3 Sonya Jones ’96 has co-authored a book with Christopher Burcham, 44 Lessons from a Loser: Navigating Life Through Laughter, Prayer and the Occasional Throat Punch (Author Academy Elite, 2018). Jones won the hearts of millions of Americans when she dropped 144 pounds on Season 16 of NBC’S reality TV show The Biggest Loser. In 44 Lessons, she invites readers to discover goodness in their challenges, too. Visit sonyajones44.com to learn more.
Rob and Erika (Holmes ’99) Arnhart, a daughter, Everly Lovelle Arnhart, born November 7, 2017. Big sister Aubrey welcomed Everly.
2000s Mark Tomb ’00 currently resides at 5847 S 23rd Way, Phoenix, AZ 85040. m.tomb75@gmail.com. Assistant Professor Michael Dando ’02 teaches communication and language arts at Saint Cloud State University in St. Cloud, Minnesota. He focuses on critical literacy development, teacher education and culturally relevant pedagogies.
Erik Reed ’15 is currently working on certification in web design. 6 Aaron Phillips ’16, digital media specialist with the City of St. Charles, Missouri, was recently honored for outstanding leadership and exemplifying the city’s core values. “What you do behind the scenes gets recognized,” he said upon news of the award.
Laura Hinrichsen ’08 is a marketing media consultant at Caterpillar, Inc. in Peoria, Illinois. She previously served as digital marketing strategist with Soderstrom Skin Institute. laura.hinrichsen@gmail.com.
Anna Brannon ’17 and Trey Brockman ’17 contributed their creative juices to an upcoming YouTube series with serious star power behind it. Trey composed the short intro theme song for The Misadventures of Psyche and Me, and Anna designed the program’s logo and poster advertisements. The series features stars Madison Hu of popular Disney shows Bizaardvark and Best Friends Whenever, Amber Midthunder of TV series Legion, and lead actors Kemma Filby and Noah Odegaard. It includes a cameo from singer, comedian and YouTube personality GloZell Green.
OZ Arts Nashville named Jakob Lewis ’08 recipient of the 2018 OZ Arts Artistic Fellowship. Lewis founded Neighbors, an award-winning podcast featured on WPLN/ Nashville Public Radio. Neighbors presents artful stories about everyday people, from barbers to improv comedians, from shoeshines to street musicians. The OZ Fellowship supports “an emerging creative voice” who actively contributes to the Nashville cultural landscape. 5
Blake and Angela (Gunther ’09) Ferando, a son, Dawson Blake, born April 19, 2018. Big sister Kinzie Nicole is proud of the new addition. Angela is an accounting supervisor with the Illinois District Council of the Assemblies of God. theferandos@gmail.com.
Jamal Daniels ’17 owns and operates Vibes Barber Studio in Greenville, a dream come true for the young entrepreneur. After receiving his degree in business management from G.U., Daniels passed his barber certification exam last summer, opened his business in September and never stopped giving God the glory for opportunities that have come his way. “Blessed beyond measure,” says Daniels. 7
2010s
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Ben Wayman ’02
BAKER PUBLISHING GROUP
MICHAEL TREBING
Tony ’10 and Sheila (Sweet ’10) Mataraza recently celebrated their seventh wedding anniversary. They have two children, Taylor, age four, and Ethan, age two. Tony works
ALUMNI NEWS
Ben Wayman ’02 co-authored the afterword to Samuel Wells’s second edition of Improvisation: The Drama of Christian Ethics (Baker Publishing Group, 2018). Wayman calls the introductory textbook to Christian ethics “one of the most formative influences in my personal journey of discipleship and ministry.” Wayman is assistant professor of theology at Greenville University. 4
in information technology at Metrohealth Hospital as a mobility engineer. Metrohealth is the largest county hospital in Ohio. tmataraza@gmail.com.
Sara (Acord ’08) Downing has relocated back to the Midwest after several years in Florida. She teaches third grade in St. Louis, Missouri. Downing holds a master of arts in teaching from University of South Florida and harbors a passion for literacy education. She has worked primarily with minority students from low socioeconomic backgrounds.
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Jakob Lewis ’08
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Aaron Phillips ’16
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Jamal Daniels ’17 THE RECORD | 2018 PRESIDENT’S REPORT
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