NCU Magazine Fall 2018 Issue

Fall 2018

The Magazine of North Central University

WATERING THE EARTH

Flowing from the well of Spirit-filled education

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NCU Magazine Fall 2018 North Central University Administration President Scott Hagan, M.A. Executive Vice President Andrew Denton, Ph.D. Provost Don Tucker, Ed.D. Vice President, Spiritual Life Doug Graham ’86, D.Min. Vice President, Business & Finance Oscar Mendoza Editorial Nancy Cawley Zugschwert, Editor Abby VandenLangenberg, Lead Designer

Take a look behind the scenes of our BOLD new marketing campaign at northcentral.edu/bold

Photography Abby VandenLangenberg Miranda Caswell Contributors Heath Adamson ’11 Jeremy Becker Gracyanna Boes ’19 Tracey Finck Shayna Fowler ’18 Erica Hanson ’13 Janelle Higdon Judy Jones Kristie (Lane ’96) Kerr Matt Lehman Aimee (Perrin ’97) Robertson Chuck Tate ’89 Kristin Wileman ’17 Andrea Worley ’06 Contact Office of Communications communications@northcentral.edu 612.343.5001 Alumni Relations alumni@northcentral.edu 612.343.4143 Admissions admissions@northcentral.edu 800.289.6222 NCU Magazine is produced by the 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 © 2018 North Central University All Rights Reserved

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Fall 2018

IN THIS ISSUE 4

Campus News & Athletics »» »» »» »» »» »» »»

Board of Regents restructured Progress continues on master facilities plan Give Day provides facelift for Clay Commons Photo album: Homecoming, Partners for Progress NCU announces new dean, faculty positions Three new head coaches join Rams’ roster Athletics continues partnership with Mayo

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Features

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Alumni News

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Watering the earth—a reflection The power of asking ‘What if?’

Bringing Spirit-filled education to Washington Transforming pain into a platform in Panama A world-class clown Bringing secrets—and lives—into the light When God says, ‘Do hard things’ Spreading the Good News through shoes A daily trip to the well

2018 Alumni Award winners Alumni Board undergoes strategic restructure Class updates In memory

ON THE COVER: - Photo by Miranda Caswell Kristin Wileman ’17 uses her Journalism degree as Press Secretary for a U.S. Congress Representative. See story on Page 15.

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Letter from the President The United States is home to more than 4,000 colleges and universities. Many of them seem very much alike, but I’d like to share with you some ways in which North Central University is distinct among its peers in higher education.

I believe the next 10 years will determine the next 100 years at NCU. As we stand on the edge of our tomorrow, it’s imperative we live our mission—and live it well. I believe we are a university of promise and will emerge during this next decade as a leading Christ-centered university that the Church, state, nation, and world will look to for leadership. Our fidelity to Jesus and His Word, combined with an insatiable hunger for the His Presence, will be the key to our success.

As university leadership, we face rapid streams of experience that offer little time for reflection and sense making, yet we are responsible to be stewards and champions of NCU by keeping a laser-like focus on the soul of our institution. Personally, I want to grow and become a more effective and caring leader who ignites internal and external confidence in and passion about NCU. As we look to our immediate future, I want biblical accuracy to be a strength that distinguishes NCU among universities nationwide. Increasingly, our faculty, staff, administration, and students at NCU need to reflect the growing diversity of the Assemblies of God and beyond. I see two critical cornerstones in higher education: First and foremost is the discovery and distillation of Truth. Second, we must produce leadership-ready graduates with spiritual vitality, emotional maturity, and intellectual readiness.

I am fully energized and ready to build on the momentum of year one. We are on a remarkable trajectory, and as president, I desire to see the following: »» »» »» »» »» »» »» »» »» »» »» »» »» »» »» »»

A fidelity to Scripture in all we do An organizational culture that is biblical and accountable A university that “looks like heaven,” one that is supportive and respectful to all A prophetic coherence and unity throughout all levels of university leadership A fully re-envisioned residential campus Enrollment growth that is deliberate and discerning The successful transition from the master facilities plan process to a capital campaign A move toward expanded athletic programming and facilities Development as a destination institution for top tier scholarship, student impact, and employment A growing excellence in the undergraduate and graduate school experience New premier partnerships with business, industry, government, community, and alumni A strengthened public engagement between NCU and the city of Minneapolis An efficient administration that provides superior services to the campus community A streamlining of university processes and infrastructure to minimize burden and redundancy An attractive and safe campus that offers a high quality of life and learning Successful implementation of a dynamic mix of non-traditional and traditional students

North Central University is uniquely focused on biblical leadership. Our students are eager to acquire leadership skills they can apply to their professional and public lives. Our faculty is there to serve our students by focusing on excellence and application when it comes to research, scholarship, and their professional communities. The university is also committed to serving as a leader in the Twin Cities and the nation.

Beyond NCU’s unique physical setting, the tradition of chapel creates a true community of scholarship and fire that 4 | NCU Magazine

simply does not exist on most other campuses in America. These qualities give shape to a residential learning culture that produces godly and globally literate citizen-leaders. This issue of NCU Magazine celebrates the ways our alumni water the earth—a phrase first shared with me by Heath Adamson (see page 13).

NCU’s unique formula for success rests on our ability to constantly assess student experience, societal needs, and emerging job opportunities. We want to recruit the finest young people from all over the United States and mold them into promising leaders with the skills and vision to continue to water the earth with Christ’s love and change the world.

I am deeply grateful for the wonderful team of regents, vice-presidents, and university leaders who, along with me, are ready to give the best years of their leadership life to seeing NCU flourish.

Looking forward,

President Scott Hagan

North Central’s Board of Regents hold their annual fall meeting on Oct. 25 at the Elliot Park Hotel in Minneapolis.

Board of Regents restructured for future At the Oct. 25 Board of Regents meeting, a restructure and resizing of the board went into effect that was approved by the board last spring. The newly minted organizational chart reduces the size from 54 to 30 and broadens the makeup of the regents to include a more balanced representation of clergy and other sectors.

Chairman Ron Bontrager ’78, who has led the board for nine years, said the new 30-person board includes people from churches, businesses, nonprofits, and education, and presents an opportunity to diversify the makeup of the board in terms of life experience, gender, and ethnicity.

“We’re most excited about diversity,” Bontrager said. “It’s a huge part of my heart, as well as God’s.” Bontrager expects

to see a steady increase in the diversity of the board over time.

Bontrager is excited about the work the new board has ahead of them. “There’s a great energy and enthusiasm at North Central,” he said, "a sense that God’s about to do something profound. It’s a new season, a very good season, that’s coming.”

The Board of Regents is responsible for strategic planning, establishing policies of governance and operation, and oversight of the president. They meet twice annually, with the Executive Committee meeting more often, as needs arise.

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Students, faculty, staff, and alumni gather for a feedback session hosted by DLR Group, North Central’s partner to create a master facilities plan.

Progress continues on master facilities plan When DLR Group was selected as North Central’s partner to create is first comprehensive master facilities plan (MFP) late last winter (see NCU Magazine, Spring 2018), one of the firm’s first major actions was to listen.

On April 23, 2018, DLR took over the Clark-Danielson Gymnasium, setting up feedback stations for students, faculty, staff, and alumni to share their dreams and ideas about what could make North Central’s campus better.

The walls were filled with hundreds of suggestions on sticky notes. Maps were discussed. Concerns were expressed.

And dozens of individual conversations between DLR representatives and the NCU community began to provide the planning experts with a sense of this “hidden gem” in the corner of downtown Minneapolis.

Thoughtful planning

In subsequent months, more meetings were held with an MFP planning team from North Central, led by Oscar Mendoza, Vice President of Business and Finance. The team was tasked to think big and imagine the needs of a North Central that could grow to 2,000 on-campus students in the next 10 years.

According to Krisan Osterby, DLR Group Campus Planning Leader and Principal, the guiding principles extracted by 6 | NCU Magazine

DLR through the discovery process include creating spaces on campus that are: »» Active and team-based »» Collaborative and flexible »» Focused on community-building »» Good for gathering Envisioning the aspects of the campus that interact with the public outside of the NCU community, the MFP will be attentive to: »» »» »» »»

Shared public spaces between buildings Active and inviting streetscapes Pedestrian friendliness and traffic calming Green spaces, gardens, and recreation

Next steps

On Oct. 25, representatives from DLR met with North Central’s Board of Regents to share a short-term and longterm plan for the campus that may include new buildings, new green spaces, and a transformed presence in the neighborhood.

The board approved the conceptual framework for the proposed MFP developed by DLR, and will be meeting within the next 90 days to review specific plans and explore funding options for capital projects.

Give Day provides facelift for Clay Commons Clay Commons, one of the campus’s most popular common areas, had not been updated since it was built in 1990, and 18 years of events, meetings, and studying had taken their toll. The space needed new carpet, new furniture, and a 21stcentury color scheme. Thanks to the generosity of alumni and friends who gave $38,031 through the one-day Give Day effort on March 21, 2018, the needed upgrades became a reality in time for the start of school.

NCU’s Facilities Management team oversaw the effort over the summer. When students returned in late August, they were greeted by a venue that now includes group and individual study areas, large-screen monitors for community meetings and movie nights, and seating to accommodate social gatherings or study needs. The updated color palette and new artwork function together to create an inviting gathering place.

The project also included new carpet, paint, and furniture for the entry to Phillipps Hall, where Clay Commons is housed.

The entire campus community is grateful for the kindness of donors who made the renovation possible.

Clay commons received a major facelift after $38,031 was raised through Give Day last March.

Deyo leads worship at National Youth Convention Jeff Deyo and a worship team that included eight NCU alumni led powerful worship sessions for the 10,000 students at National Youth Convention in Houston this summer.

Jeff Deyo, NCU Worship Arts Specialist, served as worship leader for more than 10,000 students attending the Assemblies of God National Youth Convention and National Fine Arts Festival, July 30–Aug. 3. In addition to Deyo, the worship team included eight NCU alumni. This is the fourth time he has been tapped to lead worship at this conference. Deyo’s passion for authentic worship experiences goes beyond just sharing his music.

He’s now articulated his heart’s passion and worship philosophy in his new book, “Awakening Pure Worship: Cultivating a Closer Friendship with God” (Destiny Image) released in September 2018.

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Photo album: Homecoming, Partners for Progress

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Homecoming (Oct. 12–13) and Partners for Progress (Oct. 25) were October highlights at North Central. 1. Arianna Durden ’22 wins NCU’s Got Talent with an original spoken-word poem. 2. The Social serves up an evening of fun food, beverages, and activities for all ages. 3. Elliot Avenue in front of Miller Hall is the place for tailgating before the soccer games. 4. The volleyball team gathers for prayer. 5. Soccer brings a win and a loss against Crown College; final scores: Women: NCU 8, Crown 3; Men: NCU 0, Crown 1. 6. Brent Silkey ’09 emcees Partners for Progress at International Market Square. 7. President and Mrs. Hagan welcome guests. 8. Alumni discussion panelists (L to R) Devyn Woodard ’16, Janessa wMiller ’14, Caleb Wyre ’17, and Miranda Barker ’16. 9. Alumni Board President James Biffert presents the 2018–19 Alumni Awards ( see p. 22–23)

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NCU announces new dean and faculty positions

Sydney Groven ’12, M.A Instructor, Carlstrom ASL-Interpreting M.A., Strategic Leadership, and B.A., ASL/ English Interpreting, North Central University. Serves as the Metro representative for the Board of the Minnesota Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf and provides professional interpretation services throughout the Twin Cities.

Jack Pope, M.S., M.A. Instructor, Computer Science M.S., Computer Programming, Indiana State University; M.A., Economics, Northeastern University; B.A., Political Science, North Park University; technical certifications, University of Illinois, Extension; summer and in-absentia fellow for the American Institute for Economic Research. Expertise: innovative systems for extracting information from data for insights in economic research, forecasting and portfolio management.

Andrew Schuttinga, Ph.D. (ABD) Assistant Professor, Psychology In-process Ph.D. in General Psychology, emphasis on Performance Psychology, Grand Canyon University; M.S., Counseling and Student Personnel, Minnesota State University; B.A., Psychology, Dordt College. Served as Associate Dean of Psychology at Universitas Pelita Harapan in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Hillary Leeper, M.A. Instructor, Biblical and Theological Studies M.A., Christian Studies, emphasis on Christology and Johannine Literature, Trinity International University; B.A., Bible and Theology, Evangel University. Serving in the College of Church Leadership while Professor Phil Mayo is on sabbatical.

Ellington Porter, M.A. Associate Professor, Fine Arts In-process Doctor of Worship Studies and M.A., Music and Worship, Liberty University; B.A., Ministerial Studies, EPIC Bible College (formerly Trinity Life Bible College).

Served as Sr. Pastor/Minister of Music at Genesis Church in Sacramento and has made more than 10 recordings as instrumentalist, vocalist, and producer.

Jeremy Williamson ’09, , M.A. Dean of Students M.A., Leadership in Student Affairs, University of St. Thomas; B.S., Music, North Central University. Previously served North Central as a Resident Director and AssociateRegistrar, and is also a licensed real estate agent.

Aaron McKain, Ph.D. Associate Professor, Digital Media Ph.D., English (Rhetoric) and master’s degrees in the Study of Law and English, Ohio State University; B.A., Political Science and English, University of Nebraska. Expertise: rhetoric, communications, composition studies, law, media studies, and political science.

Previously taught at Hamline University.

Richard Pruitt, Ph.D. Assistant Professor and Academic Support Specialist, College of Graduate and Professional Education Ph.D., Theology, Regent University School of Divinity; M.A., Religious Studies, University of Missouri; M.A., Theological Studies, Assemblies of God Theological Seminary; B.A., Bible Education, Evangel University.

Has taught biblical, theological, and religious studies courses online and in the classroom since 2007, and for NCU since 2016.

Phil Zarns ’00, M.A. Missionary in Residence, College of Church Leadership In process Ph.D., Assemblies of God Theological Seminary; M.A., Christian Ministries, Continental Theological Seminary/AGTS (Belgium); B.A., Pastoral Studies, North Central University. Served with Assemblies of God World Mission (AGWM) in Sweden for 10 years. Author of “CopyCat: Finding Our Originality.”

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New head coaches join Rams’ roster in soccer, lacrosse Colette Montgomery – Women’s Soccer

Colette Montgomery

Colette Montgomery played in her native England before crossing the pond in 2004. What began as a summer camp internship has since multiplied into coaching positions, leadership roles, and teaching opportunities around Minnesota and throughout the U.S. Montgomery is director of coaching positions for Edina Soccer Club and Edina Soccer Association. She serves as a grassroots instructor for U.S. Soccer and is a 30 Under 30 Mentor and associate state instructor for United Soccer Coaches (formerly National Soccer Coaches Association of America). She has served in the Minnesota Youth Soccer Association and earned multiple coaching honors through the Minnesota State High School Soccer Coaches Association.

Brian Li – Men’s Soccer

Brian Li takes over for George Carr, who resigned his position prior to the upcoming season due to his family’s relocation. Li, who served as an assistant coach under Carr during the Rams’ 2017 campaign, has been elevated to the role of interim head coach for 2018. He brings significant soccer and professional experience to the Rams. He has coached since 2013, and held coaching roles with Fusion Soccer Club and Eden Prairie Soccer Club (U10-U17).

Li holds a bachelor’s degree and an MBA in finance from the University of Minnesota Carlson School of Management. He currently works as a consultant and social-impact entrepreneur.

Brian Li

Ted Sperides – Men’s Lacrosse

Ted Sperides is no stranger to Minnesota, nor is he new to the sport of lacrosse. The Burnsville native won a state club championship at Bloomington Jefferson High School before student-coaching at the University of Minnesota-Duluth as an undergraduate. From there, Sperides coached at all different levels, in the Bloomington youth system, at Blake High School, and for Team Minnesota Lacrosse. Since 2013, he has owned and coached at 36 Lacrosse, a Bloomington-based operation that features both instruction and club teams for middle and high school students.

Ted Sperides

Learn more about NCU athletics at ncurams.com

Strengthening gender diversity

The addition of Montgomery means that 50 percent of Rams women’s athletics teams are coached by females. According to the University of Minnesota Tucker Center for Research on the Girls & Women, Women in College Coaching Report CardTM, this brings North Central to a tie for the most female coaches among Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC) schools.

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NCU Athletics continues partnership with Mayo A partnership between North Central University Athletics and Mayo Clinic Sports Medicine, initiated in 2017, has officially been extended to a three-year agreement through the 2020–21 school year.

This partnership allows NCU athletes access to an international leader in patient care and provides a level of service that not many athletes at the Division III level—or beyond—get to experience.

With an eye to continually improve athletes’ performance and productivity, the new contract includes the opportunity to work with EXOS, a human performance company.

Using specialized curriculum based on research, testing, and experience, EXOS focuses on reducing injuries and preparing athletes and teams to shine in practice and competition. EXOS has produced programs supporting athletes at the professional and collegiate levels in most major sports.

The partnership with Mayo and EXOS is the next step in elevating our athletic training, performance, and programs at NCU. North Central athletes will now use training programs similar to those designed for premier professional athletes, providing the opportunity to maximize an athlete’s full potential in any sport.

The Mayo Clinic Sports Medicine Clinic in downtown Minneapolis provides a state-of-the-art training and rehab facility for NCU Rams athletes as part of the partnership between NCU and Mayo for athletic training.

Rams see record number of student athletes It is an exciting time for Rams athletics. As of last season, the number of North Central student athletes reached a record high of 172. This number has taken a giant leap from the 127 student athletes during the 2014–15 season, and reflects the efforts of the Athletics Department and our institution to become more relevant and competitive in the athletics arena.

Director of Athletics Greg Johnson, M.O.L., is excited about the direction of the program. “We’re building a culture that equips and supports a student athlete population with facilities, academic rigor, support services, and coaching,” Johnson said. “Record numbers of student athletes are significant, but we’re also focused on making the comprehensive, faith-centered student athlete experience the best it can be to equip those that comprise our teams to be leaders and men and women of influence once they graduate.”

Ultimately, the goal is to continue to attract more students to North Central to help them grow as students and leaders and to continue to grow in their faith. Johnson noted, “We are already seeing that as North Central athletics programs become stronger and more competitive, it helps us introduce North Central to new markets for recruitment.”

Articles on pages 10–11 by Jeremy Becker, NCU Athletics.

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WATERING THE EARTH:

by Heath Adamson ’11, M.A Shortly before the 21st century began, I stepped onto NCU’s campus and noticed something special.

Since then, every time I speak in chapel, lecture in class, attend graduation, or participate in a board meeting, I realize NCU has a tradition of valuing the Presence of God. It is almost as if a deep well of prayer, fasting, revival, creativity, compassion, and innovation was dug here years ago. As an alumnus, I am thankful for NCU’s heritage. I also know the well was dug, not to satisfy the thirst of a few, but to water the earth with the Living Water Jesus spoke of in John 7:38.

Jesus said, “Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water’” (ESV). These words were spoken during the Feast of Tabernacles, commemorating God’s provision of fresh water from the rock in the desert: everyone knew the context of these words. The water flowed with a velocity capable of hydrating a few million emancipated Hebrew slaves as well as any animals they had.

Jesus said out of our hearts will flow, not a river, but rivers of living water. Embedded deep within us all is a tributary from

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Heaven that brings life to all spheres of society. There are multitudes who are spiritually dry in business, education, media, technology, politics, and yes, even the ministry.

Education is vital, but I also know we can educate ourselves beyond the simple obedience that changes everything. Both academic excellence and the river of the Spirit flowing out of us provide the pattern worth emulating.

When President Scott Hagan was chosen to serve at NCU, I knew his hunger for the Presence of God was a clear indicator of what our president would build from and lead our school toward. I anticipate NCU graduates will water the earth without ceasing until Jesus returns!

Heath Adamson serves on the NCU Board of Regents and is the author of “Grace in the Valley,” released by Baker Books in October. He serves as Chief of Staff at Convoy of Hope (convoyofhope.org); leads feedONE (feedone.org), a team of people committed to fight global hunger and serves as Global Chairman for the World Assemblies of God Fellowship Next-Generation Commission. Adamson is finishing his Ph.D. work at the University of London. He is married to Ali, and they live in the Ozarks with their two daughters, Leighton and Dallon.

Kristin Wileman ’17 (left) collaborates with legislative and colleagues in her role as press secretary for a member of the House of Representatives.

Carrying Spirit-filled education to Washington, D.C.

By Kristin Wileman ’17 When I was four years old, I told my mom I wanted to be a Walmart cashier when I grew up. Middle school years held dreams of becoming a musician, a historian, a teacher, followed by high school plans to become a jazz saxophonist.

A few weeks before I moved onto the third floor of Miller Hall for freshman year, I perched cross-legged on my faded purple bedspread and told the Lord He had full permission to write my story in whatever way He thought best. I think He took me up on it.

After four years of cafeteria food, three degree changes, and more articles in The Northerner than I can remember, I left Elliot Avenue with a degree in journalism. And while I could share countless stories of profound mentoring sessions with communications professor Jonathon Heide or lifechanging God encounters during chapel, the bottom line is this: My years at North Central University gave me the tools to launch a profession while fundamentally teaching me that a career is a calling. North Central prepared me to carry a Spirit-filled education to the United States Capitol.

Open doors, expanding dreams

I have now lived in Washington for 18 months, and the Lord has opened doors for opportunities I never dreamed possible.

I attended the State of the Union address. I represented my office at the commissioning of USS South Dakota—the newest Virginia-class attack submarine. I’ve coordinated interviews with Fox News, MSNBC, and Washington Post (to name a few); bowled in the White House; orchestrated media strategies for some of the largest legislation our generation has seen. The list goes on. And I believe He’s put me here for a purpose.

Many people tend to associate ministry with the church, and while the church is important, we must adjust our focus to see any career field as a place of calling. The Lord equips each of us with different tools to use for His glory, and He positions us in unique situations with specific tools to be His witness for a certain place and a certain time.

North Central taught me to run into dark situations and shine light, to view every opportunity as a chance to carry out the Commission. I’m grateful God is writing my story, and I’m so glad he used North Central as the catalyst for the journey still to come.

Kristin Wileman graduated from North Central University in 2017 with a bachelor’s degree in Journalism. She currently serves as press secretary for the Member of Congress from South Dakota.

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Shayna Fowler ’18 (left) and her business partner Alex Rybarczyk launched a Kickstarter campaign to develop periodproof underwear to help girls in Uganda stay in school.

The power of asking ‘What if…?’

By Shayna Fowler ’18 In an East African village tucked between the mountains, I spent a “gap year” after high school before starting college. At a secondary school near my house, brimming with students eager to teach a Mzungu (white person) Swahili, I met a brilliant 16-year-old girl named Esther. I had no idea she would change the trajectory of my life.

After noticing Esther’s frequent absences, I was informed by local leaders that she missed an entire week of school every month because she could not access or afford feminine hygiene products. Her inability to manage menstruation was depriving her of an education. This same issue would likely affect future employment and widen the chasm of opportunity between men and women.

Esther’s story is far too common.

Without a solution to manage monthly cycles, over eight million girls in SubSaharan Africa miss one week of school every month.

Two powerful questions

“What if girls were gifted feminine hygiene products?” I asked a group of NGO workers and teachers.

I learned that the large majority of menstrual products are culturally 14 | NCU Magazine

taboo, with sanitary pads being the only exception. But, in a skirt culture, without something for the pads to stick to or snap under, donations are meaningless. There was a discouraging silence in the room, and then, an idea.

“What if a pair of underwear was engineered to absorb monthly cycles and be worn regularly when students aren’t menstruating? Could something as simple as a period-proof panty keep girls in school?”

Pursuing the solution

During college I taught business seminars in Uganda with other North Central students. I spent my senior year as an Entrepreneurship major laying the groundwork, not for a business I would start someday, but the business I was building in my apartment as a student. I had a dream for a product that could keep girls in Uganda, and eventually girls around the world, in school: panties.

We’ve decided to call this divine experiment “Khana”—a name that comes from the word “girl” often used in the region of Uganda where we will be working. At Khana, we are on a mission to develop the world’s most powerful pair of panties.

How it works

For every pair of absurdly comfortable, ethically produced panties sold for use in the U.S., a period-proof pair is given to a girl in need through collaboration with our Ugandan giving partners.

The panties purchased in the U.S. and the panties we give vary based on the needs of each market we are serving.

The panties for use in Uganda will be made in Uganda to create local jobs and contribute to economic sustainability. Our goal is to give responsibly and sustainably. We will continually assess the impact of our giving through partner feedback, site visits, and commissioned field studies and adapt to make it more effective.

What’s next for Khana?

After graduation, I moved to Los Angeles, California to be near the garment district. I am daily in awe of all God is doing (also, the weather. I’m in awe of the weather), and excited as this process continues to unfold.

Shayna Fowler graduated from NCU in 2018 with a bachelor’s degree in Entrepreneurship. A Kickstarter campaign for Khana ends on Nov. 21. Learn more at khanapanties.com.

Bringing secrets—and lives—into the light

By Nancy Cawley Zugschwert As part of a ministry team doing a school assembly a few years ago, youth evangelist Terrence Talley ’08 was unexpectedly thrust into the role of being the main speaker. He felt unprepared but somehow knew he was supposed to talk about not knowing his father well while growing up. “I didn’t get a lot of dad hugs growing up,” Talley told the students.

It occurred to him there were students in the room who had never known a “dad hug” either—the hug that says, in Talley’s words, “I love you, and you don’t have to do anything for me.” He closed the session by offering a dad hug to anyone who wanted one, and the kids lined up.

In his new book, “Secrets Anonymous” (Orange Hat Publishing), Talley shares real stories—in his words and the words of kids who’ve shared their “secrets” with him—to bring struggles to light and create a platform to talk about them and get help. Within its first three weeks on Amazon, “Secrets Anonymous” was No. 1 in the Teen and Young Adult Suicide category, filling a sad and serious need for hope. Below is an excerpt from the book’s introduction by Talley.

The power of a ‘dad hug’

It’s not just my story and my hugs, but it’s all our story and our hugs that bring hope. Once when I was hugging a line of students, I saw a young man pacing back and forth, hood up, wearing all black. Not visible. As I hugged the last person in line the boy in all black came charging toward me, ready to tackle me! It totally freaked me out! I braced for an attack, then he abruptly stopped right in front of my face. “You made me feel … feelings today,” he said. He threw his arms around me and gave me one of the biggest hugs I’ve ever received. Needless to say, I was both stunned and happy.

Our team wrapped everything up that day and got ready to go to our next assembly when the principal called me on the phone. “You have to know what just happened,” he said. “After you gave all of the students a dad hug, they all went back to their classrooms. But there is one student in particular who nobody talks to and who doesn’t talk to anyone. He returned to his classroom, and, as usual, sat in the back row. As the students talked about how cool it was to get a dad hug, one girl in the class turned to that young man and asked, ‘Hey, did you get a dad hug from Terrence?’”

“This lonely student said, ‘I’ve never received a dad hug in my life. That was the first time.’ And all of the other students in the class proceeded to hug this guy to let him know that today was a different day. Today was the start of something new. After the last girl in the class hugged him, he ran out of the classroom, straight to my office, and he put a gun down on my table. ‘Today was the day I was going to kill myself until I knew somebody cared about me,’ he said.”

From “Secrets Anonymous” by Terrence Talley, ©2018 Terrence Talley, Orange Hat Publishing, Waukesha, Wisconsin. Used with permission.

Terrence Talley ’08 brings hope to students at school assemblies and events across the country, and through his new book, “Secrets Anonymous.”

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Transforming pain into a platform in Panama

By Kristie (Lane ’96) Kerr

Eight years ago, Gerritt ’04 and Tara (Brooks ’02) Kenyon moved to Panama City, Panama with one goal: to reach the youth of this nation with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. They had no idea the undercurrent of hurt that they were about to uncover in the lives of the girls there.

Local leaders asked them to come speak in public high schools. The doors were wide open to share the Gospel message with hundreds upon thousands of students, and they were eager and ready—or so they thought.

As the Kenyons began holding assemblies, a heartbreaking problem emerged: Teenage girls were coming to them with story and after story of sexual abuse. The couple realized they were going to have to step into the muck of a difficult problem and begin to address the real needs facing the youth of Panama.

A life-changing conference

In 2012, the Kenyons started the Illumina Girls Conference in Panama City. This year, over 2,000 girls attended the sixth Illumna Conference. The altars were packed with young women and girls who were hurting and broken.

Joined by hundreds of volunteers from all around the country, Gerritt and Tara had the opportunity to speak life over these girls. They also started a conference for boys and saw over 600 in attendance. Gerritt says, “We realized that if we want to see real change in Panama, it’s not enough to minister to hurting girls, we need to raise up a generation of godly boys who will change the culture of abuse.”

The Kenyons are passionate about raising up local leaders who are leading the charge in reaching the youth culture.

Tara says, “We have learned not to view our ministry as a quantity or bulk-based ministry, but to influence a few key lives that will change Panama. We are called to make disciples, and pouring our lives into a few individuals will create fruit in Panama that will outlive our time here.”

Gerritt credits his success as a student to the impact of a few key North Central professors. “I really struggled with school, but there were professors that encouraged me and spoke into my life,” he reflected. “They taught me to dream bigger than what I thought I was capable of.”

From test to testimony

In the last two years, the Kenyons have seen a number of young people speak up and let their pain become a platform to reach others with the story of Jesus. Gerritt said, “They are determined to let their test become His testimony.”

The Kenyons’ vision is not only to see a shift in the culture of Panama, but also to see those young leaders take the Gospel into places far beyond their own reach. “Our dream,” says Gerritt, “is to see a generation that has been neglected and forgotten rise up and spread hope like seed throughout the world.”

Kristie (Lane ’96) Kerr is Executive Assistant to NCU President Scott Hagan. She and her husband, Jeff ’97, have volunteered at the Illumina Conference in Panama for the past several years.

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Girls from throughout Panama attend the Illumina Conference started by NCU alumni Gerritt and Tara Kenyon.

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Gerritt ’04 and Tara (Brooks ’02) Kenyon minister to youth at schools and conferences in Panama.

qualityprograms.net

qualityprograms.net

Randy Christensen ’84 was introduced to clowning by his Carlson Hall roommate and later became a Master Clown and president of the World Clown Association.

A world-class clown

By Nancy Cawley Zugschwert

When Randy Christensen ’84 was a studying ministry at North Central, he was serious about his faith, anticipating a career as a pastor. He never suspected his resume would one day read like the ultimate Who’s Who entry in the world of clowning.

The easygoing Children’s Pastor at Hillside Church in Mankato, Minnesota, just wrapped up a two-year term as President of the World Clown Association, an international organization that unites clowns from 35 countries to “promote the art of clowning throughout the world” (worldclown.com/about-us).

In addition to this leadership role, Christensen has also been honored as Clown of the Year (2013) and Master Clown (2011). He incorporates clowning, juggling, and physical comedy into his work as a pastor and for audiences of all ages in churches, camps, corporate meetings, hospitals, and more.

Clowning around in college

David Boyd ’81, was a senior when freshman Randy Christensen was assigned as his Carlson Hall roommate. Boyd was involved in children’s ministry doing puppetry, magic, and clowning, and told Christensen, “Randy, you need to become a clown with me.”

Christensen resisted but Boyd persisted. He taught Christensen to juggle—which he picked up quickly—and continued to insist Randy give clowning a try. Resist, insist, resist, insist ... until Boyd finally said, “If you go with me one time, I’ll never ask you again.”

Christensen relented and a few weeks later found himself dressed as a clown at a local children’s hospital. As the children looked at this new clown persona, he noticed a little life would come back in their eyes. A short visit to the ICU brought an encounter with a little girl that changed his life when he realized the joy he could bring so readily to hurting kids.

Let them laugh

That experience led Christensen to ask God to change his heart and give him a love for children. God answered.

Christensen is grateful to his roommate for being so serious about encouraging him to become a clown.“It’s amazing that God has allowed me to do this, working with all kind of wonderful people, in places I never imagined I’d be able to go.”

Fall 2018 | 17

When God says, ‘Do hard things’

By Nancy Cawley Zugschwert

“I remember the Lord saying to me, ‘Your life is not going to be easy—I don’t want you to pay attention to that. I’m calling you into full-time ministry and your journey is not going to make sense. Physically it’s going to hurt—I don’t want you to pay attention to that. I want your eyes on me from now on. It’s time for those that I’m calling to rise up.”

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On Sept. 11, 2001, Millie Gray ’07 was being baptized in the Jordan River in Israel as planes flew into the World Trade Center towers. Unaware of what was happening on the other side of the world, she remembers at that moment being called into full-time ministry.

Millie Gray ’07 is baptized in the Jordan River in Israel on Sept. 11, 2001. submitted

Changed trajectory

Gray was 23 years old, and saying “Yes” to that call changed her trajectory. She came to NCU, served as Student Body Vice President, and graduated with a degree in Music Business. Plans to do mission work in India were diverted when her parents divorced; she got a job in Kansas City, instead, to be there for her mom.

In her early thirties, Gray heard a new call. She explained, “The Lord started speaking to my heart: ‘I want you to join the military.’ I was 32 years old! But I said, ‘Okay.’”

She joined the Air Force in 2011 and did basic training at Lackland Air Force Base (Texas). She had a profound impact on her flight (military unit) when her Military Training Instructor “ordered” her to heal a hairline fracture on a flight member’s ankle after learning Gray was a Christian.

Despite feeling awkward, she asked the woman for permission to pray over her. She recalls the moment well: “I said, ‘Lord, this is all on you … I pray that you would heal her … I pray that you would receive all the glory.’ And I went to bed.”

Millie Gray ’07 joined the U.S. Air Force at age 31 and served a tour in Afghanistan.

The next morning, the woman was walking with no evidence of injury. That woman and six others came to know the Lord during that time. Gray became a staff sergeant in the Air Force and served one tour in Afghanistan in 2014.

Living ‘eternity ready’

Gray’s next call was to her current role as a police officer in Kansas City, Missouri, where the message she heard from the Lord at her baptism continues to ring true. “Police work is a very, very hard job,” Gray stated bluntly. “It is warfare, nonstop. Sometimes you don’t have time, but I always pray over the victims when I have a chance. I believe that the Lord is in control. I know He has me out there, and that causes me to endure.”

Between bombs exploding over her head in Afghanistan and seeing what she’s seen in police work, Gray knows how fragile life is—and she sees it as a gift. She recently had bracelets made that say “Eternity Ready.” She explained, “I can’t be safe but I can be eternity ready.” For her that means being saved, leaving nothing unsaid, walking in forgiveness, and being steady in the Word.

“My mom wants to tell me to be safe,” Gray said, noting she is an only child. “But I just say, ‘I’m eternity ready, Mama.’”

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Spreading the Good News through shoes

By Chuck E. Tate ’89

“If you show me what to do, I will do this.”

These are the words prayed in 2009 by a neighborhood soccer mom from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, after receiving a powerful, God-sized vision inside a hut in Ethiopia while on a church mission trip: to provide shoes to the people of Africa.

God even gave Diane (Van Zanten ’95) Studer the name, “Soles For Jesus,” and its foundational Scripture (Matthew 25:40): “I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!”

Vision to action

Studer returned to Wisconsin, shared the vision with her husband, secured the URL solesforjesus.org, and launched the ministry in January 2010. God provided warehouse and office space to collect, clean, recycle, and ship the shoes that began showing up from everywhere.

On average, Soles For Jesus collects and ships 8,000 pairs of shoes every six weeks. By partnering with local pastors and village churches, the organization has distributed more than 405,000 pairs of shoes throughout 18 countries in Africa.

New shoes and new life

To Studer, giving away shoes is just a tool to share the Gospel.

On one trip when Studer accompanied the shoe shipment, Anna, a sweet 70-year-old woman from Mozambique—who still works daily in the fields—received her very first pair of shoes. Anna shared through a translator that her feet hurt because of the hot ground.

While Studer was washing Anna’s feet, the elderly woman began to bow and speak passionately as tears flowed. She cried, “Only a fool would say God does not exist, because He has remembered me in my old age!” Anna received more than new shoes that day. She gave her life to Christ and received a new heart.

In the nine years since Studer prayed that simple prayer of obedience, she has helped multitudes in Africa put on the peace that comes from the Good News ... and new shoes.

Chuck Tate ’89, an award-winning author of “41 Will Come” (Tyndale Momentum), and the founder and lead pastor of RockChurch in the heart of Illinois.

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Each distribution includes a Gospel booklet translated into

their language and an invitation for the recipient to have their feet washed; this way they can experience an example of God’s love—because as Studer says, “That’s what Jesus did for His best friends.”

Diane (Van Zanten ’95) Studer washes a boy’s feet as part of her ministry to Africa through Soles for Jesus.

Fall 2018 | 19

A daily trip to the well What happens at 11 a.m. is changing the world

By Nancy Cawley Zugschwert It’s 10:50 on a Friday morning at North Central University, and students are streaming from every corner of campus into the Trask Word and Worship Center, finding their way to their favorite seat in Lindquist Sanctuary, being sure to check in electronically with their ID cards on the way in.

At 11 o’clock a chord, a voice, or a downbeat starts the music that leads the student body, faculty, and staff assembled there into a powerful time of worship. Students press their way to the front, ready to worship with their minds, spirits, and bodies, knowing it is not a stage they’re moving toward but an altar.

The shoulders we stand on

Dabbs points to the balcony to show the students exactly where he sat each day as a student, when he made his daily trip to the well. “I am who I am because of this school,” Dabbs says. vThe shoulders that I have to stand on came from this foundation.”

Dabbs asks the students, “Did you know, the best NCAA Division I college basketball coach, one of the top 10, is at a school called Baylor University; did you know his head assistant coach sat with me in that balcony at North Central? His name is Jerome Tang.

On this day, the atmosphere is electric. It is the third day of Spiritual Life Days, Sept. 21, 2018, and this worship set has everyone moving. Suddenly the sweet riff of a soprano saxophone cuts through the music and Reggie Dabbs ’87 easily assures everyone that God must love the saxophone because it’s just so right.

“Did you know, that this past winter at the Super Bowl … the man who ran [the Verizon] stage downtown—the guy who introduced every band, every singer that was on that stage downtown—is a graduate from this school? He’s an actor in California today—did you know he’s from North Central?

At 11:20, the music ends and Dabbs is on stage again, ready to wrap up his three-day series. He preaches with urgency.

He needs these students to understand who they are and what is happening here.

“Did you know, that in California there’s a man who started a church in the desert out there, and now thousands of people attend that church? His name is Brad Davis, and that Brad was my roommate here, and we sat right there [Dabbs pointed to the balcony].

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“Did you know that in the Assemblies of God national office there’s a man who runs the whole department for reaching kids in public schools called Youth Alive? His name is Kent Hulbert, and he sat right up there with me.

“Did you know, there’s a man who’s known to a lot of you, he speaks in schools, he’s an evangelist, and yesterday he was in the back of the room in chapel? His name is Terrence Talley and he went to school right here.”

We are NCU

Everyone in chapel sits rapt as Dabbs tells a powerful story of a Korean War soldier whose fate was changed when a triage nurse changed his tag from red to yellow—a difference that sent him to surgery and survival instead of a morphine shot and certain death. “Don’t you get it this morning?” Dabbs implores. “You are the hope! You are the answer! Everyone’s been tagged with the red tag of sin. We live in sin; we die in sin. We’re not supposed to make it!

Then you show up. You’re the hero! You are NCU. And you are the tag changer.”

Dabbs tells the students gathered in 2018 they can go into the world and change destinies—just like he and his classmates and all NCU students before them. “You have the scissors of the Holy Spirit,” he says. “They can clip any sin anyone’s ever trapped in. And the day will come, when you get to stand up and say ‘I did it.’”

“We are NCU,” every voice in the sanctuary declares, following Dabbs’s lead; “I am a tag changer!”

“Say it again!”

The crowd complies. “We are NCU. And I am a tag changer!”

Worship Live musicians return to stage and Dabbs calls everyone to worship like they mean it; everyone is jumping, as if the energy at the realization of what God is doing just can’t be contained.

And on Monday, these tag-changers and world-changers will return to the well and fill their buckets, another generation preparing to water the earth.

Filling the well For at least 65 days per semester, NCU chapel speakers bring the Spirit-empowered Word of God to the next generation of leaders. In addition to powerful talks from faculty and administration, this fall students have heard from speakers and pastors from around the world. Here are a few from the fall chapel lineup.

Lisa Bevere, Oct. 12

Al Toledo, Oct. 10

Kwame Anku, Oct. 1

Micah MacDonald, Oct. 17 Fall 2018 | 21

2018 Alumni Award Winners The North Central University Alumni Board is pleased to announce the 2018 Alumni Award winners.

Paul Hurckman ’95, M.A.

David Pedde ’85, M.W.S.

A 1995 graduate of North Central University (Pastoral Studies), Paul Hurckman has spent time working in higher education, the church, and the non-profit sector. He has a passion for advocating on behalf of those affected by injustices happening in the world, as well as educating and mobilizing communities to recognize and respond to the need to change these situations. Hurckman holds an M.A. in Organizational Leadership from Bethel University and is pursuing his Ph.D. in International Relief and Development from Assemblies of God Theological Seminary. He is currently Executive Director of Venture, where he develops, manages, and implements operational, fundraising, and programmatic initiatives necessary to fulfill Venture’s strategic goals, collaborating with individuals, campuses, and churches to “use our greatest energies to meet the world’s greatest needs.”

David Pedde graduated from North Central in 1985 (Sacred Music) and also served on faculty for nearly 18 years, having a profound influence on a generation of worship leaders.

He has 30+ years of teaching, worship leading, songwriting, and studio experience, and his students have gone on to play with legendary worship artists such as Michael W. Smith, Paul Baloche, and singer-songwriter Sara Groves.

His influence can be seen in the work and lives of worship pastors in many of America’s leading churches. Pedde is currently the Director of the Center for the Worship Arts at Bluefield College (Virginia). He has served as a worship pastor in seven churches in Canada and the United States and worked as composer in residence. He has more than 100 published worship songs and has authored two books.

frank j. lindquist award

larry bach award

Frank J. Lindquist Award for demonstrating Spirit-filled leadership and excelling in service through church or church-related ministry, mission, and service

Vocational ministry and missions have been part of the fabric of the institution since Frank J. Lindquist founded North Central Bible Institute in 1930. This award is named after our founder in honor of his desire to train up the next generation of ministers.

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Larry Bach Award For demonstrating Spirit-filled leadership and excelling in service through fine arts

There is no one in NCU’s history who has given more heart and effort to our fine arts program than Larry Bach, Dean of the College of Fine Arts. Now in his 38th year at NCU, Bach continues to invest in the lives of students.

Jason Rhode ’00, Ph.D.

Tatrina Williams ’09, M.A.

Jason Rhode graduated from NCU in 2000 (Children’s Ministries). He went on to earn an M.Ed. from Seattle Pacific University and a Ph.D. in Instructional Design for Online Learning from Capella University. He is a highly respected educator, instructional designer, faculty developer, and online education leader. He currently serves as Executive Director of Extended Learning and Chief Online Learning Officer at Northern Illinois University where he oversees Faculty Development and the Instructional Design Center and provides strategic leadership and long-range vision for development and delivery of academic credit-bearing online and off-campus courses and programs. He’s also Assistant Professor of Instructional Technology in the Department of Educational Technology, Research and Assessment at NIU.

Tatrina Williams graduated in 2009 (Psychology) but her NCU journey began when she was 15, taking piano lessons on campus as one of the first class of students in the WOVEN music program for neighborhood kids. She later earned an M.A. in Counseling and Psychological Services from Saint Mary’s University. She currently works for Hennepin County Child Protection, investigating child abuse and neglect. It’s her faith that allows her to take a step back and see people are people who fall short and are all in need of support. Williams traveled an unpredictable journey in the past year as she served for a time as primary caretaker for her twin nieces. She carries influences from her NCU years with her, particularly recalling words she often heard from Dr. David Watson: “Life is not fair, but God is faithful.” These words have encouraged her as she’s faced adversity and have inspired her on her journey.

ivan o. miller award

dr. roger sorbo award

Ivan O. Miller Award for demonstrating Spirit-filled leadership and excelling in service through career and community.

The first school of business at North Central began in 1939 and was championed by Dean Ivan O. Miller, also the namesake of Miller Hall, who believed that the world needed qualified business people to be witnesses in the marketplace.

Dr. Roger Sorbo Award for demonstrating Spirit-filled leadership and excelling in service through arts and sciences

Professor Roger Sorbo dedicated 23 years of his life to full-time teaching at North Central. This award honors Sorbo’s teaching in the arts and sciences and his innovative approach to educational partnerships.

Fall 2018 | 23

Alumni Board undergoes strategic restructure Under the direction of our Alumni Board President, James Biffert ’95, M’17, M.A., the North Central University Alumni Board has been restructured to align with NCU’s four undergraduate colleges. The new board structure includes representation from all academic areas and better reflects the diversity of NCU alumni.

Prime directives

The board’s purpose has also been refined, strategically narrowing the focus of its efforts to three “prime directives” through which all new initiatives will be funneled: »»

Support the efforts of the school by volunteering and attending events such as Homecoming, Partners for Progress, commencement, alumni athletic events and regional alumni events.

»»

Connect people to the school by referring potential students, faculty, staff, and donors, suggesting guest speakers for classes and chapel, networking with students and alumni for jobs and internships, serving as regional alumni representatives, and reaching out to disconnected alumni.

»»

Raise money for the school by supporting the NCU Fund, becoming a member or encouraging membership in the 1930 Society, opening doors to conversations with churches about NCU Church Partners, or participating in or referring people to Legacy Planning events and activities.

Board transitions

We are grateful for the faithful service of long-term board members Barry ’82 and Tami (Anderson ’85) Jorris, Ron ’65 and LaDon (Hanson ’65) Held, and Simon Trautmann ’03, who are transitioning off the board but look forward to staying connected to their alma mater.

2018–19 Alumni Board

Your Alumni Board is ready to serve you. Please feel free to reach out to the members, listed on page 25, with your ideas or questions.

NCU Alumni Board 24 | NCU Magazine

Janette (Fulks’11) Bach

James Biffert, ’95

Josh Chitwood ’15

Dave Collins ’94

Drama Director, New Life Academy Woodbury, MN

Board President Lead Pastor, Bethel’s Rock Richfield, MN

Owner, Chitwood Media Minneapolis, MN

Executive Council Retired NCU Professor Saint Paul, MN

Todd Marshall ’83

Janessa (Cruz ’14) Miller

Steph Peterson ’89

Heidi (Steffen ’16) Rausch

President, Worship Is Life Woodbury, MN

Data Analyst/Law, Cargill Corp.

Minneapolis, MN

WSU Director, Chi Alpha Winona, MN

Associate Youth Pastor, Cedar Valley Church Bloomington, MN

Julie (Dop ’98) Roche

Steve Royalty ’99

Kristen (Chall ’99) Scherman

Therapist, New Life Counseling Center Norwalk, IA

Lead Pastor, Bridgeview Assemblies of God Big Lake, MN

Entrepreneur, Impact Educational Solutions Saint Paul, MN

Paul Hurckman ’98 Executive Director, Venture Minneapolis, MN

Rick Santiago ’99 Executive Council Lead Pastor, Riverdale Church Andover, MN

Kristina (Fulks ’00) Sieh Ministry Assistant, Evangel Church Lee’s Summit, MO

Matt Mohs ’97 Executive Council VP of Marketing, CHS, Inc. Lakeville, MN

Katie Scipioni ’07 Executive Council Finance & Operations, Mixtape Club Saint Paul, MN

Bill Svoboda ’06 Owner, CloseSimple Title Co. Minneapolis, MN

Stay connected with an updated alumni profile Visit northcentral.edu/alumni/update to share: »» Your current contact information (Stay informed of what’s happening via the monthly Alumni E-Newsletter) »» Wedding, birth, and adoption announcements »» Professional accomplishments and updates »» Prayer requests (not published, but prayed for!)

Follow us on social media! »» Instagram: @northcentral_mn »» Twitter: @northcentral_mn »» Facebook: @northcentraluniversity @ncualumni »» LinkedIn: North Central University

Updates submitted to Alumni Relations are considered for publication in NCU Magazine based on available space.

Submissions may be edited for style, brevity, and clarity. Publication does not indicate endorsement of any individual or organization.

Fall 2018 | 25

Class Updates 1950s Robert Doorn ’51: nearly 89 and retired; helping to pioneer a new work in Mount Dora, FL. Virginia (Tarr ’51) Kricorian: involved in prayer ministries and mentoring opportunities at her church.

Len ’52 and Anita (Hanson ’55) Ventling ’52: married in 1952 at Minneapolis Gospel Tabernacle by NCU founder F. J. Lindquist.

Len retired after working for many years with Light for the Lost and Montana District Men’s Ministries.

John ’54 and Joanne (Montag ’52) Ohlin: married 64 years and retired from careers at AG International Headquarters in Springfield, MO. Robert Ross ’56: retired from 50 years of ministry, including executive offices in Wisconsin and Montana.

James ’58 and Alice (Nichols ’56) Rapp: retired since 1996 and active in drama and music at church and jail ministry. Jim has published books of poetry, Christian dramas, and prose.

1960s Jerry Parsley ’63: retired Eurasia Regional Director for Assemblies of God World Missions.

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Joanne (Bloom ’64) Capes: retired for 10 years; teaches piano, is a substitute organist/pianist and freelance writer.

Miriam Geise ’64: volunteers with Assemblies of God MAPS program.

Ron ’64 and LaDon (Hanson ’65) Held: completed a multi-year term on the NCU Alumni Board. Retired from full-time ministry including roles at churches and in AG District leadership in Wisconsin/ Northern Michigan. Currently leading the 50+ Ministries for the Wisconsin/Northern Michigan District.

Lynette (Kurtz ’69) Mincks: works as full-time AG U.S. missionary working with Native Americans.

1970s

Daniel Peters ’73: director of Rock Communications, building and running FM radio stations in Africa. Board president of Royal School International, with schools in Uganda and South Sudan.

Alvin ’65 and Adeline (Emery ’65) Worthley: retired (Alvin) from careers as Assistant Director of Chaplaincy with the Federal Bureau of Prisons and Director of Chaplaincy of the Assemblies of God. Bonnie (Kinnard ’69) Nelson: MAPS volunteer; spent four months this summer building a new church in Alaska.

Gary Grogan ’73: legacy pastor at Stone Creek Church in Urbana, IL; special assistant to the Illinois District Superintendent, directing the U40 program.

Class Updates Eldon Miller ’73: serves on intercessory prayer staff at the International House of Prayer in Kansas City, MO.

Michael Heilman ’86: singer and songwriter of the CCM band Twinfinity.

Celebrated 36 years of sobriety, saying, “Jesus is the ‘soul’ reason.”

Darlene (Bard ’87) Long: serving with Open Wings Ministry for Deaf women who have experienced sexual abuse.

Earlene (Coats ’89) Johnson: completed master’s in pastoral counseling and is a pastoral counselor at Ministry Resources International, a member care ministry for missionaries and pastors. Lives with her husband, Doug, in the Seattle area.

Michael Teekamp ’88: licensed school counselor in Michigan; works with homeless youth in the school district, serving as an academic advisor, and district assessment coordinator.

Kevin Babin ’89: serves as AG National Field Representative, Deaf Culture Ministries, since 1995. He and his wife, Karla, have traveled extensively as appointed AG U.S. Missionaries serving the Deaf Culture. They pastor Ozark Mountain Deaf Church in Springfield, MO.

Mike Waldner ’76: semi-retired after 29 years in missions with YWAM and AGWM. Now on Short-term Ministry Abroad program; involved with global prayer mobilization and other ministries.

Stephen ’76 and Rachel (Grams ’76) Schaible: Stephen has served as Superintendent of the AG South Dakota District for 17 years.

Roger Lane ’89: semi-retired, serving as a fundraising consultant, life/business/staff coach, and leadership mentor.

Lt. Colonel Steve Moser ’88: Active Duty Army Chaplain. Completed Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) licensure and serves as director of the Fort Hood Chaplain Family Life Training Center.

Randell Turner ’78, Ph.D.: author, trainer, coach, and a child and family therapist specializing in working with men and fathers; founded The Father’s Workshop in 1996 and authored award-winning resources for organizations used by the National Center for Fathering, National Fatherhood Initiative, National Head Start Association, Parents as Teachers, Prison Fellowship, and Fatherhood.gov.

1980s Chuck Apple ’81: lead pastor at City Church in Sheboygan, WI; adjunct professor at SUM College and Theological Seminary.

Brian King ’88: completed a master’s degree in Marriage and Family Counseling.

Went to Zambia in August to start a Junior Bible Quiz ministry and teach about marriage and family.

Kevin Beery ’89: left role as Vice President for Academic Affairs at Valley Forge University; with wife, Wendy, now AGWM missionaries to Europe, serving as Provost at Continental Theological Seminary in Brussels.

Nate Elarton ’88: Executive Presbyter in AG Michigan District; served as a multisite pastor and church planter in Michigan and Ohio.

Fall 2018 | 27

Class Updates 1990s

Kristi Hedstrom ’02: working at Minnesota Adult & Teen Challenge in Minneapolis as Mentor Program Manager.

Blake Johnson ’03: named Manager of Transfer Relations and Associate Director of the Transfer Success Center at the University of Wyoming.

Leon Longard ’90: team lead for Diakonos Community, a Communitas International missional church plant bringing Christ to those on the margins of society.

Tina (Brager ’90) Longard works for a nonprofit corporation providing primary care health services to the medically underserved.

Jason ’95 and Becky (Ossefort ’02) Held: welcomed Levi, now 2, through international adoption. He joins Avery (7) and Gavin (9).

Carmen (Miles ’97) Chase: serving as Creative Arts Pastor at Beach Assembly of God in Ocean Isle Beach, NC. John Carter ’98: Senior Chaplain at Arlington National Cemetery in charge of the Navy/USMC/USCG burial program.

Shawna (Renninger ’99) Beeman: corporate chaplain for Vermeer, a manufacturing corporation in Pella, IA, where she is the only female chaplain on a staff which serves 3,000 employees.

2000s

Mikel Flanders ’96: promoted to Area Director of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes in Central Missouri.

Tim Sorbo ’96: began a new chapter teaching high school chemistry and 7thgrade science at Providence Academy in Green Bay, WI.

Christi (Cursolo ’00) Trimbur: new book, “Leading Muslims to Jesus,” now available through livedead.org. She and her husband are adopting Marissa Grace.

Steve ’01 and Amanda (Refsland ’01) Hinson: AGWM missionaries in Russia until 2015. Steven works as service manager for a fire sprinkler company; Amanda ran for U.S. Congress (MN 7th District) in 2016.

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Amaryah (Kooistra ’05) LaBeff: teaches songwriting at Visible Music College at campuses in Lansing (IL), Memphis, and Dallas. Husband Harmony LaBeff ’03 is worship pastor at The Chapel in Hinsdale, IL. They record and perform together as The Scattergoods (scattergoodmusic.com).

Nathan ’04 and Rachel (Kear ’03) Laing: living in Bexley, OH; Nathan is Senior Consultant for Nationwide Insurance in Retirement Plans Marketing. Rachel, a criminal prosecutor prior to staying home with their four children, practices immigration law part-time.

at Vital Church.

Rachel (Patterson ’05) Link: with husband, Michael, welcomed daughter Emerson on Jan. 24, 2018; she joins Hudson, Alison, and Anderson.

Chelsea Cleveland ’08: works in Ankeny, IA, in an elementary school as a schoolbased mental health therapist.

Mitchell Wood ’06: Chief Operating Officer of Counsel Wealth Management, Inc., in Arden Hills, MN.

Noah Stommel ’11: with wife, Kelsey, welcomed Leo in July 2017.

Caleb Moore ’07: with wife, Rachel, welcomed Maebel Elena in April 2018.

Ruth (Velo ’08) DiRose: with husband, Justin, welcomed Ailynn in February 2018; she joins Evan (2).

Amy (Diekevers ’09) Sutton: with husband, Jake, welcomed Harvey; he joins older sister Lisa (2). Amy serves as music director at Northwoods Community Church in Peoria, IL.

Emily (Fishel ’12) O’Rourke: with husband, Nick, welcomed Noah on Feb. 14, 2018.

2010s Adam Zvanovec ’10: working for Hillsong and living in Australia.

Troy ’08 and KaraLynn (Johnson ’08) Hemmer: welcomed Simon Oscar; he joins three older siblings.

Carica (Braren ’12) Onyshuk: Connecting Pastor at Wayzata (MN) Free Church.

Jairus ’11 and Raina (Hoxie ’10) Dunston: live in Orlando and serve as youth pastors Fall 2018 | 29

Class Updates

Chelsea (Hackbarth ’12) Ghigeanu: missionary to Arad, Romania, working alongside her husband with young adults.

Isaac Van Proosdy ’13: Assistant Dean of Student Leadership at North Central. He and his wife, Mia (deFilippo ’13) have one son, Zion, with another child on the way.

Anna Koch ’14: received her law degree from University of Minnesota Law School in May 2018.

Daniel Zimmerman ’14: after serving as pastor of the International Church of Karachi (Pakistan), is now a missionary with the Evangelical Missionary Alliance in South Asia.

Hayli (Shaw ’15) Netterlund: with husband, Ryan, welcomed Hadassah Wren on Dec. 9, 2017.

Jacob Guttormson ’15: working with the Peace Corps in Ukraine.

Joshua ’16 and Sofia (Almarza ’15) Smedsrud: own and operate a film production company, Alma Films.

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

Joan (Write ’51) Severance, on May 5, 2018, in Reynoldsburg, Ohio.

Roger Robinson ’80, on June 23, 2017.

Kevin Graves ’87, on July 31, 2018.

Casey (Strand ’14) Antillon: youth pastor at Brandon Valley Assembly of God in Brandon, SD, a church her parents planted 27 years ago.

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Josh ’15 and Morgan (Jensen ’14) Chitwood: own and operate Chitwood Media, a business they started while they were at North Central.

New resources available through Legacy Planning North Central University recently introduced Legacy Planning services for constituents include alumni, faculty, staff, and others. Legacy Planning helps raise awareness and share options for thoughtful planning that can help families be adequately prepared financially when they or a loved one passes away.

Statistics show that 75 percent of people have no plan for wills, trusts, or estate planning. In times of loss, families discover that there was no plan in place for how what their loved one owned will be used—adding great stress and trauma to an already difficult situation.

“Our hope is to avoid that situation,” said Chris Fleck, NCU’s Director of Legacy Planning. “To plan well, people first need information from trusted sources. Our goal is to provide easy access to valuable information and knowledgeable people. We are excited to introduce North Central people to trusted referral partners whom we have vetted and believe can make a difference for their families.”

To learn about wills, trusts, business transistion planning, or NCU Legacy Planning, visit legacy.northcentral.edu.

A successful first year for the NCU Fund At Partners for Progress on Sept.

29, 2017, North Central University officially introduced the NCU Fund, an annual fund to support university operations on an ongoing basis, primarily through underwriting the scholarships and financial aid NCU provides to students. One year later, the fund continues and is growing.

Strong support for the NCU Fund comes from members of the 1930 Society, a group of alumni and friends of the university who have committed to pray for the university, send students to explore NCU, share about NCU in their spheres of influence, and give annually to the NCU Fund at the $1,000+ level. In its inaugural year, the 1930 Society welcomed 120 new members and after this year’s Partners for Progress there are now 135+ society members.

Churches play a role in the success of the NCU Fund, as well. NCU Church Partners make a similar commitment to pray, send, share, and give, with the giving component determined mutually between the church and North Central.

“I can’t say enough about what a fantastic group of individuals and churches have stepped up to support North Central,” said President Scott Hagan. “The powerful combination of these committed partners and an increasing number of individuals who give at any level, is teeing North Central up for success as we enter one of the most exciting eras in our history!”

Learn more about the NCU Fund, 1930 Society, or NCU Church Partners, or make a gift at northcentral.edu/give.

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NCU MAGAZINE IS AVAILABLE TO READ ONLINE. VISIT NORTHCENTRAL.EDU/MAGAZINE.

TOP 10 WAYS TO ENGAGE WITH NCU 1. UPDATE YOUR ALUMNI PROFILE

6. CONNECT WITH CAREER SERVICES

2. ATTEND EVENTS

7. CREATE AN INTERNSHIP

Stay in the loop for all things NCU. Visit northcentral.edu/alumniprofile.

You’re always welcome here! Visit northcentral.edu/events or ncurams.com for athletics.

3. BE A GUEST SPEAKER

Share your experiences, skills, or insight with students.

Send your ideas to alumni@northcentral.edu.

4. SUPPORT STUDENT SCHOLARSHIPS

You can be a true rock star for students by giving!

Learn more at northcentral.edu/give.

5. KEEP ON LEARNING

Expand your horizons through online learning!

Learn more at northcentral.edu/online.

Career Services supports both students and alumni.

Visit northcentral.edu/career.

Connect students with opportunities to help them gain skills and knowledge.

Contact alumni@northcentral.edu for more info.

8. HIRE A GRADUATE

Your next best talent could come from your alma mater!

Let us know your needs at alumni@northcentral.edu.

9. MENTOR AN ALUM

Your experience or knowledge may help other alumni.

We’ll help you connect! Contact us at alumni@northcentral.edu.

10. ENJOY CHAPEL ONLINE

Access NCU chapel recordings online at northcentral.edu/chapel.

Find us on social media!

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