CONNECT
1994 Alumnae Named SW Florida Mother of the Year âYouâre either going to love me or hate me for thisâ might often qualify as famous last words, but when Art VanZanten said them to his wife after nominating her for the Southwest Florida Mother of the Year award, they turned out to be just the beginning. In an online poll by momslikeme.com and The News-VanZanten gathered 3,847 votes out of 16,000, among 10 finalists and 80 entries to receive that very award in the spring of 2010. Photo byKinfay Moroti/news-press.com
Lisa VanZanten relaxes with her husband Art and children Kaatja, 5, left, Annalisse, 8, Eli, 1, and Annika, 2, at their home in south Fort Myers.
Lisa (â94, Elementary Education) and Art (â93, Pastoral Studies) are both NCU alumni. (So are all their siblings and their siblingsâ spouses, a total of nine.) The VanZantens moved to Southwest Florida in 1997, where Art serves at First Assembly of God as the Director of Fort Myers Masters Commission.
Alumni Updates 1967
Phillip Griepp, â67, retired from Barnes Community Church on June 1st, and is planning a move to Alexandria MN.
1968
James Ryan, â68, was married to Ila, who passed away on July 13, 2010. Ila was a mail room clerk at NCU in 1967-18. James is now leading a Sunday School class and a Fusion Group on Wednesday nights at Phoenix First Assembly, as well as networking with Relief and Compassion with the International Foursquare.
1970
Sheryl [Anderson] Turner, â71, doesnât let working from home prevent her from being active with children and grandchildren. 40 years after attending NCU, Sheryl has continued to pray for the ministry. Turner is the sister of Sandi Smith, who is the wife of Pastor Mike Smith of Redeeming Love Church in Maplewood, MN.
1973
Bob Schwandt, â73, served in the U.S. Air Force before attending North Central. Schwandt spent 18 years in active ministry in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Alberta (Canada), Texas, and Colorado before resigning due to health issues in 1990. Schwandt has been married for 45 years, and has 3 children and 3 grandchildren.
1975
David Stanton, â75, is working as a Certified Medicare Specialist providing Insurance to seniors
through Sterling Health Plans. Married 36 years to Candace (Lindstrom) Stanton, the couple have two married daughters and six grandchildren. Retired from the U.S. Navy in 1992 with 16 military Medals and Campaign Ribbons, David received a Masterâs Degree from Norwich University, and a Doctorate from International Seminary in Plymouth, FL. and formerly served as Adjunct Faculty at Commonwealth College in Virginia.
1987
Jeff Quiggle, â87, continues to attend Grove Christian Center in Maple Grove with his wife Sheila of 25 years, and has worked as a Youth Leader for the past 8 years. He is also the Director of Security for the Sonshine Festival in Willmar, a position he has held for 24 years, working with a an amazing volunteer crew of 150+ each year.
Cheryl Kendricka studied Bible at North Central, and recently completed her Associates Degree
1991
Sherrie [Aman] Hansen, â91, is a widowed mother of 4 boys: Sam (16), Michael (14), Justin (7) and Ryan (5). Sherrie is a registered nurse and loves going on medical missions trips when she can. âGod is good and has been our strength and fortress!â says Hansen. Sherrie lives in Granger, IN and is actively involved at Calvary A/G in Elkhart, IN.
1992
Stephen Simpson, â92, is married and the father of one-year-old twin girls. He is pastoring in Iowa and enjoys listening to chapel services online.
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NCU Magazine | Fall 10
Richard Heltemes, â70, is currently the Vice President of Sales & Marketing for Multi-Tech Products. Heltemes oversees Manufacturing Sales Representatives for the Frederic, WI., corporation that produces a wide variety of plastics, metals, electronics, graphics and textiles.
1971