Connecting alumni and friends with San Diego Christian
Alumnus Goes Pro p. 5
Career Fair p. 10
Godspell p. 8
Celebrating the Class of 2015 p. 12 1
April Issue #11
TABLE OF CONTENTS
5 FEATURES
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PRO-BALL OVERSEAS Alumnus, Taylor Eichhorst (‘14) signs contract to play professional baseball in Switzerland.
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SPRING MUSICAL Godspell brought out many attendees at the Santee Town Center Amphitheater.
2015 GRADUATES Our graduates talk about their plans after graduating.
Cover photo: Cast of Godspell, SDC’s spring musical.
TRUTH P U R P O S E IM PAC T 200 Riverview Parkway
Santee, CA 92071
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(619) 201-8700
sdcc.edu
CONTENTS 4 5 8 10 12 16
From the President News Godspell Career Fair 2015 Graduates Alumni Notes
UPCOMING EVENTS 5.9.15 COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY
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LETTER FROM THE VP FOR ADVANCEMENT Next month we will be celebrating our 2015 class of SDC graduates. I have the pleasure of knowing many of them and I am amazed by the humility, determination, and Christ-centeredness they each carry. I have no doubt they will be great leaders and an influence in their families, work, and community. Like you, they will face new beginnings, milestones, and changes. May we depend on the promises God’s word gives us in Proverbs 3:5-6, which says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight.” Let this be a hope and reminder of His never ending faithfulness. We hope you will join us as we celebrate the class of 2015 at the 43rd Commencement Ceremony on May 9, 2015 at 10:00am at Shadow Mountain Community Church. You may also watch the ceremony live at sdcc.edu. Sincerely,
Robert Jensen, MSEL
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FROM THE PRESIDENT
Dear SDC Alumni, The month of May is an exciting and busy time as students and their families, along with faculty and staff, come to celebrate our 2015 graduating class. Each school year I enjoy reflecting back on all of God’s goodness. I have memories I will treasure and I can only imagine the special memories these graduates will take with them. My prayer for each of them is that God continues to direct their path and they stay committed to His calling on their lives. Graduation is a wonderful time to acknowledge our graduates, as well as our faculty and staff who have passionately helped these students reach their dreams. It is also fitting to honor our supporters, like you, who help our students reach their educational goals. Thank You. Join me in praying for this group of servant leaders committed to Truth, Purpose and Impact as they set out to influence the world for Christ. Blessings,
Paul Ague, Ph.D. President
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NEWS
Taylor Eichhorst Signs Professional Contract to Play Overseas in Switzerland by: Nick Fortini
Former SDC Hawk’s baseball player, Taylor Eichhorst (‘14), has signed a professional baseball contract with the Sissach Frogs of the National League A in Switzerland. Eichhorst was a part of the NAIA World Series team during SDC’s 2013-2014 baseball season, which had the highest winning record in the program’s history. “When our season ended in Lewiston, I knew that I wanted to keep playing baseball after college,” Eichhorst said. “Since then I have been looking for the right opportunity. When Coach Klarer contacted me, I could not pass up the chance to travel to Europe and to experience a new culture and meet new people, all while playing the game that I love.” Eichhorst finished his last season hitting .243, clubbing eight homers and driving in 43 RBIs. In 2013, he finished with 12 homers and 50 RBIs, with a .313 avg. He was first approached by Frogs Head Coach, Christian Klarer, through an overseas recruiter. They followed Eichhorst in the California winter league and have been talking off and on for the past month. Coach Klarer offered Eichhorst a contract in the middle of February. Eichhorst will start playing games as soon as he arrives in Switzerland. The first tournament is the weekend of the 27th-29th of March and regular season games begin April 11th. The Frogs are planning on making Eichhorst a catcher with the occasional appearance at first base. The club is in the NLA and has been around for 30 years. The Frogs are one of the top clubs in all of Switzerland.
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Kelcie Orsinelli Awarded San Diego Outstanding Student Teacher of Year Kelcie Orsinelli, Teaching Credential student at San Diego Christian College (SDC), was recognized as the San Diego Outstanding Student Teacher of the Year at the Greater San Diego Reading Association’s “Celebration of Literacy Stars” brunch, hosted at the Handlery Hotel and Resort Saturday, April 25th. Dr. Debra Cunningham, Chair of the Department of Education at SDC, had the privilege of awarding Kelcie for “demonstrating creativity, a knowledge of pedagogical skills, and student engagement in her teaching.” Dr. Cunningham further expresses that Kelcie’s “character reflects integrity, professionalism, and a passion for the educational field.” Kelcie received her bachelor’s degree at SDSU before enrolling in SDC’s Teacher Credential Program (TCP). She is currently completing her student teaching hours at Rio Seco, located in Santee, in their first and fifth grade classes. TCP is proud of Kelcie’s accomplishment and what it means for the types of teachers SDC is equipping and developing. SDC is honored to have TCP graduates who are positively impacting the lives of those in the community, nation, and world.
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First Year Tennis Team Nationally Ranked SDC’s men’s and women’s tennis team have made an impressive introduction in the GSAC conference. Throughout their first year, they have quickly moved up in ranking. Our men’s team earned the number nine spot in the NAIA poll. Brendan Aguilar was rated No. 11, Leonardo Urquidi was rated No. 24, and Alessandro Moriano was rated No. 45 in Singles. In Doubles, Aguilar and Urquidi received the No. 8 ranking and Moriano and Adam de Romas received the No. 24 spot. We also witnessed much success with our women’s team as they placed fifth in the GSAC conference. Viktoria Galitsyna received the No. 50 ranking in Singles and the No. 24 ranking in Doubles with teammate Heather Borsos. We are so proud of their success and determination. In addition, three players were named to the All-GSAC teams, Brendan Aguilar, Leonardo Urquidi, and Viktoria Galitsyna. We are very proud of their success.
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EVENTS
GODSPELL SDC students performed their 2015 spring musical, Godspell, at the amphitheater in the Santee Town Center. Several attendees came each of the four nights to watch the incredible talent of our students as they performed a modern twist to the gospel according to Matthew. The musical was created by John-Michael Tebelak, with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz.
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CAREER FAIR Over 160 students attended the annual SDC Career Fair. Representatives from 20 different companies met with students and some provided on the spot interviews. The attending employers stated that our students “seem really ambitious” and they “can tell that professors really pour into these students.” It is exciting to see the positive impact our students are having and the preparedness they have for the workplace.
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CELEBRATING THE CLASS OF 2015
Laurie Alcaraz | Psychology After graduation I plan to attend Air Force Dental Assistant Tech school in Texas for the summer. Once I graduate, I plan to go through a year long discipleship school called Impact 195 through the Rock Church. In September 2016, I will continue my education at Biola University. I plan to enroll in their 5 year Psychology Doctorate program, from which I’ll earn my Master’s degree after two years into the program.
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Amber Leonardini | Communication I chose to pursue a communication degree because I felt that it was a field of study that is useful in a wide range of areas. The Communication Department at SDC has given me countless opportunities, not only to overcome my fear of public speaking, but also to develop and strengthen my skills as a communicator. The biggest thing that communications has taught me is the difference between hearing and listening. Just because you hear what a person is saying, does not mean you are listening to them. Listening requires effort. A good communicator not only hears what a person is saying, but also takes the time to listen to them.
Tim Almeda | Biblical Studies God has opened up an opportunity for me to be involved in a church plant in Portland, Oregon next year. In the coming months, I will be brainstorming with the church planting team about what it will look like to live missionally and proclaim the truths of the Gospel in a culture that may not clearly see the goodness of Jesus. SDC has taught me that community is something that must be continually cherished and pursued. It not only magnifies the beauties in life, but it is also essential for growth in Christ. Professor Lem Usita has helped me see what it looks like to steward my gifts for the kingdom of God. His teaching extended beyond the classroom into true times of fellowship over good food (which he paid for). 13
CLASS OF 2015 14
HAWKS FOR LIFE
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ALUMNI NOTES
TYING the
KNOT
Kevin Brandt (‘15) and Rachel Teters (‘15) Engaged in December 2014
Shunsuke and Chihiro (Minegishi) (‘07) Akiyama 16
SDC women’s soccer team with SDC alumni soccer athletes.
We had the privilege of having alumnus, Tony Lasavath (‘04), speak during Day of Prayer this year. Tony and his family are missionaries serving in Laos. Pictured: SDC students, Kevin Brandt, Kendra Chamberlain, Chandler Corzine, and Rachel Uy with Tony Lasavath walking the streets of San Diego, praying and sharing the Gospel. 17
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200 Riverview Parkway Santee, California 92071 (619) 201-8700 ď‚ž sdcc.edu