Vanguard Magazine: Spring/Summer 2015

SPRING/SUMMER 2015

WHOLE STUDENT I N S I D E VA N G U A R D ’ S T R A N S F O R M AT I O N A L E D U C AT I O N

CHOOSE GOD’S ADVENTURE 22

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28

34

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6 THE MISSION OF VANGUARD UNIVERSITY IS TO EQUIP EACH STUDENT FOR A SPIRIT-EMPOWERED LIFE OF CHRIST-CENTERED LEADERSHIP AND SERVICE.

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in this issue

SPRING/SUMMER 2015 | VOLUME 17 | ISSUE 1

HERE AT VANGUARD UNIVERSITY, WE LIKE TO SAY “YOUR STORY MATTERS” AS A WAY OF AFFIRMING GOD’S UNIQUE

THE WHOLE STUDENT .............................................. 8

NARRATIVE IN EACH OF OUR

Vanguard Magazine explores what makes a Vanguard education unique, in the context of

STUDENTS’ LIVES.

the transformed lives of its students.

VISION AND STRATEGIC OPERATING PLAN ................ 14 In collaboration with the Vanguard community, the University’s leadership has devised a strategy for continued academic success as Vanguard approaches its 100-year anniversary.

Essential to every person’s story is where they have been, and how those experiences guide where they’re going. This issue of vanguard Magazine is unique because it expresses Vanguard University’s own story: Who we are now, who we want to be, and how we will fulfll this vision. You will be able to read about the strategic plan we have mapped out for the next

CHOOSE GOD’S ADVENTURE .................................. 22

fve years, which will take us to Vanguard University’s 100th anniversary

Chris Carmichael leads Royal Family KIDS on its mission to reach every single foster child

in 2020. This plan is the result of months of collaboration among various

in America.

elements of the Vanguard community, including the board of trustees,

POOL OF GRACE ................................................... 28

alumni, faculty, staff, and administration, and it represents the optimism

Angel Ruiz serves as the Field Ministry Vice President and National Latino Director for Young Life, helping adolescents experience the transforming message of the Gospel.

A NUDGE TOWARDS CHRIST ................................... 32 Dr. Bill Dogterom embraces his roles as pastor and professor, leading his congregants and mentoring his students.

and resolve with which we approach Vanguard’s bright future!

Of course, this issue also features some of those powerful stories God is writing in the lives of those in the Vanguard community. Dr. Bill Dogterom has long been instructing students by lesson and by example about how to live a life of ministry, irrespective of vocation. For many years, he has held two positions: pastor and professor. His mentorship of students in pastoral

DEPARTMENTS

ministries carries with it his practical and academic expertise.

Message from the President ......................................... 1

recently-appointed president of the organization Royal Family KIDS, Chris

On Campus ............................................................. 2

has learned about what it means to place God’s priorities at the forefront of

Chris Carmichael ’95’s story is an inspirational one about leadership. As the

My Story ............................................................... 29 Faculty Spotlight ..................................................... 32 Sports ................................................................... 34

the organization’s aspirations. I love his unique take on how a leader best serves God’s plans by being obedient to his calling above all else!

After ffty years in education, beloved liberal arts professor Dr. Dixie Arnold has delivered countless lessons! Now, on the cusp of her retirement,

Class Notes ........................................................... 40

she is able to share a few more lessons with the Vanguard community

Learn of Me ........................................................... 49

through our recurring feature Learn of Me. Last year, we featured Vanguard student Eric Arnold, who plans on attending medical school after graduation with the goal of serving as a

DIRECTOR OF MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS

medical missionary. In this issue, we see Eric’s inspiration: his father, Steve

Doug Green

Erin Hales

Arnold ’90. Steve has been a missionary with Assemblies of God World

UNIVERSITY ADMINISTRATION

CREATIVE SERVICES CONSULTANT

and US Missions for 22 years, and his latest placement fnds him serving

UNIVERSITY GOVERNANCE CHAIR, BOARD OF TRUSTEES

PRESIDENT

Tawny Marcus

the needs of the vast numbers of refugees who cross the United States’

Michael J. Beals

WRITER / COPY EDITOR

PROVOST / VICE PRESIDENT FOR ACADEMIC AFFAIRS

Rene J. Scheys

borders seeking asylum and safety.

LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER

Each of these stories embodies leadership and service, which are core

Doretha O’Quinn

Chauncey D. Bayes

VICE PRESIDENT FOR ADMINISTRATION AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS

CREATIVE SERVICES MANAGER

Kelly Kannwischer VICE PRESIDENT FOR ENROLLMENT MANAGEMENT

Daniel Kim

elements of Vanguard University’s mission. Please enjoy and be inspired by them!

SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Candice Co

Kim Johnson VICE PRESIDENT FOR STUDENT LIFE

Tim Young VICE PRESIDENT FOR UNIVERSITY ADVANCEMENT

Vanguard University of Southern California, in compliance with laws and regulations, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, age, disability, national origin, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices or procedures.

vanguard magazine is a free publication published 2 times per year by Vanguard University. All contents copyrighted, 2015, Vanguard University.

MICHAEL J. BEALS PhD PRESIDENT, VANGUARD UNIVERSITY

Bulk rate postage paid at Las Vegas, NV. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Vanguard University Alumni Relations Offce, 55 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92626.

Justin McIntee CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Jeremy Moser

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on campus

ON CAMPUS VANGUARD UNIVERSITY ESTABLISHES OFFICE OF GLOBAL EDUCATION AND OUTREACH In the spring of 2015, Vanguard University formed the offce of global education and outreach, which represents a concerted effort to place student missions trips and other outreach opportunities into an academic context. “The mission of this offce is to be the students’ front door to all the opportunities to learn and serve domestically and internationally,” says Kayli Hillebrand, Vanguard’s director of outreach. “Today, we have students coming through the doors of the Vanguard University outreach offce wanting to serve in ways that are connected to their majors, from biology to religion

VANGUARD UNIVERSITY RECEIVES ACCREDITATION FOR MASTERS IN ORGANIZATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY

and everything in between. Students want practical, hands on experience that makes their classroom education come to life, and will contribute to their longterm professional goals.”

Vanguard University’s School of Graduate

ethical leadership, and service to society

and Professional Studies is proud to announce

by enriching life in the workplace. “This

“Because we are preparing students for a lifetime

the WASC Senior College and University

new program allows Vanguard to expand

of Christian service in their vocational calling, their

Commission approval of the Master of Science

our graduate studies offerings so as to

outreach experiences should refect both missional and

in Organizational Psychology program.

better serve our communities in a growing

academic dimensions” says Vanguard President Dr.

The program prepares students for highly

professional area,” said vice president for

Michael J. Beals. The result is to add a heavy emphasis

competitive professional practice in the feld,

enrollment management, Kim Johnson. Career

on education to the emphasis on service that missions

and delivers professional opportunities in

opportunities in the feld of industrial and

trips already hold. Potential examples of this are biology

industrial and organizational psychology.

organizational psychology are projected to

and kinesiology majors going on medical missions

“Organizational psychology is a real growth

increase 29% or more by the year 2020. With

trips, or pre-med majors travelling to Uganda to work

area,” said Dr. Andrew Stenhouse, dean,

a curriculum based on recommendations of

in HIV/AIDS testing centers. Hillebrand explains that

School for Graduate and Professional Studies

professionals from associations like the Society

such trips apply in a vocational context as well. “Future

at Vanguard University. “Employment statistics

for Industrial Organizational Psychology (SIOP),

employers want to see that this generation has cross-

are highly favorable for masters-level graduates.

the Society for Human Resource Management

cultural experience in their particular feld,” she says.

Our accrediting team affrmed us for our strong

(SHRM) and the Academy of Management

“The face of missions is changing. This generation is

program and I believe graduates from our

(AOM), the quality of the program is extremely

highly engaged in a new era of global missions and

organizational psychology program will have a

competitive. Vanguard University’s master of

local outreach. Mobilization through local and global

distinct advantage in the workplace.”

science in organizational psychology program

outreach has changed for Vanguard University, and it

is now accepting applications online.

will continue to grow and evolve through the offce of

The mission of the organizational psychology program at Vanguard is designed specifcally to prepare students for professional excellence,

Find out more and apply at vanguard.edu/ graduateorganizationalpsychology

global education and outreach.”

Interested in partnering with the Global Education and Outreach? Email globaloutreach@vanguard.edu

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@VANGUARDU

TWEETS @cararaeburks I am so incredibly grateful to attend a school that encourages me to pursue my relationship with God!! #vu3blessings

@TonyCapitelli @CityofCostaMesa and @VanguardU are partnering as a host city for the 2015 @SpecialOlympics World Games!

@seanrjackson

(clockwise, from top) Faculty, administration, staff, and students gather at the dedication of the collection; attendees listen to speeches in honor of Dr. Elizabeth Leonard; Dr. Sandra Morgan speaks at the dedication ceremony

VANGUARD UNIVERSITY LIBRARY DEDICATES WOMEN’S STUDIES COLLECTION IN HONOR OF DR. ELIZABETH DERMODY LEONARD This spring, Vanguard University unveiled the

battered women, family violence, and women’s

Elizabeth Dermody Leonard Women’s Studies

issues, to name just a few.

Collection, to be housed at the O. Cope Budge Library. The library’s Women’s Studies collection was birthed out of a donation from the Center for Women’s Studies. As former codirector of the Center, Dr. Elizabeth Dermody Leonard, who passed away in May 2014, was instrumental in the development of this collection and took an active role in recommending and donating books to it.

Vanguard librarian Pam Crenshaw sees the collection as a ftting tribute to one of Vanguard’s most beloved professors.

“Dr. Leonard made a difference through her passion,” she says. “Students were drawn to

@rickytemple @VanguardU It is an honor to serve.

I’m looking forward to being a part of the ceremonies tomorrow. #vugrad #classof2015

@PriceIsRight Just pointing out how much we love our contestants from @Vanguardu! #FANtastic #PriceIsRight

her knowing that this passion was not just in the classroom but extended into the actual prisons.

Dr. Leonard left a legacy of passion to inform

@alexajoyhall

and change women’s issues. She was a mentor,

Lives change when you share how God changed yours! It’s all about Jesus. #yourstorymatters @vanguardu

The collection was dedicated in a ceremony

professor, and friend to countless numbers of

featuring director of Global Center for Women

students, peers, and professional associates.”

and Justice Dr. Sandra Morgan, English professor Warren Doody, and associate provost

Four years in this bag! Finally bought the cap and gown… I’m graduating!!

Love @Vanguardu #humbled #excited #yourstorymatters

Contribute to the Elizabeth Dermody

and dean of the college Dr. Mike Wilson.

Leonard Women’s Studies Collection at

The Women’s Studies collection includes

connect.vanguard.edu/leonard

TWEET @VANGUARDU SOME LOVE AND YOU JUST MIGHT END UP IN THE NEXT VANGUARD MAGAZINE!

books about the sociology of women, gender, vanguard magazine SPRING/SUMMER 2015

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on campus

VANGUARD INTRODUCES NEW MENTORING PROGRAM FOR STUDENTS In 2015, the career services offce at Vanguard University launched Story Shapers, a mentoring program that pairs current Vanguard students with alumni or staff mentors. The program gives students

GLOBAL CENTER FOR WOMEN AND JUSTICE HOSTS ANNUAL ENSURE JUSTICE CONFERENCE

opportunities to connect meaningfully with individuals

The Global Center for Women and Justice

among students who are empowered by

who are already established in the vocation or feld

(GCWJ) at Vanguard University held its

the exposure to social justice problems and

that the students are interested in. Story Shapers also

annual Ensure Justice Conference on March

strategies for tackling them. “As a student

allows professionals who wish to engage in the life

6-7, convening experts who spoke on

interested in pursuing a career involved in

of Vanguard to develop relationships with students,

the conference theme “Coordination +

combating human traffcking, this conference

giving those students a deeper understanding of the

Collaboration + Capacity + Compassion”.

never fails to educate me on how I can go

highs and lows of different career choices.

The Ensure Justice Conference takes its name

about that,” says Vanguard student Barbara

from Proverbs 31:8, which exhorts believers

Isaac. “This is my third year participating

to “Speak up for those who cannot speak

in the Ensure Justice conference, and it was

for themselves; ensure justice for those being

by far the most rewarding. I was given the

crushed.” This year’s conference featured

opportunity to present research that I collected

lectures by Dr. Jo Anne Lyon, general

with my team that traveled to Italy last summer,

superintendent of Wesleyan Church, Gary

working to uncover what human traffcking

Taylor, director of children & family services of

looked like in that country. This conference has

Orange County Social Service Agency, and

taught me that anyone can get involved in this

of course, the director of the Global Center

fght against traffcking, whether a health care

for Women and Justice, Dr. Sandra Morgan.

provider, a homeland security agent, or even

A number of other speakers were featured, as

a student in high school or college.”

The benefts of the program apply to the mentors as well as the students. “In the alumni offce, we desire to cultivate a lifelong relationship with our alumni,” says Joel Gackle, director of alumni relations. “We are expanding our benefts and services for our alumni, providing tangible ways for our alumni to reconnect with Vanguard. We also want our students to understand they are part of a story much larger than themselves. Our alumni community offers a crucial resource to our students – the ability to share what it looks like to be successful in a variety of industries.”

Interested in becoming a Story Shapers mentor?

Visit vanguard.edu/studentlife/story-shapers

VU PERKS

well as student research paper presentations.

The impact of the conference reverberates

For the latest Global Center for Women and Justice news visit vanguard.edu/gcwj

through Vanguard’s community, particularly

INTRODUCING VU PERKS

VANGUARD’S ALUMNI BENEFITS PROGRAM Vanguard University provides alumni, faculty, and staff with an elite collection of perks including thousands of local and national discount offers, monthly #LifeHasPerks giveaways, and personal concierge services at hotels, restaurants, movie theaters, concerts, service centers, spas, theme parks and more!

LOG IN & REGISTER Get started at http:// vuperks.abenity.com/perks

Registration Code: 1920

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COMING TO VANGUARD’S LYCEUM THEATER

Vanguard student, Jonathan McGee, with his proud grandparents.

GRANDPARENTS WELCOMED BACK TO CAMPUS FOR ANNUAL GRANDPARENTS DAY Vanguard University once again welcomed

and devotions and hear a guest speaker

the grandparents of students to campus

from the Alzheimer’s Association present

to visit and get involved in the Vanguard

on “Healthier Habits for a Healthier You.”

community that their grandchildren call

Also, for the frst time this year, Vanguard’s

home. “Although this special day occurred

very own kinesiology students invited

earlier in the year, we still had a wonderful

grandparents to participate in activities

turnout with over 100 grandparents in

that would keep them strong, limber, and

attendance and more than 50 student

balanced, all important key factors to

participants,” says Amanda Cooper-

aging well. Grandparents and their student

Lebrecht, director of student success and

hosts also had the opportunity to enjoy a

retention. “Grandparents came from all over

baseball game, a theatre performance, or a

California and surrounding states.”

presentation by Provost Dr. Doretha O’Quinn

THE BEAT GOES ON

at the Lewis Wilson Institute. The special day

A MUSICAL REVUE THAT JOURNEYS THROUGH

ended with delicious desserts and a special

THE DECADES OF ROCK AND ROLL

Throughout the day, Vanguard’s special guests had the opportunity to enjoy dining

message from President Beals.

BACK BY OVERWHELMING DEMAND

C R E AT E D A N D D I R E C T E D B Y VA N D A E G G I N G T O N

ALUMNI ART SHOW BECOMING AN ANNUAL TRADITION AT VANGUARD

The wildly favorable response to the world premiere of The Beat Goes

Homecoming Week 2015 once again

connect with others who share mutual

20th Century, with stops in small town malt shops, sunny California

featured an art show hosted by the offce

interests is powerful for our community.”

beaches, mirror ball disco halls, and MTV studio extravaganzas.

The artwork was arranged by former

This is a high energy and family friendly look at music favorites that

English professor Keith Ewing, who also

reshaped the world. Suitable for ages 6 and older

of alumni relations. The alumni art show featured artwork from featured community artists, Vanguard faculty, Vanguard staff, and Vanguard alumni, as well as a special student photography contest. “We serve a God of creativity,” says Joel Gackle, director of alumni relations. “Vanguard is known for our broader arts programs, but there hasn’t always been a place for Vanguard community members to spotlight their incredible talents. The opportunity for students and alumni to network and

On convinced us to keep it Rockin’ and Rollin’ along! Join us again as we take you on a road trip of memories through the last half of the

taught art classes at Vanguard. “For the past several years, Professor Keith Ewing has curated the show,” says Joel Gackle.

“He displays not only his own art, but dedicates time to make sure the event is well done. Professor Ewing left a legacy of

SEPTEMBER 18 – OCTOBER 4 GENERAL $17 SENIOR/CHILD/GROUPS $14

art on Vanguard’s campus. Each year, he has humbly made certain the art show is a success.”

PURCHASE TICKETS AT VANGUARDTICKETS.COM

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WORK IN PROGRESS Construction continues on the renovation and expansion of the Scott Academic Center at Vanguard University in advance of its August 2015 completion date. Check the Through These Doors live building cam for daily progress at throughthesedoors.com/watch-live-construction.

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the WHOLE STU

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DENT Under the leadership of President Michael J. Beals, Ph.D, Vanguard University has devised a Strategic Operating Plan in order to affrm its core values, celebrate its unique character, prayerfully conceive its future potential for growth in a changing academic landscape, and formulate through collaboration concrete steps to achieve true and lasting success.

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Through academic training

One essential component of the Strategic Operating process has been to very

that is relational and ethical in

graduated. President Beals has characterized a student’s time at Vanguard as a

addition to rigorous, Vanguard

towards meaningful citizenship, foundational faith, and edifying vocational

University helps students discover

specifically define what a Vanguard student should be by the time he or she has four-year discipleship program, shaping and guiding him or her on a journey goals. In Vanguard’s Strategic Operating Plan, the University has cast a vision for each of its students to exhibit proficiency in six key areas.

a life that fully realizes who they are in Christ and who they can

Personal Wholeness:

become. The education students

Perhaps one of the foundational elements of faith in God is that through it we

receive at Vanguard does more

every part of each student’s identity, pointing him or her towards what really

than prepare them for a life of

that the varied obligations and experiences that make up the human experience

professional success; it becomes

world and community. When an individual has achieved personal wholeness,

holistically transformational.

become better humans. Vanguard is invested in the holistic development of matters in life. Vanguard trains mind, body, and spirit to thrive in purpose, so are encountered by ethically, emotionally, and spiritually mature citizens of the he or she can be fully empowered to serve others.

Students experience a dynamic encounter with God, which undergirds the development of their spiritual and academic identities and allows them to fully embrace the life of signifcance that Christ has called them to live.

“At Vanguard, students have an opportunity to establish their moral and scholarly identities.

By fostering personal and spiritual growth in students, Vanguard helps them discover who they are and who they want to be.”

KIM JOHNSON, VP FOR ENROLLMENT MANAGEMENT

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Relational Health: Relationships are at the heart of Vanguard, beginning with the professormentors who believe that the best way to educate is to offer personal counsel in addition to their scholastic expertise. Because students know professors individually, learning is placed in a living context that models for the student how education can apply to a life worth living. Vanguard’s staff provides crucial assistance in navigating the demands of college, and campus activities create a genuine community between students. Healthy relationships allow the body of Christ to serve Him in unity and reconciliation.

“Students feel a special sense of community as soon as they set foot on campus. We actively foster community by placing a premium on the relationships between professors, students, and staff. We let students know that they belong here, and that this is where God wants them to be.”

KELLY KANNWISCHER, VP FOR ADMINISTRATION AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS

Vocational Emergence: At Vanguard, students discover how their God-given gifts can align with their personal ambitions to serve a diverse world. Rigorous academics provide students with opportunities for internships and research projects as well as guidance from experts in all areas of study. This ensures that the application of their education is not just intrinsically rewarding but also prepares them for the discernment of their vocation, whether it be in ministry, graduate school, business, teaching, or another career.

“Our partnerships with churches, businesses, and non-proft organizations in the community give students an incredible opportunity to extend their learning beyond Vanguard’s campus and begin preparing for their career and life.”

JUSTIN MCINTEE, VP FOR UNIVERSITY ADVANCEMENT

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Cultural Diversity: The body of Christ functions best when its distinct members both fully embody their diversity and fully strive for their unifed purpose. At Vanguard, students learn how to embrace differences in character and experience as an opportunity for more deeply informed relationships. Vanguard’s emphasis on community allows students to approach others with humility

“Understanding the diversity of God’s creation is essential to serving it. We cultivate in our students respect and sensitivity towards others, which broadens their worldview and gives each student, regardless of demographic, a true sense of belonging.”

DR. MICHAEL J. BEALS PRESIDENT

and compassion, and brings into sharper focus how students can serve a wide and divergent world.

Global Justice: A true liberal arts education carries with it a burden of responsibility to help those who suffer under systems and mechanisms of injustice.

Vanguard arms students with a framework by which to comprehend righteousness and seek it in every part of the world that labors under the lack of access to healthcare, education and a living wage. Students learn how and have opportunities to engage fully with a broken world, serving the practical and spiritual needs of communities all over the globe.

“A Vanguard education empowers students to confront injustice anywhere they fnd it. We send out into the world graduates of integrity and virtue, equipped to think critically and holistically about what is good and true.”

DR. DORETHA O’QUINN, PROVOST AND VP FOR ACADEMIC AFFAIRS

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Spiritual Integration: When students witness their professors open the frst day of class with a prayer, they have their frst indication that Vanguard integrates faith into every aspect of education. When learning happens in the context of God’s biblical truth, the sacredness of life is affrmed and the physical, emotional, social, and intellectual realms of human experience are given deeper purpose as they relate to God as Father, Son, and Spirit. These essential truths are woven into the fabric of Vanguard’s community of scholars, students, staff members, and administrators.

“Everything at Vanguard happens in the context of faith. Christ is at the center of everything we do, and the Holy Spirit animates our learning.

This results in education that is intellectually and spiritually life-changing.”

DR. TIM YOUNG, VP FOR STUDENT LIFE

President Beals believes students are already embodying these attributes. “I know a student who is graduating summa cum laude in 2015 as a math major and religion minor,” he says. “This student is a math tutor, and a teaching assistant. He did an internship with the LAPD crime prediction and forecasting unit, and he leads worship at his church. He is a shining example of my vision for students who come to us. I want Vanguard to give them an outstanding education, prepare them well for their career and life, and vastly exceed their expectations for transformation.”

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VISION AND STRATEGIC OPERATING PLAN

2015-2020 IDENTITY: WHO WE ARE

Mission: To equip each student for a Spirit-empowered life of Christ-centered leadership and service

Strategies: • Cultivating the Spirit-empowered life in Christian experience and service • Promoting academic excellence that integrates faith and life • Providing professor-mentors in a dynamic community environment

Values: Truth, Virtue, and Service

VANGUARD EQUIPS YOU TO LIVE THE STORY GOD HAS FOR YOU. A CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY OF SCHOLARSHIP CHARACTERIZED BY THE SPIRIT-EMPOWERED LIFE, DYNAMIC PROFESSOR-MENTOR RELATIONSHIPS, AND A CULTURE OF CARE.

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THE CAMPAIGN FOR VANGUARD UNIVERSITY

VISION: WHERE WE ARE GOING

A (Vision) FOR 2020

DEEPENED PARTNERSHIP WITH SOCAL NETWORK AND ASSEMBLIES OF GOD

1ST DOCTORAL PROGRAM

Institute for Faculty Development

ENHANCED CORE CURRICULUM

Improved Facilities for STRONGER FINANCIAL POSITION Students HISPANIC SERVING INSTITUTION

2700 TOTAL STUDENTS Honors Program

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As a University with a Christian Liberal Arts and Sciences foundation, graduates are academically prepared to exhibit: INTEGRATION OF FAITH AND LEARNING CULTURAL COMPETENCY AND CITIZENSHIP

COMMUNICATION

IN ADDITION TO ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE, A VANGUARD EDUCATION PROVIDES PREPARATION TO EXHIBIT:

Personal Wholeness Align one’s relating to self, God, and others in movement towards a thriving and whole identity.

Relational Health Address the fractures that exist within all human relationships, and learn healthy ways of relating to others.

Vocational Emergence Develop an aptitude for engaging the process of vocational discernment and formulation.

Cultural Diversity CRITICAL THINKING

Engage persons, groups, and cultures with humility, compassion and intelligence.

Global Justice HOLISTIC LIVING

Seek righteousness, champion healing, and confront systems and mechanisms of injustice.

Spiritual Integration INFORMATION LITERACY

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Affrm the sacredness of life embodied in the breadth of human experience, valuing physical, emotional, social and intellectual spheres as essential means of relating to God as Father, Son, and Spirit.

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By 2020, we will implement an integrated marketing plan designed to raise awareness for the purpose of attracting premiere scholars, building relationships and recruiting students in pursuit of the University’s mission.

LEVERAGE NEW TECHNOLOGY FOR GREATER EFFICIENCY AND DEEPER IMPACT THROUGH AN INSTITUTE DEDICATED TO FACULTY AND THEIR INSTRUCTIONAL AND PROFESSIONAL GOALS. vanguard magazine SPRING/SUMMER 2015

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PREPARE TO ENTER VANGUARD’S 2nd Century BUILD CAPACITY TO SERVE STUDENTS BY 2020: GROW ENDOWMENT TO $8 MILLION

RETIRE THE CURRENT DEBT OF $21 MILLION

DIVERSIFY REVENUE STREAMS

GROW THE STUDENT BODY TO 2700 TOTAL STUDENTS

INCREASE ANNUAL PHILANTHROPIC SUPPORT FOR SCHOLARSHIPS AND PROGRAMS TO $5 MILLION

ADD NEW ACADEMIC PROGRAMS BOTH RESIDENTIAL AND ONLINE

Vision:

BUILD A CULTURE OF TRUST VANGUARD UNIVERSITY IS A COMMUNITY OF CHRIST-CENTERED, SPIRIT-EMPOWERED PEOPLE ENGAGED IN COMMON MISSION. OUR COMMUNITY INCLUDES TRUSTEES, ADMINISTRATION, FACULTY, STAFF, STUDENTS, AND ALUMNI. WE SUPPORT EACH OTHER THROUGH INTENTIONAL COLLABORATION, MUTUAL RESPECT, AND SHARED VISION. 18 vanguard magazine SPRING/SUMMER 2015

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PLAN: HOW WE’LL GET THERE

2015-2016 STRATEGIC OPERATING PLAN CORE ISSUES:

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TECHNOLOGY DEVELOP A COMPREHENSIVE ED TECH STRATEGY The objective is to develop and begin implementation of a

IMPLEMENT AND LEVERAGE CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE FOR ADMISSIONS

comprehensive education technology strategy that includes

The objective is to leverage technology to maximize the recruitment

an assessment of infrastructure and instructional technology.

of students to become a part of the Vanguard community.

Online course offerings and degree programs will be assessed and planned.

LED BY: Vice President for Enrollment Management, Kim Johnson

LED BY: Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Doretha O’Quinn

BRAND AWARENESS UNIVERSITY INTEGRATED MARKETING PLAN

COMPLETE THE THROUGH THESE DOORS CAPITAL CAMPAIGN

The objective is to develop an integrated marketing plan to raise

The objective is to exceed the $7 million fundraising goal

brand awareness for the purpose of attracting premier scholars,

and to leverage that success to engage alumni, friends, and

student recruitment and fundraising goals. The plan will

the community in the growth of the University.

include specifc strategies where Vanguard is uniquely poised to

LED BY: Vice President for University Advancement,

differentiate itself in the higher education landscape.

Justin McIntee

LED BY: Vice President for Administration and Public Affairs, Kelly Kannwischer

PLANNING & COMMUNICATION STRATEGIC OPERATING PLAN The objective is to communicate the vision and plan with the Vanguard community, throughout Orange County, and beyond.

LED BY: President Michael J. Beals 20 vanguard magazine SPRING/SUMMER 2015

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VIEW VANGUARD’S VISION AND STRATEGIC OPERATING PLAN ONLINE AT VANGUARD2020.COM

VANGUARD CULTURE AN INSTITUTE DEDICATED TO FACULTY AND THEIR INSTRUCTIONAL AND PROFESSIONAL GOALS

VANGUARD’S IDENTITY AND VISION

The goal is for the faculty to defne an institute for faculty development.

around the mission, values, and core strategies of the

A proposal will be presented for implementation beginning in 2015.

University in pursuit of the vision articulated for 2020.

LED BY: Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs,

LED BY: President Michael J. Beals

The objective is to inspire the Vanguard community

Doretha O’Quinn

STUDENT SERVICES OPTIMIZE STUDENT SERVICES implementation of a plan to provide the best

IMPLEMENT PLAN FOR EXCELLENCE AS AN HISPANIC SERVING INSTITUTION

DEVELOP A COMPREHENSIVE ATHLETIC PROGRAM STRATEGY

customer service possible to all of Vanguard’s

The objective is to begin implementation

The objective is to optimize

students, particularly in the offces of

of the comprehensive strategy to promote

the experience of the student

fnancial aid, registrar, and accounting.

Hispanic student recruitment, student

athlete through program and

LED BY: Chief Financial Offcer,

services, and retention.

coaching excellence.

LED BY: Vice President for Student Life,

LED BY: President Michael J. Beals

The objective is to fully assess and begin

Jeremy Moser

Tim Young

PLAN MANAGEMENT • PLAN STEWARDSHIP IS PROVIDED BY THE TRUSTEES WHO APPROVE THE PLAN AND REVIEW AT EACH MEETING • PLAN LEADERSHIP IS PROVIDED BY PRESIDENT BEALS AND HIS CABINET • PLAN MONITORING IS PROVIDED BY THE PRESIDENT’S COUNCIL WHICH IS COMPOSED OF FACULTY AND STAFF MEMBERS REPRESENTING VARIOUS DEPARTMENTS AND OFFICES ACROSS CAMPUS

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CHOOSE GOD’S ADVENTURE CHRIS CARMICHAEL’S ’95 ENTIRE LIFE FLASHED BEFORE HIS EYES AT THE AGE OF 24. THIS WAS

NO NEAR-DEATH EXPERIENCE—IT OCCURRED WHEN CHRIS WAS APPROACHED BY HIS MANAGER AT INTEL ABOUT SETTING UP CHRIS’S COMPANY RETIREMENT PLAN. THE JOB WAS GOOD AND HE WAS GRATEFUL TO HAVE IT, BUT CHRIS SUDDENLY KNEW THAT IF HE STAYED AT INTEL, THE TRAJECTORY OF HIS LIFE AND CAREER WOULD HAVE ARCHED AWAY FROM HIS LOFTY GOALS OF FAME AND FORTUNE. “I REMEMBER THINKING ‘WAIT! I’M SUPPOSED TO BE SOMEONE ELSE,’” SAYS CHRIS. “VANGUARD UNIVERSITY REALLY CHALLENGED ME TO CLAIM THE BEST OUT OF LIFE, AND NOT TO SETTLE FOR THE STATUS QUO. INTEL REPRESENTED THE SAFE CHOICE FOR ME, BUT I INSTEAD CHOSE TO SEEK OUT ADVENTURE!” Chris’s response was bold. He quit his job, bought an old van, and started

Vanguard were deepened when three of their fve children—Chris, Jon ’92,

driving across America. His initial plan was to visit every village, town,

and Eric ’94—also graduated from the University.

or city named Springfeld, in all the states that had one, and write a book about his journey. A few weeks into his epic, six-month-19,000-mile leap of faith, however, Chris discovered that the desire for fame and fortune pulling him away from Intel was replaced by a truer calling, to a greater adventure.

“Halfway through, I rededicated my life to God,” he says. “And the journey became a blueprint for my life. Who was I going to be? How was I going to challenge myself? How was I going to follow God’s plan?”

Chris’s early interests were literary; as a high school student he helped Nancie edit stories for one of her publications, and he arrived at Vanguard’s English Department as a precocious freshman, ready to take the Creative Writing class a few semesters too early. English professor Keith Ewing asked to read some of Chris’s work frst. “He shredded me,” recalls Chris with a smile. “He challenged me. Of course, I kept trying, and he soon saw the potential in me, so he gave me a student job as the English Department

This attitude of seeking—by faith—to embrace a life beyond the ordinary

secretary.” In many ways, Chris’s core ambitions would be born in this

was certainly inculcated in Chris by his parents, Bill ’67 and Nancie ’66

experience, which combined the academic and creative exploration of

Carmichael, who met as students at Vanguard University in the 60’s. Bill

literature with the kind of leadership that makes organizations great. Chris

and Nancie have long and distinguished careers in the publishing business;

was able to observe the nuts and bolts of the English Department and how

they founded a publishing house, have edited numerous periodicals, and

it functioned. He discussed life and literature with professors Keith Ewing,

are both best-selling authors and speakers themselves. Nancie recalls how

Shirley Felt, and Murray Dempster, then watched them care for students

Vanguard infuenced her and Bill at the very beginning of their careers to

and put their hearts and souls into developing meaningful relationships

dream big, with God’s calling always in mind: “At Vanguard there was

with them. “This time in my life was awesome,”

an exhilarating sense of faith and limitless possibilities,” she says. “If our

says Chris. “Vanguard was more than just a

hearts and lives are captured by Him, we want to dream big dreams for

school. It helped me develop skills I’ve used my

God. It takes a solid sense of knowing the importance of keeping our eyes

whole life.”

on the goal, knowing that true success is a life centered on Christ.” Bill and Nancie’s recognition by Vanguard University with a Career Achievement Award in 2013 served as a ftting capstone to the great potential they displayed as dreaming students in the 60’s, and their emotional ties to

By the time Chris fnished his studies at Vanguard, he considered Keith Ewing a

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“GOD IS LEADING US, AND CHALLENGING US TO BE BOLD AND BE BIG. I DON’T WANT TO BE SAFE. I WANT TO SEE WHAT GOD WILL DO.” CHRISTIAN CARMICHAEL

second father. He turned to Ewing for advice about what to do when he felt

When speaking with Chris about how he approaches his leadership of Royal

he was being pulled away from Intel. “Keith encouraged me to seek God’s

Family KIDS, it’s clear that he is still animated by the spirit of adventure that

true calling,” says Chris. “He helped me understand that walking with God

led him in that van across America. He is not willing to settle for anything

and using your talents for his purposes are an incredible gift and opportunity.

less than Royal Family KIDS fulflling every part of its God-given mission,

We can’t waste it; we have to embrace it and pursue it fully.” After his trip

and so he frames every one of his decisions in the simplest terms: “I am

across America, Chris came back determined to unite his many aspirations

always asking, ‘God, what do you want me to do?’” Chris explains. “We are

into a single vocation that served them all. He would, like his parents,

all committed to the mission above us, because this is God’s ministry. The

straddle the line between his creative expression and his entrepreneurial

main goal is for all of us is to live out God’s plan with our skill sets. In our

pursuits. He founded a development and marketing company, helping for-

roles, we are to be incredible, effective, and replaceable.”

proft corporations become more socially-minded on the internet, which at the time was still in its nascent state. His work expanded into the world of social marketing for non-profts after Chris realized that they often needed even more help, and that his company’s expertise could give true value to those organizations.

It might at frst sound strange for the leader of an organization to suggest he and the people in that organization should be “replaceable,” but Chris has seen how important it is for the work of God to continue even if he or another person is no longer there. “When people are irreplaceable, I believe that the organization is at great risk. They extend beyond their skill sets

Chris met his wife, Jami, in Portland, and says he was immediately drawn

and become less like a gear in a clock and more like a tumor. We live in a

to her sense of adventure. After they were married, the couple moved to

culture that loves to build up the person so that an audience will buy into

a seaside village in Sicily to work and experience life before the weight

their message, when the message should be able to stand on its own. I’ve

of American responsibility kicked in. “My wife is just as much into new

seen many companies and even churches confuse building a brand with

experiences as I am, and perhaps more so,” says Chris. They returned to

creating a celebrity, and it is a serious mistake for the long-term health of the

America to start a family, and they now have three young sons: Jackson,

organization. God has people in position for his purposes, and it’s His story,

Cole, and Hudson. In 2011, the Carmichaels decided to leave Portland for

so we need to be obedient to when the chapter turns!” Though he is in a

a sunnier climate, and the couple chose the laid-back beach town of San

position of leadership, Chris sees himself as one of those clock gears. “We’re

Clemente, California -- not far from Vanguard University.

all in this together. God is leading us, and challenging us to be bold and be

Within weeks of moving to Orange County, Chris was contacted by

big. I don’t want to be safe. I want to see what God will do.”

Wayne MTS ’95 and Diane Tesch about joining Royal Family KIDS, the

So far, in the context of Royal Family KIDS, God has done a great deal. The

organization they had co-founded 25 years ago. Wayne and Diane, whom

organization works solely with children in foster care, compelled by a mission

Chris knew from his days at Vanguard, had hand-picked him to be the next

to reach every child from ages of 6-12 through a life-changing camp, club, and

president of their organization because they wanted Royal Family KIDS

mentor. “Our mission feld is America’s abandoned children,” says Chris. “They

positioned for its greatest possible future. “Wayne and Diane wanted to

are at an age when they’re still hopeful at their core, an age that will affect the

help be architects of the change, because it was too important to just let it

trajectory of their lives. We serve kids in this special window of time.” Since

happen,” says Chris. “But it’s not easy to replace people like them! We are

many social pathologies can be traced to the problems that arise when children

different in skill set, but similar in spirit, and fortunately I was just stubborn

are abused, abandoned, or neglected, the importance of RFK’s work cannot

enough to do it.”

be understated. It can, however, be boiled down to one clear directive: to love children unconditionally, and in doing so, to model Jesus’ love for them.

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“The only way to fx broken relationships is through

explicitly evangelize. This is no obstacle, however, as

on his desk now, as a reminder not to settle for a life

healthy relationships,” says Chris. “We want kids to

explicit evangelism is unnecessary. Christ is revealed

of safety when the alternative is a life of adventure,

know Jesus through adults who love them. The kids

through love, and love has a good track record.

following God’s calling to do great things for Him.

see it. They think, ‘These are people who are showing

Royal Family KIDS enjoys a sterling reputation

“So often, God says to us, ‘My plan can only work

me that I’m loved and that I’m special, but who

among government agencies who cannot argue with

when you step out in faith,” says Chris. “And when

aren’t paid to deal with me.’ That’s remarkable for a

its results over the past 25 years.

you take that step, you get to experience the joy of

kid who’s never received love.” This is in spite of the fact that working with state and local government means that Royal Family KIDS is not able to

Just before he left his job at Intel, Chris took a

doing what God wants you to do.”

photograph of his cubicle. He keeps that photograph

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EDUCATION IN 3 DIMENSIONS IN MY HOUSE, MY WIFE AND I OFTEN HEAR OURSELVES SAYING TO OUR TWO BOYS “NO DEVICES RIGHT NOW! GO OUTSIDE, OR READ A BOOK. You have had enough screen time today.” Who would have thought just a few years ago engineers would be able to put a personal computer inside each of our small devices (phone, tablet, or phablet)? They now act as doorways to a world of information and experiences. People vary in how they utilize their devices. My colleagues and I often joke with one another about the ease by

by Dr. Tim Moyers, MFT Assistant Professor of Graduate Clinical Psychology

which one of us might Google an answer to a history question or what is contained in Hungarian goulash.

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Our devices can help us fnd answers to some of our questions or at least another person’s opinion. Much in the way of information and entertainment can be found in the two dimensional (2D) world of the web; however, this

THE TEST OF AN ORGANIZATION CANNOT BE REDUCED TO ITS BOTTOM LINE BUT MUST INCLUDE ITS ABILITY TO DIALOG WITH ITS MEMBERS AND CO-CREATE A WORLD WORTH LIVING IN AS DESCRIBED IN THE NEW TESTAMENT.

is not without its compromises. The experience of using your computer, phone, or other such device can be described as 2D or fat, untouchable,

took interest in in my education and introduced

within many organizations. In fact, her “career”

scentless, found on a screen, and backlit.

me to ideas, principles, and values I had

in education can be summed up by the honor

Compare this to a three dimensional (3D) world,

never previously considered. I learned about

she recently received this spring when she was

and words like tactile, immersive, smell, taste,

social justice and to confront my own implicit

chosen for the Outstanding Service Award at

and touch come to mind. I am not talking about

prejudices. I learned that a community is not

the Fountain Valley School District. This award is

the illusion of a 3D world commonly found in

a community if we are not sharing our story

given to one recipient a year for their countless

theaters and now at home wearing obtrusive

and dialoging together. These values continue

volunteer hours supporting public education and

glasses, but the physical world around us.

to inform me as a professor. If I have had any

the community.

Although much of the world’s information is available through the digital 2D web, a successful person of the future will be someone

success as a professor I give the credit to those who paved the way for me and frst taught me the love of learning.

My wife’s and my experiences at Vanguard have aspects that are unique but our stories are far from unique. When I meet Vanguard

who will know how to utilize the data to solve

Specifcally within the graduate psychology

alumni a common occurrence is to exchange

the problems of the 3D world of today and

department, we are educating the future

3D stories of our time at Vanguard. We don’t

tomorrow. The road to success does not simply

psychotherapists of the world. The values that

recite the periodic table or the Greek alphabet

require memorizing Erik Erickson’s developmental

I touched, smelled, and learned as a student

one to another. We have a device with Google

stages or quickly looking up a baseball statistic.

continue to permeate my own 3D classroom.

for such needs. These encounters share

Each and every week I fnd myself engaging a

characteristics of affection, gratitude, and lives

student through conversation, coffee, dinner, or

transformed by the community of Vanguard.

entertaining students and faculty at my home.

Every student that passes through the doors

Many of these relationships have transformed

of Vanguard has an opportunity to make a

into colleagues and friends. The values of

3D connection with a professor, peer, or staff

Vanguard as in all organizations are found in the

member to glean a principle or idea that will

people that inhabit them and participate in their

shape their lives and careers.

My journey to becoming a Marriage and Family Therapist and professor started with my love of athletics and more specifcally golf. The game of golf taught me that anything worth accomplishing in life is learned through trial and error, discipline, creativity, passion, and most importantly, interacting with the 3D world around me. When people ask me what does it take to become a scratch golfer, I jokingly tell them “about 2 million swings.” Golf taught me how to learn in a 3D world. My early success in golf led me to New Mexico State University but the love of learning led me to fnish my undergraduate degree at Southern

structures. The test of an organization cannot be reduced to its bottom line but must include its ability to dialog with its members and co-create a world worth living in as described in the New Testament. We believe we are doing just that in the Graduate program in clinical psychology and Vanguard University as a whole.

I may pick up a device from time to time as I did to write this article. Or, I may wish to have device-free time. Both are a part of my life, but let’s not forget that the 2D world can only try and approximate the 3D world. My kids and the generations to come are going to need an education like the one offered at Vanguard that

California College. It was here at Vanguard

My wife Joy (Brooks ’95) and I are grateful

teaches the love of learning, passion, creativity,

that I transferred the many lessons that golf had

for the impact Vanguard has had upon our lives,

and exploration in three dimensions. The world

taught me about interacting with the 3D world

and as alumni we are proud to represent the

is in need of creative and imaginative thinkers

into becoming a good student and eventually an

University. Although I am involved in education

to solve the problems we will face in the future,

educator and therapist.

in a professional capacity, my wife is no less

and it is safe to say Google isn’t going to be

involved as a volunteer. She too cares deeply

that person. I do believe that we will see many

about education and draws upon her 3D

Vanguard alumni empowered and ready for the

experiences at Vanguard to lead and serve

challenges that lie ahead.

Education at Vanguard was a 3D experience for me. My professors personally engaged and encouraged me every step of the way. They

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POOL OF GRACE ON PAPER, ANGEL RUIZ ’94 MA ’11 NEVER SHOULD HAVE SHOWN UP AT VANGUARD UNIVERSITY TO BEGIN WITH. HE APPLIED TO AND WAS ACCEPTED AT NUMEROUS UNIVERSITIES, INCLUDING M.I.T. AND U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, BUT HE CHOSE VANGUARD BECAUSE IT HAD EVERYTHING HE WANTED IN A COLLEGE EXPERIENCE: GREAT LOCATION, GREAT EDUCATION, AND A GREAT SOCCER TEAM.

However, Angel was a poor kid from the projects of El Paso, Texas, a world away from Orange County, Calif. geographically, demographically, and culturally. When he arrived at Vanguard, Angel encountered obstacles of all sorts almost immediately. “This was in the days before Vanguard was designated a Hispanic Serving Institution,” Angel recalls. “The initial culture shock was dramatic. I struggled with language, style of humor, food—the food here defnitely wasn’t resonating with me—and I misunderstood people and was misunderstood by them.”

In the face of these obstacles, others might have gone back home. But there was one feature of Vanguard University which grounded him and gave him peace: “The presence of the Lord was here,” says Angel. “During my frst semester on campus, in addition to the culture shock, there were a number of major issues with my family back home, any one of which could have been a justifcation for me going back. But the professors at Vanguard gave me constant reminders that the Lord had something for me here.” The education Angel received, the experiences he accrued, and the relationships he developed at Vanguard served to utterly transform Angel’s life, setting him on a path towards helping other inner-city youth fnd the hope of the Gospel.

It was very nearly a different path. While at Vanguard, Angel changed his major four times, eventually choosing Business. Upon his graduation, Professor Ed Westbrook helped Angel fnd a job in sales at United Parcel Service (UPS), and there Angel found immediate favor and success. Two and a half years out of college, he had already won a major national sales award, and to anyone who saw the kid from the projects of El Paso become a college graduate negotiating contracts worth hundreds of thousands of dollars in corporate boardrooms, Angel’s transformation might have seemed complete. But Angel couldn’t escape the knowledge that he was not doing what he was meant to do. So he decided to quit UPS and follow a calling into full-time ministry. UPS offered him a substantial incentive to stay, unaware that his talents had already been secured by a higher power. “I jokingly told them, ‘You can’t afford me,’” laughs Angel. “Because this was not a fnancial decision, but a spiritual one.”

Angel began work for an rescue mission called Cityteam in California’s Bay Area. “I had to go back and try to help the kind of kid that I once was,” he says. Under Angel’s leadership, Cityteam went from reaching 150 inner city youths a week to 1,500—introducing them to Christ, helping

“I HAD TO GO BACK AND TRY TO HELP THE KIND OF KID THAT I ONCE WAS.” ANGEL RUIZ ’94 MA ’11

them grow in faith, and providing them educational assistance. After six years at Cityteam, Angel and his wife Andrea (Archuleta ’95) worked on the pastoral team of a Bay Area church for four years, when unexpectedly, Young Life called. They were looking for someone to help them reach inner city youth nationwide, and Angel saw clearly the providence of God’s calling on his life.

Now serving as the Field Ministry Vice President and the National Latino Director for Young Life, Angel has settled into the position that empowers him to pursue his goal of reaching young people in the darkness and desperation they often experience in their communities. “People say that in order to make it out of the inner city, you have to have incredible talent, incredible luck,

or incredible grace,” explains Angel. “I lean on the one I know is true: incredible grace. It is my mission to communicate to them the life-transforming message of the Gospel, and the hope that the message of Christ offers.”

In his own journey out of the inner city, and in his career path since then, Angel sees Vanguard University as both a grounding place for spiritual and character discipleship, and as a living bridge from the projects of El Paso to a greater world. “I was immeasurably blessed by professors like Vince Gil, Ed Westbrook, and Richard Schulz and by staff members like Virgil Zeigler and Diane Ortiz,” he says. “They made my time here a transforming one. At Vanguard, I felt like I was immersed in a swimming pool of grace. You cannot escape campus without being recognized, without being known, and without being cared for.”

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my story

EVIDENCE OF SUCCESS GOING TO COLLEGE WAS NOT A FOREGONE CONCLUSION FOR ME.

decided to pursue a teaching career, and I also began to investigate law school. I received my teaching credential from Vanguard’s excellent teacher training

I AM THE GREAT-GRANDSON OF

program, and immediately got a job teaching in

POOR FARMERS FROM MEXICO WHO

Glendale. A couple of years later, I joined the Peace

DID NOT HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO PURSUE AN EDUCATION.

Corps, and taught English in Nicaragua. All that time, I still felt a desire to explore the law, and when I returned stateside, I applied to a program called UCLA Law Fellows. During the week I worked full-time at Vanguard

My grandparents dropped out of middle school, and

as a fnancial aid advisor, and on the weekends I

my own parents dropped out of high school. When I

networked with practicing attorneys and prepared for

myself got to high school, I was at risk of dropping out,

the LSAT. My goal was to be accepted into a top-20

too. My parents always wanted the best for me and

law school that was also affordable.

my brothers, but I had no mentors or role models in my family who could help me make the transition to college.

I achieved that goal, and I am now in my second year at the University of Minnesota Law School. There’s a

I did, however, have a youth pastor who saw potential

saying about law school: “In your frst year they scare

in me. Specifcally, he saw how much I relished taking

you to death, in the second year they work you to

my history classes and he advised me to go to college

death, and in the third year they bore you to death.”

and major in history or political science. At that point,

Well, I’m currently in my second year, being worked

I had no idea that majoring in a subject I loved was

to death!

something I could even do! That youth pastor also told me about an affordable, local, Christian university with a great history program: Vanguard University. Little did I know that Vanguard would be so transformative. I had no clue what God had in store for me.

I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’m currently serving on the ABA Journal of Labor and Employment Law, and I recently found out that next year I’ll be managing editor. And I was recently elected as Law Council President for our student government, which is called

The warmth of Vanguard’s community was immediately

Law Council. Some of my duties include advocating for

apparent to me. I remember going to the admissions

students, helping student organizations, appropriating

offce, where my counselor was welcoming,

funds for student organizations, and distributing

encouraging, and accessible. And I was blown away

communications to students via the Law Council Digest,

at the frst event I attended for history majors. Professor

a weekly email of event listings and announcements.

Mike Wilson personally introduced me to each faculty member, which was the frst step in my developing incredible, lasting relationships with each of them.

CHRISTOPHER ORTEGA ’06 graduated from Vanguard University and is currently pursuing a law degree from University of Minnesota.

I haven’t decided on what area of the law my career will be in, but so far I’m leaning towards education and labor law. No matter what, one of my primary aims will

One of my favorite classes was World Religions, with

be to integrate my faith with my work. This integration

When I look back on my life so far, I am so thankful

the late Dr. Craig Rusch. In that class, he challenged my

was one of my most valuable lessons from Vanguard.

for the trajectory that attending Vanguard University

comfortable understanding of Christianity, and gave me

The connection between faith and learning, and faith

put me on. I went from a high school dropout-risk to

a broader perspective of the world that has allowed me

and career was always emphasized. It is so important

a frst-generation college graduate and law school

stay grounded in my faith.

not to forget the foundational elements of our faith,

student. Vanguard changed my life.

It’s common for history majors to become either teachers

because if we’re not grounded in it, we can lose sight

or attorneys. When I graduated from Vanguard, I

of why we’re here.

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Study Abroad With ENLACE IN THE FALL OF 2014, EIGHT STUDENTS FROM VANGUARD UNIVERSITY SPENT THE SEMESTER IN EL SALVADOR ON A STUDY ABROAD TRIP THAT CHANGED THEIR LIVES. IF AN IMPOVERISHED, DEVELOPING COUNTRY LIKE EL SALVADOR SEEMS LIKE AN UNLIKELY DESTINATION FOR A STUDY ABROAD SEMESTER, THAT’S BECAUSE THIS ONE, WHICH WAS FIRST ENVISIONED BY FORMER ANTHROPOLOGY PROFESSOR DR. JAMIE HUFF, WAS ORGANIZED UNDER THE AUSPICES OF VANGUARD’S NEW OFFICE OF GLOBAL EDUCATION AND OUTREACH. For many college students, study abroad semesters

talking about an idea or concept one day, and then the

his creation back to Him changes everything for me.

often amount to little more than a four-month vacation,

next day, they’d be out in the community, living it.”

My experience in El Salvador taught me that knowing

so Vanguard’s strategy to coordinate and monitor such opportunities via the Offce of Global Education and Outreach sharpens the academic focus of study abroad

This is precisely what happened. The academic component of the semester, led by Ron Bueno, Dr. Jamie

Jesus and accepting Him means that there’s a different reality for us.”

Huff, and Dr. Michael Hammond, gave Karris, Alissa,

Being in El Salvador for the whole semester allowed

Oksana, Linda, Trinity, Kathryn, Hayley, and Allison

the women to connect thoroughly to the staff and

absolutely essential historic and spiritual context for the

volunteers at ENLACE, working with them long-

importance of the work they were helping ENLACE

term and developing meaningful exchanges. “Our

do. “Our frst class was focused on the history of Latin

experience was very hands-on and contextual,”

America,” says Karris Esselstrom. “We dove into the

says Karris. “It was not just a missions trip. We were

history and struggles of the region, which gave us a

behind the scenes, spending time with ENLACE

foundation for understanding the people and culture of

and the church pastors in the community, building

El Salvador.” While this class enabled Karris and the

relationships.” ENLACE is Spanish for “link,” and the

others to understand the people they were serving, their

organization provides tools for churches to help their

The El Salvador trip serves as a quintessential model

third course, Church-Based Community Transformation

own communities. Seeing the servant attitude of church

of this refned focus. The eight students who went—

with Ron Bueno, allowed them to understand why they

pastors ministering to their congregations in poor

Karris Esselstrom, Alissa Kasper, Oksana Orlik, Linda

were serving them. “I’ve been in church my whole life,”

areas in El Salvador gave Karris and her classmates a

semesters and gives them a missional context.

Kayli (Cotten ’06) Hillebrand, the director of outreach, is in charge of this new offce, and says that excursions like these are an excellent way for students to engage more deeply in the world beyond Vanguard. “Outreach is now in the academic house,” she explains. “Faith and learning are integrated through missions trips and study abroad opportunities that combine ministry, education, and service.”

Ramirez, Trinity Flores, Kathryn Arnold, Hayley Flowers, and Allison Whitfeld—had little idea what to expect, beyond knowing they would be working closely with the non-proft ENLACE. This organization was founded

by Vanguard alumnus Ron Bueno ’90 to train and coach church leaders to work with their communities in developing sustainable solutions in areas like home gardens, clean water and sanitation, medical care, housing, and infrastructure. Ten years ago, when Kayli Hillebrand was still a student at Vanguard, she went on a missions trip to dig latrines in poor neighborhoods

“I’ve been in church my whole life, but I never fully understood the call of the church as the primary agent of change in the world. God has called us into this story with Him. Knowing that is huge in approaching community development and how we serve and love the community.

KARRIS ESSELSTROM

with this same organization, and she credits the experience with saving her life. Because of this, she

says Karris. “But I never fully understood the call of the

paradigm-shifting frame of reference in faith and life.

was aware both of what it could mean today for these

church as the primary agent of change in the world.

“The pastors themselves were obviously not wealthy,

eight Vanguard students, and also of how staying for the

God has called us into this story with Him. Knowing

but here they were, serving the poorest of the poor,”

whole semester could allow them to invest even more

that is huge in approaching community development

says Karris. She and the others found themselves

into the community than she was able to. “The semester

and how we serve and love the community.”

repeating a mantra throughout their time in El Salvador:

abroad would allow students to dive into the culture,” she says “and see what the Lord is doing. They take a full load of classes, in Spanish, community development, religion, and history, and combine that with their internship with ENLACE. They might be in the classroom

Oksana Orlik echoed this discovery: “In that class we went through the whole biblical narrative, and I saw the connection of God’s story in a way that

This changes everything. It started out as an unoffcial motto, but when Karris refects on her experience, she realizes it will be forever true.

I never realized before. The implication of deeply

“This experience deepened my faith because I was

understanding that God is continually at work to bring

able to experience a God that was way bigger than

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Clockwise, from top: Vanguard study abroad students at the El Salvador International Airport after arriving for the start of the semester; the students visit the San Andres Ruins; View of Panchimalco, one of the communities ENLACE partners with; Evening soccer game between the ENLACE women and study abroad students (photo by Oksana Orlik); Project evaluation meeting led by ENLACE staff in San Jose El Naranjo (photo by Oksana Orlik).

I had ever even realized,” says Alissa Kasper, another

it carried so much meaning to me, especially because

Salvadorian counterparts about favorite worship songs,

member of the team. “Getting out of Orange County

I am not fuent in Spanish, yet we were all able to

and in that moment she saw how multiple people of

and into a completely new country that is so different

communicate and understand one another and have a

completely different backgrounds, united in Christ,

from America reminded me of how big the world is

really wonderful time together.”

can help fulfll God’s mandate for the church. “We

and how big God must be to be present everywhere all of the time.” Alissa and her classmates were able to encounter God through not only the faith they witnessed in others who were so different from them, but also in the friendships they made with these people of faith. “I remember one day in particular,” says Alissa. “I was interning with the Community Economic Development program, and we were eating lunch with the pastor and his wife as well as a few of the ENLACE staff members. We were all laughing, joking

Oksana recalls the last day of her internship as one when she got to see the full breadth of ENLACE’s church training. “For my fnal day of training, I got to spend the entire day with three church coaches and see what a ‘normal’ day was for them,” she says. “I was encouraged by how much they loved their country and how committed they were to seeing their communities transformed. On this day, I got to witness what we had learned in our classes with Ron Bueno frsthand.”

come from different worlds,” says Karris. “But we can enjoy a relationship because Jesus has changed our lives. We spend time together and get to know each other. This is what the Kingdom of God should look like.” Karris, Oksana, Alissa, Linda, Trinity, Kathryn, Hayley, and Allison participated in the fullness of God’s promises and the diversity of his creation on their study abroad semester in El Salvador. They will be forever shaped by the integration of faith and learning, the practical application of service, and the

around, and talking about life. This memory stands

Karris remembers a specifc van ride, crammed

building of relationships with ENLACE, having as a

out to me so much because it was a time when I felt

together with ENLACE staffers and her classmates,

result experienced the precise educational experience

really connected to ENLACE and what we were doing

driving back to San Salvador from meetings

Vanguard aims to provide.

with the community. It was such a simple moment but

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A NUDGE TOWARDS CHRIST TO SIT IN CONVERSATION WITH DR. BILL DOGTEROM, AND TO BE THE BENEFICIARY OF HIS KIND ATTENTION, IS TO BE ENVELOPED BY THE CONVERGENCE OF A PASTOR’S PATIENT WARMTH AND A UNIVERSITY PROFESSOR’S ARTICULATE WISDOM. DOGTEROM HAS EMBODIED THESE TWO ROLES IN HIS LONG AND MULTI-FACETED CAREER, SERVING ON THE PASTORAL STAFF AT MULTIPLE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA CHURCHES AND AS PROFESSOR OF PASTORAL MINISTRIES AT VANGUARD UNIVERSITY. In his life and vocation, he has been blessed by the opportunity to move gracefully among the realms of preacher and teacher, counselor and mentor—and to be these things all at the same time when necessary.

Dr. Dogterom felt called to ministry early in his life. “I had a wonderful, nurturing pastor with the capacity to lead his congregation deeper in God’s Word,” he recalls. “He cultivated without intention a longing in me to serve God.” This calling crystallized the summer Dogterom spent with Youth With A Mission at the age of 16, ministering through door-to-door evangelism.

During a communion service that summer, Dogterom felt a peaceful sense of understanding about what he would spend his life doing. “Half-way through the service, I just knew I would be a preacher,” he says. “There was no drama, no craziness. It was simply clear to me.”

However, a crisis of faith led Dr. Dogterom to briefy put this calling on hold to pursue work in another area in which he was clearly gifted: teaching. His love for the Word and for helping people understand it was not diminished, but he doubted whether he could be a pastor. He decided to tailor his education towards a career in teaching, pursuing a graduate degree in divinity at Fuller Theological Seminary. At the same time he began working on the pastoral staff of Foothill Christian Center in Glendora, Calif., where, under the gracious mentorship of the senior pastor, Dogterom fell back in love with pastoral ministry. When that senior pastor retired, Dogterom was chosen as his successor, and his early ambition as a 16-year-old was fnally realized. He served on the pastoral team at Foothill for 27 years.

Yet Dr. Dogterom didn’t abandon his interest in teaching. Apart from the instruction embedded within the sermons of any good preacher, Dogterom felt more explicitly called to guide others to a deeper understanding of pastoral ministry. Over the course of thirteen years, Dogterom frst completed his graduate work with a Master of Divinity, and then spent another

eight years on his Doctor of Ministry degree—all while pastoring, and for a few years, teaching as well.

By the time he came to Vanguard University, he was fully embracing the roles of pastor and professor.

“My primary calling is to preach,” he explains. “But even when I’m teaching, I’m a pastor. In many ways it’s seamless. My academic preparation informs how I approach my pastoral preparation. My sermons have to be exegetical, even if they’re topical. I desire to help people exegete the text and exegete life really well.”

Dr. Dogterom’s time at Vanguard has been transformative for him. He himself was mentored as a colleague by many of the professors who mentor so many students. “Roger Heuser, Byron Klaus, and the late Don Baldwin all revealed aspects of faith I never knew existed. They didn’t just assign readings; they lived it. They knew Jesus and lived in the Spirit.”

Dogterom has always embraced the opportunity to be a part of that Spirit-flled community as well. “Vanguard provides a space for faith to be incarnated,” he says.

“It’s not just about content, but about life-change, and the integration of faith at the soul level. Without being maudlin, the sense of community here is a primary one.

The relationships between faculty and students are profound. Students will remember their experiences, their moments in the classroom, their moments of crisis and encounter.” Dogterom is present for many of these moments—patiently listening and counseling—by virtue of his cherished encounters over coffee with students.

And even though he resigned from Foothill Christian Center in 2006, Dr. Dogterom never stopped pastoring.

A few years ago, he collaborated with one of his former Vanguard students Darren Rouanzoin ’06 to plant a church called The Garden in Long Beach, Calif. “To see the students I’ve had and the work they’re doing is pure grace,” says Dogterom. “Darren followed a calling to minister to this urban community, and it’s a congregation that in a billion years would not have been available to me otherwise.” As a partner to Darren

on The Garden’s leadership team, Dogterom is able to see the fruits of his labor as a professor of pastoral ministry. “Darren developed an awareness of this community while at Vanguard. The Garden is solidlyrooted in emotional health, contemplative spirituality, and charismatic expression.”

One of Dr. Dogterom’s specifc goals as a professor at Vanguard is spiritual formation of the individual for a lifetime of ministry regardless of vocation. One does not need to be a pastor to recognize the importance of a practical application of theology, particularly for the individual facing a crisis of faith like the one he had. “In moments of crisis, the pain cracks us open so that grace can leak into the crevices of our superfcial priorities,” he says. “I love walking with people through seasons of doubt—because the goal isn’t certainty; the goal is Christ-likeness. If He had doubts, then we can, too. I like to say, ‘Keep doubting, at least long enough to doubt your doubts’! Because quite often doubt is the back door to a more authentic faith.”

“Vanguard provides a space for faith to be incarnated. It’s not just about content, but about life-change, and the integration of faith at the soul level.”

That more authentic faith always has the diffcult truth of Jesus Christ and his transformative grace at the center. “Jesus is always messing with us,” says Dogterom with a smile. “If Jesus isn’t annoying you, you have the wrong Jesus! And if the reality of your own forgiveness doesn’t eventuate in how you treat everyone around you, then you don’t understand what it cost to forgive you. We don’t get to have enemies.

Forgiveness is the single greatest incursion of the Gospel in the shaping of someone’s life. My heavenly Father makes the rain fall and the sun shine on everybody!”

For all the work he’s done, all the students he has infuenced and all the congregants he has led, Dr. Dogterom sees his vocational mission as elemental, and he is humble about the great obligation his work entails. “After time is no more, the essential persons in my classroom will still exist,” he says. “So to nudge them towards Christ is an amazing responsibility.”

DR. WILLEM H. DOGTEROM is a Professor of Pastoral Ministries.

His areas of specialization are Pastoral Ministry, Spirituality, and Practical Theology.

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staff profiles

STAFF PROFILES:

APRIL HARRIS AKINLOYE

DAVID VAZQUEZ

DI RE CTO R OF D IV ER SI TY A ND INCLUSI ON

D IR EC T OR OF S T RA T E GI C P AR T NE R S H IP S

As the new director of diversity and Inclusion at Vanguard University, Dr. April Harris Akinloye’s role is about so much more than demographics.

Within her department, students are serviced by the Veterans Resource Center, Disability & Learning, Hispanic Serving Initiatives, and Diversity Programming. Among her primary objectives is to make sure that every single student who attends Vanguard feels a sense of security in his or her social and academic environment. “Students are not here just for a degree,” she says. “This should be a second home for them, where they can fourish. I want to make them feel academically, personally, and spiritually supported through the work of Diversity and Inclusion. That’s at the heart of what I do.”

As the director of strategic partnerships at Vanguard University, David Vazquez’s ’12 role is to help facilitate relationships between Vanguard University and different sectors of the surrounding community—specifcally businesses and civic organizations. Vanguard benefts from these relationships because of the unique ways they help advance the University’s mission, and the community benefts because of what Vanguard has to offer as an academic institution.

Dr. Harris Akinloye’s passion for fnding ways to engage students in the institution was shaped by her doctoral program at UC-Santa Barbara, which was in education with an emphasis on cultural perspectives and diversity. There she worked with the AGEP Scholars Program, designed to prepare qualifed undergraduates for entrance into PhD studies with a STEM focus.

She went on to work with frst generation and low income students in the McNair Scholars Program at Loyola Marymount University.

Through both programs, Dr. Harris Akinloye was able to see frsthand the kind of support students of all backgrounds need in order to succeed, and how vital and rewarding it is to help motivate and inspire them to reach their full academic potential.

Dr. Harris Akinloye is aware of the negative connotations that people sometimes associate with the term “diversity,” but she embraces any response to the word, as long as it engenders the beginning of a civil dialogue. “It’s taking everyone’s story and showing that we respect it and want to engage with it,” she says. “The Bible says ‘They will know we are Christ by our love.’ Through the love of Christ, respect is shown, active listening occurs, and genuine engagement is practiced—as we witnessed at the frst annual VU Diversity Retreat last fall. This department helps students comfortably express to one another, ‘I celebrate our differences and our unity through Jesus Christ.’” And when the word “diversity” is restricted to demographics, Dr. Harris Akinloye points out that it is not limited to ethnicity but includes among other things age, gender, religion, ability, and socioeconomic status. Her department creates a safe place for communication, preparing students for the real world, where they’ll interact with others with different values, perspectives, and life experiences.

Dr. Harris Akinloye loves Vanguard University’s offcial tagline, Your Story Matters, but she puts a twist on it, applying it in the context of her offce’s core mission: “I want students to hear Your Story Matters, take it to heart, and then refect it back to others. By saying their story matters, students will be able to exemplify their belief in the value of others regardless of differences.”

David is in many ways the face of the University, helping invite companies into corporate sponsorships, securing men and women in business and the community to invest in Vanguard and serve as volunteer leaders. David was shaped for this position by his considerable experience in politics immediately after his graduation. After serving as SGA president while a Vanguard student, David was hired as a Senate Fellow through the Capital Fellows program, where he worked as a full-time policy advisor to an Orange County senator, meeting with lobbyists and working on getting bills signed into law.

He followed that with a year as a legislative manager for the Association of California Cities—Orange County. In that role, he was a voice to Sacramento, advocating for and against policy on behalf of Orange County.

So it was a natural ft for David to begin advocating for Vanguard, not least because his deeply-held beliefs about how special it is stem from his own experiences. He and his wife Allison Joy (Williams ’12) see reminders of Vanguard all around their home. “My time at Vanguard was foundational,” he says. “I’m a product of VU. The blend of faith and learning equipped me to think critically and act ethically. I came back to work here because I feel like the Lord has opened a door for me to be involved in the direction of the University. As President Beals says, ‘The era of Vanguard being the best-kept secret in Orange County is over.’ My job is to help make Vanguard a well-known resource to the local business and civic community.”

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sports

BACK ON THE COURT AFTER HER JUNIOR SEASON AS ONE OF THE LEADERS ON VANGUARD UNIVERSITY’S WOMEN’S BASKETBALL TEAM, RILEY HOLSINGER RECEIVED A PERSONAL LETTER OF SUPPORT FROM A SEEMINGLY UNLIKELY SOURCE: A COMPETITOR FROM ANOTHER COLLEGIATE BASKETBALL TEAM. THE LETTER SAID IN PART:

them for that, and I really do hope they know how much I appreciate them. They are such a blessing in my life.”

Riley and her teammates are strong competitors and very aware of the legacy of success the women’s basketball team at Vanguard represents.

They approach every game with the same level

“I just wanted to let you know that my team and I have been and will be praying for

of intensity, and strive to improve after losses.

you. Injuries are not easy, but I pray that the Lord can use this trial in your life to draw

This strong athletic success resides in the context

you nearer to Him and grow your faith. And I pray that you will continue to press on and trust Him, knowing that you can rejoice in suffering because the Lord will use it for good. […] We are told in several places that we can trust in Him through trials and we can rely on his grace to sustain us and persevere through any season we may face.

of and is empowered by the relentless focus on values articulated in the Champions of Character program at Vanguard. To Riley, this is one of the most important facets of the Vanguard experience.

“My favorite class at Vanguard has been the

[…] Stay strong, girl. You are a very respected player and leader, and I can’t wait to

Champions of Character class,” she says. “It really

see you fully recovered and back on the court.”

helped me come out of my comfort zone. I learned so much about what I value most and what we

This word of encouragement came from an athlete

Recognizing the distress and vulnerability that can

at The Master’s College, and it was particularly

accompany a major injury, coaches from every

precious to Riley, because she received it after

athletic team in the school reached out to make

suffering one of the most devastating injuries an

sure that Riley was recuperating physically and

athlete can face. Near the end of a spectacular

emotionally, treating Riley as a whole person,

season that would see her awarded a NAIA First

not just as a ballplayer. “The community here at

Team All America selection, rank ffth nationally

Vanguard and throughout the GSAC Conference

in scoring, and win the GSAC Player of the Year,

gave me so much encouragement and support,

Riley tore the ACL in her right knee. The injury

and for that I am grateful,” says Riley. “The

requires months of diffcult rehabilitation, and as

coaches here are supportive and loving. They not

Riley faces the challenge of getting back on the

only care about us as athletes, but as individuals

court, she has been lifted up by the prayer and

off the court.”

support of Vanguard’s close-knit community of coaches and athletes.

value here at Vanguard as student athletes.”

This emphasis on values is what sets Vanguard apart, and Riley’s personal experience stands as a testament, still in progress, of how suffering can be used powerfully by God for his good work.

“Vanguard’s athletic department separates itself from other athletic departments because of the strong family relationship it shares,” she says. “Everyone here in the athletic department is a brother and sister to one another. The Christian community is the foundation of our athletic department, and I believe it is why we all continue to thrive.”

Riley’s greatest support came from her closest allies: the women’s basketball team. The culture

“The most important thing I have learned while

of relationship established and modeled by

being here at Vanguard as a student athlete is

the coaches at Vanguard permeates the teams

how important it is to keep God frst in all that I

completely. “My basketball team is unique

do,” says Riley. “I have learned the importance of

because we are more than just sisters,” says Riley.

prayer. Given my injury, I could not have gotten

“We are extremely close. My team provided

over the hurdles I encountered without the prayers

me with unconditional love and support before,

of my teammates, coaches, friends, and family.”

during, and after my injury. I can never repay

“THE MOST IMPORTANT THING I HAVE LEARNED while being here at Vanguard as a student athlete is how important it is to keep God frst in all that I do.”

RILEY HOLSINGER, WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

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beyond community:

THE DREAM TEAM A PROVEN GROUP OF LEADERS GUIDES VANGUARD TO ITS 100-YEAR ANNIVERSARY.

IN PRESIDENT MICHAEL J. BEALS’ FIRST YEAR OF LEADERSHIP, VANGUARD UNIVERSITY BEGAN A COLLABORATION BETWEEN THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES, FACULTY, ADMINISTRATION, AND COMMUNITY OF VANGUARD TO CHART A FIVEYEAR COURSE FORWARD, TAKING THE UNIVERSITY TO ITS 100-YEAR ANNIVERSARY IN 2020. IN ADVANCING THE GOALS OF THIS VISION, DR. BEALS HAS PROCURED THE ASSISTANCE OF A TREMENDOUS TEAM OF LEADERS, WHO ARE COMMITTED TO CONTINUING THE WORK OF THEIR PREDECESSORS IN THE FULFILLMENT OF VANGUARD’S MISSION. “We have completed, rolled out, and are living in our fve-year plan, and

vigilant and wise, shepherding Vanguard’s resources to serve its educational

I couldn’t be more excited,” says President Beals. “Our goal is to continue

goals and its continuing fnancial stability. “We continue to build up our

Vanguard University’s reputation for academic excellence, combining the

reserves through our endowment, pay down debt, and have a plan to be debt-

curricular and the co-curricular aspects of education which lead to our students’

free in eight years,” he says.

holistic and transformational development.” Central to this ambition is the involvement of Dr. Doug Green, Nicole Suydam ’95, and Jeff Motske ’88, all members of Vanguard’s board of trustees, and all believers in Vanguard, whether because of their personal experience, or because of how they have witnessed its impact on the community.

Green, an alumnus of Vanguard’s sister school Evangel University, loves what Assemblies of God higher education represents. “Vanguard has four major advantages, all of which are rooted deeply in its nearly 100-year history,” he says.

“First, we give women the highest opportunities possible. The Bible says ‘Your sons and daughters will prophecy’ and we believe that. Second, because of our

Dr. Doug Green is the new chair of the Board of Trustees. He takes the helm

attachment to the Assemblies of God, one of the greatest missionary movements

of trustee leadership from David Oddo who, according to President Beals, left

of this century, we have an attachment to the world. Young people today want to

pretty big shoes to fll. “David Oddo served so faithfully at a time when his skills

change the world, and we have direct access to it. Third, we have a theology and

were needed, and leaves a legacy of stability and growth,” he says. “Doug Green

a doctrine that gives us solidarity with the many great ethnic movements of the

will continue that legacy and make it his own. He is a seasoned organizational

church today. Vanguard has the ability to speak many diverse languages. Fourth,

leader, a visionary, and a people person. He will help every member of the board

anything is possible! Miracles are at the root of the Pentecostal movement. We

achieve his or her maximum potential.”

already know that because of what God has done for Vanguard.”

“It’s a true joy to work with trustees old and new who are committed to academic excellence, moral character development, and the core identity of Vanguard as a Christian university.” PRESIDENT BEALS

Green is joined on the board by Nicole Suydam, the CEO of Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County. An alumna of Vanguard University, Nicole is also president of the Alumni Association and a newlyappointed trustee by virtue of a change in bylaws designed to engage alumni in the governance of the University. “For the alumni to have a voice is very important,” says

Green is the founding pastor of North Hills Church in Brea, Calif. and has already served two terms on the Board of Trustees. For that reason, he’s had a front-row seat to Vanguard’s most diffcult season, and allows that experience to remind him of his responsibility now. “When praying for the miraculous, you cannot forget your desperation,” says Green. “I was here. God intervened.

Through miraculous favor, hard work, prudence, and the prayers and fasting of Vanguard’s community, we are still here!” Now Green’s job is to remain

Suydam. “This shows the board’s seriousness in getting feedback from them.”

Suydam’s time at Vanguard was infuential in her life and vocation, so she is intimately familiar with the affection many alumni feel towards the school. Her goal is to channel that affection into meaningful opportunities for alumni to involve themselves in the life of Vanguard after they have graduated. “We want to cultivate lifelong relationships with alumni,” she says “so they understand there are still opportunities to make an impact on current students. I have

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Left to right: Jeff Motske ’88, Nicole Suydam ’95, President Beals ’81, MA ’89, and Dr. Doug Green

mentored, interviewed, and hired many current students, and often go back

One of the primary objectives of each of the trustees is to help preserve

to speak about a career path in the non-proft world. This isn’t hard, and it’s

Vanguard’s core values, and Jeff sees its moral foundation and relational culture

valuable. You get to see the light bulb go off in another student.” Suydam’s

as two of the most vital. They are so vital, in fact, he built his own business

aim is to create an environment where Vanguard students relating to Vanguard

around the concepts. “What I do at Trilogy Financial is all about relationships,”

alumni is commonplace, particularly through mentorship. “As a mentor, you

he says. “Having a relationship as your center resonates with clients. We tell

can add so much value to a student’s education,” she says. “You connect to the

clients, ‘We will challenge our comfort zones, but we will not challenge our

community, and to people who want to be successful. And your life experience

values.’” As one might expect, Vanguard’s fnancial stability is of particular

can help them achieve that success.”

importance to Jeff. He is focused on doubling Vanguard’s endowment by

As the new chair of the Foundation Board, Jeff Motske is perhaps a perfect example of an alumnus investing back into Vanguard University. The co-founder and president of Trilogy Financial, Jeff brings 20 years of sound fscal expertise to bear on his position on the board of trustees and the Foundation Board.

2020 and raising the profle of the University so that businesses and charitable organizations are aware of how they can contribute, and the benefts thereof.

This enables Vanguard to develop and offer more scholarships, which allows more students to beneft from the strong foundation Vanguard provides.

While he was a student at Vanguard, Jeff learned the importance of applying

It is easy to see why President Beals is elated to serve with this core group of

faith to business practice. “Faith-based education provides a great platform for

leaders. “There’s a strong mood of optimism about the future of Vanguard

people in the workforce,” he says. “It gives you the right values and the tools to

University,” he says. “It’s a true joy to work with trustees old and new who are

be successful in your long-term career.”

committed to academic excellence, moral character development, and the core identity of Vanguard as a Christian university.”

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IN MEMORIUM “If you are successful, it is incumbent that you give back, whatever you can, of your time, talent, and treasure.”

Curt Carson

OUR BELOVED FRIEND AND FELLOW SERVANT, CURT CARSON, WENT TO BE WITH OUR LORD ON FRIDAY, MAY 15TH. CURT SERVED AS THE CHAIRMAN OF THE VANGUARD UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS FROM 2003 UNTIL THE COMPLETION OF HIS SERVICE IN JANUARY, 2015. HE JOINED THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES IN 2009 WHEN THE BYLAWS WERE AMENDED TO INCLUDE THE CHAIRMAN OF THE FOUNDATION AS AN EX OFFICIO MEMBER. IN 2012 HE SAID YES AGAIN TO SERVE AS THE CO-CHAIR OF THE THROUGH THESE DOORS CAMPAIGN WITH GARY GRAY. Curt Carson had a simple formula for philanthropy: “If you are successful,”

banking because he saw an opportunity to help people, guiding them in

he said in a 2014 interview with vanguard Magazine, “it is incumbent that

personal fnancial decisions and conducting his own banking business at the

you give back, whatever you can, of your time, talent, and treasure.” During

highest levels of ethical and moral conduct. Dr. Michael J. Beals, president

and after his long and successful career as a banker, Curt gave generously to

of Vanguard University, remembers how philanthropy and service were at

organizations and causes he believed in, and Vanguard University was one of

the intersection of Curt’s faith and career. “Curt Carson served God in his

the fortunate benefciaries of his time and talents.

professional and personal life by blessing the people and community around

Curt saw support of Christian liberal arts colleges like Vanguard as an essential part of his own ministry. “When I look at the country and the world,” he said,

him,” says President Beals. “He was a tireless leader and advocate for the growth of Vanguard University.”

“it’s clear to me that now more than ever that we need students with a Christian

Curt was humble in his work, hoping only to please the Lord. In his 2014

background. We need students with morals, character, initiative, a spiritual

interview, he explained: “At the end of it all, we’ll have two questions to

foundation, and the desire to make a difference.”

answer before God: ‘Were you a good and faithful servant?’ and ‘What did

In his career, Curt served as the managing director of the Private Bank for Southern California for Union Bank of California. His vocation allowed him to pursue professional goals in line with his generous nature. He chose

you do with what you were given?’ I know if I made the right decisions for the right reasons, then I’ll be able to stand before Him and say, ‘I was good and faithful, and here’s what I did. And I did it all trying to follow in your footsteps.’”

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Thank you for making Through These Doors a success.

In 1992, Vanguard University named its newest building after John B. Scott, whose legacy at the school was secured by 40 years of faithful service as professor, president, librarian, and academic dean. John B. Scott had a vision for Vanguard as an institution of faith and learning of the highest order, and it’s ftting that the building that honors him serves as the “front door” of the University.

For the last eight months, this “front door” has been surrounded by the sights and sounds of unmistakable progress. Each day the continuing renovation and expansion of the Scott Academic Center increases the building’s stature and visual impact, representing a remarkable and exciting development in the 95-year life of Vanguard University.

Construction on the Scott Academic Center began at the culmination of a multi-year capital campaign which successfully raised $7 million from families, individuals, and businesses who believe in the mission of the University, and which has allowed for the project to completed entirely debt-free. “We praise God for the outpouring of generosity and support for this effort,” says Justin McIntee, Vanguard’s Vice President for University Advancement. “From the inside out, Vanguard’s leadership and extended family—including alumni, faculty, staff, administration, and trustees—has come through to make this a reality.”

The Scott Academic Center renovation will result in a new wing with ten new classrooms, broadened space for programs like the Veterans Resource Center and the Global Center for Women and Justice, upgraded restrooms, more parking, food service facilities, and enhancements to the exterior of the structure, which will augment the aesthetic character of Vanguard University. “The renovation represents a much needed space for students to thrive in the classroom and to further their pursuit of academic excellence,” says McIntee. “It meets several tangible needs the University has.”

As the Vice President for University Advancement, McIntee John B. Scott

has had the opportunity to espouse the benefts of the Scott Academic Center renovation to many people, but it wasn’t

until he toured the work in progress that these benefts transformed for him from a spec building plan to a living promise to the Vanguard community. “There are multiple wonderful and intentional spaces for students to gather and study,” he says. “The building came alive for me in a meaningful way when I saw one spot in particular. It offers a gorgeous view of the campus mall, and it is such a beautiful and peaceful space. We want people to come back and see it, because we know it will resonate with them like it did with me!”

As the renovation nears its August 8 completion date, at the forefront of Justin’s mind is gratitude, for the many people who offered their time and money to be a part of the project. “There were a lot of volunteers behind this effort. A lot of people gave, and we simply could not have done it without them.” As an alumnus of Vanguard himself, Justin realizes that the transformational education a student receives at the University sometimes exceeds the physical campus itself. Improving the campus is a vital step in bridging that gap. “We are one step closer to the quality of our facilities matching the quality of the student experience,” he says.

The $7 million capital campaign was titled Through These Doors, which serves not only as a reference to the Scott Academic Center’s position as the “front door” of the campus, but also to the faculty, students, and staff who have passed through and entered a world of faith and learning consistent with John B. Scott’s vision. Through These Doors is also a phrase that welcomes all those who embrace the promise that the new Scott Academic Center offers, and that Vanguard University delivers on: a gateway to the blessings of an Spirit-empowered, Christ-centered education.

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class notes

CLASS NOTES 1940s

Gene and Carol

Ruth Tuzon Morales

(Winton ’65) Linzey

’65 returned to the

Frances ’53-’54 and

’66 were married in

Philippines upon

Ralph Hiatt ’56 served

1966. They now have 5

graduating to help her

as pastors in Northern

grown children and 32

parents with the Bible

California, then as AG

grandchildren – at last

Institute that they founded.

missionaries to Argentina

count. Carol keeps busy with her many hobbies and

She married Josue Morales and the pair worked

from 1964 to 2007.

grandchildren. Upon completing his BA at SAGU,

together in the Bible school, Josue as Director of the

Frances passed away in 2010. Now in 2015 at 83

Gene was a bi-vocational pastor while working for

school and Ruth as Administrator. In 1992 they moved

years old, Ralph continues to minister in Argentina

many years as an Operations Offcer in the Nuclear

to the US and in 1996 were assigned the mission feld

where he helped to plant many churches. Some of

Physics Division at the Los Alamos National Laboratory

of Brazil, South America. The two worked with street

these churches grew to over 20,000 members. Ralph

(Los Alamos, NM). Gene and Carol have retired from

children in the city of Curitiba, in the state of Parana in

dedicates time in every service to children and is a

the lab and pastoral ministry and now live in Siloam

South Brazil. In 2008 Ruth and Josue Morales were

practicing ventriloquist using a little friend called Felipe.

Springs, Arkansas. Gene has written for newspapers

reassigned to the US to work as volunteers with the

The couple has three sons Ronald, Timothy and

since 2001, and published a book (Insights on Faith &

Salvation Army Center in LaBelle, Florida. For more

Michael who were raised in Argentina and now live in

History) containing many of his early articles. The

information about the ministry they do please go to

California and Seattle.

foreword was written by Dr. J.C. Holsinger, former

equipinternational.org and click on the ‘Our

history professor at SCC. Gene now flls in for pastors

Missionaries’ link.

1960s

as needed, writes a weekly column titled Reflections on

Pete Caruso ’62 and his wife Bev have pastored

Life for an Arkansas newspaper, and is working on two

two churches in Orange County, and ministered in over

more books.

forty countries. They moved to north Texas last spring.

Yvonne (Hill ’60) and Neal Pirolo ’60 both graduated with double majors: Neal’s in Bible and Education, Yvonne’s in Bible and Psychology. They

Mike McGuire ’69 and

have four married children, 16 grandchildren, and 14

his wife Shelley currently

great grandchildren! Several are missionaries. Others

live in Irvine. After

are active in business. One grandson is in the military.

graduating from SCC,

The Pirolos have had the privilege of ministering in

Mike served as an

60 different countries and they continue to travel the

educator in the Newport-

world teaching from the Word. Neal has written fve

Mesa USD, teaching history and coaching, retiring in

books. One has been translated into 20 languages,

Jan Hennemuth ’65 got a degree in Biblical Truths

2004 as the principal of Ensign Intermediate School.

others into several languages. Translations continue

to become a children’s pastor. She started pre-schools

Along the way, he coached the girls’ varsity basketball

on the book ‘Prepare For Battle’. Seminars, webinars,

and private Christian schools. Last June, Jan decided to

team at Estancia HS, the women’s basketball team at

DVDs and CDs continue to keep Neal and Yvonne

fnish the degree she had started years ago. She had

SCC, and started and coached the SCC softball

active. They just started their 33rd year with a missions

all the classes required and just needed to complete

program through ’89. He served as a consultant to the

organization called Emmaus Road International. You

the test. She took the test, passed, and will receive a

Newport-Mesa, Santa Ana, and Rowland USD’s, and

can check them out on their website: ERI.org.

minister’s license on May 5, 2015.

for the past ten years Mike has served as a supervisor

They are one of four-generations sharing 61 acres. In addition to their co-authored book: Keeping It Fresh: A Love that Keeps on Growing, based on their Marriage Seminars, Bev has written a number of other books.

They have three grown children, eight grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren.

Galen Hertweck ’68 is married to Dickie and teaches New Testament at Asia Pacifc Theological Seminary in Baguio City, Philippines. He just got back from a tour of Paul’s journeys in Greece and the Seven Churches of Revelation in Turkey. Other travels this year will take him to the USA, Thailand, Mongolia, Samoa, and Australia.

of student teachers with VU’s Graduate Education Department. Having previously been involved with Mariners Church outreach ministries to Mexico, the McGuires currently attend St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, and their blended family of six adult children and ten grandchildren keep them focused on priorities, which often includes hunting and fshing adventures.

Don Wood ’61 was selected by Dr. O Cope Budge to become the Dean of Students at Aloha Bible Institute in Honolulu Hawaii for a 3 year term. He then became the State Program Director for the Hawaii Mental Health Assn while completing his Master’s Degree in Educational Psychology. He served a term as a missionary in the Marshall Islands as principal of the

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FROM THE WRITER WHEN I INTERVIEWED CHRIS CARMICHAEL ’95 AND STEVE ARNOLD ’90 FOR THIS ISSUE OF THE MAGAZINE, I REALIZED THAT A THREAD RAN THROUGH BOTH OF THEIR REMARKABLE STORIES THAT ALSO RAN THROUGH MINE.

Bible School and then returned to Hawaii and again assumed the position of State Program Director of the HMHA. This led to becoming the Executive Director of the Hawaii Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse.

He became involved in multiple movements geared toward healing young people from drug addiction.

Later, he was a leader in the Charismatic Renewal Movement where he witnessed many great miracles in denominational and Catholic churches. His previous professional experience led to an appointment as Hawaii State Services Coordinator by John Burns, the Governor of Hawaii. Later, Wood moved to San Diego and became the Health Welfare Offcer for the San Diego Human Relations Commission while pursuing and completing his PhD in Clinical Psychology. He then worked at Pine Rest Christian Hospital in Grand Rapids, MI, as a staff psychologist then went into private practice as a clinical psychologist. Wood established Christian Psychological Services as a Christian mental health outpatient service in Grand Rapids, MI, and later in Vancouver, WA for a total period of 35 years. He retired in October, 2014, and moved to northern California to be close to his children and grandchildren.

1970s Paula (Perry) Cooper ’77 lives in Los Angeles, CA. She has been a 2nd grade teacher for 32 years. Her son, Mychal, is a freshman at Bethany College in West Virginia.

That thread was retired English and art professor Keith Ewing. Both Chris and Steve told me about how during their time at Vanguard, Keith Ewing validated God’s calling in their lives by showing them how that calling could involve their creative interests. I was touched hearing about it because Keith had a similar effect on me; he infused all of our lives with courage about our decision to pursue our creative passions.

At the risk of generalization, the creative student – whether in writing, art, music, or theatre—might in some respects be more vulnerable than the student who’s chosen a more vocationally “practical” major. Your typical English major comes to college a lifelong reader and writer, which are essentially solitary pursuits with only contrived opportunities for affrmation. Keith recognized this and seemed to make it his mission to assure English majors that our interest in literature was an indispensable part of God’s plan for us.

Keith had a lot of famous sayings, and one of my favorites was: “There’s no room for false modesty among us creative geniuses!” It only sounds pretentious if you didn’t see the wink and ironic smile that came with it. It was meant to be funny, but also meant to assure us English majors that it was okay and actually necessary for us to embrace the creative gifts God gave us. We could be proud

of these gifts, in fact, because we were heirs to God’s own creative ambitions.

In his capstone English class, Keith had English majors write a “New Organon.” In it we were meant to explore our literary infuences, wrestle with the question of who we wanted to be, and explain how we would combine our talents with our passion and learning to serve God in his plans for us. When I look back at my New Organon now, I wonder what Keith must have thought when he graded my paper and saw me guilelessly hold court on a whole rash of topics and concepts far beyond the limits of my expertise!

Actually, I’d like to imagine that he considered himself successful. I only had the self-possession to muse so freely because Keith (and the rest of Vanguard’s incredible English department) gave me a literary foundation and then a safe place to understand God’s promises to me. I’m better for it, and of course, what makes Vanguard so special is that so many students, in so many disciplines, have had the experience of discovering their gifts as seeds of God’s purpose, cultivated by mentors and empowered by education.

RENE SCHEYS ’04 WRITER/COPY EDITOR

Dawn (Joseph) Ferguson ’76 is widowed with a 13 year old son whom she

Lawrence McNeal III

Missouri, and in Canada. Eight compact discs have

(Tripp Law) ’78 is an

been recorded with several receiving the Angel Award

Actor/ Producer and lives

from Religion in Media. Nearly one million people

in Fullerton, CA. He has

have viewed Thallander related videos on YouTube.

Terry Lindvall ’70 has two books coming out this

co-starred in several

Mark holds a master’s degree in music from California

year. God Mocks: A History of Religion and Satire

television shows and

State University, Long Beach, with additional graduate

homeschools. Her son enjoys graphic design.

They reside in San Bernardino, CA.

from the Hebrew Prophets to Stephen Colbert (New

feature flms including CSI Las Vegas, CSI Miami, and

study in sacred music at the University of Southern

York University Press, 2015) and A Mirror for Fools: An

his latest TV show Fifty and Over Club which he also

California. Mark is probably best known for his long

Illustrated Alphabet (Koehler Publication, 2015). See

created and produced.

and distinguished ministry at The Crystal Cathedral in

more of Terry’s work at http://www.amazon.com/ Terry-Lindval.

Mark Thallander ’72 is president of The Mark Thallander Foundation, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary! The Foundation has presented 27 choral festivals in California, Hawaii, Maine, Massachusetts,

Garden Grove, California, and appeared regularly as an organist on the Hour of Power television ministry.

Following his long tenure at The Crystal Cathedral, Mark served in churches in Menlo Park,

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Left to right: Simona, Steve, and Eric Arnold

THE HANDS AND FEET OF CHRIST Steve Arnold’s ’90 work with Assemblies of God World and US Missions over the past 22 years has taken him around the world, serving in communities from southern Europe to northern Asia.

His latest placement in the feld, however, might be the unlikeliest of all: Southern California. Just miles away from Vanguard University, where Steve’s heart for missions blossomed under the guidance of invested professors and a Spirit-flled application of learning, Steve is helping foreign refugees to the United States navigate a new world and rebuild their lives.

Steve’s introduction to the mission feld was a short-term missions trip to Japan led by the youth pastor at his church. Up until that point he had no plans to go into ministry, but God spoke to him through the faithfulness of the Japanese, a very small percentage of whom are Christians. The Japanese pastor that Steve stayed with had been leading a church for 15 years, and as of then had 11 congregants. “The faithfulness of the believers there showed me the Lord’s work in hard places,” says Steve. “They served the Lord, obediently and graciously. The experience opened my heart to cross-cultural ministry.”

When Steve arrived at Vanguard University, he found a community embracing God’s work in the lives of young people. He organized an evening group for students to join in praying for missionaries, which was often attended by professor Byron Klaus, and the presence of Vanguard’s missionary-in-residence Ron Hittenberger confrmed to Steve that the University’s mission was not merely theoretical. And though Steve was a religion major with an emphasis in anthropology, his additional interest in art connected him to English and art professor Keith Ewing, who encouraged him in the belief that this interest would be used by God in the mission feld as well. Steve found it to be true. “So much of missions is opening your heart and allowing the Lord to direct your path,” says Steve. “God has designed each of us

uniquely and for a reason, and He’ll use our gifts for his plan, as we seek his will.”

Steve had a diffcult start to cross-culture work. After graduating from Vanguard, he was hired to teach English in China. When his sponsoring organization discovered that Steve and a friend had devised an anthropology practicum for which they had spent three days on Skid Row in Los Angeles, they concluded that he was cut out for the hard stuff. They placed him in western China, which at that time was newly-open to foreigners, where he was isolated, lonely—and cold. “It was really rough,” he says. “I was fresh out of college in Southern California, and pushed immediately out of my comfort zone. I learned right away that this work can be really hard, so it’s important to be prepared. I followed the call, and had to put my trust completely in Him.” Later in his career, when he was considerably more seasoned, Steve returned to China with his family and helped train middle school English teachers in poor rural areas, a decidedly more positive experience.

Following his frst foray into China, Steve served as a missionary in multiple countries across Europe, including Romania, Austria, France, and Belgium. In Romania, where he met his wife, Steve served as a missionary journalist, helped start a ministry to street children, and assisted missionary Wayne Huffman in planting the Bucharest International Church. Steve and his wife then spent time in Austria ministering to Bosnian refugees feeing ethnic cleansing in former Yugoslavia. This is when he frst became aware of the ways in which refugees are uniquely burdened, usually forced to leave their homes under the threat of violence or death and move to an unfamiliar land.

Much later, while back in the States and awaiting his next journey overseas, Steve was driving his car when he saw a man and a woman walking along the sidewalk. This image struck him, and the Lord immediately put it into his heart to investigate refugees

coming into America. “The question of what happens to refugees here triggered more questions: Does the United States receive them? What does the church do about them? I discovered that there were almost 80,000 a year, but no Assemblies of God ministry to reach them.”

Now, in partnership with an organization called Voice of the Refugees, Steve works to reach and to care for a portion of the thousands of refugees that pour into the United States each year, many from mostly Muslim countries such as Iraq, Afghanistan, Iran, and Syria.

“These are people who cannot go home because of persecution or danger in their homeland,” says Steve.

“The government receives them, but is able to provide very little assistance. So the government relies heavily on churches.” This assistance is for the most basic of needs.

Refugees must fnd apartments, register their children in school, and, in order to gain employment, take English classes. “They face a lot of challenges, so our primary context is to serve them, help them, and build relationships with them. We have picnics, celebrations for Thanksgiving and Christmas, food distribution, we collect furniture donations to furnish their apartments, and provide ESL classes—all so that we as God’s people can step into the void and show God’s love to them.”

One personal beneft of Steve’s placement in Southern California is that he and his wife Simona are close to their son, Eric, who will graduate from Vanguard this spring and plans to go into medical mission work.

Granting that, the irony of God’s logistics is not lost on Steve. After many years of going out into the world to reach people for Christ, the world is now coming to him.

“It is very diffcult to go the countries that they are from,” he says. “God is bringing them here, for them and for us, and it’s a blessing as we live out the hands and feet of Christ. As they are reached here by our faithfulness, they will communicate with others back home, and may themselves return when it’s less dangerous. Hopefully they will share the blessings and truth that God is bringing into their lives through Christians here.”

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class notes

Glendale and Pasadena, and on the faculties of

and Lisa currently live in Chino Hills as empty-nesters.

other, communicate effectively, and enjoy each other

Southern California College, Vanguard University

Art is in his 27th year of management for Smart & Final,

for life. Carrie is kept busy working at a local priority

(where he was President of the Alumni Association

Inc. Lisa has been teaching Spanish for 14 years and is

school where she is working with staff and teachers as

and an endowed organ scholarship is named in his

currently teaching at Western Christian High School, in

a data coach. They have two beautiful girls, Sydney

honor), Evangel University and Glendale College.

Upland. They will be traveling to Spain with a group of

(10) and Ashlyn (6).

To learn more about the Foundation, please visit

high school students, for 14 days, in June 2015.

MarkThallanderFoundation.org.

Chuck Wilson ’75 recently retired as Assembly of God appointed missionary to Africa. Chuck is now on the staff and faculty of Southwestern Assembly of God University and also serves as the Dean of Institutional Assessment and Dissertation

Tammy (Reynolds ’91) and Scott Menzel ’91

1990s

are approaching their 23rd anniversary and have

David B. Almond ’90 is a Vietnam veteran who

parents of McKayla (college freshman) and Madyson

served in the U.S. Navy aboard the U.S.S Kitty Hawk and at both Oak Knoll and Long Beach, Ca. naval hospitals, from 1972-1975. He has a B.A. in Biblical Studies from Vanguard University and an M.A. in Education from Cal State University Dominquez Hills, Ca. As an ordained minister, he is currently serving

lived in Michigan since 1994. They are the proud (high school sophomore). Tammy is an instructor at a local community college. Scott has been a school superintendent for the past 13 years and was named the regional superintendent of the year in 2014 as well as the Executive of the Year in Ann Arbor, Michigan for his work in consolidating two school districts.

Coordinator for Pan African Theological Seminary.

and working as a chaplain at the Kingman State Prison Complex in Golden Valley, Az. His frst book,

Peter J. Prettyman

Jim Lawson ’78 and his wife of 36 years, Terri

A Sailor’s Story in Black & White: Battle for the Hawk

’94 has joined the Indiana

live in Newport Beach, CA. They have three grown

was released in 2013 and chronicles a series of

Municipal Power Agency

children - Traci lives in Nashville working for Sysco,

tumultuous events that resulted during his time at sea.

(IMPA) as Vice President

Jamie in NYC working for JetBlue and Brent in New

This memoir will appeal to all branches of the military

and General Counsel.

Haven, CN attending Yale University and playing

and armed forces, both current and retired. It will also

baseball like his dad.

be of immense interest to the thousands of men and

employed as a litigation attorney with Taft Stettinius &

women who served aboard the HAWK during its time

Hollister LLP in Indianapolis. In his role with IMPA,

of deployment from 1961-2009, as well as American

Prettyman assists the Agency in its legal, regulatory and

history enthusiasts. For more information contact:

business activities, and also provides support to the

asailorsstory@hotmail.com.

Agency’s 59 member communities throughout the state.

1980s Samuel Ebersole ’82 produced and directed a documentary, Art in the Elements, about a couple whose art refects their simple lifestyle living in the foothills at the base of Pikes Peak. The program aired on Rocky Mountain PBS last fall, and won the Best of Competition award in the Faculty Division of the Broadcast Education Association. Ebersole is a professor, and chair of the Mass Communication department, at Colorado State University - Pueblo.

Connie (Brazell) Bohnert ’89. Through internships they will be raising up the next generation of missionaries to the most unreached region of the globe, Asia Pacifc, where only 13% of people even know a Christian. Their kids and future VU students, Isaac (8), Asher (7), and Reagan (6) are ecstatic about the move and can’t wait to make new friends and tell people about God in the Philippines. If you want to contact them or support them, go to their website: s1.ag.org/taylor5fre.

Lisa (Sanchez) Ervin ’91 lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in private practice with her husband Bruce.

Lisa is also a spiritual director and retreat facilitator.

(Gallegos) Valencia ’83 traveled to Italy in January 2015 for a teacher’s conference. Art

After completing his B.A. at Vanguard, Prettyman earned his Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from the Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law, where he graduated with honors.

Their practice, Ervin Counseling and Family Life

Troy and Sara “Cita”

Ministries, provides professional psychotherapy, with

(Montemayor ’01)

special interest in the integration of Christian spirituality

Taylor ’99 are now AG

with psychotherapy. Lisa and Bruce have an 11 year

missionaries, and are

old daughter, Hannah Grace. You can view Lisa’s

currently itinerating in So

website at ervincounselingmn.com.

Carrie (LaRue ’98) and Scott Feitl ’98 moved to Lansing, MI in 2010 after Scott received his Master’s of Human Relations from the University of Oklahoma.

While in Lansing, Scott ministered as the Family Pastor

Art ’82 and Lisa

Previously, he was

and then Executive Pastor at Trinity Church. This year Scott has stepped out of the church and started a marriage enrichment ministry called We Connect Coaching (weconnectcoaching.com). He now presents workshops at churches and meets with couples on-line

Cal. They hope to be “on the feld” in Manila, Philippines by this summer. They will be serving under missionaries fellow VU grads & former VU outreach directors, Tom and Connie (Brazell) Bohnert ’89. Through internships they will be raising up the next generation of missionaries to the most unreached region of the globe, Asia Pacifc, where only 13% of people even know a Christian.

Their kids and future VU students, Isaac (8), Asher (7), and Reagan (6) are ecstatic about the move and can’t wait to make new friends and tell people about God in the Philippines. If you want to contact them or support them, go to their website: s1.ag.org/taylor5fre

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2000s Kayli (Ober ’06) and Darren Bagwell ’05 were married June 13, 2009 after rekindling their friendship from college.

Darren runs his own business Rock For Her (rockforher.com) that focuses on custom diamond bridal jewelry, and is working on a master’s in Psychology with future plans of becoming a

BREWING COFFEE SUCCESS When Sarah (Luckett ’02) Atherton was a 20-year-old junior at Vanguard University, she landed an internship at Caféjo, a local manufacturer of commercial and home coffee brewers, coffee blends, and teas. The internship was orchestrated on Sarah’s behalf by business professor Ed Westbrook, who has a long history of using his extensive connections among businesses in the community to help Vanguard students gain applicable, real-world experience. As it does for many college interns, Sarah’s initial real-world experience involved doing whatever she was told—she had no desk and no phone, and her primary duties involved getting her bosses coffee, making copies, and other offce grunt work. Upon her graduation from Vanguard, however, Sarah was offered a full-time job at Caféjo. The position was called “assistant to the offce manager.”

Although Sarah was no longer an intern, her duties remained largely the same.

Today, 15 years later, Sarah is still at Caféjo, but her role has changed considerably. She is now vice president of the company.

When Sarah refects on the beginning of her career at Caféjo—as she juggled her internship with the typical demands of being a college student—she sees how signifcant Ed Westbrook’s infuence was. “His Business Law class was the most challenging one I took,” Sarah says. “He really put students to the fre, gave us a lot of reading which he expected us to know and understand, and demanded that we be prepared.

And he taught us about ethics in business, and what it means to be a Christian in the business world.”

And of course, professor Westbrook’s connections led Sarah to the internship at Caféjo, where not having a desk was actually to Sarah’s advantage. She roamed the offces and eagerly learned every part of how Caféjo functioned, taking any desk that wasn’t immediately occupied and fguring out what people did there. “Any opportunity I had to do something,

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they let me do it,” says Sarah. “I accompanied the CEO on sales calls, learned about accounting, and also about customer service.”

After fve years at Caféjo, Sarah was promoted to Marketing Manager, when she fnally got her own desk and offce. Three years later, she was promoted yet again, to Vice President, a position in which her primary role is to serve as right-hand person of Caféjo’s owner and CEO. Over the years, Sarah has presided over the growth of the company, as it has expanded its product line, developing more coffee and coffee brewer products. When Caféjo began producing a line of single-cup coffee cups, they soon outgrew their manufacturing facility. Searching for a way to expand their manufacturing resources, Caféjo found a solution which helps care for the community of Orange County and has allowed Sarah to see a living example of all the lessons from Ed Westbrook about ethics in business.

“We partnered with the Orange County Adult Achievement Center,” explains Sarah. “This organization employs around 250 adults with developmental disabilities, which is a part of the community that often doesn’t see a lot of support.

Through a program called My Cup Counts, they help us develop our products, and we help develop education and support plans for adults with developmental disabilities. It’s a great partnership, and it makes my job so worthwhile.”

Sarah’s career is evidence of how powerfully internships can impact students, and of how an individual can fnd rejuvenation through serving the community. Above all else, her career is sustained by her faith. “You make a million decisions every day, and they can be good or bad,” she says. “People see what you do. I have been entrusted with a lot in my career, and over time, through my actions, through my dedication to my family and my job, I hope to show what it means to be a Christian in the business world.”

licensed marriage and family therapist. Kayli teaches 1st grade. The two welcomed Beckett on June 23, 2014. He is such a joy to the family and reminds his parents of God’s faithfulness every day. The Bagwells live in Newport Beach.

Caitlin MacyBeckwith ’07 has been a Seattle resident since 2011, after being hired as a full-time member of Taproot Theatre’s Road Company, which tours bullying prevention plays to over 200 schools each year throughout the Pacifc Northwest. She often credits her touring experience with Vanguard Players as having well-prepared her for this “dream job she never knew existed.” She has also been featured on Taproot’s main stage in productions such as “Chaps!” and “The Matchmaker,” in addition to church-touring shows every Christmas.

Michael Bibeau ’09 graduated from the GSPS program and joined the Bridge Church in Rancho Santa Margarita with his wife, Kelly. He began writing worship music with other members in the worship community at the Bridge and the songwriting team known as Nightlife Worship recently signed a recording contract with DREAM Label Group / Capitol Christian Music Distribution - DREAMLabelGroup.com with an album due out in 2015. You can buy the album on iTunes, Amazon Music and more.

Rachel (Hodges ’06) and Matt Burns ’07 will be celebrating seven years of marriage this summer.

Rachel is a stay at home mom, homeschooling their sweet four year old daughter, Madison. Matt has been with a nonproft television network for six years and has recently started his own car detailing business, Restore Auto Detailing. The family of three savors their time

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together outdoors and enjoy meeting up with friends from school. They currently reside in North Tustin.

Corrina (Morris) Castillo ’00 graduated from Cal State San Marcos with a second bachelor’s degree in Nursing in August 2014.

After 10 years in vocational ministry, Corrina is looking forward to ministering in a new way. She was blessed with her dream job as a Pediatric Nurse at Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego. Corrina is married to Roger, and they have three daughters Elianna, Maleah and Lily.

Kevin and Summer (Stewart) Dalafu ’07 have two boys, Maceo Yuzoma Dalafu who will be is four years old and Tobias Zekarai Dalafu who was born on March 1st, 2014. They are both enrolled in the Master’s of Leadership Studies Hybrid Cohort program at Vanguard University together and are looking forward to what is to come through God’s promises and provisions.

Amy (Morrison ’06) de Cortez took some “time off” to travel after graduation and found herself living in Guayaquil, Ecuador where she and two friends saw a need for higher education among the lower-income families living outside the city.

Together in 2008, they launched the University Project, a sponsorship program which is now helping students in and around Guayaquil achieve their dreams of earning their college degrees, becoming professionals in their felds, and breaking the poverty cycle in their families and communities. Amy fell in love with Ismael Cortez while living in Ecuador, and they’ll be celebrating their 5-year wedding anniversary this September. They are currently living in Bakersfeld, CA while they complete their church-plant training with Christian Associates International, and plan to move to Guayaquil next year to start new churches in the city.

They would greatly appreciate your prayers!

Valerie (Brayton) Geary ’05 currently lives in Portland, Oregon. Her frst novel Crooked River (Morrow/Harper) was

DAILY FAITH When Emily Wilson ’14 goes to work each morning in the city of New York, she is far from home, and far from Vanguard University. This matters because her entire family has always been very close to Vanguard, both geographically and emotionally. Her family’s deep connections to the university start at the top, with her grandfather Dr. Lewis Wilson, trickle down to her parents, dean of the undergraduate college Dr. Mike Wilson ’83 and Diane (Sanchez) ’83, and spread out among aunts, uncles, cousins, Emily’s two sisters, Marie ’11 and Melissa ’16, and brother David who starts at Vanguard in the fall of 2015.

Though she is so far away, however, Emily has carried with her a sense of home, and a sense of Vanguard—of a life made meaningful because it serves the message of the Gospel in unique and unexpected ways.

Emily is an intern at The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, a position she became qualifed for through the combination of her own talent and ambition along with the opportunities she encountered while a student at Vanguard. Initially interested in attending a large state university, Emily visited one and found that it lacked the powerful feeling of community she had always felt at Vanguard. Her family’s long association with Vanguard and its size quite simply made it a second home for her. “I never thought I’d prefer a smaller school,” she says. “But I made the choice to attend Vanguard, and I’m very glad I did. The community was strong, and it was so easy to meet people. And I got opportunities at Vanguard that wouldn’t have had elsewhere.” As a communication major, Emily was able to attend the Sundance Film Festival on a school trip, and she secured a very selective internship at Conan O’Brien’s late night television show CONAN. The experience Emily gained through these opportunities served her well when she applied

for a position as a Daily Show intern. As the frst rung on a tall ladder towards a career in television producing, Emily’s job typically involves a variety of diverse tasks. “Sometimes I’ll do reception work, or I’ll run errands, or help with audience management.

I also get to go on feld shoots,” she explains. “The other day I was at a Tibetan store looking for monk robes to use as costumes!”

And despite certain common cultural perceptions of The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, Emily has found that the true heart of the show beats with the same compassion she learned while at Vanguard.

“A lot of what Jon explores on the Daily Show lines up with what I believe,” she says. “There is humor that is occasionally a little crass, but if you’re able to get past that, you’ll fnd that Jon Stewart is always looking out for those people who are being persecuted, or being denied the rights we all deserve. Often, the political message is consistent with Christian values. The Gospel is about reaching out to those who are suffering and loving them.”

Emily has also witnessed the kindness and respect with which Jon Stewart treats her and every single member of the Daily Show staff, no matter their level of seniority. “His engaging personality that you see on TV is very much himself,” says Emily. “He is nice to everyone. He is mindful and involved in all the work to make sure it’s perfect—because he is responsible for it.”

Emily sees this internship as a springboard to a career in television producing, which she hopes will be with a late-night comedy show. “I love the rush that comes with comedy, of starting with nothing at the beginning of the day, and by the end of the night having created something.” Though it can be diffcult integrating a life of faith within an industry that rewards cutthroat ambition, Emily is beginning her career on the strong foundation of faith, family, and community she developed while at Vanguard.

published in October

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2014 and was chosen as an Indie Next Great Read.

Megan (Elliott ’06) and

dedication to the Orange County Rescue Mission. On

She continues to write full-time and is working on her

Riley Whaling ’07

top of that he was also given a promotion to Digital

second book. For more information please visit her

married in Costa Mesa in

Media Producer. Paul currently lives in Newport and

website www.valeriegeary.com.

2007, and currently live in

continues to serve on the ROCKHARBOR flm/video

Seal Beach. Since serving

team as well as the prayer ministry.

Ida (Goglanian ’02) and Johnny Garabedian are the new owners of House of Yogurt, the best frozen yogurt in Costa Mesa off of 17th street and Tustin Ave. They purchased their new venture in March 2015 and are excited to see it prosper and grow.

Their three kids are also excited about the new purchase. Garo is 10 years old, John is 6 years old, and Liana is 4 years old. Ida and Johnny will soon celebrate 12 years of marriage.

Stephanie Kearns ’03 has been named the

as a Public Affairs Offcer with the United States Marine Corp, Riley returned to school to receive his MA in Christian Leadership. He currently serves as the Student Ministries and Global Missions Pastor at Grace Community Church in Seal Beach. Megan has served as a District Representative for a Member of Congress, received her Single Subject Credential in Social Science and taught middle school social studies. The Whalings are loving life as parents of their boys, two-year old Hudson and newborn William.

Amanda (McKenzie ’12) and Tyler Hillman ’11 were married July 2013 in San Clemente, CA. They recently moved to Scottsdale, AZ and are both teachers in Phoenix, AZ. Amanda teaches 3rd grade and Tyler teaches 6th grade. They are both currently enrolled in the Master’s in Education Online program at Vanguard.

Dasha Gariepy ’13 has lived in Cuba and Japan, and was an exchange student in France. One ten year stretch had her family relocating ten different times.

While she still enjoys traveling for vacation, she and

2010s

her husband have offcially quit roaming, and have

Director of Sales at Jay’s Catering after working with the

Bob Griffth ’10 lives in

dropped anchor in Marina Pacifca, Long Beach. From

company for 5 years.

Kenosha Wisconsin with his

her time as a student here, Dasha has ties to Vanguard’s

Wife Wendy and three

Veterans Club. Dasha has a deep love of military

elementary children. They

veterans: not only did she serve in the Marine Corps,

are a licensed foster family

but her husband Rob is a retired Marine, their daughter

for the state of Wisconsin

Heather is a Pashtu linguist in the Air Force, and their

Brittany (Houghland) and Mark Sherman ’07 married two weeks after they graduated in May 2007. They moved to Papua New Guinea for one year to work with Wycliffe Bible Translators, and are now missionaries in Tanzania, Africa where Mark is the East Africa Field Director for Global-Effect, an NGO started by fellow Vanguard Alums Ryan ’96, MTS ’10 and Stacy (Hembree ’97) Helbling, MA ’05. The Shermans greatest accomplishment is

and currently have two beautiful foster children in their

son Aaron is in the Navy serving on the aircraft carrier

home. Bob is the Executive Pastor of Family Ministry at

USS George H. W. Bush. Dasha didn’t continue her

Journey Church. This growing, multisite, AG church of

path to higher education until she was in her late 40s.

2500 is located in-between the two international cities

In spite of her mature years, she attended the traditional

of Chicago and Milwaukee. Bob also serves his church

undergraduate program so that she could earn her

as the leader for outreach programs and was recently

degree in English studies while mentoring young adults.

appointed to Governor Walker’s state board for

In Dasha’s own words, “Returning to Vanguard feels

Community Service. www.ourjourneychurch.com.

like coming home.” You can follow Dasha’s exploits on her blog, “Memoirs of a Dasha”, located at

their beautiful blue-eyed girl, Zoey Elizabeth, born

Paul Harkins ’11 has

December 9th, 2013. They are expecting baby #2 in

been working for the

October 2015! You can fnd them on Facebook at

Orange County Rescue

Anne Hoang ’14 is a graduate of Vanguard’s RN to

“Mark & Brittany in Africa.”

Mission for 3 years. In

BSN program. She recently published a children’s book

January he went to South

dealing with the topic of adoption. Adoption is part of

Africa for 2 weeks on a

her own story - when she was seventeen, she placed

Kristyn (Flora ’02, MA ’04) and Timothy Sorrick ’01, MA ’04 are living in Modesto, CA and enjoy their days working in fnance and teaching. Their two daughters are their greatest personal achievement. Outside of work and raising their girls, they fnd much joy in the counseling ministry

www.dashagariepy.com.

specialized flm team through ROCKHARBOR Church.

a child in an open adoption and has had a good

The team focused on telling the story of the Global

relationship with the adoptive family ever since. She

Partnership ROCKHARBOR has with Bridges of Hope

had a hard time fnding any children’s books written

and the continued work they do in the

from the perspective of the birth mother, and so she set

underdeveloped towns. When he came back from

out to write her own story. The book is titled You Belong

South Africa he was awarded with Employee of the

and is available on Amazon.

Month in recognition of his commitment and

at their church, missions work in the Dominican Republic, and down time with friends and family.

SEND US YOUR PHOTOS! We would love to showcase pictures of your new baby, wedding or anniversary in Class Notes.

Email your photos to alumni@vanguard.edu or mail your prints to: Alumni Relations, 55 Fair Dr., Costa Mesa, CA 92626. PRINTS WILL NOT BE RETURNED.

46 vanguard magazine SPRING/SUMMER 2015

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Stephany (Trejos ’13)

Stephen Grindle ’05

and Charles Anguiano

and his wife Rachel were

married in September

married on Dec. 6, 2014

2012. During her senior

in Long Beach, CA where

year she was pregnant

they met and have both

with their frst child, Isaiah

lived for the past 5 years.

Andrew who was born two weeks after graduation!

Stephen works as an urban missionary with an

The Anguianos shortly moved to Springfeld, Illinois

ecumenical mission organization called Church

due to Charles being assigned recruiting duty with the

Resource Ministries and Rachel is the senior director of

Marines Corps. Stephany became a foster care

missions for Christ in Youth, a Christian non-proft

caseworker for the state of Illinois and started her

focused on exposing junior high and high schoolers to

master’s in forensic psychology. Charles and Stephany

local and overseas mission. They will be moving to

are now expecting baby #2, Noah Michael, due

Joplin, Missouri in the Spring of 2015.

July 2015.

Kaleigh (Husband

FUTURE ALUMNI

’14) and Eli Macha ’15 married August 1, 2014

Jennifer (Wright ’05)

in Kaleigh’s hometown

Iden welcomed Christa

of Chico.

Louise into this world on August 16th, 2014.

Luke Rhoades ’13 and wife Madison were married on June 7th, 2014. Luke is the Master Carpenter at the American Academy of Dramatic

Erin (Shelsta ’04) and Craig Johnson ’03

Arts and his wife is a Scenic Painter for The Queen

adopted their son Evan Sa-rang from South Korea in

Mary’s ‘Dark Harbor’. They continue to live their dream

November 2014. Evan celebrated his 2nd birthday

working in theatre together. They live in Glendale, CA

in January.

with their goldfsh Boris.

Brenda (Grant ’05)

Matthew Ross ’09 and

Woodward welcomed

wife Heather were married

daughter #2, Willow

at the Fullerton Arboretum in

Woodward, on Dec 23,

October of 2014 and

2014.

currently live in Cypress.

Amanda (Ahrenberg ’09, MA ’14) and Josh ’08, MA ’12 Houston welcomed their frst child, Aria Camille Houston into this world on January 22, 2015.

JUST MARRIED

Heather and Matt met randomly on a Thursday evening at a local Orange County line dance saloon called The Ranch in 2013.

After a 9 month dating relationship Matt proposed to Heather at Table Rock in Laguna Beach. Matt continues to work at Liberty Mutual Insurance as the Regional Life Wholesaler for the west coast and Hawaii. Heather is a worker’s comp claims advocate for the Leavitt Group in Santa Ana. They are also the proud fur parents of a 1 year old Golden Doodle named Teddy.

Chelsea (Patterson ’10) and Garrett Gillon ’11 got married July 19th.

Garrett is a partner in a Small Residential Real Estate Brokerage in Orange County, as well as a commercial property manager, and Chelsea is an Executive at a Nationwide Internet marketing company.

IN MEMORY Lowell Humphries ’50 passed away on June 19, 2014 at age 86.

James Pryor ’93 passed away on February 28, 2015.

IN MEMORY Matthew Edmondson `12 died after a motorcycle crash on Sunday, February 8th. He was 25 years old.

Edmondson was traveling on a private road in Irvine, California, when his motorcycle struck a light pole. Offcials responded to the area and took Edmondson to a local hospital where he later died from his injuries.

Matthew Edmondson attended Vanguard University starting in 2008, where he became greatly involved in Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE), and Lambda Pi Eta, the National Communication Association. While at Vanguard, Edmondson studied cinematic arts in the department of communication, and interned in public relations and flm throughout Orange County.

During his time at Vanguard, Matt left an indelible mark on his faculty, staff, and fellow students.

Professor Bonnie Stachowiak who worked with Matt on SIFE said “Matt was always hungry to learn and to take on a challenge. He took roles that stretched him in his quest for more knowledge, never showing fear in trying something new.” He assisted fellow students on numerous projects, always as a valuable team member. Professor Tom Carmody recognized many aspects of Matt that left their mark. “Matt’s character was refected in how he treated his fellow students. He was always concerned about their personal well being and continually willing to go the extra mile to help the group complete a class project.

He had a great heart and was a true team player.”

After graduation, Edmondson began working in various flm studios in Los Angeles, California, where he found his passion for action sports and automotive commercials. During the past two years, he traveled the world doing flm production for an international company, working in the UK, Miami, Atlanta, New York, Spain, and Ibiza.

Above all of Edmondson’s achievements, travels, and flms, he had an immense love for Jesus Christ.

He found the beauty and creativity that is from the Lord, and he shared that gift with everyone whom he connected with. Edmondson’s website reads at the top, “Find that one thing that matters more than anything else.” Matthew Edmondson will be deeply missed.

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T O

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48 vanguard magazine SPRING/SUMMER 2015

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learn of me

THROUGH EVERYTHING THAT HAPPENS, THE LORD IS TEACHING YOU A LESSON. That’s what it’s about. He wants us to go through life learning lessons. I tell my students, “You’ve been through hard times. The Lord is going to use it.”

WHEN I WAS YOUNG, I WAS TAUGHT TO TAKE CARE OF PAPER. Use it wisely, front and back. Anything you were blessed to have, you took care of. You must be a good steward of all that you have been given.

My most important lesson to my students at Vanguard is, “Remember the child within.” If you do not remember what it was like to be in middle school, how can you teach it effectively? You must be empathetic, understanding, and you must care for them. And when your students come to you, be Jesus to them!

I WAS ALWAYS INVOLVED AS A STUDENT. I had top grades, I was in leadership, and I had so much fun in school. When my son was in school, he didn’t get poor grades, but he wasn’t interested in all the stuff I was. I was trying to lead and guide my son to the things that were important to me, but getting very frustrated. God asked me, “What is it you want for your son?”

And I said “I want him to be a good person and to have faith in God.” I put my trust in God, and let it go. And my son is a good person and he is on his faith journey!

LIFE LESSONS FROM VANGUARD UNIVERSITY LUMINARIES

I LOVE MY STUDENTS. They get the best part of me, and I get a part of them. It was always an honor to speak into the lives of students.

DR. DIXIE ARNOLD Dr. Dixie Arnold is chair of the Liberal Studies Department at Vanguard University. Dr. Arnold is retiring this year after 12 years as a popular and beloved professor. Before she taught at Vanguard, Dr. Arnold was a teacher for 30 years in California public schools, and also served as an administrator for another eight years at the middle and elementary

ONE DAY WHEN I WAS TEACHING ELEMENTARY SCHOOL a little girl came to class and her eyes were red. She had been crying. She told me that she and her mother had a terrible fght before school. I asked her if she would like to go to the offce and call her mom and tell her she was sorry. She did and came back with a big smile, telling me, “My mom told me she was sorry too!”

Later, that mother thanked me. Relationships are so important. Content is important, but it’s not number one. The big thing is knowing students as people and as children of God. As a teacher, you have the power to be like Jesus, to step in and try to help make it better.

school levels. She and her husband Ed Arnold are long-time supporters of Vanguard University’s theatre, music, and athletics programs.

WHEN MY HUSBAND AND I WERE FIRST MARRIED, we had nothing, but we did have goals. He quit school and worked to put me through college, we had our frst child, then I put him through college. God never gave us more

I GREW UP IN A GREAT HOME, BUT HARD TIMES CAME WHEN I

than we could handle.

WAS A TEENAGER. My parents went through a divorce when I was at a very impressionable age. As I grew through it, the Lord taught me to be forgiving.

I’VE ACCOMPLISHED 50 YEARS IN EDUCATION! But I’m not ready

We are just human beings, so we’re going to make mistakes. We need

for the rocking chair yet. It is not a job; it’s working for Him. Everyone says

forgiveness. This is following the example of Jesus, who forgives us everything.

“retire,” but Jesus never said anything about retiring. I’ve only just begun!

He makes us new the next minute!

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NON-PROFIT U.S. POSTAGE

PAID 55 FAIR DRIVE, COSTA MESA, CA 92626

VANGUARD UNIVERSITY

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ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE. SPIRITUAL CLIMATE. AUTHENTIC COMMUNITY. Earn your degree from a leading private university in the heart of Orange County.

All programs – traditional undergraduate, professional studies, and graduate – accepting applications for Fall 2015.

YOUR STORY MATTERS. WHERE WILL IT TAKE YOU NEXT?

vanguard.edu/apply

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