NCU Magazine Spring 2019 Issue

Spring 2019

The Magazine of North Central University

BECOMING ‘A UNIVERSITY THAT LOOKS LIKE HEAVEN’ A biblical journey toward diversity, acceptance, and inclusion Spring 2019 | 1

NCU Magazine Spring 2019 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, Strategy & Online Education Greg Leeper, M.A.

Be challenged to thrive.

Grow more than you knew you could.

At North Central University, you can earn a degree that will be more than just a resumé boost. Major in something that matters to you, and that will matter to the world. Experience mentorship that will help you navigate your career goals.

Editorial Nancy Cawley Zugschwert, ’19 M.A., Editor Abby VandenLangenberg, Lead Designer Photography Madison Errichiello ’18 Erica Hanson ’13 Abby VandenLangenberg Contributors Jeremy Becker Gracyanna Boes ’19 Tracey Finck Tabby (Wilson ’89) Finton Erica Hanson ’13 Janelle Higdon Judy Jones Kristie (Lane ’96) Kerr Aimee (Perrin ’97) Robertson Erin White ’05, M.A. Jeremy Williamson ’09, M.A. Contact Office of Communications communications@northcentral.edu 612.343.5001 Alumni Relations alumni@northcentral.edu 612.343.4743 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 © 2019 North Central University All Rights Reserved

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Spring 2019

IN THIS ISSUE 5

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

Wilkersons named University Chancellors Share your NCU history knowledge Seussical captivates local school children Behind the scenes: Worship Live 2019 Academic highlights Expanding NCU’s footprint through online degrees Jon High retires from coaching

Features »» »» »» »» »» »» »»

A university that looks and lives like Heaven From priority to paradigm: biblical diversity and inclusion Quest for cultural competence Student perspectives: diversity, inclusion, and acceptance Chapel speaker highlights ‘I’m First’ initiative recognizes first-gen college students Making theatre and faith accessible to the Deaf

Alumni News »» »» »» »»

Meet Tabby Finton Class updates In memory Preparing for the unexpected

ON THE COVER: Photo by Abby VandenLangenberg NCU’s first Act Six graduates, Peneal Tiruneh ’19 and Matt Vang ’19, celebrate with students from Act Six Cadres 1, 2, and 3. Act Six is a leadership and scholarship program that equips emerging urban and community leaders.

Back to front: Aliyah Caples-Becker ’21, Lindsey Semrau ’21, Kevin Escandon-Tellez ’22 Ricky Vang ’21, Celeste Hofstede ’21, Alexandra Rodriguez ’20, Juliann Cole ’20 Peneal Tiruneh ’19, Matt Vang ’19, Edwin Quinon ’20, Evelyn Guzman ’22

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Letter from the President In this issue of NCU Magazine, we explore what it means to become a university that looks—and lives—like Heaven.

The idea of a university that looks like Heaven is not a new idea or a program on my agenda as president of North Central. It is part of my DNA as a leader, and I believe it needs to be an ongoing conversation at every level of our institution.

North Central has a wonderful opportunity to recruit the finest young people from all over the United States and mold them into promising leaders with the skills and vision to change the world. As a leading metropolitan Christian university with competitive undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs, NCU is poised to spearhead a valuable and proactive dialogue concerning biblical diversity and inclusion.

NCU has an incredible location in Minneapolis, a world-class city. Not only can NCU be among the best universities in America when it comes to modeling and developing servant-leadership from an urban platform, it can also excel in biblical diversity, hiring, innovation, and career placement. NCU must practice Kingdom coherence, followed by a diligent commitment to foster and harness collaborative learning.

I’m extremely proud of our first Act Six graduates, Peneal Tiruneh ’19 and Matt Vang ’19. The goal of this urban scholarship program is to help students develop as leaders who will serve their communities. NCU serves as a leadership incubator, and both Peneal and Matt took advantage of that. Peneal served at the Minnesota State Capitol through Capitol Pathways, a rigorous internship program that connects students of color interested in policy to lobbyists and legislators. Matt served North Central as Student Body President this year. We see the Act Six program as a powerful catalyst for both leadership and diversity development at North Central.

There is more happening at NCU than these pages can contain, but I believe you’ll join our excitement as you read about our new chancellors, Dr. Robyn and Rich Wilkerson, the work our faculty are doing in writing and scholarship, notable achievements of our students, tremendous expansion of our online programs, and more.

If you haven’t had a chance to watch or listen to any of the new releases from the 2019 Worship Live recordings, I implore you to go to iTunes, Spotify, or YouTube, search for NCU Worship Live, and listen to the phenomenal talents of our students and faculty giving glory to God, as you read through the spring 2019 NCU Magazine.

Looking forward,

President Scott Hagan

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Wilkersons named University Chancellors President Scott Hagan and the North Central University Board of Regents have appointed Rev. Rich and Dr. Robyn Wilkerson as University Chancellors. Additionally, NCU’s College of Church Leadership has been renamed the Rich and Robyn Wilkerson College of Church Leadership.

New NCU Chancellors Rich and Robyn Wilkerson

As chancellors, the Wilkersons represent the university’s mission and vision in a variety of external arenas and on-campus special events.

They serve as key ambassadors of the university, providing catalytic leadership in pursuing major financial gifts and transformative lead gifts for capital campaigns.

Rich Wilkerson attended North Central as a student in the 1970s and maintains an abiding affection for the school that served as his training ground for ministry. Since 1972, the Wilkersons have been committed to communicating the powerful message of hope, love, and faith to the world. They’ve been lead pastors at Trinity Church in Miami, Florida, since 1998 and are founders of Peacemakers and the Peacemakers Family Center.

The Wilkersons remain as pastors of Trinity Miami and travel to North Central for chapels, leadership events, and to attend board meetings as honorary members.

Hagan keynotes Canadian event President Scott Hagan was the keynote speaker at the annual Leading Influence MLA Prayer Breakfast in Victoria, British Columbia. Leading Influence is a Canadian nonprofit organization founded in 2006 to serve elected officials across Canada with chaplaincy ministry. Hagan and his wife, Karen, were also hosted at a private lunch with the Speaker of the House of the B.C. Providential Parliament. “Canadian hospitality was on full display,” Hagan said. “It was a significant day for the Kingdom [of God].” The recent re-release of Hagan’s book “The Language of Influence and Personal Power” has garnered several invitations for Hagan to speak at high-impact events.

Wisdom and humor mark Anderson visit

Former NCU President Gordon Anderson visited NCU on March 15.

Beloved former North Central President Gordon Anderson, Ph.D., spoke in chapel on March 15. Anderson, who lives in Washington state and now considers himself a farmer, quickly resumed preacher mode for the full house in Lindquist Sanctuary. “This is the place that I love the most, where everything that makes North Central what it is comes together and is integrated.”

Sharing life stories of times the Lord revealed truths he needed to hear, Anderson recounted a key lesson: “I should not preach to move people until the message has first moved me. The message must go through your heart and spirit.” Anderson’s sermon left chapel-goers with three salient points: “Guard your heart. Watch your mouth. Love the church.”

As usual, “Dr. A.” gave the students, faculty, staff, and visiting alumni a message to remember.

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Share your knowledge of NCU history Did you know North Central is turning 90 next year?

As we make plans to commemorate North Central’s founding in 1930, we are interested in your story and knowledge of North Central history.

If you have firsthand knowledge of important events and moments in NCBI/NCBC/NCU history, we would

Gail Weinhold receives Faculty Award for Excellence

love to hear from you.

You can submit personal stories, recollections, story ideas, or digitized photos and memorabilia by completing a brief online survey.

Share your stories: northcentral.edu/ncuhistory or email history@northcentral.edu.

John Smith meets with President Scott and Mrs. Karen Hagan at the Minnesota Prayer Breakfast on April 25.

Gail Weinhold, M.A., was recognized as the first-ever recipient of the Dr. Gordon Anderson Faculty Award for Excellence. Weinhold, Director of the School of Education, received the award at the spring 2019 Commencement ceremony on May 3.

Gail Weinhold has taught at North Central since 2013 and previously taught high-school English for 14 years in the Hopkins (Minnesota) School District. She holds a bachelor’s degree in English Literature from University of Minnesota and a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from University of St. Thomas, and is in the final stages of doctoral studies at St. Thomas.

The Dr. Gordon Anderson Faculty Award for Excellence was established by an anonymous friend of the university to honor Anderson’s legacy and passion for faculty excellence in teaching, scholarship, and service.

An endowment was created to select a Faculty of the Year, to be awarded annually at Commencement.

Future North Central student inspires movie The recently released movie “Breakthrough” tells the story of a 14-year-old boy miraculously revived from drowning after his mother prays for the Holy Spirit to let him live. He comes back to life after being without pulse or breath for an hour, and suffers no permanent or lasting injury.

Gail Weinhold receives the first Gordon Anderson Faculty Award for Excellence at Commencement on May 3.

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The real person in the story that inspired the movie is John Smith, now 18 years old and planning to attend North Central University this fall to major in Pastoral Studies. Looking forward to NCU, Smith said, “When I gave my life to God, I had no idea where He would lead, but I couldn’t be happier with it being North Central University. The Holy-Spirit-driven university is unbelievable and I could not be more excited to become a Ram!”

Congratulations to the Class of 2019!

Commencement ceremonies on May 3 celebrated the largest graduating class in recent years. Diplomas awarded to members of the Class of 2019 at the ceremony included three associate’s degrees, 218 bachelor’s degrees, and nine master’s degrees.

Student Body President Matthew Vang ’19, one of NCU’s first Act Six Scholar graduates, thanked his teachers for “always pushing us to exceed our limits and to strive to push the ‘excellent button’ in each project no matter how difficult it was.”

NCU Chancellor Robyn Wilkerson, D.Min., delivered the commencement address, reminding graduates that they are God’s masterpiece: “You’re called, you’re competent, and you’re courageous.”

The complete graduation ceremony can be viewed on North Central University’s Facebook page or at go.northcentral. edu/2019graduation.

Student Body President Matthew Vang ’19 addresses his peers at Commencement on May 3.

Seussical captivates local school children The cast of the spring musical, “Seussical,” welcomed groups of special education students from two Minneapolis schools for a daytime performance March 25.

heart to have an audience full of children with special needs, give them the gift of ‘Seussical’ and let them know how incredibly valuable they are!”

Creating a performance that was accessible and welcoming to special needs students was the idea of Wayne Matthews, Assistant Professor of Theatre and director of the show.

“Here at NCU we believe in doing ‘theatre on purpose,’” Matthews said.

From the opening entrance of the Cat in the Hat to the final curtain, the visiting children kept their eyes on the stage, captivated by the colorful characters. With a twohour show, Matthews was concerned it may be a long time for the students to stay engaged. Afterwards, one of the teachers mentioned she had never seen her students sit that still for that long.

“In other words, we not only want to train students in their craft, but also utilize the powerful potential of theatre to speak into and touch the world with important truths. One of the underlying themes of ‘Seussical’ is that ‘a person is a person, no matter how small.’ It was our

Matthews hopes to continue to explore more ways to bring NCU theatre to people in the community who have fewer opportunities to access the arts.

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Give Day surpasses goals, sets new bar $52,640 raised | 275 donors This year’s NCU Give Day was our best one yet!

The North Central family came together and raised a total of $52,640. We had 275 individual donors, surpassing the original goal of 150.

Totals included two anonymous matching gifts totaling $20,000 as well as $10,000 in challenge funds from Cedar Valley Church in Bloomington, Minnesota. We are so grateful to our donors! Give Day gifts will be used to renovate the Carlson Corridor and create a more welcoming space for current and prospective students.

Three cheers for NCU Fund supporters 1930 Society supports NCU Fund

The NCU Fund provides the backbone of needed support for student scholarships, and members of the 1930 Society are key to keeping the fund strong. Thank you to current 1930 Society members who have given $1,000 or more annually to support the NCU fund. For more information about the NCU Fund or the 1930 Society, visit northcentral.edu/give.

Vernon & Judy Anderson Kevin & Song Anfinson Larry & Jerilyn Bach Dennis & Beverly Batty Jeffrey & Debbie Benz James & Heather Biffert Ronald & Dorene Bontrager M. Ray & Kim Brewer George & Alexandra Carr Martin Chorzempa Robert Clay Austin & Jennifer Colby David & Linda Collins Hunter & Hailey Costello George & Irene Cramer John & Diane Davis Mark & Barbara Dean Christopher & Monica DeLaurentis Andrew & Linda Denton Jeffrey & Martha Deyo Shawn & Erin Dockter Michael & Mary Dotson Peggy Dunston

Tory & Elizabeth Farina Timothy Farley James & Julie Filbeck Steven & Tabetha Finton Chris & Therese Fleck Paul & Kimberly Freitag Todd & Mary Furry Rob & Susan Gales Donald & Diane Gifford Doug & Victoria Graham Greg & Marty Grandits Gary & Bonnie Grogan Madison & Marlene Groves Patrick & Joette Guire Scott & Karen Hagan Erica Hanson Jim & Jennell Henderson Eric & Liz Hoffman Steven & Dana Horn Edith Huisinga-Johnson Paul & Candace Hurckman Tom & Lori Jacobs Mike & Angela Jilek

Gregory & Lori Johnson Barry & Tami Jorris Patrick & Debra Juul Kelvin & Jen Kaemingk Dan & Joanne Kersten Rob & Becca Ketterling Ryan & Andrea Kingsriter Jeff & Maxine LaFavre Roger & Ann Lane Greg & Hillary Leeper Rich & Diane Lemberg Lance & Desiree Libengood Larry & Simone Liebe Jeff & Crystal Liechty Jon & Elsie Liechty Elise Manouelian Nicholas Martin Wayne & Peggy Matthews Randy & Susan McPherson Daren & Rhoda Mehl Don & Ruthie Huisinga Meyering Matt & Dana Mohs

Kevin & Rebecca Norberg Lowell & Lynn Nystrom Jac & Bonnie Perrin Daniel & Renae Peters Miles & Mary Peterson Scott & Whitney Peterson Michael & Kathy Price Trent & Melinda Redmann Neal & Kim Rich Brad & Beth Riley Ron & Sally Roberts Jordan & Aimee Robertson Clifton & Alisa Ross Larry & Nancy Russell Shawn & Kerry Sauve Wendell & Millie Schafer Stephen & Rachel Schaible Phillip & Renee Schneider Brian & Carla Schultz Michael & MonaRe Shields

Adam & Stacy Sikorski Christina Skahen Kirby & Desiree St. John Clarence & Vicky St. John Stanford & Karen Stone Dick & Kristi Strassburg William Svoboda William & Rosemary Svoboda Steve & Denise Tebbs Bryan Thompson Winston & Candyce Titus Bradley & Rhonda Trask Stephen & Kristin Tripp Donald & Karen Tucker Marty & Sheryl Turner Jonathan & Cathy Wetmore Emil & Beulah Williams Jeremy & Brianna Williamson Robert & Connie Wine Christopher Woelfle Jim & Nancy Zugschwert

Thrivent sponsors Partners for Progress

Thank you to Thrivent Financial (thrivent.com) for supporting the 51st Annual Partners for Progress in October 2018.

To learn how you can become an event sponsor, contact Chris Fleck at chris.fleck@northcentral.edu.

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Behind the scenes: Worship Live 2019 Once every two years, North Central students and faculty collaborate to release an original worship album through the Worship Live program.

The project highlights the skills and creativity of North Central students and faculty, and expresses the heart of campus worship.

The Worship Live single “Breath of Heaven” was written primarily

by Abby Kvam, a junior Worship Leading major and the lead singer on the single. “‘Breath of Heaven’ was actually born out of a worship

class,” Kvam said. “We were singing the song, ‘It is Well,’ and we felt like we needed a bridge for the song. I found a piano room, started singing, and the chorus came out: ‘I know that this too shall pass.

I leave it all in your hands.’”

Kvam said that after singing the bridge in chapel, they did some arranging, a collaboration that led to what it is today.

“It was amazing to hear everyone in the chapel singing these lyrics right away. It was just a really cool moment. Life changing, I guess. There’s a lot of emotion put into this project. There’s a lot of our heart in this album, and it just represents who we are.”

Find “Breath of Heaven” and other songs from the 2019 Worship Live recording on iTunes, Spotify, and YouTube. Search for “NCU Worship Live.”

Celebrating student experiences and achievements North Central Social Work majors (pictured below with a Minnesota legislator) attended Social Work Day at the Capitol on Monday, April 8, where they heard about important bills regarding mental health policy and affordable housing. They also had the opportunity to speak with their representatives about these bills and hear from Governor Tim Walz about the importance of social work advocacy.

Over spring break, Amy Anderson, Ph.D., Professor of New Testament and Greek, brought a group of 13 students (pictured above) to the Birmingham Colloquium on Textual Criticism of the New Testament at the University of Birmingham (England). The colloquium has been held every two years since 1997.

Senior Accounting and Finance major Luke Negen procured a highly competitive internship this summer at UBS Investment Banking Company, part of UBS Group AG, a multinational investment bank and financial services company based in Switzerland.

Negen was selected from a competitive pool of students from top schools, including University of Minnesota.

Shaalan Oatis, a junior Accounting major, was selected as one of 100 students nationally to participate in the AICPA Accounting Scholars Leadership Workshop, May 15–17 in Denver, Colorado.

The all-expenses-paid conference is an annual invitational program for minority accounting students who plan to pursue the CPA designation.

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Academic highlights Notable activities of NCU faculty

Renea Brathwaite

LaToya Jones Burrell

Lon Flippo

Mallory Knipe

Desirée Libengood

Aaron McKain

Nan Muhovich

Ellington Porter

Adam Sikorski

Brian Stewart

Phil Zarns

Renea Brathwaite, Ph.D. (Graduate and Professional Education), has been accepted as a member of the Higher Learning Commission Peer Review Corps for 2019–2020.

on digital ethics. His NCU Digital Media students taught workshops on internet security and cyberbullying prevention.

LaToya Jones Burrell, J.D., MBA (Business), has been appointed Dean of Academic Assessment and Accreditation in addition to her role as Associate Professor of Business.

Nan Muhovich, Ph.D. (Intercultural Studies), gave a presentation, “Children and Youth Amid Global Crisis,” at the Evangelical Missiological Society’s regional meeting in Chicago in March.

Lon Flippo, Ph.D. (Pastoral Studies), taught a weekend intensive class in North Carolina, entitled “Theology of Parenting,” based on his book “iParent” (Excel Publishing, 2014). The sessions were taught in front of a live audience and simultaneously streamed worldwide.

Ellington Porter, M.A. (Fine Arts), released the album, “The Porter Brothers & Genesis Youth Explosion Choir” with his brother and co-producer Tecoy Porter, Sr. He also performed at several national music events this spring.

Mallory Knipe, MSW, LGSW (Social Work), presented at the Association of Baccalaureate Program Directors in Social Work national conference on utilizing film analysis in teaching human behavior in social environment courses.

Desirée (Bontrager ’06) Libengood, Ed.D. (Arts and Sciences), received a Doctor of Education in Higher Education Leadership from Bethel University in December. In November, she was a co-presenter at the Association for the Study of Higher Education Conference in Tampa.

Aaron McKain, Ph.D. (Digital Media), received a grant from the Department of Health and Human Services to work with Little Earth to co-sponsor an event focusing 10 | NCU Magazine

Adam Sikorski ’03, D.Min. (Youth Studies), received his Doctor of Ministry in Church Leadership from Assemblies of God Theological Seminary in January.

Brian Stewart, D.B.A. (Business), has launched Axia, an agency providing marketing support to church planters and small-church pastors.

Phil Zarns ’00, Ph.D. (Missionary in Residence), received his Ph.D. in Intercultural Studies from Assemblies of God Theological Seminary in March. Zarns was also a presenter at the Society of Pentecostal Studies conference, Feb. 28–March 2, in Washington, D.C., and the Evangelical Missiological Society’s regional meeting, March 25–16, in Chicago.

Author! Author! New books by NCU writers

Congratulations to the following North Central University administration, faculty, and alumni who have written books in the past year!

Amy Anderson, Ph.D. NCU Professor of New Testament and Greek “Textual Criticism of the Bible” (Lexham Press, 2018).

Co-author: Wendy Widder “Be introduced to the world of biblical manuscripts and learn how scholars analyze and evaluate textual data to bring us copies of the Bible in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek ... used for translating the Bible into modern languages.”* Jeff Deyo NCU Worship Arts Specialist “Awakening Pure Worship” (Destiny Image Publishers, 2018) “Jeff Deyo invites you into a conversation about worship in a book that was written for anyone seeking to experience the Lord in a deeper way.”

Scott Hagan, M.A. NCU President “The Language of Influence and Personal Power” (KPT Publishing, 2018) “‘Your behaviors are your brand.’ What story are you telling? ‘The Language of Influence and Personal Power’ is an anthology of actionable, thought-provoking nuggets you can translate to everyday life in business and personal interactions. It will leave an imprint on your mind, and impact the way you approach life, to direct your thoughts on leadership.”*

*Source: Amazon.com

Jac Perrin ’86, Ph.D. Alumnus; Senior Pastor, Eden Prairie Assembly of God, Eden Prairie, MN “Family 13 in St. John’s Gospel” (Brill, 2018) “In ‘Family 13 in Saint John’s Gospel,’ Jac Perrin innovatively applies phylogenetic software to shed new light on Family 13 membership.”** Richard Pruitt, Ph.D. NCU Assistant Professor and Academic Support Specialist “Theology through Community: Luke’s Portrayal of the Role of the First-Century Community of Believers in Theological Creativity” (Wipf & Stock, 2019) “For Luke, the first-century community of believers in Acts functions as an indispensable character in the formation of theological creativity. This work will demonstrate how Luke positions the community as a character in story form, between Spirit and Scripture, functioning as a bridge through which its testimony of the Spirit’s evidential work and its application of Scripture interact.”* Your book here If you’re an alumni author and would like your recent work considered for this section in future magazines, please submit information via the form at northcentral.edu/alumni/update.

Publication of submissions cannot be guaranteed.

**Source: Brill Publishers Spring 2019 | 11

Photos submitted by Chicago School of Leadesrhip

Students supplement their online NCU coursework with live leadership training at the Chicago School of Leadership.

Expanding NCU’s footprint through academic partnerships, online degrees

By Tracey Finck, M.A. NCU is partnering with select churches to offer online degrees integrated with comprehensive local leadership training.

These churches are NCU’s new Academic Partners.

Ten such churches around the country will begin leadership training programs this fall. Students participating in the program will take all their academic classes online through North Central. Meanwhile, they’ll receive weekly leadership training and hands-on ministry experience guided by mentors at these local churches.

Online associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees are also now available for individual students—courses of study with no residency or on-campus requirements.

Same mission, new avenues

According to Greg Leeper, M.A., Vice President for Strategy and Online Education, “These partnerships and our online degrees will allow NCU to serve whole new groups of students. Our residential student experience will always be core to who we are, but it’s imperative that we reach beyond Minneapolis and deliver a high-quality, Christ-centered, Spiritempowered education that is accessible and attainable.”

The new programs allow NCU to carry out its mission in two new realms—places where many people spend much of their time: cyberspace and their local church.

Several of North Central’s sister schools have implemented similar programs with great success.

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The vision

Leeper’s vision is to expand the partnership program beyond churches to non-profit organizations and to businesses.

Starting in fall 2019, the degrees offered through the Academic Partners will include an associate’s degree in Church Leadership as well as bachelor’s degrees in Church Leadership, Digital Media, Business Administration, and Humanitarian Leadership. The new Humanitarian Leadership degree was designed in partnership with Convoy of Hope and is aimed at raising up the next generation of Kingdom-minded relief and development workers.

Online degrees available to the general public include those just listed as well as a Master of Arts in Strategic Leadership. Learn more at northcentral.edu/online.

Pilot program

The Academic Partners program was piloted this year

by Chicago Tabernacle’s Chicago School of Leadership.

The seven students who made up the initial cohort were enrolled in online courses through NCU. Those who were taking the same class met together to watch the videos and discuss what they were learning with the academic mentor provided by the church. They also met weekly for leadership training designed by Chicago Tabernacle Senior Pastor Al Toledo. Each student was assigned to a weekly 8- or 10-hour practicum in one of the church’s local ministries, where they applied what they were learning in their classes and leadership training.

“We believe that God has called us to impact young people from the crib to college, and then out to the continents,” said Toledo. “This partnership with North Central University has empowered us to do just that. Through the academic excellence of NCU, students from the inner city of Chicago are being trained and equipped to make a global impact, while still being able to put their education into practice in a ministry here at their home church.”

Landon is one of the students in the pilot program. He was drawn to Chicago Tabernacle because he knows and trusts the pastoral staff there, so he was able to connect with his mentors at a deep level and learn from their realtime feedback as he practiced applying the principles he was learning in the curriculum. One Sunday morning he was teaching from Leviticus at the youth group Breakfast Club, and six kids gave their hearts to the Lord.

“I’m excited about being able to take students and bring them ‘inside’ leadership,” said David Stephens, Campus Pastor at Chicago Tabernacle. “I’ve been in the ministry 11 years, and the hardest thing in ministry is leadership. If we can teach them to lead well, they’re really going to succeed in what God has called them to do.”

Landon, a student at Chicago School of Leadership—one of NCU’s Academic Partners—prepares to lead through online coursework and in-person mentorship.

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Men’s soccer team clinches national title The Rams Men’s Soccer Team finished the season in November as the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) National Champions. With a 14-7-2 record, NCU rallied late in the season to give themselves a chance at the championship as they finished the year on a seven-game winning streak aided by a strong defense—giving up only six goals in those seven games. This season was an impressive one for firstyear head coach, Brian Li, who helped lead the Rams to their second-highest win total in the last five years. Li, who was coaching under an Interim Head Coach title, was named NCCAA Coach of the Year.

In December, Director of Athletics Greg Johnson announced that Li has been named Head Men’s Soccer Coach moving forward. “Even before he led our team to the NCCAA Division II championship and was named NCCAA Coach of the Year, Brian showed that he is the right leader for this program long term,” said Johnson. “I’m confident in his ability to recruit, train, and guide our men through their Rams journey, equipping them for success on and off the field.”

Article credit: ncurams.com

Basketball supports Final Four reading initiative The NCAA Final Four championship games were played April 5–8 in Minneapolis, just blocks from North Central at U.S. Bank Stadium. Final-Four-related events began last fall, including the Read to the Final Four competition, a year-long, statewide reading initiative to inspire young people to read. In September 2018, members of NCU’s men’s and women’s basketball teams proved they can handle a book as well as a ball, spending an afternoon reading to students at Obama Elementary School in Saint Paul. Men’s coach Jon High said, “As a coach, it was a real joy to see our players interact and have a real sense of care for these students. It is events like this that help us fulfill the mission of NCU Athletics and the ideals of NCAA D3.”

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Jon High retires from coaching after 11 seasons After 11 seasons at the helm of North Central University men’s basketball and 25 years of coaching, Jon High, M.S., is leaving his coaching and teaching roles at NCU. He and his wife, Amy, are relocating to Fort Meyers, Florida.

During his NCU coaching tenure, High led the Rams to three Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC) tournament berths as well as seven National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) north region titles.

He served as the university’s Director of Athletics for a six-year term and was an instrumental part in the Rams’ transition into NCAA Division III membership.

“The opportunity to go into coaching has been a very rewarding experience for me,” High said. “But the real reward is the connections and relationships with the players beyond basketball. In this environment, there’s something that goes deeper, beyond the game, and that’s the real reward of being able to invest in the lives of my players.”

High said some of the greatest highlights of his coaching career came through coaching his kids at NCU. His daughter, Jamie ’16, played for the NCU Rams women’s team, and both his sons, Josh ’16 and Jared ’19, played under him. “North Central provided the opportunity to get my kids into a quality Christian university athletic program,” High said. “My daughter had a great fouryear career, and coaching Josh and Jared was an experience I’ll never forget.”

Photo by Isaiah Rustad

In addition to coaching at NCU, High was Assistant Professor, Sports Management in the College of Business and Technology, teaching for the past 11 years.

Over the past 25 years, High has organized and directed summer basketball camps around the upper Midwest, including many with the Minnesota Timberwolves. In 1993, High completed his Master of Sports Science Degree from the United States Sports Academy.

Portions of this article previously appeared on ncurams.com.

Jon High is stepping away from coaching after 11 seasons with Rams Men’s Basketball.

Athletic Director recognized as Patriotic Employer On March 28, Greg Johnson, Director of Athletics, was presented with the ESGR Patriot Award by Rob Lawrence, Director of Employer Outreach for the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) organization.

Athletic Director Greg Johnson (center) received a Patriot Award for his support of Army Reservist Michael Knipe (right).

Rob Lawrence (left) presented the award at NCU on March 28.

Johnson was nominated by Michael Knipe, an Army Reservist who works as Compliance Coordinator for NCU Athletics.

The award recognizes individual supervisors who support employee participation in the Guard and Reserve Forces.

Knipe, who has worked at NCU for two years, said, “Greg has been a great boss—always flexible and understanding of my role in Reserves. He definitely deserves to be recognized for that.”

Johnson believes respect for people in the Armed Forces should be “automatic.”

“I’m so grateful for people that serve our country and the fact that Mike continues to serve as a reservist,” Johnson said. “I think Mike’s participation in the Reserves not only helps us here but will help him wherever he goes.”

Spring 2019 | 15

A UNIVERSITY THAT LOOKS

By Nancy Cawley Zugschwert, ’19 M.A.

After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!”

And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures, and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God. (Revelation 7:9–11 ESV) Culture. Diversity. Acceptance. Inclusion. Equity. To a member of a majority culture, these words may be

regarded as discussion topics, goals, or assumptions; awareness may lead to well-intentioned programs and policies.

To a member of a minority culture, the meaning ascribed to these words may be intertwined with identity and life experience in ways incomprehensible to someone in the majority; they are words that become a rallying cry and a daily, personal battle.

To a Christian university that declares a goal to become a university that looks—and lives—like Heaven, they are words that must become an unrelenting part of institutional vocabulary and action. These are good words, and they are hard words. They are words that must be discussed and put into action if NCU is to be a place set apart, building the Kingdom of Light in a divided world.

Increasing statistical diversity is a worthy goal and the first step to take as we move in a heavenward direction. But obtaining the powerful vision of Revelation, where people stand shoulder to shoulder, representing all of humanity and praising the Most High God in harmony and unity, takes work here on Earth.

On these pages you will hear North Central voices speaking about progress made, as well as work still to be done in the areas of culture, diversity, acceptance, inclusion, and equity on campus. The goal of this conversation is not resolution, but an invitation to more conversation, new ideas, and exploration of what it means, and what it takes, to become a university that looks like Heaven.

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Photos by Madison Norman

MOSAIC, a Multicultural Programming organization, seeks to create a biblical model of diversity by encouraging students to gain knowledge on minority cultures.

On May 2, MOSAIC hosted a graduation sendoff for students of color from the Class of 2019. The graduates received stoles representing their ethnic heritage at the celebration, and wore them at commencement exercises on May 3.

From priority to paradigm: biblical diversity and inclusion at NCU

By Scott Hagan, M.A., President, North Central University My honest prayer, from the moment North Central began to materialize as my next assignment, was that our community would continue to grow into a university that looks like Heaven.

This term first became part of my vernacular in 1989. I was 27 and remember reading Revelation 7:9 where John saw every tribe and tongue around the throne of God. I remember writing in my journal, “How come the Church on Earth doesn’t look like the Church in Heaven?” Little did I know then, that this journal entry would change my life and mark the rest of my life and really become, not a priority, but a paradigm that would interpret and inform everything I do.

Back in 2003, I was invited by then-president Dr. Gordon Anderson to formulate an elective course on biblical diversity. I would catch a quick flight from Grand Rapids on Thursday afternoons and teach one evening a week as an adjunct, never imagining that class would ultimately lead us back to NCU. Long before I arrived as president, North Central carried in her DNA a biblical vision for unity and social healing. I inherited a good foundation.

Enlarging our frames of reference

I strongly believe that diversity and inclusion are theologically merited. Scripture zealously invites us to

pursue and activate the splendor of God’s diverse and mosaic world, but that same Scripture similarly protects us from modern pluralism by presenting clear parameters for how Christ’s love, wisdom, and honor are to be socially demonstrated by His Church.

Jesus wants His Church at the forefront of biblical compassion and acts of social goodness. This is an easy sell for today’s university student who is deeply aware of complex social inequities in ways previous generations denied. Students are looking for biblical and social pathways to express solutions. There must be genuine grace and space for students to incubate their ideas. It’s the role of university leadership to guide, convey, and converse with students in a way that will challenge their thinking, but not defeat their confidence as they detect and refine their leadership voice. It’s a wonderful process.

Biblical diversity and inclusion are about enlarging our frames of reference. When clarifying the mysterious social and spiritual construction of the local church, the Apostle Paul described a beautiful scene when the diversity of “gifts, ministries, and effects” inspired a more complete personification of Christ’s living body on earth (I Corinthians 12:4-6). Paul went even further and described the diversity of the people involved in the mosaic. There wasn’t a sameness of function, but a highly Spring 2019 | 17

that looks like Heaven means we want more students to feel a sense of home when they come here, a sense of ownership from the moment they get out of the car at the curb and step inside.

I believe America as a whole has made measurable gains when it comes to loving her neighbor; and the church in many sectors (not all) has also taken steady steps toward healing. But we’re not there yet. The Civil War and the Civil Rights Movement may have “unlocked” the door, but some in our society are still inside of the house, holding the knob, and communicating terrible “unwantedness” to those on the outside wanting in.

President Scott Hagan and Bill Green share a passion for creating thriving diversity on campus. diverse function that made the body more dynamic and meaningful to its world.

When this biblical ideal is intentionally practiced, it releases the full potential of a community. I hear in Paul’s words a theological application and architecture for every Kingdom undertaking. We should build and cohere around the many gifts and talents that surprisingly reside in and rise from unexpected places and people.

More than numbers

It’s exciting that our statistics for diversity on campus now show we have 24 percent students of color. But for North Central, becoming a university that looks— and lives—like Heaven is not just numerical or the demographics, but more about what Peter experienced in Acts 10:27–28, what I call a miracle of the heart. Peter even argued with the Lord when God was telling him to eat forbidden food. “But God has shown me,” Peter said after his heart transformation.

You can get people to quote a creed, but it doesn’t mean their heart believes it or embraces it. To have a university

FL = Fall 18 | NCU Magazine

Journey from priority to paradigm

Complicating the turmoil on college campuses is social justice. Justice alone has limited spiritual power. It only removes the revenge; it can never take away the anxiety.

And because the church has a poor reputation in this arena, we make theology our last go-to. So now we are leaning into the media, secular writings and thinking, and justice theories that are born with no theological basis.

This is counterproductive! Even though the Church has not done well, we have to begin, always, with theology. We must ask: What is biblical theology on mutuality, unity, reconciliation, honor, and healing?

Reconciliation is God’s greater answer and goes where justice cannot. This is where a Kingdom-minded university like NCU can serve our society as a prophetic and educational leader. NCU has the platform and ability to accelerate forward a new generation of pastors and marketplace leaders who are ready to mitigate the demands of a globalized world without compromising their love for Christ and His Word. Culture takes time. To continue this journey, we must be continually progressing from making diversity and inclusion a priority to having them become a paradigm. We are on that journey, and I am extremely excited about the possibilities that lie ahead for NCU.

Source: Erin White ’05, M.A., Director of Institutional Research

Quest for cultural competence: A conversation with Bill Green

By Nancy Cawley Zugschwert, ’19 M.A. When Bill Green, Director of Multicultural Engagement and Community Outreach, arrived at North Central in 2015, he was excited about the great potential for an urban Christian university to make strides in creating greater diversity in its student body. Green previously worked for more than 25 years in a college setting in a smaller town where his task was to assist the college in initiatives for diversity and inclusion, and he had achieved great success.

Looking back on his first four years at NCU, Green is excited about what God is doing in bringing greater ethnic and racial diversity to campus.

“I’ve been amazed at the increase that’s happened in past four years,” Green said. “NCU has made great strides.

In 2015, we had 16 percent students of color; currently we have 24 percent—a significant jump for a small private school.”

Beyond statistics

Beyond recruitment and percentages, Green points out that progress can’t be made without concurrent institutional development. He oversees MOSAIC, a student-led multicultural programming organization, and commends students for their efforts to encourage more expressions of inclusion and diversity. Under the MOSAIC umbrella, the Asian Student Association, Black Student Union, and Latinos Unidos have become more active, and their efforts have gained attention from the whole NCU community.

“People recognize [the student organizations] and participate in amazing numbers,” Green said. “Events these groups sponsor regularly see strong attendance from the whole student body, not just students of color.”

Green pointed out that conversations around inclusion have gone up exponentially on campus, even more in the past two years under the leadership of President Scott Hagan. “Part of his language and wheelhouse,” Green said, “is to have a place that looks like Heaven. Having his voice gives strength to the effort.”

Bill Green, Director of Multicultural Engagement and Community Outreach

Developing ‘comm-unity’

Cultural competence is an essential component of the expansion of what Green calls “common unity, or community.” He is excited to see developments at NCU, such as a required Cultural Competence course, that help students examine and challenge their thinking, creating understanding individually and institutionally.

Green said a healthy university that reflects the diversity of Heaven must include intentionality in developing an inclusive climate and culture. “Our mission must always be at the forefront of that conversation,” Green said. “I always start with the mission. I want our students and staff to know that their work is part of the overall mission.

Embedded in that is being aware culturally as we develop leaders. If it’s going to take root, it has to be understood as a part of who we are.”

Moving toward belonging

Even with the greatest efforts, Green recognizes that the only place that will ever fully “look like Heaven” is …

Heaven. But he’s pleased that back on Earth at NCU, the people that matter the most in the conversation are seeing progress.

“Students are saying it’s totally different than four years ago,” Green said, “to really belong, not just feel welcome. Students will tell you from four years ago there has been a dramatic shift in the climate, and they have become engaged on a broader scale. We are seeing a greater diversity in our student population involved as student leaders, throughout student government, student life. They are present and involved. They are actually belonging.”

But Green says it can’t just be the president’s voice speaking. “My job became a point of intentional development in this area,” Green explained. “We all need to have this voice—not in the margins, but as part of who we are.”

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Students share perspectives on diversity, inclusion

By Nancy Cawley Zugschwert, ’19 M.A. Discussing a topic like diversity on a college campus would be incomplete if those who bring racial and ethnic diversity to that campus are not part of the conversation.

On April 16, in the midst of the end-of-semester frenzy, 15 students accepted an invitation to participate in a roundtable discussion with the NCU Magazine editorial staff to share their perspectives and experiences.

Yannin Dominguez, a senior, said that when she first heard President Scott Hagan talk in chapel about becoming “a university that looks like Heaven,” she was skeptical.

“What I originally internalized when President Hagan said that, as a white male from the pulpit, was what society has told me. But the narrative has changed because I have seen that his words really mean what he says.”

“I’m excited when he says that,” said sophomore Celena Eamiguel. “I imagine when we are all in chapel in the morning, that if someone is standing on the stage they look out in the audience and would not be able to tell a majority race. That’s what I picture … a good mix of different ethnicities.”

Sophomore Brenton Carroll connects the statement to community and relationship. “Everybody wants to feel like they belong, so that requires relationship,” he said. Carroll sees a good foundation but also sees at NCU a need for great leadership, both corporately and individually, to bring the community together.

Growth and progress

Bill Green, Director of Multicultural Programming and Community Engagement, said in the past few years he has observed improvement in experiences for students of color at NCU. Some of the students affirmed this but also noted areas where they’d like to see continued progress.

“I think we’re doing better,” junior Nkau Xiong said. “It was hard for me to feel like I had a place here a few years ago.” But this year she had a powerful experience in class when another student stood up for her and it pushed her to deal directly with racial assumptions. “I think we’re growing in the whole idea of cultural diversity and competence,” she said. “The next step is when people actually do something about it—step out of their comfort zone and say something.”

Senior Grace Kalala pointed out that diversity is not just a number, and sees opportunities for students of color to be more involved in organizations across campus. “We need representation in all leadership, not just organizations like Black Student Union or for ‘multicultural’ events.”

Kalala said that language matters, too. “Don’t call me 20 | NCU Magazine

‘multicultural’; I’m African and I am part of this culture.

We are all together ... we’re from different places around the world. We need to have more conversations with everyone on campus, not just this group.”

In terms of continuing to move NCU to a more diverse, more inclusive culture, the students shared examples from their own experiences where they see there is still work to do.

Sophomore Julius Hernandez explained that chapel music is an example of the diversity discussion for him. Hernandez said the predominant “Christian contemporary” style in chapel is not what he grew up listening to. He appreciated that more chapels this year included gospel music but was discouraged to hear people complaining about the different style. “When we play gospel music, don’t get upset about it,” he suggested. “Try to embrace it like we try to embrace the music we listen to most days.”

In this together

Dyante Jordan, a sophomore, observed that cultural change has to come from everyone. “Awareness brings clarity,” Jordan said. “What I’ve seen is it kind of goes both ways. We want change and we want to be the change. We have to ask, ‘What are we doing to make this shift happen?’

It also goes on the other side, what are they doing? Where can we meet half way?”

Echoing Jordan’s comments, freshman Tryston Brown thinks the responsibility for change lies with everyone.

“If we’re going to be all together, the responsibility falls on everybody,” Brown said. “That means that we should invite people into conversations, bridge gaps, make the connection, and just try.” Brown pointed out that common ground can be found in talking about things as simple as movies and music people like. “We’re in this together and are all brothers and sisters in God,” he said. “We have God in common and he calls us to love. If we’re going to love, we’ve got to understand where they’re coming from … to be empathetic to others’ situations and experiences.”

Peneal Tiruneh, a senior, sees both progress and continued opportunity in the area of chapels. “There has been a lot of progress with more people of color speaking in chapel,” she said, “but most of the time it feels like they’re there for ‘us.’ We need white speakers speaking about race issues, too, so [those in the majority] don’t just think, ‘Oh, this is for them and I don’t have to pay attention to that.’

We all need to keep reaching out to the ‘other.’”

The influence of staff, faculty, and university leadership is important, according to Victoria Cortese, a junior. “I

agree it’s everyone’s responsibility to participate in [this conversation],” Cortese said, “but when hearing about different perspectives and different cultures, people often receive it best from someone who looks like them.” In other words, those in positions of responsibility can help shape the dialogue.

From conversation to competence

Connecting to create important conversations about cultural differences was unanimously affirmed by the students on the panel, and it’s not necessarily as hard as people make it out to be. Junior Alejandra Llerena has found that opening up to others is a great start. She said, “I think that through having conversations where I have been super honest about my struggles being on campus, others have been able to understand me and I have been able to understand them and to have grace. A friend of Llerena’s from a small town confided that she grew up afraid of people of color. Llerena knew that she needed to extend grace and try to understand her friend’s perspective, and that she also could help the friend grow in understanding by sharing new experiences and perspectives with her.

Bill Green defines cultural competence as “The ability to understand and properly navigate our complex cultural identities, such as gender, class, race and ethnicity, norms, or traditions.” As all North Central students navigate in an increasingly ethnically and culturally diverse community, the goal is never to give up individual identity but to always start with the ultimate unifying identity that marks the NCU community: being in Christ.

Ebony McClarty, a sophomore, speaks to the value of embracing individual identities in the context of unity. “I think we get it wrong when we get around other cultures and think we have to adapt to that culture or be like that culture to be accepted—that’s not the truth,” she said.

“We would rather you come in and be yourself, because how do we learn from each other if we’re trying to be like each other? And we don’t always have to meet and talk about race and culture.” McClarty said it’s a process for each individual, and each person grows at their own pace. “It’s important to meet each other somewhere in the middle.”

Diversity, inclusion, and acceptance

Heads nodded in agreement around the table when Dominguez said that if we speak about diversity removed from inclusion and acceptance, we get it wrong. It’s good to have initiatives to bring more diversity to campus, but there needs to be intentional effort to create relationships and create change. The effort must come from the top and take place throughout the organization.

Hernandez said, “I did not grow up with a single white person in my neighborhood,” and his transition to North Central was difficult. “But it’s been really eye opening for me, trying to understand how someone else has grown up.

There’s been a lot of mutual [effort], trying to understand different lifestyles, with them trying to understand my culture and me understanding their culture. Being here and being surrounded by a group of people I’ve never been around before has been extremely beneficial in my understanding.”

Students participate in a roundtable discussion to talk about diversity, inclusion, and acceptance at NCU. Spring 2019 | 21

‘I’m First’ recognizes first-gen college students

By Erin White ’05, M.A., Director of Institutional Research This spring at NCU, the Student Development Office launched a new program aimed at creating a greater sense of belonging among our first-generation college students.

“First-gen” at NCU means neither a parent nor a guardian completed a four-year degree in college. Some students may have had a sibling graduate from college before them, but if neither a parent nor a guardian did, they are still considered first-gen.

At NCU we believe being a first-gen student is something to be proud of! To emphasize this, on the first Thursday of spring semester, North Central students, faculty, and staff who are/were first-gen in college all wore a green “I’m First!” t-shirt.

The idea for this program came from a national campaign to support and recognize first-gen students in higher education. When first-gen students see people like their faculty, resident director—or even their college president—wearing an “I’m First!” t-shirt, it sends a message that they not only belong here now but there’s a place for them in the future as well. It also reinforces that they can be successful and earn that college degree.

Why first-gen matters

Higher education can be a tough place to navigate as a first-gen student, and historically both retention and graduation rates are lower for first-gen students than those who have parents/guardians who’ve completed college. There are unwritten rules and language that come with college, and if a student didn’t come from a family

that has navigated those waters, they just don’t know what those rules are. These unwritten rules can be anything from knowing it’s okay, even encouraged, to talk to faculty after class to knowing you have to fill out the FAFSA every year as part of the financial aid process.

It can be easy for first-gen students to take on what’s called “imposter syndrome,” a feeling that you don’t belong combined with a concern that someone is going to find out you don’t belong. As a result, students often don’t take advantage of the resources available to them, either because they don’t know the resources exist or because they may think it will make them stand out.

This experience may cause students to feel isolated and alone and to start thinking they are the only ones that feel this way—when in reality, first-gen students continue to be a growing population in higher education.

Beating the odds

First-generation students often have a track record of beating the odds, and they have a lot to offer the colleges they attend. Small acts, such as wearing a t-shirt on the same day, can inspire a sense of camaraderie and belonging and start the journey of transforming students from fearful bystanders to active participants.

And when first-gen students feel they belong, the whole college benefits. They bring a fresh viewpoint that can enhance the college community and gear all of us toward a better understanding of the student experience and higher quality service.

In January, NCU students, faculty, and staff who are firstgeneration college students celebrated this distinction as part of a national campaign recognizing the contribution of “first-gen” students.

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Perspectives on diversity, inclusion, and God’s love Students, faculty, and staff receive steady of diet of wisdom in chapel and seminars “Proximity and the aesthetics of diversity do not translate into personal relationship. To understand connecting with people from an out-group, you have to understand the in-groups you’re part of.

Intercultural friendships can be difficult but absolutely worthwhile.”

Leah Fulton Assistant Dean of Students, University of St. Thomas

Leah Fulton

“We all need bridge-crossers, however finding bridge-crossers is difficult.

It’s in our nature to stay within home groups. We don’t cross over into other groups. Worse yet, many of us are conditioned to believe there are no groups, which obviously is not true. Jesus was the ultimate bridge-crosser.

He crossed bridges that weren’t supposed to be crossed. He went over to a well and talked to a Samaritan woman. He went and hung out with the tax collectors and the prostitutes. He ministered to the mentally ill and the handicapped. And as a Jewish rabbi He touched a leper. All these bridgecrossings were infinitesimal compared to the big bridge that He crossed.”

Peter Shu Adjunct Professor, College of Fine Arts

Peter Shu “We don’t have to be uniform to be unified. Diversity it God’s idea! You don’t tolerate human beings; you embrace and love God’s handiwork!”

Skot Welch NCU Diversity Educator, Global Bridge Builders

Skot Welch

Monica DeLaurentis

“I don’t want to be like the church; I just want to be like Jesus. I want to love God with all my heart and all my strength and everything that’s in me.

And love people. End of the story. I don’t want to judge them, I don’t want to have opinions about them, I don’t want to do anything except love them with the love of the Lord. And we can’t do that with our own strength, it’s not in us. You may think you can, but you cannot. If you’re not with the Holy Spirit, if you’re not pressed into God, if you’re not filling yourself up, there’s no way you can love the way God would want you to love.”

Monica DeLaurentis ’91 Life Center Church, Minneapolis “When our theology is wrong, our lifestyles are going to be wrong. When our sociology is wrong, our theology will be wrong. When our anthropology is wrong—what we think about man, if we don’t see [everyone] in the image of God—if our anthropology is wrong, our theology will be wrong. If our eschatology is wrong, we’re not going to see to return to the city, we’re going to see to flee from the city. But God is saying, ‘No, return to the city.’

He’s saying, reclaim the city. Reclaim and put on love in your heart again for the city. Recapture the city. Engage it with prayer and with service and with spiritual warfare, and rebuild the city and restore it for my good.”

Bishop Walter Harvey Parklawn Assembly of God, Milwaukee

Walter Harvey Spring 2019 | 23

Photos by Tim Wallace

Regina Daniels uses her theatrical training to provide ASL interpretation in theatre settings.

Making theatre and faith accessible to the Deaf Sydney Groven, Instructor, Carlstrom ASL-Interpreting, assisted with this article.

At the 38th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Tribute at the University of Minnesota in February, Regina Daniels stood on stage, providing ASL-interpreting to make the inspirational program accessible to the deaf and hard-ofhearing attendees. Because she is deaf, Daniels, Assistant Professor of Carlstrom ASL-Interpreting, relies on supporting-interpreters, and then conveys the speeches as a native ASL communicator.

Now in her second year of teaching at North Central, Daniels has become a sought-after interpreter in the Twin Cities for events of all kinds, including theatre. She has been involved in several productions at the Guthrie Theater as an interpreter and sign-language coach.

Special preparation

Unlike interpreting for conversation or public speakers, interpreting for theatre involves rehearsal—just like the audibly speaking actors in the play. The process is multifaceted. “I rely on interpreters who can hear,” Daniels explained. “They interpret for me, letting me know what’s going on in the play. We read the script, break down the characters, and try to come up with specific language.”

Daniels’ expressiveness as a communicator makes her a great fit for theatre interpretation and for teaching and coaching students and other interpreters. But teaching to interpret for theatre requires a different kind of preparation. “It’s all about personality when I teach,” Daniels said. “I’m out there—I’m bright, I’m bubbly, I’m warm!” (Those who know Daniels readily agree with this assessment.) By being herself and modeling that confidence, she helps her students start to use ASL in a way that’s not just academic, but expressive.

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Teaching beyond the classroom

In March, Daniels was a featured presenter at the 2019 Deaf Missions Christian Interpreters Conference in Omaha. One of her sessions, “Black and White in a Beige World,” involved former North Central faculty member Bill Ross. Their friendship provides an example of how to work with people who are different. “Bill and I work well together,” Daniels explained. “It doesn’t matter that he’s a hearing child of deaf parents and I’m a deaf child of deaf parents. I’m black; he’s white. We’ve learned how to value the difference in personality. He taught me a lot in his world, and I taught him lot in my world. We’ve treated each other as equals.”

Finding home

Coming to North Central represented a significant career change for Daniels, and she has no regrets about making the move. “I have been able to grow here more than I could have imagined. I’ve learned so much related to believing and trusting in God, putting Christ first, following God’s plan, trusting Him. I’m able to bring this experience out into the Deaf community.”

Sharing her faith is an important aspect of Daniels’ journey and ministry. It is estimated that only two percent of the Deaf community are Christians, and although she has not always felt accepted by other deaf people as a Christian, a journey of self-discovery has brought her to a new place. “I realize I’m a Christian first,” she said. “My [NCU] colleagues help me understand I’m not alone, and the Deaf community is starting to respect me. They are seeing what my heart is. It doesn’t matter my name or reputation, and they are starting to see that. I think I’ve found my home.”

Students engage in Equity Innovation Experience

By Jeremy Williamson ’09, M.A., Dean of Students At the beginning of the spring 2019 semester, North Central University was invited by YMCA Twin Cities to engage in the brand-new Equity Innovation Center of Excellence in their downtown Minneapolis facility.

The Equity Innovation Experience brought 160 NCU student leaders to engage in a conversation about equity and how to recognize the narrative of diversity throughout Scripture.

After the conversation, students interacted with a dozen hands-on activities designed by the Science Museum of Minnesota to illustrate inequity in Minneapolis through the years.

Later, on campus, this experience was used as a foundation to talk about the theological mandate of equity and multiculturalism. Student leadership groups were encouraged to take the philosophical and make it practical through the way they plan events and programs, interact with fellow students, and live within a diverse community.

One of the simplest, yet most profound lessons taught was “proximity breeds empathy.” Our students were challenged to intentionally live out their faith in the proximity of people different from them and to develop empathy toward living in and loving their world.

2019 NCU Open presented by The Wealth Group

Spring 2019 | 25

Meet Tabby Finton, Director of Alumni Relations Tabby (Wilson ’89) Finton stepped into the role of Director of Alumni Relations and NCU Fund in January after Aimee (Perrin ’97) Robertson was named Executive Director of Advancement.

Finton is thrilled to be back at NCU and is excited about the challenge of getting to know everyone.

Tabby (Wilson ’89) Finton, Director of Alumni Relations and NCU Fund

“There are so many alums I don’t yet know,” Finton said. “It’s my goal to be a cheerleader for them [in good times] and to be an encouragement to them when they walk through trials. I want them to know their alma mater is proud of them as they seek to build the Kingdom of God in whatever capacity that is in their life.”

Finton is excited about her “combo” job description that connects her to alumni and the giving area of the university. “The motto I’ve adopted for this role is ‘Celebrate our heritage and all that is to come,’” Finton noted. “Every alum remembers what it was like to be a student—including the financial pressure. As alumni, we are able to come alongside and lend our support in a variety of ways.”

The thought of mobilizing generations of alumni to help NCU students today makes Finton eager to come to work each day. With an open door and an open inbox, Finton invites alumni to visit campus, and email alumni@northcentral.edu at any time with questions, suggestions, concerns, or prayer requests.

Class Updates 50s

Gordon Johnson ’51 continues in retirement after 36 years serving the Assembly of God church in Black River Falls, WI, a 33-year radio ministry, and district roles as Presbyter and Honorary Presbyter. His wife, Hildred, passed away in 2017.

Robert Ross ’56 pastored for 45 years in Assemblies of God churches and served as Assistant Superintendent in Wisconsin and Montana. He serves currently as honorary General Presbyter and travels for ministry nationally and internationally.

60s Bruce Talso ’62 is serving as pastor and chaplain of Wyanett Evangelical Free Church in Princeton, MN, and as Minnesota District Seniors Ministry Director.

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Peggy Gray ’67 served in missions and academic institutions for more that 44 years across the world, including West Africa, Belgium, and Ukraine. She’s currently director of Arizona Language Institute.

70s Mike & MonaRe (Grams ) Shields

Larry Russell

Larry Russell ’71 is serving as Director of Development for Builders International, in Ozark, MO. He has 32 + years as a Stewardship/ Fundraising Coach (CFRE-Certified) to churches, church leaders and nonprofit organizations, having served 15 of those years with AG Financial Solutions in Springfield, MO.

Mike ’73 and his wife, MonaRe (Grams ’71) Shields, travel to about a dozen countries each year in evangelism outreaches, camps, retreats, conferences, conventions and Advanced Ministerial Leadership Studies across Latin America.

David Stanton

David Stanton ’75 & ’15 has been working as a teacher in St. Paul, Centennial, and Mounds View (MN) school districts since his second graduation from NCU. He was appointed to the Benedictine Healthcare Foundation Board of Directors in September 2018, working on fundraising for new facilities.

Mike Waldner ’76 retired after 30 years serving in missions with AGWM in Austria, India, South Asia and worldwide. He is still active in producing prayer guides, calendars, and resources for all regions of the world and for other ministries.

80s Joel Copple ’80 is ordained with the Minnesota District of the Assemblies of God and has served in missions in SE Asia since 1985. He is currently semi-retired but continuing in ministry and leadership roles while living in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

Edward Denecke ’81 is an aspiring children’s book author with one picture book already published “What Happens at School When You’re Not There?” The four-part children’s adventure book series that he is currently working on will focus on themes such as courage, significance, adventure, and purpose.

Carey Higgins

Carey Higgins ’84 serves as missions pastor at Grace Foursquare Church in Springfield, MO. He travels globally, teaching, preaching, and serving missionaries and national leaders.

Daniel Schreck

Daniel Schreck ’85 continues his counseling practice and work with those in recovery, having opened a satellite office in Columbia City, IN, in 2017, and last year moving to a larger office in Fort Wayne to accommodate growth.

Greg & Rachelle (Wenig) Colegrove

Greg Colegrove ’86 is working in the Rural Compassion Department of Convoy of Hope to help resource, train, coach, and encourage rural churches in five states to serve their communities. He and his wife, Rachelle (Wenig ’86) Colegrove, also work at Focus on the Family, where Rachelle serves as a Marriage Therapist at the Branson facility.

They speak at marriage conferences 8–10 weekends/year. In 2019 they are launching their own marriage ministry targeting rural communities.

Michael Roeder

Michael Roeder ’89 is currently pastoring in Hudson, WI, and pursuing his Master of Arts in Strategic Leadership at NCU.

Belinda McCleese

Belinda McCleese ’87 provides psychotherapy for the Deaf population in Orange County as a licensed clinician. Additionally, she serves as Deaf Services Coordinator for Orange County Behavioral Health Services Multicultural Development Program, providing Deaf cultural competence trainings and consultation for staff and community education on mental health issues. She serves as Spiritual Care Mentor of the National Deaf Culture Fellowship of the Assemblies of God.

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

Reuben Hartwick ’49, of Harleysville, PA, on Aug. 24, 2018.

Wayne Marr ’53, in March 2018, on his 85th birthday.

Garry Swagger ’67, of Letcher, SD, on Dec. 26, 2018.

Larry Oftedahl ’74, of Barron, WI, on Dec. 31, 2018.

Email alumni@northcentral.edu to let us know of the passing of an alumnus/a.

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90s

Karen Nelson

Karen Nelson ’88 is living in Fargo, ND, doing partnership development in preparation to return to Peru, where she will be serving in the Cusco region, facilitating church planting initiatives.

Chuck Kish

Chuck Kish ’89 is Lead Pastor at Bethel Assembly of God and Lead Chaplain for Carlisle and North Middleton Police, Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office, and Cumberland Goodwill EMS. He and his wife, Michelle, have written “Caring for You,” a booklet developed after 10 years of delivering death notifications throughout his community, to provide important information for families who have lost a loved one. The booklet is being used by more than 20 law enforcement agencies and health care organizations throughout Pennsylvania.

Andy Raatz

Andy Raatz ’89 is serving the AGWM Executive Leadership Team as Communications Director after 13 years on the field in Moldova and Russia.

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Kevin Foster

Andrew Soerens

Andrew Soerens ’90 and his wife, Ellen, serve as Lead Pastors of Spring Creek Fellowship Church in Tomball, TX, a suburb north of Houston. It’s a small, mostly older congregation, but they are focused on outreach and seeing growth.

Kevin Foster ’97 started LifeBridge Community Church in Fresno, CA, in 2005 and serves as Senior Pastor.

He also teaches classes for the So Cal School of Ministry. Ellen (Wilshusen ’99) Foster teaches Kindergarten at a local public elementary school and serves alongside at LifeBridge.

Rodney Smith ’91 is serving as pastor of The Lord’s Cup Deaf Assembly of God and adjunct professor at University of Valley Forge.

Seth McCoy Jeremy Montgomery

Jeremy Montgomery ’96 recently joined Sunday Breakfast Rescue Mission as President and CEO in November 2018. This gospel mission in Philadelphia is the nation’s second oldest at 141 years old, and now is Philly’s largest homeless shelter for men, and the largest provider of meals to the homeless, serving up to 600 during three meals every day of the year. His vision for Sunday Breakfast Rescue Mission is to create social transformation through building stronger partnerships within the Philadelphia community and to meet the spiritual, physical, and emotional needs of individuals experiencing homelessness.

Seth McCoy ’97 is serving as Senior Pastor at Church of Emmanuel in Foxboro, MA, and was ordained in the Christian Missionary Alliance.

Jamie McIntosh

Jamie McIntosh ’97 was recently named CEO of Mercy Ships Canada, which operates state-ofthe-art hospital ships run by skilled volunteers to provide free healthcare in developing nations. He previously served as a VP with World Vision.

10s

Josiah Kennealy Terri LaRae Griswold

Terri LaRae Griswold ’98 served for seven years as an AGWM missionary before pursuing a master’s degree in professional counseling. She has opened up a private practice near Chicago, where she counsels individuals, couples, and families. She is still involved with missions, doing missions trips with her church.

00s

Angela (Vargas) Canepa

Angela (Vargas ’10) Canepa married her husband, Christian, in 2015, and welcomed their daughter Molina in May 2016. They live in Minneapolis, where Angela works at a childcare center as Assistant Director.

Benjamin Klas ’10 had his first novel accepted for publication, slated for release in 2020.

Rebecca (Morris ’06) Ayling is living in New Hampshire, where she oversees victim services as the project director for New Hampshire’s Human Trafficking Task Force.

Jennifer (Juckett ’07) and Michael ’08 Posegate welcomed Clara in March 2019; she joins Jude. Michael continues to serve as Worship Pastor at Brandon Valley Assembly of God (SD), where Jennifer also serves as Next Gen Administrator and Premarital Counselor.

Kymberli Tufte ’14 started in February as Youth Pastor in one80 Youth Ministries at Yankton First Assembly, leading a team of leaders and 6th–12th grade youth group.

Amanda Whitcomb ’14 accepted a full-time Worship Pastor position at Central Church in Green Bay, WI.

Jacob & Maria (Gonzales) Valtierra

Jacob Valtierra ’11, ’17 M.A., and his wife, Maria (Gonzales ’11) Valtierra welcomed Zion on September 11, 2018, who joins Jazmine, Israel, and Marianna. Jacob completed his M.A. in Strategic Leadership in 2017 and recently accepted the Transition Coordinator position with the Indian Community School in Milwaukee, WI.

Brandon Breithaupt ’15 and his wife welcomed their first child, Sophie Marie, on December 7, 2018.

Skylar Johnson

Skylar Johnson ’18 turned a summer internship in 2017 into a full-time marketing position at AFC Travel in May 2018. She is doing what she loves for “an incredible company.”

Mary (Campbell) Schuh

Mary (Campbell ’07) Schuh is a homemaker enjoying her first son, born in November 2017. She creates photography greeting cards through her business, Trees of Transition Art & Design, and has a blog where she shares about life transitions.

Josiah Kennealy ’13 and his wife, Micah, are planting/pioneering/ launching a Chi Alpha Campus Ministry at Normandale Community College in Bloomington, MN. Normandale has a student body of over 15,000 students.

Jennifer (Urban ’13) Momenee and her husband, Tom, welcomed Micah on September 12, 2017.

Daniel & Rebekah (Rogado) Johnson

Daniel Johnson ’13 is working as a Certified Financial Planner for The Wealth Group. He and his wife, Rebekah (Rogado ’13) Johnson, are expecting their first child in May 2019.

Alaynah (Courtney ’18) Sawczak moved with her husband to Madison, WI, in April 2019 to help with UW Madison Chi Alpha and New Culture Church, a church planted by alumni Abbie Sawczak and Levi and Morgan Kooistra.

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Congratulations to the Class of 2019, our newest alumni.

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PARTNERS FOR PROGRESS Come home, North Central!

SAVE THE DATE

An evening of celebration and generosity

September 27–28, 2019

SAVE THE DATE

NCU Campus

October 24, 2019

Fabulous festivities filled with fun, fellowship, and free food! Don’t miss out.

The newly renovated Depot Hotel

NCU’s Got Talent ~ The Social Soccer ~ Volleyball

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Make it a night to remember with your NCU friends.

Dinner ~ Alumni Awards President Scott Hagan

Preparing for the unexpected

NCU Legacy Planning team gives couple peace of mind Legacy planning, also known as estate planning, means deciding today how your resources will be stewarded, both today and after you are gone. Chris Fleck, Director of Legacy Planning at NCU, points out that on average, three in four adults in the U.S. do not have a will or trust, leaving “a mess” in a time of transition for families, and this may expose their assets to probate, attorney’s fees, and taxes. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

North Central’s team of trusted professional “referral partners” recently assisted Nancy Zugschwert ’19 M.A., and her husband, Jim, with the process of reviewing, updating, and establishing their living legacy and charitable bequest by creating a living trust.

“As we were raising our children, we always wanted to take care of this,” Nancy said, “but we always got stuck because we didn’t know exactly what we needed or how to find the right people to help us. We had put together a few simple wills via an online website but never felt confident we were properly protected.”

The tragic loss of two close friends to cancer made the Zugschwerts realize that estate planning needs to be in place for events you may not get to plan in advance. They were pleased to learn at a “lunch and learn” session, sponsored by NCU, that the Legacy Planning team had done the footwork to find carefully selected partners who could provide the knowledge and tools they needed.

“We now have properly prepared legal documents that will make things so much easier for our family when we’re gone,” Nancy said. “I learned through this process that your family will have details to sort through whether the ‘inheritance’ is small or big. Getting things together through legacy planning simply allows us to make decisions so they don’t have to—and now our plan supports our family and the organizations that matter to us. The investment of time and money now has given us peace of mind.”

Fleck noted, “Completing a will or trust with specialists from NCU’s referral partner teams allows Christians who steward God’s assets to be able to be fair to family, while making their mark supporting their church, missionaries, Christian higher education, or other areas they care about most.”

The Zugschwerts decided to share information about their living trust with their children so that whenever the time comes, they know what to do. “Good planning doesn’t need to be a secret or a mystery,” Nancy said, “it just needs to be done. My hope is that by sharing our story, others may be encouraged and experience the same peace of mind that our family now has.”

Request a complimentary estate planning guidebook at legacy.northcentral.edu, or reach out to Chris Fleck, NCU’s Director of Legacy Planning, at 612.343.4742 or legacyplanning@northcentral.edu.

Jeff Litfin ’92 (right), Certified Estate Planner with Generations Legal Services, reviews living trust documents with clients Jim and Nancy Zugschwert. Generations Legal Services is one of North Central’s referral partners for Legacy Planning.

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LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE THE NOW & THE NEXT

September 19–20, 2019 | North Central University nculeadershipconference.com

President Scott Hagan

Rich & Robyn Wilkerson

Reggie Dabbs

Eric Samuel Timm

Vinnie Zarletti Jeff Deyo Ellington Porter

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