...So Much More Dr. Don Meyer, President
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he unfolding story of Valley Forge Christian College is a story of God’s faithfulness and the dedication of many people to the cause of preparing servant leaders with a Christian world view. From the very beginning of our story as a summer bible institute, God’s plan for VFCC was for so much more. The years since 1939 bear witness to that plan. As VFCC celebrates its 70th anniversary, we think of the thousands of students who have been influenced by that plan to live obedient, Spirit-powered lives that have been so much more fruitful for the kingdom than they ever imagined. What God has accomplished through VFCC in just the last decade is so much more than we thought was possible. The number of students served annually has grown from less than 500 to more than 1,000; academic offerings which totaled seven have reached 25 with more being announced each year; the quality of a VFCC education is now documented by way of regional accreditation; a graduate school now meets the growing needs of those who desire to push the limits of knowledge and excellence in their calling; and just recently the VFCC board set a path for the next stage of our development as we pursue university status. It is all so much more than could have been thought just a few years ago. As this edition of The Forge reveals, the VFCC story is about so much more than a diploma and a degree. That story is a story about people seeking and living out God’s call to excellence, doing all things as unto Him, where ever that call takes them. The story includes chapters about missions trips and marriages, basketball and babies, homecomings and home-goings, serving and learning about God in many ways and places. The VFCC story is a story of God working through His people; people who seek after Him as they teach, learn, serve, lead, and live in His will. You can find these people in 45 countries around the world, in the church and in the marketplace, in classrooms and boardrooms, in places known and visible to many and in places unknown and unimagined. By the grace and anointing of God, VFCC people are doing so much more than their many talents and abilities allow. I hope you enjoy this narrative and graphic journey through the last few months at the Forge. As you learn how God is calling, preparing, and leading the next generation through VFCC, may that knowledge birth in you the understanding that He is able to do so much more than any of us could ask or think.
Board of Trustees
‘It’s Your Turn Now’ Honoring the class of 2009
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Athletics Men’s Patriot’s - True Champions O.L. Harrup Award
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Community News Run for Dana Marie Patriot Classic, & Miss Christian USA
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VFCC News
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Alumni Updates
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THE FORGE is a free publication of Valley Forge Christian College. It is mailed to alumni, northeast region churches, and friends of the College. Address changes and inquiries regarding THE FORGE may be addressed to: Advancement Office Valley Forge Christian College 1401 Charlestown Road • Phoenixville, PA 19460 610-917-1406 • www.vfcc.edu • vfcc@vfcc.edu
Rev. Arthur Adams Dr. Michael Adewumi Rev. Manuel Alvarez Rev. Michael Bacchus Mr. Jonas Beiler Dr. April Bender Mrs. Lillian Beretta Rev. David Boudwin Rev. J. Kenneth Burtram Rev. Carl Colletti Mr. Thomas (Bucky) Deleasa Rev. Douglas DeMent Dr. Duane Durst Dr. Russell Eggert Mr. Kevin Gagnon Dr. Deborah Gill Rev. Mearle Grossglass Rev. Larry Hickey Rev. Fabian Kalapuch Rev. David Kim Rev. Nam Soo Kim Rev. Bryan Koch Rev. Joo Nam Lee Rev. Mark Lehmann Mr. David Maracle Rev. Dennis Marquardt Rev. Elly Marroquin Rev. John May Dr. Don Meyer Rev. Timothy Moen Rev. Philip Morgan Rev. John Paproski Rev. Gary Pierson Rev. Rafael Reyes Dr. H. Robert Rhoden Rev. Cesar Rodriguez Rev. Douglas Sayers Rev. Ed Shearer Rev. Ronald Squibb Rev. Stephen Tourville Rev. Wayde Wilson Rev. Robert Wise
GRADUATION 2009 ‘It’s Your Turn Now’ Graduation Address Presented by Admiral, Vern Clark, USN, (ret.)
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t’s really special for us to be here, because today marks a momentous event in the life of our graduates. Your academic achievements and the friendships that you have established at Valley Forge Christian College will continue to enrich you for the rest of your life. It’s not just a special day for you graduates, there are other vested parties here. I can feel a lot of pride and happiness in this audience today. Let’s understand each other; we all know that I was invited here today because I had an interesting 37 year career running a little company with a $120 billion budget, called the United States Navy. The Navy is made up of young people just like you. It was a privilege for me to start early and finish as the oldest sailor and to be part of what is now known as the greatest
Admiral Vernon Clark
navy that has ever existed in the history of man. I want to start by telling you a little sea story. The date was December 7, 2001, almost 3 months to the day after 9/11. I’d been the chief for a little over a year. On this particular day it was the 60th commemoration of the attack on Pearl Harbor and they asked me to come and speak. The event was on the USS Arizona. The Arizona memorial sits right on top of the battleship where over 1,100 sailors and marines are entombed still today. To be on the memorial that day you had to be a representative of one of the veteran’s groups. In my discussions with the veterans before the event, I learned something. They were proud of what they did. My message to them that day was to thank them for bringing the Pacific fleet of the United States Navy off the floor of that harbor and back to life representing the ideals of the United States of America - taking on an enemy who wanted our demise. On that day, I was so moved as each organization was called out. These old guys, their backs bowed by the years, would come up, take a flower, drop it into the water, and salute their fallen shipmates. The question they had of me was, ‘Does this next generation have what it takes to represent the United States of America?’ That was their question. That day I stood there and I told them, ‘In 1941, it was your turn. We understand now it’s our turn.’ For the next two years every place I went to talk to my sailors (500,000 of them counting all the reserves and active force) I told them that story and reminded them that it was our turn now. My message to you today is, it’s your turn now. Over the course of the recent years, I’ve learned a lot about your generation. You are part of the millennial generation, the most studied generation in history. You are the first generation ever in history to grow up from the cradle in the digital age.
You are ambitious. You don’t want shallow promises from my generation. You want opportunity. Although challenged by recent events, you are a confident group. What you want from the older generation is a chance to prove what you can do, to prove that yours is a generation that simply asks for a chance to make a difference. I want you to know that as I have observed your generation, I’ve been impressed; and now it’s your turn. I spend a lot of time talking about leadership. I’ve learned that a leader’s first responsibility is to confront and define reality. Reality for this distinguished graduating class is that you deploy into a world that is not trouble free. As I thought about today’s commencement and about the journey that you are on I reflected upon my own journey and the principles taught to me by my mentors and other leaders - leaders that influenced my life. I
GRADUATION 2009
want to share thoughts with you on three topics: challenge, opportunity and service. Let’s talk about challenge. You are walking into a messy world. I’m sorry. This is an admittance that my generation has not solved the problems of the world. In fact, we really messed some things up. This is not an admission I’m proud of. I wish it were different - but it’s your turn now.
If I summarize my whole life, it’s a life where I went through open doors. With challenge comes opportunity. Everyone is presented with opportunities. What you do with opportunity is important. It is important to you and to everyone around you. When talking about future success, I’ve heard people say, ‘you just have to be
Admiral Clark Admiral Clark completed a distinguished 37-year Navy career in 2005. His Navy experience spans his early days in command of a Patrol Gunboat as a Lieutenant and concluded in the halls of the Pentagon as the Chief of Naval Operations and a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Admiral Clark’s tenure as CNO was a period of significant change and renewed vision. He was the second longest serving CNO in history. In 2002 he charted a course for the future by publishing Sea Power 21, a vision for the first part of the 21st century to exploit the advantages of operating from the world’s oceans. His number one priority was to “win the battle for people,” which led to the development of a 21st century human capital strategy and revolution of the training, development and assignment processes within the Navy. The result was the best recruiting and retention in history. Finally, he forged an effort to build the Navy into an enterprise which would be able to compete in the 21st century market place leading to billions of dollars in savings for the taxpayers of the nation and the highest operational readiness the Navy had witnessed in decades. Admiral Clark has received numerous military decorations for his service including four awards of the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, three Navy Distinguished Medals, and three awards of the Legion of Merit. Admiral Clark earned his undergraduate degree from Evangel College in Springfield, Missouri, and a MBA from the University of Arkansas. He has since received Honorary Doctorate degrees from the University of Toledo, Old Dominion University, Northwest University and Palm Beach Atlantic University. In retirement, Admiral Clark remains active accepting speaking engagements and serving on numerous Boards. He and his wife, Connie, reside in Arizona and Virginia.
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GRADUATION 2009
The 70th Annual Commencement exercises took place on Friday, May 8, 2009, in the Main Chapel at Valley Forge Christian College. A week of rain saturated the grounds and forced the ceremony inside. With adequate overflow spaces family and friends were able to watch the one hundred and fifty-seven graduates receive their diplomas. Among those earning their degree were Raquel Childers and Ashley Gillispie, the first to complete the Bachelor of Social Work Degree which received approval from the PA Dept. of Education in 2007. Class President, Heath Catalfamo presented the class gift, a beautiful tree to be planted on the campus with a plaque recognizing the class officers. Earlier in the day the annual Baccalaureate Ceremony took place at 10:00 a.m. in the Main Chapel. Student speakers included Elizabeth Dippold and Stephen DiTrolio. Senior class advisor, Professor Malcolm Brubaker also shared his thoughts with the graduates.
lucky.’ I heard others say, what you really need to do is to figure out what you really like to do, and then figure out how to make money doing it. Somebody else told me early in my career, ‘Vern, you have to plan this to the nth degree. Every move you have to pre-program.’ Well, graduates, I don’t agree with any of those things. Here’s what I want to leave with you today. If you’re a believer, doors are going to open for you. If I summarize my whole life, it’s a life where I went through open doors. God has a calling for you. He has a specific plan for your life. If you remember nothing else I say today, I hope you remember that Vern Clark believes in the calling of every believer. He is faithful. I love your class verse, ‘The one who called you is faithful and he will do it.’ Who says that Nike doesn’t follow the scriptures? Now think about this. Why do I believe this? Well, how in the world could a kid from Evangel College end up being an Admiral in the United States Navy? Even talking to the faculty before the event, one of them thought, ‘well, yes he graduated from Evangel, but he must have gone to the Naval Academy to get to be the Chief of the Navy.’ No, that’s not the way it happened. I happen to be the second person in history who didn’t go to the academy and ended up as the chief. How could a kid from a Pentecostal liberal arts education become the Chief of the Navy? Well, trust it and believe it, opportu-
nity is going to come. It’s your turn now. Service. In my former life I tried to make it a point to never speak to an audience without talking about service. Romans chapter 12: ‘I urge you brothers, sisters, in view of God’s mercy to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, this is your reasonable service.’ Now it’s already been said, a lot of people have invested in you to get you to this point. They were serving and it’s your turn now. We need Americans who want to make America great. It’s your turn now. To really serve, you have to continue growing and developing. You started here, at Valley Forge, but here’s the really important part: I believe to successfully serve we have to commit ourselves to lifelong growth, lifelong learning. I told all my leaders in the Navy, including the admirals, if you’re not growing, you’re dead. This is part of the lifestyle of service. It’s your turn now. I view you and your potential, your calling exactly the same as I have thousands of young leaders that we launched in the Navy. People are going to be watching you, testing you, wanting and even hoping to believe in you, and when you succeed the rewards are just incredible. Our nation needs you to be successful. The kingdom needs you to be successful. It’s your turn now. I am very confident that you’re going to succeed. The basis of that confidence is founded on experience, mine and thousands of others who sat where you’re sitting today and have successfully launched themselves into that world. That is the American way.
GRADUATION 2009 I also know this: I know how important committed people are to success and victory in any setting. You’re walking into a world where commitment is highly valued, where it really matters. The world is looking for people willing to serve.
I want you to know that this old sailor believes that being a Christian has been a fabulous advantage. I close with these thoughts. There are three questions we have to ask ourselves that help us become successful in leadership and in life. Those questions are: Who are we? What do we believe in? Where are we going? It’s amazing to me how many people have never thought about those questions. Do you want to make a difference out there? Who are you? What do you believe in? Where are you going? I don’t know if you’ve ever had a speaker come to commencement from the public domain that was more like you. I went to Evangel College. We had 600 students. We had chapel like this. I admit to wondering how it was going to go when I got out of there. I walked through open doors. Some people thought being a Christian is risky business. Some thought it’s a disadvantage and like me, some felt insecure when they launched themselves out in that world. My question remains who are we, what do we believe in, and where are we going? You can add to that, who do we trust? When I was a one star I was commanding a carrier battle group. We had a Southern Baptist chaplain on the carrier. The carrier was my flagship. The South-
ern Baptist convention sent a camera crew to document his life and put it on television. When they got there they asked him what church was going to be like on Sunday, what kind of crowd would there be. He looked at them and said, ‘I don’t ever know how many people I’m going to have but I know one guy who will be there, the admiral, on the second row, first seat. That’s his spot.’ They came to see me and said ‘can you talk to us about your faith and what it means in your life, in the Navy?’ I told them if they talked to the Chief of the Navy and asked him what he was looking for in officers serving under him, he would talk about the requirement to choose dedicated people, determined, mission committed people who know how to commit; leaders who know how to lead; people who believe in service; people of integrity whose ‘yes’ means yes and ‘no’ means no. It strikes me that all of those characteristics are consistent with Christian values. I want you to know that this old sailor believes that being a Christian has been a fabulous advantage. Christians have an advantage because we know who we are, we know what we believe in, and we know
where we’re going. Our nation and the kingdom needs gifted young men and women, committed, dedicated men and women like you, future leaders like you, to step up in every community and in every walk of life. It’s your turn now. My wish for you is that you would be incredibly successful as you set out to make the world a better place, living examples of people who know who they are, know what they believe, and know where they’re going. My wish continues that you would insure that this nation called the United States of America, one nation under God, continues to be the lighthouse of hope and the beacon of liberty. May God bless you. May God bless Valley Forge Christian College. May God bless America.
School of Graduate Studies VFCC Professor, Richard (Dick) Gruber was the first graduate from the Valley Forge Christian College School of Graduate Studies. He earned his Master of Arts Degree in Christian Leadership and graduated with highest honors. Professor Gruber has been the Children’s Ministry specialist since 2001. He has been involved as a leader in children’s ministries since 1975. Professor Gruber is an ordained minister with the Assemblies of God and has ministered to children and those who serve children across America, Australia, Argentina, Saipan, Tinian, Mexico, New Zealand, Trinidad/Tobago, Canada and Northern Ireland. Over 200 of his articles have been published in such magazines as the Pentecostal Evangel, Enrichment and Children’s Ministries Magazine. His two books, Children’s Church: Turning your Circus into a Service, and Focus on Children, have become standards in children’s ministry training. Professor Gruber plans to pursue his doctoral studies at AGTS. He and his wife, Darlene have four children, and six grandchildren. They make their home in Limerick, PA.
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008-2009 will always be remembered as the best year in the history of men’s basketball at VFCC. Not only did they have their best record ever (28-8) and win the NCCAA (National Christian College Athletic Association ) Division II Regional Championship for the second year
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in a row, they also earned the number 2 seed in the nation for the final 8 National Tournament in Springfield, MO. FCC’s first game on Thursday, March 12, against South Region Champions Wesley College was a nail-biter which the Patriots hung on to win 64-63 and advance to the semi-final round. On
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Friday they played the Central Region Champions, Manhattan Christian College, in another intense and exciting game. The Patriots once again held on for a 6864 win and the opportunity to play for the championship. n Saturday, March 14, the Patriots took to the court against
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Daughter follows in Dad’s Footsteps Receives Prestigious
Improved (’06-’07), and NCCAA II All-East Region Second Team. Early this year Tiffany reached an impressive milestone with 1,250 career assists. Following his graduation from VFCC, Bob & his wife, Stephanie (Leuzze) ’87, entered the ministry. They are the parents of four children, and recently added a son-in-law to the family when Tiffany married Dave Lanzone ’08. The senior Huletts presently live in New York but are in the process of transitioning to Parkesburg, PA, this
Tiffany is an Elementary Education major and will be graduating fall 2009. She has played four years on the VFCC volleyball team. During her first year she was a defensive player for the Lady Patriots and the next three years she was the starting setter while serving as the captain of the team. Among her other accomplishments on the court, Tiffany received the Newcomer of Twenty-five years later his daughter, the year award Tiffany, received the same award (’05-’06), Most
O.L. Harrup Award
summer to serve as the Family Life Pastors at Freedom Life Christian Center in Christiana, PA. Dave and Tiffany are both employed at VFCC, Tiffany in the Advancement Office and Dave in the Admissions Office. Tiffany will be completing her student teaching this fall. The couple currently lives in Collegeville, PA.
Named in honor of the first President of VFCC, Obie L. Harrup, the prestigious O.L. Harrup Award is given each year to an outstanding male and female athlete, who exhibits athletic talent, academic excellence, spiritual growth, and leadership ability. In 1984, senior Bob Hulett received the award as the forward/center of the men’s basketball team. Twenty-five years later his daughter, Tiffany, received the same award for her contribution to the women’s volleyball team.
the #1 seed, Grace Bible College. The Tigers had cruised to the championship game winning their quarter final and semi-final tournament games by an average of 15 points. They were undefeated during the entire season. The Patriots played like true Champions. However, with five minutes remaining, they found themselves down by seven points. The Patriots put forth a tremendous defensive effort forcing the Tigers into 15 turnovers, which were converted
into 21 points. With seconds left, and in possession of the ball, the pressure on the young men was enormous. When the buzzer sounded, the Patriots found themselves just two points shy of the much coveted national championship. The final score was 74-72.
“ Patriots played The
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like true champions
and three steals. Senior Justyn Mitchell recorded 17 points on 7-of-11 shooting from the field, including a 2-for-3 showing from the perimeter. Mitchell also tied for a team-high four rebounds. Freshman Michael Stum earned 14 points and a team-high four boards. ongratulations Coach Mack and the 2008-2009 men’s basketball team, you truly have the mark of champions and we congratulate you for an incredible season.
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utstanding individual performances included senior Nate Stoner, who led all scorers with 20 points. Stoner also recorded four rebounds
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The Run for Dana Marie created a memorial fund which provided scholarship money every year for two Phoenixville High School seniors.
his year VFCC initiated a new class, PHE 261 – 5K Dana Marie & Beyond, in an attempt to stay connected with our Phoenixville Family as well as to provide a physical conditioning program for our students. The class, taught by professor Kathy Terragnoli, focused on a semester-long quest of training to either run or walk in a 5K (five kilometers, which equals 3.1 miles) and cumulated with the Run for Dana Marie on Sunday afternoon, April 26, 2009. The Run for Dana Marie is a race that was established to honor the memory of Dana Marie Carr, who was tragically killed in 1998, when she was just a second-grader. It was her dream to become a teacher. The Run for Dana Marie created a memorial fund which provides scholarship money every year for two Phoenixville High School seniors who are planning to become teachers. Since the inception of this race in 1999, not only have approximately twenty students been blessed by this scholarship, but at least three recipients are now teachers in the Phoenixville School System! As the morning dawned on race day, we awoke to a beautiful sunny day which unfortunately evolved into sweltering ninety-plus degree heat with high humidity. In spite of this physical challenge, fortytwo VFCC participants (of over four hundred total racers) rose to the challenge and came away with five medals! We honor the Carr Family, Debbie and Stephen (Dana Marie’s parents) and Brian and Scott (her brothers), for their strength and courage which helped turn tragedy into triumph! Nothing can ever replace the loss of a child or sibling; however, an event such as this helps to keep a special and precious memory alive forever! We at VFCC are happy and proud to have been a part of this event over the last nine years and we will continue to remember the Carr family and friends of Dana Marie in our thoughts and prayers.
Run for Dana Marie
-Professor Kathy Terragnoli ‘83, Joshua Guevin, Daniel Guevin, Kim Guevin and Melissa McSurdy ‘03
Congratulations to The Place-Winners: *Ronshea Vargas (VFCC Staff) – 1st Place – Men/20-29 *Brannon Dayton (VFCC Student) – 1st Place – Women/20-29 *Melissa McSurdy (2003 VFCC Graduate) – 2nd Place – W/20-29 *Amy McNaughton (former VFCC professor) – 2nd Place - W/40-49 *Seth McNaughton (Amy’s son) – 3rd Place – M/15-19 Kathy (“MissT”) Terragnoli (VFCC professor) – 4th Place F/50-59 Jim Armpriester (VFCC Student) – 5th Place M/15-19 * Medal Winners Congratulations to all the VFCC Participants. Your effort and determination as well as your support for the Carr Family was a wonderful contribution to this very worthy cause!
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Dana Marie
VFCC Grad
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nal io t a n r e t n I n ia t Miss Chris
2006, gan in the Fall of be CC VF at y ne jour od began Elena Paz’s (‘09) tian education. G ris Ch a ue rs pu d to rtunity when she felt calle es. One such oppo iti un rt po op g in amaz opening doors of pageant, Miss Christian beauty a in n io at ip ic rt portunity, was her pa rprised by the op su as w a en El l. iona Christian Internat ch an amazing to believe that su rd ha it d un fo I auty, faith, “At first celebrates the be at th t an ge pa a ted organization exis .” Christian women d was and character of try of Honduras an un co e tiv na r he d perience Elena represente l. Through the ex na io at rn te In n ristia in her crowned Miss Ch me more involved co be to ity un rt po she has had the op various ministries. aling community and in lved in spiritual he vo in is l na io at rn te mestic Miss Christian In counseling, and do n, io at uc ed th al he on entering ministries such as logy major and so ho yc Ps a g in Be n. s these violence educatio logy, Elena believe ho yc Ps lth ea H in m y guidance a graduate progra dividuals find godl in lp he to l ta vi e ar t importantly areas of ministry Elena says, “Mos e. lif y th al he a ad our Lord and courage to le read the Gospel of sp to us w lo al y tr is these areas of min Christ.” ntinues to and Savior Jesus venth year and co se its in tly en rr e second The pageant is cu past April was th is Th s. ay w le ib ed pel Music be blessed in incr invited by the Gos e er w s nt ta es nt year the co 40th Annual presenters at the hy op tr be to l ne Chan Dove Awards. nization g part of an orga Elena enjoys bein tian e beauty of Chris that celebrates th unity the eciates the opport women. She appr e others s her to encourag organization give riences ’s love. These expe as she shares God d to grow in faith an have allowed her . Elena g woman of God mature as a youn ar of reign be a desires that her ye r other women “godly example fo g women, in a especially for youn to overlook these world that tends .” essential qualities
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Patriot Classic
-Winning Foursome
Golf Tournament The seventh annual Patriot Classic Golf Tournament took place as scheduled on Thursday, June 4, 2009, at the Kimberton Golf Course. Even though, for the first time in seven years, the skies did not part and the sun did not shine, the spirits of the 142 golfers were not the least bit dampened by the bleak forecast. The cool weather and intermittent showers kept the golfers cool and refreshed as they once again tackled the beautiful course. Following the completion of golf a dinner was held in the Main Chapel at the college. Winners were announced and door prizes were awarded. The winning foursome with 10 under par went to Russ Eggert, Christian Arendt, Bob West and Mike Van Horn. Finishing a close second were Barry Brodt, Barry E. Brodt, Ryan Brodt, and Maxwell Bassman. Individual prizes were won by Brian Coles, Doug Sayers, and Dan Miller. This year’s tournament was another successful event raising thousands of dollars for scholarships which will be awarded to VFCC students for the 20092010 academic year. The field was full three weeks prior to the event and several foursome’s were turned away due to a lack of space. Next year’s tournament will be held on Thursday, June 3, 2010, at the same location.
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COLLEGE NEWS Professor Travels to India
Professor Malcolm Brubaker returned from a fact-finding trip to North India in search of materials and personal accounts of early Assemblies of God missionaries. His dissertation for his Ph.D. in Renewal Studies is about that history. Missionary-in-Residence and 1991 VFCC alumnus, Dr. Nick Robertson, accompanied Professor Brubaker on the trip. They met with Dr. P. C. Samuel, General Secretary of the Assemblies of God of North India, who gave them first-hand accounts of AG missionaries who have served this primarily Hindustani-speaking part of the country. Their week-long tour took them to Delhi, the nation’s capital, Mussoorie, a frequent missionary retreat and language study center in the foothills of the Himalayan mountains, and to Lucknow, long-term center of Methodist and AG missionary activity. At the North India District Council office in Lucknow, they found some forgotten records of missionary correspondence. Some of the material goes back to the earliest days of AG work in North India (see photo). The Assemblies of God World Missions hopes to bring these materials for permanent storage in their Springfield, Missouri, archives. Professor Brubaker hopes his efforts will be a catalyst for more research and Malcolm Brubaker with ‘forgotten records’. preservation of the rich missions history of the Assemblies of God.
VFCC Offers New Degrees
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English and Secondary Education
Master of Music Degree
Valley Forge Christian College is pleased to announce the Fall 2009 launch of the Bachelor of Arts program in English Language and Literature and the Bachelor of Science program in Secondary English Education. The English Language program curriculum integrates the development of professional skills in the English language with development of a Christian world view that includes knowledge of the Bible, Christian thought, and personal spiritual development. Students completing this program will be prepared for graduate study in English and other fields. In addition, students completing the Bachelor of Science program in Secondary English Education will be qualified to receive PA state certification to teach English and English related subjects in Pennsylvania’s public and private secondary schools, grades 7-12. Both programs are eligible for the New Major Scholarship.
VFCC has been informed by Dr. Gerald Zahorchak, PA Secretary of Education, that the third Master’s Program has been approved. The new program in Music Technology will lead to a Master of Music degree. This degree is designed for professional musicians, performers, music educators, music ministers, music producers, composers and songwriters, and developers of music and media projects. The intent is to provide creative artists and communicators with the musical and technical expertise necessary to integrate their work into a wide range of media including, but not limited to, church settings, broadcast, recordings, web pages, and software. Most of the program can be completed through distance learning. The distance-learning option will better serve the needs of students who are actively involved in places of ministry and cannot relocate to the College. The curriculum is designed to assure that students are exposed to the latest technology and research studies in music technology. A research project with a strong emphasis on creativity and artistry will be required. Tracks will be offered in three areas: Production, Education and Composition. The degree will require 33 credit hours for completion.
ALUMNI Homecoming & Family Weekend 2008 “Forging Connections” Recap
Class of 1958 with spouses and guests.
VFCC welcomed alumni and their families back to campus beginning Wednesday, October 22nd with featured chapel speakers, Revs. Joe ’99 and Abi (Graham) ’97 Cyr. On Thursday, Revs. Guy ’89 and Tana (Zinnanti) ’89 Miller, visited VFCC as the featured chapel speakers and the class of 1958 arrived on campus to celebrate their 50th Anniversary Class Reunion. The class of 1958 has taken a leadership role in fund raising for the Nicholas J. Tavani Scholarship Fund. This class, as well as several others touched by the life of Dr. Tavani, has contributed
Permanent Email Accounts for VFCC Alumni!!! A new permanent email account will help you to stay connected with friends, former classmates, professors, and your Forge family. Use the calendar and task list features to organize or plan your busy schedule. Keep up to date with school functions and connect on Facebook or other social networking sites. If you are a graduate and have not already activated your alumni email account, please contact our alumni office (alumni@vfcc.edu) to get connected! This new account will be active as long as you log in once every 180 days. Don’t forget to check out our “Cyber Connection” at Homecoming 2009 where alumni will be able to connect to their email accounts, check out the VFCC Facebook account and ask representatives from the Information Technology department various questions to help them stay connected to VFCC and to each other. What a wonderful time to connect or reconnect with old friends!
more than $30,000 to date. Mr. Craig Tavani, Dr. Tavani’s youngest son, was the guest speaker for this reunion. On Friday, alumni from across the generations enjoyed a variety of activities beginning with a continental breakfast and a thoughtprovoking, poignant chapel message delivered by this year’s chapel speaker, Rev. Eran Holt ’96. Class reunion luncheons for the classes of 1988, 1998 and 2003 were held along with coffee connections for athletes, musicians, master’s degree candidates, “patriot mates” and faculty. Rev. Reuben Hartwick hosted a short bus trip to Green Lane for alumni wanting to visit the old campus and take a walk down memory lane. Alumni athletes enjoyed an opportunity to suit-up against the women’s volleyball team and the men’s soccer team for an afternoon of fun and fellowship on the court and on the field. As evening approached, parents, friends, students and alumni gathered for the “Forging Connections” banquet. This year’s Distinguished Alumni Service Award recipients, Young Alumni Service Award recipients and the Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees were honored. Members of the senior class were welcomed into the alumni association and presented with a gift. Concluding this evening’s events were the traditional Homecoming basketball game and a spectacular fireworks display. Saturday brought with it a lovely Family Weekend Brunch where more than 150 parents and students gathered to celebrate.
Class Notes & News Don’t forget to send all your news to alumni@vfcc.edu so it can be included in our next issue of “The Forge” magazine. We are looking for career updates, additions to your family, marriage announcements, etc. If you don’t have email, please mail your information along with a current home address and phone number to: Alumni Services Office, 1401 Charlestown Road, Phoenixville, PA 19460.
New Babies: Welcome to VFCC Family! If you have a new baby, please contact the alumni office with details of your new arrival. We would like to include the baby’s information and photo in “The Forge” magazine each year. Plus, we have a very special gift for each newborn. Send your information to alumni@vfcc.edu.
Trevor Gordon Hall VFCC Alum, Trevor Gordon Hall ’07, is pursuing a career in the music industry. Trevor is a talented guitarist and song writer who recently signed with the Revel Music record label which is operated by nine time Grammy winner Joe Nicolo. “Finding my Way”, Trevor’s first album with Revel Music was recorded at the legendary Studio 4 outside of Philadelphia. In reflection of his recent success Trevor notes, “I am so grateful not only for the opportunities that have come my way but also for the years of preparation when nothing seemed to be happening. Those quiet and uneventful times keep me grounded and actually give me something to write music about!” Trevor and his wife, Erin (Jacques) ’06, currently live in Spring City, PA.
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ALUMNI UPDATES FUTURE PATRIOTS Christina (Sanchez) ’05 and Joshua Torres ’05 are thrilled with the arrival of Alayna Sophia. Alayna was born on January 29, 2009, weighing 6 lbs. 13 oz. and 18 ½ in. long. Joshua served as an Admissions Counselor at the college for four years and recently accepted the position of Children’s Pastor at Calvary Assembly of God in Wyncote, PA. Jackson Cade Cogle was born to Erica (Caston) ’07 and Travis Cogle ’06 on July 18, 2008. Jackson entered the world a bit early weighing 6 lbs. 4 oz. and measuring 19 ½ in. long. The Cogle’s are living in Maryland where Erica is working at a pregnancy center and Travis is staying busy with contractual work while pursuing several career opportunities. Beth (Dawson) ’02 and Nathan Wiles ’04 welcome their first child Colton William on September 27, 2008. Colton weighed 6 lbs. 7 oz. and was 20 in. long. Nathan is currently teaching Special Education while Beth is teaching 5th grade. The Wiles are living in Frederick, MD. Kelly (Beatty) ’02 and Doug Black, Jr. ‘03 announce the birth of their first child, Claire Aileen, on November 15, 2008. Claire weighed 6 lbs. 15 oz. and was 20 in. long. Doug has been serving as the youth and worship/media pastor of Cornerstone Christian Fellowship in Abington, PA, since 2003. Kelly has been serving in
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the youth and worship team at the church. The family is living in Rydal, PA. Stephanie (Hemker) ’05 and Michael Smith ’04 are pleased to announce the birth of their first child, Zedakaiah Michael, on December 3, 2008. Zedakaiah weighed 7 lbs. 11 oz. and was 20 in. long. Michael is presently working in the VFCC IT Department as the Senior DBA/Programmer and Stephanie is staying home with Zed. The Smiths are living in Spring City, PA. Avery Justice Krider was born to Leah (Redinger) ’00 and Andy Krider on October 10, 2008, at The Birth Center in Bryn Mawr. Avery arrived weighing 6 lbs. 5 oz. and was 19 in. long. She joins big sister Olivia, 2. Leah is enjoying staying home with her daughters. Jennifer (Symons) ’07 and Jonathan Lau ’07 are pleased to announce the birth of their first child, Joshua Michael. Joshua was born on July 20, 2008, weighing 6 lbs. 13 oz. and was 20 in. long. The couple is making their home in Swoyersville, PA. Rebecca (McAtee) ’06 and Ron Gale ’05 announce the arrival of Morgan Faith on December 31, 2008. Morgan weighed 6 lbs. 6 oz. and was 19 in. long. The Gale’s are living in Newville, PA, where Ron is serving as the youth pastor/ worship leader at Newville AG and Rebecca is enjoying being a stay-at-home mom.
Candace Rose was born on May 29, 2009, to Tammy (Rebuck) ’03 and Joshua Hopple ’03. Candace weighed 7 lbs. 8 oz. and was 18 ½ in. long. She joins big brother Josiah, 3. The Hopples are ministering as children’s pastors in Jolie, IL. Jeff Deitrich ’06 and his wife Leah are eagerly anticipating the arrival of their adopted son Titus. Titus was born on September 6, 2007, in Liberia. Jeff is the senior pastor of Freedom Valley Worship Center in Hanover, PA. Katelyn Elizabeth Czaja was welcomed into the world on October 2, 2009. She weighed 8 lbs. 10 oz. Her parents are Michelle and Tim Czaja ’05. Big sister Emily, 2, loves playing with her little sister.
ENGAGEMENTS Kyle Burke ‘09 and Sarah Ross ‘07 are planning to be married on July 25, 2009, in Penn Yan, New York. After the wedding they will be living in Phoenixville, PA, where Kyle is a store manager and music minister and Sarah is an elementary music teacher. Brian Lee ’07 and Victoria Petrolle ’07 are engaged and planning an October wedding in Binghamton, NY. Both Brian and Victoria are employed at the college, Brian as a Media Specialist and Victoria as a faculty secretary.
ALUMNI UPDATES WEDDINGS Carlie Campbell ’09 and Shawn Galla ’08 were married on June 27, 2009, in Carlie’s hometown of Fredericksburg, VA. Shawn is ministering at First Assembly of God in New Castle, PA, as the youth pastor. Carlie will begin working on her Master’s Degree in Adolescent Community Counseling at Slippery Rock University. Kelly Kohler ‘09 and Justin Gruber ’11 were married on June 27, 2009, in Grantville, PA. Justin is majoring in Music Education and Kelly recently completed her degree in Elementary Education and has been working in the Phoenixville school system. The couple will make their home in Phoenixville. Heather Gillson ’09 and Ray Corbo ’08 were married on August 2, 2008. Heather is currently working as a full time nanny in New Jersey and Ray will be attending graduate school in the fall at Nyack college in Nyack, New York, studying Marriage and Family Therapy. The couple will be living in Clifton, New Jersey. Donovan Reed ’09 and Sarah Goocey ’08 began their lives together in December 2008. The couple is living in Rocky Mount, NC, where Sarah is a youth pastor and Donovan is currently working as an assistant manager. The couple minister together
and are preparing to take the youth on a missions trip to Jamaica this summer. Amber Schnapp ’09 and Michael Vieira ’09 became husband and wife on May 16, 2009. Mike is planning to get his Master’s Degree in criminal justice and work with teens in law enforcement. Amber will be working in the accounting field while preparing for her CPA. The couple are living in Nazareth, PA. Dave Lanzone ’07 and Tiffany Hulett ’10 were married on Friday, June 5, 2009, at Freedom Life Christian Center in Christiana, PA. Dave is presently employed at VFCC in the Admissions Department and Tiffany will be completing her student teaching this fall. The newlyweds will make their home in Collegeville, PA. Jenyne DeMartino ’05 married Chad Ward on May 3, 2008, in Ridley Creek State Park in Media, Pennsylvania. The couple is in ministry as co-leaders of the young adults ministry at the Power Place Church in Kennett Square, PA.
with his wife, Elizabeth, as house parents at the Highlands maternity Home in Hot Springs, AR. At the time of his death, Rev. Wilkinson was the Care Pastor at Calvary AG in Atlanta, GA. His wife preceded him in death in 2003. Rev. Wilkinson is survived by two daughters, three grandchildren, five great grandchildren and two great, great grandchildren. His 13 year old great grandson was recently called into full time ministry, continuing the legacy of his great grandfather. Mary C. (Garns) Krempels, ’44 passed away peacefully at home on August 4, 2008. Upon graduation from EBI, she accepted the position of dean of women and nursing instructor at the college. She married Robert A. Krempels in 1944, and the couple served at the college for nine years before pastoring churches in Canada, New Jersey and Massachusetts over the next 44 years. Besides her husband, Mary is survived by her three children and their spouses, and three grandchildren. Esther (Ingraldi) Hamercheck ‘77 of Penns Grove, NJ, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, March 20, 2009, with her loving family by her side. Esther was born in Philadelphia to Leonard and Carmelia Ingraldi. She and her husband, Rev. John R. Hamercheck Jr., ministered in Penns Grove, where they lived for the past 35 years, he preceded her in death in 2007. Esther is survived by her sister, Ruth, three nephews, three great-nieces and three great-nephews.
WITH THE LORD On August 15, 2008, Josiah David Ireland went home to be with the Lord. Josiah was stillborn following an induced labor. His parents are Paula and Jerry Ireland (‘04-‘05) AG missionaries to Zambia. A memorial service was held on August 23 at Lohmeyer Funeral Home in Springfield, MO. Rev. James Wilkinson ’45 went home to be with the Lord on March 4, 2008, at the age of 83. For over sixty years Rev. Wilkinson ministered in churches throughout Virginia and Maryland as well as serving
OTHER NEWS Justin DeMartino ’07 was recently selected as a full time cast member for the Sight and Sound Theater production of “In the Beginning.” Sight and Sound is the largest Christian theater in the country and is located in Lancaster County Pennsylvania. Justin is married to Jamie (Kuert) ’05 and the couple live in Elizabethtown, PA.
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Aqua Amphitheatre Central Park First Zip Line at Sea Spa and Fitness Center
Boardwalk Carousel Royal Promenade with Mezzanine 2 Rock Walls
A publication of: Valley Forge Christian College 1401 Charlestown Road Phoenixville, PA 19460 www.vfcc.edu CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED
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