NCU Magazine Fall 2017 Issue

Fall 2017

The Magazine of North Central University

CELEBRATING GOD’S WORK AT NORTH CENTRAL Inauguration, Homecoming, Partners for Progress

Introducing the

NCU Fund What is the NCU fund?

The NCU Fund provides a dependable annual source of revenue for North Central University to support students directly through scholarships and financial aid.

A strong annual fund is essential to a strong future for North Central and our students.

Why give to the NCU fund?

50% 83% $7,000

of the students who leave NCU before graduation do so because of financial hardship. of those who leave for financial reasons are working at jobs to fund their education but still coming up short.

Estimated average need per NCU student

“I’m grateful to North Central for allowing me this future and giving me this scholarship. I’m also grateful to all the people who have donated to make that possible for me.”

- Luke Ambrose ’20

Gifts of any size are welcome and benefit every student at North Central.

Support students today with a gift to the NCU Fund.

Online: northcentral.edu/give Phone: 612.343.4400

NCU Magazine Spring 2017 North Central University 910 Elliot Avenue Minneapolis, MN 55404 612.343.4400 Administration President Scott Hagan, M.A. Vice President, University Relations Andrew Denton, Ph.D. Interim Vice President, Business & Finance Jan Haas, MBA Vice President, Spiritual Life Doug Graham ’86, D.Min. Vice President, Academic Affairs Don Tucker, Ed.D.

Learn about NCU Fund leadership giving societies on page 31.

Fall 2017

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Editorial Nancy Zugschwert, Editor Abby VandenLangenberg, Lead Designer Photography Julian Flores ’14 Madison Norman ’20 Abby VandenLangenberg Contributors Miriam Barnhart ’18 Gracyanna Boes ’19 Tracey Finck, M.A. Erica Hanson ’13 Janelle Higdon Judy Jones Aimee (Perrin ’97) Robertson Contact Office of Communications communications@northcentral.edu 612.343.5001 University Relations universityrelations@northcentral.edu 612.343.4743 Alumni Relations alumni@northcentral.edu 612.343.4143 Admissions admissions@northcentral.edu 800.289.6222

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NCU Magazine is produced by the University Relations Offices of Communications and Marketing and mailed free of charge to alumni, donors, and friends of North Central University.

NCU Mission North Central University is a Christ-centered, Bible-based, Pentecostal school with a commitment to academic excellence that prepares students to fulfill biblical models of leadership and ministry throughout the world.

Ephesians 4:11–12 Copyright © 2017 North Central University All Rights Reserved

Mail: Check payable to the NCU Fund at 910 Elliot Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55404 2 | NCU Magazine

IN THIS ISSUE

northcentral.edu

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Campus News »»

Student feedback sparks changes to library spaces

»»

Entrepreneurial empowerment in Uganda

»»

Act Six marks second year at North Central

»»

NCU Fund launches for student scholarship support

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Athletics »»

Soccer coach fulfills dream with return to NCU

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When the Super Bowl comes to town

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Mayo Clinic Sports Medicine named athletic training provider

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Features »»

One amazing weekend

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Inauguration, Homecoming, and Partners for Progress

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Alumni News »»

Then and now

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Class updates

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In memory

ON THE COVER: President Scott Hagan takes an Inauguration Day selfie with student leaders Cassie Miller ’18, Jack Martin ’19, Monica Herrera ’19, Morgan Miller ’19, and Hunter Costello ’19.

Photo by Julian Flores ’14.

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Letter from the President There are rare and special moments in life when the reality surpasses the rumor. North Central University fits this category perfectly. My experience at NCU has exceeded all of my expectations. In the months leading up to my selection as school president, I had many nights where I would lie in bed and think about the possibilities of life in Minneapolis.

I would think about the students. Well, they are better than I imagined.

I would think about all the wonderful new professional relationships with staff and faculty. Again, they are better than advertised.

I would also think about the thousands of alumni who grace this planet. I’ve already met many alumni with thousands more to go, but the scope and scale of their influence in ministry, business, and education is far greater than I anticipated.

North Central University is truly a fantastic university with an extraordinary academic and leadership trajectory. I believe our graduates can go anywhere in the world from here. Our beautiful downtown Minneapolis campus is surrounded by a world of commerce and mission. It’s the perfect place to prepare for life.

A university president cannot mold culture through impersonal leadership, because true leadership begins with presence. The president is squarely responsible for stewarding the academic, professional, and student experience.

An educational and transformational community like North Central is also a strategic community, discerning topics of contemporary relevance. Yet the process begins with the commitment to remain rigorously aligned to the will of God. It’s imperative that the day-to-day leaders of campus culture demonstrate cohesion and harmony. A university, like all large organizations, is a social process filled with the interplay of many good intentions. I’m an optimist, not a utopian. I know this will be a very difficult and demanding job. But I also fully expect the joy of the Lord to be my strength.

Transition can be complicated because it’s hard to locate the relationships. People are most optimal when they’re participating in organizational movements marked by renewal, balance and cadence.

Students and faculty are looking for a university vision that is adventurous, but they also desire safe and solid relationships. Coercive and hierarchal leadership styles have no place in a Christ-centered institution because authority alone cannot inspire maturity and mutuality.

Jesus began His public ministry with the water and the wine. He concluded it three years later with the water and the towel. Jesus convincingly presented humility and service to others as the culmination of Christian maturity (Mark 10:45). Seasoned organizations built on Christ should also operate in the same maturity of service. It’s my hope that NCU will become a model university in this regard.

Karen and I covet your prayers as we carefully grow into this new role and serve this wonderful generation of student leaders. Thank you for already loving us so well.

Sincerely,

Scott Hagan, M.A. President

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The T.J. Jones Library front parlour provides a homelike atmosphere for studying and reading.

Student feedback sparks changes to library spaces

By Nancy Cawley Zugschwert The T.J. Jones Memorial Library is one of North Central University’s most recognizable buildings. Its imposing presence and 20-step climb to the entrance facing Elliot Park capture the hearts and imaginations of students and visitors alike.

“Every prospective student who takes a tour stands right here,” noted Judy Pruitt, library director, as she stood just inside the building’s main entrance. But the use of some of the spaces—and furniture generously described as “utilitarian”—provided neither the aesthetic nor the functionality to match the potential use and beauty of the space.

Over the summer, Pruitt began a process involving library and Facilities Management staff, along with several libraryloving volunteers, to reshape several areas in the building.

“This work is a direct response to a survey we sent out in the spring,” Pruitt said, noting that meeting the needs of students is her top priority in overseeing the use of the library budget and resources.

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And the survey says…

During the spring 2017 semester, the library conducted a survey focusing on student use of and satisfaction with the campus library. “We had a healthy number of respondents,” Pruitt said, “and their message to us was clear.” According to the survey, students: »» View the library as the best place on campus to study. »» Want additional study areas in the library. »» Desire dedicated quiet study space in the library.

Based on this feedback, the library team established a plan to: »» Open up a new study space in the basement by reorienting the shelving as well as editing and rightsizing the print collection.

The beautiful sunroom on the main floor of the library features new seating options.

»» Provide space for additional seating in the main floor Reference Room by interfiling most of the Reference collection. »» Repurpose the second-floor sunroom as a quiet study area by relocating the children’s literature collection to the Education Curriculum Lab in Miller Hall. »» Continue to update and right-size the collection on the second floor to provide an additional reservable study room.

Aesthetics and creativity

Funds provided for library use by a donor allowed for working with an interior designer to renovate the highly visible front rooms with the goal of better reflecting the historical elements of the beautiful structure. All of the

Lower-level stacks have been reconfigured for better navigation and use of space.

other changes have been accomplished by resourcefully reconfiguring spaces and moving existing furniture.

The process has been a labor of love for the library team.

The Bible and theology collection in the lower level was completely un-shelved and re-shelved, when the shelves needed to be disassembled and reassembled, to better utilize the space and make browsing the collection more intuitive.

Pruitt is pleased with the changes that have come as a result of the project. “Our main mission in the library is to support students,” she noted. “This direct response to their needs, as well as the library’s continued efforts to provide relevant resources, impactful instruction, and expert assistance, will move us forward in fulfilling our mission to support and inspire student learning and research.”

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New faculty, dean appointments

ASL, social work, computer science, student development Regina Daniels, M.A. Assistant Professor, Carlstrom ASL Department Larry Bach

Robert Brenneman

LaToya Jones Burrell

Jeff Deyo

Learn more about our NCU faculty at northcentral.edu/ faculty.

Nick Robertson

William Ross

Bill Tibbetts

Academic highlights Notable activities of NCU faculty

Larry Bach, M.M. (Fine Arts), traveled to Madrid, Valencia, and Barcelona, Spain, to set up a tour for the NCU Chorale next year. Tour dates are Jan. 27–Feb. 5, 2018.

Robert Brenneman, Ph.D. (Intercultural Studies), spent time this past summer in Turkey, Iraqi Kurdistan, and Cypress, serving refugees from Syria, Iraq, and Afghanistan. He also taught a course in Islam at Continental Theological Seminary in Brussels, Belgium.

LaToya Jones Burrell, J.D., MBA (Business), has been accepted as a peer reviewer for the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Her training took place in October 2017. HLC accredits colleges and universities in a 19-state region of the United States.

Jeff Deyo (Worship Arts) has been selected as worship leader for the Assemblies of God National Fine Arts Festival next August in Houston, Texas. The festival provides a forum for interaction with thousands of college-bound students, and Deyo is looking forward to including North Central students and alumni in the band.

Nick Robertson, Ph.D. (Antioch Initiative), launched the Antioch Society for students in spring 2017. This ongoing effort provides an opportunity for students to pray once a week for the unreached, give monthly to a missionary, go to serve two times a month in local unreached communities, and increase their knowledge by reading a missions book together (Pray.

Give. Go. Know.).

William Ross, M.S. (ASL Interpreting), worked recently with the Minnesota Department of Public Education, District 916 to provide mentoring to sign language interpreters who could not pass the national assessment. Many of them had taken the assessment multiple times and could not get a score above the 4.0 required by law for them to keep their positions in Minnesota. Ross collaborated with two Certified Deaf Interpreters to mentor the students and was able to help five of the seven individuals pass with a 4.0 or higher.

Bill Tibbetts, MBA (Business), presented a paper at the 2017 Christian Business Faculty Association (CBFA) Annual Conference, October 19–21, at Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego, California. The paper, “Dialogue on ‘Purpose’ Increases Student Participation and Performance,” was based on a five-year quantitative study on the power of “why” in the classroom. The study utilized Mary-Ann Winkelmes’ transparent teaching protocol, in partnership with Cornelius Plantinga’s holistic model, to quantitatively assess the power of communicating purpose as it relates to course assignments.

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Regina Daniels comes to North Central from Cal State, Monterey Bay, where she was full-time ASL faculty.

Beginning her career with a performing arts background, Daniels is now working towards her Ed.D. in Curriculum, Teaching, Learning, and Leadership from Northeastern University in Massachusetts. Daniels has developed curriculum and lessons for university-level courses and assisted administrators with instructor recruitment.

Mallory Knipe, MSW, APSW Director of Social Work and Assistant Professor, Social and Behavioral Sciences Mallory Knipe previously worked as a clinical instructor in the Social Work Department at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. She holds a School Social Worker license, as well as an Advanced Practice Social Worker license through the Department of Safety and Professional Services. She has experience in education as well as five years of post-MSW practice experience.

Sheri Hutchinson, Ph.D. Associate Professor, CSCI, School of Business Sheri Hutchinson has worked as a director of online learning technology for 10 years, and previously taught technology courses at multiple Minnesota colleges and in K-12 as a special education teacher. For the past two years, she has been working for an SAS cloud-hosted text-to-speech company, helping colleges around the country implement software for accessibility and student engagement. Hutchinson holds a Ph.D. from Capella University.

Lewis Hatcher, Ph.D. Dean of Students Overseeing Residence Life and Student Conduct, Lewis Hatcher also provides leadership in the areas of student engagement and experiential learning. He holds his Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Counseling, is a Licensed School Counselor (K-12), Licensed Professional Counselor in Minnesota, and has taught several courses at both the undergraduate and graduate level. Hatcher most recently worked with Minnesota Adult and Teen Challenge.

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Photos by Shayna Fowler '19

Miriam Barnhart ’18 (above) and Victoria Cortese ’20 (below) share their knowledge and skills with class members. Other participants were Ben Barnhart ’17, Shayna Fowler ’18, and Tyler Hanna ’19.

NCU commemorates 500th Anniversary of Protestantism It has been 500 years since Martin Luther posted his “Ninety-Five Theses”—a list of questions and propositions for debate—in Wittenberg, Germany, and launched what came to be known as the Protestant Reformation.

Christianity was irreversibly changed by Luther’s actions, and this fall, North Central University explored the impact of 500 years of Protestantism by commemorating the anniversary with two evenings of lecture and discussion, chapel services, and classroom special guests.

On Oct. 23, Veli-Matti Kärkkäinen (Dr. Theol.Habil., University of Helsinki), delivered a lecture entitled “Recovering and Re-sourcing the Reformation Doctrine of Justification for the Sake of the Pluralistic World.”

Kärkkäinen is professor of systematic theology at Fuller Theological Seminary, Pasadena, California, and docent of ecumenics at the University of Helsinki.

A second event on Oct. 24 featured panelists with the Evangelical-Catholic Dialogue: Bonn Clayton, Glen Menzies, Ph.D., William Stevenson, Ph.D., and Christian Washburn, Ph.D.

Entrepreneurial empowerment in Uganda

By Miriam Barnhart ’18, Entrepreneurship Student Three-fourths of Uganda’s population is under the age of 30. With a 64-percent unemployment rate leaving more than half of the young people creating Uganda’s future to carve their own path, entrepreneurship is often their only option for providing for themselves and their families.

But in a shattered economy with such intense rates of unemployment, many don’t know where to start.

Since 2013, students from North Central University have been partnering with Mission: Moving Mountains, a nonprofit in Mbale, Uganda. Teams of NCU students host conferences where they teach practical business and finance skills to Ugandan entrepreneurs. This year, five NCU students went on this trip, along with Greg Leeper, North Central’s director of institutional effectiveness and research.

At one of the 2015 village conferences, a man arrived with an IV tube in his hand. After the program, he stood up and shared that he left the hospital because he was not willing to miss the conference. Prior to attending the first conference in 2013, he had been unable to support his family’s basic 10 | NCU Magazine

needs. After learning practical business skills at the first conference, he started a produce business that now provides a stable home for his family and pays for all of his children’s school fees.

Menzies, who previously served on the NCU faculty as professor of New Testament and early Christianity, sees great value in commemorating this anniversary and engaging in dialogue. “It’s important to study church history,” Menzies said. “Three-fourths of church history for Protestants and Catholics is the same; to have proper historical understanding of who we are is important.”

Reformation and reconciliation

Allen Tennison, Ph.D., assistant professor of theology, noted that there is a value for the whole Christian community—Protestant, Catholic, Orthodox, Pentecostal—to understand the roots of the Reformation and how it continues to influence the world today.

Revisiting the Reformation ignites conversations about ending division in the church and inspires hope for unity. In his evening lecture, Kärkkäinen noted this, saying, “It is not possible for the church to complete its own missionary task unless we stop fighting each other.”

Submitted

Entrepreneurship training sessions facilitated by NCU students in Uganda attracted men and women of all ages.

The Evangelical-Catholic Dialogue panel discussion on Oct. 24 featured (L to R) Glen Menzies, Veli-Matti Kärkkäinen (moderator), Christian Washburn, Bonn Clayton, and William Stevenson (not pictured).

According to data collected from the first three years of the program, 46 percent of urban participants started their own businesses after attending one of the conferences, and 73 percent of those indicated an increase in income ranging from 10 to 70 percent.

One of the most impactful aspects of this trip is sustainability. Students are brought all the way across the globe to use what they have been taught for something larger than themselves. Each year a team returns to the same locations, stepping back into the lives of the locals, creating a repeatable experience that the Ugandan participants can count on.

The measurable positive impact that these conferences have had on hundreds of lives, businesses, and future generations has proven that this model is working.

New Act Six students (Cadre 2) students, introduced in chapel on Sept. 26.

Pictured, left to right: Alejandra Llerena, Lindsey Semrau, Yeng Her, Gabby Knight, Benny Roberts (Urban Ventures), Aliyah Caples Becker, and Celeste Hofstede. Not pictured: Noah Newbauer.

Act Six marks second year at North Central On Sept. 26, the Act Six scholars of Cadre 1 and Cadre 2 were introduced to the student body during chapel. The chapel message was delivered

by Benny Roberts, Ph.D., of Urban Ventures, NCU’s partner for the Act Six program— Minneapolis-St. Paul’s only full-tuition, fullneed urban leadership scholarship. The Act Six scholarship, offered for the second year at NCU, is open to high school seniors going into their first year of college. Scholars receive extensive leadership development training beyond the classroom to prepare them for leadership on campus and in their communities beyond college.

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Congratulations, 2017 alumni award winners!

Awards presented at the 50th Annual Partners for Progress event on Sept. 30

Pastor Wilfredo “Choco” De Jesús brings a powerful message to NCU students in chapel on Oct. 20. Also pictured, Sydney (Capeling '12) Groven, ASL interpreter.

Daily? Yes. Mundane? Not at all.

Chapel breathes life into NCU community Daily chapel at North Central University is always easier to experience than to describe. This fall is no exception. The powerful, Spirit-filled time of worship each day has been followed by teaching that reaches in and touches hearts, minds, and spirits.

Spiritual Life Days, Sept. 11–13, featuring Sean Smith of Sean Smith Ministries, proved to be a time of growth and healing, with dozens of students coming forward to receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit.

This semester’s Moen Chair for Pentecostal Preaching, Charlie Self, Ph.D., from Assemblies of God Theological Seminary, spoke about the need for transformational discipleship in our world today.

On Oct. 20, Pastor Wilfredo (“Choco”) De Jesús, senior pastor of New Life Covenant Church in Chicago, owned the room with the message, “Marked by God for More,” which resonated deeply with students. The front of the sanctuary and aisles were filled as students poured to the front in response as he invited them to affirm, “God, I want to live in the more of you and the less of me.”

President Scott Hagan speaks most Fridays, and chapel has provided an accelerated forum for students to get to know the heart and mind of their new leader.

Students are responding to the high-impact speakers. James Gladney, a junior, reflected, “I’ve greatly appreciated [the speakers’] insights on how our generation can speak louder than any voice before us, and I am beyond encouraged.”

NCU Fund launches for student scholarship support At Partners for Progress on Sept. 30, President Scott Hagan officially introduced the new NCU Fund to alumni, donors, and friends of the university. The NCU Fund is an annual fund that provides student scholarships and financial aid.

Gifts of any size are accepted for the NCU Fund, and special opportunities are available to individuals and churches for leadership giving: »» The 1930 Society, named for the year North Central was founded, is for individuals who support its mission by giving $1,000 or more annually to the NCU Fund and helping North Central flourish by praying for 12 | NCU Magazine

the university, sending students to explore NCU, and sharing about North Central with their sphere of influence. »» Churches, part of North Central’s sustaining force for decades, can be recognized as NCU Church Partners for supporting North Central at a specific giving level and committing to pray, send, and share.

For more information about the 1930 Society or NCU Church Partners, contact Trent Redmann, director of development, at trent.redmann@northcentral.edu. or 612.343.4749.

Charis Wilson ’14

Jamie McIntosh ’97

for demonstrating Spirit-filled leadership and excelling in service through career and community

for demonstrating Spirit-filled leadership and excelling in service through church or church-related ministry, mission, and service

Charis (Pirk ’14) Wilson, a 2014 graduate of the School of Business, served on an analytics team at General Mills, where she was the only non-MBA, and was a marketing communications planner for the company’s Gogurt account, helping to raise sales by 30 percent. She is now a senior marketing communications planner for Yoplait. She serves her church and community, and gives back to North Central as a mentor and guest speaker.

Jamie McIntosh, a 1997 Pastoral Studies graduate, holds a Master of Studies in International Human Rights Law from Oxford University. He transitioned from being a youth minister to pioneering the Canadian chapter of International Justice Mission. In his current role as vice president of programming for World Vision Canada, he provides executive oversight for several areas of the largest private relief and development agency in Canada.

Ivan O. Miller Award

Frank J. Lindquist Award

New selection process and new names for 2017 alumni awards The 2017 alumni awards, presented at Partners for Progress by James Biffert ’95, president of the Alumni Board, featured new names and a new process.

Aimee (Perrin ’97) Robertson, who serves as alumni relations director, explained that nominations were solicited from alumni and the NCU community. The nominations were then reviewed by the North Central University Alumni Board, and the final selection was approved by the university’s Executive Council.

New names for the awards give each award a distinctive purpose. The Ivan O. Miller Award is designated for an alumna or alumnus who has demonstrated excellence in career and community.

The Frank J. Lindquist Award will annually honor an individual alum who demonstrates excellence in church or church-related ministry, mission, and service.

Award winners Charis Wilson (L) and Jamie McIntosh (R) with Alumni Board President James Biffert (C).

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NCU ATHLETICS

Mayo Clinic Sports Medicine named athletic training provider

Soccer coach fulfills dream with return to NCU For George Carr ’07, coaching the North Central varsity men’s soccer team is like coming home and a dream come true at the same time. “Coaching at North Central is something I’ve wanted to do for years,” Carr said, “dating back to my time as a student.” As a student athlete, Carr developed a love for soccer and the unique experience of playing for a team that puts Christ at the center of competition.

Carr, who served last year as an assistant coach for the team, is eager to build on the foundation laid in place by former coach Jake Smith ’94, as he continues to hone the team’s core values of integrity, honor, class, discipline, unity, execution, and optimism.

“My hope is that the guys embody what it means to be a North Central men’s soccer player,” Carr said. “We are developing men of God, so it has to be about more than how well you kick a ball and what the results are.”

Under a new agreement, North Central University is contracting with Mayo Clinic Sports Medicine for varsity athletic training and sports medicine services.

According to NCU Athletic Director Greg Johnson, MOL, using Mayo Clinic, an international leader in patient care, research, and education, as the provider of athletic training will provide a higher level of service for varsity student athletes.

NCU ATHLETICS

Mayo Clinic opened its sports medicine facility in downtown Minneapolis in 2014 and is the preferred medical provider for the Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx professional basketball teams. Mayo Clinic Sports Medicine has worked with schools at the secondary and post-secondary level, and welcomes athletes of all ages and abilities.

In previous years, NCU had one full-time certified athletic trainer (ATC) on staff. The new arrangement with Mayo Clinic Sports Medicine includes a 35-percent increase in the volume of hours offered, as the Rams athletics programs now have a seasonal, part-time ATC and a fulltime Mayo employee based on the NCU campus.

“North Central University’s commitment to its student athletes shows in this decision to expand its training services,” says Jonathan Finnoff, D.O., the medical director for Mayo Clinic Sports Medicine at Mayo Clinic Square.

“NCU is located blocks from our facility, so their athletes can seek care close to home. We look forward to providing diagnostic, treatment, and rehabilitation services to help their athletes stay on the top of their game.”

Through the agreement, Mayo Clinic is recognized as official team physician and official sports medicine provider for NCU.

Johnson is enthusiastic about the relationship with Mayo and believes the arrangement will allow NCU Rams athletes to access services that help them excel.

When the Super Bowl comes to town North Central’s three-blocks-away neighbor U.S. Bank Stadium is the host site for Super Bowl LII on Feb. 4, 2018, and the neighborhood impact will be extreme. A Feb. 5, 2017, article in the StarTribune (Minneapolis) said, “The 2018 Super Bowl won’t so much as be held in the Twin Cities as it will engulf them.”

George Bordner

That doesn’t mean winning isn’t important. Carr has an eye toward increasing the size and quality of the program year by year, and believes the results will follow.

NCU administration began anticipating the impact months ago, and concluded the volume of traffic and activity related to the Super Bowl in downtown would make it nearly impossible to conduct regular university business. A second winter break was added to the 2017–18 academic schedule for the days surrounding the Super Bowl, during which the majority of students, faculty, and staff will be off campus.

In partnership with the Minnesota Super Bowl Host Committee, the university will make some of its facilities available for various support functions for the event. President Scott Hagan noted, “We are grateful for the accommodations our students, faculty, and staff are making so that our university can be an engaged community member for this historic global event impacting our city.”

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Drs. Jonathan Finnoff (L) and Ryan Hubbard (R) observe as Dr. Brennan Boettcher uses ultrasound technology to examine the wrist of Jamie Myers ’20.

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1. Nick Beert ’21 and Payge Pieper ’21 are named winners of the Homecoming halftime contest sponsored by the Student Activities Committee.

2. Continuing a tradition begun in the Anderson era, the presidential “Ramheads” of Scott and Karen Hagan are a hit with students and alumni.

3. President and Mrs. Hagan share their story during a Partners for Progress interview with Terrence Talley ’08 and Ali Carr ’10.

3.

NCU’s current and former presidents, Scott Hagan and Gordon Anderson

One. Amazing. Weekend.

Billed as “the biggest weekend in NCU’s history,” it did not disappoint, as North Central celebrated the Inauguration of Scott Hagan, Homecoming, and the 50th Annual Partners for Progress, Sept. 29 and 30.

Inauguration was both solemn and joyful as Hagan was officially installed as president. The event included visiting delegates from Minnesota colleges and universities, representatives of the Assemblies of God and the Board of Regents, friends and family of the Hagans, local business leaders, pastors, NCU alumni, and faculty, staff, and students.

Homecoming, the “Great NCU Get-together,” connected alumni from across decades with NCU students for 16 | NCU Magazine

multiple events, including NCU’s Got Talent, The Social, a history presentation, volleyball and soccer games, NCU students’ unique Homecoming court, and fabulous food.

An elegant dinner for nearly 500 guests at the historic Depot Hotel capped off the weekend at the 50th Annual Partners for Progress, a fundraiser for the NCU Fund.

We give thanks to the Lord for $333,000 raised, and His hand of blessing on the whole weekend.

Words don’t do justice to the fun and celebration, so perhaps a few pictures will better tell the story.

Highlights can be found at northcentral.edu/ncuweekend.

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Scott Hagan inaugurated as seventh president of North Central University

1.

1. President Hagan enjoys a moment with his granddaughter and friends before the ceremony. 2. NCU faculty make their way to the ceremony. 3. But first, always, is worship. 4. Board of Regents Chairman Ron Bontrager ’76 (right) confers the closing blessing on the first couple. 5. Student Body President Hunter Costello '19 offers the opening prayer (see excerpt, page 19). 6. Scott Hagan’s longtime mentor Charles Crabtree, D.Div., gave the inaugural address. 7. Scott Hagan's friend and former colleague Carol Massie-McCants (left) delivers an affirmation of NCU's new leader. Also pictured, Christina Skahen '13, ASL interpreter.

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6.

“Father, we dedicate this day to you as we come into a new era in our university’s history. In your sovereignty, you have permitted Scott Hagan to lead us at this momentous hour. I pray that you equip him, strengthen him, and develop him as a leader constantly on his knees, following your Spirit. Give him the wisdom, integrity, and courage to help this become an academic institution that is gentle and kind, yet perseveres in equipping students to build your Kingdom. We put our trust in you, Father, and know that you are building a city of hope. So allow us, under the direction of President Hagan, to be a catalyst to our city and nation, so that we will see better things yet to come.”

Prayer by Hunter Costello ’19, student body president

7.

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Homecoming: Day 1 at the Great NCU Get-together Hundreds gather as Homecoming events bring students and alumni together for two days of fun

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“I just want to say ... how deeply thankful I am for my family this year. And all of my friends who came from California and Michigan. You’ve taught me so much. I try to tell students, don’t delete people from your life. Keep bringing all of your life forward with you.” -Scott Hagan

1. Scott Hagan’s mother, Beverly, and brother, Doug, share a proud moment with the new president.

2. The Hagans with daughter-in-law Nicole, granddaughter Gemma, son Tyler, and grandson Elias.

3. The Hagans with son Kramer and his fiancee, Rebekah, with her sons, Zechariah and Eli. 4. Senior Kyle Jorris emcees NCU’s Got Talent, the student-vs-alumni talent competition.

5. Balloon animals and “Ramheads” give everyone something to smile about. 6. Matt “Goose” Gusmer '15 wins the talent competition with his amazing drum solo. 7. There's no shortage of delicious snacks at The Social–including s'mores with homemade marshmallows.

8. Students share gourmet popcorn and stories at The Social.

3.

A blessing for the new president

Former NCU president Gordon Anderson, Ph.D., offers a prayer for his successor “Today is not about the past, it’s about the future. The teaching, the learning, the challenges, the growth, and the development that have characterized this ministry will be challenged in the future in new ways, in a new setting, with new challenges.

O God, we pray in the name of Jesus that the anointing of the Holy Spirit that has been upon their lives will grow and develop and deepen for the days that are ahead, for the students that will sit in these classrooms, chapel, the residence halls. Lives are being formed for a world that is changing around us. May they find in Scott and Karen the kind of leadership that is forward looking, optimistic, full of faith and power, and full of the Holy Spirit of God, we pray.

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God, give them strength and wisdom. God, give them a tender heart and a forehead of flint to be able to face the challenges that leadership will present. A tender heart, a hearing ear, that in the plethora of counsel and advice that they will receive, they will hear the voice of God.

4.

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To hear the voice of God and be obedient, and to lead this university into the greatest days it has ever seen.

The days of the future, the growth and development of a Christ-centered, Spirit-filled, Bible-based university that honors Jesus, full of the Holy Ghost, and changes the world.

That is our prayer; grant it to them, we pray together.

Amen.”

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Fall 2017 | 21

Day 2: Saturday 1. Students share admiration for their new leader during Homecoming halftime. 2.

Rams volleyball celebrates a point during the match vs. Northwestern. 3. A great day for a soccer game, with fall temps in the mid-70s. 4. Chris Woelfle ’00 shares his knowledge of NCU history in the T.J. Jones Library. 5. The Rams’ Emma Brekhus moves the ball down the field.

6–7. The halftime antics of their peers bring big smiles. 8. Rams women are ready to take the field. 9. Say “Cheese,” Aimee Robertson ’97 (and fries, and coleslaw, and lots of meat). 10. Bama the Rama couldn’t miss the game. 11. NCU men find a tough competitor in the U of M, Morris.

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A perfect day with perfect weather

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22 | NCU Magazine

10.

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Fall 2017 | 23

NCU celebrates 50th Annual Partners for Progress

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Partners for Progress event sponsors

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1–2. The Depot Hotel serves as an elegant venue for North Central’s premier fundraising event. 3. Scott Hagan shares his heart and the story of how generous people changed the course of his life. 4. Larry Bach, M.M., dean of the College of Fine Arts, directs the NCU Chorale.

5. The Hagans greet each guest at the end of the evening. 6. Terrence Talley ’08 and Ali (Schulz ’10) Carr keep the evening moving along with heart and humor in their roles as emcees.

24 | NCU Magazine

North Central extends gratitude to these individuals and businesses for their generous support of the 50th Annual Partners for Progress on Sept. 30.

Austin B. Colby & Associates The Wealth Group 14850 Scenic Heights Rd, Eden Prairie, MN 55344 952.937.9423 austin.colby@raymondjames.com www.wealthgroupmn.com

Simon Trautmann EXG Investments 619 South 10th Street #201, Mpls., MN 55404 612.205.6822 | strautmann@trautlaw.com www.exg.investments

Darrel Amiot, Stewardship Director Minnesota District Council Assemblies of God 1315 Portland Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55404 612.310.1660 darrel@amiotandassociates.com

Mark Halstensgard, Financial Associate Thrivent Financial 2780 Snelling Ave North, Roseville, MN 55113 612.599.5134 Mark.Halstensgard@thrivent.com www.thrivent.com

Vanman Architects and Builders, Inc. Adam Holmes, CEO 9600 54th Ave North # 180, Plymouth, MN 55442 612.202.4263 | adam@vanmanab.com www.vanmanab.com

Robert Bauman, President Financial Security Bank 11102 57th St NE, Albertville, MN 55301 763.424.5888 rbauman@financialsecuritybank.com www.financialsecuritybank.com

Station 19 Architects, Inc. Nicole L. Thompson, President 2001 University Ave. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414 612.623.1800 Nlthompson@station19.com www.station19.com Fall 2017 | 25

Flower Pentecostal Heritage Center

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Visit northcentral.edu/alumni/update to share:

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Don Waisanen ’67

Steve Peters ’76

Robyn Emde ’90

Jim Gooden ’00

Find us on social media! »» Instagram: @northcentral_mn »» Twitter: @northcentral_mn »» Facebook: North Central University »» LinkedIn: North Central University Updates submitted to Alumni Relations are considered for publication in NCU Magazine based on available space and may be edited for brevity and clarity. Publication does not indicate an endorsement of any individual or organization.

Then & Now Now you see it, now you don’t, now you do A flagpole waving the U.S. Stars and Stripes graced the entrance of Miller Hall for years (pictured above), but in recent years the pole had been taken down (right), and NCU students noticed.

Student Body President (2016–17) Tony Elder ’17 made getting a flagpole back on campus one of his campaign promises, and he delivered. Elder and student leaders facilitated fundraisers and worked with a local American Legion post and NCU Facilities Management to install the new flagpole (below) and complementary landscaping. A dedication ceremony took place April 19, 2017.

Class updates 1950s

Bob ’54 and Dorothy (Fredrickson ’55) Groshong have been married for 64 years. They attend and serve at Rice Lake Assembly of God. They have four children, ten grandchildren, eight granddaughtersin-law, and eight great-grandchildren. One grandson is a children’s pastor at Cedar Valley Church in Bloomington, MN. Another is a missionary assistant in Cairo, Egypt.

Joyce Bury ’55 is a kindergarten helper and volunteer at her church.

Most of her time is dedicated to her children and grandchildren.

Marlin Debban ’55 and his wife are now living in Omaha, NE, where their entire family also resides. Previously they were in Naperville, IL, for five years, and Lakeville, IN, for 50 years (37 as a pastor).

Bonnie Olson ’55 earned a degree in education from Vanguard after attending North Central. She taught first grade for eight years in Minnesota, and then spent 30 years with the Department of Defense Dependents Schools in the Philippines, Puerto Rico, Netherlands, and Germany.

She now lives in Eden Prairie, MN.

26 | NCU Magazine

Emil Williams ’55 served in the U.S. Army after graduation before earning his master’s in education and teaching in public schools for 29 years. He retired from teaching and became a seniors’ pastor at a local church before planting a church in Rice, MN.

1960s

Leodin Bobe ’65 moved from Florida to Pennsylvania in 2015 and is enjoying the blessings of “old age” according to the Word of God— three children, seven “grands” and four “greats.”

Don Waisanen ’67 is CEO/president of Angels for Christ Ministries, Inc., and senior pastor at Solid Rock Restoration Church in Riverside, CA. His wife passed away in June 2017.

1970s

David Briley ’71 is pastor emeritus at Oak Hill Baptist Church in Columbia Heights, MN. Steve Peters ’76 spent over 15 years as a national youth evangelist with his brother, speaking to over 3 million people live and seeing nearly 100,000 youth and adults give their lives to Christ. Together they wrote seven books and made many TV appearances. Since then he has been

Matthew ’01 and Kelly (Dop ’01) Wright

involved in marketing and real estate investing. He resides with his wife in Faribault, MN, and Fort Myers, FL. Barbara (Hess ’78) Keith moved to California to be closer to her children after her husband’s passing.

Dick Gruber ’81, D. Min., was awarded the first-ever Lifetime Impact Award for over four decades of shaping the future of children’s ministry at the Assemblies of God KidMin17 Conference last April in Fort Wayne, IN. He is professor of children and family studies at University of Valley Forge in Pennsylvania.

1990s

Robyn Emde ’90 has been appointed vice chair of the Michigan Board of Counseling.

Eric (’90) Hansen is founder of Five Fold International Ministries and Five Fold School of Ministry. He is also founder and lead pastor of Destiny Church in Springfield, IL, where he lives with his wife, Cheryl, and daughter, Hannah, who works with him.

Brian ’92 and Kristi (Rathman ’92) Pingel are living in Cedar Rapids, IA, where Brian is the senior pastor at First Assembly of God Church.

Fall 2017 | 27

Nicholas Konz ’04

Jeremy Ratliff ’04

Matt ’05 and Michelle (Denyes ’05) Brown

Chad ’11 and Kelsey ’10 Keddington

Steve Svoboda ’10

Josiah ’12 and Emily (Corbin ’12) Tonder

Amanda (Morales ’05) Gunderson

Erica (Warner ’06) Beiler

Paul ’06 and Laura (Jones ’08) Risdall

Christ ’05 and Lori (Miska ’13) VanWinkle

Ian DeVaney ’15

David ’16 and Laura (Fredrickson ’17) Putman

Holly (Coffin-Howard ’93) Snoeyenbos worked as a children’s pastor in Wisconsin and Minnesota for 10 years while also working for the school district of St. Louis Park, MN. She currently works as an assistant teacher at a preschool.

Michelle (Walter ’94) Peterson lives in Bellevue, NE, where she is a family and nurse practitioner at Charles Drew Health Center and an assistant professor at Creighton University College of Nursing. She and her husband, Kevin, have five children, ages 6 to 13.

Tamara (Nelson ’95) Drinkwine is working on her Master of Arts in Strategic Leadership at NCU, with plans for a doctorate program in 2018.

Spencer Click ’99 graduated from Bethel Seminary with a Doctor of Ministry in Servant Leadership and is now serving as senior pastor of Calvary Lighthouse Church in Lakewood, NJ.

2000s

Jim Gooden ’00 began serving as the lead pastor at Real Life Church in Roseville, MN, in January of 2017.

Candace (Smith ’01) Ball worked in Uganda for four years after North Central, 28 | NCU Magazine

then served as a kids’ pastor at The Oaks in Dallas, TX. She most recently completed a position as early childhood pastor at Cedar Valley Church in Bloomington, MN.

continues to do evangelistic and social media work, and Michelle sells real estate.

Matthew ’01 and Kelly (Dop ’01) Wright recently became Missionary Associates to Columbus, OH. They are working with a team to plant churches among the university districts. They have three children, ages 5 to 11.

Amanda (Morales ’05) Gunderson recently completed her Master of Education, Teaching and Learning in Leadership from Liberty University as well as receiving her ministry license with the Assemblies of God Minnesota District Council. She lives in Minnesota with her four children, ages 3 to 8.

Kimberly Burton ’02 recently moved back to the Philadelphia area and is working with TNTP, Inc., an organization that works towards ending education inequality in the United States.

Erica (Warner ’06) Beiler is serving as missions direction at Church on the Hill in Cedar Hill, TX. She and her husband, Lance, welcomed Warner James on May 18, 2017; he joins big sister Arabella.

Nicholas Konz ’04 recently published his first book, a young adult fantasy novel called “Isabelle: Under Earth Book 1.” He is working on the second book in the series.

Paul ’06 and Laura (Jones ’08) Risdall welcomed Ella Ann into their family on Aug. 29. She joins big sisters Kayla, 7, and Amelia, 3. They reside in Delano, MN, where Paul is the lead pastor at Westpointe Church, and Laura is a substitute teacher for Delano Public Schools.

Jeremy Ratliff ’04 is working as the program director for WHIO Radio in Dayton, OH. He and his wife, Elisa (Anderson ’04) Ratliff, have two children, ages 6 and 3. Elisa is a professor at Clark State Community College.

Matt ’05 and Michelle (Denyes ’05) Brown welcomed Jordan Mark Brown on Jan. 29, 2017; he joins Caleb, 2. Matt

Michael Sapiro ’06 is currently AVP of Marketing at Concordia University for Mequon, WI, and Ann Arbor, MI. He and his wife, Jennifer (Mumm ’03), live in Port Washington, WI, with their two children, ages 2 and 5.

2010s

Chad ’11 and Kelsey (Aguilar ’10) Keddington live in Salt Lake City, UT. Kelsey is the worship pastor at City Church, and Chad is working as a general contractor and serving at the church in children’s ministry. They have two children, ages 3 and 4.

Steve Svoboda ’10 and his wife, Bennett, welcomed baby Cal on March 5, 2017.

Adam Zvanovec ’10 is working for Hillsong Church in Sydney, Australia, in their Film & Television Department.

Judy (Manos ’11) Mongado and her husband recently moved to Cushing, OK, and welcomed their first baby, Emma, in September 2017.

Zach Yerrick ’11 worked for Treehouse Youth Outreach in the Twin Cities for four years after graduation. He and his wife currently live in Virginia Beach, VA, where they are part of a church-planting group. He works as an admissions counselor at Regent University.

Josiah ’12 and Emily (Corbin ’12) Tonder welcomed Arvid Emmanuel on Feb. 7, 2016; he joins Reuben. They live in Duluth, MN, where Josiah is a youth pastor.

Josiah Kennealy ’13 married Micah Rothmann on June 30, 2017. As part of his master’s program at NCU, Josiah released the book “Debtless” last spring.

Kate Pilman ’13 is living in Chicago and has been teaching at Salem Christian School since 2014.

Christ ’05 and Lori (Miska ’13) VanWinkle and their four children have been living in Minot, ND, since 2011. After a nine-year break to raise kids, Lori has begun working at their painting business, VanWinkle Painting.

Ian DeVaney ’15 has finished a two-year youth ministry internship at Lakeview Covenant Church in Duluth, MN. He still attends and volunteers there, while working full time at Duluth Pack. He continues to pursue music business, setting up concerts and coffeehouse shows and doing merchandise for the City on the Hill Music Festival.

Emily (Molnar ’15) Devine is teaching fifth grade at Eagle Ridge Academy in Minnetonka, MN. Erica (MacDonald ’16) Cassada works at Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare as a patient access specialist. She

plans to return to school for a master’s degree in healthcare management.

David ’16 and Laura (Fredrickson ’17) Putman married on May 6, 2017, and are now serving at a Christian camp in Michigan.

Jacob Smith ’16 is currently working towards completing his master’s degree.

IN MEMORY

North Central University extends condolences to the families of these alumni who have passed away.

Jacob Stroh ’50, on Oct. 4, 2017, in Eagan, MN. Mel DeVries ’53, in November 2016 after a lengthy illness.

Amy (Ziemann ’54) Blubaugh, on Feb. 20, 2017, in Midland, MI. Ruth Stanton, ’55, on May 20, 2017, in Springfield, MO. Betty Froelich ’59, on March 9, 2017, in Tucson, AZ. Susan (Noble ’89) Peterson, on Oct. 19, 2017, in Madison, WI. Fall 2017 | 29

NCU Fund The NCU Fund provides a dependable annual source of revenue for North Central University to support students directly through scholarships and financial aid.

Gifts of all sizes are welcome, and those who are able to give to the NCU Fund at leadership giving levels—as individuals or as churches—are encouraged to support North Central through the 1930 Society or NCU Church Partners.

The 1930 Society and NCU Church Partners will fast become the cornerstone of creating a culture of generosity at North Central University. Your gifts provide resources for scholarships and financial aid for our next generation of Spirit-filled Christian leaders.

Thank you for investing in our students.

Scott Hagan, M.A., President

Say 'hello' to the future The Class of 2021 and more than 90 transfer students arrived on campus Aug. 26 for Welcome Week, and have joined the rest of the student body to embrace life at North Central with great enthusiasm.

Student body by the numbers

According to junior Hunter Costello, this year’s student body president, there is an exciting energy among students that is new and fresh.

Our student body represents 38 states, seven countries, and 29 Christian denominations. The top majors being pursued by our students at this time are:

“We’re seeing in our student body a heart to reach our city. Students don’t just see the need, but meet the need,” Costello said. “Students are doing outreach in growing numbers. On Friday nights, Encounter [street ministry] is seeing 100 students going out to do street evangelism. To see that hunger and thirst in our students is amazing!”

Costello said the last two incoming classes have had an impact on the students as a whole. “The students who have come in have changed the atmosphere so much that the culture is already changing,” he commented. “Students are rallying around ways to impact the community and be the hands and feet of Christ.”

30 | NCU Magazine

Total student enrollment for this year is 1,110 and includes a record-breaking fall-to-spring continuing rate of 84%— the highest in the past 25 years.

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1930 SOCIETY

NCU CHURCH PARTNERS

Join the 1930 Society with a commitment to pray, send, share, and give to the NCU Fund at the most generous level you are able (minimum gift $1000 annually).

Your church can become an NCU Church Partner by making a commitment to pray, send, share, and give at a level agreed upon by the church and NCU.

»» Social Work »» Pastoral Ministry In addition, the growing Postsecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) and graduate student populations are bringing new levels of engagement at different stages in lifelong learning.

JOIN TODAY! To learn more about the 1930 Society or NCU Church Partners, contact Trent Redmann, trent.redmann@northcentral.edu or 612.343.4749.

Fall 2017 | 31

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The Homecoming soccer games on a perfect September Saturday drew hundreds of students, alumni, and friends to Rams Field at Elliot Park.

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