HOMECOMING SPECIAL EDITION 2026
Welcome home
Buy your Homecoming WEEKEND Pass The Weekend Pass includes an exclusive NNU t-shirt, weekend pass & Nighthawks lanyard, access to Donuts with the DeMichaels, dinner with the President and Senior Leadership Team, a bib for the Nighthawks 5K and much more!*
WEEKEND PASS
$35
$25 YOUTH PASS $45 WEEKEND REUNION PASS
nnu.edu/homecoming
*Alumni Awards Luncheon, Child Care, Homecoming Concert and Athletic Events require an additional ticket purchase outside of the Weekend Pass.
2026 ALUMNI AWARDS 2026 Alumni of the Year Award Dr. Tristan Galloway CLASS OF 2006
For Dr. Tristan Galloway, attending Northwest Nazarene University wasn’t just a college decision, it was a continuation of a story that had already begun. As part of a three-generation NNU family he grew up coming to Homecoming, cheering at basketball games and spending time on campus. Long before he became a student, NNU already felt like home. When it came time for college, choosing NNU felt natural. It was a place where faith, community and learning came together, and where he found mentors and classmates who challenged him to grow academically, spiritually and personally. Those years shaped more than his education. They helped clarify the kind of person he wanted to become and the kind of life he wanted to live.
2026 Leon Doane Young Alumni Award Dr. Drew Johnson CLASS OF 2015
When Dr. Drew Johnson decided to pursue a career in nuclear engineering, Northwest Nazarene University wasn’t his first choice. As a second-generation Nazarene pastor’s kid whose parents met at NNC, he had always considered NNU part of his story, but he questioned whether a small university could prepare him for such a specialized field. In the end, scholarships and heritage brought him to NNU. During his first year, Drew discovered an engineering program filled with extraordinary opportunities, including NASA’s RockSAT program. As a sophomore, he helped design and deploy a rocket payload, an experience that reshaped his perspective and confirmed NNU was exactly where he was supposed to be.
One lesson, in particular, stayed with him: a life of purpose is a life of service. That perspective became the foundation for his career in dentistry. While he developed the technical skills of his profession, he also discovered that the greatest impact often comes through compassion, relationships and caring for people one person at a time.
Outside the classroom, he found something just as valuable: lifelong friendships forged through late-night study sessions, road trips, intramural sports, worship, small groups and countless challenging and encouraging conversations. All these were, as he describes it, “iron sharpening iron” experiences.
That calling eventually grew beyond the walls of his own practice. Motivated by his faith and a heart for serving others, Tristan helped establish Agape Dental Missions, bringing dental care to communities around the world with little or no access to treatment. The work has reinforced a belief he first began developing at NNU: that our talents are gifts meant to be used in service to others.
Drew invested deeply in campus life, serving as Engineering Club president, mentoring fellow students, leading outreach activities, being an NNU Ambassador and competing in the Social Venture Competition with an interdisciplinary team that developed a rechargeable flashlight that also purified drinking water.
Along the way, he has continued to pursue excellence through lifelong learning while investing in the next generation. The values that took root during his years at NNU, faith, service, community and a commitment to continual growth, continue to guide both his personal life and his professional leadership. When he learned he had been named NNU’s 2026 Alumni of the Year, his response was one of humility and gratitude. He views the honor as a reflection of the family members, mentors, colleagues and friends who have walked alongside him. Because of his commitment to living out the gospel as a creative and redemptive agent in the world, exemplifying the Christian ideals of the University, NNU is honored to present Dr. Tristan Galloway with the 2026 Alumni of the Year Award.
After graduation, he and his wife, Leeza, moved to Georgia, where he entered a doctoral program in nuclear engineering. Although he had no formal background in the discipline, he drew on the strong academic foundation NNU had provided and earned his Ph.D. in just five years. Now he’s returned to the Pacific Northwest to build a career in the nuclear engineering industry. Today, he gives back as a member of NNU’s Engineering Advisory Board. He also faithfully serves in his local Nazarene church through youth ministry, worship, church leadership and men’s ministry. Reflecting on this recognition, he says he is “honored and humbled” to join the legacy of NNU alumni who have gone before him. For his commendable accomplishments in his chosen field and for living out the values of NNU in all areas of his life, NNU is pleased to present Drew Johnson with the 2026 Leon Doane Young Alumni Award.
2026 Distinguished Service Award
2026 Professional Achievement Award
Mike Zahare
Rachel Garceau
“Seek ye first the Kingdom of God” means a great deal to Mike.
Rachel Garceau knew long before graduating from high school that Northwest Nazarene University was where she wanted to be. Growing up in the Nazarene church in Snohomish, Washington, she watched NNC music groups lead worship at youth camp and dreamed of becoming part of that same Christ-centered community.
CLASS OF 1981
Mike saw those words in action before he ever heard or read them. Growing up in Fairbanks, Alaska, he witnessed his parents’ Christ-like love and service to others and began serving alongside them at Fairbanks First Church of the Nazarene at age seven. Those experiences made Northwest Nazarene College Mike’s only choice when it was time to attend college. At NNC, the University’s motto—Matthew 6:33—had a life-changing impact on his story, shaping his family, professional life and journey as a follower of Christ. Surrounded by faculty, staff and students who lived out the verse through loving words and deeds, Mike served as Chief Justice of the Judicial Council, a student government class senator and a member of the business club before earning his BA in Business Administration in 1981. He later earned his J.D. from the University of Washington. Mike also met his bride, Dawn, at NNC. A member of the Class of ’82, Dawn came to NNC from Minneapolis after her mother tearfully predicted, “You’re probably going to go off and meet someone from Alaska.” Mike is grateful she was right. They married in 1983. After Mike finished law school, the couple moved to Anchorage in 1984 and built a life together, raising three children and welcoming two granddaughters, one of whom competes on NNU’s track team. For the past 42 years, they have attended Jewel Lake Church of the Nazarene, where Mike has served on the board for 40 years. Together, they teach the congregation’s youth and serve on the worship team. Mike returned to NNU in an official capacity in 2001 as a member of the Alumni Board. He was elected to the Board of Trustees three years later and is now in his twenty-third year of service. Since 2019, he has served as Chair of the Board of Trustees. Although Mike is grateful for this award, he has never been comfortable in the spotlight. He is reminded that such honors are not about him, but it all comes back to Matthew 6:33. Seeking first the Kingdom of God. Because of his heart of service to the community of Northwest Nazarene University and his outstanding service through the years, NNU is recognizing Mike Zahare as the 2026 recipient of the Distinguished Service Award.
CLASS OF 2003
When Rachel arrived on campus, it quickly felt like home. From friendships in Mangum Hall to Wednesday evening Time Out, she discovered an environment where her faith and confidence could grow. Although she entered college planning to become an English teacher, she ended up changing her major to the then-new Mass Communications program, where professors including Dr. Dennis Waller, Brooke Adamson and Brad Elsberg helped her discover her passion for communication. Experiences beyond the classroom also shaped Rachel’s future. A Youth In Mission trip to Montreal broadened her worldview and deepened her faith, and a summer internship at Walt Disney World taught her to embrace unfamiliar opportunities with confidence. Those experiences helped establish a lifelong habit of saying “yes” when God opens new doors. After graduating, Rachel took a chance on an entry-level television news position despite having little broadcasting experience. That leap of faith launched what has become a remarkable 25-year career in television journalism. Along the way, she has become one of the Boise Valley’s most trusted communicators, known for authenticity, professionalism and a commitment to serving her community with integrity. NNU also changed Rachel’s life personally. She met her husband, Kristian, while attending college, and together they’ve built their life and raised their family in Nampa. Today, she remains closely connected to her alma mater through campus events, friendships with former professors and her service on the Board of Directors for Northwest Christian Credit Union—a relationship that began when she opened her first account as a freshman. Receiving this award is both humbling and deeply meaningful for Rachel. It represents a full-circle moment, honoring a life and career built on faith, service and the willingness to trust God’s leading. For her faithful service as a Christian professional, NNU is pleased to honor Rachel Garceau as the recipient of the 2026 Professional Achievement Award.
2026 Family Heritage Award The Johnson Family
Oregon, they moved with their children to Frankfurt, Germany, in 1958 as missionaries for the Church of the Nazarene, serving there until 1969. Relationships formed through their ministry continued for generations, connecting students from Germany to NNU.
Jerald Johnson arrived at Northwest Nazarene College in 1945 by way of Sidney, Nebraska, where his father served as a pastor. After meeting NNU’s then President, Dr. Corlett, in an incident involving firecrackers under his bed, Jerald made it to NNC by working the railroad to pay his way west. Meanwhile, Alice’s journey began in Calgary, Alberta, where her family belonged to the Church of the Nazarene. Though she did not begin high school until age 19, she felt God calling her to NNC and, at 24, became the first in her family to attend college in 1946. Shortly after arriving, Alice, a shy young woman, met a younger, fun-loving prankster, and the pair quickly fell in love. On walks near campus, they would deliberately outpace their elderly chaperones for some time alone, a practice that continued into their engagement. Together, Jerald and Alice built a life grounded in faith, education and service. After pastoring in Idaho and
Returning to Idaho, Jerald served as pastor of Nampa College Church of the Nazarene in the early 1970s and later as a General Superintendent for the Church of the Nazarene from 1980–1997. Today, their daughter Carla continues that legacy as a General Superintendent. Jerald and Alice instilled in their family a deep love for Christian higher education and the NNU community. Their example inspired children and grandchildren to pursue college, growing into three generations of NNU students and graduates who have served in ministry, law, real estate, insurance, education, banking and beyond. Homecoming remains a cherished family tradition, with NNU a place where faith, family and education come together. The Johnson family receives this recognition with gratitude for those who established NNU and its traditions, envisioned its future and invested personally in its students. For their legacy of faith, education and service, Northwest Nazarene University is honored to present the Johnson family with the 2026 Family Heritage Award.
This Year’s class reunions 1981 1990 / 1991 / 1992
2001
2005 / 2006 / 2007
2020 / 2021 / 2022
NNU Athletics Hall of Fame 2026 Each year, the NNU Athletics Hall of Fame honors former student-athletes whose athletic excellence and lasting impact have shaped the legacy of NNU athletics. This year, we celebrate two standout alumni, Amanda Peters and Carlos Antràs Solé, whose remarkable achievements continue to inspire the NNU community.
AMANDA PETERS
Carlos Antràs Solé
WOMEN’S SOCCER, TRACK & FIELD
MEN’S SOCCER CLASS OF 1994
CLASS OF 2008
Peters was born and raised in Spokane, Washington and played multiple sports throughout high school. Competing in soccer, basketball and track, she knew it would be a challenge to continue all three of those at the collegiate level. Once her sister, Leah Merrell Gilbert, and high school track coach, John Spatz, made the move from Eastern Orgon University to Northwest Nazarene, her choice became simple. She knew NNU was where she wanted to be, and that fall, she stepped foot on the Nampa campus. “I was grateful for the opportunity to compete in indoor and outdoor track and field at NNU” said Peters. “Yet God had an even better plan in store for me. I was able to sign on to the soccer team as well to play in goal.” Just like that, Amanda Peters was a two-sport collegiate athlete. Peters holds the record in the heptathlon with 4,654 points in 2006. Additionally she was a standout goalkeeper earning Second Team All-GNAC honors in 2006 and 2007 and Honorable Mention honors in 2004 and 2005. Her accolades kept coming as she earned CoSIDA (now CSC) Academic All-District honors in 2006 and 2007 with Academic AllGNAC honors from 2005-2007. She holds multiple single season top-10 rankings while also holding the fifth best goals against average in program history with 1.54. Amanda met her husband, Andy, at Northwest Nazarene and they were married in June of 2007. They currently live in Anchorage, Alaska where Andy is a family practice physician. Together they have three girls Clara, Lydia and Molly. Amanda serves as the special projects lead at Awaken Church.
Carlos Antràs Solé, 2026 NNU Hall of Fame Inductee, was born in Barcelona but was born again at NNU. “NNU is my alma mater. Barcelona, Spain, is my biological birthplace, but NNU and Nampa are my spiritual birthplace, as I like to say,” Carlos said. “The connection, affection and love I have for NNU are difficult to put into words.” Carlos first came to the Boise Valley as an international exchange student at Nampa High School during the 1989– 90 academic year. He found Idaho on a map, but Nampa was harder to find. After joining the Nampa High School soccer team under NNC graduate Coach Kelly Bokn, Carlos met Coach Art Horwood, whose interest in him as a person rather than simply as a player made a lasting impression. Carlos enrolled at Northwest Nazarene College in the fall of 1990, where he became deeply involved in student government, athletics and numerous student organizations. NNC made such an impact on him that he later brought his two sisters to experience the same community. On the field, he earned NAIA District 2 All-Conference honors in 1990 and 1992 and was named an NAIA Academic All-American in 1992 and 1993. “For me, being inducted into the Hall of Fame means something very special. I am not entering this Hall alone. All the people who accompanied, supported, encouraged and believed in me since my NNU days are entering this Hall with me.” Carlos sees the honor as a recognition of everyone in the NNU and Nampa communities who invested in his life and helped shape the person he became. “With humility and a very grateful heart, I simply want to say: Thank you. Muchas gracias. Und danke sehr. NNU will always have a special place in my heart.” Today, Carlos lives in Mainz, Germany, and works for an NGO after spending nearly 30 years with Nestlé Corporation. His daughter, Laura, is studying elementary education at the University of Cologne.
NOVEMBER 5
Graduate Program Info Session Graduate Admissions Building 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.
FRIDAY
NOVEMBER 6 Legacy Partner Appreciation Breakfast (By Invitation) Conrad Commons, Walden Hall 8:00 a.m.
Alumni Awards Celebration Brandt Center, Swayne Auditorium 10:00 a.m.
Alumni Awards Luncheon Conrad Commons, Walden Hall 11:30 a.m.
Campus Tours Conrad Commons, Main Lobby 1:00 p.m.
College of Theology & Christian Ministries Panel Emerson Administration Building Auditorium 2:00 p.m.
Presentation of the Common Nighthawk by NNU Biology Professor, Dr. David Hille Jackson Brothers Lecture Hall 2:00 p.m.
Women’s Basketball Game vs. Walla Walla Johnson Sports Center 3:00 p.m.
PUT ON BY NNU’S VISUAL ARTS DEPARTMENT
College of Theology & Christian Ministries Reception
All College Coffee & Connect
Williams Hall 3:30 p.m.
Conrad Commons 10:00 - 11:15 a.m.
VANNU Gallery Exhibit
Kidzone Child Care
Brandt Center, Friesen Galleries 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Nampa College Church 11:30 - 3:00 p.m.
Nighthawks 5k Run/Walk
Reunion Lunches
Leah Peterson Learning Commons 4:30 p.m.
24 Hours of Prayer Begins Prayer Chapel 5:00 p.m.
See website for locations 11:45 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. (staggered start times)
Women’s Volleyball vs. Central Washington
Estate Planning Seminar
KNOW SOMEONE READY TO EXPERIENCE NNU?
Homecoming Concert
Thomas Science Center, Jackson Brothers Lecture Hall 3:00 p.m.
INDIVIDUAL VISITS:
Brandt Center, Swayne Auditorium 7:30 p.m.
24 Hours of Prayer Ends
President & SLT Homecoming Dinner Conrad Commons, The Dex 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.
SATURDAY
NOVEMBER 7
Donuts with the DeMichaels Conrad Commons 9:00 - 10:00 a.m.
Hawks Harvest Market Conrad Commons 9:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Journeys Basecamp Hangout Conrad Commons 9:00 - 10:00 a.m.
Student Government Association Gathering Conrad Commons, Walden Hall 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
VISIT NNU.EDU/HOMECOMING FOR THE MOST UP-TO-DATE SCHEDULE
Johnson Sports Center 1:00 p.m.
Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays
5:00 p.m.
September–April, Excluding Holidays
Food Truck Rally
NNU FRIDAY:
Johnson Sports Center Parking Lot 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Men’s Basketball Game vs. Walla Walla Johnson Sports Center 7:00 p.m.
Halftime Hall of Fame Inductions Johnson Sports Center
Overtime Party Johnson Sports Center, Fieldhouse *After the Basketball Game
TICKETED EVENT
March 12
ADMITTED STUDENT DAYS: April 8–9
WE CAN’T WAIT TO HOST YOU!
NNU.EDU/VISIT
ALUMNI RELATIONS
THURSDAY
AT THE HAWKS HARVEST MARKET
Purchase your tickets now
623 S. University Blvd. Nampa, ID 83686
Schedule
VANNU POP-UP SHOP