Northwestern Pilot | 2022

PRESIDENT’S LETTER

SPRING 2023

N o 437 EST. 1920

Introducing Northwestern’s Ninth President, Dr. Corbin Hoornbeek

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For you have been my hope, Sovereign Lord, my confidence since my youth. From birth I have relied on you; you brought me forth from my mother’s womb. I will ever praise you. I have become a sign to many; you are my strong refuge. My mouth is filled with your praise, declaring your splendor all day long.

As for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more.

My mouth will tell of your righteous deeds, of your saving acts all day long—though I know not how to relate them all. I will come and proclaim your mighty acts, Sovereign Lord; I will proclaim your righteous deeds, yours alone. Since my youth, God, you have taught me, and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds. Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your mighty acts to all who are to come. Your righteousness, God, reaches to the heavens, you who have done great things. Who is like you, God? Psalms 71:5–8, 14–19 (NIV) For the ancient Jews, a genealogy was not just a long list of names.

Every name told a story. The name that stands out most in Jesus’ genealogy is David, the great king of Israel in the Old Testament.

The name of Northwestern, whether Northwestern Bible and Missionary Training School, Northwestern Schools, Northwestern College, or University of Northwestern - St. Paul, tells a story—a story of an unfailing commitment to the Lord and His ongoing faithfulness to the institution. That story is told in both the brick and mortar of our physical campus buildings and the thousands of men and women (alumni) who have gone on to be leaders in their home, church, community, and world.

As 2022 marked Northwestern’s 120th year of existence and 50 years at the St. Paul campus, issue No. 437 of the Pilot recognizes the generations of God’s faithfulness.

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Greetings, Northwestern!

What a privilege it is to serve as the ninth president of the University of Northwestern – St. Paul and Northwestern Media.

We serve a great God, and I am humbled to be called into this leadership role at such a pivotal time in the life of Christian higher education and media. My wife, Heather, and I have been so blessed in our first months as members of the Northwestern community.

PRESIDENT’S LETTER

GROUNDED IN MISSION, ENGAGING IN CULTURE

As I interviewed for this role and have spent my first months on campus as president, I can say with utmost certainty that Northwestern is a beautiful place! The historic, neo-Romanesque style and symbols that adorn our campus buildings are iconic; I know that they are nostalgic to many of you. These buildings, such as Nazareth Hall, Riley Hall, the Billy Graham Community Life Commons, and the Robertson Student Center, have served as spaces for learning, community development, performance, and personal faith formation. For some, Nazareth even served as a venue for you to exchange marriage vows with your spouse! And yet, as we celebrated both Northwestern’s 50 years on the current St. Paul campus and 100 years of Nazareth Hall in 2022, what binds us together are not man-made structures, but rather Christ’s free gift of salvation, the Holy Spirit living in us, and our shared experiences.

To that end, Northwestern’s mission remains anchored in place—to equip students to grow intellectually and spiritually, to serve effectively in their professions, and to give God-honoring leadership in the home, church, community, and world. This past August, we welcomed our newest undergraduate class to campus—the class of 2026! I am confident that each of these individuals—just like each of you did at one point—will receive grounded, Biblical teaching in their classroom and co-curricular activities and will find great Christian community among their peers, faculty members, and staff. In the same way that Northwestern’s history is rich, so too is our future bright!

As Christians in the higher education arena, our calling is to remain grounded in our mission while relevantly engaging in culture to equip our students and reach the lost. For 121 years, Northwestern has had a heart for the world and the global reach of the Gospel, and I’m proud to shield, serve, and steward that heartbeat for this generation and the next. As president, I am committed to the inherent, infallible, and authoritative Word of God. At UNW, everything we do will flow from that source as our foundation.

I look forward to meeting you!

Blessings in Christ,

Corbin Hoornbeek, Ph.D. President SPRING 2023 3

is published by the Office of Institutional Advancement University of Northwestern – St. Paul 3003 Snelling Avenue North St. Paul, MN 55113-1598 651-631-5100 | unwsp.edu/pilot Letters and comments may be sent to advancement@unwsp.edu To submit future story ideas, visit unwsp.edu/pilotstories INSTITUTIONAL ADMINISTRATION Corbin Hoornbeek, Ph.D. President

Dale Engskov Interim Vice President, Institutional Advancement

PILOT STAFF Greg Johnson, Ph.D. ’05, M’09 Editor-in-Chief Vice President for Strategy and Chief of Staff

Jennifer Clemens Senior Director of Marketing

Kelly Larson Editor

Lynnea Harrison Creative Director

CONTRIBUTORS Brooke (Gillquist) Dalzell ’19, Charles Hallman, Josiah Hurney ’23, Angel (Amundson) Moin ’92, Cassie (McGee) Plantage ’07, John Paul Sonnen Alecia Korpi, Ken Jones, Josh Stokes Photography

Zach Knighton ’17 Proofreading

Because the Pilot magazine is an expression of the University of Northwestern – St. Paul’s commitment to what it holds to be Biblical faith and practice, we do not communicate events that, to our knowledge, fall outside of convictions expressed in our Doctrinal Statement and Declaration of Christian Community. © 2023 University of Northwestern

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about the pilot Just over 100 years ago, a handful of Northwestern students launched a new school publication and called for name suggestions, promising a two-pound box of candy for the contest winner. Two months later, the newsletter bore its new moniker: Northwestern Pilot. First published on Nov. 17, 1920, the Northwestern Pilot began as an outgrowth of the then Northwestern Bible College’s English department with the goal of promoting interest in school activities.

It was a four-page school newspaper with articles on class updates, missionaries, poetry, and devotional literature. Fast-forward to 2023: the Pilot, now 437 issues strong, has progressed to a full-length magazine that showcases God’s faithfulness, telling the stories of current students, alumni, faculty, and the state of the institution.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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STUDENT SPOTLIGHT Meet Jacob Bierle ’22, Northwestern’s 19th Fulbright Award winner.

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ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT Joseph Sutton, Jr. ’16, is among a rare group of ingame hosts in professional sports.

RECENT ACCOLADES Highlighting recent accomplishments from students, faculty, and staff.

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INTRODUCING NORTHWESTERN’S NINTH PRESIDENT

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ACADEMIC NEWS

Dr. Corbin Hoornbeek started his role as president of the University of Northwestern – St. Paul and Northwestern Media in August 2022.

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FACULTY UPDATES

IF THESE WALLS COULD TALK

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MUSIC & THEATRE

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EAGLE ATHLETICS

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ALUMNI UPDATES

From the immense expanse of the tower to the arched inner vault of its foyer, there is rich symbolism and didactic meaning in the building that has been a recognizable pillar to Northwestern since 1972.

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STUDENT SPOTLIGHT Northwestern’s 19th Fulbright Award winner teaching in the country of Georgia Jacob Bierle ’22, a dual major in ESL Education and Elementary Education was named a Fulbright Award winner in Spring 2022. Bierle is Northwestern’s 19th Fulbright winner since UNW students and faculty were first awarded with the prestigious honor in 2004. The Fulbright Program promotes educational exchanges, primarily for university faculty and students that involve lecturing, research, and graduate study.

Fulbright honors are awarded yearly by the U.S. Department of State and the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board.

Recipients of Fulbright scholarships are selected in an open, merit-based competition that considers both academic achievement and record of service.

Bierle began his work in the country of Georgia as an English Teaching Assistant for the 2022-2023 academic year in midSeptember. As a Fulbright participant, Bierle is teaching English, sharing knowledge, and fostering meaningful connections across communities in the United States and Georgia. “I have direct contact with nearly 200 students and 13 different professors, so I am certainly keeping busy!” he commented.

In a rare occurrence, Jacob was asked by Fulbright to extend his scholarship for a second year. Jacob will soon begin his M.Ed. program in International Education.

Tehya began her Masters program with a thesis focusing on teacher identity for Georgian teachers of English. They also participate in various volunteer opportunities and continue to learn the Georgian language. Jacob says, "This was unexpected and highly unusual for the English Teaching Assistant program, but we feel like we are making a solid impact here and we have many projects that we would like to invest in for another year. Plus, we are very content here and would love some more time to solidify our Georgian language skills!"

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Charles Hallman, Minnesota Spokesman Recorder Joseph Sutton, Jr. ’16 is among a rare group in professional sports today as the Minnesota Twins and Minnesota Wild in-game host—the only Black host working for both organizations.

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

Sutton, on staff with the Twins for his fifth season, also just finished his second season with the Wild in St. Paul. “I had an internship with the Twins and was basically a production assistant,” Sutton explained. “Midway through the season, the program director asked me what my goals were, what I wanted to do. I always wanted to be a game host.”

A North Minneapolis native, Sutton graduated from Northwestern with a degree in electronic media communication. He’s also been a standup comedian for some time as well, which Sutton believes helped prepare him for his current sports gigs.

“I think it goes hand-in-hand,” Sutton said of working professional sports games and being on stage.

As game host, Sutton is responsible for the fan engagement segment of entertainment.

“I lead several interactive games and introduce the special characters each game,” said Sutton, who is part of a team of in-game hosts for Twins home events. “The Twins have given me a lot of creative control to be myself. I try to bring a little bit of flavor to the role.”

“I have so much energy all the time,” Sutton said. “I love sports; they have always been a passion of mine. So it’s a perfect combination for me.”

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RECENT AC STUDENTS Biology and Biochemistry students Nicholas Waughtal ’23, Talila Baskaran ’23, Sarah Zimmerman ’22, Abigail Parker ’22, Christoph Niyonkura ’23, and Christine David ’22 presented at the Winchell Undergraduate Research Symposium. The symposium, an annual event sponsored by the Minnesota Academy of Science, draws students and faculty from schools throughout the state.

David and Baskaran both won Judges Choice awards, while David was won the Tri Beta Honor Society’s Frank G. Brooks award for outstanding oral presentation.

PSEO student Maya Englehorn co-published Blood Sweat Tears…Live, a book of poetry with Kate Westphal. According to the authors, the book is a “collaboration of two young women as they reflect on life—the blood, sweat, and tears of living in a broken world.”

Benjamin Freese ’22 spent the summer interning for the office of U.S. Senator Steve Daines (Montana) in Washington, D.C. through the American Studies Program (ASP). ASP brings students together from around the globe, spanning a vast array of majors, experiences, and perspectives and emphasizes the 8

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importance of Christ-like bridge-building within the political arena.

Kennedi (Deutschman ’22) Graske, Ellie Simpson ’22, and Amy Linden ’22 also participated in government internships over the summer, working for various Minnesota state senators.

Data Analytics major Caleb Nilson ’22 was selected for a MinneAnalytics scholarship for his pursuit of a career in analytics and a commitment to engaging in the community. Nilson, who serves as president of UNW’s student Data Science and Analytics club, chose to study data analytics in order to learn about a wide variety of fields and disciplines in order to understand data and help business decision-making.

Peter Paulsen ’22, Andrew Skoglund ’23, and Grace Watkins ’23 presented their research project “Genetics Analysis of Antibiotic Production in Pseudomonas sp.” at the Tiny Earth Winter Symposium.

The international event showcases student research presentations and engages the community in learning about antibiotic resistance and the science of discovery.

Kristine Stedman ’22 was recognized by MinneAnalytics for her proficiency in and contribution to the field of

Data Analytics. Stedman, who is pursuing a doublemajor in Data Analytics and Marketing, is heavily involved on campus as a Residence Life ministry partner, leader of the UNW swing dancing club, and Marketing and Communications social media assistant.

FACULTY Cassandra Bechard, director of bands and assistant professor in Music, was named one of Yamaha’s “40 Under 40” Music Educators of the Year. Bechard also co-presented the session “What Next? Utilizing Adaptable Repertoire in a (Post) Pandemic World” at the Minnesota Music Educators Association Conference in Minneapolis.

Lara Bronson, assistant dean of the School of Education, presented at the Stranmillis University College Centre for Research in Belfast, Northern Ireland for the Educational Underachievement’s Virtual Seminar.

Bronson’s presentation was titled “Tackling Educational Disadvantage in the Early Years.”

Megan Brown, assistant department chair of Christian Ministries, recently published “Youth Ministry and Crisis” in Christian Education Journal.

Anna Rask Emison, instructor in the

department of Biblical & Theological Studies, partnered with Faith Radio to write a study guide for the Book of Daniel.

Emison also went on Bill Arnold’s show for the Bible Character series to talk about Daniel, and recorded 8 podcasts for Faith Radio’s new Reading the Bible Together.

and YWCA, 1889-1970 which was published in Church History: Studies in Christianity and Culture.

Miller also serves as book review editor for the East-West Church Report, a quarterly newsletter which explores Christian life in the former Soviet Union and Central and Eastern Europe.

Heather Hood, adjunct instructor of Music Ministry, conducted a piece from The Notebooks of Leonardo da Vinci for Minnesota Chorale’s 50th Anniversary concert.

Jordan Monson, adjunct instructor in the school of Theology and Ministry, wrote a piece for Christianity Today titled “My Boss Is a Jewish Construction Worker,”which is one of the cover package articles.

Dale Lemke, department chair of Christian Ministries, co-authored an article in the Journal of Religious Leadership entitled “Hardships, Growth, and Hope: The Experience of Black Pastoral Leaders During a Season of Social Unrest and COVID-19 Quarantine.”

Lemke has also been invited to sit on a panel presentation entitled “How Can We Learn across Difference?: A Conversation about Ethical Research and Writing vis-a-vis Identity and Positionality” at the Academy of Religious Leadership gathering in April.

Matthew Miller, chair of the department of History & Related Fields and chair of the department of World Languages reviewed the book Spreading Protestant Modernity: Global Perspectives on the Social Work of the YMCA

Kirk Moss, dean of the College of Arts & Humanities and interim dean of the College of Behavioral & Natural Sciences’ arrangement of Anton Bruckner’s “Apocalyptic: Symphony No. 8 –Finale, for string orchestra with timpani” was named Editor’s Choice by JW Pepper Sheet Music. The work is published by Carl Fischer.

Timothy Sawyer, director of choral activities, presented a reading session on the music of Dan Forrest, Craig Courtney, and other composers represented by Beckenhorst Press at the Fellowship of American Baptist Musicians summer church music conference.

Sawyer was resident guest conductor of the Annual Byzantine Choral Festival hosted by St. Constantine

Ukrainian Catholic Church in Minneapolis, conducting the UNW Choir in sacred choral music of Ukraine and Russia, and music of the Eastern Rite.

RECENT ACCOLADES

CCOLADES

Ashley Stamperis, English instructor, is serving as a Virtual English Language Fellow for the U.S. Department of State’s English Language Programs. Stamperis is working with the regional University of Cariri in Brazil, teaching two writing courses and helping the faculty develop a writing center. Stamperis is also developing a podcast with students in Palestine.

Stephanie Trump, director of Amata Women’s Chorale, received the prestigious National Federation of State High School Association’s Outstanding Music Educator award. The outstanding educator award is given in recognition of music educators that excel with enthusiasm and purpose in educating students in the fine arts.

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orbin Hoornbeek, Ph.D., began his term as the ninth president of the University of Northwestern – St. Paul on Aug. 1, 2022. Hoornbeek has been a respected leader in Christian higher education and world missions for nearly 30 years, with previous long tenures at Azusa Pacific University in California and The Navigators, a global, interdenominational missions agency with over 7,000 internationally and ethnically diverse staff serving in 107 countries.

In his first months on campus, Dr. Hoornbeek’s schedule has been anything but mundane. In addition to the countless operational meetings that consume any university president’s calendar, Hoornbeek has immersed himself in Northwestern’s community and culture. He led a game on the campus green during new student orientation. He spoke in one of the first chapels in early September and welcomed alumni and families of current students at Homecoming and Family Weekend. He has spent countless hours engaging students in both formal and informal settings. To those who have interacted with Dr. Hoornbeek, his passion for both students and the Word of God is very evident.

interest in the role as I went through the process.

After I had my first in-person meeting with the search committee (following several Zoom calls), I realized that I would be really disappointed if it didn’t come together—and I have would have accepted that as God’s will. As one of four or five finalists, I spent several hours with that group that was comprised of roughly 15 faculty, staff, and board members.

As they were evaluating me, I was simultaneously evaluating Northwestern, and it occurred to me that I didn’t want to have a one-in-four or five chance of leading this organization. I wanted to be the one! Every successive ripple, if you will, from the search team outward to the entire organization, confirmed that this was the place God was calling Heather and I to be. I felt a personal alignment with my calling in Christian higher education and that of Northwestern in a unified desire to prepare the next generation of God-honoring leaders.

WELCOME DR. HOORNBEEK

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After getting his feet wet, the Pilot staff sat down with Hoornbeek to learn more about the process that brought him to Northwestern and his perspective on the university’s impact going forward.

Pilot: What originally drew you to Northwestern as you heard of the presidential vacancy?

Corbin Hoornbeek: I was drawn to the university’s mission—to equip and prepare God-honoring leaders for the home, church, community, and world. That mission statement is something that many of our faculty and staff members can recite without much difficulty, but what really stopped me in my tracks were the words God-honoring leaders. I believe there is a dearth of leadership in our world today.

If we really take that mission seriously, we have to hold ourselves to a higher level of accountability in the preparation of the next generation of Godhonoring leaders. We have to approach it by asking, “Who will carry that mission on?”

P: Looking back, was there a significant moment that validated your interest in the position?

P: Tell us about your first impressions, having been in the role almost a full academic year.

CH: Truthfully, every single person that I met at Northwestern throughout the candidacy process validated my interest. The quality of people here, including faculty, staff, board members, alumni, donors, and friends of the university, has been unbelievable. In addition, the clarity and consistency of our mission is very prevalent.

There is a collective desire to change the world at Northwestern. Each of these things deepened my

CH: Everything at Northwestern is done with a high degree of quality and attention to detail. The campus is spectacular. I think that there is a sense of what I would call pride of place — a commitment to quality and excellence. Another impression I’ve had is that Northwestern is poised for an incredible next phase there is a potential—both tapped and untapped— to do great things, and I’m beginning to see it in the quality of leaders we have across campus.

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P: What role do you see yourself playing in leading the mission of Northwestern?

CH: When I think of my role at Northwestern, three words come to mind: envision, expand, and explore.

As we develop a vision for the future, it is with the Holy Spirit’s help that I take responsibility for leading that charge. In terms of expand, how do we take the things we do well and multiply them to expand our reach and impact? And then, finally, I see myself in a leadership role as we explore new opportunities. Where and how do new opportunities exist for us to extend our mission in new ways?

P: What excites you about Northwestern, its heritage, and students?

CH: If we think about recent history in the last 20 years, the world of higher education has been disrupted. This is especially true, not just because of COVID, but also due to the many options that students have to be able to earn a degree. As I have stepped into the presidency at Northwestern, I cannot 12

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overstate the exceptional job Dr. Cureton did to keep this organization strong and stable, both with the university and in Northwestern Media. That strength and stability has put Northwestern in position to be agile in a world where other colleges and universities are increasingly reacting to the circumstances and disruptions they have faced, grasping at all kinds of possibilities just to stay solid or afloat.

With that in mind, as I look at the history of this university, it really is a true privilege to be able to step into a role where there is strength and clarity of mission, and our finances and enrollment are stable.

Those are not givens in today’s world. Historically, Northwestern has had a heart for the world and the global reach of the Gospel. I hope we never lose that.

P: What gives you hope about the next generation of students?

CH: I think that the world that we’re living in today has taught the current generation of students—known as Generation Z—not to believe anything beyond the

Hometown: Bellingham, Washington Spouse: Heather Children: Nathan (26), Caleb (23), Claire (20) Favorite book: 1776 (D. McCullough) Life verse: Colossians 1:28 Activities and hobbies: Classical music, running, the outdoors, and time with family Education: •

University of Michigan (B.A.)

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Covenant Theological Seminary (M.A.)

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Dallas Baptist University (Ph.D.)

thought that truth is relative, and I think there is a dissatisfaction with that. For young people today, they want to know what is true; they want to know what is good. They want to know how God is working in the world. By and large, Gen Z individuals are also incredibly entrepreneurial; they’re focused on solving problems. In response, when we think about the benefit of Christian higher education, the goal is not just to award the degree, but really to teach this generation how to think, solve problems, and develop critical thinking skills. The world is going to change many, many times over during their lifetime. They’ll have to continue to reinvent themselves throughout the course of their life. The problems in the world are complex. In response, it is important for our students to learn skills, but it is even more important for them to learn how to think and how to solve those problems.

P: How is Northwestern positioned to meet the evolving needs of tomorrow’s leaders in the home, church, community, and world?

CH: My thinking on this concept has really been shaped

by Dutch theologian Abraham Kuyper, who taught a doctrine he called Sphere Sovereignty, in which he proposed that both people and the spheres of human and cultural activity need God’s saving, redeeming grace. In this vein, Christians are called and equipped

by God to live out their faith and exercise their gifts in every sphere including the social structure of the family, the arts, sciences, healthcare, government, law, the marketplace, and in full-time vocational ministry. In this way, we fulfill Northwestern’s mission to prepare God-honoring leaders for the home, church, community, and the world.

The calling that we have at Northwestern through the mission of Christian higher education is to prepare and equip the next generation of leaders who are able to enter those spheres with a view toward being part of God’s redemptive work, both in terms of the individual lives of people they connect with, but equally the sphere of God’s activity in the world as well in each one of those areas. Our faculty are called and trained to mentor, disciple, and come alongside students; to help prepare them and give them the freedom to ask and answer some of the biggest questions in life. Not just “How am I designed?” but ultimately, “What difference does it make in the world?” and “What is my calling?” “What is my purpose?” As part of God’s redemptive work, our faculty provide both academic proficiency and spiritual mentorship to our students.

P: What is the value of Christian higher education in the world today? Why is it still important for a place such as Northwestern to provide Christ-Centered leadership?

CH: God created every one of us, in His image, as a complex, integrated human being with a mind, body, soul, and spirit. God is infinitely complex in that sense.

As members of the body of Christ, we’re connected to each other through a relationship. At Northwestern, the complexity of the human experience gives us the opportunity to shape and form the whole of a person.

Today’s students have a countless list of educational institutions to attend to earn a degree. At Christian universities such as Northwestern, we focus on the formation of the whole person. We are different in that we pursue what the Apostle Paul instructed in Colossians 1:28: to present everyone fully mature in Christ so that they can be a vessel who is available and called by God to make a difference in the world.

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INAUGURATION RECAP

CELEBRATING DR. HOORNBEEK’S INAUGURATION The University of Northwestern – St. Paul inaugurated its ninth president, Dr. Corbin M. Hoornbeek, on Friday, Dec. 2, 2022, in front of a Knight Performance Hall crowd filled with students, faculty, staff, alumni, delegates, Board of Trustees members, and distinguished guests. The 90-minute ceremony, flanked by both a community breakfast and a celebratory luncheon, was comprised of a collection of God-honoring songs of praise and spoken words.

Hoornbeek himself delivered a 15-minute address, referencing Jeremiah 29:4–7 and Matthew 5 to reinforce Northwestern’s need to “live as salt and light; as light and leaven for the good of the world” amidst times of unprecedented cultural, spiritual, social, and political division.

Dr. David Weeks, dean of the Honors College at Azusa Pacific University (APU), presented a message to the president with an emphasis on leadership and Christian liberal education. Weeks, a longtime friend of Dr. Hoornbeek, recognized the new president’s “unflinching devotion” to Northwestern’s mission with his collaborative style, pastoral heart, and tireless pursuit. Charges to Dr. Hoornbeek were also presented by Ann Sorenson, professor of media at Northwestern; Mattie Krause, president of the Northwestern Student Government Association; Dr. Adam Wright, president of Dallas Baptist University; and Andy Youso, on-air host at 98.5 KTIS-FM. Dr. Alan Cureton, Hoornbeek’s presidential predecessor at UNW, closed the ceremony with a prayer of benediction.

Ahead of four Christmas at Northwestern performances, the Northwestern Festival Choir and combined instrumentalists performed several numbers in the inaugural ceremony, including “Praise My Soul, the King of Heaven” and Handel’s “Hallelujah Chorus”.

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IF THESE WALLS COULD TALK

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hat’s old is new again. And in the words of English writer and philosopher John Ruskin:

“Drawing may be taught by tutors; but design only by heaven.”

Nazareth Hall, home to many Northwestern chapel services, weddings, classes, and music recitals over decades of years, is a veritable jewel of architecture and a place of dazzling 1920s Romanesque-Byzantine beauty.

From the immense expanse of its massive, 105-foot entrance tower to the arched inner vault of its foyer, there is rich symbolism and didactic meaning in the building that has been a recognizable pillar to Northwestern students since 1972.

2022 marked Nazareth Hall’s centennial. The building and its beauty carry a certain amount of nostalgia for those who have spent time on Northwestern’s campus as a student, parent, friend, or visitor. Its history and original purpose, though, are not as widely known. Much of what a Catholic bishop envisioned in the 19th century—well beyond the physical structure—remains intact today as thousands walk through Nazareth each year.

Nazareth was originally constructed as the minor seminary of the Archdiocese of St. Paul. The archdiocese occupied the building and surrounding campus for 47 years until its closure in 1970, a casualty of the 1960s, a time when a flood of minor seminaries were shuttered amid a massive cultural shift in favor of change and modernity. Later that year, Northwestern purchased the suburban St. Paul property from the archdiocese for $2.175 million.

Despite its age, the European-looking structure stands strong today, 50 years after Northwestern acquired the space after its Minneapolis beginnings. The building has been described as frozen poetry—a rhyme in every line, grace, and beauty, and meaning in every part of its stately structure. Both inside and outside Nazareth Hall, art and architecture reach beyond the surface of the senses and touch the depths of the human soul.

Rev. Thomas Grace, the first Catholic bishop of St. Paul, purchased the suburban sylvan land where Nazareth Hall stands in 1866. For the price of $800—approximately $19 per acre—Grace, on behalf of the archdiocese, was able to purchase 42 wooded acres abutting scenic Lake Johanna.

In 1915, his successor purchased an additional adjoining 47 acres for $3,525, making a total of 89 wooded lakeshore acres on the pristine shores of a picturesque recreational lake. Several decades later, Nazareth Hall Preparatory Seminary was built by Archbishop Austin Dowling, a pioneer evangelist who also envisioned the nearby Cathedral of St. Paul.

With a strong commitment to education and having previously served as a ministerial professor, Dowling initiated construction of a seminary built on a lake in the wilds of nature, where students could be formed in the school of virtue in the invigorating world of imagination and the great outdoors, giving deep insight into his advanced psychology of education. There students could connect with nature, an effective teacher, with every wild bird and wavelet on the lakeshore speaking of the glory of God and the beauty of creation. Despite a transition in ownership five decades after Nazareth Hall’s opening, the space for teaching, learning, and worship has remains a vital part of the Northwestern experience.

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“Nazareth Hall, with the combination of its style, Biblical symbolism, and large tower, is a beautiful example of sacred space in the Twin Cities,” reflected Dr. Mark Baden, who has served as Professor Emeritus in Northwestern’s Department of Art and Design. “As you approach and enter Nazareth, you’re invited to come into the presence of Christ, to be schooled under his authority, and to take on his burden, just as we read in Matthew 11.”

In 1921, the building’s original construction contract called for 25,000 barrels of cement to be used. The large, multi-purpose building that was designed was actually six buildings in one, requiring 200 tons of reinforced steel, 600,000 bricks, and 200,000 red face bricks for the exterior. Materials were used from all over the world in the chapel to symbolize the universality of the Church. Nazareth Hall was built with relatively great speed. When the cornerstone was laid on May 21, 1922, construction was already well under way with the foundation and first floor completed; the building finally opened in Sept. 1923.

Although the original construction estimate was $500,000, its final cost was a debtless $1.2 million.

Maginnis & Walsh, an architecture firm from Boston, Mass., designed Nazareth Hall, having unparalleled skill in ecclesiastical design, as evidenced in scores of churches across the country, including their most monumental work, the National Shrine in Washington, D.C. The architects surveyed the sight and seized the possibilities of the setting among the trees and lakeside, effectively designing a building that would fit into the landscape, while giving attention to the conveniences of the lake’s view and breeze, bolstering the quality of life for generations who lived and studied on the shores of Lake Johanna.

The entire complex shows many innovations in structural engineering and design, with priority given to both aesthetic significance and practical functionality in every possible feature.

Nazareth was designed in the style of North Italian Lombard Romanesque. It was fortuitous and originally built as a series of buildings that were actually connected as one large building—a definite plus in Minnesota winters, designed to accommodate between 200-250 youths who lived and studied on the campus. From the beginning, the approved design was a building that was intended to enrapture the attention and imagination of young students, thus the fortress theme with tower to inspire them to greatness and the noble pursuit of knowledge.

When visitors approach the main entrance, they are greeted with a semi-circular tympanum, the central piece of art on the exterior. It shows a carved figure in high relief—in the style of the art of the 18

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catacombs—with Christ the Good Shepherd depicted as a boy standing between two palm trees and two sheep resting at his feet. The setting allowed the seminary boys to put themselves in the picture, identifying with the Puer Nazrenus (the boy of Nazareth). Carved in the Latin on the stone interval are the words from John 10:7, which translate to “Amen, amen, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep.” The carving continues with the scripture Dr. Baden referenced from Mark 11 and NAZARETH HALL is carved in the limestone above the entrance. On either side is a simplified rendition of the Jerusalem Cross, representative of the five sacred wounds of the passion of Christ. The pillars that mark the entrance are supporting images above the capitals that represent the four Gospels, emblematic of the flowering of Christianity atop the pagan rubble of ancient Rome. This door leads into the entrance stairwell, with a painted image above the entrance/ exit of the Transfiguration of Christ on Mt. Tabor, where the countenance of Christ changed and His raiment became a radiant white.

Inside, the chapel was designed with a wide center aisle for processions and two narrow side aisles, framed by heavy supporting columns from which the arched ceiling springs. The ceiling vault is supported by massive polished marble columns with foliate capitals, supporting the arches opening to the side aisles. The spanning arches are adorned with ornamental tile panels. All of these elements lend to perfect acoustics, designed for an age before the advent of microphones and sophisticated interior church sound systems. The Stations of the Cross move in an east-to-west direction throughout the room, following the footsteps of Jesus as he makes his way to Calvary and the impending crucifixion.

The 15th and final station, the resurrection of Christ, is represented at the altar.

The walls were lined with red Numidian marble— an extremely rare marble, imported from Algeria where the Romans had mined it themselves in ancient times. In the late 1800s, those same mines were rediscovered. When the chapel was built, full advantage was made of this recent discovery as with many other period building projects of the same decade.

The main body of the chapel was finished in stone and tile with an elegant arched barrel vault ceiling in “Guastavino” style, lending a Mediterranean look designed according to the brilliant tile arch system, complete with interlocking terracotta tiles. This was a version of the Catalan vault invented for modern construction and patented by Spanish architect and builder Rafael Guastavino. Guastavino’s work can be found in monuments and landmarks throughout the

photo : josh stokes

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world, such as the Boston Public Library, the Basilica of St. Lawrence in Asheville, North Carolina, and the Ellis Island Registry Room in New York.

The Nazareth sanctuary has an alpine-green marble floor and walls covered in red Numidian marble, uniting the décor of the sanctuary with that of the rest of the church in unbroken unison and color.

The polished marble was cut in Africa, shipped to Minnesota and installed in a butterfly—matching pairs—technique. In similar fashion, the massive white pillars, from Italy, were shipped across the ocean and transported by train to their final destination. The pillars that stand in Nazareth Hall today are actually the second set. Due in part to the weight of the columns, the first group sank on a ship amidst the journey across the Atlantic Ocean.

While the building eventually changed ownership, its name remains. With regard to how the building received its name, the Catholic Bulletin published the following in 1922, after Nazareth’s completion: This building has been fittingly called Nazareth Hall, which implies a special consecration. Christ, in preparation for the exercise of His Priesthood, had the quiet and retirement of years at Nazareth. There He grew in age and wisdom, worked, cultivated obedience which culminated in the obedience of the Cross. Here the young men who are to become ‘other Christs’ will have their years of Nazareth. They will learn to love obedience, and they will grow in wisdom, worldly and divine. As over the Nazareth of old, so over this the Spirit of the Most High will hover and brood and work out His mysterious wonders of grace.

The publication continued, The purpose of this building is the highest that can engage the attention of the human mind. Here are to be gathered strong, intelligent, innocent young men who will dedicate their physical strength, their mental powers, and the innocence of their youth to the service of Almighty God. Here they will be protected from the many and great dangers to which the youth of our day are exposed. This preparatory seminary will be the garden for the body, mind, and soul from which these young men will pass into the vestibule and sanctuary of the church.

100 years later, much of that same purpose exists—to equip students to grow intellectually and spiritually so they may serve effectively in their professions and give God-honoring leadership in their home, the church, in their community, and throughout the world.

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four generations of stories F. Albert Swanson ’26

Laura (Armstrong) Swanson ’27

Donald Swanson Phyllis (Livermore) Swanson ’53

From 1926 to 2015, Northwestern has welcomed nearly 20 immediate and extended members of the Swanson family. Every name tells a story, and every generation makes an impact for the Kingdom.

“Without the foundation of faith that I was raised with, and then was solidified through class at Northwestern, I know I would not be as strong in my faith as I am today.

I love that I have such a rich heritage of Northwestern attendees through my family history and into the next generation

— Melody Reynolds '78

Dennis Swanson B’78 M’08

Doug Swanson ’81

Sharon (Berg) Swanson ’94

Isaac Swanson ’15

Rebekah Swanson 2015–2017

Paul Reynolds ’79 Melody (Swanson) Reynolds ’78

Matt Reynolds ’03

Rachel (Reynolds) Peterson ’05

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ACADEMIC NEWS: ENGINEERING STUDENTS PRESENT CHRIST-CENTERED SOLUTIONS FOR REAL-WORLD PROBLEMS

By Kelly Larson

Despite its relatively young age, the Engineering program at the University of Northwestern – St. Paul has already made an impact in the local community through student projects. In addition, Northwestern’s recent accreditation by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET)—retroactive to 2017—bolsters the program’s already-strong reputation, as many scholarshipgranting organizations and well-known employers are looking for the ABET seal of approval.

Several companies have approached UNW and its students to continue and complete research and projects that had previously been tabled. As part of 22

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their capstone work, seven Northwestern seniors engaged in such tasks that ranged from designing a drive-through coffee shop to three-dimensional printing of circuit boards for small electronics to a robotic sanding station. For some students, these projects earned them a job offer after graduation. For others, it was the affirmation of contributing to society and working alongside peers to accomplish a task.

While she certainly appreciated the job preparedness that came with Northwestern’s Engineering program, Emily Compaan ’22 chose UNW for the freedom to pursue her calling. Throughout Compaan’s college

feet, using tools such as an accelerometer and incorporating several variables, such as the type of flooring, into account. For Compaan, the combination of a rigorous Engineering program and faculty who were willing to journey into previously unknown spaces with her produced immense fulfillment. “I’m not your typical go-into-industry student,” Compaan said. “I want to use my Northwestern experience for a bigger purpose; for something that you might not normally think of using engineering for.

ACADEMIC NEWS

search, multiple universities told her that it would be impossible to combine her love of mathematics and passion for dance. At Northwestern, she found encouragement from faculty member Dr. Matthew Hyre, who promised to work with Emily to discover her mission and see it through to the end. Hyre kept his promise while, alongside his Engineering peers, maintaining a high level of excellence in the classroom and applying his lessons to real-world problems that needed solving. In addition to being challenged intellectually at UNW, Compaan appreciated the personal and spiritual growth she received from her professors.

Compaan’s senior project involved designing a hightemperature plastic injection molding; a product that Compaan and her Northwestern teammates delivered to a local engineering firm who had commissioned it for further development and use. Throughout the project’s development, Emily met weekly with a faculty mentor who offered guidance in not only the how-to tasks, but also in other components such as time management, setting and achieving specific project goals, and effective communication.

Meanwhile, Compaan and Hyre worked on a separate research project focused on her passions of dance and math, developing a process to track the impact of the act of jumping—and landing—on a dancer’s

Emily’s application of an Engineering degree is not unique, nor is her intention to use it for God’s glory going forward. UNW seeks to equip and prepare its students to live out a Christ-centered worldview as alumni in their vocation. For Compaan, that meant working in Panama, Mexico, and Guatemala during her long-term internship with Engineering Ministries International (EMI). She is currently working for the aviation sector of a full-service mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineering firm in downtown Minneapolis."

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Equipping UNW students to stand firm in the truth of the Gospel Nazareth Circle is a critical foundation of supportive alumni, parents, faculty, staff, and friends who are committed to graduating the next generation of Christ-centered leaders. You can become a Nazareth Circle member by annually giving a one-time or monthly gift equaling $1,000 or more to the Northwestern Scholarship Fund.

When you join Nazareth Circle, know that 100% of your investment directly supports students with the greatest financial need. Give online at unwsp.edu/nazcircle or via mail. Scan the QR code for more information.

“As a missionary kid, receiving a scholarship allowed me to focus on my education. This scholarship was truly a provision from God.” —Anna Podolinsky ’24 24

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Northwestern students who registered for the Spring 2022 term course Sports Leadership received a unique experience that most alumni cannot claim: former Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Ryan Saunders was their adjunct faculty member for the entire term.

Sure, many classes on a variety of subjects periodically feature guest speakers with notable names, but this time, every session—including devotions and prayer, a lecture, and Q&A—was facilitated by Saunders.

ACADEMIC NEWS

SPORTS LEADERSHIP COURSE GIVES NORTHWESTERN STUDENTS NEW INSIGHTS, PERSPECTIVES

Saunders, a known name in Minnesota basketball circles—first from his late father Flip, then on his own accord—was the youngest National Basketball Association (NBA) head coach upon his Timberwolves hiring in 2019. When that tenure came to a close a little over two years later, Saunders chose to stay in the Twin Cities region with his young family rather than immediately pursue a coaching role in another city. Brad Ruiter ’91, who worked with Saunders at the Timberwolves before becoming chair of Northwestern’s Kinesiology department, introduced Ryan to Northwestern and the curriculum he wrote that was designed to provide students with opportunities to develop moral and ethical values and philosophical skills by exploring sports management issues and organizational behavior.

When Ruiter was considering who should teach the Sports Leadership course, he knew Saunders would make a great fit. “Ryan has always been an incredible mix of maturity, kindness, professionalism, and Christ-like example in our professional relationship, our friendship, and every aspect of his life,” said Ruiter. “Ryan is the definition of what I want our students to exemplify when they pursue a career in sports. He was uniquely qualified to offer our students his insights to make them more prepared for life.”

Twice each week, the 30 students in attendance were invited into a 100-minute conversation with Saunders.

In addition to reciting and dialoguing that day’s Jesus Calling entry and covering the day’s requests in prayer, the class celebrated students’ wins, discussed current events in sports leadership, and were led in lectures that covered relevant topics including leadership and decision-making in the sports arena.

They pored through Christian author and pastor Mark Batterson’s book, Win the Day. As if that list of activities wasn’t already enough, Saunders welcomed his own group of guest speakers into the conversation to interact with Northwestern students. P.J. Fleck, the University of Minnesota head football coach,

brought his familiar energy and charisma into the classroom. NFL Hall of Fame Coach Tony Dungy spoke with the group via Zoom.

After their initial shock of having a celebrity instructor wore off, Saunders’ impact on student growth remained strong throughout the course.

“After college, I’m interested in sports business,” said Kyle Kaemingk ’23. “Sure, Coach Saunders’ contact list is amazing, but the examples we talked about in class stretched and resonated with me.”

While the course’s impact on Northwestern students was profound, it also impacted the professor. “Teaching this group of 30 students was a great opportunity for me to remain in touch with that generation, to learn from them, and to pass on what I’ve learned from my experiences to equip them for scenarios and opportunities they may face in the future,” Saunders said. “Based on my experience in the classroom with these students, I’m confident that the future of Christcentered leadership in our society is bright.”

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PR ACTICING TH E ART OF ADAPTA B I LI T Y | BY KELLY LARSON If you have ever been in a room where Dr. Melissa Mork is speaking, you will remember her. She is a 20-year teaching veteran, published author and contributor, award-winning faculty member, sought after speaker and presenter, and now a podcaster and viral TikToker. Dr. Mork is esteemed by her colleagues and respected by her students but remains approachable and engaging. While she may not look like a stereotypical university professor, Dr. Mork shares at least one characteristic with them—a passion for teaching.

She carries prestigious honors including a “Professor of the Year” nomination by Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, but also student-rated awards like “Top 3 Professor” at Northwestern, and is a two-time winner of Northwestern’s Excellence in Teaching award. Words most often used to describe her are inspirational, hilarious, caring, and respected.

It is not just Dr. Mork’s qualifications, but her evolving teaching philosophy that prompted the Pilot staff to feature her as this year’s Faculty Spotlight. Of her style she said, “Students do the work and reading outside the classroom then they come into the classroom and then we talk about it, we discuss, we process, we do case studies rather than just straight lecture. [This style] is so much more dynamic and engaging for the student.”

This modern perspective not only benefits the students but also challenges her as the professor. She mused, “I found that the engagement with the students, their curiosity, the questions they asked, their lived experiences, their examples that they offer, has always been… so informative and have challenged me to dig deeper.” In fact, Dr. Mork credits a painfully honest student during her first year of teaching who challenged her on the effectiveness of traditional lecture-based methods. She has since moved from what some call “sage from the stage” to “guide on the side.”

Lest you get the impression that Dr. Mork’s focus is solely on the academics, consider what she said about the greater importance of education at Northwestern: “It isn’t necessarily about the professor’s teaching style. It’s about how they show up in the classroom and how they interact with the students. Professors can lecture until they’re blue in the face but the students know that that professor has their back, that professor knows their name, that professor cares… teaching style is kind of secondary. Tertiary even.”

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Dr. Mork continued to captivate while sharing about her venture into podcasting. She was offered, and turned down, an opportunity from HBO to host a podcast on mental health. However, the Holy Spirit confirmed that the time was right when the opportunity came from Northwestern Media.

Not caring about recognition or mass influence like some, her satisfaction comes in knowing that even one person will know how to find hope and the resources they need by listening to her “Mental Health with Dr. Melissa Mork” podcast. One listener commented, “I don’t think I’ve heard a podcast like this before! It’s mesmerizing! And it helped me make sense of some things I’ve been going through.”

In addition to podcasting, the ability to use new platforms to influence a younger generation can be seen in her viral TikTok videos and growing audience. After one look at her profile, you will see Dr. Mork making great strides in bringing mental health and faith discussions into the mainstream. She also shared passionately about the therapy that her pottery-making brings and the parallels between pottery and life—how the imperfections that emerge at each stage are beautiful and endearing.

Hearing her speak about new ministry opportunities prompted the question, “Why continue to teach with all of these exciting endeavors?” Fears were put to rest when she responded, “I have to teach… Who would I be if I didn’t teach? That is exactly what I was designed to do. I didn’t know when I applied for this position but it is what I was designed to do. I wake up every morning during the school year and the first thought I have is, ‘Thank you, God, that I get to teach today.’ Why would I give that up?”

FACULTY AWARDS

2022 FACULTY EXCELLENCE AWARDS

EXCELLENCE IN SERVICE Kimberly Cronen, M.A.

Assistant Professor of Spanish

EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING Bruce Simat, Ph.D.

EXCELLENCE IN SCHOLARSHIP Boyd Seevers, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Biology

Professor of Old Testiment Studies

Kimberly Cronen joined Northwestern’s faculty in 2006, working to develop the Spanish language program, including refining the major curriculum, overseeing extracurricular programs such as a tutoring program for a local Spanishspeaking church, and providing outstanding creative instruction.

She has helped hundreds of Northwestern students develop fluency in the Spanish language and skills in Christ-centered intercultural competency.

Bruce Simat was commissioned by Northwestern in 1994 to initiate and develop a biology degree program. In 2011, Simat moved on to introducing a feasibility study for Northwestern’s nursing program.

Simat was significantly responsible for the work that went into the program before its accreditation in 2015. Simat also established and grew Northwestern’s Premedical Program, initiated TriBeta Biological Honor Society, and began the student organization Health Care Professionals of Tomorrow.

Boyd Seevers has an extensive list of publications and presentations.

Seevers focuses on excavations at ancient Shiloh in Israel as conducted through the work of the Associates for Biblical Research.

The scholarly analysis and presentation of these archaeological finds helps to illuminate the Biblical world and sharpen our understanding of Biblical text.

Cronen has lived, studied, traveled, worked, and served in Spanishspeaking areas all over the world.

In 2014, she traveled to San José, Costa Rica, for a site visit to develop a new study abroad option, and in 2010 she traveled to Quito, Ecuador, to develop coursework and build relationships.

Beyond his academic contributions, Simat has impacted the lives of many students through coresearch projects to prepare them for internships and careers in research, and written more than 350 letters of recommendation for graduate school or employment.

In addition to teaching with excellence and supporting students, Bruce has been active in Christian apologetics in the community, providing lectures to churches and Christian organizations concerning the limitations of science and evolutionary theory.

One student shared, “[She] did such a good job of helping me learn and open my eyes to Latin-American cultures. She is the most authentic professor I have had, and she cares for me beyond academics.”

In 2019 Seevers helped to bring an exhibit of archaeological artifacts from Khirbet el-Maqatir, the probable site of Ai (Joshua 7–8), to Northwestern. Seevers helped curate the exhibit and led may of the 90 tours to a large portion of the 1,460 people who viewed the exhibit.

Seevers was recently awarded the J. Edwin Hartill Endowed Professor award for 2022–2024 in which he will build on the research from his first receipt of the award in 2016. This work has been highly effective in engaging Northwestern students in archaeological work through actual digs in Israel, as well as the analysis and formal publication of the findings.

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BOOKS & CONTRIBUTION S Fred “Boone” Aldridge - Kenneth L. Pike: An Evangelical Mind (Pickwick Publications, 2021).

This biography examines the life of a most unusual twentieth-century evangelical, Kenneth L. “Ken” Pike (1912–2000), who served with the Wycliffe Bible Translators and the Summer Institute of Linguistics.

Robert Allen, adjunct professor in the Department of Communication, published the novel Sunday in New York (Crosslink Publishing, 2021).

The novel is a “spiritual narration” based on evangelist Billy Sunday and the great New York City Revival.

Allen also published the novel Megachurch: Worldwide Revival with Resource Publications in July 2021.

John Brandon, Northwestern Media Digital Marketing Director – The 7-Minute Productivity Solution: How to Manage Your Schedule, Overcome Distraction, and Achieve the Results You Want (Fleming H Revell Co, 2022).

Using his proven seven-minute framework, productivity expert John Brandon reveals how to radically reduce digital distractions and revamp your routines for better focus, efficiency, and outcomes.

Ed Glenny, professor of New Testament Studies and Greek, recently authored the book Amos: A Handbook on the Greek Text (Baylor University Press, 2022).

In Amos, W. Edward Glenny provides a foundational analysis of the Greek text of the Septuagint version of Amos. The analysis is distinguished by the detailed yet comprehensive attention paid to the text.

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Jonathan Loopstra, professor of History, published a new book, Jacob of Sarug’s Homily on Edessa and Jerusalem (Gorgias Press LLC, 2021).

The homily—edited, translated, and presented with annotations and Biblical references—takes as its principal subject the legendary exchange of letters between King Abgar V in Edessa and Jesus in Jerusalem.

Jenita Pace, adjunct professor in the department of Psychology, Criminal Justice, & Law Enforcement - The Healing Name of Jesus (BroadStreet Publishing Group LLC, 2022).

The Healing Names of Jesus explores 31 names of God to help you deepen your understanding of who He is, find meaning in your pain, and renew your strength.

Terrance Rollerson, director of intercultural Engagement & Belonging, authored Broken Yet Called: A Leader’s Journey to Renewal and Restoration (Good Soil Press, 2022).

Everyone experiences brokenness at some point in their life, but are we prepared to handle these tough situations in a Biblical and effective way? In Broken Yet Called, Terrance Rollerson equips church leaders and members to approach these situations with love, perspective, and a clear vision for the role God would have us play in each other’s lives.

PRESIDENT’S LETTER

REFER AN EAGLE!

Scan the QR code or visit unwsp.edu/refer

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HONORING RETIRING FACULTY British author and sociologist Harriet Martineau wrote, “What office is there which involves more responsibility, which requires more qualifications, and which ought, therefore, to be more honorable, than that of teaching?” Here, we honor the faculty who have collectively spent 91 years bestowing their knowledge and experience on hundreds of students. Alumni regularly tell their family and friends about the eternal impact these instructors made on their lives. Yes, the curriculum is necessary, but these faculty have truly fulfilled the mission of Northwestern “to provide Christ-centered higher education equipping students to grow intellectually and spiritually, to serve effectively in their professions, and to give God-honoring leadership in the home, church, community and world.” The community of Northwestern is forever grateful that they answered God’s call to invest in this generation of learners and leaders.

Ron Ginn

31 Years at Northwestern Ron Ginn’s professional involvements at the University of Northwestern include Chairing the Interdisciplinary Studies Program and teaching in the School of Education. He taught Educational Foundations, Education Ethics, Human Relations in a Cross-Culturally Diverse World, Seminar in Professional Issues, and Professional Competency Assessment. Ron received Northwestern’s Faculty Award for Excellence in Teaching in 2018.

He is an alumnus of Northwestern (B.S.’90), and earned his graduate degrees from St. Mary’s University of Minnesota (M.A. ’08), and Northcentral University, Arizona (Ph.D. ’16).

“Dr. Ron Ginn has made an immeasurable impact within our UNW School of Education community through the years. I will always be thankful for Ron’s faithful service, his student-centered nature, his ability to foster and nurture relationships, his drive for excellence, and his commitment to Christ-centered education.” –Lara Brunson, assistant dean & associate professor, School of Education

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RETIRING FACULTY

Doreen Hutchings 23 Years at Northwestern

Doreen Hutchings, a member of the UNW Music faculty since 1999, taught Voice, voice-related subjects, and directed the UNW Opera Workshop program.

Doreen has extensive opera-related directing credits including in 2006, when she directed the premiere of former music faculty member Barbara Rogers’ opera Ruth, which was composed specifically for the Northwestern College opera workshop, orchestra, and choir.

She founded the Academy of Music Vivace Voices Youth Choir, directed an annual Show Choir Camp at UNW, and was the vocal director for the UNW Theatre Department’s musicals. Hutchings also taught Voice for the Academy of Music while maintaining a private vocal studio off campus.

“Professor Hutchings has an eye for the details and can articulate them with kindness and love. She does such an amazing job at creating an open and loving [environment].

She encourages us and builds up our confidence. She models Christ-like behavior for all of us, and it trickles down into how we treat each other.” –Former Student

Mark Muska

37 Years at Northwestern Muska taught Old/New Testament and theology courses at University of Northwestern since 1989. He co-led numerous study trips to Israel, Turkey, and Greece. On these trips, Northwestern students had the amazing experience of seeing Biblical sites in person while earning Bible credits to fulfill their curriculum requirements.

He served as Chair of the Biblical & Theological Studies department from 1998–2003, and President of the Faculty Senate in 2012–2014. Professor Muska received Northwestern’s Teacher of the Year award in 1995, 2010, and 2016.

Muska appears regularly on the “Ask the Professor” live call-in show on Northwestern Media's Faith Radio.

He is active in various ministries, such as serving as a volunteer with Prison Fellowship, teaching theology in Lebanon, and preaching at local churches.

“Throughout my years of working with Mark, I have been aware of his deep care for students and his strong commitment to Biblical truth. His service at Northwestern has been consistent, committed, and varied. Mark’s impact will continue to be felt in the church for many years to come because of his investment in the lives of students here at Northwestern. Mark, thank you for your dedicated service to Northwestern, your joy in ministry, your faithful use of the gifts that God has given you.”

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MUSIC Elijah Hager ’22, baritone, won first place in the Minnesota Sings Vocal Competition in the 21 and over division. Hager received a $4,000 prize along with other gifts, including a recording session with Garage recording studios, and a $500 check for his hometown charity of choice. Contestants were judged on vocal and presentation skills, audience response, judges’ overall impressions of the performance, and choice of material.

Kallie Kreutz ’24, flute, Emily Vold ’23, clarinet, Elaina Carsten ’25, tenor saxophone, and Arn Huizinga ’22, trombone, were selected to the MMEA Intercollegiate Honor Band. The students had the opportunity to perform at the Minneapolis Convention Center.

Emma Davis ’22 won first place in the Voice Level 1 division of the Schubert Club Student Scholarship Competition. She performed in the winners recital at the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts. Ingrid Tverberg ’24, Music Performance major and cellist, came in second.

Joshua Hunt ’25, trombone, was selected for the World Association for Symphonic Bands & Ensembles (WASBE) Youth Wind Orchestra performing in Prague, Czech Republic, for the WASBE Conference. Hunt is one of only six trombone players chosen from an international search.

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MUSIC & THEATRE

THEATRE Emily Compaan ’22, Engineering major, and Caleb Hustedde ’22, Music Education major, received Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship nominations with the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival (KCACTF) for their roles in UNW Theatre’s production of Peter Pan, A Musical Adventure. Caleb was nominated for his role as Peter Pan and Emily was nominated for her role as Tinker Bell. Later in the season, Mikah Juelich ’22 and Lindsey Schmidt ’22, Theatre majors, received Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship nominations with the KCACTF for their roles in Ramona Quimby. Juelich was nominated for her portrayal of Dorothy Quimby, and Schmidt was nominated for her role as Beezus Quimby. The Irene Ryan Acting Scholarships provide recognition, honor, and financial assistance to outstanding student performers wishing to pursue further education.

Region 5 consists of Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota.

UNW Theatre took 29 students to London on an overseas study tour. The group toured historical theaters, like Shakespeare’s Globe, and ended the trip in Stratford Upon Avon, studying and experiencing Shakespeare’s birthplace and viewing performances by the Royal Shakespeare Company. Additionally, they saw productions including The Play That Goes Wrong, Much Ado About Nothing, Matilda, Back to the Future, The Woman in Black, and Straight Line Crazy.

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AT HLETICS

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In Nov. 2022, the Northwestern Volleyball team reached the NCAA Division III Final Four for the second time in six years, posting a program-best 34-3 season record and finishing the season with a No. 3 national ranking. Three Eagles—Abby Glanzer ’24, Ari Schmidt ’24, and Marylyn Schroyer ’23 —were named AVCA All-Americans while head coach Beth Wilmeth ’01 was voted the AVCA Region Coach of the Year.

Volleyball student-athlete Sydney Schwitters ’21 broke the all-time career assists record of 4,469, finishing her career with 4,684. In addition to leading all NCAA Division III players with 11.53 assists per set, Schwitters was named the 2021 American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) / National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) Player of the Year.

The Northwestern football team went undefeated in UMAC play to win the 2022 conference championship and advance to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2016.

Northwestern Women’s Basketball became UMAC Tournament Champions in Feb, 2023. Eagles won the title game to advance to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2014. At the end of the season, Eagles were honored with numerous conference awards, highlighted by Player of the Year, Coach of the Year, and the Sportsmanship Team Award.

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ATHLETICS

Dave Hieb (baseball) became the first UNW head coach to have coached in 1,000 contests and win 500 or more of those games. Hieb is UNW’s longesttenured Athletics staff member; 2023 is his 28th and final year leading the baseball program and his 34th year serving as an athletic trainer.

After claiming the 2021 UMAC championship, the Northwestern women’s golf team participated in its first NCAA Division III Tournament in 2022 at Bay Oaks Country Club in Houston, Texas.

Track and Field student-athlete Deanna Trucksess ’25 broke the school record in the 200-meter run—a mark that had previously stood for 39 years—with a time of 27.01 seconds.

Abby Glanzer ’24 was named the 2021 AVCA/NCAA Division III Freshman of the Year and an AVCA First Team All-American—both firsts for Northwestern.

Glanzer also received Top Freshman, All-Conference, and Academic All-Conference honors from the UMAC.

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HOMECOMING & FAMIILY WEEKEND More than 1,500 Northwestern alumni and families visited campus for Homecoming & Family Weekend 2022! Activities included a recognition dinner for alumni honorees (below), a fantastic, musical Showcase— complete with an alumni choir, our second annual President’s Gathering, a host of alumni athletics games, a celebration of Nazareth Hall’s 100-year anniversary, and a worship-filled concert with Tonia Hughes & Known MPLS choir. Mark your calendars now: Homecoming & Family Weekend 2023 is scheduled for Oct. 6–7.

HOMECOMING HONOREES

DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI OF THE YEAR

BUCKLES-HANNA SERVICE AWARD

MUSIC AND THEATRE HALL OF RECOGNITION

ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME

Dr. Heather Walker Peterson ’95

Dr. Bruce Simat

Hannah (Nelson ’03) Lu

Former Softball Coach

ATHLETICS HALL OF FAME

ATHLETICS HALL OF FAME

ATHLETICS HALL OF FAME

ATHLETICS HALL OF FAME

Rachel Larsen Dameron ’01

Dan Westin ’01

Krista (Stoltz ’14) Bellefeuille

Robb Nachtigal ’93

Soccer

Basketball

Volleyball

Football

DelRoy Johnson

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ALUMNI UPDATES 1950s Edwin Blomberg ’52 of Ogema, Wisconsin was welcomed into heaven on Feb. 6, 2022 surrounded by his loving family. In the early 2000s, his wife Jewell was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and Ed lovingly and faithfully cared for her for over 13 years until she went home to be with the Lord after 63 years of marriage.

1960s Rev. Vernon Anderson ’60 was promoted to heaven on May 12, 2021 at the age of 98. He served the Lord faithfully as a pastor in Wisconsin and Minnesota.

Conrad Krieger ’61 and Donna (Baker ’61) Krieger are officially snowbirds, spending half of the year in Florida with their son and the other half in Kansas with their daughter.

Eugene Dalager ’66 went home to be with the Lord on Mar. 11, 2021. He is survived by his wife, Alice (Gloyd ’64) Dalager.

1970s Dr. David Kolb ’75 and his wife Joni retired to River Falls, Wisconsin in 2017, after serving as missionaries in Mexico for 23 years.

Thomas Houvenagle, Jr. ’79 and Paula (Abraham ’79) Houvenagle became grandparents to Holland Iva Ann Kerber, born on Dec. 17, 2021.

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Darla (Avery ’84) Jones lost her husband, Michael, in June 2021 to COPD and congestive heart failure, just two months short of their 25th wedding anniversary.

Dr. Toby Travis ’84 published a new book, TrustED: The Bridge to School Improvement.

Bradley Gabbert ’85 abruptly returned to the United States after almost 15 years of serving in international schools in China due to Covid evacuations and settled in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

He was then diagnosed with Lipo Sarcoma in October of 2020 and continues to receive treatment.

Zoe Ann (Zoebisch ’88) Thruman enjoys writing, training for triathlons, and gardening after three decades of educating her children and grandchildren. She also started a music conservatory in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho and leads evangelism training for local groups and churches.

Robert Samuelsen ’89 is enjoying life as a husband, father of four, and celebrating 25 years of service as a soldier.

As an Army Colonel in the JAG Corps, Robert leads a legal office at a large training post which transforms American volunteers into Soldiers.

1990s

1980s

Rev. Gerald “Jerry” Appelquist ’92 is enjoying retirement from the Minnesota Department of Corrections but still serves as a Wisconsinlicensed substitute teacher.

Gloria (Wray ’83) Mayo and Tim Mayo ’82 were instrumental in starting a new ECO (Evangelical Covenant Order of Presbyterians) church in Plum Borough, Pennsylvania in 2018.

Marsha (Isakson ’01) Appelquist works for Polk County, Wisconsin. Both have been leaders at Celebrate Recovery, led Bible studies, and helped with various children’s programs.

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Todd Morrison ’93 and Kara (Kuhls ’93) Morrison, who celebrated their 29-year wedding anniversary this year, live in Woodinville, Washington. Kara graduated with an Education degree from Northwestern, earned a master’s degree in Education, and is a much beloved kindergarten teacher in the Northshore School District.

Ethan Blomquist ’94 and Cheri (Pardue ’94) Blomquist moved to southern Tennessee after many years of living in Colorado. Ethan is a highlevel IT engineer and Cheri is an online English teacher and the author of two books, both released in 2021.

Jon Albert ’96 recently stepped down as the director of Canyon Ministries and now leads a Christian retreat ranch, Gloryview Ranch, in northern Arizona. Jon and his wife Kathleen welcomed their first grandchild in May 2022.

Ron Stewart ’97 was announced as one of four finalists in this year’s Great American ThinkOff, an annual philosophy contest held in New York Mills, Minnesota.

Brad Aust ’98 became the lead pastor at Heartland Community Church in St. Charles, Minnesota in Aug. 2021 after 16 years of youth and family ministry at various churches.

Christine Rogers ’98 returned to the United States after 35 years of serving with TEAM (The Evangelical Alliance Mission) in Austria, where she started and developed churches. She is involved in her church through a women’s Bible study and serves on the care team for global partners.

Melinda (Eisenlohr ’99) Anderson began serving on the board of directors for Degrees of Change. She is currently pivoting careers after 15 years at Microsoft to pursue opportunities focused on migration or education.

2000s Angela (Arthur ’02) Agner was married on Mar. 12, 2022 in Becker, Minnesota.

She and her husband now reside in Omaha, Nebraska.

Elizabeth (Baltus ’02) Miller and her husband Barry welcomed their son, Calvin Josiah, into the world on Aug. 30, 2021.

Benjamin Hemmila ’03 relocated back to Minnesota from Anchorage, Alaska in Nov. 2019. He and his wife Amanda welcomed their second son, Silas, on Mar. 28, 2021.

Kristin (Miller ’04) Lindeen and her husband Erik continue to lead Mosaic Church in Maple Grove, Minnesota after planting the church in 2015.

Rev. Perrin Werner ’04 and Jodi (Christensen ’04) Werner, along with their kids Ellie and Jo, are moving to Japan after recently being appointed as missionaries with Resonate Global Mission. After intensive language study, Perrin will be involved in training pastors and lay leaders.

Nathan Bird ’06 is celebrating his fifth year producing and performing in A Three Tenors Christmas at Chanhassen Dinner Theaters. He also passed his LHA, SIE, and Series 7 and 66 exams to become a financial advisor with Thrivent.

Luke Rasmussen ’06 started a new job as a Client Relations Coordinator at Messerli Kramer, PA law firm in Dec. 2021. Luke plans on going back to school for his paralegal certificate. His wife, Elizabeth, is pursuing her Nursing degree.

ALUMNI UPDATES

Shar (Carlson ’06) Marthaler married Dave Marthaler in June 2021.

Alisa Matheson ’07 launched Life History, a non-profit that is receiving national recognition on the important topic for young people who have experienced out-of-home care.

Matheson is also scheduled to be a keynote speaker at the 2023 Association of Children's Residential & Community Services Conference where she will be representing the nonprofit, Power of Story, and will speak about how residential staff and administration can help ensure that young people who have experienced outof-home placement have equal, consistent personcentered access to their history, stories, photos, and medical information.

Rochelle Behne ’08 married Joel Bendell on May 23, 2020.

Evan Jones ’08 and Christine (Anderson ’08) Jones welcomed Tobias “Toby” Craig to their family on Oct. 19, 2021.

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ALUMNI UPDATES 2010s Rachel (Maki ’10) Lindner and her husband Bryan welcomed a son, Owen, on Apr. 25, 2021.

Dr. Hannah Orem ’10 married Jonathan Mendez in July 2018. They welcomed their daughter, Savannah Lee, in July 2019 and their son, Owen Douglas, in Mar. 2021. The family resides in Rockford, Illinois. Hannah recently celebrated nine years at Upper Cervical Care Center, where she is a NUCCA (National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association) chiropractor.

Hannah is the only woman in the state of Illinois to be a Level 3 candidate in NUCCA. Cody Wilde ’10 was recently promoted to Vice President of Academy Programs at Prison Fellowship. He oversees the most intensive in-prison program (Prison Fellowship Academy) for the entire country.

Brittany (Werner ’11) Culp and her husband Brandon welcomed their second son, Everett James, on May 2, 2021. Delta, age 3, enjoys being a big brother. Brittany and Brandon just announced they are expecting another baby in May 2023.

Krista Kastle ’11 moved from Maple Grove, Minnesota to Lakeland, Florida in 2016 and currently works in the technology field for Publix Supermarkets.

Katherine “Katie” (Promnitz ’12) McCauley and her husband Bryce welcomed their fourth child and second girl, Eliana Kate, on Feb. 7, 2022.

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Josh Beck ’13 left his job to become a fulltime freelance artist and internet missionary, someone whose mission field is online instead of a physical location.

Chris Smalley ’94, M’14 became a freelance content writer and named his business “Eagle Writing Services” in honor of his time at Northwestern.

Isaac Swanson ’15 and Brittney Holt were married Feb. 27, 2021 in Denton, Texas. As the son of Dennis M’08 and Sharon ’94 Swanson, the grandson of Phyllis ’53 and Don Swanson, and the great-grandson of F. Albert ’26 and Laura ’27 Swanson, Isaac is a fourth generation UNW alumnus.

Brittany (Bennett ’15) Berndt married Andy Berndt on June 19th, 2022 in Pipestone, Minnesota.

They now reside in Slayton, Minnesota.

Spencer Larsen ’16 graduated with his M.A. of Ministry Leadership while working as Pastor of Youth Ministries at Oakwood Community Church in Waconia, Minnesota.

Elizabeth “Betsy” (Boggs ’16) Platter married Avery Platter on Aug. 29, 2021.

Melody Rossiter ’16 is working towards her master’s in Clinical Counseling and Art Therapy—the career path for which she got her Interdisciplinary Studies degree at UNW.

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Salena (Berger ’16) Unitt married Joshua Unitt on Jan. 1, 2022. Salena has been working at Christian Encounter Ranch, a residential ministry for at-risk teens in Northern California, since graduation.

Mitchell Hennen ’17 served as a missionary from 2018–2021 in Zanzibar, Tanzania, serving an unreached people group in an Islamic region. He is currently fundraising to return for a second term.

Shepherd Randall Christenberry was born to Katie (Eckard) ‘17 Christenberry and Collin Christenberry ‘18 on May 10, 2022.

Alexander Bauer ’18 went home to be with the Lord in Mar. 2021 after a lifetime fighting Myotubular Myopathy (MTM). He had a fierce love for the Lord and brought many to Jesus. Despite expectations that he would not live even one year, he lived to age 27. He passed away at home with his family caring for him in South Dakota, as was his wish.

Rue Norman ‘19 is took as position as a Performing Apprentice at Children’s Theatre Center in Minneapolis, Minn. She was seen last in Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Something Happened in our Town, and Annie.

Amanda Vanderzee '15 and her husband Mark welcomed their third child, Zion Samuel, on December 14, 2021. Amanda also recently accepted a call to serve as Women’s Ministry Director for Bethel Church in Cedar Lake, Ind. Beth (Oesterlin) '12 married Jordan Syverson on July 9, 2022.

2020s Darren Halvorson ’20 and Abigail Halvorson were married on June 7, 2019 at Redeemed Farm in Scandia, Minnesota.

They welcomed Asher Zion Halvorson on July 31, 2022.

Emma Blum ’21 successfully began her career as a nurse at University of Minnesota Masonic Children’s Hospital.

Hubert Ngabriano ’21 and Kathryn (von Edeskuty ’20) Ngabirano married on July 10, 2021.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT UNWSP.EDU/HOMECOMING 42

U N I V E R S I T Y O F N O R T H W E S T E R N – S T. PA U L

Like many of you, as a Northwestern alumnus, I attended class sessions that consistently began with prayer. I participated in daily chapel, although in hindsight, sometimes I wish I would have engaged—not just participated—in those offerings to a greater degree. At Northwestern, I met lifelong friends and, upon graduation, left campus with a community of Christian believers at my side.

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

IN CLOSING...

As a UNW employee, I’ve watched waves of new students and their families move their belongings on campus each year as they begin their formal college journey. With each cycle comes new (or recycled) approaches to hairstyles and clothing, technology, and parent engagement. But no matter the trends, when the initial student welcome session begins, followed by the first chapel of the year, it all comes back to the same place: a community of faith that is rooted in scripture and open to what the Lord has in store for them.

You’ve read about Dr. Corbin Hoornbeek, who started as Northwestern’s ninth president in August after Dr. Alan Cureton served in the same role for more than 20 years. Just like presidents past, such as Drs. Berntsen, Ericksen, and all the way back to William Riley and Billy Graham, their commitment to the Scriptures and equipping the next generation of leaders in the home, church, community, and world has never wavered.

Whether you pursued a Bible certificate as a student at Northwestern Bible and Missionary Training School at the Loring Park campus, an Engineering degree at the University of Northwestern in suburban St. Paul, or earned an M.B.A. online, each generation of Northwestern has its own stories to share. And yet, God’s goodness and faithfulness remains a constant throughout.

You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. - Matthew 5:14–16 (NIV) Northwestern, let your light shine! Soli Deo gloria.

GREG JOHNSON, Ph.D. ’05, M’09 Editor-in-Chief

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