Vanguard Magazine - Spring 2010

Vanguard University of Southern California

Spring 2010

THE MINISTRY

Visionary

LLOYD ZEIGLER ’77

Master’s Commission 4

A Passionate Mentor 6

Hope for Haiti 9

Women’s Soccer Soars 20

www.vanguard.edu

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mission statement As an Assemblies of God university, the purpose of Vanguard University is to pursue knowledge, cultivate character, deepen faith, and equip each student for a life of leadership and service.

contents volume 10 number 3

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Features The Ministry Visionary ...................................... 4 Lloyd Zeigler ’77 built Master’s Commission into one of the most innovative and respected young adult ministries in the world.

A Passionate Mentor ........................................ 6 With an engaging classroom style and a deep passion for his subject, associate professor of systematic theology Ed Rybarczyk has become a lifelong mentor to students.

Hope for Haiti .................................................. 9 VU student Lancia Hyppolite, who has close family ties to Haiti, responded in a personal way after the earthquake.

For the Love of Vanguard ............................... 19 Student advocate and friend Bruce Lindsay left a major gift to the University when he passed away last year.

Women’s Soccer Team’s Outstanding Season.... 20 The women’s soccer team made it to the national tournament for the first time in school history, and was ranked as high as #5 in the country.

Departments Message from the President ............................. 1 On Campus ..................................................... 2 Class Notes ..................................................... 7 A Vine of His Own Planting ............................. 16 Postcards...................................................... 21

University Governance Chair, Board of Trustees David Oddo University Administration President Carol Taylor Provost / Vice President for Academic Affairs Jeff Hittenberger Vice President for Business and Finance Bob Allison Vice President for Enrollment Management Jessica Mireles Vice President for Student Affairs Ann Hamilton Vice President for University Advancement Ron Harris

in this issue

spring 2010

Editor Joel Kilpatrick Art Director Tawny Marcus Photographer Trever Hoehne Director of Alumni Relations Heather Clements Cover photo and inside cover photo of Lloyd Zeigler courtesy of Rachel Keyes

At Vanguard University, our goal is to equip, encourage and motivate students to their highest potential. I have been gratified by the many alumni who tell me the education they received at Vanguard has helped them reach beyond what they thought possible, and enabled them to enjoy lifelong success and service in their field. In this issue you will meet members of the Vanguard community who are spending their lives equipping, encouraging and motivating others in extraordinary ways.

Lloyd Zeigler ’77, the subject of our cover story, is a passionate and world-renowned discipler of young adults.

Lloyd’s vision and energy are contagious. His ministry, Master’s Commission, has helped thousands of people discover their life purpose while learning to serve God and others. You’ll enjoy reading about Lloyd’s uncommon ability to inspire and motivate students at a crucial stage in their lives.

Associate professor Ed Rybarczyk is another great motivator and equipper who teaches here at Vanguard. Ed is renowned among students for his passionate teaching style, energetic classroom discussions and commitment to leading student missions trips. He remains a mentor and friend to many alums long after they graduate.

When an earthquake devastated Haiti in January, one VU student was affected more than others. Lancia Hyppolite, a junior whose family is from Haiti, sprang into action, helping to connect family members and raise money for relief efforts.

Her response embodies the Vanguard spirit: when confronted with a challenge, she immediately began serving others and rallying others to do the same.

This issue includes many other favorite departments — Class Notes, On Campus news, a Postcard column by a softball alum, and a story about the wonderful gift left to the University by student advocate Bruce Lindsay. As you read these stories, I hope you will celebrate with me the role that Vanguard University plays in instilling a passion for learning, leading and serving, as evidenced in the lives of alums around the world.

Thanks for being part of the Vanguard community!

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 3 times per year by Vanguard University of Southern California. All contents copyrighted, 2009, Vanguard University of Southern California.

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

President, Vanguard University

vanguard magazine spring 2010 1

on campus

Pentecostal Leaders event draws hundreds Around 500 people gathered at Newport Mesa Church for the first event in the annual Pentecostal Leaders Series, sponsored by the Lewis Wilson Institute for Pentecostal Studies.

George O. Wood, general superintendent of the General Council of the Assemblies of God and longtime member of the Vanguard community, spoke to the group on “Living in the Spirit,” which is also the title of his latest book.

“Dr. Wood spoke about the characteristics of Pentecostal leadership, such as humility, a hunger for God and a heart for God,” says Derrick Rosenior, director of the Lewis Wilson Institute and a VU faculty member. “The goal of this series is to bring well-known Pentecostal leaders to speak on campus regarding issues related to Pentecostalism and the moving of

Family Weekend serves parents, siblings

the Spirit.”

Family Weekend this year offered a full slate of events for

The event was attended by faculty and more than 200

family members of VU students, including events for siblings.

students along with dozens of pastors, some from as far away

“In the past, we had programs for parents, but parents aren’t

as Bakersfield and San Diego. Wood is also the chairman of

the only family members,” says Shelley Youd, coordinator of

the World Assemblies of God Fellowship, which counts more

new student orientation and parent relations. “We incorporated

than 60 million adherents in more than 200 countries.

siblings this year and hope it was exciting and fun for them.”

The Lewis Wilson Institute for Pentecostal Studies preserves and presents the Pentecostal heritage of VU through lecture series and events throughout the year. Learn more at vanguard.edu/lwi.

While parents visited classes, attended receptions and seminars and learned how to guide and support their VU students, siblings enjoyed fun activities, took a tour of the campus and had a sibling sleep-over in the dorms with their brother or sister.

“Parents and siblings got to see Vanguard through their

2 vanguard magazine spring 2010

on campus

student’s eyes, walk in their shoes for a weekend, meet their friends, professors and staff and get a general feel for what Vanguard is like so they can share in that excitement,” says Youd. “Every member of the family got to participate.”

Families enjoyed concurrent Homecoming events including a student talent show, Lions softball and baseball games,

Celebrate!

Commencement 2010 May 7 Graduate and SPS Commencement

May 8 Undergraduate Commencement MARINERS CHURCH, IRVINE w w w. v a n g u a rd . e d u / c o m m e n c e m e n t

a performance by the world-renowned Vanguard concert choir, women’s chorus and orchestra, and breakfast with VU president Carol Taylor.

Especially popular were two parent seminars, How to Launch

Literary journal promotes student writing

Your Student’s Career, and How to Help Your Student Succeed.

The seventh annual Synecdoche literary journal was published

“Parents are hungry for knowledge about how to help their

this spring, featuring creative and scholarly works by VU

student get the most out of their education,” says Youd. “It

students, faculty and alumni.

benefits the student in the long run when we’re educating the

“Synecdoche is an opportunity for members of the Vanguard

parent at the same time.”

community to get their work out there,” says senior Hannah Petrak, co-editor-in-chief. “It’s a first step to being a published writer.”

Synecdoche collects the best writing from the Vanguard community and gives prizes to the top entry in each genre. All the work of creating the journal is done by VU English majors as part of their senior capstone course.

“It’s a hands-on publishing experience in which they learn what criteria are used to select works, and how to tell what has merit,” says Karen Lee, English department chair and Synecdoche faculty advisor. “They get the pleasure of seeing their work and the work of their peers in print, often for the first time in such a professional format. It’s affirming

VA N G U A R D U N I V E R S I T Y F I L M F E S T I VA L

and empowering. Readers get the Vanguard vibe: eclectic, adventurous, diverse and innovative.”

Thursday :: April 22nd :: 8 pm :: The Cove

Each issue of Synecdoche includes forty or more short stories, academic essays, poems, photographs, plays and

ADM I SSI O N

I S

F R EE On Campus, continued on page 18

vanguard magazine spring 2010 3

PHOTOS COURTESY OF RACHEL KEYES

PHOTO COURTESY OF ADAM DRAKE

alumni profile

BUILDING the NEXT GENERATION loyd Zeigler ’77 has built one of the most innovative young

“My years at Vanguard were such a blessing to me,” he says.

adult ministry organizations in the world, Master’s Commission,

“Gayle Erwin ’75, the campus pastor at the time, really had an

which operates in nineteen countries and across the U.S.

impact on me. He spent time among the students, caring for them,

“We’re creating a lifestyle for people,” says Zeigler. “Some kids never make the leap from youth group to church. Master’s Commission is a bridge to not lose a generation. It takes discipleship from being a class to being a way to live for God every day.”

Master’s Commission is a one-year, church-based program for recent high school graduates that grounds them in godly habits and teaches them how to minister effectively and boldly in their local

talking with them. That kind of coaching and teaching and walking people through discipleship prepared me for the opportunity to build Master’s Commission. I learned to think out of the box, to be a mentor and a life coach.”

But when VU’s wrestling program folded, Zeigler faced a crucial life choice. CSU Long Beach offered him a full-ride wrestling scholarship, which he accepted. But the day he arrived there to start classes, God spoke to his heart: “Is this really what you want to

communities.

do?” Zeigler decided to change course, return to VU and take youth Today, there are Master’s Commission programs on every continent

ministry classes.

and in fifty-nine U.S. churches. Over the past twenty-five years, thousands of young people have completed the program and gone on to successful careers in college, ministry and the workforce.

“That’s when I fell in love with youth ministry all over again and realized I could make an impact there,” says Zeigler. “That experience changed my life.”

“Lloyd is a visionary,” says Jeremy DeWeerdt, lead pastor at Rockford First Assembly in Rockford, Illinois, home to one of the largest Master’s Commission programs. “He is always looking to the

Vanguard taught him to think independently and to have vision, he says.

horizon to see what God has in store next. I’ve met very few people

“It enhanced my creativity by giving me teachers who didn’t just

like him when it comes to vision and motivation. He has God-given

say, ‘Follow the rules. This is how it’s done.’ There were guys like

ability to rally a team to accomplish a goal.”

Dr. McNutt who would play soccer with you on the field, and have a highly demanding class. Every time

Zeigler started his journey in Tucson, Arizona, where the sudden conversion of his father changed the family’s direction. Lloyd’s older brother Virgil started Teen Challenge in Tucson, and then served as a missionary on Indian reservations. Virgil later worked

“My years at Vanguard were such a blessing to me. I learned to think out of the box, to be a mentor and a life coach.”

at Vanguard for eighteen years and

I think of what I teach and do, I realize I didn’t invent the wheel here. I learned a lot of that at Vanguard.”

When the Zeiglers’ first child fell seriously ill, Lloyd thought he would have to drop out of school for lack of finances. But he found his bill

helped found the Delivery Boys camp team. Those experiences

mysteriously paid. Only when he investigated did he learn it had

influenced his younger brother.

been covered by one of his professors.

“I had a lot of missions and cross-cultural experience because of

“That made such an impact on me,” Zeigler says. “Since then I’ve

my family,” Lloyd says. “Nicki Cruz and David Wilkerson of Teen

always given stuff away because of that example. That’s Vanguard.

Challenge stayed in our home. I spent a lot of time on reservations

It was built by people who really care. It’s a top quality organization.

with Native Americans who were my best friends.”

I love my school. It’s been good to me.”

Lloyd enrolled at Vanguard to earn a degree in secondary education.

He graduated magna cum laude and returned to Tucson where he

He joined the wrestling team, played soccer and worked at a local

served as a youth pastor for thirteen years. Then his defining oppor-

church and a local hospital ministry.

tunity arrived when Tommy Barnett asked him to build a discipleship Lloyd Zeigler, continued on page 14

vanguard magazine spring 2010 5

faculty profile

A Passionate Mentor

P

rofessor Ed Rybarczyk’s vibrant classroom discussions and practical approach to theology have made him a popular mentor to a generation of VU students.

“Dr. Rybarczyk has an extraordinary teaching ability and a faith

the hospital and four months in a body cast.

“During that process I had people from church telling me God had spared my life for a purpose,” he says. “I felt a strong call to ministry.”

that pervades his life,” says Isaiah Micu ’07. “Even now, I quote him to friends and family and describe how his lessons benefited me. I’m deeply grateful for the time and energy he invested in me.”

Rybarczyk (pronounced Ree-BAR-check) is an associate professor of systematic theology who specializes in Eastern Orthodox theology and Pentecostal-Charismatic history. He teaches courses in theology and church history and has authored

“I encourage engagement because I want students thinking and processing. I want them to challenge each other and me.”

and edited several books on the subject.

But it’s his passion for the topics and his way of connecting them to real life that endear him to students.

He enrolled at a small Assemblies of God Bible school in Oregon to become a youth pastor, but his professor, O. Cope Budge, the then-recently retired VU president, recommended he transfer to

“I love classroom discussions,” Rybarczyk says. “I encourage

Vanguard.

engagement because I want students thinking and processing. I want them to challenge each other and me. I’ve been so blessed by the students at Vanguard. That has surprised me over the years, the reception I’ve gotten from them. I think it goes to the passion I bring to the classroom, my own sense of interest in what I’m doing.”

The classroom isn’t where he thought he would make his career.

Rybarczyk’s dream of playing sports was cut short by a near-fatal

Rybarczyk took that advice, came to Costa Mesa, met and married Tawnya McNutt ’85, daughter of retired VU professor Dennis McNutt ’59, and graduated in 1985.

“I loved SCC and made lifelong friends here,” Rybarczyk says.

While working on his PhD at Fuller Seminary he discovered his love of teaching.

“I got so much training in what worked in the classroom, what lit

automobile accident when he was 16. He spent two months in Ed Rybarczyk, continued on page 11

6 vanguard magazine spring 2010

class notes

Submit your traditions

’65 as a speaker for their church mission conference. The Bayleys now live in Seattle where Robert is the interim pastor at John Knox Presbyterian Church.

As alumni director, I love hearing about the student traditions Vanguard has enjoyed over the years. Recently, at the ’60s reunion, alums were telling me about an initiation in which freshmen were made to wear beanies for the first week of classes — so the upper classmen could identify them and put them in their place.

Miguel Matorino ’69 received an MA in education from USC in 1972 and then a doctorate in biblical studies. He is now retired after teaching in the Santa Ana Unified School District for thirty-five years.

More recently, there is a tradition in which incoming resident assistants (RAs) are awakened in the middle of the night by current RAs, made to dress up in funny clothes and then taken out to an early breakfast — perhaps to give them a preview of the sleeping pattern they might enjoy as an RA. Other traditions are more spiritual and lasting — student prayer meetings, annual missions trips and more.

Traditions, whether serious or silly, bond people together. As the volunteer senior class advisor for the past five years, I have watched students transition into alumni, and I appreciate even more the power of traditions to unite

’40s Dorothy (Hendricks ’48) Silkwood has maintained contact with her beloved SCBC classmates. Her husband Wayne ’48 recently passed away. Dorothy lives in Seattle.

’50s Thora Jean (Hagan ’59) Bulger and husband Harry are enjoying retirement and their three children’s families. The Bulgers are active in their church and are thankful for their many friends and the Lord’s good blessings. They reside in Puyallup, Wash.

Jeanette (Larson 1955-1956) and Ralph Hood 1959-1961 are co-pastors at

them in a common experience.

For that reason, I am inviting every alum and reader of vanguard magazine to email or write me about traditions you observed or participated in at Vanguard, SCC, SCBC or SCBS. Let’s keep those traditions alive in our memories. And who knows? Maybe your idea will catch on with the seniors I work with and sweep through campus again! Now if I could just find that box of beanies...

Bradford Rosenquist ’68 served forty years in the public school system and now teaches at the Juvenile Detention Center in Nashville.

He recently received an MDiv and is in the process of completing his dissertation for a doctorate in education. Bradford is on the international board for Phi Delta Kappa and has published two books, The New Christian Handbook and The Ultimate Press Conference. He was commissioned by the Tennessee State Guard as a captain and serves in the chaplaincy. Bradford lives in Mount Juliet, Tenn., with his wife Carol, a speech pathologist. They have been married thirty-six years and have three children and seven grandchildren.

’70s Heather (Rachels ’02) Clements Director of Alumni Relations alumni@vanguard.edu

Wilderness Lakes Chapel at the Thousand Trails Wilderness Lakes RV Campground.

They have the opportunity to minister to the local residents and visitors from around the country. They reside in Menifee.

’60s Ruth (Siegrist 19621965) and Robert Bayley ’65 just returned to the U.S. after a twoyear interim pastorate at St. Peter’s-in-the-City Presbyterian Church in Tauranga, New Zealand. While there they reconnected with alumni Linda (Bartel ’70) Cowie in Tauranga and David Hall ’69 in Auckland. They also hosted David Balcombe

Send us your photos! We would love to showcase pictures of your new baby, wedding or anniversary in Class Notes. Email your photos (at least 1 megabyte in file size) to alumni@vanguard.edu or mail your prints (at least 3” by 4”) to: Alumni Relations, 55 Fair Dr., Costa Mesa, CA 92626. Prints will not be returned.

Vera (Linzey ’74) Clark has been a public school teacher for fourteen years and is a special education teacher at Lake Elsinore Elementary. She is excited about the recent publication of her book, Teach Me to Read English in 100 Easy Lessons. Vera and husband Timothy live in Lake Elsinore.

Rebecca (Rohde ’76) Lattos received an MA in psychology, counseling and health care education. She and her husband live in Anaheim and have six children and two grandchildren.

Sally (Bruyneel 1976-1977) and Alan Padgett ’77 live in St. Paul, Minn. Alan is a professor of systematic theology at Luther Seminary and the co-author of Christianity and Western Thoughts, Volume 3, which marks the completion of a work of philosophical history twenty years in the making.

Class Notes, continued on page 8

vanguard magazine spring 2010 7

class notes Class Notes, continued from page 7

Carolyn (Haugan 1968-1970) and James Tracy ’70 live in Loveland, Colo., with their three children. James earned an MA in biblical studies from the California Graduate School of Theology and is the associate pastor at Celebration Church Assembly of God.

’80s Rhonda (Rogers ’84) Blaze lives in Irvine and is the proud mother of two daughters, Olivia Hope and Emma Grace. Rhonda and members of the SCC cheerleading team have met every Christmas for more than twenty-five years.

Rebecca (Frost 1981-1983) Buchman earned an MA in psychology from Pepperdine University. Husband Vernon is a financial advisor. They are parents to Hannah Marie, 11, and live in Savannah, Ga. Jose Coronado ’82 is the pastor of Iglesia El Alfarero church in Oxnard and lives in Camarillo. He was the pastor of La Puerta Abierta church in Costa Mesa for sixteen years and received his real estate broker license.

Gari Hatch ’80 lives in Morton, Miss. He worked as a medical education librarian at the Mississippi Baptist Medical Center before accepting his current post at Staffers Employment Agency. Gari is a self-taught painter whose pieces are a mix of realism, abstract and non-objective styles. An exhibit of his work can be seen at sctonline.net.

Bryan Hilbert ’85 is the superintendant of weapon safety for the U.S. Air Force. He and wife Jenna have two children, Dallas Keith, 17, and Chelsea Brooke, 15, and reside in Superior, Colo.

Linda (Story ’89) and John Shultz ’87 are proud grandparents of three granddaughters.

John is a building contractor for a remodeling company in Hayden, Idaho. He enjoys golf and fly fishing in the summer and skiing in the winter.

Jodi (Hanson ’85) Slyter and husband Gordon have been married twenty-three years. Gordon is the senior pastor and divisional superintendant at the Meridian Foursquare Church, which they planted in

8 vanguard magazine spring 2010

1992. Jodi is a Christian school principal at King’s Kids School. They have three children, their oldest a sophomore at Vanguard, and reside in Meridian, Idaho.

Suzanne (Asmuth ’86) and Steve Sparks ’86 live in Cameroon, Africa, where Steve is the head of surgery at the Bmenda Baptist Hospital in the rural northwest region of Cameroon. Fifteen hundred major operations and eight hundred minor operations are performed there each year.

’90s Deanna Breault ’98 has pursued interests in advocacy and research while working with organizations in Washington, D.C., and southern California. She divides her time between San Diego and Orange County and runs a planning and concierge service, A Fond Remembrance (afondremembrance.com).

Nathalie Brun ’92 is the French business manager for C.R. Laurence Co., a glass, door and railing supplier, Class Notes, continued on page 10

Alums sell African jewelry Kallie Dovel ’08 and several recent VU alums started a company called 31 Bits which sells African-made jewelry to benefit the poor in Uganda. In 2010, Reef Sandals will release a sandal featuring 31 Bits beadwork.

“It’s a huge opportunity for us,” says Dovel.

The sandals, called “Ugandal,” will be sold in stores nationwide starting this spring.

31 Bits was born after Dovel traveled to Uganda and met a local bead-maker who was selling her paper-and-lacquer creations to foreign visitors.

“I got to know her and her family,” says Dovel. “She was making this jewelry but didn’t have much of a market for it. I bought a huge box, went home for Christmas and sold them all out at a craft market. That opened my eyes that this could impact more women.”

Dovel recruited fellow VU students and ’09 alums Anna Nelson, Brooke Hodges, Alli Swanson and Jessie Simonson who traveled to Uganda last year to set up the business with the bead-makers. Then they began importing the jewelry and selling it in boutiques. The big break came when Reef Sandals heard about the burgeoning

business and decided to add the beads to their product line. Now 31 Bits, which employs thirty-four Ugandan women and has an office in Uganda, is turning out beads to adorn thousands of shoes.

As a result, the Ugandan bead-makers “are buying houses, sending their kids to school and starting businesses which they didn’t have capital for before,” says Dovel.

She credits VU’s anthropology professors for preparing her to “think sustainably,” she says. “Jamie Huff, Vince Gil and Craig Rusch helped make this possible.”

student profile

Hope for Haiti

W

hen a major earthquake shook Haiti in January, VU student Lancia Hyppolite was awakened by a text message from a

Haitian friend, alerting her to the situation.

“I was so shocked,” says Hyppolite. “I immediately got on Facebook and Twitter and saw there was a state of emergency. All I could think was, ‘I have family there.

What if something happened to my grandpa and grandma? My aunts and uncles? What am I going to do?’”

Hyppolite, whose parents emigrated from Haiti to California in the 1980s, has strong ties to the island, where dozens of her relatives live. As the week unfolded, she found herself serving as the information hub for family members, sending updates, checking on friends via Facebook and even translating for strangers as they tried to reach their relatives in Haiti by phone.

“I was the communicator between people,” she says. “It was a lot of work. I didn’t believe what had happened at first. I didn’t cry until that first night.”

Hyppolite was born and raised in northern California in a tight-knit Haitian community where Creole was her first language.

“My best friends and everyone back at home are Haitian, so I mainly speak Creole, except when I’m at

We’re happy and love to have a good time. We’re a community.

school,” she says.

When you’re from a different country, you have another cultural background which brings more experiences and fun into your life.

You see life differently.”

“When you’re from a different country, you have another cultural background which brings more experiences and fun into your life.

You see life differently.”

Hyppolite learned of Vanguard through an aunt who encouraged her to attend. That aunt passed away in 2008 and Lancia transferred to Vanguard a few months later.

“This is where she wanted me to be,” she says. “She was always my encouragement to stay in school. She made me promise I would finish.”

Now, having gone through a difficult experience, she believes she was meant to be here.

She enjoys her strong cultural connection to another country.

“Haitians are outgoing people,” she says. “We say what we feel.

“God allowed me to be at Vanguard at this time so I could handle the situation better and have that feeling of support,” she says.

“I feel the love here. My roommates and friends from fourth floor Lancia Hyppolite, continued on page 17

vanguard magazine spring 2010 9

an MA in TESOL at Biola University and lives in Costa Mesa.

Alum co-authors train book Steve Jessup ’79-’81 co-authored a major book on railroads, The Complete Book of North American Railroading, published last year by Voyageur Press.

“I have always been fascinated by railroading,” Jessup says. “I remember as a kid watching long strings of cars, the bells going off, the gates coming down, the headlights, the whistles or diesel horns. All of that captivated me.”

When he got to VU he met brothers John Doughty Jr. ’82 and James “Rick” Doughty ’84.

“These guys were true railfans,” Jessup says. “They took pictures of trains, went on outings, had magazines and photo albums. I thought, ‘You guys are nuts.’

But that was a defining moment for me. I would not be where I am today had I not met these guys at VU.” After leaving VU, Jessup served as sports editor for a newspaper in Washington state and also worked for Pro Athletes Outreach before working in model train sales. In December 2007

he moved to Kansas City to become an editor at White River Productions, the leading producer of railway historical society publications. That led to his coauthoring the railroad book.

“It is a real honor to be involved in project like that,” he says.

Jessup fondly recalls the relationships he developed at VU. “Wayne Kraiss and Harry Sova were mentors I looked up to,” he says. “Wayne was like a second father to me — he was the most generous friend I had on campus. Vanguard taught me that you can touch people’s lives no matter what you do. I want the people I interact with to see a bold faith in Jesus Christ.”

Jessup’s parents, Shirley (Book ’55) and Richard ’55, brother Rich ’81, nephew Richard R. ’09 and great uncle Earl Book ’48 are VU alums.

Class Notes, continued from page 8

where she leads efforts to translate the website and computer files. She resides in Los Angeles.

Brian Conklin ’94 manages the U.S. agriculture and food security initiative in Uganda. He and wife Dawn have three children: Kyle, 17, Kaylee, 11, and Elysse, 9. They live in Kampala, Uganda.

Tamra (Piszczek ’96) and Jason Lamoreaux ’95, MA ’99 live in Crowley, Texas, with son Dakota, 11. Jason received an MA in Greek and will complete his PhD in biblical interpretation this spring. Tami is a kindergarten teacher.

Lori (Piskur ’91) and Christopher Macklin ’92 live in Port Townsend, Wash. Lori is a community development worker for Jefferson County Parks and Recreation and served as a national delegate at the 2008 Democratic

National Convention.

Carrie (Nelson ’95) and Robert Ott ’96 have two sons, Caleb,13, and Jarrod, 9. Carrie is a math teacher and head softball coach at a high school in Westminster, Colo. Rob is a fireman for the City of Aurora. The Otts reside in Westminster.

Jennifer (Clement ’93) Temple and husband Sean met while playing coed ice hockey. They are parents of Owen, 3, and live in Anaheim.

’00s Steffany Ayala ’08 is a coordinator for Child Share, an organization that supports the foster care system. She also volunteers at the Los Angeles Children’s Hospital and assists with the Tierra del Sol Foundation.

Victoria Boulding ’07 earned an AA in biblical studies from Cottonwood Leadership College and is pursuing an MA and teaching credential in English. She is a freelance writer, director and film editor. One of her commercials received the Top 10 Commercial award at a film festival. Victoria is starting an after-school program for inner city youth. She lives in Palo Alto.

Cody Bowen ’09 was the student leader for the first Vanguard University short-term mission team to Fiji in the summer of 2009. He lives in Oxnard where he is an assistant teacher at Oxnard High School and the site director for a local Boys and Girls Club chapter.

Daniel Ford ’06 is a producer of the television show Road Trip Nation. The show centers on the adventures of a group of “roadies” who explore the world by traveling to various continents. It airs on PBS. Ida (Goglanian ’02) Garabedian and husband Johnny are the parents of two sons, with another expected in July. Their faithgrowing experience can be read at johnstory. com. Johnny works at Goglanian Bakeries.

The Garabedians live in Costa Mesa.

Diane Gould ’08 lives in Irvine where she works in the junior high ministry at Mariners Church.

Bryce Harvey ’07 is the video producer at Mariners Church and lives in Costa Mesa.

Stephanie Hillon ’03 lives in Long Beach and is excited about her engagement to Adrian Kearns. They wed in April.

Annahita Mahdavi ’07 will receive her MA in psychology, marriage, and family therapy in May 2010. She is

Joanna Bogosian ’07 returned to the U.S. after teaching English in China for the past two terms. She is pursuing Class Notes, continued on page 11

10 vanguard magazine spring 2010

in contact with,” Houston says. “He helped me to turn information about God into practical life change and discipleship. Ed taught me how to think. I am in debt to him for his love for God expressed in his love for me.”

Rybarczyk was the 2008 baccalaureate speaker and the 2004-05 faculty member of the year. The 2005-06 yearbook was dedicated to him. His influence often continues after students graduate. He enjoys having coffee with recent grads, and nearly five hundred people belong to his Facebook fan club. More than thirty of his students have attended seminary or graduate school.

He also hosts movie nights each semester where

Ed Rybarczyk, continued from page 6

students up, what put them to sleep, how to be engaging,” he says.

students gather at his home to view a movie, and then spend an hour or more dissecting its message. He led

That was balanced by another education he received working on the side as a project manager for plumbing and flooring

Vanguard student missions trips the past two summers to work in orphanages in Ukraine.

contractors.

“I learned what business was like in the real world, and that really benefited me, even though I was champing at the bit and saying, ‘Lord, why am I doing construction when I know you’re calling me to teach?’” he says. “It made me put an emphasis on what works. So when I’m teaching I’m always asking, ‘How does this make a difference in the real world?’ I owe that to my eight years in construction.”

“All ideas have legs, or ethical consequences. So I’m constantly trying to suggest to the students what this looks like in practice.”

“My focus on such trips is the students themselves,” he says. “I challenge them to lead missional lives. We also learn how to be teammates. I believe the Holy Spirit can use such trips in different

Today, Rybarczyk asks his students to think through how doctrines and points of theology are carried out in practical terms.

ways, for the gospel’s sake, over the course of a lifetime.”

Rybarczyk has two children at VU, John, a junior, and Kareese,

“All ideas have legs, or ethical consequences,” he says. “So I’m

a freshman. He also has a daughter, Lucy, in high school. An

constantly trying to suggest to the students what this looks like

ordained Assemblies of God minister since 1986, Rybarczyk

in practice. That has been very effective.”

preaches frequently at his church.

Josh Houston ’08 took seven of Rybarczyk’s classes.

“I didn’t expect to end up in the academy, but I love the world of

“Ed was one of the most influential people God has brought me

ideas,” he says. “I love thinking through our faith together.”

Class Notes, continued from page 10

fulfilling her practicum at the Orange County Department of Education and is applying for her PhD. Annahita lives in Irvine.

Holly Martinez ’05 lives in Sammamish, Wash. She is the wedding and event planner for the Plateau Golf Course and Country Club.

Jennifer Miskov ’00 moved to England to pursue a PhD in theology. She is studying healing, revival and the life of Carrie Judd Montgomery. Jennifer published her first book, Silver to Gold, a story to inspire people to pursue their dreams in spite of obstacles. Her adventures, studies and book details can be found at silvertogold. com.

Ester ’03 and Camille Ntoto ’03, MA ’07 are missionaries to their home country of Congo (loafrica.net). They are blessed at the success of their media ministry which has influenced community outreach, education and awareness. Their newsletter, Prayer Watch, has become an informative tool for sponsors and supporters throughout the world.

Alyssa Ruzicka ’09 facilitates the True Vine Music Academy (truevinemusicacademy. com) in La Quinta. This program offers music lessons in client homes. Alyssa teaches piano, and her team specializes in guitar, voice and violin.

Shawn Saleme ’03 served with Youth With A Mission in Switzerland, led a team to Egypt, worked as a missions director at a church in Phoenix, pursued assignments with the Peace Corps and State Department, and explored the idea of starting a hostel abroad. He now works for World Vision and tours with an interactive Step into Africa exhibit, where participants receive a hands-on experience through audio narrations and various visuals. Shawn lives in Seattle and spends time on his sailboat, Mehitabe.

Randee Schleicher ’07 works at Browndorf PEM (browndorfpem.com), a private equity management company in Newport Beach.

She lives in Costa Mesa.

Class Notes, continued on page 15

vanguard magazine spring 2010 11

Homecoming 2010 Six hundred people came to Vanguard’s 2010 Homecoming for a week of warm reunions, reconnection with old friends and the joy of watching the women’s basketball team drub their opponent. Alums from 1970, 1985, 1990 and 2000 held special gatherings, and everyone enjoyed chapel services with speakers Shay Sorrells, a contestant on last season’s The Biggest Loser, Ed Lee, founder of Wahoo’s Fish Taco, and academic dean emeritus Lewis Wilson.

vanguard magazine spring 2010 13

PHOTO COURTESY OF RACHEL KEYES

“I didn’t do discipleship the normal way. I saw the church as the place to build for God, and the world as the place to work for the community.”

Other churches asked Zeigler to help them start their own Master’s Commissions.

Because the program emphasizes practical service, churches soon had ready volunteers for each of their ministries, from running the lights and sound, to building sets for holiday programs to bussing in poor children for church events.

“Master’s Commission became the hands of

Lloyd Zeigler, continued from page 5

the church,” says Zeigler. “Churches benefit program at Phoenix First Assembly, one of

all types of people. We were known for our

by having these young people work and train

the country’s first mega-churches.

outreaches because we made it more of a

under them while doing their media, music

festival. Using the skills of the kids in the

and ministries. For people who are right out

program, we put on dramatic presentations,

of high school and don’t know what they

concerts, urban arts shows with prizes for

want to do, Master’s Commission makes

the best paintings. All of that worked for us.”

them strong so they can accomplish their

build a program from twelve students to an

From the start, Zeigler ran Master’s Com-

goals. This generation is longing for an ac-

international ministry with over one hundred

mission like a family, and the people around

cess point to ministry. We became a ministry

affiliated programs. Master’s Commission

him remain uncommonly loyal. Zeigler works

of access and opened the door to them.”

has grown far beyond what anyone could

hard to identify and use the talents and gifts

In Rockford, DeWeerdt says Master’s Com-

have imagined. I have been honored and

of his students and colleagues. That means

mission “gave us a real sense of investment

“My wife and I understood that our joy was discipling men and women to reach their potential in Christ,” Zeigler says. “For the next twenty-three years, God allowed us to

humbled at the development of the program

involving them in every aspect of

and watched Master’s Commission build

his ministry.

some of the top leaders in this country.”

“People used to joke that when I

From the start, Zeigler made the world his

preach I bring fifteen people,” he

classroom. Mornings at Master’s Commis-

says of his team approach. “I figure

sion are typically spent in a class setting,

if you don’t like me, you’ll like one

where students learn how to get the most

of them.”

out of their study of the Bible and how to live a godly lifestyle. Afternoons are spent putting that into practice in the community, serving at senior citizen’s homes or inner

Zeigler soon launched a popular conference for Master’s Commission leaders and students, which now draws 5,000 people annually.

city neighborhoods, or putting on massive events in public parks.

“I didn’t do discipleship the normal way,” says Zeigler. “I saw the church as the place to build for God, and the world as the place to work for the community. We spent a lot of time doing public school assemblies, working in neighborhoods, building relationships with local leaders, the Salvation Army,

PHOTO COURTESY OF RACHEL KEYES

“As the church genuinely serves and breaks down those barriers, the church becomes the leader of community transformation.”

in post-high school students. People get excited about discipling young adults and getting them passionate about God. Through Master’s Commission, God shapes their

“Lloyd has used the Master’s Commission

character, convictions, prayer life and pas-

model to create what I consider one of the

sion for the lost.”

best conferences in the nation,” says DeWeerdt. “It’s contagious. There’s an X-factor about Lloyd. He’s energetic, positive and has a lot of faith. When Lloyd gets up and communicates, there’s an excitement that motivates students to really be passionate for God.”

Many young people who hadn’t considered college change their minds after graduating from Master’s Commission, Zeigler says. His own Vanguard connection remains strong.

Many members of his family are VU alums, including brother Patrick ’79, nephew DonLloyd Zeigler, continued on page 16

14 vanguard magazine spring 2010

Class Notes, continued from page 11

Brittany (Houghland ’07) and Mark Sherman ’07 married two weeks after their graduation.

In August 2010 they will move to Papua, New Guinea, to be Wycliffe Bible translators and to teach at the Ukarumpa International School.

Timotej Soos ’08 moved to the Slovenian capital city of Ljubljana where he is working for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He was recently promoted to adviser to the State Secretary of Foreign Affairs office.

Shannon (Kirk ’03) and Steve Stutler ’02 are proud parents to Jacob, 1, who shares the same birthday as Shannon. Their daughter was born in February. Steve earned an MA in Christian education from Dallas Theological Seminary and is now the children and students pastor at Calvary Baptist Church in Bishop (amplifycbc.com). He is pursuing doctoral studies in the United Kingdom.

Kahanah (Rapport ’01) and Matt Swift ’02 live in Huntington Beach and are parents to Cohen and Elliott. Matt earned a doctorate of physical therapy at Chapman University and is a physical therapist at the Change Sports Physical Therapy Institute (sportschange.com). He was recently given the opportunity to work with the U.S. national volleyball teams when they train to compete in the 2012 Olympic Games in London. He resides in Anaheim.

Alumni receive awards Alumni awards were presented at Homecoming to a diverse group of graduates.

VU’s founding alumni director Rosemary Jackson ’84 was honored at Homecoming as the Rosemary Jackson Alumni Endowed Scholarship was officially named for her.

Ed Lee ’87 was named alumnus of the year. Lee and his brothers founded Wahoo’s Fish Taco, which has become a staple of Orange County casual cuisine. The food has proven popular with people who eat healthfully and cheaply, and the restaurant now has fifty locations.

Merle (Schliebe ’48-’49) Valdez received this year’s career achievement award. For forty years Valdez has hosted a student piano concert in her back yard with eight grand pianos and two orchestras. Her biggest concert was in 1990 at the Orange County Performing Arts Center where she had three orchestras, two bands, ten

Natasha Szala ’08 is a tutor at Academic Advantage and a preschool while pursuing her teaching credentials at Vanguard. She lives in Anaheim.

Greg Enns ’04 and wife Leah were married in Appleton, Wis., on November 21, 2009.

Alicia Wong ’02 received an MA in education curriculum at CSU East Bay. She will go to the country of Bangladesh to train teachers and participate in outreach to street children and other compassion ministries.

Adrian Ethridge ’08 and Randi-Ann were married on October 4, 2008.

Just Married Amy (Barnhart ’97) married Robert Gill on September 18, 2009, in New York City, where they met and live.

Tristan (Brandt ’09) and Christopher Carls ’09 were married July 10, 2009. They live in Windsor, Colo.

Malia (Goodman ’07) Sanborn and Brenden were married in Santa Cruz on October 24, 2009.

Alaina (Harris ’04) Gjertsen received an MA in communications, culture and technology from Georgetown University in 2007. She met husband Matt as college debate competitors, she for Vanguard and he for the U.S. Air Force Academy. They married in Winters, Calif., on October 10, 2009.

They live in Oklahoma.

Jenelle (McKee ’08) and Marc GroenbechDam ’09 married in the summer of 2009 and

grand pianos and eighty young violinists.

The young alumni of the year are Stewart Ramsey ’08 and Travis Hartanov ’07, co-founders of Krochet Kids International, a non-profit organization that employs Ugandan women to make fashionable beanies for U.S. consumers. Krochet Kids has appeared on PBS and MSNBC, and in Guideposts magazine.

Alton Childers ’60 received the distinguished service award. For two decades Childers used the proceeds from his successful seed company to fund ministry efforts, reaching hundreds of thousands of people with food and the gospel. Childers trained for ministry at Vanguard and played on the legendary Vanguard football team.

“I’m proud of our award winners,” says alumni director Heather Clements. “They embody truth, virtue and service, and are Christ-centered people who have gone out from Vanguard to do good.”

make their home in Costa Mesa.

Robin (Kuhnau ’99, MA ’02) and Steven Mundschau ’03 were married November 21, 2009, and live in Orange.

Lynn (Rylander ’01) Bernheim married Peter at the peak of an Alaskan mountain in July 2008.

Lynn is a high school English teacher. They are expecting their first child in May.

Future Alumni Carolyn (Mutschler ’97) and Sean Aday ’02 along with big brother Ethan, 3, welcomed Brynn Makayla on August 30, 2009.

Sharon ’97 and Kent Mutschler ’65 are proud Class Notes, continued on page 17

vanguard magazine spring 2010 15

Lewis Wilson

a vine of his own planting

Academic Dean Emeritus

A family of alums In the eighteen years spanning 1961-1974, nine members of the Linzey family attended Vanguard, then SCC, an unmatched distinction.

ed that commitment. They

It began with Gena, the oldest child of U.S. Navy Chaplain Stanford

callings — MDivs, MAs, PhDs

Linzey and his wife Verna May, who decided to attend SCC upon

and even a JD. They have

her high school graduation in San Diego. Eugene came three years

served as teachers and ad-

later, Darnelle the next year, and Sharon, George and Vera followed

ministrators, pastors, pastor’s

at two-year intervals. Paul and David were outstanding high school

wives, and military chaplains.

football players but turned down scholarships to the Naval Academy

Paul is an Army chaplain,

and Stanford to enroll in 1974, a year before Jim, the youngest family

Jim an Air Force chaplain,

have earned the credentials and graduate degrees required for their particular

member. Over those years there were usually two, and for a time,

and George’s twenty years

three Linzeys on campus.

as a Navy chaplain included a two-year posting at the U.S. Naval

Though all nine worked their way through school, the Linzeys were

Academy at Annapolis. Sharon has taught at five universities, been

active in a variety of campus activities. Gena led the way by serving

awarded three Fulbright scholarships and is currently developing a

as editor of the campus paper, president of the Woman’s Athletic

school in Kurdistan.

Association and historian of the Latin American Prayer Band, and by

The Linzeys have proved prolific writers. Four have published books,

singing in the Vanguard Chorale. All the Linzeys were musical, and

and Eugene, whose second book is forthcoming, has been a regular

most played several instruments. George played the piano at a local

contributor to several newspapers since 2001. Sharon has authored

pizzeria and often played the organ for chapel services. Sharon trav-

or co-authored nine books.

eled one summer with a college quartet. Both sang in award-winning barbershop quartets. Other family members sang in the college chorale and traveling groups.

After long and fruitful careers, several Linzeys have retired. Darnelle (Linzey) Lemons, who had served as a teacher and pastor¹s wife for three decades, died in 2000. Stanford Linzey passed away this

Only three chose a religion major, though each Linzey was focused

February. But members of this remarkable family continue to minister

on ministry and service, a primary reason they had chosen to attend

as they always have since leaving Vanguard.

a Christian school. And their post-graduation lives have demonstrat-

Lloyd Zeigler, continued from page 14

ald ’84, nieces Dorene (Zeigler) Liechty

In 2008, Lloyd left Phoenix First to pioneer

made up of Master’s Commission gradu-

’84 and Virgie (Zeigler) Morales ’81, and

Relevant Church in north Dallas. The staff is

ates, and the church already counts 350

brother-in-law Kernie Dishaw ’70. Sister-

members.

in-law Donna Zeigler, wife of Virgil, worked

“We’re reaching people who went through

in the library for many years, and Lloyd’s

really hard situations — felons, gangsters,

second nieces Davina (Morales) Ellis and

single moms,” says Zeigler. “We’re excited

Jessica Morales, and Davina’s husband

about it.”

Andrew are current students. Lloyd’s Master’s Commission celebrated its twenty-

professor who has served in various roles

fifth anniversary this year.

in the athletic training education program

“It’s amazing what God has done with this

and kinesiology department for more than twenty years.

“Our family has been forever affected by that school,” Lloyd says. “The Zeiglers are committed to Vanguard and thankful for what it has done for us.”

16 vanguard magazine spring 2010

PHOTO COURTESY OF RACHEL KEYES

nephew Donald is married to Terry, a VU

program,” he says. “Little did we know when we started with Master’s Commission that the need for discipleship would be so great.”

Class Notes, continued from page 15

grandparents as well. Sean is the youth and young families pastor at Grace Community Church in Saddleback Valley while Carolyn is enjoying her role as a stay-at-home mother and partner to Sean in the youth ministries. They reside in Lake Forest.

Liz (Troncozo ’93) and Aaron Barber ’01 welcomed twin boys Dylan Edward and Caden David on March 2, 2009. The family lives in Hemet.

Lancia Hyppolite, continued from page 9

Laguna last year have really been there for

“It hurts to see the people suffering,” says

me. There’s been a lot of love around me

Hyppolite. “It could have been me. My

at the school.”

family didn’t have to come over here.”

Right after the earthquake, Hyppolite

Her Haitian community in northern Califor-

met with VU president Carol Taylor and

nia is planning a benefit concert with Hai-

Jeff Hittenberger, VU provost and vice

tian music and food. Hyppolite may also

president for academic affairs who grew

travel to Haiti with her mother to minister

up in Haiti in a missionary family. Both

and serve as a translator.

expressed support for Hyppolite and her family and prayed for her.

“Vanguard has been my backbone these last few weeks,” says Hyppolite. “To see what Vanguard has done for Haiti relief touches my heart. It shows they care. It’s

“It’s nice to see God’s people coming together to put their hand forward and help people in need.”

nice to see God’s people coming together to put their hand forward and help people

She has been gratified by the response of

in need. I feel so blessed to be in the envi-

Americans to the disaster.

ronment I’m in now.”

“You see so many people willing to help,”

In the days after the earthquake, Hyppo-

she says. “Everywhere you turn there’s a

lite learned that nearly all of her relatives

telethon, a fundraiser, something going on.

were safe. Only one of her aunts, who was

It shows that people care. I’m always tell-

in three-story building at the time, was

ing my roommate, ‘We raised $57 million

seriously injured. She survived. Hyppolite

in the telethon. We set records.’ It feels

used social media to keep family and

good that people care about the place my

friends informed not just about the status

family originated from.”

of loved ones but how they could help.

minors in pre-law and communications,

praise reports, telling people where they

wants to attend New York University law

can donate,” she says. “I did everything I

school and become an international lawyer

knew to do. I was very pro-Haiti. I was tell-

so she can be a voice for Haiti and other

ing students to wear red on certain days to

troubled countries.

“I want to be involved in rebuilding the

As part of relief efforts she translated one

legal system,” she says. “I want to work

phone call for a Haitian woman whose

with the United Nations to help countries

daughter was trapped inside a building

that are in a similar position as Haiti.”

and was begging for help digging her out.

Jennifer (Cannon ’00) and Peter Johnston ’97 moved to the big island of Hawaii in January 2009 and added a daughter to the family in May. Alyma Joy was welcomed by big brothers Mark, 18, Alex, 6, and Aaron, 2. Peter manages a vacation rental property, Front Desk Resorts. After pastoring at Lighthouse Church in Mammoth Lakes, the Johnston family now leads worship for small groups and ministry events.

Hosanna (Alquero ’07) Wagner and husband Brent were married in San Juan Capistrano and now make their home in Springfield, Ore. They welcomed Gain Joshua in November 2008. Hosanna is a stay-at-home mother and is active in their church where Brent is the student ministries pastor.

Hyppolite, a political science major with

“I’ve been updating my status, giving

show support.”

Jessica (Nunn ’03) Johansen and husband Joel celebrated Christmas 2009 with the birth of their son Spencer John.

They recently purchased a home in Woodland. Joel works for Accenture while Jessica is a stay-at-home mother.

In Memory Fredrick H. Cripe ’54 passed away January 1, 2007.

Stanford Linzey ’52 passed away February 4, 2010.

Joe Opperman ’46 passed away March 15, 2009.

Eddie Spangler ’01 passed away December 26, 2009. vanguard magazine spring 2010 17

on campus On Campus, continued from page 3

Students put on sustainability conference The second annual Environmental Sustainability Conference, organized by Vanguard’s Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE), drew nearly 250 people to Newport Mesa Church to learn about building eco-friendly businesses.

“We wanted to give the community creative ideas for how to be innovative and eco-friendly,” says student Lisa Casimiro, who led seventeen other students in planning the conference.

“People went away understanding the small changes they can interviews. The journal also publishes works by alumni.

make to promote sustainability.”

Each copy of the bound journal sells for $15, which pays

Keynote speaker and coffee virtuoso Martin Diedrich of Kéan

for publication costs. To learn more, visit vanguard.edu/

Coffee talked about how he operates his coffee business in a

Synecdoche.

sustainable way, minimizing the use of chemicals and using recycled products and ceramic cups for in-store customers.

During a panel discussion hosted by Jamie Welsh of 10% Solution, a company which promotes corporate sustainability, Stephanie Barger of Earth Resource Foundation discussed the importance of implementing a “zero waste formula” as a best business practice.

Exhibitors and break-out sessions took up topics from LED lighting to eco-friendly interior design. Two documentaries, The Story of Stuff and Garbage Dreams, were screened to favorable reviews. And the winner of the Green Up Your Dorm

A small town musical-comedy send-off for a rock and roll superstar

April 9 – 11 & 15 – 18 at the Vanguard University Lyceum Theater

www.vanguardtickets.com

contest, freshman Chris Randolph, was announced.

The conference provided valuable organizational training for Vanguard SIFE members.

“Through SIFE we apply the knowledge we get in the classroom,” says Casimiro. “It was a great hands-on experience.”

Learn more at vusife.org.

18 vanguard magazine spring 2010

vu spotlight

PHOTO COURTESY OF ANDY TEMPLETON PHOTOGRAPHY

‘Student advocate’ leaves major gift

B

ruce Lindsay, a self-described student advocate and friend of Vanguard for forty years, passed away in February 2009, leaving his entire estate of more than $1 million to the University.

“It is a wonderfully generous gift,” says Craig Young, acting vice president for university advancement. “Bruce invested his life in Vanguard while he was alive, and left it one hundred percent of his estate when he passed away.”

The story of Lindsay’s passion for Vanguard and his sizeable gift was reported worldwide in media like NPR’s Morning Edition and the Los Angeles Times.

Lindsay, who was well-known for his frugality as well as his friendliness, first came to VU for the promise of all-you-can-eat meals at the caf. There, a student led him to faith in Jesus Christ. Lindsay continued to eat in the dining commons almost daily for the next forty years, befriending students, sharing wisdom about life and business, and listening to student concerns which he then conveyed to the administration.

His goal, he related in his brief autobiography, was to encourage students to follow the teachings of Jesus, to be frugal with their money and to make the most of their education.

“He always talked about how he loved the kids here,” Johnson says.

“He always had an eclectic group of people with him at dinner, from basketball players to professors. I got to meet quite a few people through him.”

One student, Mary Young ’02, helped him pen his book.

“He was such a good conversationalist,” she says. “He was a joy to know, full of wisdom. He wanted to leave a legacy that was a witness to his love of Vanguard, so that other people would follow suit. He wanted Vanguard to thrive.”

“The whole campus was his family,” says Mel Covetta, associate librarian. “He was a friend to all the students. They’d flock to his table.

He spoke many times in Ed Westbrook’s class about investing.”

Lindsay designated part of his estate to go to an endowed library fund which will produce income for the library in perpetuity. He designated another portion for the general fund, which supports presentday operating costs. The rest he directed to the capital fund for the eventual construction of new dining facility — a goal those who knew him find fitting.

Lindsay visited the library almost daily, scouring newspapers for foreclosed properties, oil and mineral rights and other investments from which he made his living.

Craig Young says that Lindsay’s gift demonstrates how donors can support the three largest needs of the University: long-term endowments, capital projects to improve the campus, and day-to-day funds.

“He led a very simple life,” says Covetta. “He had enough wealth to live high on the hog, but he didn’t. His intention was to leave everything to the students. His whole life was this school.”

“It is only with the help of many people doing what Bruce did at every level of giving that Vanguard can continue to equip world-changing students,” says Young. “One of the most powerful ways that individuals can give is through their trust.”

Stories of Bruce’s thrift abound. He would visit car dealerships and banks every morning for free coffee and cookies. He attended free movies, often with VU students like Craig Johnson ’02, who is now a VU mail services specialist.

For more information on donating to Vanguard University through a will or trust, call the Office of University Advancement at 714.556.3610.

vanguard magazine spring 2010 19

sports

Conference champs: The VU women’s soccer team dominated GSAC play and advanced further than any Lions team in the past.

Women’s soccer team achieves best season ever The women’s soccer team made it to the national tournament for the first time in school history, and was ranked as high as #5 in the country in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) conference.

“It was pretty fantastic,” says Dodge. “The chemistry on the team

“It was a fantastic season,” says coach Randy Dodge. “We had a

“They were really good on that day, and we weren’t,” says Dodge.

great group of young people come in and really solidify our whole

“But that could not dissuade us from what a great season we had.”

team. God blessed us with some great players and coaches, including associate head coach Ali Malaekeh and assistant coaches Jesus Miramontes and Lauren Walker.”

The team, ranked #15 in the country last year and #7 in the final poll this year, knew they had improved, but didn’t know by how much.

“We didn’t see this season coming,” says Dodge. “The whole conference was strong, but we really came together. Our goal was to compete in every half of every game.”

was great this year. God’s hand was in everything we did.”

The Lions then traveled to Decatur, Alabama, for the national tournament, but lost to Point Loma in the round of 16. The Lions had beaten Point Loma a week before in the conference final, so the loss was bitter.

The women’s soccer team has been competitive in recent years, consistently ranking in the top 25, peaking as high as #11 before this season. But this season was a big leap forward.

“Being ranked #5 in the nation for a while was just huge,” says Dodge.

The Lions gave up just eight goals in twenty-one games this season. A big reason for that was Jill Foss, the goalie, team captain and only starting senior. Foss, who transferred to VU after playing

The Lions knew it was a special season when they handily knocked

at San Diego State University for two years, was an All-American

off the #1 team in the NAIA, California Baptist University, by a score

for three years for the Lions. She and the team held opponents

of 4-1 at home. Cal Baptist was previously undefeated.

scoreless ten times this season.

“Once that happened, the players said, ‘This is ours,’” says Dodge.

“The difference this year was team unity,” she says. “Our team

The Lions rolled over conference competitors all season and went

was a family. Our on-field performance was based on trust. You

on to win the Golden State Athletic Conference (GSAC) champion-

respected the people around you. I always believed we could do

ship at home. That set up Vanguard to host the first round of the

it. We had the talent. We’ve gotten better and better recruits. The

NAIA national tournament, where the Lions beat CSU San Marcos

team has grown as a unit.”

in front of five hundred fans.

20 vanguard magazine spring 2010

postcards EDITOR’S NOTE: The column features an essay by a different alum each issue.

Attitude adjustment Westminster, Colo.

“Carrie, we need to talk about your attitude.”

player we want on our team, and it isn’t what

That experience changed my life. Without that

this sports program is about. You’re not

attitude adjustment I wouldn’t have moved

entitled to playing time. You have to work

ahead on the field or in life. The people at

So said my softball coaches, who summoned

for it.”

Vanguard treated me like a member of the

me for a talk during my freshman year. They had noticed, as had everyone on the team, that I was frustrated at my lack of playing time and was projecting negativity as best I could without being overtly disrespectful.

They went on to detail my skills, pointing out my areas of weakness and strength. Their bottom line: fix the attitude, work on my skills,

had been the star on my high school team in Colorado. I felt I was ready to start at the college level. But the coaches were barely playing me. Why would they give me a scholarship just to warm the bench? It didn’t make sense.

and they showed me the way to grow into a young woman in Christ.

start acting like a team player and I could

Today, as a high school teacher and head

grow into a leadership role.

softball coach, I try to treat my players the

I had come to Vanguard on a softball scholarship and thought I was a hot shot. I

family. They cared enough to confront me,

It was humbling, but I took their advice.

They had offered a pathway to leadership, and I wanted it. So I got positive. I got loud, rallying my teammates on the field and from the dugout. I worked on my skills, giving everything I had at practice. Even my grades improved because of my new work ethic.

same way. I give them the support they need — emotional, academic and athletic.

I encourage their work ethic and tell them nothing comes for free. I’m gratified when my players tell me I’m like a second mom to them. I learned the importance of that at Vanguard.

All along the way, the coaches and staff at

I’m also gratified by my team’s success: in

But my response was immature. I fumed,

Vanguard were incredibly supportive. They

seven years we’ve gone to post-season play

glared and sulked in the dugout. It didn’t take

counseled me, encouraged me and told me

seven times, and the state tournament three

an expert to read my body language. I had

to keep at it.

times.

The results soon arrived. Our team started

I remain friends with that special group of

an Attitude, with a capital A. And now my coaches were calling me on it.

winning more, thanks to an extraordinary

women from the Vanguard team, and I love

We had just finished an away game, and I was

group of players. We won the GSAC

coming back for softball reunions. I support

disappointed again with my lack of playing

tournament three years in a row and

the team’s fundraisers because I’m grateful

time. Back at the hotel, they called me into

competed at the national tournament,

for the life change I experienced, and I want

their room. Alone.

reaching #3 in the nation my senior year. I

other players — maybe even hot shots like

“We notice that you’ve been having an

made the all-conference team twice. It was a

me — to experience the same thing.

attitude,” they said. “That isn’t the kind of

high point for Lions softball.

Carrie (Nelson ’95) Ott

She predicts that VU will continue to be a championship contender.

“A lot of people will be scared to play this team from here on out, because it’s going to get better,” she says.

Several other Lions made the NAIA Women’s Soccer All-America team. Junior midfielder Karri Currier was named to the second team. Sophomore midfielder Gabriela Valles made the third team. Foss and junior team captain Ivana Mendez received honorable mentions.

vanguard magazine spring 2010 21

55 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92626 CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

Stu dent. Worker. Drea m er. Achiever.

A m anda Lawson, class of 2010

Equipping students for a lifetime of leadership and service

is one of our most important priorities. That is why we offer more than 14 million dollars each year in scholarships to the more than 90% of VU students in need. Our graduates go on to impact the world in a wide variety of fields. And there are many who make an impact long before they leave. Amanda currently works two jobs while attending Vanguard. She plans to study human rights law after graduation—and help others achieve dreams they never thought possible.

Doing Good.

Find out how your gift to the University’s Excellence Fund can inspire today’s students to make a difference in their community, our country and the world, just like Amanda.

Call 714-556-3610, ext 2012 or visit www.vanguard.edu/excellencefund.

Vanguard University of Southern California. Illuminating.