colorado christian connection-fall 10-pgs
TRANSCRIPT
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A Publication to the CCU Community Fall 2
Colorado Christian
We envision graduates who think critically and creatively, lead with high ethical and professional standards,
embody the character and compassion of Jesus Christ, and who thereby are prepared to impact the world.
CCU’s Year of Evangelism paHigh Standards for School of Business and Leadership pa
One Freshman’s Story paAlumni News pa
CCU Recognized by National Evaluation Board pa
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THE YEAR OF
EVANGELISM
Vision Tools
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Penn Jillette, one half of the Las Vegas-based comedy and magic duo Penn and Teller, is not exactly known for his afnity
Christians. In fact, he is a well known outspoken atheist and skeptic. Shortly after one of the shows, a Christian business
pproached Penn and offered him a Bible as well as expressed an interest in talking with Penn about the Lord.
After the exchange, Penn returned to his dressing room to a video blog he keeps regularly. Rather than sharing feelings of offr annoyance, Penn’s blog expresses thoughts of respect and admiration for the businessman who stepped out to “proselytize”
n Penn’s words,
…I’ve always said, I don’t respect people who don’t proselytize, I don’t respect that at all. If you believe that there’s a he
and a hell, and people could be going to hell, or not getting eternal life, or whatever, and you think ‘it’s not really worth te
them this because it would make it socially awkward’...How much do you have to hate somebody to not proselytize? H
much do you have to hate somebody to believe everlasting life is possible and not tell them that?”1
Studies show that less than 5% of Christians ever share their relationship with God. 2 Think about this number in the contex
enn Jillette’s comments. That means 95% of people who call themselves followers of Christ, never risk the social awkwardne
haring the gospel. What does this say about our beliefs? What does this say about our heart for our non-Christian friends and fa
embers?
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In the midst of these questions, God is at work. He is igniting hearts a
Colorado in a new wave of evangelism. It seems God has placed Col
Christian University in a place of strategic inuence to see this move
spread across Colorado. To engage in this momentum CCU has declare
2010-2011 school year, “The Year of Evangelism.” This year will see
CCU student, staff, and faculty member trained to share their faith, and
practical opportunities to do so.
But, the Year of Evangelism is far bigger than an on-campus event.
is also meeting with pastors and ministry leaders across the state to pa
together in training believers in practical evangelism. The response has
overwhelming as churches and ministries are hungry for quality evangtraining. CCU sees itself as a servant to these ministries and has commit
provide resources to support the Body of Christ in this venture.
Perhaps most exciting, is the fact that God has surrounded CCU with w
class evangelism trainers who have agreed to partner in The Year of Evange
This team includes: Lee Strobel, bestselling author of The Case for C
Mark Mittelberg, bestselling author of Becoming a Contagious Christian
president and founder of Dare2Share Ministries (and CCU alumnus),
Stier. Each has agreed not only partner in training CCU students, but
to be a resource to Colorado churches.
Our hope is that the Year of Evangelism will not merely last
a calendar cycle. Instead, we believe this year’s campaign
will spark a continual focus on evangelism to become part of the DNA of CCU. Perhaps God will use CCU
and the Year of Evangelism to launch a movement of
evangelism that sweeps across the city of Denver and
the State of Colorado.
A businessman took a risk to share Christ with a Las
Vegas comedian. The result not only impacted Penn
Jillette’s life, but it serves as an example to believers
everywhere. Our non-Christian friends, neighbors,
and family members need to know of the living hope
found only in Jesus Christ. Will we love them enough
to cry out to them with the news that can transform their lives for eternity? CCU is being led by God, through the
Year of Evangelism; to do everything we can to make sure
believers answer that question, “Yes!” ■
The challenge also comes from Jesus Christ,
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations,
baptizing them in the name of the Father and of
the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teachingthem to obey everything I have commanded
you…”3
Jesus’ call on our lives is clear, as followers
of Jesus, we are to make disciples. As people
who have found life in Jesus we must take a
hard look in the mirror and ask ourselves,
“Are we taking the challenge of The
Great Commission seriously?” Is social
awkwardness, embarrassment, or even a risk of
relationship a viable excuse for not living up to
our primary calling?
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STANDARDS
HIGH{forbusinessstudents}
begin with mouse ears Visitors to Disneyland in April 2010 may have seen
Dr. Gary Ewen, dean of CCU’s School of Businessnd Leadership, crowned with a set of Mickey Mouse
ars and handing out ride passes. Was he off hiscker? Far from it.
The longtime professor of management andadership was getting insider perspective on someew standards he planned to introduce at CCU,
odeled after Disney’s highly revered businessractices. For example, business students must
ow wear professional attire on Thursdays, andapers must be written with “exacting attention to
etail” and never submitted late. Just as in a well-n company, the Business School will also seek gular performance feedback from its “customers”
parents, administrators, stakeholders). Even thoughnrollment goals have gone up, Ewen says he’s
illing to lose students who don’t agree with the newace. He’s after those who want real-world training
r their future professions, where employers willount on them to lead and thrive in high-demand
uations.
But what’s it all have to do with roller coasters andouse ears?
The springtime trip to California was a chance for Dr. Ewen
some CCU seniors to visit the Disney Institute, the acclaimed braof the company whose cutting-edge culture and strategies
recognized as top in the world.
“Whenever anyone thinks of organizations that are succes
Disney comes to mind,” he explains. “Obviously, CCU isn’t a thepark, but we can adapt Disney’s principles and commitmenexcellence in everything we do.”
Ewen also sees practical value in how these new standwill support CCU’s focus on Christian inuence in the workpla
“How can you witness if you’re incompetent?” he challenThe School’s heightened focus on professional excellence shprovide a helpful solution.
The academic standard at CCU is high, and Dr. Ewen prom
it without hesitation. As he says, “we have to remember thatstudents represent less than one percent of one percent ofhuman population, and they’re not just going to college, b
Christ-centered college.”
“As it says in Luke 12:48, ‘To whom much is given, much wilasked.’ Well, we’re doing the initial asking.” ■
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National Merit Finalist nds her ideal collegeexperience at CCU
Her charming grin and mild manner seem betting to ahomeschooler from suburban Oklahoma. But underneath
he’s a steely competitor, the youngest in a line of
high-school and college sports standouts that includeher grandparents, parents, and four older brothers. So,despite her rich athletic history, from a young age Gillian
Foster learned balance-that sports aren’t everything infe, and won’t always be there.She took it to heart, focusing on strong grades in school
o open more doors. It worked. During her junior year n high school, Gillian became a National Merit Finalist,
anking in the top one-half of a percentile among 1.5million students in America. Hundreds of academic letters
poured in fromcolleges aroundhe country
and she wasaccepted into
our selective honors programs.Simultaneously, the gifted 6’3” basketball player was
carving her own notch in family history: The summer before her senior year, she was being scouted by anumber of NCAA Division-I basketball programs.
Then her back started hurting.A shrunken disc in Gillian’s spine was pinching her
ciatic nerve, radiating pain. Instead of playing in theummer league—a homeschooler’s chance to wow
couts—she suddenly found herself laid up.Fortunately, doctors cleared her for her senior season,
and she rallied back. But Gillian had been blacklisted asoo risky by all the D-I options—even the D-IIs—and they
pulled their offers.
So when CCU’s coaches approached her aboutplaying at CCU, she listened and agreed to visit.
This was it, this was both things,
the school I thought didn’t exist.
Gillian had heard good reviews about the University,
but never seriously considered a small school way outwest. Lately, though, she wasn’t keen on her other colleg
choices: Good athletics, butlacking the desired academior vice versa, and some of th
Christian schools didn’t evenseem to place priority on thei
spiritual foundation.“[NCAA] D-II basketball, a competitive team in a toug
conference, coaches who are both encouraging and vexperienced,” she says, excitedly stringing words togethGillian enrolled at CCU, where she’s expected to be a d
threat for the Cougars at forward and post. But she’s evemore focused on her major: social science with a minor
global studies.“This was it, this was both things, the school I thought d
exist,” she says of CCU, whose academic programs and
faculty impressed her—something she wouldn’t comproon.
“GOD DEFINITELY USED THE INJURY TO HELP ME FIND MYPLACE,” she muses, thankful for four more years to play.
One day, Gillian will fold up her jersey for the last time, wprepared for the next step in her journey. ■
Before beginning the 2010-11 NCAA season, 150 Colorado Christian University student-athletes and coache
came together to complete a common task. The Cougar group made a short trip — less than ve miles — to th
Westwood neighborhood east of Lakewood to meet up with representatives from Extreme Community Makeove
ECM is an organization that began in 2008 with the goal of inviting people into partnership with residents of specic Denver neighborhoods to complete home and neighborhood improvement projects. These projects inclu
grafti removal, painting, yard work, or other projects identied by residents. Ultimately, ECM strives to bring
communities together through the building of relationships.
Statistically, ECM has found that if neighborhood alleys are clean and free of grafti, crime rates decrease in those neighborhoods. So, ar
with paint and cleaning supplies — and already dripping with sweat on the 95+ degree day — CCU’s athletes and coaches set out to make ov
eighborhood most hadn’t even known existed.
“My group was in charge of painting over the grafti on the dumpsters,” sophomore volleyball player Cassidy Burke described. “It was s
ut rewarding at the same time. While we were painting, a woman came up to us and genuinely thanked us for our help. Though we had all
met each other and we weren’t necessarily on the same athletic teams, this moment allowed for my team to bond in a way we would not ha
therwise.”
The event marked the perfect way for Cougar Athletics to kick off the university’s Year of Evangelism. Throughout the 2010-11 school y
rograms, chapels, and events will focus on the idea of spreading God’s word in our community and beyond. This year, athletic teams will
airing with ministries and groups from all over the area in an attempt to serve and minister in a way that doesn’t just involve competition.To preview the upcoming athletic season go to: www.ccu.edu/athletics. ■
Athletics Participates in City-Wide Service Day
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CCUALUMNI
C h r i sti an U n
i v e r s i t y
ssociation
ohn Lind, 1959 – John and his wife, Royce, are currently enjoying retirement
m Wycliffe Bible Translators and live in southern Arizona. They are extremely
ateful to God for allowing them to attend Rockmont those four years in the ‘50’s. We
ank the Lord for their lifetime of service and ministry.
odney Pash, 1963 – Rodney is asking for prayer for his wife, Toni, who is
ttling lung cancer. He exclaims that she is “anxious to see Jesus.” Please remember to
ep Rodney, Toni, and the Pash family in your prayers.
aggie Robberson, 1989 – Maggie retired last year from teaching in Denver
blic Schools. She now works as an Honorarium Instructor at the University of lorado in the graduate education program. She also enjoys teaching graduate courses
the University of Phoenix local campus, as well as online.
anet (Chung) Thompson, 1990 – Janet recently married her husband, Jeffrey.
e has earned her an MAED in Secondary Education and is currently nishing her
ching credentials for the state of California.
ristine (Erisman) Martin, 1994 – Kristine and her husband, Tim, just
ebrated their 2nd anniversary on July 19. She is excited to start her fth year at
rrison Road Elementary School in Spotsylvania County, VA. She also taught second
ade for a year, then third grade for three years. This year she is going back to teachcond grade.
Wendy (Roesler) Monroe, 1995 – Wendy started a new job in June as an
ministrator at Faireld and Woods, a law rm in downtown Denver. She also just
ebrated her three-year anniversary with her husband, Joel. Congratulations, Wendy,
your new job!
eroy Heyward III, 1996 – Leroy retired from the United States Army (Active)
November 2007 with more than 24 years of service. He is currently the Defense
avel Resource Advisor, Contractor for the KSARNG (Kansas Army National Guard)
support Organizational Defense Travel and Tier Help Desk support for the Defense
avel System (DTS). He also graduated from Touro University International in 2004
th an MBA. Congratulations, Leroy, on this great accomplishment!
ictoria (Krayna) Spencer, 1999 – Victoria, and her husband Daniel, are
ticipating the arrival of their fourth grandchild in December. They have four children:
sica, Jeremiah, Michael, Aaron. We will pray for a healthy new arrival!
1914
Denver BibleInstitute
1945
Denver BibleCollege
1948
Western BibleInstitute
1949
RockColle
Scott La Point, 2001 – Scott La Point is presently a third-year doctoral stud
in clinical psychology at Regent University in Virginia Beach, VA. In addition,
Mr. La Point facilitates the monthly Tidewater Brain Injury Support Group and is
a Board Member of the Mary Buckley Foundation. Scott and his wife, Amy, have
three children: Luke-5, Joshua-3, and Samuel-8 months. Please pray for Scott as h
completes his doctoral studies.
Stacy Fredrickson, 2002 –Stacy and her husband, Dale (200
currently serve at Rie United
Methodist-Presbyterian Church. D
serves as the Lead Pastor, and Sta
helps out with the administration
the church and enjoys being a full
mom. Dale is also pursuing his P
in New Testament. Please pray fo
Dale and Stacy as they minister to
community of Rie, CO.
Megan (Borjes) Greene,
2005 – Megan and her husband,
Nate, were married in 2007 and
now have two children – Thaden,
2 and a half, and Allie, 8 months.
They just purchased their rst
home in Castle Rock, CO and
Megan is enjoying being a stay-at-
home mom. Congratulations on
the new home, Greene family!
Lura (Belden) Dungan,
2007 – Lura recently complete
children’s book and is working o
another children’s book, as well
novel about the rst century foll
of Jesus. Please pray that Lura
to nd a publisher for her books
1950s
1960s
1980s
|
1990s
■ 2000s
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1975
Western BibleCollege
1983
Colorado BaptistUniversity
1985
Colorado ChristianCollege
1989
Colorado ChristianUniversity
968
olorado Baptistunior College
As one of the many indications that
good things are happening at Colora
Christian University, CCU just enrolled it
largest traditional freshman class ever. As
2010-11 college year opened the freshme
count was 306 students, up 40 from the previous record.
But this year, new students aren’t the on
ones taking a second look at the Universi
On August 17, 2010, The American Coun
of Trustees and Alumni, an independent
nonprot, released the latest results in its
annual evaluation of U.S. colleges and
universities entitled “What Will They Lea
A Guide to What College Rankings Don’
You.”
The ACTA evaluation has garnered pos
remarks from The Wall Street Journal and
the founding editor of U.S. News and World Report ’s college rankings. Whileconsidering factors like price and graduation rates, it also assigns institutions
“school” grades, ranging from A to F, based on how many of the following
core subjects they require students to take: composition, mathematics, scienc
economics, foreign language, literature, and American government or history
Among key ndings in this year’s ACTA evaluation: institutions across
America have by and large abandoned a coherent, content-rich general-educa
curriculum—allowing students to graduate with important gaps in their
foundational knowledge. Nearly 40 percent of the schools evaluated don’t req
college-level math. Fewer than ve percent require economics coursework.
In this year’s ACTA evaluation, CCU placed higher than 12 of 15 Colorado
colleges and universities. Only one Colorado school received an A while CCU
one other local university received the only B’s.
“Ordinarily, I would not be overly pleased to receive a B, but in this case,context is everything,” stated CCU President Bill Armstrong.
Of the 700 colleges and universities evaluated nationwide, only 16 receive
Armstrong attributed CCU’s placement to its new general-education curric
which covers a broad base of studies and requires students to choose from co
in economics, political science, math, and American history.
Colorado Christian University Outscores 12of 15 Colorado Schools in National AcademEvaluation, Announces New HighestEnrollment
The CCU Alumni Association is asking for your
participation in this year’s Clash of the Classes campaign,
which will raise donations toward the Alumni Scholarship
Fund. Clash of the Classes is a friendly competitive
campaign where alumni individually give the amount of
their class year (for example, anyone from the class of
1995 would donate $19.95). There are three ways you
can give as part of Clash of the Classes:
• OnlineThe most convenient and easy way to give.
Simply go to www.ccu.edu/give , where you’ll
be prompted to donate via credit or debit card
on our secure page.
• By Phone
Call us at 303.963.3330 to donate via
credit card.
• By Mail
Send a check (with “Clash of the Classes”
written in the memo line) to:
Colorado Christian UniversityAttn: Alumni Relations
8787 W. Alameda Ave.
Lakewood, CO 80226
Clash of the Classes Colorado Christian University
Alumni Association
CLASH OF THE CLASSESCampaign
This section of the Colorado Christian Connection is designed to encourage alumni to stay
connected. If you’ve had a recent change in your life (i.e. engagement, wedding, birth, new
job, promotion, or something else exciting), we’d like to hear about it. Submit your news to
www.ccu.edu/alumni/share.asp.
SHARE YOUR NEWS
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Homecoming Weekend - October 1-2
www.ccu.edu/homecoming, Lakewood Campus
Grand Piano Dedication Concert - October 8
7:30 p.m., Lakewood Campus, Music Center
Fall Wind Ensemble Concert - October 29
7:30 p.m., Lakewood Campus, Music Center
Justication Debate - November 1
7:00 p.m., Lakewood Campus, Beckman Center,
Please RSVP for this event by calling 303.963.3170
YOU’RE INVITED TO THESE COMMUNITY EVENTS
Visit us online at www.ccu.edu/Support; e-mail: [email protected]; phone: 303.963.333
Colorado Christian University Oce of Development
8787 W. Alameda Ave.
Lakewood, CO 80226
An Evening of Jazz - November 13
7:30 p.m., Lakewood Campus, Music Center
Centennial Institute - Issue Monday:
“Deeper Lessons from Election Day” - November 15
7:00 p.m., Lakewood Campus, School of Business and Leadership
CCU Christmas Celebration - December 3-4
7:30 p.m., Lakewood Campus, Music Center
Basketball vs. Nebraska Kearney - December 18
Women’s game at 5:00 p.m., Men’s game at 7:00 p.m.
Lakewood Campus, Event Center
Visit www.ccu.edu/events for additional community event information
Be a Legacy — Make a nancial provision for CCU in your will. For more information abou
creative giving opportunities, visit www.ccu.edu/legacygiving or call 303.963.3330
fce of Development:eith Wright, Vice President of Development
avid Nye, Director of Development
aniel Westermann, ’04, ’10, Director of Development and Alumni Relations
hristi Kirchner, Development Manager
ublication produced by University Communications:
sa Zeller, Director of University Communications
n Watters, Associate Director of University Communications
anielle Hull, University Graphic Designer
The Colorado Christian Connection is a quarterly newsletter produced byColorado Christian University for the CCU community.
You may know Dr. Beckman as two-time president of Rockmont College and later president
of Colorado Christian University (1963- ’82,’84-’85,’91-’93), or to you he may be a friendly
face who taught at least one course each year out of love for students and learning. He has also
been credited with navigating through some of the toughest moments in the university’s history.
However, you may not know that all of it almost never happened.
During David’s senior year in high school a close family member passed away, followed just
months later by the unexpected death of his brother. Then in the week he graduated high school,
D-day hit Europe, and war raged in the South Pacic. The turbulence brought new perspective to
David’s life which played an important role in his decision to commit his life to Christ. But thelooming military draft made his life goals uncertain. When a pastor urged him to enroll in college
he saw a new avenue for pursuing his calling into ministry. A war deferment made it possible for
him to continue his education as he trained to be a minister.
By 1956 David had earned a doctorate in theology, and in 1962, a master’s in higher-education administration. Today he’s
credited with bringing the liberal arts to CCU and for his 11 year fortitude that culminated in CCU’s academic accreditation.
When he came to Rockmont the school had 42 students and a $51,000 annual budget, often too little to even pay the faculty,
let alone his own salary. The support of his wife, Beverly, kept the family stable as she also sacricially served CCU by going
to work as a nurse instead of pursuing her desire to be a full-time homemaker. Throughout those lean years, David received
requests to teach Bible classes and preach in interim at churches around Denver. He found out later that some of the people he
led were among the city’s most powerful businessmen and political gures. As Rockmont hit nancial bottom, they stepped in
to help because Dr. Beckman had rst given of himself.
CCU is here today because of Dr. Beckman, who refers to working at CCU as a sacred trust: “There’s no question that
the Lord rescued the school time and again,” he says. “God wanted it here.” David is encouraged at CCU’s current nancial
stability and hopes the University will continue stoking the spiritual torch and developing programs that give students—and
Christ—a voice in a wide range of professions throughout the world.
The boy whose academic aspirations were uncertain because of WWII became one of the most inuential leaders in a
university’s history. All because he followed Christ’s lead however unexpected, however inconvenient.