are trained to see every person as a unique patient who is created by God and displays His image. Nursing students are taught how to meet someone where they’re at, both physically and spiritually. This could mean bringing them another blanket or a drink, or spending a few extra moments to let the patient know you truly care about them. As Christian nurses, we aspire to be the hands and feet of Jesus in our work.” Nursing students will have access to Grace’s contemporary nursing simulation lab, made possible by the K21 Health Foundation, where they can practice their skills in a well-developed and life-like environment. In addition, they’ll have the opportunity to serve the greater community through clinical placements at Lutheran Kosciusko Hospital, Grace Village, Mason Health and Rehabilitation Center, and Parkview Kosciusko Hospital, all located within 10 miles of campus.

In the process of granting initial accreditation for the nursing program at Grace, the Indiana State Board of Nursing cited the quality of the curriculum and program design. “With an emphasis on scenario-based learning, and a focus on loving our patients the way Christ would, our students will be equipped to enter their clinicals — and more importantly, the workforce — with confidence, compassion, and the heart of a servant,” said Richmond. Learn more about Grace nursing at www.grace.edu/nursing.

Local Clinical Site Partners •

Lutheran Health Network

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Parkview Health Systems

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Goshen Hospital

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Miller's Merry Manor

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Grace Village

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Wound Care Clinic

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Warsaw Community Schools

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Kosciusko Health Department

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Heartline Pregnancy Center

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Warsaw Women’s Center

KRISTEN RICHMOND, D.N.P., R.N. Director of Nursing at Grace College

Dr. Kristen Richmond is the director of nursing at Grace College. She specializes in maternity nursing and has completed research for her doctoral degree on “Coping Skills Assessment and Training for Newly Graduated Registered Nurses During the COVID-19 Pandemic.” She holds a B.S.N. from Ball State University, an M.S.N. from Ball State University, and a D.N.P. from Regis College.

LOVING GOD WITH OUR MINDS A Q&A with Dr. Tom Edgington and Dr. Christy Hill on Faith and Learning at Grace

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When the Higher Learning Commission visited Grace in the 2021-22 academic year, they affirmed Grace’s strong mission and dedication to integrate biblical truth into every academic school but encouraged the institution to take it a level deeper. President Dr. Drew Flamm and Provost Dr. Kevin Roberts (BS 93, MA 96) took this to heart and launched a three-year faith and learning integration initiative to more formally define program learning outcomes for every major on campus. They placed Dr. Tom Edgington (BA 79, MABC 83, MDiv 85) and Dr. Christy Hill at the helm of the charge. In their planning, they discovered Dr. Paul Kaak’s Theometrics training, which they are using as a guide to systematically weave biblical integration into the fabric of every department, program, and course at Grace. Now in their third year of leading the initiative, they discuss their passion for faith integration, the creative ways Grace faculty are embracing it, and the great joy that is found when we love the Lord with all of our hearts, souls, minds, and strength. How have you seen the integration of faith and learning impact students in the classrooms that you have taught, and how has it impacted you personally? Edgington: I’ve been passionate about bringing the Bible and psychology together from the very beginning. I majored in psychology here at Grace College, and then I went to Grace Theological Seminary, and the idea of Christian counseling was in its infancy. I was reading

everything I could find by Dr. Larry Crabb and Dr. Jay Adams. I just loved what I was reading, and I wanted to find a way of bringing that material into the classroom. That's when I first developed and taught a course entitled Integration of Psychology and Theology, which eventually evolved into Biblical Psychology and Theological Foundations of Counseling. I found that when I was teaching this material, 1. It was what I needed for my own life, and 2. It was the reason many students came to Grace — to learn the discipline from a Christian vantage point. So that's why I've always been excited about it. With the present faith integration initiative, I’m really enjoying coming alongside other professors and helping them develop their curriculum based on a biblical view, because it all comes from God. He is the one who created all of these disciplines. And while some disciplines might be a little harder to integrate, it's good to have the perspective that all of it is part of God's creation. Hill: My particular background is in Christian education, which in and of itself is theology and education integrated. It's always been pretty intuitive with my discipline. I also attended a Christian college, where there was a strong emphasis on worldview integration. I remember reading for my sociology class, and then I'd be reading something for another class, and then I'd be reading for my Bible class, and I almost couldn't keep track of which class the material was for because there was such a robust integration. I came away from college with this sense that all truth is God's truth. Not all things professed to be true are true. But if it's really true, it will fit within a biblical

worldview. College gave me the confidence that I don't have to check my brain at the door to become a Christian and that I can have relevant conversations with people in their disciplines, using faith as my lens. I want to give that to other people. If I can help support that coherence across the academic disciplines, then everyone wins. If students graduate from college with a sense that their faith is coherent, it sets them up for life where their Christianity is not compartmentalized. Their faith and their discipline are in conversation. When some people hear the phrase “faith integration” in an academic context, they might assume this means beginning a class with a devotional. How is this initiative more nuanced than that? Edgington: When we talk about academic faith integration, we want to help professors think about their discipline in a way that really is Christian. So, that's part of our work, helping professors realize it's not just adding a nice devotional at the beginning of class, which is great if they want to do that, but when they are talking about the subject matter in their class, what does the Bible actually have to say about it? Hill: This is what distinguishes us from a secular school. Students often pay more money to attend a Christian school, and it's not just for chapel, dorm life, or to avoid the party scene. Those things are great, but ultimately, the distinction of a Christian education is the discipleship component. Our classes should be discipling our students in their intellectual engagement and showing

them what it means to love God with all their minds. (Mark 12:30) Edgington: I tell people that at Grace, you're going to get everything you're learning at a secular university, but you'll also get it from a Christian perspective. So you’re getting more here. If we don't give you everything students get at secular institutions, we're not doing what we're supposed to do in terms of your discipline. So our approach is actually a more intensive education. What about our Christian peers? Are we approaching faith in the classroom in a different way or to a different degree? Hill: I would imagine most Christian colleges were like us before we started this initiative. Grace has always emphasized biblical integration, and most professors were doing it organically. Because

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of this initiative, there is more communication and intentionality in each academic program. Professors are working together to accomplish a program learning outcome connected to faith integration. You both get a front-row seat as you walk these faculty members through this. Practically speaking, what does the process of training faculty look like? Hill: We host lunch and learns for faculty to come in over lunch and watch Dr. Paul Kaak’s video. After that, we'll come to a departmental meeting and discuss where the rubber meets the road. So some of these meetings are more of a workshop where faculty work on curriculum mapping and think through specific learning outcomes for their programs. They start with a goal of what they want students to know by the end of their studies and work backward

to think about how specific classes will help play a formative role for the student to reach the desired outcome. Have there been any especially thought-provoking ideas or applications of this as you’ve gone through the process with different schools? Edgington: In the School of Behavioral Science, Sharon Dutkowski highlighted the approach we take in counseling individuals who are suffering. How do we view suffering from a biblical perspective? It’s through a redemptive framework. A Western view sees suffering as only a negative thing and seeks to eliminate or minimize suffering. Yet a biblical view says, “Yes, this is difficult, and I want this to end, but God is going to use this suffering for something positive — there is a purpose to my pain.” (Romans 5:3-5)

Hill: Another great example is from Professor of Mathematics Dr. Ryan Johnson. He talks about helping students do hard things because math is a discipline that's hard. So if you can help students grow in their capacity to be resilient and persevere, that's relevant to faith too. Faith isn't quick and easy. He's helping develop a character quality through math that then helps students display a long obedience in the same direction. I think he's very insightful. How do you approach the School of Ministry Studies with this initiative, where the Bible is already the main textbook? Hill: Our students come in with baggage they don't even know about just because of the way culture has shaped them. As a result, Christianity gets morphed into something that is not biblical. This is called syncretism. The School of Ministry Studies will be working to analyze and deconstruct malformed worldviews and then to reconstruct a biblical worldview within the Grace Core. For students with ministry majors, we desire to equip them to engage relevantly in a culture that is growing more hostile to Christian faith and ideas. We want them to be able to live within those tensions and model Christ full of grace and truth. (John 1:14) Edgington: In my day as a student, we often fell off the truth side. Today, there is a tendency to fall off the grace side. As long as you're loving and kind, you can choose the truth you like. But actually it's both. We want our students to hold firmly to the truth of Scripture and do it in a way that's gracious, kind, and caring.

You mentioned this initiative is about creating a legacy. How do you see this shaping the culture of Grace College over the next 5, 10, 20 years? Edgington: We can't assume that because professors have a doctorate and have been going to church all their lives, they will know how to effectively integrate biblical truth into their discipline. I think we just have to be intentional to help them so they, in turn, can help others. That's the legacy we’re hoping and praying for. That way, we don’t risk having the experienced faculty retire and the young ones come in

unsure of how to do it effectively or even how to do it at all. Hill: Yes, we want it to be woven into the very fabric of our academics. The Bible is not a tack on; it's central. Academic faith integration is part of new faculty training, it’s embedded in the curriculum, and deans have the tools to support their faculty in this way. After all, that's why we teach here. This is legacy work because the program learning goals will live long after those who created them leave. It makes the day meaningful. Being a part of this overarching movement is pretty exciting.

TOM EDGINGTON, PH.D. Associate Dean of Behavioral Science

Dr. Tom Edgington serves as professor of psychology/ counseling at Grace, where he has taught for more than 40 years. He founded the Grace Counseling Center in 1992 and launched the graduate counseling program in 1995. Students benefit from the blend of theological knowledge he learned in his M.Div. with the clinical wisdom he gained in his counseling degrees (M.A. and Ph.D.) and his work in the field.

CHRISTY HILL, PH.D. Professor of Spiritual Formation and Women's Ministries

Dr. Christy Hill serves as professor of spiritual formation and women’s ministry at Grace. She has a passion for facilitating the holistic development of men and women into mature disciples of Jesus Christ, who are transformed by the experience of God’s love and truth. She has taught for Grace Theological Seminary and the School of Ministry Studies for 19 years.

Today's students are looking for a biblically grounded college education that integrates faith and learning. Your gifts help provide generous scholarships, making a Christian college education accessible to students who might not otherwise be able to attend. Make your gift today at www. grace.edu/give. 20

FAITH: DEFINED W R IT TEN BY BA M A M O R N R AT K I ATK A M O N M AL (B S 2 4)

Before I begin, I want to ask you something: What is faith? And is it worth dying for? As a girl who spent the first 15 years of my life in Thailand, where almost everyone and everything is Buddhist, these are life-defining questions. These are the questions my brotherin-law asked me six years ago after bringing me home from the SAT exam. Somehow, they were harder for me to answer than any of the questions on the exam I just took. Growing up, I was raised in a strict Buddhist family. We went to the

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temple, made merit, and hoped to get to heaven, praying that karma wouldn’t catch us. Heaven was something we had to work for. Every single action, word, and thought would be judged. We prayed in a language I didn’t even understand. It felt like endless work with no guarantee of rest or reward. Nobody seemed to question the tradition, so neither did I, until a very special family welcomed me as their own and introduced me to Christ. When I came to the U.S. as a junior in high school, it was supposed to be a

one-year thing. I would never have guessed (spoiler alert) I would be here seven and a half years later. But somehow, I was placed with the most loving family I could have ever asked for: the people I call mom, dad, and siblings, who treat me just like one of their own. Yes, they are also Christian, but they never forced that on me. I attended church, volunteered, and even went on a mission trip. I did everything my parents did, just because I felt like I should. All of these faithful actions slowly became part of my life, especially after I decided to stay in the U.S.

to finish high school. I first noticed the shift in my faith when I wanted to go on a mission trip during my senior year, but I was rejected by the international student coordinator. I came back and sat crying in the corner of my room, intentionally praying to God for the first time that He would allow me to go. The next day, I received an unexpected phone call informing me that the decision had changed: I could go on the trip. Through that experience, I began to think that maybe God not only exists, but He is also watching over me. When it came time to decide on a college, I applied to many, but none really stood out to me. I had four conditions: I wanted to be close to my parents’ house; I wanted to study business and film; I desired small classes; and I preferred not to live in a big city. To be honest, Grace was not on my radar at all since it is a Christian college. However, it met all of my conditions, and I was especially drawn in by the film studies program that would allow me to study in Los Angeles for a semester. I met virtually with Grace’s international admissions

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counselor, Ben Miles (BS 15, MS 16), who joined the call from Thailand. After meeting with him, I had a very strong feeling that Grace was the school I should attend. However, I was concerned about attending a Christian college, given my different religious background. If you know me, you know I am terribly indecisive. However, after speaking with my host parents, going to Grace just seemed like the right decision. Why? I still can’t explain it to this day. But looking back now, I know it was the right decision. Grace was the school God chose for me. I had no idea what was ahead of me at the time, but looking back today, I can only chuckle and thank God for His plan, because I definitely did not see it coming. While I was at Grace, I had a different perspective from most people since I still considered myself a Buddhist. But it was an ideal place for me to learn the definition of faith. With the combination of being at Grace and having my host family by my side, I gradually found myself praying to God and realizing how He is present in my life. But I still wrestled with how

the God of the Bible conflicted with Buddhism. During my senior year at Grace, I took the core class Christianity and Critical Thinking with Dr. Karla McGehee. The course, which examines the beliefs of philosophers throughout the centuries and their impact on modern Christianity, is either met with sheer fascination or boredom. For me, it helped me work through the areas where Christianity and Buddhism conflicted. One of the required books for the course is “Mere Christianity” by C.S. Lewis. That book was like a key to a secret door for me. It somehow unlocked my brain and clarified the questions I had about God. Things started to come together, but I still did not want to commit because I felt like I was not good enough. I feared I would mess up and God would just throw me out the window. Then, in my final semester at Grace, I had a free slot in my schedule to take a ceramics class, which I had been trying to take since I started college. In the very first class, Professor Cindy Bryan told us that God is like a potter, and we are the clay. He throws us

on the wheel and works on us with love. Even when we spin off-center, He gently puts us back in the bucket and reworks us, again and again, until we become one of His masterpieces. Somehow, that lesson gave me comfort — a type of comfort I could never find as a Buddhist. By the time I was done at Grace, I knew I wanted to become a Christian. But at the same time, it felt like my whole past was collapsing. Would it be okay? What would happen if I had to go back to Thailand? Would I be a good enough follower of Him? I kept asking myself these questions again and again. During that time, I was also stressed about not being able to find a job, which meant I would have to return to Thailand sooner than planned. In the midst of all those questions and “What ifs?”, one day, it hit me. No matter where I end up, I will get to see the family God has given me over the past seven years again in heaven — all I have to do is accept Him. That

day, I decided to follow Christ, and a weight was lifted from my shoulders. I wish I could say life suddenly got easier after becoming a Christian, but that just wouldn’t be true. In fact, it has been a challenge, as I am now forced to return to Thailand and must be apart from the family and friends God has given me for almost eight years. In the midst of all this, I realize that this is what faith is for. I need to have faith in God and trust that He has a plan. So here I return to the question my brother-in-law asked me six years ago, when the SAT exam was the biggest of my concerns: What is faith? Today, I would tell him faith is not a fancy word you mention when everything is going great; it is something you lean on when everything else seems to be going down, because His plan will always be good, even when we cannot see it.

Year in Review A N N U A L R E P O RT

The fiscal year ending July 31, 2025, at Grace College and Grace Theological Seminary has been nothing short of amazing. From historic generosity to continued growth across campus, we have witnessed God’s provision in ways that fill us with gratitude and hope. One of the most extraordinary milestones was the outpouring of support from our community, which led to us receiving a transformational $27 million gift from Lilly Endowment, Inc. This gift will help support nearly $100 million in community collaboration projects, known as the Catalyst Corridor. This gift was the foundation of a record-breaking year of giving for Grace. Enrollment gains, fueled by the largest traditional undergraduate enrollment in history, provided a year of tremendous revenue momentum. These resources allowed us to invest directly in our students by enhancing programs, expanding opportunities, and ensuring that the Grace experience remains deeply rooted in Christ-centered education. Equally important, we approached every decision with stewardship in mind. Careful management of expenses ensured our operations remained healthy, enabling us to move forward with a responsible confidence. We finished the year with a surplus, which allowed us to further reduce debt and build capacity to plan strategically for tomorrow’s opportunities. Looking back, we are humbled by all God has done. Looking ahead, we are filled with anticipation. None of this would be possible without the prayers, encouragement, and generosity of our Grace family — students, parents, alumni, faculty, staff, and friends. Each of you plays a vital role in advancing our mission. Thank you for standing with us in this calling. Together, we rejoice in God’s faithfulness and step boldly into the future. Sincerely,

Doug Baumgardner (BS 03) VP of Financial Affairs & Chief Financial Officer

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TOTAL REVENUE

105,360,763 Tuition $49,068,542

Fundraising Investment Return $38,231,846 36.29% $4,454,544 4.23%

46.57%

Food & Housing $10,618,836 10.08%

Auxiliary Services & Sales $2,986,995 2.84%

TOTAL E XPENSES

67,180,747 Student Scholarships $21,579,488

32.12%

Student Services $9,232,821 13.74%

Instruction & Academic Support $18,608,747 27.70%

Institutional Support $9,019,803 13.43%

Auxiliary Expenses $8,739,888 13.01%

A SSE T S

NET TUITION A N D FE E S

GIVING

($ in millions)

100

27.5

90 80

22.5

10 2022-23 $56.19

2023-24 $61.02

2024-25 $99.35

2022-23 $23.24

2023-24 $25.55

2024-25 $27.49

T R A D I T I O N A L U N D E R G R A DUATE N E W S T U D E N T E N R O LLM E N T

471

476 465

476

465

254

225

206 181

175

425 400

2024-25 $38.23

248

200 450

2023-24 $7.48

SE M I N A RY E N R O LLM E N T 250

500 475

2022-23 $8.95

150 2021

2022

2023

2024

2025

125

133 2021

2022

2023

2024

2025

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 three new board members.

Mrs. Jenn (Poeppelmeyer BS 03) Avey serves as executive director of Charis Women and holds a Certificate in Women's Leadership from Grace Theological Seminary. Based in Knoxville, Md., she's an active member of Grace Fellowship Church in Brunswick, where her husband Scott (BA 03, MA 10) serves as lead pastor. Two of her three children are current students at Grace: Canon (Akron) and Cadence (Winona Lake).

Mr. Quentin Blackford (BS 99) and wife Melissa (BS 00) are from Encinitas, Calif., where he serves as president & CEO of iRhythm Technologies. Their daughters, Emma and Lucy, are both Grace Lancers this year, maintaining strong family ties to the college.

Rev. Mike Yoder (BA 93, MDiv 96) is from Lewis Center, Ohio, and currently serves as executive director of Encompass World Partners. A former pastor at Grace Polaris Church in Worthington, Ohio, he is returning to the Grace Board of Trustees after serving from 2008 to 2023. He and his wife, Letitia (Wiley BA 94) Yoder, have four young adult children.

Trustees Mr. Matt Abernethy (BS 03) Mr. Jonathan Allan (BA 12) Mrs. Jenn Avey (BS 03) Mr. Robert Bishop (BS 69) Mr. Quentin Blackford (BS 99) Mrs. Jessica Bricker (BA 03) Mr. Cory Colman (BS 83) Dr. Kip Cone (BA 89, MDiv 96, DMin 18) Dr. Adam Copenhaver (BA 01, MDiv 03) Mr. Greg Dosmann (BS 85) Mr. James Grady

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Mr. Randy Lake (BS 88) Rev. Lamarr Lark Sr. (BS 87) Mrs. Phyllis Marwah (BS 69) Rev. Keith Minier Mr. Seth Nash (BA 04) Mr. Loren Neuenschwander (BS 87) Mr. Daniel Renner Mr. Daniel Sandoval Mr. Scott Silveus Dr. Karen White Mrs. Letitia Williams (MAMin 10)

Rev. Mike Yoder (BA 93, MDiv 96) Ms. Janine Zeltwanger (BS 85) Dr. Drew Flamm T RU S T EE EMERI T I Mr. William Burke (MAMin 07) Rev. Jim Custer (BA 60, BDiv 63, ThM 77, DDiv - Honorary 91) Mr. Ray “Butch” Shook (BS 72)

IN MEMORIAM Dr. Jeff Fawcett November 13, 1960 – June 27, 2025 Dr. Jeffrey Fawcett earned a B.A. in Business from Cedarville College, an M.B.A. from the University of Baltimore, and a D.B.A. from the University of Cleveland. Most of his career was committed to influencing the next generation of ethical business leaders. Driven by a passion for the biblical basis of business, Fawcett taught marketing at Cedarville University for 24 years before becoming dean of the School of Business at Grace College in 2011. Upon starting at Grace, he had three goals: to double enrollment in the business program, to earn ACBSP accreditation, and to help build a new facility for the School of Business. He accomplished the first two and was excited to be involved in the planning of the new building. Fawcett and his wife, Tonya, director of library services at Grace, have four adult children (Amanda, Erin, Matthew, and Carrie (BS 13, MA 2015)) and shared a deep commitment to education and ministry, serving side by side at Cedarville and Grace, as well as in their local churches — most recently, Winona Lake Grace Church. Fawcett loved his Lord and Savior and sought to honor Him in all areas of his life.

P L E A S E A L S O P R AY FOR TH E FAMIL IE S OF TH ESE ALUMNI A N D F R I E N D S O F G RAC E WH O REC E NTLY PASSED AWAY: Ethel Anderson

Dr. John Hartog III (ThM 78)

Karen (Lentz BS 84) McClellan

Janet (Tucker BS 71) Rich

Dr. James Battenfield (ThD 76)

Dr. Chuck Henry (BA 60, S 62)

Connie McClure (C 76)

Viki (Cover BA 77) Rife

Janet Beilman (MACSA 80)

Thomas Hicks (BDiv 58)

Charles McGinnis (MDiv 86)

Steve Robbins

Hulleta (Jackson BS 63) Carey

Bryan Hiler (BS 99)

Norma (Shearer BS 60)

David Slusher (MDiv 81)

Rev. Harold Dollar (MDiv 71)

Tim Hood (BS 11)

William Eichhorst (ThD 73)

Esther (Friesen BS 57) Knox

Adreana (Jenkins C 60) Moser

Montgomery

Billie Fetterhoff (S 54)

Dianne (Snively C 73) Lund

Colleen Nettleton (BS 81)

Rick Glass (BS 93)

Cheri (Yaley BS 84) Mayfield

Tyler Petty (BA 07)

Joseph Sowder (BS 12) Verdonna (Huey MSRCA 12) Yakimicki

Grace School of Business Earns ACBSP Accreditation W R IT TEN BY M A D I SO N M A X W ELL

Grace College’s School of Business recently earned accreditation through the ACBSP (Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs), joining the ranks of elite business schools worldwide. “Our business students have long benefited from exceptional programs and dedicated mentorship from our outstanding faculty,” said Dr. Kevin Roberts (BS 93, MA 96), provost at Grace. “The ACBSP accreditation further enhances this experience by providing external validation, confirming that Grace’s business program meets the highest standards set by a respected and impartial accrediting body.”

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Established in 1988, ACBSP is the only organization offering specialized business accreditation for all degree levels, from associate to baccalaureate to doctoral degree programs. ACBSP accreditation certifies that the teaching and learning processes within the business programs at Grace College meet the rigorous educational standards established by ACBSP, encompassing aspects such as leadership, strategic planning, stakeholder relationships, quality of academic programs, faculty credentials, and educational support. Achieving ACBSP accreditation was one of the late Dr. Jeffrey

Fawcett’s strategic goals for the School of Business. As dean, Fawcett led the school through the accreditation process. During his tenure, the School of Business also experienced substantial enrollment growth, increasing from 252 majors in the 2010-11 school year to 407 majors in 2025-26. “As a school, we are incredibly proud of the reputation we have established,” said Dr. Rick Koontz (BS 86), interim dean of the School of Business at Grace. “Earning ACBSP accreditation represents more than a year of dedicated effort by the School of Business team. This achievement affirms the standard of excellence our school has upheld

"Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ." Colossians 3:23-24

Glorify God

Service is taking action to create value for someone else. Creating value is not what you do, it is the benefit, the experience, and the value that someone else receives from your actions.

Service

Competence means that you have the ability to do something well. You are capable of performing a task or job effectively.

Competency

Having integrity means that you live in accordance with your deepest values, you're honest with everyone, and you always keep your word.

Character Biblical Presuppositions

An ultimate presupposition is a belief over which no other takes precedence. For a Christian, the content of Scripture must serve as his ultimate presupposition.

All Grace School of Business Students are familiar with this diagram, created by the late Dr. Jeffrey Fawcett, which defines the biblical basis for business.

for many years — excellence that is built on the strength of our faculty, and enhanced through innovative accelerated degree options and real-world experiences that give our students a practical edge.” Grace integrates Christian faith into every school, major, and class. In the School of Business, this includes discussions about ethics, service, and stewardship within the corporate sector. Ryan Christner (BA 10, MBA 21), president and CEO of OrthoWorx, is a two-time graduate of the School of Business at Grace who especially appreciated the school’s faith integration. “My business coursework was deeply enriched by the integration

of biblical truth and a Christian worldview, moving beyond theory into meaningful application,” said Christner. “Under Dr. Roger Stichter’s leadership in my accounting coursework, we were challenged to view business decisions through the lens of Scripture. This foundation equipped me as I began my professional journey with clarity, conviction, and a desire to honor God in every aspect of my work.” Current accounting and entrepreneurial management major Curtis Kreklau agrees. "While it is difficult to quantify the impact of instruction through a faith-based lens at this point in my career journey, I can see a profound shift in my heart from coming to college to pursue what I wanted to do, toward staying in college to identify what God is

calling me to do,” said Kreklau. According to Grace President Dr. Drew Flamm, academic excellence is not just a goal — it’s an institutional core value. “This accreditation affirms our commitment to that standard,” said Flamm. “We believe the most transformative learning happens at the intersection of rigorous scholarship and the truth of God’s Word. Even in the study of business, every principle becomes a pathway to know Christ more deeply and to make Him known in the world.” Learn more about the programs in Grace’s School of Business at https:// www.grace.edu/schoolofbusiness.

Shook Welcome Center Greets Next Generation of Lancers

Grace College recently opened its new Butch and Sandy Shook Welcome Center in Westminster Hall. The main floor of the historic facility was renovated to serve as a hub for all campus guests and the new home for the school’s admissions office. “Westminster Hall’s main floor has been transformed into a vibrant and welcoming entry point to our campus, showcasing many of the things that make Grace so special,” said Dr. Drew Flamm, president of Grace. “We are very thankful to the generous donors who have ignited this important project for Grace, and we look forward to seeing how God will continue to bless this endeavor as we steward this beloved historic building.” The Shook Welcome Center is named after Ray “Butch” (BS 72) and Sandy (Dillon C 72) Shook, who met as students at Grace. After Butch graduated, he became the 31

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school’s first full-time admissions counselor. Two of Butch and Sandy’s three kids attended Grace, and Butch was recently bestowed trustee emeritus status after serving on the Grace board for several years.

president of enrollment management. “Through our new welcome center, we hope to provide an inviting space where visitors instantly feel at home and leave with a sense of God’s work in this place.”

The new center still features the west banquet room available for special events, while the east banquet room has been remodeled to accommodate admissions offices and meeting rooms. The lobby space now features the Grace Gear campus store and Grace Outdoors lakeside rentals, and connects guests to the existing Winona History Museum.

Rachel Macy, a student ambassador who regularly gives campus tours to visitors, testifies to the impact of Grace’s personalized, Christ-centered approach.

The Shook Welcome Center is now the first stop for all campus guests — including prospective students and their parents.

“It’s hard to believe I was making my college decision less than two years ago, and now I serve as an ambassador who helps other students feel welcomed and cared for,” said Macy. “As an ambassador, my goal is not just to tell people about Grace but to point every prospective student towards Christ.”

“We welcome thousands of high school students and their families to Winona Lake each year,” said Dr. Mark Pohl (BS 04, MA 07), vice

Consider this your invitation to visit the new Shook Welcome Center. We love when alumni drop in to say “Hello!”

Read about three freshmen roommates continuing a Lancer legacy. For Simon Avey, Aiden Etner, and Jack Nicodemus, all six of their parents were Grace Lancers. Collectively, they have more than 20 family members who attended Grace spanning five generations. 32

ATHLETICS

MLB Legend Darryl Strawberry Visits Campus

Darryl Strawberry, a four-time World Series champion and eight-time All-Star, known for his incredible talent and success in Major League Baseball, made a visit to the Grace campus this fall. On Friday, Sept. 12, Strawberry shared his powerful testimony of redemption with our student body in chapel. After 16 years of professional baseball, Strawberry faced some of life’s deepest struggles that ultimately led him to encounter

the life-changing power of Jesus Christ. Taken from the pit to the pulpit, today, Strawberry travels the country sharing a message of help, hope, and healing, showing others that restoration is possible. Following chapel, Strawberry spent time with Grace’s baseball and softball teams, where he imparted his wisdom from the perspective of a Christian athlete.

Hear more of Strawberry’s story by listening to episode 118 of the Grace Story Podcast.

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Grace Dedicates Tom Roy - UPI Park

Grace College’s athletic department hosted a special dedication ceremony on Saturday, Oct. 4, to celebrate the completion of Tom Roy – UPI Park, the school’s new baseball stadium. The event honored the legacy of former Grace head baseball coach Tom Roy (BS 74), founder of Unlimited Potential, Inc. (UPI), an international ministry that equips athletes and leaders across sports, business, and nonprofit sectors. “The dedication of Tom Roy – UPI Park marks a significant milestone for Grace College Baseball and our entire athletic department,” said Grace Athletic Director Chad Briscoe. “This facility honors the legacy of Tom Roy and his impact on the sport and his ministry for many years in professional baseball. The stadium

will greatly enhance the studentathlete experience and assist Coach Ryan Roth and his staff as they continue to provide a Christ-centered platform for baseball at Grace College.”

10, MDiv 12), Head Baseball Coach Ryan Roth, Briscoe, and President Dr. Drew Flamm. Each speaker reflected on Roy’s lasting influence on Grace baseball, the community, and the spiritual foundation of the program.

Alumni, community members, the Grace baseball team, Grace baseball alumni, and Grace faculty and staff gathered to commemorate the milestone. The afternoon began with an open house that allowed visitors to tour the new facilities, followed by a dedication ceremony featuring several special speakers.

UPI Park features a new press box, team locker room, meeting room, alumni suite, grandstand seating, dugouts, and an upgraded backstop and netting system.

Remarks were shared at the dedication by Roy, his two daughters Amy (Roy BS 97) Delp and Lindsay (Roy BS 01) Slocum, Vice President of Advancement John Sloat (BS

The celebration marked not only the unveiling of a new facility but also the enduring influence of a coach and mentor whose passion for faith and baseball continues to shape generations of players and leaders.

Grace Announces 2025 Lancer Hall of Fame Inductees

Athletic Director Chad Briscoe (left) honors seven new members inducted to the Lancer Hall of Fame (l to r): Debbie (Cahill BA 74) and Dr. Bill Katip (BA 74), Brooke (Shell BS 15) Little, Greg Miller (BS 14, MBA 16), Mark and Kelly Sharp, and Deb (Uphouse BA 66) Wingard.

The Grace College athletic department is pleased to announce the newest members of the Lancer Hall of Fame: Deb (Uphouse BA 66) Wingard, Brooke (Shell BS 15) Little, Greg Miller (BS 14, MBA 16), Mark and Kelly Sharp, and Dr. Bill (BA 74) and Debbie (Cahill BA 74) Katip. Wingard was a Lancer pioneer, playing at Grace from 1962-66. She played in the early days of women's sports at Grace, helping pave the way for future generations of female athletes. She was the top scorer on the women's basketball team and transitioned into a successful career in athletics upon graduation from Grace.

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Little was one of the top softball players in program history, playing from 2013-15. She was an NAIA honorable mention All-American in 2014, a three-time NCCAA All-American, and three-time AllCrossroads League performer. Despite only playing for three years, she still ranks No. 1 in career batting average, runs, and triples, and is No. 2 in hits and stolen bases. Miller was an All-American on Grace's men's basketball team from 2010-14. He earned NAIA honorable mention All-American status in 2013 and 2014. He helped lead Grace to three NAIA tournaments in four years, including a Final Four run in 2013, where he

was named to the NAIA AllTournament Team. The Sharps have been mainstays of Grace's athletic department for multiple decades. Sharp served as Grace's athletic office manager from 2007-25, providing years of care, excellence, and service to the Lancers' student-athletes, coaches, and fans. The Katips were pivotal members of the Grace community for many years. Bill, who served as president of Grace for eight years, was instrumental in the rise of Grace's athletic department, promoting the hiring of full-time coaches, adding multiple sports, and overseeing several facility constructions.

Briscoe Named NAIA Athletic Director of the Year

The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) has named Chad Briscoe, director of athletics at Grace College, as the 2024-25 NAIA Athletic Director of the Year. This prestigious honor recognizes Briscoe's outstanding leadership, vision, and dedication to student-athlete success both on and off the field. "Chad is a leader of upright character and unrivaled passion to change the lives of our student-athletes," said Grace President Dr. Drew Flamm. "He has enhanced the reputation of Grace because of his tireless pursuit of excellence and integrity. He serves

as a phenomenal representation of Grace College, the Crossroads League, and the NAIA." Briscoe has served as the Lancers' A.D. for 17 years. Under his leadership, Grace has experienced significant athletic success, institutional growth, and national recognition across multiple programs. Briscoe is a five-time winner of the Crossroads League A.D. of the Year honor, including in 2025. He has helped multiple teams secure First and Second Round host bids to the NAIA National Championships.

In addition to his role at Grace, Briscoe is an active voice in NAIA governance, having served on various national committees and oversight roles. He recently completed a three-year term as the President of the NAIA's National Administrative Council. He was presented with an Award of Merit from the NAIA for his service to the organization. Briscoe has also served for multiple years on the NAIA's Men's Basketball Selection Committee. Briscoe will be formally honored at the 2025 NAIA National Convention in April.

Dr. Karla McGehee ASSOCIATE PROVOST

Written by Dr. Kevin Roberts and Dr. Christy Hill Dr. Karla McGehee arrived at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary (NOBTS) on Aug. 1, 2005, excited to pursue a degree in Christian ministry. Freshly relocated from the suburbs of Chicago, she never could have anticipated the record-breaking storm that would wreak havoc on her first year in New Orleans. On Aug. 29, the city was ravaged by an intense hurricane, causing catastrophic flooding, a high death toll, and unprecedented damage. The nation watched in disbelief as Hurricane Katrina claimed over 1,800 lives and caused massive destruction that would take years to recover from, but God was preparing Karla to hold fast in the midst of life’s storms and trials.

became a valued member of the team. Karla was instrumental in the seminary earning Association of Theological Schools accreditation, and she propelled the seminary into new territory by developing a multi-dimensional online platform for the M.Div. and Master of Arts in Christian Ministry. “Her vision for this innovative approach to delivering theological education digitally provided the framework for reaching a whole new audience of learners online,” said Dr. Christy Hill, professor of spiritual formation. “She curated state-ofthe-art technology to facilitate each professor's personality to permeate each course. With her vision, online students no longer feel distant from their professors. This program has her stamp of excellence on it, which is indicative of all she does.”

“Her passion and

energy for bringing

Having evacuated to Mississippi, Karla learned a few days after Katrina that NOBTS would not reopen for a year. She returned to Chicago to briefly resume her career as information systems training director at Sargent & Lundy and continued her studies online before returning to New Orleans in August 2006.

glory to God are

evident in her love and service to others.”

In April, Karla accepted the newly created position of associate DR. KEVIN ROBERTS provost. This position involves working closely alongside our excellent faculty at Grace. Additionally, she oversees the Office of Teaching and Learning, which Despite her rough transition to Louisiana, her time implements key initiatives in academic faith integration, was fruitful, as she completed her work on an M.Div., cross-cultural competency, and faculty growth and Th.M., and Ph.D. in Christian Education from NOBTS. development. In her role, Karla brings an energy and She also gained valuable experience serving as the collaborative spirit that reflects her desire to deeply associate director of institutional effectiveness and then know and understand a variety of perspectives as as the associate director of innovative learning while she works closely with faculty and staff at Grace. completing her doctorate — all while being on faculty. During this time, Karla was writing extensively about “As I have gotten to know Karla better, it didn’t take the value of competency-based theological education. long to recognize how important her faith is in every aspect of her life,” said Dr. Kevin Roberts, provost In April 2022, she returned to the Midwest after at Grace. “Her passion and energy for bringing accepting a position as director of digital learning glory to God are evident in her love and service to at Grace Theological Seminary and quickly others. We are fortunate to have her at Grace.”

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Alumni Awards

Our alumni go into the world and make an impact for the glory of God. Do you know someone like this who is an alum of Grace? We invite you to submit nominees for the 2026 Alumni Awards at www.grace.edu/alumni/awards.

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PRISCILLA KNOBLE

COLLEGE ALUMNI OF THE YEAR

Priscilla Knoble (BA 89) never set out to become “the mother of InDesign” in Japan, but her journey from a missionary kid to a senior director at Adobe is a testament to what God can do when you work “heartily, as unto the Lord.” The daughter of church planters, Knoble grew up in a culture that celebrated craftsmanship and creativity. By age 9, she was teaching Sunday school, and by high school, she was writing VBS curriculum. She always imagined returning to Japan after earning a degree in education, but God had other plans for her. Drawn to Grace College in 1985 for its small, Christ-centered community, she immersed herself in campus life and co-founded one of the inaugural MuKappa chapters to support missionary kids navigating U.S. culture. During her teaching years, Knoble began experimenting with Japanese apps on her Mac, which coincided with U.S. software companies shifting their localization to headquarters. Her curiosity opened doors to software localization in Seattle and to a pivotal role at Adobe. In late 1996, she was hired to create the Japanese, Chinese, and Korean quality assurance team for the localized versions of PageMaker. Soon she was a product manager on a new product: InDesign. Knoble pitched and successfully gained support for the idea of building a culturalized Japanese version of the software. This team created a product that is still recognized for its superior Japanese text engine today. Her work drew the attention of Adobe’s CEO, who sent her to meet Steve Jobs, and eventually placed her on stage at Macworld Japan. Over the next three decades, Knoble

rose through Adobe’s leadership, managing internationalfocused teams within the business unit, which includes the likes of InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator. She now serves as senior director of international strategy and product management for Adobe’s Digital Media Business Unit, where she oversees global strategies for products in the Creative Cloud and Document Cloud and travels 150,000+ miles a year to collaborate with colleagues around the world. Through it all, Knoble has held tightly to her faith instilled from her missionary roots. Whether mentoring young professionals, quilting by hand, or hosting neighbors for Taco Tuesday, she displays the same heart of service that shaped her childhood in Japan. WHAT IS A LITTLE-KNOWN FACT ABOUT YOU?

John Lennon and Yoko Ono had a summer home where our mission had our summer compound in the mountains in Karuizawa. I used to play with Sean Lennon when he was a toddler. FAVORITE JAPANESE MEAL OR DISH?

Tonkatsu with daikon oroshi (pork or chicken cutlet with daikon radish/soy sauce).

ALUMNI AWARDS

LUCAS FONSECA

COLLEGE YOUNG ALUMNI OF THE YEAR

When entrepreneurial management major Lucas Fonseca (BA 20) arrived at Grace College from Chile, he knew he wanted to make the most of his education, but he had no idea that a simple idea would grow into a company changing lives across the Midwest. Fonseca founded Language Matters during his sophomore year with a simple conviction: language shouldn’t be a barrier to opportunity. At first, Language Matters focused on English instruction for Spanish speakers. But when COVID-19 struck just months after Fonseca graduated, the company’s mission expanded dramatically. As local governments scrambled to connect with non-Englishspeaking residents, Fonseca partnered with municipalities to create systems for communication, translation, and cultural awareness. That crisis sparked a replicable model, one that today equips entire cities to better serve their multicultural communities. Language Matters has now worked with municipalities such as Warsaw, Logansport, Marion, and Muncie, companies like Dollar General, and statewide organizations like Accelerate Indiana Municipalities and even the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights. For Fonseca, the work is more than contracts and data — it’s about what the access and hope the brand represents. Whether it’s one person learning English and getting a job or thousands of residents in a city finally receiving resources in their native language, the impact is what keeps the young entrepreneur going. Fonseca’s leadership and innovation have not gone unnoticed. He was named a KEDCO Rising Leader in 2021 and received the Rising Latino Star award from the Indiana Latino Institute in 2023. He has testified before the 41

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U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, presented to the Indiana Conference of Mayors, and trained hundreds of civic leaders across the state on language access and cultural awareness. He has also been listed in Marquis Who’s Who and shortlisted for Forbes' 30 Under 30. Despite these honors, Fonseca measures his success in stories — such as the Warsaw hotline call that connected a domestic abuse victim with legal and police support, or the moment two young boys recognized his company’s logo on his hoodie and excitedly shouted, “Language Matters!” Seven years in, Fonseca remains driven by a vision that reaches beyond Indiana. “We want to be a national model,” he said. “Every city should have systems to connect with non-English-speaking residents. When we remove barriers, we don’t just solve problems, we create opportunities for whole communities to thrive.” TOP THREE MEMORIES AT GRACE:

1. Meeting my wife, Bethany (Ryan BA 19) Fonseca 2. Playing tennis for the Lancers 3. Being awarded the Grace College John A. Cahill Entrepreneurship Award alongside my twin brother Arturo Fonseca (BA 20)

LOREN

NEUENSCHWANDER COLLEGE ALUMNI OF DISTINGUISHED SERVICE

Enthusiasm and loyalty are two words that have defined Loren Neuenschwander’s (BS 87) life. Whether in his 30-plus years of dedicated service at Delta Air Lines or in his unwavering devotion to the organizations he believes in, Neuenschwander’s joyful service is contagious to everyone he meets. From a young age, Neuenschwander knew he wanted to pursue a career in accounting. After graduating from Grace College with a double major in accounting and computer science, he spent his first year in public accounting and quickly discovered his heart was not in it. In September 1990, an offer came from Delta, leading him to a fulfilling career that would take him places he could never have imagined. Over the years, Neuenschwander was relocated 18 times and played a key role in guiding Delta through numerous pivotal transitions, including the acquisition of Pan Am, the merger with Northwest Airlines, and the launch of Delta’s operations in Israel. Rising to the position of managing director of finance, he became a trusted leader who not only handled complex financial challenges but also built strong relationships at the highest levels.

years, most recently as chair of the finance committee. His leadership has been instrumental in ensuring the college’s long-term financial health, with a focus on debt reduction and sustainability at the forefront. Whether through his own generosity or by leveraging his network to rally additional support, Neuenschwander has faithfully invested his time, treasure, and talents back into the institution that invested in him. Now retired, Neuenschwander still considers himself the biggest Delta fan on the planet. He enjoys rooting for his MBA alma mater, Auburn University football and basketball, alongside his nephews, and he faithfully champions Grace as it continues to build on its mission and prepare the next generation of leaders. WHO WAS YOUR FAVORITE GRACE PROFESSOR?

Despite all the places he’s seen and people he’s met, Neuenschwander has never lost sight of where his foundation was built. His time at Grace, where he found lifelong friendships and a deep spiritual grounding, remains one of the most formative periods of his life. He often recalls those four years as the best of his life.

Dr. Ted Hildebrandt, who taught my Old Testament History class. LIFE VERSE: 1 Thessalonians 4:11: "Make it your ambition

to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your hands, just as we told you."

That gratitude has kept Neuenschwander closely tied to Grace. He has served as a trustee for more than 10

ALUMNI AWARDS

TOM & DEB JOHNSON C O L L E G E H O N O R A RY A L U M N I OF THE YEAR

Before Dr. Tom and Deb Johnson's son, Clint*, could even walk, he attended his first Grace Lancer basketball game. Recent transplants from Texas at the time, the family couldn’t have foreseen the decades-long connection to the college and its athletic programs to come. Tom and Deb have called Winona Lake home since 1981. Tom, a physical therapist of 40 years, and Deb, who spent five years as an elementary teacher before focusing on raising their children: Clint, Adam, and Emily, have made Christ-centered service a crucial aspect of their family culture. The Johnsons were first connected to Grace College when Tom offered his expertise in sports medicine to assist the basketball program. This was just the beginning of Tom’s lifelong friendship with Coach Jim Kessler (BS 70) and deep level of involvement at Grace. The Johnsons provided early financial gifts to help establish the exercise science program and to support Professor Christi Walters, who had transitioned from working for Tom into fulltime teaching. Their contributions have helped students gain hands-on experience in the field and have played a role in growing the program, which is now one of the most popular majors at Grace. Tom and Deb especially appreciate the way Grace students grow into competent professionals who enrich the Warsaw and Winona Lake community. Active supporters of Grace athletics, the couple closely follows basketball and golf, enjoying the camaraderie of Lancer Nation. Through their years of involvement, Deb and Tom have witnessed Grace become an interconnected

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hub of spiritual and professional development that impacts the community. Their enduring connection to the college embodies the heart of Grace: equipping students to know Christ and make Him known to the world around them. WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU'VE EVER RECEIVED?

Always do something you love. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE GAME OR MEMORY RELATED TO GRACE BASKETBALL OR LANCER ATHLETICS IN GENERAL?

My favorite games were always in the old Lancer Gym when we played Bethel. The gym would be packed, they'd have couches at the baseline, and all the students would dress up crazy. Those were wild games. I wish I could go back. WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE GOLF COURSE YOU HAVE EVER PLAYED?

A course in St. Andrews, Scotland, or the Sand Hills in Western Nebraska. *Clint, affectionately known as “Clint Dawg,” now works at the Gordon Health and Wellness Center front desk and is known for his creative riddles and nicknames that welcome everyone who enters.

KIRK & KRYSTEE LEBLANC

C O L L E G E PA R E N T S O F DISTINGUISHED SERVICE

The LeBlanc family’s connection to Grace College began with a surprising phone call. Their son, Keenan, who had committed to playing baseball at Cedarville (the alma mater of Kirk, Krystee, and their oldest daughter, Keilee) visited Grace at the suggestion of his now-wife, Ana. After one trip, he had decided to decommit from Cedarville and join the Lancer baseball program instead, bringing his best friend with him. While Kirk and Krystee didn’t know anything about Grace at the time, the couple dove in headfirst Keenan’s freshman year. Kirk currently serves as chair of the Parent Council, which includes helping with Welcome Weekend, Lancer Days, Family Weekend, and Homecoming. He and Ana often team up at these events to answer questions from parents. Beyond campus events, Kirk leverages his role as a high school small-group leader to introduce students from their town of Brownsburg, Indiana, to Grace firsthand. He arranges visits for the young athletes to meet with Athletic Director Chad Briscoe and ensures Grace has a presence at his church’s Christian College Fair. Slowly but surely, he’s building a pipeline of Brownsburg students who come to call Grace home, including his youngest son, Karsten, who is already discussing playing baseball at Grace with Coach Roth. At home, Kirk and Krystee model a faith that integrates into every aspect of their lives. Kirk, an attorney, views every client interaction as an opportunity to point people toward Jesus, even in the often-harsh world of litigation. Krystee owns a flower shop where she ministers to grieving families, often handing out books written by

John S. Dickerson, lead pastor of Connection Pointe Christian Church, as a source of comfort. Their approach to parenting flows from the same conviction. The family’s number, four, serves as a reminder to their children of what matters most. It doesn’t matter how their kids are performing. Four stands for “I love you forever.” Their identity can’t be in sports, academics, or anything else. It can only be in Jesus. For the LeBlancs, that’s what Grace College represents, too: an environment where students are shown grace when they stumble, encouraged to grow, and reminded that their identity is found only in Christ Jesus. WHY DO YOU SUPPORT CHRISTIAN HIGHER EDUCATION?

Kirk: “Quite frankly, if I had not gone to a strong Christian college, I’m not sure where I’d be today, but I can guarantee it would not have been a very good outcome.” BEST PARENTING ADVICE:

We make our home a safe place for our kids to make mistakes and learn from them. We learn more from our mess-ups than we do from winning. God’s “game plan” is perfect, even when we do not understand it or like it.

ALUMNI AWARDS

COREY BROOKS

S E M I N A RY A L U M N I O F T H E Y E A R

Pastor Corey Brooks (MA 96) has never been content to do ministry from the sidelines. Brooks, his wife, Delilah, and their four kids live on the South Side of Chicago, where Brooks has spent nearly three decades pastoring, mentoring, and rebuilding a community marked by poverty and violence. A senior pastor and the CEO of Project H.O.O.D. (Helping Others Obtain Destiny), Brooks operates by the conviction that “people don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” Originally from Muncie, Ind., Brooks first sensed a call to ministry at the age of 14. During his freshman year studying political science at Ball State University, he began serving in youth ministry and eventually became a youth pastor at Union Baptist Church in Muncie, Ind. Recognizing his need for theological training, he enrolled at Dallas Theological Seminary. However, after being called to pastor a church in Richmond, Ind., he began searching for a seminary in the state. His professors at Dallas put him in contact with Dr. David Plaster (BA 71, MDiv 74, ThM 84) at Grace, who left a lasting impact on Brooks, arranging campus housing for him as he juggled ministry commitments, coursework, and a three-and-a-half-hour commute between the two. After graduating in 1996, Brooks moved to Chicago to pastor West Point Baptist Church, where he served for four years before founding New Beginnings Church of Chicago in 2000. The church, where he still serves today, has grown into a 1,500-member congregation that serves as a hub for spiritual formation and community renewal. In 2011, Brooks became widely known as the “Rooftop Pastor” after spending 94 winter days living on the roof

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of an abandoned hotel to draw national attention to the epidemic of gun violence. While such a stunt would be the exclamation mark on many a ministry, Brooks was just getting started. In 2021, he returned to a rooftop for an unprecedented 343-day vigil, raising more than $20 million and rallying 20,000 new partners to Project H.O.O.D.’s mission. Under his leadership, the organization is now constructing a $47 million Leadership and Economic Opportunity Center — the first major new building in his neighborhood since the 1960s. This fall, Brooks began another bold journey: a crosscountry walk from New York to California. Over the next year, he plans to raise $25 million to complete the center, launch a classical Christian school for boys, seed an endowment for long-term sustainability, and expand Project H.O.O.D. into urban and rural communities nationwide. ADVICE TO URBAN AREA PASTORS:

Love people and give them lots of grace. Don’t be judgmental; we win others with our actions, not with our words. FAVORITE SCRIPTURE PASSAGE:

Romans 8:28

COLIN HORNE

S E M I N A RY Y O U N G A L U M N I O F T H E Y E A R

When Colin Horne (BS 13, MDiv 15) came to saving faith in Christ in high school, he didn’t waste any time gathering a group of friends and launching a neighborhood Bible study. Looking back now, he’s quick to say the format was “rough around the edges,” but Horne’s desire to open the Word of God and point others to Jesus marked the beginning of a lifelong call to ministry. Horne grew up in Modesto, California, attending a Charis Fellowship church from the age of five. However, it was at the Brethren National Youth Conference in high school that he first came to understand the Gospel. So, when it came time for college, the Charis connection led him to Grace, where he pursued a degree in biblical studies with a minor in biblical languages. As an only child, Horne was deeply impacted by the relational nature of residence life, where his RA, Andy Gross (BS 10), would often “pop in” and engage him in theological conversations. He also met his wife, Casey (Hueni BS 14) Horne, while at Grace in his senior year. After graduating, he stayed to pursue a Master of Divinity in Pastoral Studies while serving as an ARD, and later returned as an RD. He describes his years in residence life as a crucial part of his formation in shepherding people, handling difficult conversations, and learning the rhythms of pastoral care. The mentorship of godly men, such as John Sloat (BS 10, MDiv 12), Dr. Matt Harmon, and Casey’s uncle Jon C. Hueni (BA 77), was also instrumental as Horne wrestled with some of the finer points of theology in preparation for ministry.

In 2019, as his family of four (now a family of seven) was outgrowing the Omega apartment, Horne accepted the call to serve as an associate pastor at First Baptist Church of Warsaw. Although his first few years in full-time ministry looked quite different from what he had expected, navigating live-streamed services and roped-off pews, Horne says his time at FBC, where he was sharpened in life, godliness, and preaching, was invaluable. In 2023, Horne transitioned to his current role as co-pastor of Grace Fellowship Church in Bremen, Ind., where his congregation benefits from his theology that isn’t just proclaimed from the pulpit but also demonstrated in the small, daily nuances of his life. Those who have served alongside Horne are quick to mention his shepherd's heart and attribute it to his penetrating understanding of, and humble appreciation for, the glory and grace of God. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PLACE YOU'VE EVER VISITED?

Oracle Park, the San Francisco Giants' home stadium YOU'RE A SUPERHERO. WHICH GRACE PROFESSOR IS YOUR SIDEKICK?

I mean, it's got to be Dr. Tiberius Rata because he was the assassin, except I’m the sidekick.

ALUMNI AWARDS

JOHN MCINTOSH S E M I N A RY A L U M N I O F DISTINGUISHED SERVICE

When Dr. John McIntosh (BA 71, MDiv 87, DMin 25) arrived at Grace College in 1967, academics didn’t come easily. But with a call to pastoral ministry at age 9, academic probation couldn’t keep McIntosh from pursuing ministry training. With the encouragement of his wife, Carolyn, and the support of his professors, McIntosh grew academically, personally, and spiritually, over the course of his education. What seemed to be an obstacle became a tool God used to mature him and develop his dependence on Christ — a lesson that would mark his ministry spanning more than 50 years. After graduating completing all but his thesis for seminary in 1974, McIntosh stepped into his first pastoral role at Mabton Grace Church, just a few miles from Sunnyside, Wash., where he and Carolyn grew up. He served the small, rural congregation for seven years before accepting a call to his next assignment: Grace Church of Simi Valley. Overseeing the large, multi-staff church with a school enrolling 1,200 students stretched McIntosh to trust the Lord at a deeper level, often feeling the weight of his own weakness. He served there as lead pastor for 29 years before moving to Ripon Grace Church and then Auburn Grace Community Church, where he is the pastor of grandparenting ministries today. Beyond the local church, McIntosh has been an active participant of the Charis Fellowship, serving as a moderator, board member, and president of the board in some of its most divisive times. He also served as a Grace Trustee for many years, including some of the most difficult days for Grace Theological Seminary. His

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steady leadership, devotion to the fellowship, and love for the church have helped the institution navigate difficult decisions. As it has experienced tremendous growth over the last several decades, he has been a champion of the seminary’s direction and vision. With five decades in ministry, McIntosh and his wife are treasure troves of wisdom for young pastors and their families. He often shares two pieces of advice he received in the ministry: “Your people will forgive you for anything but your inability to preach and your unwillingness to love them.” For McIntosh, effective preaching and genuine love for his congregation have been at the forefront of his focus. Those who learn from him have a humble, willing, and steadfast example of what it means to be a lifelong minister of the Gospel. FAVORITE BOOK OF THE BIBLE: Phillippians, which I wrote my dissertation on for my Doctor of Ministry. MOUNT RUSHMORE OF GRACE: I have five. Dr. Freddy

Cardoza, Dr. Rock LaGioia, Wayne Snider (BDiv 53, ThM 55), Dr. John Davis (MDiv 62, ThM 64, ThD 68), Dr. Homer Kent Jr. (MDiv 50, ThM 52, ThD 56)

KEITH MINIER

S E M I N A RY H O N O R A RY A L U M N I

Keith Minier never intended to be the pastor of a local church. With a degree in chemistry from Cedarville University, his sights were originally set on a career teaching chemistry and coaching basketball. But God had other plans. A gifted communicator and teacher, after college, he began leading the young adult ministry at his church. When the pastor at another local church, Grace Brethren Church of Pickerington, resigned, Minier’s pastor nominated him to fill the pulpit. The church was in decline, and after just a few weeks of his dynamic preaching, they offered him a job. But this was just one of three job offers that came Minier’s way that week. He was left deciding between a position as a missionary with Grace Brethren International Missions, a corporate job with KimberlyClark, and the role at the church. After much prayer and the advice of his mentor, Minier felt the Lord clearly leading him to step into full-time local church ministry. More than two decades later, Minier has led the church (now called Grace Fellowship) through an extraordinary move of God. He has shepherded the faithful 54 people on his first Sunday as pastor into a church of more than 5,000 each weekend. He attributes the growth to a loyal core group of leaders, a culture of unleashing volunteers, and a consistent commitment to both evangelism and discipleship. Yet Minier is quick to acknowledge the spiritual reality behind it all: While the people prepare the horse for battle, the victory belongs to the Lord. In addition to his role at Grace Fellowship, Minier serves on the Grace Schools Board of Trustees. Though not a Grace graduate himself, he is a familiar face at Grace, regularly

speaking in chapels, mentoring students and alumni who serve in his congregation, and helping to shape the future of the seminary. Minier sees his involvement at Grace as an extension of what he’s most passionate about: unleashing the local church and mobilizing ambassadors for Christ. In a world where truth has become increasingly cloudy, and it costs more to stand for what you believe in, Minier appreciates the way Grace College and Grace Theological Seminary have stood for the truth of Scripture and challenged the next generation to understand that they are God’s plan to reach the world. WHAT WOULD YOU TELL YOUR YOUNGER SELF AS YOU STEPPED INTO CHURCH LEADERSHIP?

No matter how big or small your church is: 1. The two greatest challenges you're always going to feel are going to be from your own family and your staff. 2. It’s worth it. Keep going. TEAMS YOU ROOT FOR:

I'm all in on all things Cleveland. So I'm a Browns, Cavaliers, and Guardians fan.

HOMECOMING IS A SPECIAL TIME. For students, it is a week brimming with excitement, filled with traditions they will always remember from their time at Grace. Perhaps you asked your future spouse to the homecoming banquet. Perhaps your team claimed victory at the Beanie Bowl. Or perhaps your hall carried home the rainbow trout at Hall T-shirt Chapel. Yet homecoming is more than a week of student celebration. For alumni, it's returning to a home of the past. It is the chance to wander familiar paths,

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to pause in places once beloved, to meet today’s students face to face, to laugh with old friends, and perhaps to welcome new ones into your story. We hope you enjoy this year’s homecoming recap and that you will join us next year for Homecoming 2026 on the first weekend in October. We would love to see you. And we believe an autumnal walk down memory lane in Winona Lake will be a gift to your soul.

Butch Shook (BS 72) delivers an address at the dedication of the Butch and Sandy Shook Welcome Center.

Tom Roy poses with the Grace baseball team at the dedication of Tom Roy – UPI Park.

Performing artist, Chris Renzema, performs in the MOCC on Saturday night during homecoming weekend.

Seven new members were inducted into the Lancer Hall of Fame.

Sophomore defender, Sebastian Lozano of Bogota, Colombia, advances the ball during the homecoming soccer match on Saturday.

Alumni pose with the current softball team in the recently completed team room before competing in an alumni softball game.

Dr. Roger Stichter gives a brief speech at his retirement gathering.

Alpha girls celebrate winning the rainbow trout at Hall T-shirt Chapel.

Homecoming court is recognized at halftime of the men's soccer game.

Grace College 1 Lancer Way Winona Lake, IN 46590

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Grace Story Magazine Fall 2025