excel | alumni journal summer 2014

yellowstone alumni trip

june 14-20 & 22-28, 2015Reserve your place now to experience one of the richest displays

of God’s creation with people deeply committed to reflecting His glory.

www.cornerstone.edu/yellowstone

campus news17 Farrell Wins 300th

Another outstanding CU Women’s Softball season featured a milestone for CU alum and 14-year coach Jim Farrell.

18 Ministry Connect GRTS connects graduates to local ministries

through online resources.

Financially Sound CU welcomes Dr. Dee Mooney, C.P.A., as vice

president and chief financial officer.

19 Night of Nets Annual student event provides funds for 10,000

bed nets to save lives in Zambia.

Excel

share your news20 Updates from Classmates Catch up on what alumni are doing personally

and professionally.

alumni profiles5 Excel In this edition of the Alumni Journal, we highlight 11

alumni who have excelled in medicine, business and law.

6 Jeremy Bergwerff (B.A. ’04)

7 Doug Busch (B.A. ’93)

8 Alicia Rodriguez-Carrasco (B.S. ’12)

9 Wendy Parr Holtvluwer (B.A. ’94)

10 Yvonne Johnson (B.A. ’88)

11 Andrew Kallman (B.A. ’83)

12 Dien Le (B.S. ’02; M.B.A. ’08)

13 Julie Lepzinski (M.B.A. ’12)

14 Drew Lind (B.A. ’97)

15 Bruce Roquet (B.A. ’79)

16 Aaron Ziegler, MD (B.A. ’98)

ALUMNI JOURNAL STAFF

Nate Clason Executive Director of Alumni Programs & Information

Amanda Lawrence Alumni Relations Coordinator

Bob Sack Vice President for University Advancement

Caroline Cahoon Art Director

Kelli Smith University Writer/Editor

Ashley GiovannucciCommunications Liaison, President’s Office

Photography: Joshua D. Middleton Photography Ryan Prins Photography

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

The CU Alumni Association is a community of people who reflect Cornerstone University’s history, steady its present and cultivate its future.

The Cornerstone University Alumni Journal is produced twice annually through a partnership between the Alumni Relations and Marketing & Communications offices at Cornerstone University.

Permission to quote short portions of this publication is granted as long as content is preserved and proper credit is given to the Alumni Journal.

Cornerstone University does not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, sex, age or disability in its policies and programs.

CONTACT US

www.cornerstone.edu/alumni [email protected] University Office of Alumni Relations 1001 E Beltline Ave NE Grand Rapids, MI 49525

© 2014 Cornerstone University. All rights reserved.

On the coverDoug Busch (B.A., Business/Marketing ’93) is the vice president and general manager of Molex in Chicago. In the cover story, Busch talks about working with outstanding leaders, taking risks, learning from failure and the role his faith in God has played over the years.

BUILD A LIFE THAT MATTERS TABLE OF CONTENTS SUMMER 2014 – EXCEL

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SUMMER 2014 – EXCEL LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT CORNERSTONE UNIVERSITY ALUMNI JOURNAL

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WHEN I THINK about what it means to “excel,” I can’t help but think about many of our Cornerstone

graduates who are excelling in their callings and careers. I’m always delighted to hear stories of our

grads who are influencing the cultures of their world for Christ wherever He has placed them.

Many of our alumni are teachers, pastors or missionaries. We also have graduates serving in fields like business, medicine and law. These three fields are often not the first vocations that come to mind when people think about Cornerstone University. So, in this edition of the Alumni Journal, you’ll see that we highlight outstanding professionals in these fields – professionals who are integrating their faith into their workplace and being cultural influencers for Christ in unique and exciting ways.

Whether you are a businessperson or a pastoral counselor, the excellence you have displayed makes me proud to be president of your alma mater. We hope these featured alums are an inspiration to continue your mission. I know they inspire us to continue to develop excellence in the lives of current students, as we equip them to pursue their calling for the cause of Christ.

Joe Stowell, President

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BUILD A LIFE THAT MATTERS SHARE YOUR NEWS SUMMER 2014 – EXCEL

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BUILD A LIFE THAT MATTERS ALUMNI PROFILES SUMMER 2014 – EXCEL

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ExcelCORNERSTONE UNIVERSITY HAS NUMEROUS ALUMNI that excel in a variety

of career fields. We are proud of every one of them. In this edition of the Alumni

Journal, we narrowed the field to highlight 11 graduates who are excelling in medicine,

business and law. Through their success in the workplace, they are advancing the

cause of Christ.

SUMMER 2014 – EXCEL ALUMNI PROFILES CORNERSTONE UNIVERSITY ALUMNI JOURNAL

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JEREMY BERGWERFF (B.A. '04)SENIOR BUSINESS ANALYST FOR GROWTH INITIATIVES, STEELCASE, INC.

Despite being a senior business analyst for growth initiatives at one of the largest furniture companies in the country, Steelcase in Grand Rapids, Jeremy Bergwerff believes he has to live according to a different standard of success.

“I have firmly come to believe that my success in life is not determined by the title on my business card or how many zeros are on my paycheck,” said Bergwerff, a Hudsonville native who lives in downtown Grand Rapids with his wife, Amy (’03), and their four children.

It was a struggle to come to that conclusion.

Bergwerff, who graduated from CU in three years, originally pursued commercial real estate. For three years, he took evening classes at Grand Valley State University and worked at Macatawa Bank in the loan department. All that before deciding to get an MBA at one of the best schools in the country, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill – Kenan-Flagler Business School.

There, his faith and idea of success was confronted.

“At first when I moved to North Carolina I believed the world’s narrative about success,” said Bergwerff. “It was a significant transition time for me. It shook my world and spiritual foundation.”

He began to meet with his pastor and developed deep convictions about what success looked like to God and his family based on scripture. That experience informs his priorities today.

His current position has him shaping the strategic and financial steps for the growth initiatives of Steelcase. That means researching and testing ways to make money outside of traditional office furniture sales.

“I am effectively operating as the financial and strategic advisor to a start-up, but still within the structure of a large company. I am an entrepreneur,” he explains. “I am inventing the future of workplaces and doing it one business model canvas at a time. Within Growth Initiatives at Steelcase we are charged with creating new business models for the company.”

But, that is not what he wants to be known for.

He and his family are focused on being a light in their neighborhood. They are renovating a 120-year-old foreclosed home in downtown Grand Rapids.

“We want to redeem the world we live in and we feel called to be a light in the city right now,” he said.

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DOUG BUSCH (B.A. '93)VICE PRESIDENT & GENERAL MANAGER, MOLEX

Seven days after graduating from Cornerstone University, Doug Busch started his MBA at the University of Notre Dame.

He was ready to go.

“I had a great foundation for my career before I graduated,” said Busch. “Strong business education integrated with faith, and extended practical experience with a great mentor placed me on a positive trajectory.”

During an internship at Steelcase, a leading furniture manufacturer in Grand Rapids, the vice president of research and development invited Busch to work on special projects through the duration of Busch’s undergraduate program.

“My boss, Al Lehnerd, took me under his wing and really mentored me,” said Busch.

After graduate school Busch had several job opportunities, but Lehnerd encouraged him to consider Molex, a global electronics company with a very strong culture and management team. Busch started at Molex in product marketing and held various positions in multiple divisions before assuming the role of vice president and general manager of the Fiber Optic business.

Busch says that during his career he has worked with outstanding leaders, tremendous people, taken risks, learned from failure and clung

to his faith. He recalled a recent initiative he led to invest in a new technology that could help the company grow, but also had a downside risk.

“For the first 18 months, we struggled,” he said. “In spite of great effort from our team, I put a lot of pressure on myself to succeed. My closest friends reminded me that I was not walking alone and to depend on my faith.”

Now, the investment is paying off and creating some great opportunities for the company.

Regardless of success or failure, Busch learned to orient his work “as for the Lord” and to measure success by helping others develop their gifts and capabilities.

“Measuring success solely by quantifiable measures can be fleeting in times of adversity, because your fulfillment is based on whether you’re presently succeeding.”

Busch advises new graduates to pursue endeavors that will challenge them to grow, encourage them in their faith and impact others.

He and his wife, Crystal, get to practice this advice daily while raising their children, Claire, 15, and Jack, 11, and enjoying their adventures in academics, ministry and competitive athletics.

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ALICIA RODRIGUEZ-CARRASCO (B.S. '12)HUMAN RESOURCES TEAM LEADER, MEIJER

In 2002, Alicia Rodriguez-Carrasco started her career as a line worker at a factory. She worked her way up from a production worker to a material handler to a lead quality person. A supervisor at the plant saw her potential and talked to her about going to college.

“He used to say, ‘Imagine if you started this two years ago, one class at a time. You’d probably have that degree by now.’”

She decided to take on the challenge, one class at a time. She had a coworker who told her that Cornerstone was opening a campus in Zeeland. One weekend, she was cleaning and found an old newspaper with an ad for Cornerstone’s adult studies programs.

“I remember my first class was international business. I must have read chapters and chapters. I wondered what I had gotten myself into. But I’m not the type of person who gives up,” she said. “By the grace of God I made it.”

She ended up graduating in 2012 with a business management degree.

Now she’s a human resources team leader for Meijer, responsible for the human resource support of five manufacturing centers and two distribution centers in Indiana and Michigan. She’s also involved in strategic planning as Meijer ramps up its number of stores and manufacturing plants. Carrasco’s position is key in developing long term

strategies that support current talent and attract the additional talent needed.

“It’s such an exciting time to be here,” she said of Meijer, which is investing $100 million in a new dairy facility in Ohio, adding 68,000 square feet of refrigerated warehouse space and opening four new stores in Wisconsin.

Carrasco is also heavily involved in the Holland-area community. She’s a trustee at the Greater Ottawa County United Way and the board president of the Friends of CASA of Ottawa County.

“I believe in community,” she said. “I believe in giving back.”

She got her start with the United Way by running the annual employee campaign, where she increased donations by 110 percent.

Her life experience allows her to relate to everyone from line workers to company owners. That’s what led her to human resources. She loves working with people.

“Being able to interact and advocate for people is the best part of what I get to do, both at work and in the community.”

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WENDY PARR HOLTVLUWER (B.A. '94)ATTORNEY, MILLER JOHNSON

Doors have been significant in Wendy Holtvluwer’s life.

“I’m always looking for that next open door,” said Holtvluwer of her quest to be exactly where God wants her to be. “I believe 100 percent that my career was guided by Christ. Whenever I had different ideas, he closed doors and I simply walked through the doors that were opening for me.”

Today she serves as a partner at Miller Johnson, a Grand Rapids law firm regularly ranked among the top 10 firms in West Michigan, where she specializes in estate planning, probate, business, taxation and nonprofit entities. She created a nonprofit and charitable organization specialty at Miller Johnson and is chair of the department.

For the past three years Holtvluwer has been listed among the “Best Lawyers in America” in the areas of Nonprofit/Charities Law and Trusts/Estates.

In addition, she provides pro bono work through the law firm and serves on several boards in the community, including the Cornerstone University Alumni Board, the Legal Assistance Center, Grand Rapids Civic Theatre, VanAndel Institute Junior Professionals Board,

Grand Rapids Center for Ecumenism (G.R.A.C.E.) and American Cancer Society’s “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer” Advisory Council.

“The faculty made a big impression on me at Baptist College,” said Holtvluwer. “They showed me that successful professionals don’t just complete their job descriptions, but look for opportunities to make an additional impact on people around them.”

After college she took the LSAT (law school entrance exam) and did so well that she was offered a full ride to law school. She rose to the top of her class and secured an internship at the Ohio Supreme Court.

“God opened another door when I received my offer from this firm for full time employment,” she said of Miller Johnson where she also interned during law school.

She earned an LL.M. in tax (masters in tax law) at New York University and Georgetown University in 2011 while working full time at the firm.

“I believe it’s important to have people of faith in key positions in businesses - in boardrooms, in hiring and recruiting departments - because their faith has an impact on decisions that are made in the business world.”

LOOKING FOR THAT NEXTOPEN DOOR


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YVONNE JOHNSON (B.A. '88)DIRECTOR OF MARKETING & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT, OLIVER PACKAGING & EQUIPMENT COMPANY

Yvonne Johnson is in a sweet spot in her career.

After more than 20 years with Oliver Packaging and Equipment Company, she’s in a position that allows her to use her skills and training to the fullest of her ability.

She’s the director of marketing and business development for the company, which manufactures bakery equipment – some of the equipment behind the counter at your Panera Bread is likely from Oliver – and also packaging for Meals on Wheels. Johnson supports product placement, oversees promotion, data, advertising, the company website, tradeshows and product analysis for the 124-year-old company.

Johnson is also able to be creative. For example, when Oliver was looking to go into the school lunch packaging business, Johnson was involved in surveying schools about their satisfaction with the traditional five-compartment tray. She and a small team responded to their discontent by developing a new tray, which has her name on the design patent that Oliver holds. A contract with a start-up company to manufacture the new tray fell through, but Johnson still feels pride in her ability to create a new solution to a problem.

“That was a little bittersweet,” she said. “We worked hard to solve a problem, but were unable to bring it to the market. Still, it was a good experience and something I’m proud of.”

Johnson, a 1988 business administration/marketing graduate, was able to find success at Oliver as she also raised twins – one boy and one girl – who are now 17. She worked half time after they were born, then slowly built up to working full-time when they entered the sixth grade.

“Juggling a family and a career can be a challenge,” she said.

Her company, which was owned by a couple of local families before being sold to private equity firms, was helpful in being flexible with her, she said.

Johnson says that she is intentional about reflecting Christ’s love in her workplace. “I’m here to work, but I’m also connected with people on a daily basis. I want to be a voice of encouragement. I hope that as a leader I will be able to lead with passion, integrity and approachability.”

She was able to climb the ladder, from marketing coordinator, to marketing manager to marketing director.

It took persistence to do so, and that’s her advice to recent graduates.

“Be patient and pay your dues. That’s how I made it to where I am today.”

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ANDREW KALLMAN (B.A. '83)PARTNER, KNOWITT GROUP

In the past 20 years, Andrew Kallman has had 13 employers. He has moved between Finland and Michigan several times and just recently moved to Stockholm, Sweden in March.

“It’s a typical consultant’s career,” said Kallman, who helps companies, large and small, change their culture and improve sales by creating project management systems.

This has been his way of life since graduating from Cornerstone University with a bachelor’s degree in business administration in 1983. He earned an M.B.A in international marketing from Grand Valley State University in one year, graduating in the top five percent in his class. He holds certifications in PMP (Project Management Professional), CSM (Certified ScrumMaster) and CSP (Certified Scrum Professional).

He and his brother, Ted, developed the Unified Vision Framework (UVF), which is a methodology for managing projects efficiently. The UVF is based on biblical principles, and they have been honing the methodology for the past 20 years. They put their business principles in print by co-authoring “The Nehemiah Effect.”

“It’s amazing to watch the timeless principles and truths found in the Bible actually work in a business setting,” said Kallman.

Kallman frequently uses the Tower of Babel as an example of how to destroy a project.

“If you want to destroy a project – come in and confuse the language,” said Kallman, who has worked with companies such as Nokia Siemens Networks, OnStar, AIG in Dubai, Deutsch Bank and Steelcase. “Stop any project in its tracks by using the wrong language and not being of the same vision. But, if the company has one language and one vision, whatever they plan to do they can succeed.”

That is the foundation of the Unified Vision Framework that Kallman uses as the basis for consulting with various companies.

Kallman started working on large projects while a student at Cornerstone.

“We (business majors) were charged with raising funds for the tennis courts,” he said. “We gathered sponsors, we washed thousands of cars, and in two years we raised thousands of dollars for those tennis courts. That was probably the beginning of my project management career.”

Kallman and his wife, a native of Finland, have three sons, two of whom are attending universities in Finland and Sweden. They have one grandson whom they adore.


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DIEN LE (B.S. '02; M.B.A. '08)VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES & MARKETING, SAVORY FOODS

At the age of eight, Dien Le and his family boarded one of the last flights out of Saigon, Vietnam. Just 15 minutes into the flight they received a report that the air base had fallen to communist forces.

“It was just the sheer determination of my mom and dad – they wanted to get us out,” said Le.

After spending a month in Guam and a month in Arkansas, Le’s family landed in Austin, Texas. Le’s father, an engineer, and mother were committed to providing opportunities to help each of their nine children succeed. Two short years later Le’s father tragically died of kidney cancer.

“Growing up without a father has been a difficult part of my life,” said Le. “My mom worked very hard to provide for us, starting her own business so that we could have a chance to go to college.”

Now a father of three, Le says he still grieves the absence of his father.

“Sometimes the loss of my father has caused me to seek that father figure in my work.”

Ultimately, he says, he has to be drawn back to his Heavenly Father.

Soon after finishing high school Le joined the Air Force, earning multiple awards for his service. After leaving the military he planted two churches in Royal Oak, Mich., with the Baptist General Conference, and then relocated to Grand Rapids to join another church plant team. During that time he enrolled in Cornerstone’s Professional and Graduate Studies program.

In 2005, he took a sabbatical from pastoring and worked at a bank in the mortgage industry until the financial crisis of 2008.

“I needed to reinvent myself again,” said Le. That’s when he landed a job with Savory Foods as a sales representative.

In the first two years he increased the sales of one territory from a half million dollars to $4 million in sales. Two years later he was given two more divisions, and last year he was promoted to vice president of sales and marketing, overseeing a national sales force.

Le credits God for being faithful in guiding his path.

“A man without a father figure is always looking for a mentor,” he said. “My father figure, of course, is God. He is always teaching me. His comfort has brought me to where I am today.”

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JULIE LEPZINSKI (M. B.A. '12)VICE PRESIDENT HUMAN RESOURCES, SPECTRUM HEALTH SYSTEM

For Julie Lepzinski, working as vice president of human resources at Spectrum Health is a job defined by serving others.

“I love seeing others develop and succeed,” said Lepzinski. “I believe a leader puts the needs of others first, providing a creative and supportive environment in which employees can thrive.”

Lepzinski leads recruitment efforts at Spectrum Health, which is the largest employer in West Michigan with over 20,000 employees and annual payroll and benefits of more than $1.1 billion. Lepzinski is actively involved in recruitment, succession planning and business development strategies. In addition, she works closely with her human resource colleagues to identify the correct workforce for a model of care that intentionally addresses issues related to access and increasing costs.

Lepzinski started as a nurse in the hospital setting after earning her bachelor of science in nursing at the University of Detroit Mercy. She stepped into administrative leadership early in her career as a nurse manager, which eventually led to a director position at a large medical group, and then associate vice president for a medical group along the lakeshore. In 2012 Lepzinski returned to Spectrum Health as vice president of operations, transitioning to her current role in June 2014.

She is grateful for each opportunity she’s had along the way.

“I am very fortunate to be where I am today. Each stage of my career has afforded me personal and professional growth.”

Lepzinski earned her MBA in global healthcare administration through Cornerstone’s Professional and Graduate Studies while working full-time and raising five children with her husband, Matt.

Her faith propels her to make good decisions in her workplace and her community, she said, “I am reminded daily of God’s Grace by virtue of those I work with and those I serve.”

In her community, Lepzinski has worked on the Catholic Charities program committee, provided support for unwed mothers, and served in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program.

Her family is her strongest support. She and her husband have five children and three grandchildren, who enjoy spending time together and love being a part of the Grand Rapids community.

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DREW LIND (B.A. '97)CLIENT RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT & DIGITAL MARKETING FOR JAGUAR LAND ROVER, SHIFT DIGITAL

In 2009, three days before he was going to get married, Drew Lind lost his job.

And then “my life got turned into a country song.”

But God used that bad experience for good.

“I realized I was depending on myself,” said Lind. “God really used that time to turn my life around.”

After graduation, Lind worked in the Grand Rapids area until his aunt suggested that he apply for a job with Ford Motor Co. He ended up in a unique situation – a group of about 50 candidates were brought into a hotel where Ford had converted rooms into offices. He survived the grueling three hours of interviews, ranking number one among all of the candidates.

From being a supervisor in a warehouse, Lind rose rapidly at Ford. He and a team developed a tracking system for international shipping containers, which saved Ford $7 million a year and is still in use today. He innovated along the way – developing a database to track the productivity of his workers on that first crew, which earned him his next promotion.

“I’ve always tried to do something that allowed me to go above and beyond. That’s been an important part to getting that next opportunity to advance.”

Lind ended up doing marketing with Volvo, which was owned by Ford at the time. Then as the economic downturn hit, he was let go. He eventually got picked up by a boutique advertising firm – then came the layoff just before he was to be married to Rochelle.

They persevered. Eventually he got a job as a mortgage loan officer. After a few years, he was hired by Shift Digital, a Birmingham-based company, responsible for client relationship management and digital marketing activities for all Western region Jaguar Land Rover retailers.

He credits his professional success with lessons learned throughout his journey, including from his college internship supervisor at Perrier Water, John Wade. Lind says that Wade taught him to leave every position better than when he started.

Lind claims Colossians 3:23-24 as his driving force: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart… It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”

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BRUCE ROQUET (B.A. '79)VICE PRESIDENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES, SENSE CORP

After finishing college, Bruce Roquet started working on the factory floor at Bull Moose Tube Company.

“My wife and I had graduated and we just had a baby. We decided that I would get a job, we would get involved in the church and see where God leads us,” said Roquet.

They got deeply involved in their church and, at the same time, Roquet was offered opportunities to advance in his company. Nearly fifteen years later he was vice president of human resources at Bull Moose Tube Company, but decided to make a career change.

“I kept asking God, ‘Where do you want me to be? I’ll go.’ So I made a career change when our church asked me to be the youth pastor,” said Roquet. “I loved that job because it gave me the opportunity to walk with young people in some of the most formative years of their lives.”

Roquet eventually returned to the business world, but he and his wife, Deb (B.A. ’78), continued working at the church as volunteers. Along with a small group of volunteer staff, they established a robust college student ministry.

Roquet describes the work he does today as vice president of human resources at Sense Corp, saying, “My job is to create a culture that gives people a sense of purpose and value in the work that they do and the way they live in the world around them.”

Reflecting on his college experience, Roquet credits Dr. John Wilson, Dr. Joe Crawford, Dr. Raymond Bartholomew and Dr. Stanley Veldt for forming who he is today.

“God greatly used these men and my experience at Cornerstone to prepare me for the path he has me on today. I learned how to think. I learned how to view the world around me through the prism of the gospel of Jesus Christ.”

Part of Roquet’s path includes volunteer service as executive officer of West Indies Self Help (WISH), an organization that works alongside Haitians to foster community development and encourage self-sufficiency. In his 20 years at WISH, Roquet has traveled to Haiti over 15 times, witnessing the growth of communities that now have clean water fountains, medical facilities and community centers.

He and Deb also earned counseling degrees in 2003 from the Seattle School of Theology and Psychology. They are passionate about helping others to experience God’s healing amidst the trials of life.

They love photography and have three adult children and seven granddaughters.

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AARON ZIEGLER, M.D. (B.A. '98)EMERGENCY MEDICINE PHYSICIAN, EMERGENCY CARE SPECIALISTS

Aaron Ziegler has distinguished himself as an accomplished physician. He was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society in medical school, was selected as chief resident of the Emergency Medicine Residency Program, earned an Air Force Commendation Medal and a Meritorious Unit Award from the United States Air Force for outstanding service in direct support of combat operations, and has advanced to leadership positions early in his career.

However, Ziegler is the type of person who doesn’t boast about or put confidence in his accomplishments.

“Each step of my career has been a surprise. And I know that it’s always possible that tomorrow everything could change,” said Ziegler.

He doesn’t say this out of a false sense of humility. Rather, Ziegler recognizes his role in God’s work in the world.

“God is the ultimate healer and we are tools in his hands. The fundamental purpose in being a physician is to show Christ’s love to those who are hurting and in need.”

Ziegler credits his time in the pre-med program at Cornerstone University as formative for how he approaches his work. After graduating from CU, he completed medical school at Wayne State University, where he also served in the Air Force reserves as part of the Health Professionals Scholarship Program. He then completed three years of active duty service in the Air Force in Grand Forks, North Dakota. Part of his active duty service included a nine-month deployment in the Persian Gulf where he worked as a physician to pilots.

Ziegler and his wife, Stacey (B.A. ‘01), and their children, Aubrey, Lucas, and Isaac, are in a busy season of life.

“We try to be purposeful about stewarding our time and talents in work, church and community involvement, school, and other activities in a way that keeps God at the center of our lives,” said Stacey.

Ziegler stewards his talents as an emergency physician with Emergency Care Specialists, as Co-Medical Director in the Emergency Department at Gerber Memorial Hospital in Fremont, Mich., and as a flight physician for Aero Med of Spectrum Health.

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BUILD A LIFE THAT MATTERS CAMPUS NEWS SUMMER 2014 – EXCEL

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FARRELL WINS 300TH

SEASON COMPLETES MILESTONE YEAR FOR SOFTBALL COACHJim Farrell, Cornerstone head softball coach, earned his 300th career win during his recently completed 2014 season.

In his 14 years as head coach, Farrell’s teams have accumulated 325 wins, four WHAC tournament titles, three region eight tournament championships and four appearances in the NAIA national championship tournament. Farrell is recognized as a “4 Star” Master Coach by the National Fastpitch Coaches College.

“When four years of college softball comes to an end for our players, our greatest desire and prayer is that each one will have matured significantly in all the key areas of life and especially in their walk with Jesus,” said Farrell.

Farrell (B.A. ’88) graduated with a degree in physical education. While at Cornerstone he played on the baseball team – earning three MVP awards and leading the team in home runs, RBI’s and batting average.

campus news

SUMMER 2014 – EXCEL CAMPUS NEWS CORNERSTONE UNIVERSITY ALUMNI JOURNAL

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MINISTRY CONNECTGRTS OFFERS FREE JOB PLACEMENT SERVICES THROUGH ONLINE RESOURCEMinistryConnect is a free online resource of Grand Rapids Theological Seminary to the Christian community. It allows employers to post positions they are seeking to fill and to search for ministry leadership candidates. It also allows candidates to post profiles and search for available ministry leadership positions.

“It’s such a great tool and easy for our graduates to connect with local, national and international ministries,” said John VerBerkmoes, vice president and academic dean of GRTS. “Our goal is to be a resource.”

All positions posted are made public. Organizations that register on the site can also search for ministry leadership candidates through a criteria search to narrow down their candidates.

A few of the current listings include: worship leader, family life director, youth director, summer Bible study teacher, youth group intern, senior pastor and children’s pastor.

Ministries and individuals can register, post positions or browse job opportunities at www.ministryconnect.cornerstone.edu.

FINANCIALLY SOUNDCU WELCOMES NEW CFOCornerstone University is pleased to welcome Dr. Dee Mooney, C.P.A., as vice president and chief financial officer.

As Dr. Mooney takes over the helm of business affairs at CU, she looks to continue the upward trajectory CU has experienced over the past few years. This trend has been evident in the recent score given CU by the U.S. Department of Education for “financial responsibility.” While more than one in 10 colleges and universities in Michigan scored poorly, Cornerstone University received a score of 3, the highest possible ranking. Scores are calculated based on the financial health of the institution from submitted audits.

Under the system, scores range from negative 1.0 to positive 3.0. Schools with a score of less than 1.0 are considered “not financially responsible,” according to the department.

Dr. Mooney, who will oversee all aspects of the financial interests of CU, will also manage the Accounting & Finance Office, Human Resources and Student Financial Services.

Since 2003, she served at the University of the Southwest in Hobbs, New Mexico as vice president for administrative services and chief financial officer. Prior to that, she held a similar post for 11 years at Bryan College in Dayton, Tenn., and from 1988-1991 as controller at Palm Beach Atlantic University in West Palm Beach, Fla.

Mooney holds a bachelor of business administration in accounting from Baylor University, earned a master of accountancy degree from the University of Tennessee, Chattanooga, and a doctor of educational ministries from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas.

“Dee has served Christian higher education for more than 22 years,” said Dr. Joe Stowell, president of Cornerstone University. “Her commitment to Christ and Christ-centered education, combined with a high level of proven competency is a great match for both our mission and our culture.”

BUILD A LIFE THAT MATTERS CAMPUS NEWS SUMMER 2014 – EXCEL

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NIGHT OF NETSON-CAMPUS EVENT SAVES LIVES IN ZAMBIA

FOR THE PAST FOUR YEARS, Chip Huber, dean of student engagement at Cornerstone University,

has led groups of students to Zambia to minister to the locals through workshops, soccer games

and bed nets.

Over four years, about 10,000 bed nets have been purchased from funds raised at Night of Nets (NON) events.

During the most recent 2014 trip, one net was given to a 15-year-old girl taking care of her three orphaned siblings, including a three-year-old who had suffered from Malaria in April.

“I thought about the impactful reality that a CU student, who bought a t-shirt or attended an athletic event and paid $6 to attend a Night of Nets match on campus, just provided a bed net for a girl in Zambia,” said Huber. “It’s now the first thing I look for when I enter a Zambian home in these village communities…and I know after just entering a few homes that we need more nets.”

This year, Huber hopes to be able to raise enough to purchase another 10,000 nets.

Plans for 2014-15 include:

• Seven CU athletic teams hosting Night of Nets matches or games to raise funds.

• 10-15 other schools will host Night of Nets matches or games, including high schools in Grand Haven and Petoskey.

• In August, NON will roll out a new resource kit to invite more participant groups in the fight against malaria.

“We heard incredibly passionate pleas from a Zambian church director and a pastor, who oversee the compassion dimension of Jubilee Ministries, to help them fight malaria in Zambia,” said Huber. “The drugs to treat malaria are costly. Malaria takes more lives now than HIV in Africa and often comes with devastating effects.”

For upcoming Night of Nets events, visit cunightofnets.com.

SUMMER 2014 – EXCEL SHARE YOUR NEWS CORNERSTONE UNIVERSITY ALUMNI JOURNAL

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1950sDWIGHT COOPER (GRTS ’52) passed away on Nov. 9, 2013. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and was principal of Evart Elementary School for 25 years. He had a passion for music and served faithfully at Alaska Baptist Church and Calvary Baptist Church in Evart. He is survived by his wife, Barbara, eight children, 19 grandchildren and many great grandchildren. (PHOTO 1)

JOSEPH BALBACH (B.D. ’53) passed away on March 24, 2014. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and then served as a pastor for churches in Grand Rapids, Sparta, Saginaw, Sault Ste. Marie and Kent City. He is survived by his wife, Esther, seven children and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. (PHOTO 2)

1960sJOHN (B.R.E ’63, B.D. ’65, M.DIV. ’69) AND WONICE (DONOHOU, CU ’62) HADLEY recently served as interim missionaries in Invercargill, New Zealand. The couple celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on June 19, 2014. (PHOTO 4)

1970sROBERT SIEFKA (M.DIV. ’70) passed away on Jan. 22, 2014. He served in the U.S. Army and also as a mechanical engineer for Aeroquip Corporation. He enjoyed spending time with his family and church family, and is survived by four children, 15 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. (PHOTO 3)

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KATHY (TIMMER) DURLING (’71) is program coordinator for City Rescue Mission in Lansing, Mich. Her work focuses on bringing healing through the Women’s Life Transformation program. Kathy and her husband, James, recently celebrated 40 years of marriage. They have four daughters, three sons-in-law, five grandchildren and four foster sons.

JOHN THOMPSON (B.R.E ’72) recently published his second book, “Changing the Landscape of Eternity: Transforming Believers into Disciples.” John and his wife, Deborah, live in Chicago and serve with Navigators, a church discipleship ministry. John uses his years of pastoral ministry to coach pastors to develop Life-on-Life disciple making programs in churches. (PHOTO 5)

BRENDA DIXON (B.MUS. ’75) passed away on March 11, 2014. She served at Master’s College for 39 years on the piano faculty and as director of several small ensembles. She enjoyed spending time with friends and family, and she was a second mom to many college students. Brenda is survived by her husband, Steve, three children and one grandchild. (PHOTO 6)

BONNIE (AFMAN, B.A. ’77) AND RON (’71) EMMOREY live in Fremont, Mich., where Bonnie is a speaker consultant for men and women across the U.S. In addition to serving on the teaching team for the Speak Up Conference, she is the director of Speak Up For Hope, a non-profit organization that connects churches with prisons and assists prison chaplains. Bonnie and Ron have two sons and two grandchildren. (PHOTO 7)

GLENN EYER (M.R.E. ’79) and his wife, Gwenn, opened Blessings on State Bed & Breakfast in Jacksonville, Ill, which earned the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence in 2013, and received the Guest Favorite Award and a Glorious Gardens Award from BnBFinder.com. Blessings on State offers Southern style hospitality to both leisure and business travelers. The couple adopted Valerie Marie in 2008, their fifth adopted child. (PHOTO 9)

1980sSTEPHEN FORTOSIS (’80) recently published a book, “The Multilingual God: Stories of Translation” by William Carey Library. The book is a tribute to Bible translators. (PHOTO 8)

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BETH OUDBIER (’82) passed away on Dec. 20, 2013. She touched many lives and is remembered as a fun-loving, compassionate person who deeply cared for others. She is survived by her father, sister, nieces and nephews.

DAN (B.A. ’84) and Suzan SANTOS with their four children are celebrating a new season of life. Dan was diagnosed with cancer in 2013 and after a successful surgery, he returned to teaching physical education at Beaverton School District. He is also a health specialist. Dan serves as a part-time youth pastor and coaches soccer and volleyball. (PHOTO 10)

KAREN WARD (B.A. ’86) passed away on Dec. 27, 2013. She served in the U.S. Army where she earned a degree in respiratory therapy, caring for the burn victims of Desert Storm. She also worked as a respiratory therapist for Oaklawn Hospital and CareLinc. She is survived by her husband, Matthew, and three children.

1990sED BREITENBACH (B.A. ’90) completed his doctorate degree in educational leadership at Western Michigan University in 2010. He is currently dean of instruction and assessment at Muskegon Community College in Michigan, and teaches courses in the master of education program at Cornerstone University. Ed serves as a trustee on the Mona Shores School Board. He and his wife, Karen, have two teenage sons. (PHOTO 11)

KEN DOHSE (B.A. ’92) currently works as a professional actor/trainer with the Chicago Performing Arts Academy in Atlanta and as a performing actor with the faith-based theatre company, 7eight Theatre Company and at The Dinner Detective in Atlanta. Ken has written, directed, produced and acted in more than 30 large-scale productions since 1992. He also landed roles in “The Jesus Film,” “Finding Forgiveness,” “Mercy” and a few regional television commercials. Ken and his wife, Christina, and daughter, Hannah, 14, live in the North Georgia mountain community of Acworth. (PHOTO 13)

JOEL (B.A. ’92) AND BECKY (NATALE, B.A. ’93) ROSENBERGER reside in New York where Joel works as lead software engineer at Afni. He also creates contemporary interpretations of classic hymns and folk songs on the piano. Joel and Becky enjoy homeschooling their four daughters. (PHOTO 12)

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SUZANNE BURDEN (B.A. ’94) recently published a book, “Reclaiming Eve: The Identity and Calling of Women in the Kingdom of God.” She earned a master’s degree in theological studies from Grace Theological Seminary and writes for a variety of faith-based publishers, ministries and nonprofits. She also serves as a part-time chaplain in Indiana. (PHOTO 14)

PETE (B.A. ’95) AND JILL (MOES, ’95) WILSON welcomed Katiana Arlyn to their family on Dec. 9, 2013. She has nine siblings. (PHOTO 18)

CATHY BALL (B.S. ’98) completed her degree in management and was promoted to talent acquisition programs consultant at Spectrum Health in Grand Rapids.

2000sJOSHUA (B.A. ’00, M.DIV. ’04) AND LEILLANI (B.A. ’04) RAGER currently live in Auburn, Mich., where Joshua has been serving as senior pastor at Cornerstone Baptist Church since April 2013. (PHOTO 17)

LAURIE (KORB, B.A. ’01) and Matthew HART were married on Sept. 15, 2013. (PHOTO 16)

CHAD VANPROOYEN (’01) passed away on April 20, 2014. He is remembered as a fun-loving and sweet person. Chad will be dearly missed. He is survived by his parents, three brothers and six nieces and nephews. (PHOTO 19)

KORTNI CHRISTIAN (B.A. ’02) is currently living in Kosovo, working with ABWE in its adult short-term missions program.

JED (B.S. ’02) and Christine MORRIS live in Morton, Ill., where Jed serves as director of operations for Nelson Global Products.

KELLY (M.DIV. ’03) and Sherri FATH are serving with ABWE International as regional administrators in Central and Eastern Europe and the Mediterranean. (PHOTO 20)

JOSEPH (B.A. ’04) AND JESSICA (WASKIEWICZ, B.A. ’04) BIGLEY announce the birth of their second child, Trevor Joseph, born April 2, 2013. Joseph completed his M.B.A in finance at Western Michigan University and was recently promoted to secondary mortgage market manager in Saint Joseph, Mich. (PHOTO 15)

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JODI BYRNE (M.A. ’04) recently published “Dead Land,” the first book in a young adult post-apocalyptic trilogy. Her second book is expected to be released in December 2014. (PHOTO 21)

AMI CASTO (’06) is the proud parent of Michael Stephen, born on Nov. 27, 2013. Ami works as the lead IT analyst at Accretive Health in Joliet, IL.

SOPHIA DE LAND (B.A. ’06) earned a master’s degree from Valparaiso University in 2011. She also recently earned two distinctions in her career field as a mental health and addictions therapist. She is a licensed professional counselor and a nationally certified counselor.

BENJAMIN KRAKER (B.S. ’06) serves as the mentoring team leader at Barnabas Ministries, an outreach to high-risk youth and families. In his position, Ben oversees training opportunities for volunteer mentors, develops the 1-on-1 mentoring program for high-risk youth and recruits volunteer mentors. (PHOTO 22)

SARAH (CAHOON) RICE (B.A. ’06) completed her master’s degree in special education from West Virginia University in August 2013. She teaches high school English for the Chambersberg Area School District. She and her husband, STEVE RICE (B.S. ’05), live in Greencastle, Pa., with their two daughters Katelyn Eleanor, 3, and Michaela Ruth, born Feb. 27, 2014. Steve is the program coordinator at Joy El Ministries.

SARAH (BOYER, B.A. ’06) and Aaron SYMONDS announce the birth of their daughter, Adelyn Grace, born on July 8, 2013. (PHOTO 25)

JODI (HULST) WOKOCHA (B.A. ’06) and her husband, Womzey, celebrate the birth of twins, Onyekachi Denese and Chidozie Iyke David, born on April 16, 2014. (PHOTO 24)

MARK (M.DIV. ’07) and Leslie AWABDY and their four children, Weston, Ty, Jacob, and Eden, are preparing to move to South Asia. They are currently learning the language and building relationships with families from South Asia and the Middle East. Their ministry will provide families with theological education and serve fellow believers living in the country. (PHOTO 26)

NATE (B.A. ’07) AND MIRIAM (McKEY, M.A. ’11) BOTT and their three children, Stella, Juliet, and Christian, are living in Richmond, VA. Nate is a firefighter for Henrico County, and Miriam is a marriage counselor at the Center for Christian Counseling. (PHOTO 23)

HEIDI (HAMMOND) BRIGGS (B.S. ’07) and her husband, Chad, welcomed their son, Richard Allen, into their family on June 16, 2013.

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DORIAN (B.S. ’07) AND KRISTEN (McCRACKEN, B.A. ’06) DEHAVEN announce the birth of their daughter, Brookelyn Grace, born on May 3, 2013. Dorian and Kristen were married on Sept. 27, 2008. (PHOTO 27)

DANA (JONES) PFEIFFER (A.A. ’07) and her husband, Troy, celebrate the birth of their daughter, Alexa Lillian, born on Sept. 29, 2013. (PHOTO 29)

ROB HOLMES (B.A. ’08) was recently hired as a sales representative at Span-America Medical Systems in Grand Rapids, Mich. He and his wife, KARISSAH (GERSCH, B.S. ’09), welcomed their second child, Lyla Joy, on Dec. 21, 2012. Shiloh David, 3, is older brother to Lyla.

KARA (POLL, B.S. ’08) and Frank KRYWICKI announce the birth of their daughter, Ambrie Nichole, born on Nov. 10, 2011. Kara is the marketing coordinator at National Heritage Academies in Grand Rapids, Mich. (PHOTO 30)

SARAH LAMB (B.MUS. ’08) is now a registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator at Novant Health Diabetes Center in Charlotte, N.C.

SARAH (BOSSARDET) LUCAS (A.A. ’08) and her husband, Matthew, announce the birth of their son, Joshua Andrew, born on Oct. 11, 2013. Joshua joins big brother, Owen, 3.

REBECCA HUGHES (B.A. ’09) is store manager at White Duck Market in Whitehall, Mich. (PHOTO 31)

JENNA PLEWES (B.A. ’09) was recently named The Grand Rapids Press/MLive.com Girls Coach of the Year. Jenna is in her fourth season coaching girls basketball at West Ottawa High School in Holland, Mich. Her team finished the 2013-14 season with a 10-0 record in the OK Red Conference and 18-4 overall. (PHOTO 28)

2010sJOSEPH (’10) AND EMILY (SEPANIK, B.S. ’09) ALLRED announce the birth of their second child, Charles Thomas, born on Jan. 14, 2014.

MEREDITH (MEEKHOF) BEIDLER (B.A. ’10) earned the Juris Doctor from Thomas M. Cooley Law School in January 2014. She received the Distinguished Student Award and the Leadership Achievement Award. (PHOTO 32)

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LAURA (QUIST) GELDERSMA (B.A. ’11) and her husband, David, celebrate the birth of their son, Ezekiel David, born on Dec. 4, 2013. The couple was married on July 17, 2010. (PHOTO 39)

NATHAN (B.A. ’10) AND ASHLEY (MORROW, B.S. ’11) PIERCE were married on Aug. 17, 2012. (PHOTO 36)

JANELLE (LINDMAN, B.A. ’10) and James THORNE were married on Aug. 3, 2013. (PHOTO 37)

LISA (WOLNER) GAVRANOVIC (M.S. ’11) and her husband, Sandro, are the proud parents of Benjamin James, born on Sept. 17, 2012.

SARA HILL (B.S. ’11) graduated from Methodist Theological School in May 2014 with a master’s degree in theological studies. (PHOTO 38)

ASHLEY KILBOURN (B.S. ’11) recently accepted a position as branch manager for Omni Community Credit Union in Battle Creek, Mich.

MARCIE (BLACQUIERE) MASSELINK (B.S. ’11) is now the volleyball coach at Grand Rapids South Christian High School. She graduated from South Christian in 2006 where her performance on the volleyball team continues to rank among the best in state history. While at Cornerstone, she was a four-year starter for the Golden Eagles and a two-time Most Valuable Player.

STEPHANIE MILLS (B.A. ’12) currently works as the morning anchor/news reporter at NewsWest 9 in Midland, TX. (PHOTO 34)

BROOKE (NOLEN) TAYLOR (M.A. ’12) and her husband, Brent, welcomed their daughter, Bailey Grace, into their family on June 26, 2013. (PHOTO 33)

BRIAN ALGIE (M.DIV. ’13) and his wife, Katie, announce the birth of their daughter, Emma Elizabeth, born on Nov. 25, 2013. Brian currently serves as pastor at Calvary Baptist Church of Lake City, Mich. (PHOTO 40)

JESSE PIPE (B.S. ’13) is currently category manager at Advantage Sales and Marketing. (PHOTO 35)

ANGELA DAVIS (B.S. ’14) is the deputy clerk with the Michigan Court of Claims, monitoring major claims against the state of Michigan and working closely with judges to ensure case file movement.

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Share events in your life, including answers to prayer, professional accomplishments, books authored, albums released, graduate degrees or awards, honors received, additions to your family, or alumni to honor. WWW.CORNERSTONE.EDU/SHARE-NEWS

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Summer 2014 | Cornerstone University Alumni Journal | Excel

excel | alumni journal summer 2014

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