Vanguard Magazine: Spring/Summer 2016

SPRING/SUMMER 2016

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE & CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT for THE GLOBAL MARKETPLACE

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LEADERS ARE MADE. NOT BORN. O N L I N E

P R O G R A M S

B A C H E L O R ’ S MINISTRY AND LEADERSHIP

M A S T E R ’ S LEADERSHIP STUDIES

N O W A C C E P T I N G A P P L I C AT I O N S F O R FA L L 2 0 1 6 B A C H E L O R ’ S

P E N D I N G

W S C U C

A P P R O VA L

VA N G U A R D . E D U / L E A D E R S H I P

FROM THE PRESIDENT

Academic Excellence, Character Development, & Global Perspective WELCOME TO ANOTHER ISSUE OF VANGUARD MAGAZINE! In this

We also feature our most recent Alumna of the Year Erin (Bongiorno ’03)

edition we are exploring and celebrating the way that Vanguard University

Donovan, who, as the Executive Director of HopeSprings in Baltimore,

intentionally cultivates seeds of greatness in each student, delivering a

Maryland, is impacting that community in dynamic ways. While studying

transformational education that equips the student to have a lasting impact

anthropology with Dr. Vince Gil, Erin discovered a lifelong passion for

on his/her community, both locally and globally. Vanguard does this in part

reaching individuals with HIV/AIDS.

by finding ways to invest in the student’s experience, preparing him/her for a vocation but also delivering a broad proficiency in the liberal arts—all through a worldview that holds Jesus Christ at its center.

This issue of the Magazine examines Vanguard’s efforts to prepare students

“Vanguard intentionally cultivates seeds of greatness in each student...”

well for their lives after graduation. Such efforts include career mentorship programs, internships, and research opportunities that lead to academic conferences.

Levi Moellering is a student who embodies the virtues of our mission statement. Last summer, with Vanguard’s guidance and support, he traveled alone to Uganda for missionary service. His experience reaffirmed his dependence on the grace of God and solidified his ambition to pursue a PhD in medical anthropology after graduating from Vanguard.

The department of anthropology and sociology is just one example of how the different academic programs at Vanguard have pursued significant ways for students to apply what they’re learning in the real world. Dr. Stephanie D’Auria is a sociology professor who is as passionate about teaching as she is about using academic inquiry and research to tackle society’s problems.

The result is that the typical Vanguard student has relevant experience that is very attractive to employers and graduate schools, and is also able to

These are just a few of many people at Vanguard using their education and

demonstrate the integrity and character that is a natural outcome of faith-

relationships from their time here to live powerful lives of purpose!

based education.

The lead story of this issue features an example of the kind of mentorship Vanguard loves, between a vocationally successful alumnus and an ambitious and talented Vanguard student. Brett Souza’s ’87 and Danny Ledezma’s ’15 story is just one example of the many successes of the recently launched Career Mentors and Story Shapers programs.

Michael J. Beals PhD President, Vanguard University officeofthepresident@vanguard.edu

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FROM THE VICE PRESIDENT FOR UNIVERSITY ADVANCEMENT

Investing in Student Success WHEN I THINK BACK TO MY TIME AS A STUDENT at Vanguard, one

well as Story Shapers, both of which pair current students with

of the things I’m most grateful for is the way that our faculty and staff

alumni and/or professionals to engage with vocation and discipleship.

invested in my success as a student, and subsequently, in business and non-

You will also read about the many diverse internship opportunities

profit sectors. As Vice President for University Advancement, I am excited

students have at Vanguard, which included church ministry internships

to collaborate with Vanguard’s wonderful faculty, staff, and alumni in the

with the Assemblies of God, social justice internships with non-profits,

development of multiple initiatives to further promote student success.

or government internships with the City of Costa Mesa. Vanguard is also hosting breakfast roundtables at which business professionals are able to share their knowledge with our students, as well as connect with them personally.

It is my vision that every Vanguard student would be paired with a mentor and that we would partner with each student to find him/her a great job. This will not become a reality without the partnership of our alumni and friends.

I want to build on the legacy of Ed Westbrook and other faculty and staff that have mentored students and invested in their success. It is my vision that every Vanguard student would be paired with a mentor and that we would partner with each student to find him/her a great job. This will not Justin with his Vanguard mentor, Ed Westbrook

become a reality without the partnership of our alumni and friends.

Would you prayerfully consider engaging in one of our mentorship

When I was a student, business law professor, Ed Westbrook, was a mentor to me. We went to lunch once a week during my time as an undergraduate student. Ed was integral in helping me get my first job, second job, and so on. I am grateful for the degree to

programs this year?

We have seen the powerful effect these relationships have on our current students, making it one of the most effective ways we have of investing in their occupational and spiritual success.

which Ed has invested in my success as a human being, student, and business professional. …

This issue of Vanguard Magazine is about how Vanguard is creating opportunities for even more students to get connected to mentors

I hope to see you on campus soon!

May the Lord continue to bless you and your families.

Sincerely,

like the one I had. You will read about our Career Mentorship program as

Justin McIntee ’98, MBA ’08 Vice President for University Advancement justin.mcintee@vanguard.edu

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M A G A Z I N E

FROM THE WRITER

For this issue of the Magazine, as I interviewed so many people who told me about how the relationships they developed at Vanguard constituted mentorships of lasting significance, I once again couldn’t help but reflect on my own experience. My very first ever class at Vanguard was at 7:30 AM on Monday morning with English professor Warren Doody. While I can’t remember everything about that class, I do count it as noteworthy because it introduced me to a professor who would serve as a mentor to me for the next 15 years—and counting!

As an English major with a love for creative writing, I would have many more classes with Warren while a student at Vanguard. My career goals were to apply to graduate writing programs and teach English—in other words, to become just like him. In pursuit of this ambition, Warren allowed me to serve as a teaching assistant at Vanguard, helped me to prepare my applications and writing samples for grad school, and guided my early teaching years with warmth and expertise. He has always been willing to read a thing I wrote and

22 Brett Souza

give me supportive but honest critical feedback. Even last year, when Vanguard’s American Coast Theatre Company produced my first play, a decidedly nerve-wracking personal experience, Warren—himself an accomplished playwright—was an advocate and coach for me through

FEATURES

the entire process.

One of the greatest things about lasting mentorship is that, as the mentee matures from a student who believes he/she already knows just about everything into an adult with a vocation of his/her own

Cultivating Greatness 14 Students at Vanguard University benefit from numerous mentorship and internship opportunities that allow them to apply their education in meaningful ways.

and a more “humble” self-image, the relationship evolves to include friendship. I know that I can still go to Warren when I am in need of advice and good counsel, but now we also do what friends do, like talk about good books and movies, see great shows, and go on “double-dates” with our wives. This is one of the hallmarks

Teaching Mentorship 26 Associate professor of education Dr. Sylvia Kane writes about how Vanguard’s illustrious teacher-training program applies principles of mentorship in curriculum and practice.

of the Vanguard experience: through relationship, my education has essentially extended 12 years beyond my graduation and will continue for as long as I am connected to the people here like Warren Doody, who value their work as educators so deeply that they end up becoming so much more.

Rene Scheys ’04 Writer/Copy Editor vucopywriter@gmail.com

Glorified in Unity 28 Vanguard’s most recent Alumna of the Year Erin (Bongiorno ’03) Donovan tackles the AIDS crisis in Baltimore as the Executive Director of HopeSprings.

Prudent Principles 38 After building a prosperous financial services company, Jeff Motske ’88 added successful author and radio show host to his list of accomplishments—as well service on Vanguard’s board of trustees.

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M A G A Z I N E

SPRING/SUMMER 2016 | VOLUME 18 | ISSUE 1

UNIVERSITY GOVERNANCE AND ADMINISTRATION CHAIR, BOARD OF TRUSTEES Doug Green PRESIDENT Michael J. Beals

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PROVOST / VICE PRESIDENT OF ACADEMIC AFFAIRS Doretha O’Quinn VICE PRESIDENT FOR ENROLLMENT MANAGEMENT Kim Johnson VICE PRESIDENT FOR STUDENT AFFAIRS Tim Young VICE PRESIDENT FOR UNIVERSITY ADVANCEMENT Justin McIntee

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CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER Jeremy Moser

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VANGUARD MAGAZINE

DEPARTMENTS 1 MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

34 SPORTS

President Michael J. Beals writes about Vanguard’s commitment to academic excellence, character development, and global perspective.

Vanguard athletic director Bob Wilson retires after 21 years of excellent leadership.

41 VU ALUMNI: CLASS NOTES 5 VU VIEW: ON CAMPUS Catch up on the latest news and events happening around Vanguard University’s campus.

Check out how former classmates and alumni of Vanguard University are utilizing their education to make a difference in the world!

48 MY STORY 30 STUDENT PROFILE Levi Moellering has traveled to Africa for missions trips multiple times in pursuit of his ultimate goal of a PhD in medical anthropology.

Former Vanguard softball player April Munroe was in a car accident that altered the course of her life—but didn’t stop her from an inspiring pursuit of purpose.

32 FACULTY SPOTLIGHT

49 LEARN OF ME

Dr. Stephanie D’Auria imparts her passion for social justice to students in Vanguard’s sociology and anthropology department.

Longtime Vanguard professor Dr. Sheri Benvenuti shares lessons she has learned from a lifetime of ministry and scholarship.

WRITER / COPY EDITOR Rene J. Scheys CREATIVE SERVICES CONSULTANT Tawny Marcus LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER Chauncey D. Bayes CREATIVE SERVICES MANAGER Daniel Kim SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER Candice Co MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST Niki Toro MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST Susie Leonard PUBLIC RELATIONS SPECIALIST / CONTRIBUTING WRITER Holly Clinard

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, 2016, Vanguard University egas, NV. POSTMASTER Send address changes to: Vanguard University Alumni Relations Office, 55 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92626.

THE MISSION OF VANGUARD UNIVERSITY IS TO PURSUE KNOWLEDGE, CULTIVATE CHARACTER, DEEPEN FAITH, AND EQUIP EACH STUDENT FOR A SPIRIT-EMPOWERED LIFE OF CHRIST-CENTERED LEADERSHIP AND SERVICE.

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ON CAMPUS AT VANGUARD

vu view

Making strides against human trafficking Vanguard’s powerhouse Global Center for Women and Justice is out to make a change.

This year’s Ensure Justice Conference kicked off with the Walk for Justice 5K.

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VU VIEW: ON CAMPUS

A Hope to End HUMAN TRAFFICKING

BY HOLLY CLINARD

VANGUARD’S POWERHOUSE GLOBAL

weekend included panel sessions, health

“To stay the course for long term change, we

CENTER FOR WOMEN AND JUSTICE is

care provider trainings and networking

must have a plan to train—much like marathon

out to make a change. And this March, they

opportunities with a focus on providing more

runners—to sustain, and to focus our efforts.”

did just that—over 150 people gathered

aftercare resources for human trafficking

on Vanguard’s campus, and via livestream

victims and their families.

nationwide, for the annual Ensure Justice Conference. The event gathered national and local leaders, students, law enforcement, teachers, and child welfare professionals from across the U.S. and Nigeria, all in the

Conference sessions discussed vulnerable children and illicit drugs, and human

“We have made huge strides in rescuing

trafficking as a community health issue.

captives and prosecuting the traffickers,

Day one ended with a lively Q&A, where

but every day there are more victims and

livestreaming audience members texted

there are more traffickers. So, we have

and emailed questions in, and an in-person

intentionally created a space to do something

audience also raised questions. Other sessions were strategically divided by subject:

“To stay the course for long term change, we must have a plan to train—much like marathon runners—to sustain, and to focus our efforts.” name of social justice. This year’s conference kicked off with a free Walk for Justice 5K, fitting the 2016 conference theme, “A Marathon: To End Human Trafficking.” The

together— to consider our own role in this issue,” said Dr. Sandra Morgan, director of Vanguard University’s Global Center for Women and Justice.

research, educators, healthcare, social services, church leaders, youth outreach, and the Spanish track.

With over 21 million people living in slavery today, the Global Center for Women and Justice works diligently in their efforts to end human trafficking and the cyber-exploitation of women and children in Orange County and worldwide.

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VU VIEW: ON CAMPUS

FIRST FULLY ONLINE PROGRAMS EXPECTED TO LAUNCH THIS FALL THIS FALL, VANGUARD WILL LAUNCH its first ever fully online programs, including a bachelor of arts in ministry and leadership and a master of arts in leadership studies. The two inaugural programs, pending WSCUC approval, are designed to prepare students for leadership and management in the workplace.

The faith-based curriculum is specifically intended for those who desire a high-quality education with the flexibility to continue working in their industry. The bachelor of arts in ministry and leadership will be offered in two formats: eight-week courses on campus or fully online. The master of arts in leadership studies program will be offered in three formats: eight-week courses on

location,” said Dr. Doug Petersen, professor of intercultural studies

campus, fully online, or the hybrid track of three weeks each year

at Vanguard University. “Our faculty who teach in the programs are

on campus and remaining courses online. Curriculum will develop

true experts, with admired academic credentials and invaluable

skills in conflict management, communication, and ethical issues in

industry experience.”

today’s industry.

Interested in applying or learning more about the programs?

“These online programs will make Vanguard University’s top quality

Visit www.vanguard.edu/leadership.

undergraduate and graduate degrees accessible and affordable to anyone who desires to study in these areas, regardless of their

VU Social

@VANGUARDU @JohnMarkComer

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

Such a fun day with the crew @VanguardU. Can’t wait for the Late Night #vuChapel event this evening! And the sun…

@WorkAtIrvineCo We enjoyed a beautiful day at the @VanguardU Career Fair meeting some great students.

Thank you for having us!

@missemmarosy

vanguardu #vuFinalsRetreat | Puppies from BARK (local therapy dogs)

vanguardu #vuSpringBreak 2016 | Our @vugeo leads a San Francisco Outreach team every year! They partner with @sfcityimpact and several other inner city organizations.

vanguardu THANKS to @from_the_vine for sharing in #vuChapel. We’ll keep your ministry to camps, churches, and retreats in our prayers as you represent Vanguard this summer!

Hard work really does pay off!

Grateful for @VanguardU and the numerous experiences, resources, and opportunities it gives its students.

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The Harrington family (right), with past Run for Mercy recipients, the Brock family (left) and the Doyle Family (center).

A Homecoming WITH A HEART

AT THE START OF EACH NEW YEAR,

Harrington began at Vanguard in 1998, but

selected as the beneficiary of this year’s race

Vanguard’s outstanding alumni come together

suspended his studies to join the Army after

during Homecoming Week.

to reminisce on old college stories, share a

the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

meal or two together, and enjoy the Southern

Two years after his service began, he was

California sunshine on Fair Drive during

diagnosed with the incurable Huntington’s

Homecoming Week. Part of the tradition

disease, and received an honorable

for the past four years has also included the

discharge. In 2010, he and his wife, Heather,

annual Run for Mercy 5K, which raises funds

started the Healing Huntington’s Foundation,

for an alumni family in need.

aimed to improve the lives of those affected by

This January, the fourth annual Run for Mercy 5K raised nearly $3,000 for the Healing Huntington’s Foundation, an organization started by Nathan Harrington `15.

Huntington’s. Their ultimate goal is to establish a retirement home for those with Huntington’s.

Harrington recently received his bachelor’s degree in religion from Vanguard in 2015, and was honored to have his foundation

Homecoming Week 2016 also included kids sports camps, a family tailgate party, alumni softball game, baseball games, a worship service and Vanguard University basketball games—all open to the public. Chick-fil-A provided lunch for all 5K participants and volunteers. In addition, local radio station KWVE hosted a live broadcast at the Homecoming events, interviewing Vanguard University president Michael Beals, and the guest of honor and alum, Nathan Harrington.

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VU VIEW: ON CAMPUS

Celebrating Diversity IN THE CLASS OF 2016 THIS SPRING, THE VANGUARD

This semi-formal event gathered the great

community supporters who helped them reach

UNIVERSITY COMMUNITY watched one

number of Hispanic students graduating

this milestone.

of the largest graduating classes in its history

this spring, and celebrated all they had

walk across the grand stage of Mariners

accomplished as a class. On the same

Church in Irvine, California. The events were

day, the second annual Black Graduation

broadcast live online, as family and friends

Celebration was held in Needham

tuned in from around the globe.

Courtyard, also a semi-formal event. This

But before the formal Commencement ceremonies kicked off, the university

year also marked the first annual Asian and Pacific Islander Graduation Celebration.

celebrated its growing diversity within the

At each celebration, one student is

student body with the cultural graduation

recognized for their significant contribution

celebrations. The first of its kind to launch,

to the Vanguard Community. Graduates

the third annual Hispanic Graduation

performed song, dance and spoken word to

Celebration was held at Newport Mesa

the audience of family, friends, church and

Church, with a dessert reception to follow.

“The students themselves, who desired an event recognizing their academic accomplishments in a way that was unique to their own heritage and culture, initiated each cultural celebration,” said Dr. April Harris Akinloye, director of diversity and inclusion.

The Veterans Challenge Coin Ceremony was also held in April, honoring each graduating veteran student. Graduating nurses received their own custom pin at the traditional Nursing Pinning Ceremony held at Newport Mesa Church, in May.

COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER VISITS FROM OUR NATIONÕS CAPITOL FROM WORKING IN THE WHITE HOUSE PRESS OFFICE to covering U.S. House, Senate and gubernatorial campaigns and Presidential politics, Nathan Gonzales `00 has taken his career to new heights. This year’s Commencement speaker at Mariners Church, Gonzales shared his own wisdom and humor with Vanguard University’s Class of 2016.

Gonzales is currently editor and publisher of The Rothenberg & Gonzales Political Report—previously an editor, analyst, and writer for The Rothenberg Political

Report for more than 13 years before taking over the newsletter in 2015.

He is also a contributing writer for Roll Call, the Capitol Hill newspaper, and the founder and publisher of PoliticsinStereo.com. Gonzales has appeared on NBC’s Meet the Press and NBC Nightly News, the Newshour on PBS, C-SPAN’s Washington Journal, CNN, and Fox News Channel, and has been quoted in The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, and USA Today.

Just two years after graduating from Vanguard University with a bachelor of arts in communication, Nathan worked for ABC NEWS on their Election Night Decision Desk.

An Oregon native, Gonzales was elated to return to the West Coast to speak at Vanguard’s Commencement, visit the campus, and speak with the students.

To order a DVD of the 2016 Commencement ceremony, including Nathan Gonzales’ address, visit www.vanguard.edu/commencement/dvd-video

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C O M I N G T H I S F A L L T O VA N G U A R D ’ S LY C E U M T H E A T E R

BLAME IT ON THE MOVIES! THE REEL MUSIC OF HOLLYWOOD A MUSICAL REVUE CELEBRATING THE GREATEST MUSIC TO COME FROM THE SILVER SCREEN MUSICAL SEQUENCES COMPILED AND CONCEIVED BY RON ABEL, BILLY BARNES AND DAVID GALLIGAN ORIGINAL MUSIC AND LYRICS BY BILLY BARNES | MUSICAL DIRECTION AND ARRANGEMENTS BY RON ABEL DIRECTED BY SUSAN K. BERKOMPAS

With a staggering collection of over 75 of the most well-known songs from the most well-known films ranging from Gone with the Wind to Footloose, Blame It On The Movies! is a delicious romp through cinematic history. Suitable for ages 6 and older

SEPTEMBER 16-18, 22-25, 29-30 & OCTOBER 1-2

A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM AN ENCHANTING COMEDY COMPLETE WITH MISCHIEF, MAGIC AND FALLING IN LOVE B Y W I L L I A M S HA K ESP EARE, DIRECT ED BY K EV IN SLAY

With a royal wedding near, four lovers flee into a dark, eerie forest. There they become pawns in the impassioned battle between Oberon and Titania, the king and queen of the fairies. Taking place in mythical Athens and an enchanted forest, Shakespeare’s most popular comedy is about the world’s most popular pastime, falling in love. But as Puck knows, falling in love can make fools of us all. Suitable for teens and older

OCTOBER 21-23 & 27-30

OPEN ALL NIGHT A COMEDY WITH FAMILIAR CHRISTMAS MUSIC, ROMANCE AND COLORFUL CHARACTERS THAT WILL REMIND YOU OF THE TRUE MEANING OF CHRISTMAS CR EATED A ND D IR ECTED BY VAND A EGGINGTON

The “Do or Dine Café”, run by sisters, Holly and Ivy, sits nestled in their small town where everyone knows everyone and everything about them. Life carries on as it always has until two weeks before Christmas when Grace, a single mother, comes to town with her 10 year old daughter and asks for a job. Together, this mother and daughter brighten the lives of the townspeople and bring back the hope and joy of Christmas to their hearts. Suited for ages 6 and older

DECEMBER 1-4 & 8-11

TICKETS AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE AT VANGUARDTICKETS.COM

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VU VIEW: ON CAMPUS

Late Night Speaker Series Sheds Light on Student Topics symposium at the American Psychological Association’s annual convention, bringing together gay psychologists and conventionally religious psychologists to discuss common ground in treatment options for persons sorting out sexual and religious identity conflicts. Dr. Yarhouse spoke to the students on sexuality and sexual identity, opening up a healthy dialogue in a room full of diverse backgrounds

IT IS WITH DEEP SADNESS THAT WE ANNOUNCE THE

and opinions.

PASSING OF FORMER VANGUARD UNIVERSITY FACULTY MEMBER DR. RANDY DOVEL, ON FRIDAY, APRIL 9.

John Mark Comer, well-known author and pastor, spoke on vocational purpose and calling John Mark Comer

ROUGHLY 650 VANGUARD UNIVERSITY STUDENTS ASSEMBLED in Newport Mesa Church for a student life event that challenged the mind and the soul. The newly launched Late Night Speaker Series takes place four times a year, aimed at educating

in the third session of the year. Comer is lead pastor at Bridgetown: A Jesus Church, part of a

Dr. Dovel came to Vanguard in 2005 after serving as a tenured faculty member at Oregon State University.

Having received his PhD from Texas A&M University, Dovel was a trained plant physiologist and served as chair of the

family of churches formally known as Solid Rock

department of biology at Vanguard University for four

in Portland, Oregon—a city with one of the

years, teaching courses in botany, genetics, microbiology

highest percentages of irreligious adults in the

and field biology. Dovel was an active researcher in the

nation. He is also the author of the well-known

field biology, nitrogen fixation, and plant/pathogen

books, Hi, my name is Hope and Love-ology.

relationships for nearly 20 years. During his faculty career, Dovel also was an expert researcher in plant

students on targeted themes within the Four-Year

The final Late Night Speaker session featured

breeding, plant molecular biology, and microbial water

Discipleship Plan established at Vanguard.

Nathan Gonzales `00, board of trustees

quality analysis. Dovel is a member of the Gamme Sigma

member at Vanguard, and editor and publisher

Delta academic honor society and a proud recipient of

of The Rothenberg & Gonzales Political Report,

the E.R. Jackman Team Award, recognizing team and

a non-partisan newsletter covering U.S. House,

interdisciplinary research.

Senate and gubernatorial campaigns and

Dr. Dovel was a teacher and mentor to countless biology

Presidential politics. Gonzales spoke to the

majors at Vanguard. He touched many lives with his

student body about the significance of political

knowledge, wisdom, generosity, and love of Jesus Christ.

intelligence, discussing ways to be involved

Dr. Dovel was married to Vanguard University staff

The first Late Night Speaker Series session covered spiritual development and emotional maturity—a conversation that grew into discussing lifelong spiritual growth in Christ.

Dr. John Coe, director of the Institute for Spiritual Formation at Biola University, led the conversation, with a Q&A session held the following day. Dr. Coe is a specialist in the philosophical and theological foundation of the integration of faith and learning, with particular interest in exploring spiritual direction as a compliment to Christian psychotherapy.

The second in the four-part series featured Dr. Mark Yarhouse, professor of psychology at Regent University in Virginia Beach, Virginia, where he is a core faculty member in the doctoral program in clinical psychology. In 2000, Dr. Yarhouse chaired a groundbreaking

in local government and make a difference.

member, Teresa Dovel, MA `09, for 35 years and

The alum, who graduated with a bachelor’s in

is the beloved father of Kathryn (Kate) Dovel

communication drew upon his experiences at

`07 and Kallie (Dovel) Thomson`08, and of two

Vanguard University, and how that influenced

grandchildren, Ariella Dovel and Honey Thomson.

his work on Capitol Hill.

Above all of Dr. Dovel’s research and achievements in his

“We hope the Late Night Series continues this trend of being catalysts, sparking thought-provoking conversation amongst our students, staff, and faculty,” said Kayla Holtz, coordinator of new student orientation and transitions.

professional field, he had an enormous love for Jesus Christ. Dr. Randy Dovel will be deeply missed by the entire Vanguard University family.

To honor Dr. Dovel, the family has requested that donations be made to Vanguard to provide a scholarship to future promising pre-med students. Visit https:// connect.vanguard.edu/randy-dovel

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RUNNING FOR A REASON Participants in the 2016 Run for Mercy 5K are all smiles as they set off from the course’s starting line. This year’s 5K was held in support of the Healing Huntington’s Foundation, an organization founded by Nathan Harrington ’15.

For a recap of all the Homecoming 2016 events, visit vanguard.edu/alumni/homecoming-recap-2016

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As Vanguard University approaches its 100-year anniversary in 2020, it continues to celebrate a strong legacy of academics and service while meeting the modern-day challenges that liberal arts institutions face. Vanguard is actively cultivating seeds of greatness in students to produce Christ-centered leaders in the marketplace. Under the leadership of president Dr. Michael Beals, the University has cast a vision statement to sharpen this revised focus: Vanguard University will become a nationally recognized leader in Christian higher education by cultivating academic excellence, character development, and global perspective as seeds of greatness in the life of every student.

“We want students to serve not just all over the world, but also across the street,” says Dr. Beals. “Every day in class, professors and students are cultivating these seeds, so that they will one day harvest the fruit of Vanguard’s holistic approach to education. The result is a student who is not just employable, but the kind of person employers want to hire in terms of their character and global development.”

The concrete steps Vanguard takes towards realizing this vision are numerous. In addition to the professor-mentor relationships that have long been a hallmark of a Vanguard education, the University has recently developed career mentor programs that link students with alumni who have experienced success in their vocations. Vanguard continues to populate Orange County and beyond with interns who are well-prepared, highly-motivated, and who have strong integrity. In the following pages, Vanguard Magazine explores the stories of these students and alumni, who found that Vanguard’s commitment to excellence in preparing the student for ministry and vocation is truly holistic.

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A Social STAR IF YOU’VE SPENT ANY TIME IN THE LAST YEAR AT A PARTY holding your

did not go unnoticed. During her four years there, The Ellen Show won two

smartphone up to your forehead while your friends hysterically guessed

Emmys, specifically for its innovative methods for reaching a wider audience

the clues there, then you were probably playing the game “Heads Up,” and

via digital and social media—in other words, Aly’s exact work.

you have Aly (Ruiz ’11) Vogel to thank. In her former role as the person in charge of the digital department for The Ellen Show, Aly helped oversee the development of Ellen’s social media apps, viral videos, and website. The four years Aly worked on The Ellen Show were extremely successful and influential, and helped propel her to her current position as the social media manager for Lionsgate Entertainment.

You’ve almost certainly seen Aly’s work in this capacity as well. Aly supervises pretty much everything you might come across online in the marketing and promotion of Lionsgate films and television, including Twitter Q+A’s with the films’ stars, covering the premieres across different social media platforms, and coordinating and producing content in cooperation with the film stars’ own social media accounts. It’s fast-paced, exciting work, and Aly is thankful everyday for the privilege to do it—for she sees God’s hand on every part of her journey so far.

This includes getting hired on The Ellen Show with no previous experience right after having graduated from Vanguard University. Aly had attained her degree in communications and sent out hundreds of resumes to film and television studios with exactly zero response. She and her husband had just been married and were heading out of the country for their honeymoon with

Raised in the church, faith has always been a part of who Aly is, and this hasn’t been changed by her work in Hollywood. “I always want people to know about my faith, not just in how I talk about it but also in the ways I behave, especially in very stressful moments. I like to express my faith in every day actions and interactions.”

Vanguard University’s department of communication gave Aly an excellent foundation for success in the industry as well as a model for how to be a person of faith in it. “I absolutely loved all four years at Vanguard,” says Aly. “I felt like the comm. department was this wonderful community where we could ‘play’ and learn with cameras and other film-making technology.” It was

“I ALWAYS WANT PEOPLE TO KNOW ABOUT MY FAITH, NOT JUST IN HOW I TALK ABOUT IT BUT ALSO IN THE WAYS I BEHAVE, ESPECIALLY IN VERY STRESSFUL MOMENTS. I LIKE TO EXPRESS MY FAITH IN EVERY DAY ACTIONS AND INTERACTIONS.”

no prospects upon her return when an acquaintance passed on a tip about an open position on The Ellen Show. Aly applied and was hired almost

important for Aly that her professors were engaged in their community and

immediately. “If it weren’t for God putting the right people and places in my

in the film/TV industry. “I loved that my professors had ties to the industry,”

path, I wouldn’t be here,” says Aly. “In my Ellen job and my current job, God

she says. “Ann-Caryn Cleveland had relevant experience, and I was able to

was moving in ways I could not ignore. I knew I was supposed to be here for

freelance with her—and I love that that was the relationship I got to have

a reason.”

with my professors at Vanguard. The high school girls in the group I lead at my church are mostly sophomores, and I’m already hinting at what a great

Aly couldn’t have had a better introduction to working in Hollywood than The Ellen Show. “Coming into an industry that’s notoriously cutthroat and

experience it could be for them to go to Vanguard!”

aggressive, it meant so much to be on a show where the primary concern

As Aly continues her career in an often ruthless industry, she continues to

was to be kind to one another,” says Aly. “Ellen says that at the end of every

receive affirmation that she is in the right place. Her position allows her to

show, and she means it. I loved being on a show that gave back to people. A

influence how people perceive her company’s films on social media, a fact that

number of other TV hosts make fun of others at their expense, but Ellen never

takes on new significance when that film is explicitly faith-based. “Lionsgate

did that. She had movie and TV stars on, but she also had regular people and

is turning the book The Shack into a movie,” she says. “I just saw the first cut

everyday heroes, like a mother who needed a heart transplant or a young

last week. While I watched it, I thought to myself, ‘When I was reading this

girl with cancer. Ellen took those people’s dreams and made them come true

book as a student at Vanguard, how could I ever have imagined that I’d one

beyond what they could ever realize.” Aly’s hard work on The Ellen Show

day be working on it as a movie?’ But it’s not that crazy; it’s God.”

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BRETT SOUZA ’87 MENTOR, CORPORATE LAWYER

DANNY LEDEZMA ’15 PROTÉGE, LAW STUDENT

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EMBRACING MENTORSHIP BRETT SOUZA AND DANNY LEDEZMA TELL THEIR MENTORSHIP STORY AS ONE ASPECT OF A COMPREHENSIVE INITIATIVE to engage alumni

A partner at the firm Bryan Cave LLP, Brett has been a practicing

and add value to students’ academic and vocational preparation,

attorney for over 20 years. He specializes in mergers and acquisitions,

Vanguard University has recently developed a number of mentorship

financing, and advising companies on corporate matters. Brett is the

programs that connect current Vanguard students with former ones.

head of recruiting for the Irvine office of Bryan Cave, which puts him

The Career Mentors and Story Shapers programs give alumni the

in charge of cultivating relationships with prospects out of law school.

opportunity to share what they have learned in their careers with those

This is an intricate and delicate practice, so Brett is highly skilled at

who need it most: students who are on the cusp of their own.

mentorship. It’s an essential part of his work. This is why his pairing

The Career Mentor program bridges the gap between the rigorous

with Danny was such a gift. “I couldn’t have been blessed with a better

education students have received at Vanguard, and the application of

mentee when it comes to Danny,” says Brett. “I’ve had many great

that education to their vocation beyond graduation, while Story Shapers

mentors in my life, who filled the void between what I knew and what I

allows students to ask larger faith questions of alumni as their journeys

didn’t know, but I wasn’t sure how I would feel about being one in this

have continued after Vanguard. The programs have met with success

context. Then I met Danny, who reminded me of myself at that age. He

and enthusiasm, and one of the many flourishing pairings was Vanguard

wanted to figure out if law school made sense to him, but he had no

student Danny Ledezma ’15 and corporate lawyer Brett Souza ’87.

visibility into the process. Danny’s a young man from a disadvantaged background where his parents worked hard for everything they had, so I

While in his senior year at Vanguard University, Danny Ledezma was

knew he had hunger. He just needed to know what to work hard at.”

a psychology major with a deep-rooted desire to stand up for the little guy, a passion that grew directly from his upbringing. Danny was the first from his large Hispanic family to go to college, so his formative experiences were of watching his parents, both from Mexico, work hard and trust God to make a life in the United States. Danny also saw time after time a system that attempted to take advantage of his parents, and as he became empowered by his Vanguard education, he realized it gave him tools to help people like his parents. He decided to pursue a career in law so as to make helping people his profession. “Being a lawyer means you can be a professional advocate for other people,” he says.

“Some people don’t consider law to be a helping profession, but it is.

This is something I learned from professor Ed Westbrook, who shared stories with us of cases he had worked on in which he was able to help people through his compassion as a lawyer.”

“I’ve had many great mentors in my life, who filled the void between what I knew and what I didn’t know, but I wasn’t sure how I would feel about being one in this context. Then I met Danny, who reminded me of myself at that age.”

BRETT SOUZA

“It was a godsend,” says Danny. “I was so nervous before I met him Danny had passion and education; he just needed guidance. The process of applying for entrance into law school is fraught with complexity, and Danny was attempting to navigate it alone, before Vanguard paired him with a lawyer through the Career Mentors program. That lawyer was Brett Souza.

because of his impressive credentials on paper, but at our first meeting I realized he is so intentionally present. He’s likable and passionate about everything, and he took helping me very seriously. It meant so much to me that he would make time to talk to a 21-year-old who knows nothing about law school, and do it with patience and no sugarcoating.”

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At each of their meetings, Brett gave Danny specific insight into the process of applying to law school and “homework” that was geared towards helping him discover the important qualities by which to judge prospective schools. By the time Danny had been accepted into each of the law schools he had applied to, he was faced with another huge decision: which one to attend. Even though at that point the mentorship

“I was so nervous before I met him because of his impressive credentials on paper, but at our first meeting I realized he is so intentionally present. He’s likable and passionate about everything, and he took helping me very seriously.”

DANNY LEDEZMA

program had officially ended, Danny emailed Brett to see if he’d be willing to extend his guidance to this decision. “He responded right away, walked me through the process, and even introduced me to a junior associate at his firm to give me even more insight,” says Danny.

“Brett told me about what is and isn’t important to do as a law student, he debunked myths about it, and he gave me tips on how to be a great law student.” With the benefit of Brett’s support, Danny eventually chose Pepperdine University School of Law, where he is completing his first year.

Danny doesn’t take this lightly. Vanguard’s investment in his success, as expressed through Brett’s confident guidance, is so important to him, and in Danny’s eyes it is all part of the package of God’s constant provision.

“Statistically speaking, my family shouldn’t have been successful,” says Danny. “My parents married and had children while very young, they had no money, they are Hispanic. Yet now I have made it to law school and my parents have established a great life for our family. I remember

For Brett, this kind of support was natural to lend Danny because it gave

one day, I was feeling particularly worried about whether my grades and

him the opportunity to invest in Vanguard the same thing that Vanguard

scores were good enough to get into law school, and my father said to

had invested in him. “I was a poorly prepared student who had not taken

me, ‘God has never let us down. He has always been there for us. Think

high school seriously,” he explains. “At Vanguard I found very embracing

of the times when he put food on our table. If he didn’t leave us then, he

and caring people who didn’t let me fall through the cracks. It was a safe

won’t now.”

place where I felt nurtured and cared for. I fell in love with it.”

So Danny can feel confident that his vocation as a lawyer will give him

The Career Mentors program is surely an example of this. It represents

ample opportunity to help others no matter what kind of law he ends up

just one of the ways Vanguard is committed to student success while

practicing. Brett is an example of how faith shapes a person’s vocation,

never losing sight of one of its core values in building and maintaining

whatever it is. “How could it not?” he asks. “We are called to be the

relationships. And it shows how Vanguard’s commitment also extends

light. It’s not about how good we can be but about how much God can

beyond the student’s time here, into a life where difficult times must be

use us. God shines his light through us.”

met with hard work and trust in God. A mentor’s guidance during this time is invaluable. “Hard work, persistence, and coachability—that’s the magic,” says Brett. “To give students opportunities to hear and accept advice from someone who has the experience makes the whole process of education better. Vanguard is creating those opportunities.”

Become a CAREER MENTOR

This is perhaps the most essential outcome of Vanguard’s Career Mentors program. Students gain insight into the vocation, but even more importantly, about how to continue living a life of deep faith through that vocation. This is the definition of student success at Vanguard University.

MENTOR A STUDENT 1-1 STUDYING TO SUCCEED IN YOUR FIELD. These semester long relationships involve 5 meetings that best fit your schedule, and curriculum is provided. Fall and spring semester opportunities are available.

Questions? Contact careerservices@vanguard.edu or 714.619.6474.

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AN EMPOWERING INTERNSHIP KROCHET KIDS INTL. HAS LONG BEEN

takes on a new group of interns from all across

help? What role do I have to play? I was able to

considered a Vanguard University success story,

the country. Krochet Kids’ program isn’t just

see the reality of the world and the bigness of

founded by Vanguard alumni with support

about getting inexpensive staff to supply the

it.” Through an engaged and culturally relevant

from faculty and held up as an example of

office with lunch—Nic makes sure that interns

program, Nic helps interns at Krochet Kids

how the intersection of nonprofit and business

learn valuable lessons that impact their lives.

discover answers to these same questions.

practice can be successful while impacting the

“We’ve developed a curriculum that supports

world in a positive way. One essential aspect of

the interns’ growth and their story,” he says. “We

Nic learned how to ask and answer questions like

Krochet Kids’ commitment to different levels

teach them about issues that they care about,

this while a student at Vanguard, and as he hired

of community engagement is its internship

such as global poverty and development, and help

Vanguard students as interns, he discovered that

program, led for the last six years by Director of

them apply their strengths and skills with passion.

they were, like he was, well-prepared to tackle

Community Involvement Nic Lauten Õ07.

We support them as they think about their lives

issues of social justice in the developing world.

and their own empowerment.”

Nic’s most important practice in this regard came through his participation on the speech and

Nic was Krochet Kids’ first full time employee, travelling to Uganda shortly after graduating

One of the most important things Nic is able

debate team. The critical thinking he learned as a

from Vanguard to serve as its In-Country

to teach Krochet Kids interns is to embrace a

member of the team opened his eyes to the world

Director. As the company experienced the

sense of adventure, and of trusting God in the

and the way governments and organizations can

growing pains that often come with success,

face of the unknown. These are the lessons he

effect change in it. “I was able to apply what I

it looked for ways to get extra help while

himself learned when he went to Uganda to work

learned in the classroom to the real world,” he

maintaining its engagement in the community.

for Krochet Kids just a month after graduating

says. “Combined with my outreach trip to eastern

Internships proved to be a viable option, and in

from Vanguard. In those early years, Nic had to

Europe with Ed Rybarczyk, and my time as an

partnership with Vanguard University, Krochet

learn about and engage in the community before

RA under the leadership of Tim Young, I was put

Kids piloted its first internship program, using

he could take action and be trusted. Alone, he

on a personal path to freedom to move overseas

Vanguard students. Because of the quality and

navigated the ins and outs of doing business in

and embrace a sense of adventure.”

preparedness of those students, the program had

Uganda, meeting with other organizations, filing

a great foundation. “We found Vanguard students

paperwork with the government, developing

This adventure was cultivated and explored in

to be driven and extremely capable, as well as

relationships and discerning who was in need and

the supportive community at Vanguard. “There’s

perfect culture-fits in understanding the bigger

who could benefit from support. “It was a hard

so much rad community here. The friends I’ve

picture of our work and vision,” says Nic.

and lonely—but also epic and rewarding—time

made and the kind of people here are grounded

in my life,” remembers Nic. “Every day I was

in the pursuit of Christ, and open to exploring

Under Nic’s leadership, the program has grown,

faced with big questions about God and the

different aspects of it: intellectually, spiritually,

and now three seasons a year Krochet Kids Intl.

world: how does God see poverty? How do we

and experientially.”

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Rick Francis with Vanguard student intern Jasmine French ’18, a business administration major.

GREAT NEIGHBORS, GREAT INTERNSHIPS ONE OF VANGUARD UNIVERSITY’S DEEPEST PARTNERSHIPS with an organization that

ethic and high integrity—exactly what he gets with

wherever they end up. It’s transformative and life-

Vanguard students. “All of them have been rock-

changing.” Through their partnership, both Rick

provides internships is also one of the closest:

solid,” he says. “From Vanguard we have been

and Vanguard are equipping students to apply

right next door at Costa Mesa’s City Hall. The

getting phenomenal people of character, who are

the knowledge and the skills they acquire as part

last few years have seen a number of Vanguard

reliable, self-initiators, and extremely motivated

of their education in order to have a positive and

students placed in excellent internships for the

They get work done. It speaks highly to the quality

tangible effect on the community.

city, and this relationship has been cultivated

and caliber of the Vanguard education.”

in large part because Vanguard has an “inside

One of the programs under Rick’s oversight is the The benefits of the partnership cut both ways.

Costa Mesa Homelessness Initiative, and it has so

Students who intern for City Hall have merely

far been very effective. Approaching the issue with

to walk across the parking lot, and they are

compassion and accountability, Rick has a team

immersed in the operations of a municipality

that works hard to match people to new housing,

at work. They get to witness government in

to respond appropriately to those who turn down

action, according to Rick, and not just from the

assistance, and to govern the concerns of home

perspective of pushing paper or getting coffee. “A

and business owners. Rick’s balanced approach

lot of companies regard interns as menial labor,

always affirms each person’s essential dignity,

but we don’t adopt that mindset,” says Rick.

and is a hallmark of his servant-leadership. The

“When interns leave, they will have dealt with

homelessness initiative also gives student interns

As Assistant CEO, Rick collaborates with the

the public on important issues, learned critical

irreplaceable real-world experience. Interns are

CEO in the operations of the city. They manage

thinking skills, grasped how local government

able to observe members of the faith community

nine separate departments—such as Parks and

works, seen policy makers in action, and observed

whom the city of Costa Mesa has partnered with

Recreation, Public Safety, and the Homelessness

election processes. They’re in the thick of it. We

as they assist check-in for homeless programs

Initiative—and oversee more than 500 employees.

include them in what we do.” It’s no accident

providing showers and laundry, help create works

A typical intern will be plugged into many

that Rick talks about his internships the way

projects for homeless individuals, and evaluate

different roles for many different city services, so

Vanguard talks about its academics. “Students

them for housing while they assess their needs.

Rick is looking for individuals with a great work

take in a lot of information and they can use it

The city keeps track of these needs through

man” at City Hall. Rick Francis Õ87 is one of two Assistant CEO’s for Costa Mesa, and a Vanguard alumnus. As such, he is intimately familiar with the very high quality of the typical Vanguard student’s character and education, and so he has helped facilitate a number of internships for Vanguard students. So far his trust has been rewarded, as each Vanguard student has exceeded his expectations.

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COMPANIES AND ORGANIZATIONS AT WHICH VANGUARD HAS PLACED INTERNS: American Coast Theatre Company Applied Financial Planning Autism Interventions and Resources Bridge of Life Church Capin Crouse LLP Castle & Company, Inc. Chick-Fil-A City of Costa Mesa

Love 2 Learn

Brave Grace Equine Therapy

Mason-Lite

Casa Youth Shelter

MIKA

Christian Life Church

Redline Detection

David Travel

Royal Family KIDS

Fry’s Market

Safe Harbor

Future Media Concepts

St Peter’s By-the-Sea Presbyterian Church

Global Family Care Network

Tri City Christian School

Proof Positive ABA Therapies Rene Haynes Casting Revelation Films Rockharbor Church

Saddleback Church

Kidworks

Senator Mimi Walters

Clarity-Vanguard AG program

Trinity United Presbyterian Church

Cornerstone Christian Fellowship

Univision

County of Orange

Vanguard University

DMW Industries Inc.

24 Hour Fitness

E-Squared

31 Bits

Hurley International

Alpha Athletics

Kimco Staffing

Best Western Newport Mesa Inn

Orange County Probation Department

LeVecke Corporation

Blind Children’s Learning Center

Position Music

Mariners Church

Stellar Productions

Martillo Pictures

Thomas House Family Shelter

MercyHouse

Tri-City Medical Center

Municipal Water District of Orange County

William J. Perry Center for Hemispheric Defense Studies

Newport Mesa Church

develop a program that enabled the county to

Vanguard professor Ed Clarke, who created

identify potential juvenile offenders and the

one of the most accurate methods to count

factors that caused them to become repeat

homeless populations in the country. Rick

offenders. By recognizing these factors—

currently has a Vanguard student working

things like a disrupted home life, a lack of

with the Homeless Initiative named Jasmine

education, and emotional trauma—Rick and

Ezell Õ16, an anthropology major sent his

his team were able to intervene early and

way by Vanguard professor Vince Gil.

make a huge difference in how they grew up. The success of the program was a great

This is just one of the ways Rick serves

example to Rick of how he could use his

his community in his role. His penchant

calling to help others in the context of his

for combining strong leadership and

government vocation.

management skills with a desire to help people was established soon after he

Rick knows that this is one of the things

graduated from Vanguard, when he got

he’s equipping Vanguard student interns

a job for the Orange County Probation

to understand as well. Including them in

Department. At Vanguard, he had studied

the issues and concerns of city government

to go into youth ministry, influenced by

challenges their faith as it provides them

Jim Burns and Doug Fields, professors

with tangible experience to apply to their

who modeled for him the relational aspect

education. “We’re exposing them to the

of Vanguard’s community. The probation

real world and the real marketplace,” says

department wasn’t youth group, but working

Rick. “They’re more aware of what’s really

with young people who were incarcerated

going on, and so it’s impossible for them to

gave Rick an entirely new perspective on

leave naïve. They deepen their faith as they

“youth ministry.” He worked his way up to

consider new things and gain experience in

a supervisor position and was selected to

the real world with its many challenges.”

Rockreation Climbing Gym Royal Family KIDS

Good City Mentors

a database established by the work of

Power Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine

How to Hire a

VANGUARD INTERN

1

REGISTER YOUR COMPANY FOR A LIONSLINK ACCOUNT

2

CREATE AN INTERNSHIP JOB DESCRIPTION and post it on

at vanguard.edu/lionslink. Our online job board, LionsLink, allows employers to post jobs and internships exclusively to Vanguard students and alumni.

LionsLink. Students will apply for the position directly through LionsLink.

3

HIRE A VANGUARD STUDENT.

It is the student’s responsibility to attain approval from the appropriate academic department if the internship offered is an academic credit position.

Questions? Contact careerservices@vanguard.edu or 714.619.6474.

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A SPIRIT-FILLED VOCATION WHEN VANGUARD UNIVERSITY WAS FOUNDED IN 1920, it was known as Southern California Bible School, and its mission was very specifically to train students to become ministers and missionaries of the Assemblies of God. As it grew

HERE’S HOW You CAN INVEST IN STUDENT SUCCESS AT VANGUARD

over the years to become a fullyaccredited liberal arts college and then university, Vanguard’s educational mission expanded to include many other disciplines, but its Christ-centered, Spirit-empowered identity was never departed from. Vanguard has always considered the work of preparing students for vocational ministry an essential part of its ambitions, and it pursues this goal with the excellence that marks all of its academics.

FALL and SPRING CAREER MENTORING Mentor a student 1-1 studying to succeed in your field.

These semester long relationships involve 5 meetings that best fit

One important way that Vanguard helps train students for ministry is

your schedule, and curriculum is provided.

by offering internships in partnership with its home district, the SoCal Network Assemblies of God. The SoCal Network provides the means for Vanguard to place students in certain Assemblies of God churches within a 30-mile radius of the campus. The students and the churches are chosen and paired very carefully. While Vanguard cultivates ministry-mindedness in all of its students irrespective of vocation, the students placed in this

ROUNDTABLE BREAKFASTS These one-time breakfasts allow experienced professionals to connect with students by sharing how to have a successful career.

particular internship are those who have chosen a career in ministry. And while there’s no doubt many churches might seek excellent Vanguard students as interns, churches are chosen based on their ability and willingness to truly mentor the student. “We want students to be able to do more than just move chairs,” says Anita Hann, assistant director of church relations. “Of course, it’s okay if they do that kind of work, but our goal is also to put students in churches where they can be mentored and trained

RESUME REVIEWS and MOCK INTERVIEWS Join other professionals, with a one-time commitment, by blessing students with valuable career advice.

and learn about vocational ministry.”

One of the natural byproducts of the intentionality in this partnership between Vanguard and SoCal Network is that many churches have such great experiences with their Vanguard interns that they hire them on after the student’s graduation. One church Anita Hann recalls was so thankful for the quality of student that came to them from Vanguard that they

GUEST SPEAKER SERIES Brings recognized business leaders from surrounding regional companies to campus to discuss their careers and faith with students.

themselves provided funding to add two more—Vanguard students are that vital to that church’s culture and ministry. In another case, Vanguard partnered interns with a church plant, where the students worked with the church’s leadership before they launched. “Those students learned what it takes to build an Assemblies of God church,” says Anita. “It was so powerful for them to see church happen from the ground up.”

STORY SHAPERS Mentor a student 1-1 by listening, sharing God’s insights on your life, and helping a student thrive at Vanguard. This semester long relationship involves 8 meetings, and training is provided.

The internship program is entirely in line with Vanguard’s goal to be an institution where education comes with tangible opportunities and Vanguard,” she says. “We individualize these internships based on the

TO INVEST IN STUDENT LIVES THROUGH MENTORSHIP OR IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS CONTACT:

students’ gifts, calling, and passion, and the experience helps shape the

careerservices@vanguard.edu • 714.619.6474

applications, according to Anita. “It shows that ‘your story matters’ at

students’ passion through mentorship. We are taking education out of the classroom and into a world that needs people to minister to it.”

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ALUMNI PROFILE

CRAFTING A STORY FOR THE NATURAL WORLD AS THE SOCIAL MEDIA COMMUNITY PROGRAM MANAGER for the large outdoor equipment retailer REI, Lance Trueb ’09 is far more interested in stories than in products. He has the luxury of this interest because of the unique priorities of REI, the nation’s largest consumer co-op. Unlike a publicly-traded company with quarterly meetings, REI doesn’t respond to shareholders; it responds to co-op members and employees. This freedom allows for REI to focus on one of its primary missions, which is to inspire people to spend time outdoors. Lance tells the story of the brand through the stories of the people who are so inspired.

Though Lance was not a marketing or business major at Vanguard University, his current career lines up perfectly with the interests he expressed there. A communications major, Lance was fascinated by the intersection of story and message, storyteller and audience. “I loved learning about the nuance of how you craft a story and message to break through a noisy world,” says Lance. During

high schools about how human trafficking was

unique twist: a portion of every sale was donated

his time at Vanguard, Lance was a co-captain of

happening in our neighborhoods and how we could

to organizations battling human trafficking around

the speech and debate team, an experience that

be part of the solution was eye-opening for me.”

the world. Lance was once again working hard to

burnished his ambitions to communicate ideas

Lance was able to live out his faith and education

convince an audience (Seattle coffee lovers) that his

effectively. And he gained practical and meaningful

together. “At Vanguard, people don’t just talk about

message was significant (his coffee and his cause

experience with sharing life-changing ideas through

their faith in God, but let it shape their experience.”

were good). After completing his graduate program,

his involvement in the club Live2Free, the humantrafficking awareness club led by Sandie Morgan.

“I loved learning about the nuance of how you craft a story and message to break through a noisy world.”

“Being part of this group, and eventually going on to become the first president of Live2Free, played a major role in shaping how I understood God’s heart for justice,” he says. “I didn’t have to wait until graduation to take action. Speaking at local

Lance was looking for ways to put his marketing Lance’s journey wasn’t a straight line from Vanguard

skills to use, and that’s when he began work at REI.

to REI, but it has never strayed far from a passion for shaping meaningful stories. After graduation

There, he found a company that allowed him to

Lance took on the challenge of youth ministry, and

live out the priorities of his faith. “What REI is

in addition to the community aspect, what he loved

about in its core is something I can stand behind

most was finding ways to communicate the message

as a Christian,” he says. “We want to tell stories,

of the gospel with relevance to his “audience”

protect the land, and preserve it for people and their

of young people. He invested in that work fully,

families to have access to it. At REI, we like to say

knowing that it was for a season. Eventually God

that a life outdoors is a life well-lived.” It’s not lost

called him to continue his education with more

on Lance that a “life outdoors” is also a life that is a

specialization, and he moved to Seattle to begin

witness to God’s creation. “We are using words like

a graduate degree at University of Washington in

‘stewardship.’ The values of this company extend

Communication Leadership, with an emphasis

beyond just the bottom line. We celebrate the

in digital media. For all the years he was in grad

outdoors, cherishing it and helping people perceive

school, Lance also was employed at Storyville

it as valuable.”

Coffee Company, a start-up coffee shop with a

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TEACHING MENTORSHIP & MENTORING FUTURE TEACHERS ccording to Merriam-Webster dictionary (2016) a

The Vanguard credential program is a quite rigorous program. As the

mentor is someone who teaches or gives help and

candidates’ teacher and mentor, I frequently find that I am a shoulder

advice to a less experienced and often younger person.

to cry on when the rigor of the program becomes overwhelming, or

The term “mentor” was acquired from the literature of

when an unsatisfactory score is received on the subject matter CSET

ancient Greece. When Odysseus was away from home

exam, or the California Teaching Performance Assessment (TPA), a

for twenty years fighting and journeying he left his son Telemachus to

required assessment for every California teacher. I seek to encourage

grow up under the supervision of Mentor, an old and trusted friend. As

the candidates to learn through the struggles while also rejoicing over

a Vanguard faculty member I find myself in this honorable and

the triumphs and praying for personal needs. We begin every class with

influential role, and, I believe I can say this for all faculty, we do not

a scripture, devotion, and prayer, which many of the students have later

take it lightly.

reported was the encouragement they needed at that time to press on.

I am the Graduate Education cohort faculty leader for the single

We know from experience that prayer and encouragement bring about

subject credential program at Vanguard and I teach teacher candidates

a positive mindset, which is corroborated by research. According

who aspire to become middle or high school teachers. I have the

to Stanford University psychologist, Carol Dweck (2006), and her

privilege of teaching and mentoring these candidates to become the

decades of research on achievement and success, mindset is a simple

best teachers God has called them to be. In Graduate Education, we

idea that makes all the difference. In a fixed mindset, people believe

consider teaching to be a calling, and we encourage the candidates to

their basic qualities, like intelligence, are simply fixed traits. They

reflect back on when they felt “called” to this honorable profession

believe that talent and intelligence create success, without much effort.

and to possibly reconsider if they have chosen it as job with the benefit

When they struggle they believe this is due to their lack of intelligence

of having summers off. I consider myself to be a part of the students’

or talent. Whereas, in a growth mindset, people believe their basic

journey and together we navigate our lives through the struggles and

qualities can be developed through dedication and hard work. This

challenges of assignments, lesson plans, and state teacher exams. We

view creates a love of learning and a resilience that is essential for

attempt to balance all this with as little impact as is possible on families

great accomplishments. They understand that the struggle is part of the

and relationships, which is sometimes the biggest challenge of all.

growth process and that God has created our brains to be malleable and grow new dendrites when we persevere through challenges. This also aligns with the word of God. Colossians 3:23 tells us, “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.”

Also, one of my favorite scriptures, Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me,” exhorts us to persevere for the prize. These scriptures remind us that God will reward our hard work and perseverance if we do it as unto Him. California teacher credential candidates are required to complete their student teaching assignments in public schools. My goal as a teacher mentor is to encourage every Vanguard single subject candidate to have a positive impact on his or her students by demonstrating a Christ-

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like character, valuing every diverse student, and displaying a strong

of content in a lesson plan that I never would have imagined on my

work ethic. These are qualities, we, as Christians can bring to the

own. We collaborate and sometimes decide that this could possibly

public schools. With the upcoming teacher shortage there is need for

work, or else we conclude that the lesson where students pop balloons

quality teachers in our schools, public or private; teachers who view

or explode a pumpkin in the classroom might be a bit disruptive! In

every student as God’s creation with untapped potential. I exhort the

addition to this, I also have the privilege of collaborating with some

candidates with the notion that if God truly directs their steps, then

who have secured a teaching position and come back a year or two

perhaps every student that walks through their classroom door has

later as “real” teachers for advice concerning a struggling student or a

been designated by Him to do so. This could very well be the student

challenging class.

that will one day say, “I succeeded because Mr. J believed I could succeed!” Vanguard holds a treasure trove of teachers for such a time as this. I liken our teacher candidates to missionaries in a foreign land.

While they do not have the liberty of spreading the Gospel with their words, they can do so with their actions.

Educators are life-long learners, always seeking to refine our craft. It is through the practice of collaboration and reflecting on our practice that we engage in the improvement cycle of: plan, teach, reflect, and refine. Demonstrating this practice in the cohort class as they present their mock lessons ensures that this reflective practice becomes an

Before coming to Vanguard, I was a Christian public school teacher

ongoing part of their teaching. As a teacher and mentor, I seek to

and instructional coach for seventeen years. I believe God enabled me

improve my teaching and learning and to continually improve my craft

to have these experiences which now guide my mentoring of future

by listening to my students, re-tailoring my lessons and finding the

teachers. I am able to share real life experiences and the challenges I

gaps in my instructional practices. It is an honor to teach and mentor

faced in the public school arena, and how God brought me through.

Vanguard’s single subject credential candidates and I am blessed

I have shared how I prayed for the students on my class rosters at

to be a small part of these future teachers’ lives. As with Odysseus’

the beginning of the school year, and anointed the seat of the most

Mentor, I hope to be called an old and trusted friend for each of the

challenging student before class. I began every day asking God for

single subject candidates that come through the doors of Vanguard’s

wisdom concerning my students and my teaching and I asked for His

Graduate Education program.

help to shine for Him. When Jesus told us to “go into all the world and preach the Gospel” I believe He might have had us teachers in mind.

My students are not the only benefactors of this mentoring relationship; I also benefit greatly. I thoroughly enjoy watching these eager teacher candidates at the onset of the program, excited about doing what they have always wanted to do, and watching them grow throughout the year as they collaborate over best practices and the theories behind those practices. It is then pure joy when I embrace them at their Master’s commencement and follow them on social media as they become knowledgeable and confident teacher leaders. I

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Dr. Sylvia Kane is an associate professor of education at Vanguard University. She received her BA and MA from California State University-LA and her Ed.D from Azusa Pacific University.

Dr. Kane teaches the Single Subject Curriculum and Instruction cohort.

have also learned much through my students. It is not infrequent that a student comes up with an innovative and creative idea on the delivery

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ALUMNI PROFILE

GLORIFIED IN UNITY

AT HOMECOMING 2016, Vanguard

reach, because we help empower the local

see the church in a different way,” says Erin.

University honored Erin (Bongiorno ’03)

church to serve as the incarnated hands and

At the same time, Erin must give the churches

Donovan as Alumna of the Year, recognizing

feet of Christ.”

she works with in Baltimore the opportunity

her for the work she does in Baltimore on behalf of individuals who are infected and affected by HIV and AIDS. Erin is the Executive Director of HopeSprings, which exists to awaken, equip, and engage the faith community to respond to the HIV epidemic in Baltimore and beyond. “We awaken through education, equip through training, and engage through service,” explains Erin. “The idea is to take the church out of the four walls to serve one of our most vulnerable populations.

We are a small organization with a large

to see those with HIV/AIDS in a different way It’s not easy work. The population that HopeSprings serves lives squarely on the margins of society with respect to race, gender, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status.

Generally speaking, it’s a population that views the church with skepticism, and it breaks Erin’s heart to explain that this skepticism is often rooted very deeply in personal experiences.

“We are serving people who have had really bad experiences with the church, and we are trying to restore that relationship so that they

as well. HopeSprings doesn’t require churches to agree on every aspect of doctrine in order to help; they need only believe in one: that the love and grace of Jesus Christ is for everyone.

“We call believers to build relationships with the people in this community, irrespective of doctrinal differences. God is glorified in this unity in the body of Christ. We are united in our one goal, which is to restore people to Christ and let them know they are welcome in God’s kingdom.”

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ALUMNI PROFILE

As HopeSprings has pursued its core mission

walk with Christ to both of them. They

of connecting those in the faith community

invested in my well-being and my direction,

to Baltimore’s most vulnerable, its work has

and I wouldn’t be here without them.” And it

been recognized as essential by the leadership

wasn’t just faculty who changed Erin’s life at

of the city. Erin is the Chair of Johns Hopkins

Vanguard. As a member of the soccer team,

Center for AIDS Research Community

Erin developed friendships that remain to this

Participatory Advisory Board, sits on the

day as intimate and essential to her life as

Mayor’s HIV/AIDS Commission for the

they were then.

City of Baltimore co-chairing the faith work Being recognized as Alumna of the Year was

group, and is on the Board of the Presbyterian

a shock and an honor for Erin. “It’s a little

AIDS Network. Erin sees these leadership

strange, and very humbling,” she says. “I’m no

opportunities as affirmation that God is being

different from anyone else who is passionate

glorified in the work of HopeSprings, its

about their work and the church.” One of

volunteers, donors, and church partners.

Vanguard’s great traditions is alumni giving Erin’s passion for fighting the HIV epidemic

back to current students by sharing their

is a direct result of her Vanguard University

wisdom and experiences. While Erin was in Costa Mesa to receive the award and speak

education, and the influence of professors Vince Gil and the late Craig Rusch. Professor

that changed everything. I got the position as

in classes and chapel, she was approached by

Gil’s groundbreaking work—for which Erin

Executive Director of HopeSprings, and since

a student who confided in her about being in

served as a research assistant—is all the more

then God has given me such a love for this

the midst of a desperate personal crisis. Erin

remarkable because he was one of the few

city. I learned that God places you in a time

was uniquely suited to support this student

Christian scholars tackling the problem at

and place for a purpose; wherever that may

and it reminded her of the lesson she had

that time. Even though Erin actually studied

be, that’s your mission field.”

already learned in so many ways: God puts

HIV/AIDS in Baltimore as a part of Gil’s epidemiology class, Erin always thought she was being called to East Africa, where the HIV pandemic was also out of control in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Erin travelled to Africa and worked there after her graduation

It’s meaningful to Erin that one of the places God put her was at Vanguard. “I’m so grateful to Vanguard for exposing me to this work. Vince Gil and Craig Rusch made such an impact on my life, and I credit my

you where he wants to serve his purposes.

“It’s not about receiving an honor,” says Erin.

“It’s about using my voice to reach young people, to show that God can use them and that he wants to.”

from Vanguard and thought she would go back for good after getting married, but another opportunity arose in Baltimore. That’s when God told her to stay put. “A group of friends spoke truth into my life, telling me, ‘The same work you can do in Africa, you can do here,’” she says. “I realized I didn’t

“The idea is to take the church out of the four walls to serve one of our most vulnerable populations.

We are a small organization with a large reach, because we help empower the local church to serve as the incarnated hands and feet of Christ.”

have to be abroad to be a missionary, and

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STUDENT PROFILE

A JOURNEY OF PURPOSE LYING ON A THIN, BLOODSTAINED MATTRESS, shaking

facility completely lacking the comforts of western medical care, Levi

uncontrollably, wracked with fever, and fighting a losing battle

received over 100 shots, injections, and IVs, from a knowledgeable

against the need to throw up, Levi Moellering was left wondering

and competent staff of nurses who spoke no English.

whether this was how God repaid those who served him.

Levi was in Uganda, and he had malaria.

He had come to Uganda between his junior and senior year at Vanguard on a solo journey to serve as a medical missionary.

Having been to Africa 12 other times, Levi was given the opportunity to travel to Uganda alone, but supported by Vanguard. Kayli Hillebrand, director of Global Education and Outreach, arranged for Levi to stay with a Ugandan family that had sent their son to study at Vanguard. While there, Levi focused his service in the area of medicine, working in health clinics, drawing blood, testing individuals for HIV, advocating for clean water, and through it all, doing missions work. He encountered difficulties and obstacles—the language barrier, and, since he was alone, the inability to debrief

More alone than ever, Levi turned to God, first to wonder why he was suffering the affliction, but then quickly realizing the experience was pointing him to something more important. “God was telling me, ‘I have something greater for you,’” says Levi. “He told me, ‘It will be more than just your plan for yourself.’” Up to that point, Levi’s plan was to graduate from Vanguard and move on to medical school, but his agonizing firsthand experience as a patient in a developing country confirmed a shift in focus to the field of medical anthropology. In this field Levi will study cultures in the context of the diseases that threaten them, how those diseases are treated, how they spread, and the population’s attitude and beliefs about them.

“Through this work, our influence can have long term, lasting effects, helping that culture keep up with developments in medicine and treatment,” explains Levi.

Levi fully recovered from his malaria and returned to the States with

“Through this work, our influence can have long term, lasting effects, helping that culture keep up with developments in medicine and treatment.”

a new plan to pursue his MA in global health and then a PhD in medical anthropology. He has been accepted into Emory University’s top program, and as he prepares to graduate from Vanguard, he can’t help but reflect on what the personal attention from professors has meant for him. “Vince Gil served as a great mentor to me, steering me towards the field of medical anthropology. Tara Sirvent pushed me to do my best and believed in my potential in medicine. I love the atmosphere at Vanguard, where I can partner with a teacher

with a team—but he also found greater freedom to connect with

who will guide me not only in my walk with God, but also my

local pastors and blood banks, and to develop deeper and more

future career path.” The son of two chemists, Levi’s goal has always

personal relationships with those people.

been to use science to help others. At Vanguard, he was given the

But contracting malaria wasn’t a part of the plan. Understanding the symptoms, Levi immediately sought treatment and discovered that he in fact had the most dangerous strain. Over four days, in a

opportunity to combine research for his bio chemistry major with overseas mission work, exemplifying the commitment to faith and education, and setting Levi on the path to his goal.

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FACULTY SPOTLIGHT

A Dream THAT NEVER DIES

VANGUARD UNIVERSITY SOCIOLOGY PROFESSOR DR. STEPHANIE DÕAURIA

usually other Christians and churches filling the

around what these women went through. I saw

gap and helping them. Even while Dr. D’Auria

patterns of abuse, addiction and criminal behavior.

has always wanted to be a teacher. When she was

was grateful for this up-close example of faith

It changed my life.”

in elementary school, her father salvaged a broken

interwoven with outreach, she was also disturbed

chalkboard from the trash, framed it, and installed

by the structural or systemic reasons for her

it on a wall in their home. Dr. D’Auria would teach

family’s struggle—since her father worked hard

the things she had learned that day in school to her

at three jobs. Dr. D’Auria saw an opportunity to

little sister, and then—when her mother released

combine her love of teaching with a desire to help

her reluctant sister from the role of student—Dr.

disadvantaged families like hers as an extension

D’Auria would lecture her stuffed animals.

of her faith, and charted a professional course for

This is to say that Dr. D’Auria’s passion for teaching burned early, and when that passion was combined with the model of service she was exposed to through the work of her parents, it

social work. “I was always thinking like a teacher,” she says. “I knew even social work would give me the opportunity to share my knowledge to help disadvantaged families out of their situations.”

Dr. D’Auria decided to pursue a PhD from UC Riverside as a means of becoming powerfully equipped to address these social problems, and as she neared its completion, she was introduced to the late Dr. Elizabeth Leonard and her work with Convicted Women Against Abuse. This led her to Vanguard, and now Dr. D’Auria is an assistant professor of sociology with an emphasis on criminology and intimate partner violence, and one of the ways she is able to make an impact is through her teaching. “I love the opportunity to

is clear to see how she became a professor of

Dr. D’Auria attended Cal State Fullerton to study

provide skills, strategy, and knowledge for students

sociology, which emphasizes applied research

human services, an applied degree that would

to think critically about the world, and to make

and community activism through education.

prepare her for a career in therapy or social

better-informed decisions about their own lives,”

Her parents’ vocation was serving the church.

work case management. Using science to address

she says. And her teaching follows the model of

Her father was involved in music ministry, and

shortcomings in society was her aim at the time,

her parents: faith is at the center of it. “What I

they moved often when Dr. D’Auria was a child,

and then she had a few experiences that sharpened

teach is very related to my faith. I encourage my

always going to the next place they were needed.

the focus of her vocational goals. Her research

students to think critically about how we can be

“My parents put their faith at the center of

introduced her to intimate partner violence, and

servants, and the body of Christ. I want them to

everything they did,” says Dr. D’Auria. “Through

cases of women who had experienced massive

have an action-based faith. Because if we aren’t

the relationships they developed, the loving,

injustice, as every social institution let them down.

living to help others in love, how can we be living

caring for, and serving of others was constantly

“I couldn’t believe how commonly it occurs,” she

in our faith? One of my favorite parts of teaching

being modeled for me and my siblings.” As a

says. “There were too many failures in our society

at Vanguard is how receptive students are to being

consequence of certain changes in the structure

to protect people who were not safe in their own

moved to action. Our students are more likely

of society that occurred when she was a child—

homes. I wanted to think outside the box on social

after an ‘Aha!’ moment to make changes that

trends such as jobs being shipped overseas and

problems and explore what other factors could

reflect the knowledge they have acquired. Here,

an increasing reliance on temporary/seasonal

contribute to people making those choices. I began

students apply what they have learned.”

work—Dr. D’Auria’s family experienced periods

working with women who had just been released

of homelessness at times. When they did, it was

from prison, and I could not wrap my head

That’s not the only thing Dr. D’Auria loves about Vanguard. Like her students, she has become a part of a community of people who live their faith in their professional and personal lives. “My colleagues are warm, generous with their time,

DR. STEPHANIE D’AURIA is assistant professor of sociology at Vanguard University.

Dr. D’Auria’s areas of emphasis include criminology, corrections, gender, inequality, and family. Her current research focuses on the experiences of women as they transition from prison into their communities.

authentic, patient, forgiving, and deeply caring for their students!”

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FACULTY SPOTLIGHT

“I love the opportunity to provide skills, strategy, and knowledge for students to think critically about the world, and to make better-informed decisions about their own lives.”

Dr. D’Auria is also proud of the work the sociology department does to prepare students for their careers or for graduate study. Vanguard’s commitment to holistic education through rigorous academics and diverse opportunities to apply knowledge is borne out in the philosophy of the sociology department.

Students have ample occasion to apply their learning to relevant work in the field. “One of the things we do for undergraduates that is very rare is to facilitate student research projects and then help them present at regional conferences, alongside graduate students and academics,” says Dr. D’Auria. “From start to finish, it’s about mentorship, from putting together the project, to professionalization of the student, to networking. It’s incredibly unique for them to have that experience, and it makes them very competitive.”

Dr. D’Auria also boasts about Larry Haynes, an alumnus and the executive director of Mercy House, coming to Vanguard to lecture as evidence of how the University brings in experts from the field, so students are learning from them as well as academics. This summer, Dr. D’Auria is looking forward to orientation for a new program Vanguard is partnering with called The Inside-Out Prison Exchange Program, which brings college students together with incarcerated men and women to study as peers in a seminar behind prison walls. The core of the program is a semester-long academic course that serves as an opportunity for Vanguard students studying criminology to go behind prison walls to reconsider what they have come to know about crime and justice.

Dr. D’Auria is excited about the challenge of teaching it. She has come a long way from her chalkboard and stuffed animals, but her passion for social justice and for empowering the lives of others through education, outreach, and service remains as strong as ever.

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VANGUARD ATHLETICS

CHAMPION of CHARACTER After a 21-year career during which he established a course of excellence for student athletes, coaches, trainers, and their athletic programs, athletic director Bob Wilson is retiring from Vanguard University. As athletic director, Bob embodied the idea of Christcentered leadership and service at the core of Vanguard’s mission statement, and his career stands as a testament to the power of these virtues to change the lives of student-athletes and influence their spiritual, academic, and athletic development.

B

ob grew up in Denver, Colorado in

watching Bob letter in three sports. Bob went on to play

an athletic family where both of his

three years of college basketball at the University of

parents were educators, laying the

Wyoming before graduating and beginning his own

ideal groundwork for a career as coach

coaching career.

and athletic director. He played football, baseball, and basketball as a young man, and always had a specific model for character expressed through athletic leadership from his father, who was a high school basketball coach-turned-athletic director. Bob’s father transitioned from coach to athletic director when Bob went to a school other than the one his father coached at—he just didn’t want to coach against his own son.

As the athletic director for Denver schools, Bob’s father could continue his work as an educator and enjoy

As he did so, Bob consciously modeled his philosophy on that of his high school football coach, who spurred his players towards greatness through an ardent belief in their potential. “I patterned myself after him,” remembers Bob. “He was a person who looked at your potential, then drove you out of your comfort zone to reach it. He invested everything he had into what he was doing, and for your own good, he was never satisfied.” As a player, Bob observed and learned from his coaches, many of

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VANGUARD ATHLETICS

Upon establishing strong athletics programs, Bob then began focusing

“As [student athletes] mature and build character... they ask, ‘Who am I, and Whose am I?’ They discover... how that fits into their Christian faith, and then they find their passion and pursue it, and they discover how they will make a difference.”

on the student-athletes’ success beyond the playing field. He was initially inspired by the NAIA program Champions of Character, but found that it wasn’t nearly extensive enough. He adapted it for Vanguard, calling it Gold Pride. This was a system of belief that stated that student-athletes should pursue excellence in five core covenants: Christ-like attitude, faithfulness, selflessness, passion, and leadership. “As we got into it, we discovered that we wanted to give it even more substance and make it even more intentional. So we developed a class on character that our student-athletes had to take. Then we branched out into small groups led by coaches, and then we introduced ‘character captains,’ where the small groups were led by the students themselves. This evolution has allowed

them mentoring him in the importance of winning and success, but in

us to build up leadership among our student-athletes, have them develop

the right way, with character. Before he went to play college ball, Bob’s

lifelong relationships, and become better teammates and students. And as

high school football coach imparted words of wisdom that resonated

a result, our entire institution is better.”

throughout the rest of his life. “He said to me, ‘Probably more than any other athlete, you got more out of your ability than anybody else—yet you haven’t even scratched the surface.’ At first I was offended, but then I realized he was right. I had always been content with being good enough. My coach was giving me an early lesson in the idea that ‘The enemy of greatness is good enough.’ My coach had got me out of my comfort zone, but it was up to me to do the rest of it.”

As Bob reflects on his career at Vanguard, one of the accomplishments he’s most proud of is not just giving student-athletes the tools to succeed in athletics but to also discover their larger purpose in Christ. “Every freshman thinks they’ll be the next star,” he says. “When you’re younger, that’s what’s important to you. As they mature and build character, their reality sets in, and they ask, ‘Who am I, and Whose am I?’ They discover themselves and how that fits into their Christian faith, and then they find

Bob took and applied this lesson to his own coaching career, starting as a

their passion and pursue it, and they discover how they will make a

graduate assistant at the University of Nebraska-Omaha before becoming

difference.” So, although he has been awarded NAIA Athletic Director

an assistant coach at Northern Colorado and then Colorado State. He

of the Year, the student-athlete’s purpose and character is the only context

got his first head coaching job at Phillips University, which was also the

in which Bob is willing to talk about his accomplishments. He defers to

first place he served as athletic director. Bob then coached basketball

stories about former students-athletes coming back to visit him to tell him

at the University of Hawaii at Hilo, before transitioning to be an athletic

that the things they learned as a part of Vanguard’s athletic department

director exclusively when he was hired at Vanguard University 21 years

will be carried with them forever.

ago. In each of these leadership positions—Phillips, Hawaii at Hilo, and Vanguard—Bob has led his teams to competition at the national level, pursuing excellence and character on the court and in life.

And Bob is quick to point out one more thing: “I didn’t do it by myself. I have an unbelievably dedicated and loyal team of coaches, trainers, and staff who have taken ownership of our Gold Pride concept and who make

At Vanguard University, Bob immediately began to overhaul the athletic

sure our student-athletes are able to receive the message. I’m going to

department, with one primary focus: the student-athlete. Many of

miss that interaction with them, but they’ll carry on!” Bob knows he’ll also

Vanguard’s teams throughout its history had achieved great success, but

miss the relationships and interactions he’s able to have with the student-

none of them qualified as a complete program. They were led by excellent

athletes themselves. One of the benefits of being an athletic director over

coaches who were freelance or part time, unable to devote themselves

a coach that he has always enjoyed is the fact that he’s able to interact

fully to their team. “Because of this, they weren’t able to mentor the

with all 200 students as opposed to only the 15 or so that were on his

student-athletes as deeply as they could have,” says Bob. “But Murray

team. Their success has always been his primary focus. “You compete in

Dempster shared my vision: if you want success building the total student

athletics—and I love to compete; success in athletics is very important to

athlete, then you have to have coaches who can mentor them in every

me—but more than championships, if a student competed to his or her full

area of their lives.” Bob built the athletic teams at Vanguard into athletic

potential, if they did all they could with what they were given, then that’s

programs, and these programs grew in their distinction as a result of this

the influence I want to have on them.”

whole-hearted commitment to mentorship along with competition.

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B O B

W I L S O N

AT H L E T I C

D I R E C T O R

1 9 9 5 - 2 0 1 6

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M-TENNIS 96

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DIVISION 1 MENÕS BASKETBALL

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DONOR PROFILE

PRUDENT PRINCIPLES JEFF MOTSKE IS ON A MISSION TO HELP PEOPLE IN THEIR PURSUIT OF FINANCIAL HEALTH

FOR THE PAST 17 YEARS, Jeff Motske Õ88 has worked hard to balance

believe my message of financial health can truly help people. It’s my

his life between building and strengthening the financial services

calling. The second reason is that this exposure helps the employees of

company he founded and being the best husband and father he could

Trilogy Financial, and as their leader, I owe it to them to do whatever I

be. With his Vanguard University education as a foundation, Jeff

can to get them a leg up in their careers.”

established Trilogy Financial Services, with a firm commitment to integrity and trust, and allowed those guiding principles to lead his decision-making as CEO and as a family man. A true Vanguard success story, Jeff has long been an ideal candidate for service on VU’s Board of Trustees, and in the last few years, as his firm became more established and he looked for opportunities to pursue his calling beyond his business, Jeff has embraced the chance to serve on the Board and play a role in the governance of the University he loves.

Jeff has also developed a radio show, which he hosts with Kimber Holdaway, that allows him to tailor his expertise to specific current issues and the real-time financial concerns of callers. Declare Your Financial Independence can be heard Saturday mornings on AM 1150, Sunday mornings on AM 830, and is also available as a podcast through iTunes. Jeff features a different guest every week, and dispenses advice to listeners and callers on debt reduction, investments, saving, and all other aspects of financial planning. Soon, he’ll add cameras

Jeff isn’t in finance to pursue a personal fortune. His passion is to reach

to his Huntington Beach radio studio in order to develop short video

as many people as he can in order to help them get on the road to

excerpts from the show that deliver snippets of comprehensive guidance

financial independence. As Jeff follows this calling, he has watched God

for specific money matters. It’s all in the service of assisting others

open doors in his life that allowed him to reach more people than ever.

through what is often one of the most stressful areas of their lives.

Last year, Jeff published his first book, The Couple’s Guide to Financial Compatibility, and it has been selling so well that he’s already planning a second. In publicizing the book, Jeff has been interviewed a number of times on national television, appearing on Fox & Friends, The Steve Harvey Show, and the Hallmark Network Home & Family Show.

The book has been highlighted in a number of national publications

“Our industry is full of big egos,” he admits. “But that’s not really me. I make a point to say to myself in private, ‘Stay humble, recognize your gifts, and use your gifts to help others.’ I never forget my personal mission statement, which is to be the best husband, father, and friend I can be, and every day try to do something wonderful for somebody else.”

as well, including USA Today, Men’s and Women’s Health, Parade

Jeff’s service on behalf of Vanguard is another one of the ways he is

Magazine, and Money Magazine. The experience of becoming a trusted

able to do this. In addition to sitting on the Board of Trustees, Jeff is

financial pundit with wide exposure almost overnight has been fun and

the chair of the Foundation Board, and a generous donor to Vanguard

challenging for Jeff, who is otherwise a very private person. “I was very

annually. Jeff is excited about the opportunity to pour into Vanguard

reluctant at first to pursue a course in the public eye,” he says. “It was

through these roles. “It was the right time in terms of my ability to

a very hard decision, but I made it for two reasons. The first is that I

give back. I’m in a position to put my time and treasure into it, and the

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DONOR PROFILE

“It was the right time in terms of my ability to give back... the reason it’s so important to me is because I’m a huge proponent of faith-based education.

If more and more students are exposed to the kind of excellent faith-based education that Vanguard represents, then we’ll have more and more graduates that are equipped to help with society’s moral compass.”

reason it’s so important to me is because I’m a huge proponent of faithbased education. If more and more students are exposed to the kind of excellent faith-based education that Vanguard represents, then we’ll have more and more graduates that are equipped to help with society’s moral compass.”

As a local business owner, Jeff is particularly enthused about Vanguard’s commitment to creating relationships among students, alumni, and local businesses. Events like the Breakfast Roundtables give students the opportunity to connect with professionals—and vice versa. “My feeling as a business professional is that events like these are great for me to find quality young people to hire,” says Jeff. “When the school can connect with the community and create opportunities for students to find and explore careers, the community benefits, the University benefits, and the student benefits.”

Jeff himself has already personally embraced such an opportunity. He was connected to a student named Billy Crop by a Vanguard professor, and after an extensive round of interviews, Billy proved so smart, hardPHOTO BY DHRUMIL DESAI

working, and ambitious that Jeff made sure to find a place for him at Trilogy. Upon his graduation Billy will work full-time for Trilogy Capital, an investment advisory firm. “Billy is really sharp,” says Jeff. “But at the

faith. His service on the Board of Trustees is so essential to him because

same time, he has great integrity and principles.” These are the values

it was faith-based education that allowed him to focus this lens on

that led Billy to choose Vanguard over Stanford when deciding where

his calling and purpose—the things that are most important. “When I

to go to school, and they are the values that led him to Trilogy, where

began to go to Newport Christian High School, and then to Vanguard,

Jeff has established a culture of trust built on relationships—a model for

I got on a path that changed me,” he says. “That’s why I want to get

business that has proven successful since Trilogy’s founding.

more people on this campus; Vanguard changes you.”

With his book, radio show, and his financial services company, Jeff has always made a point to see the world of finance through the lens of

For more information on Jeff’s book and radio show, check out www.jeffmotske.com.

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STUDENT PROFILE: VANGUARD VETERANS

Recovery and Restoration BEFORE JEFF STEA CAME TO VANGUARD

time and never having paid attention. But the

University, his interest in higher education

professors are so helpful and care about the

was decidedly one-dimensional. “I enrolled in

students so much. And I got straight A’s this year!”

community college classes and would go just until

Vanguard’s Veterans Resource Center welcomed

I got my first financial aid check,” he says. “Then I

Jeff into its community of veterans, where

would drop out and use the money for drugs.”

he found friends who had a context for

Jeff was lost. To be precise, he was still lost. He

understanding his experiences and a system of

had started getting into trouble when he was

accountability based on their shared faith. Jeff

16 years old, and his parents tried everything to

now works for the Veterans Resource Center,

get him on a good path, finally sending him to

and he is able to see how the positive lessons

a rehab facility in Utah. When he turned 18, he

he learned in the military—about hard work,

had to leave that facility, but he hadn’t changed

responsibility, and friendship—have a place in his

at all. In their love for Jeff, his parents could not

life and his goals now.

tolerate his drug use, so Jeff’s only option was

Those goals include a liberal arts degree from

homelessness or the military.

Vanguard and a career as a middle school teacher,

He chose the U.S. Army, and was stationed mostly

a passion for which Jeff found at the Orange

in Korea for four years, handling field artillery.

County Rescue Mission. “Over there, I worked

The discipline and camaraderie of the Army had

with kids a lot. Their parents are there to get diplomas, and I watched their kids while they were

a positive impact on Jeff, but he wasn’t able to apply that structure to his life beyond. When

recovery, working for the Mission and receiving

taking classes. I realized how much I liked it, and

he returned to the US after his service, he lost

counseling that gave him the tools to see the

how my experiences give me a responsibility to

the system of accountability that is a natural

worth of his life through the eyes of Christ. “For

influence young people in a positive way.” Jeff sees

byproduct of the military practically overnight.

the first time in my life, I was reading the Bible. It

his future work as a way to give some students a

His loneliness and lack of direction led him back

was so powerful how real it was to me. Once God

male role model of strong faith—not unlike his

to old friends and new drugs. Jeff remembers this

opened my eyes to see how I was destroying my

own father.

period with rueful clarity. “It was a bad time,” he

life and the truth about him, it made me hungry

says. “I was in and out of jail, and I had multiple

for it. Now I read my Bible every day and do

felonies. It was a miserable time in my life. I just

my best to obey Scripture, which gives me the

didn’t know how to stop using drugs.”

confidence to have a deep relationship with God.”

For eight months then, he was homeless. He had

With a renewed purpose, and a clear head and

me so many times, but I didn’t want their help,”

reached his lowest point, unable to free himself

heart, Jeff began thinking about pursuing an

says Jeff. “My dad always called me out on what

from an aimless cycle of addiction and pain. It

education more earnestly. Some of his counselors

I was doing, so I didn’t want to be around him.

wasn’t until his probation officer connected him

at the Orange County Rescue Mission pointed

Now, I have a great relationship with him, and it’s

to faith-based recovery centers like the Long

him to Vanguard, where he could learn in an

a huge part of my life.”

Beach Rescue Mission and especially the Orange

environment of faith that would give him the

County Rescue Mission that he began to find

academic tools for a great career and the spiritual

what—or who—had been missing from his life.

tools for a great life. He enrolled last fall, and

“I was raised Catholic by an awesome family, so

because Vanguard is a Yellow Ribbon school, he

I believed in God,” says Jeff. “But who would’ve

was able to use the benefits of his GI Bill to cover

known that belief is not enough? You have to live

his entire tuition. At Vanguard, Jeff discovered

your life according to his will, not just believe that

that the camaraderie he once enjoyed in the

he exists.”

military was infused into the entire community.

Jeff lived in the Orange County Rescue Mission’s Village of Hope, and began the long road to

“Everyone, from professors to students, is so friendly,” he says. “I was really worried coming

Jeff’s recovery at the Orange County Rescue Mission didn’t just restore his faith in God; it also restored the relationships with his family that had been damaged by his drug use. “They tried to help

Jeff’s journey from the streets of Orange County to the classrooms of Vanguard is proof that God loves to restore his people. Jeff’s faith is hard-won, and as he pursues his degree at Vanguard, he will continue to use his personal experiences combined with the academic and vocational tools he gains to live a life of purpose.

Support Vanguard’s Veteran Resource Center programs by visiting vanguard.edu/veterans.

here, having not been in school for a long

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CLASS NOTES

vu alumni

Places Beyond DAN FORD (Õ06) documents his travels on a 20,000 mile, 14 country South American journey of self-discovery.

PHOTO BY GREG DAVIS

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CLASS NOTES

2000s

1970s

CHRIS AND MANDY (WITHERSPOON ’10) TAYLOR ’04 reside in the Washington D.C area. Chris is a Legislative Aide to U.S. Congressman Bill Flores, of Texas, while Mandy serves as the Assistant Director of Residence Life at Hood College.

TROY ’01 AND KATIE PETERSON

CALLED TO SERVE

’05 live in Northern California. Katie is the founder of KatieJoelle.com – a handcrafted, custom jewelry site, and Troy is the CEO of GapEdgeTrading.com where he coaches and mentors Wall Street traders.

They have been married for 23 years, and have a 9 year-old son.

Military Ministry

Paul and

Linda (Smith ’81) Linzey ’78 reside

DAWN (HAYES ’08) LOPEZ and her husband, Daryl, moved from Orange County to Idaho in the summer of 2015 and celebrated

in Lakeland, FL and are in the process of

five years of marriage. Dawn is a stay-at-home

planting an Assemblies of God church there

wife and substitute teacher at a local Christian

as well. Paul retired from the Army Chaplain

school, while Daryl works at Hobby Lobby.

Corps in March 2015. He completed a D Min at Gordon-Conwell and an MFA in Creative Writing at the University of Tampa, and just finished writing a book about his ministry experience in Iraq in 2007. Linda completed a PhD in literature at the University

JASON AND LAUREN (THOMPSON ’11) FLETCHER ’08 were married in June 2013. While serving

of Utah and is now the Chair of the English

as the Asst. Dir. of Admissions for Vanguard,

Department and Secretary of the Faculty

Jason received his MA in Business

Council at Southeastern University.

Management at the University of Redlands

NICOLE GALLEGO ’07 graduated with a degree in Accounting and Administration and moved to San Diego to work in an accounting firm. There, she joined a ministry at her church that was devoted to saving victims from human trafficking. She volunteered at several homes in Tijuana for rescued victims, and realized she wanted to dedicate herself full-time to fight against human trafficking. For the past four years, she has been working in Mexico City for an organization called El Pozo de Vida that runs two safe houses for trafficking survivors. She is currently a caretaker, social worker, counselor, and a friend to the current survivors. She thanks Vanguard for sparking her passion for human trafficking victims by hosting a seminar she attended a few months prior to her graduation.

before moving his family to Katy, TX in June

1990s

2015. Jason serves as the Assistant Director of

FRANK YAMADA ’90 is currently the

in Houston. His future plans include starting

president and a professor of Bible and Culture at McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago, IL. He is an ordained minister and the first Asian-American to serve as president of a Presbyterian Church (USA) seminary.

College Counseling for Yes Prep Public Schools his own business as an independent college counselor. Lauren has supported Jason through his accomplishments while maintaining her role in Property Management for Martin Fein Interests. Lauren has also recently launched her photography business, 29:Eleven Images. They have an adorable toddler and future Vanguard Lion, Jeremiah Liam, born October 2014.

2010s LAUREN CASTILLO ’10 graduated from APU in 2013 with her Master’s in Clinical Psychology and has been working at Asian Pacific Counseling and Treatment Centers as a Marriage and Family Therapist. On January 23, 2016 Lauren and her husband, Milton Cruz, welcomed their first child Matthew Logan into the world. Matthew is by far her greatest blessing and achievement!

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CLASS NOTES

LIONS SOFTBALL REUNION WHEN VANGUARD UNIVERSITY SOFTBALL COACH Beth

in 1999 to commemorate players who represent April’s characteristics in the

Renkoski attended the festivities surrounding the reopening of the Scott

realm of integrity, faith, determination, and perseverance. [See “My Story” page

Academic Center in 2015, she was struck by the importance of remembering,

48]. Softball generational/legacy families were also honored, as many sets of

honoring, and preserving the history of this institution and the people who

sisters have played through the program.

make it great. She decided to lead an effort to celebrate the 30-year history of Vanguard’s softball team, and to recognize the significance of all the players who have taken the field over the last three decades. “I wanted an opportunity for our players to know the history of the program,” she says. “We brought back as many alumni as we could, including the founding members of the softball team.”

For coach Beth Renkoski, the most rewarding aspect of bringing together 30 years worth of coaches and players was seeing alumni reunite and friendships and relationships easily rekindled. It was a potent reminder that Vanguard’s investment in the lives of its student

“As their lives continue, you see the seeds that you planted grow into good things...”

On January 30, 2016, Vanguard University welcomed approximately 150

athletes beyond

players, alumni, and their families to campus for the Vanguard Softball 30 Year

sports pays off in

Celebration. After a luncheon, teams were individually recognized by their

transformational

accomplishments year by year—and there was much to celebrate. Over 30 years,

ways. “You don’t

the Vanguard softball team won five GSAC titles, three district/regional titles,

always know as a coach if things are working,” says Beth. “So it was rewarding

and had four NAIA appearances. Individual honors include 12 NAIA All-

to see how athletics had an impact in terms of building their character. As their

Americans, 48 NAIA Scholar Athletes, 41 Academic All-GSAC honorees, and

lives continue, you see the seeds that you planted grow into good things, like

92 All-GSAC league players. The event also recognized winners of one of the

their families and what they have achieved. A lot of the relationships the student

softball team’s most cherished accolades, the April Munroe Award, established

athletes built last beyond the game of softball.”

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PLACES BEYOND DAN FORD (’06) stood on the top of a mountain in Torres del Paine National Park in Chilean Patagonia, staring out at the famous namesake towers, shrouded completely in rain and fog. Dan had hiked 60 miles to camp in the park, and awakened before sunrise on the advice of a fellow traveler: the towers at sunrise are not to be missed. Shivering with cold and gazing out at misty grayness, Dan was at first deeply disappointed.

But then, the clouds cleared and the sun appeared, shining down through a rainbow and blanketing the towers and the lakes below in beautiful light. The sun shone for only about one minute before being covered again by clouds and fog, but it was enough for Dan to experience the clarity of God’s vision for him in the midst of the beauty of his Creation.

This moment on the mountain top in many ways represented the whole trip for Dan. He was riding alone across South America, all of his belongings contained within the paniers of his 2007 BMW 650 Xchallenge, a dual-sport motorcycle that allowed for him to ride on both pavement and dirt. He had asked for and received an 8-month sabbatical from his full-time job to go on the journey, which stretched 20,000 miles across 14 countries, and which he documented on his website and Instagram feed, both called Places Beyond.

On the trip, as on his hike to see the sunrise among the towers, Dan had to trust that God would appear, just as he had trusted the sun would. Dan had always been a planner, uncomfortable with uncertainty, and this had begun to influence his faith journey. As he rode his motorcycle across South America, leaning on and trusting God and the people God put in his path, Dan found that God was always there—always with him.

believe you can learn from any person and any experience, and the process gives those on the show an opportunity to create their own independent lives.” Dan began working for Roadtrip Nation after graduating with a communications degree from Vanguard University when he discovered its mission aligned with his own values. These were values he saw expressed at Vanguard.

“As cliché as it sounds, the friendships and relationships in the Vanguard community are to this day one of the most important factors to me. While at Vanguard, I was surrounded by all these people doing great things and making bold moves in their lives—and I was also inspired by professors who were so supportive of that.” What Dan learned, and what he found encouraged by professors like Ann Caryn Cleveland, was the belief that if you make decisions based on what you value, it can lead to great opportunities. “For me, I valued film and video production and the question of how to be meaningful to myself and to someone else, to help improve their lives. Had I not had those values, I would not still be here at Roadtrip Nation.”

Spending years at Roadtrip Nation learning how successful people navigate indecision, uncertainty, fear, and risk was perfect training for Dan’s ambitious journey. His values followed him as well. On the trip, he spent time working in a children’s home in Oaxaca, Mexico, worked for Habitat for Humanity in Guatemala, and raised over $3,000 for the organization International Justice Mission, which works to free people from oppression. On one leg through Tierra del Fuego, Dan was travelling with another rider, battling wind, hail, the darkness of nightfall, and with no idea where they might spend the night. In a small town Dan and his friend met a sheep farmer and his wife, who invited them to stay at their farm. Dan and his friend spent four nights with the family, laughing and sharing stories.

And if you’re curious about a place that would give an employee an 8-month sabbatical to take an epic journey of self-discovery and community building, then just know that Dan works for the television FOLLOW DAN’S documentary series Roadtrip Nation, whose goal is to facilitate JOURNEY AT and explore these exact journeys for others. Featured on PBS, the PLACESBEYOND.COM show chooses a group of young people who in various ways are at & ON INSTAGRAM a crossroads, provides them with a big, green RV, and then follows @PLACESBEYOND them on a road trip as they meet and have conversations with successful people from all walks of life. “We create experiences that give people a space for transformation,” explains Dan. “We

“At one point, the farmer said to me, ‘I’ve never travelled or been on vacation. But I am still so rich for sharing my table with you,’” says Dan. “The moments that we share with people are the most important, and I am so moved by the idea of connecting through uncertainty.” Dan Ford’s journey across South America and his work with Roadtrip Nation bear out the truth of the farmer’s words: life is rich when we share our table and our experiences with others.

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CLASS NOTES

living in the Pacific Northwest and look forward

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

Email your photos to alumni@vanguard.edu

SAVANNAH

and go. This August, her team will venture to every

CORNELISON ’15

country in South America, where they will navigate

graduated last year

through the Amazon jungle and walk the streets of

with her BA in Cultural

Rio de Janeiro to serve “the least of these.” Follow

Anthropology. She then

her story at vandellajasso.theworldrace.org

traveled the western U.S. as a member of Vanguard’s female improv team Entourage. In addition to her camp travels,

to the adventures the Lord has in store for them.

NATASHA (FISH ’12) SVEC and her husband Paul were married on November 1, 2015. Natasha landed a position at The Evangelical Alliance Mission (TEAM), coordinating logistics for short-term missions. She

Just Married

she and her team went to Florida for General

has traveled to Scandinavia and Costa Rica since graduation and looks forward to furthering the kingdom through overseas missions with TEAM.

Council/ National Fine Arts. It was an amazing adventure of seeing God move and work in the

Future Alumni

lives of students. Her passions led her back to Vanguard, where she currently serves as the

MISSY (ASHURST

Spiritual Formation administrative assistant.

’02) FOOTT and husband Brian

MEDICAL RESIDENT

welcomed Ethan Everett Foott on July 28, 2015. The

LYNNEA WILSON ’10 has completed medical school at Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona and graduated May 20, 2016. She will serve her residency at Harbor UCLA Medical Center for 3 years in Family Medicine. Her extended family is grateful for Vanguard and the wonderful professors who mentored her in her undergraduate education.

family of three resides

Perfect Proposal Nick Lazaris ’12

in San Diego.

proposed to Bretlyn Schmitt ’15 on stage

KELLY (BOEKE ’02,

at the Vanguard Lyceum Theater last April. They

MA ’09) WALTERS

wed on May 22, 2016 in San Marcos, CA.

and husband David

Both work at Vanguard University, where Nick

welcomed their second

is the Theater Manager and Bretlyn is the

child, son Kaden David

Resident Choreographer and Dance Instructor.

Walters, on November 6, 2015. Big sister Kelsey Joy is very excited to

TREVOR AND

have a little brother. They reside in Huntington

ASHLEE (KILDISZEW

Beach, California where Kelly is a middle school

’14) SIKORSKI ’13

teacher and David is an accountant.

were married in June of 2015. They live in

VANDELLA JASSO

Portland, Oregon.

’16 graduated this May

In Memory JERRY MCELHANEY ’63 passed away on

with her BA in Business

HEIDI (COOPER

Administration. After

’09) WILSON and

graduation she is

her husband Greg

CHAN KEITH ’65 passed away on December

married July 5, 2014 in

27, 2015.

headed on an adventure of a lifetime called The World Race! The World

Vancouver, WA, where

Race is an 11-month missions trip to reach the

they met and have lived

November 28, 2015 in Visalia, CA.

BARRY SILVERS ’87 passed away on March 20, 2016.

unreached and share the message of God with

the last 5 years. Heidi is a kindergarten teacher

people through the hands and feet of 30

for Evergreen Public School and also works from

STANTON GAGEL ’09 passed away on

missionaries willing and able to drop everything

home. Both she and Greg enjoy the beauty of

March 26, 2016.

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MORE THAN JUST A MUG WHEN WE THINK ABOUT THE IMPORTANT MOMENTS in

The foundation of The Created Co.’s philosophy

our lives, the times when we gather with friends and family and experience

is that faith should transfer to every part of

love and laughter, community and connection, we don’t always consider

living. One’s business and one’s ministry are not

that those moments often happen during meals, and are accompanied by

separate parts of one’s life, according to Ryan.

drinkware: mugs, glasses, and cups. Our hands hold drinkware while our

This belief is just one reason why Vanguard

hearts are filled with the kinship of our loved ones, and it’s this simple

University’s School of Professional Studies

fact that guided Ryan Schneider’s ’13 choice to focus on drinkware for the

program gave Ryan the ideal foundation for his

main product line of the company he co-founded with his best friend. It’s

education in business. For one, it provided many

called The Created Co. (www.thecreated.co) a lifestyle brand centered on

of the very same community-building moments he hopes to inspire with

drinkware with a goal much greater than merely making profit. “We want

The Created Co. “As part of the same cohort for two years, I was able to

to inspire people to live what they were created to do,” says Ryan. “We are

develop so many relationships,” he says. “The cohort created a commonality

passionate about people and relationships, and we want our brand to be a

with people and encouraged us to connect to others in a particular way.

source of inspiration to others.”

Every person you meet is valuable—you help them, and they help you. At

CHECK OUT THE CREATED CO. ONLINE AT THECREATED.CO

Vanguard, we learn all the important ‘business stuff,’ but we also learn in a

“At Vanguard, we learn all the important ‘business stuff,’ but we also learn in a business context that people really matter.”

business context that people really matter. I’m going to take that with me.”

Ryan is particularly indebted to the influence of professor Trish Fisher, who taught him about the importance of marketing, choosing a target audience, and building his brand. “Professor Fisher challenged me the most. She taught me a lot coming from the business world. She cared about her students, pushing us all to persevere and develop our full potential.”

Central to this aspiration is drinkware artfully embellished with phrases meant to deliver simple truths to others in those moments of vulnerability.

“Life’s greatest moments are centered around drinkware,” explains Ryan.

“It brings people together, and community is built around it. The Created Co. seeks to inspire, connect, and empower people through everyday drinkware.” Ryan’s vision of empowerment extends beyond just those using his products. Ten percent of The Created Co.’s net profit is given to charity: water, a non-profit whose goal is to ensure that all people have

If you visit Sidecar Donuts or Portola Coffee near Vanguard’s campus, you’ll find yourself drinking out of Ryan’s mugs, as The Created Co. also provides shops and restaurants with custom drinkware. Ryan particularly loves providing businesses like these with his products. “Coffee shops create a place for people to connect. Mugs are just always in front of people.” As Ryan pursues the full potential of The Created Co., he keeps the lessons he learned at Vanguard—about relationships, perseverance, and the worth of people—at the forefront of his company’s philosophy.

access to clean drinking water.

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STUDENT PROFILE: FRESHMAN FOCUS

FRESHMAN FOCUS M A R A N D A

I D O N I

MARANDA IDONI IS A FRESHMAN HISTORY/POLITICAL SCIENCE MAJOR FROM SANTA ANA, CALIF. WHY DID YOU CHOOSE VANGUARD? I chose Vanguard because I knew that after college I wanted to pursue law school. I realized that field isn’t truly filled with God’s light and would most likely test my faith. I wanted to make sure I came to a school where I could grow as a child of God and have brothers and sisters in Christ who will stand beside me and help me get there.

FAVORITE CLASS SO FAR: Old Testament Survey FAVORITE PROFESSOR SO FAR: Arthur Gray is my favorite professor because he knows so much. He’s also a former lawyer and that amazed me because I also want to be a lawyer in the future. He’s a strong man of God and truly has a passion for wanting to help students create that strong foundation with God. WHO IS/ARE YOUR MENTOR(S)? My mentors include my mom, my counselor, and Rachel Lund, my boss for commuter life.

FAVORITE CAMPUS EVENT: The block party by far. Commuter Life and Diversity came together for that event and it went off without a hitch.

FAVORITE SPOT ON CAMPUS: The Bridge WHAT CAMPUS CLUB/ORGANIZATIONS ARE YOU INVOLVED WITH? Black Student Union (BSU), Commuter Life, Activate - spirit committee, Men’s Basketball - manager FAVORITE VANGUARD SPORTS TEAM: Men’s Basketball Team (I’m the team manager!)

WHAT ARE THREE FUN/INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT YOURSELF? I speak fluent Spanish. I am the youngest of 9. I have a huge book collection of over 1,000 books!

WHAT IS SOMETHING UNEXPECTED THAT YOU HAVE FOUND OUT ABOUT VANGUARD SINCE YOU’VE BEEN HERE? That everyone is so welcoming.

Everyone just wants to get to know you and love you.

WHAT WAS THE LAST GOOD BOOK YOU READ? The last good book I read was The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness

by Michelle Alexander.

FAVORITE MINISTRY OPPORTUNITY: Being a Sunday school teacher at Triumph Church in Aliso Viejo. Mostly for children 5 and under.

FAVORITE VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITY: Being a caretaker for children in child protective services (CPS).

ARE YOU INTERNING ANYWHERE? I am interning with the Lou Correa campaign this summer. I’m so excited for this opportunity.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR CAREER GOALS: Wow what a question! First I want to become a lawyer working with criminal defense and trial law.

Then I want to become a D.A. for hopefully Los Angeles and stay there for a good few years. After I think I want to become a professor at my Alma Mater or become a high school teacher.

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MY STORY

Head in the Game ON MAY 15, 1996, JUST TWO DAYS after I had returned home to

through just about every type of therapy you can imagine: occupational

Sonora, Calif. at the end of my freshman year at Vanguard University, I

therapy, acupuncture, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and yoga, one of the

wrote the following Bible verse and passage in my journal:

most effective of all!

Matthew 15:34 – “How many loaves do you have? Jesus asked. “Seven”

While I was in the hospital, and all throughout my recovery, I knew

they replied “ and a few small fish.” Oh Lord, you only ask what I have

Vanguard’s community was helping care for me. My softball coaches Beth

to give and you make up for what I lack. Help me to trust you enough to

Renkoski and Sony Mitchell and my teammates prayed for me, visited

let you have what I have. For when I give, oh God you are faithful to give

me, and stayed in touch throughout my recovery. I had loved playing

back in abundance. Dear Jesus, please help me. I feel myself not really

softball at Vanguard, where we did workouts on the beach, and I was

excited about life nor what you have given me. I feel like I am too April-

pressed into pitching in addition to my playing catcher. I had felt God

centered right now. Help me to give, to lay myself down, to take risks, to

leading me to Vanguard after traveling to Russia with Athletes in Action

spend everything I have like it’s the last day. Dear Lord, please have your

as a high school player. Faith and athletics were always connected for me,

way. In your name I pray, Amen.

and there was something special about Vanguard in that respect.

The next day I was riding in the passenger seat of my friend’s Dodge

I was the type of player who got the most out of my potential, the classic

Shadow, heading to the Central Valley to check out summer softball

overachiever. I kept my head in the game, and through consistency and

programs. I had enjoyed my first year on Vanguard’s softball team, and I

determination, I was always the best that I could be. It was as if God

wanted to use the summer break to improve my skills. It had been raining

knew I would need these traits for my recovery.

I am now 95% independent and am able to do pretty much everything

“This injury has been the best education for me. I am constantly reminded of the Lord’s faithfulness and grace.”

on my own. I’ve been returning to my passion for athletics through the organization Greater Oklahoma Disabled Sports Association, and I even hope to begin playing softball again! I would also like to go back to school for a degree in sports science.

This injury has been the best education for me. I am constantly reminded of the Lord’s faithfulness and grace. I do often wonder what it would have been like to have Sony work with me on my pitching, but I guess

for days, and in many places on the highway, there was standing water

God had a different plan for me! In the twenty years since my injury, I’ve

inches-deep. Our car hit a patch of this water and spun out of control into

experienced highs and lows and some people have told me how impressed

the path of oncoming traffic, where it was impacted head-on by another

they are by how far I was able to come back, but all glory goes to God.

vehicle. The passenger side of our car had no airbag, and I suffered a

I was so honored when Vanguard

traumatic brain injury.

University created an award in my honor, and I have always

I was in neuro-intensive care for three weeks, and a coma for three

been humbled by the dedication

months. My softball career was over, but I was blessed to be alive. I came

that Beth, Sony, and Vanguard

out of the coma on the day of my brother’s birthday, and I immediately

University have shown towards

set myself to the task of getting better—the first thing I communicated

my health and recovery. Through

to my family in the hospital when I was able to spell things out letter-by-

it all, I have never lost my desire to

letter was “How do I get out of here?”

strive to be the absolute best that I

The right side of my body was completely paralyzed, and I had to re-learn

can be!

how to walk and talk. It took me almost a year after the accident before I could even begin thinking again. I was discharged from the hospital, came home, and wanted to get out of my wheelchair as soon as possible. My recovery took a lot of hard work, time, and the blessing of God. I went

April Munroe was a catcher and pitcher on Vanguard University’s softball team from 1995-96. She now lives in Oklahoma.

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LEARN OF ME

I LOVED BEING A STUDENT HERE. As students, we “graze.” We walk

up and down the halls to see which professors have their doors open, and we absorb all we can. I learned so much about the greatness of God, and the more I studied, the bigger God got. I didn’t realize how much as a young person I had him in a box. Jesus Christ was so much more powerful and forgiving than I knew. God was not just big; he was great.

VANGUARD HAS HAD SUCH AN INFLUENCE ON MY LIFE. I

transitioned from ministry to education as I discovered how deeply I could impact young people as a professor. God opened doors for me to pursue my PhD, and then I was hired here. So I’m living my dream. I still can’t believe I get to teach at Vanguard!

LIFE LESSONS FROM VANGUARD UNIVERSITY LUMINARIES

SHERI BENVENUTI

I LEARN SO MUCH FROM MY STUDENTS. I am currently undergoing treatment for cancer, and my students are aware of it, and they’re my prayer partners. Recently I was complaining about how sick I got from chemotherapy, lying in bed and asking “Why hasn’t God healed me?” One of my students came to me after class and said, “The Lord gave me a verse for you.” It was the one we all know from Ecclesiastes 3, about how there is a season and time to every purpose under heaven. But this student read me the verses after that section: “God makes everything beautiful in his time.”

She told me, “This time lying in bed could be a beautiful time.” And I thought, “But if you only knew how sick I got!” But, I’ve been pondering it, and she’s right. This chemo that hurts me is also making me well. I can’t tell you how often things like that happen at Vanguard.

LOVING ONE ANOTHER IS THE HARDEST THING WE DO. BUT WE ARE BOUND UP IN IT AS CHRISTIANS. It’s a commandment and a goal.

Dr. Sheri Benvenuti is an Associate Professor of Social Ethics in the

While I’m loving people, I’m aware that I can’t love them as Jesus does. But

Religion Department. She is an alumna of Vanguard University,

at the same time I’m aware that I can do better because it’s also a goal. The

and has been teaching at Vanguard for 20 years. In 2003, she

flow of God’s love through Christ has to be imminent in my life in order to

co-founded the Global Center for Women and Justice.

love people as Christ loves them.

JESUS CALLING HIS DISCIPLES HIS “FRIENDS” MOVED THEIR

I WAS 32 YEARS OLD AND WORKING AS AN ASSOCIATE PASTOR AT AN ASSEMBLIES OF GOD CHURCH WHEN THE PASTOR

RELATIONSHIP SOMEWHERE. There was a covenant between him and

them. The loyalty involved in friendship is a commitment we make to others.

ENCOURAGED ME TO TAKE A FEW CLASSES AT VANGUARD. I had

I HAVE ALWAYS TREATED THE PEOPLE HERE LIKE MY FAMILY,

never gone to Bible college, or any college, yet I grew up in the Word, so I

AND THEY HAVE TREATED ME LIKE FAMILY. During a recent chapel,

came to Vanguard very arrogant. I took two classes: Intro to Theology and

Mike Beals had students, faculty, and staff surround me in prayer. It was a

New Testament Survey, and within a week I got out of class, sat in my car,

huge moment for me to feel that support. Now I get notes, cards, emails and

laid my head on the steering wheel, and repented of my arrogance!

texts from students past and present and colleagues. In fact, I recently

I GREW UP IN THE CHURCH, AND I LEARNED VERY EARLY ON TO

received a note from a graduate from 10 years ago that said, “Thinking of

SEE THE CHURCH AS AN EXTENDED FAMILY. My father was an

you today.” I thought, “She’s heard and she knows. That’s one more person

Assemblies of God pastor and my mother was an evangelist. We called each

praying for me.” Even my doctor has referred to the support I get here as

other “brother” and “sister” in those days, and we meant it.

making a big difference in my life and my treatment. I love this place.

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PAID VANGUARD UNIVERSITY

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DATE

S A T U R D AY, A Y, S E P T E M B E R 1 7 , 2 0 1 6 For fourteen years, the Global Center for Women and Justice (GCWJ) at Vanguard University has provided training and resources to enable leaders to promote justice against human trafďŹ cking and modern day slavery.

vanguard.edu/gcwj/pricelessluncheon STUDY THE ISSUES. BE A VOICE. MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

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