CConnection Spring 13 Web
Content
Spring 2013
Chairman of the Board Gary Armstrong speaking at the site dedication ceremony for the first building in the campus redevelopment project.
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.
Dear Friends, As another school year at Colorado Christian University draws to a close, we find ourselves reflecting back while straining to see what’s ahead. By God’s grace, CCU has celebrated significant successes over the past months: our debate team has been decorated for their performance, the American Council of Trustees & Alumni ranked us in the top two percent of colleges nationwide, our sports teams reflected this institution well through their excellence and sportsmanship, Hugh Hewitt broadcast his radio show from our campus, and our musical ensembles toured the west. We continue to experience God’s faithfulness. Our community continues to grow, and we have over 5,000 students spread across our College of Undergraduate Studies and our College of Adult and Graduate Studies—men and women who are becoming the next generation of leaders in our world, who are dedicated to bringing grace and truth to those around them. And, this month, we celebrated a site dedication for the first academic building as part of our Lakewood Campus Redevelopment. As the building is raised this summer, I can only imagine the classes and conversations that will occur within those walls. I trust that this new building will offer more space for a common refrain—one of the reasons I came to CCU and what I hear time and time again: God is active here. God is active here. You can hear it in the professors’ words, see it on the faces of students, sense it in the dedication of the staff. As we look back, we are thankful. And, as we look forward, we see the hope to which God has called us. I’m reminded of a prayer attributed to St. Francis, echoed by Margaret Thatcher upon her election as prime minister, and one of my hopes: “Where there is discord, may we bring harmony. Where there is error, may we bring truth. Where there is doubt, may we bring faith. And where there is despair, may we bring hope.” We seek to bring light to darkness, through our knowledge, our faith, and our actions. Sincerely,
Bill Armstrong
JUNE
Disinherit the IRS June 4 or 6 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. CCU Lakewood Campus www.ccu.edu/IRS to register All Colorado Alumni Career Fair June 25 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. Denver Marriott DTC, Free for CCU Students and Alumni www.ccu.edu/alumni
JULY
Western Conservative Summit: Freedom’s New Day July 26-28 Hyatt Regency Downtown Denver www.ccu.edu/ WesternConservativeSummit to register
CCU Symposium September 17 -18 CCU Event Center
OCTOBER
AUGUST
Summer Play August 28 – 31 7:30 p.m. CCU School of Music
Jefferson County Prayer Breakfast October 4 7:00 – 8:35 a.m. Marriott Denver West www.jeffersoncountyprayerbreakfast.net Athletics’ Hall of Fame Banquet October 11 CCU Event Center
SEPTEMBER
President’s Circle Dinner September 16 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. CCU Event Center By Invitation Only
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SPRING
Volume 5, Number 1
To add your name to the mail list and to receive other announcements about CCU alumni events or to update your contact information please go to www.ccu.edu/Alumni Colorado Christian Connection is a regular publication produced by Colorado Christian University to connect CCU alumni and friends to each other and to CCU. As we build each issue, we strive for complete accuracy, however, we occasionally miss the mark. Please inform us of our errors, and we will address them in the following issue. THIS PUBLICATION IS SPONSORED BY THE OFFICE OF DEVELOPMENT AND ALUMNI RELATIONS: Paul J. Eldridge, J.D. Vice President, Development and Alumni Relations Christi Kirchner Director of Alumni Relations David Nye Director of Development Dan Westermann Director of Development Jan Otteman Event Planner and Administrative Assistant Kathleen LeCrone Database Specialst THIS PUBLICATION IS PRODUCED BY UNIVERSITY COMMUNICATIONS: Lisa Zeller Director of University Communications Gabe Knipp Copywriter Danielle Hull Graphic Designer Bethany Applegate Graphic Designer
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VALS 2013
The Moral Case for Free Enterprise
FAITH | FAMILY | FREEDOM
Campus Redevelopment Update
ENCOUNTERING JESUS AND FINDING PURPOSE
The IMPACT of Adult Education at CCU
YEAR IN REVIEW
ALUMNI NEWS
FOR GOD’S GLORY
A story of humility and witness
THE MOR AL CASE
FOR FREE
ENTERPR ISE
UNSHACKLING COMPETITION
Colorado Christian University’s 11th annual ValuesAligned Leadership Summit connected almost 300 students with 450 local business executives this April. Exploring “The Moral Case for Free Enterprise,” the event promoted discussion while providing networking opportunities for students—giving them unparalleled access to successful businesspersons as they shared a table and conversed over relevant issues. Dennis Prager, a nationally syndicated talk show host, offered the keynote speech. “The American trinity of values is on our money,” he declared, “Liberty, ‘In God We Trust,’ and e pluribus unum.” Asserting that we must remain true to such values, Prager reminded the audience, “Only the American DNA is for small government. America is an aberration in the world.” “The bigger the government, the smaller the citizen,” he quipped, to the applause of the almost 750 in attendance. The day also illustrated CCU’s connection with the Denver business community. Professor Ron Rex described how Employment Management Services has connected with over 120 local businesses, bringing top students to the workforce—with a 97% success rate. “The event was wonderful,” said Karen Ann Young, a longtime attendee. “It gets better every year. This year was like an I.V. infusion of hope for our future and our world.” The day’s theme of free enterprise was also carried by Dr. Jay Richards, a senior fellow at the Discovery Institute. Richards told of how no system of economics has benefited the world as much as free enterprise. Dr. Jill Vecchio explored implications of the Affordable Care Act, while CCU’s own President Bill Armstrong, Dean of CCU’s School of Business and Leadership Dr. Gary Ewen, and Executive in Residence Kevin Miller also discussed the advantages of a free enterprise system.
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2013
Dennis Prager An annual highlight of VALS is the time organizers take to honor those living ethical, values-aligned lives. Each year, a CCU student, an alumnus, and an executive from the community is honored for his or her efforts to impact others through business. This year, Caleb Rawson, CCU class of 2013, was given the Values-Aligned Student award; Scott Miller, class of 1991 and current president and CEO of Interstate Batteries, received the Values-Aligned Alumnus award. Curt and Nancy Richardson, founders of Otterbox and the OtterCares Foundation, were celebrated for their ability to create jobs, help others—and encourage their employees to help others—as Values-Aligned Executives.
Curt and Nancy Richardson with Dr. Gary Ewen, Dean of School of Business and Leadsership
BUILDING GREATNESS: By His Grace, for His Glory
Site Dedication Celebration
Gary Armstrong, chair of CCU’s board of trustees, stood before students, the staff and faculty, and invited guests. “We acknowledge,” he prayed, “that it has been your faithful promises, your great favor, and your generous provision which have brought us through the practical steps to get here this day.” The site dedication for CCU’s redeveloped campus and first academic building began—and ended— with reflection. It was a time to give thanks, as much as a time to imagine what might be—evident in the message of each speaker. Jim Weber, class of 1971 and the student body president when CCU (known then as Rockmont) moved to its present location in Lakewood, thanked God for the “courage and tenacity of those who served during some of the school’s most difficult times.” And, with many members of the board, former President David Beckman, and county commissioners Faye Griffin, Casey Tighe, and Don Rosier in attendance, President Bill Armstrong declared the hour to be “one of the great intersections in nearly a century of CCU history.” Spontaneous applause and collective “ooohs” met | freedom the overview of the faith new | family campus and the first academic building; students high-fived when Project Manager Shannon Dreyfuss mentioned there will be over 1,000 parking spaces on the future campus.
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Dreyfuss also showed the interior of the first academic building. There is space for over 100 common seats, where students can study, hang out, and simply be together—along with 540 teaching seats, more than doubling the capacity in the current School of Education and School of Business and Leadership, which the new building will be replacing. The excitement was palpable, not simply because of the new campus, but because it will be built where students—and alumni—have already found comfort and formed memories. And Gary Armstrong, ready to offer a prayer of dedication, recounted visiting other properties, specifically one in Morrison, Colorado, where CCU could be one day. But when he reflected on the students, on their engagement with the community and culture, he finally realized, “the campus needs to be here because of who the students are.” “Our prayer,” he uttered, “is that this ground would be holy ground—ground dedicated only for your purposes and plans. We partner with you in our desire to enlarge your kingdom and to see your will be done thorough our staff and student body and out to our world.”
Encountering Jesus and Finding Purpose: The IMPACT of Adult Education at CCU
If you listened to the radio for any length of time in late January, you may have heard Colorado Christian University unveil its Believe Campaign, highlighted by radio spots airing on top stations in the Front Range area. The spots advertised a scholarship promotion and encouraged prospective students to believe in themselves. “The economy has beaten people up. We see students who have been laid off five or six times in the last few years. You can’t help but wonder about yourself when that occurs.” said Chuck Klijewski, assistant vice president of enrollment and marketing for CCU’s College of Adult and Graduate Studies. students,” said Klijewski. Examples of focusing on the student first include a long-term atriculation agreement that CCU has formed with every community college in the state of Colorado; a tiered approach to degree programs, so a student often can earn a certificate and associate degree before her bachelor’s, thus
“We make decisions based on a student’s interest rather than our bottom line. Not every school is doing this in our industry today.”
And, the Believe Campaign corresponds with what happens in classes. Unlike traditional undergraduates at CCU, CAGS does not require students to sign a statement of faith, and classes often become evangelistic tools—places where non-believers get a high quality education while understanding the gospel and experiencing it through the dedication of professors, support staff, and peers. As students encounter the gospel, they end up seeing their own lives with new enthusiasm and purpose. The results speak for themselves. CAGS is now one of the top 100 online schools in the U.S. by volume; associate degrees have increased over 500% in three years; overall growth is at 40% compared to last year—this while higher education numbers are shrinking nationally. “Our growth has been driven by a number of actions, but the overall initiative that has increased growth— and retention—has been our focus on helping
increasing earning power and decreasing debt; new degree offerings such as criminal justice, and health care administration that tap into growing job sectors; and ensuring that every student receives a rigorous Christian education. “Integrating faith and academics means we refuse to water down Scripture,” mentioned Klijewski. “We’re not Christian only if you want us to be. Instead, a Christian education means approaching the material with a different worldview. And, the theme running through all our programs is that of transformation. Students encounter Jesus; they find purpose and begin to make a difference in the world.The stories are overwhelming.” For students in CAGS, transformation may start with something as simple as a radio commercial and the nagging question of what might be possible.
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THE POWER OF PARTNERSHIP
Colorado Christian University has launched a unique initiative to build partnerships with Christian schools, churches, and parachurch ministries. We seek to empower and assist our partners in our shared mission of helping others experience God’s kingdom. We offer our over 60 partner schools and over 60 partner ministries access to the expertise within our faculty and staff—organizing camps, offering resources for Bible study, or speaking at events. Our schools span the country, and our partner ministries range from local churches to international organizations, such as Young Life or Youth With a Mission. Students from partner institutions can also receive scholarships to CCU, as a demonstration of appreciation and recognition of their involvement with our partners. Part of our community partnering includes dual credit offerings. This gives high school students a chance to gain college credit before coming to CCU • Students gain familiarity with CCU through class before they graduate high school • Courses are offered at a reduced rate—so students save money on tuition • Schools are able to teach their own courses, with instructor and syllabus approval from CCU
To explore scholarship opportunities, visit ccu.edu/finaid/partnerscholarships.
w
TO THE NEXT GENERATION
Share your own CCU experience with potential students. Direct students to the CCU website. Encourage them to attend an Information Session (adult students) or CCU Preview Days
(traditional undergraduate students).
COLORADO CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY
PROMOTE
ccu.edu /refer
Scan this QR code with your smart phone and go directly to the referral form online.
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} Year in Review
2012-2013
July September
The annual President’s Circle Dinner was held in honor of the University’s core supporters. At the President’s Circle Dinner, the Faith|Family|Freedom Campaign for the redevelopment of CCU’s Lakewood Campus was launched. Dr. Janet Black, associate professor of English at CCU, was named a Fulbright Scholar for the 2012-13 school year affording her the opportunity to lecture and research at Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda, while acting as a “literary ambassador for America.” Dr. Angela Henderson joined CCU as a new assistant professor of biology. Dr. Henderson’s appointment helped enable the School of Humanities and Sciences to launch a premedical profession major and a health sciences major in the fall.
October
August
By a unanimous vote, the Lakewood City Council formally approved the University’s rezoning plans allowing CCU to expand by 10 acres and providing the first step in the Faith|Family|Freedom Campaign for the Lakewood campus redevelopment. The American Council of Trustees and Alumni (ACTA) ranked CCU in the top 2% of colleges nationwide. CCU and the United States Air Force Academy were the only two universities in Colorado to be ranked in the top 2%. Over 140 alumni and their guests joined us for the Natalie Grant Concert on October 11.
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The 2012 Weekend of Welcome provided five days of orientation and enjoyment for new students. The largest freshman class in CCU history joined the community by building relationships, preparing for classes, and worshipping together with current students. This marked a record enrollment for — now over 5,000 total students in the CCU Undergraduate, Adult, and Graduate programs.
November
The School of Music presented Jesus Trip as the fall play at CCU’s Music Center. Centennial Institute presented, “What’s Next, Conservatives,” a post election look at voter response in Lakewood and Grand Junction.
The University Band Tour began on March 20 with performances in various locations in Arizona, Oklahoma, and New Mexico.
January
Dr. Chris Leland, Ph.D., was promoted to the position of Assistant Vice President for Curriculum and Instruction in the College of Undergraduate Studies. The School of Music presented the Music Man as the spring play at CCU’s Music Center.
April
Dr. Sarah Dallman announced her retirement as Dean of the School of Education. CCU celebrates and thanks Dr. Dallman for her faithful service in this position since 2001.
Homecoming 2013 brought over 200 alumni and guests to campus for an all alumni indoor cookout, basketball games, a heritage alumni prayer breakfast, and more. World Changers Scholarship Weekend brought 118 academically gifted students to campus, three of them were awarded full-ride schloarships.
May
Students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends of CCU gathered at the Lakewood Campus for a Site Dedication Celebration of the first new academic building in the Faith|Family|Freedom Campaign. On May 11, graduates were recognized at CCU’s commencement ceremony . This year’s event featured Hank Brown, former U.S. Senator and U.S. Representative, as a speaker.
March
CCU’s Debate Team, in just its second year, won the National Finals of the National Christian College Debate Tournament, “edging out Wheaton, Cedarville, Liberty, Cal Baptist and all the rest.”
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In Remembrance
Colorado Christian University has endured for nearly 100 years for one reason: God’s goodness exhibited through His people. We stand where we do today because men and women have given their time and talents; they have considered the desires of others before their own. Our leaders have guided wisely; our faculty have taught truthfully; our students have learned courageously. In the past few months, several friends of CCU have passed away. We take time to recognize these friends who served before us and alongside us. We remember their legacies. And, as believers in the Risen Christ, we celebrate their lives.
February RAY OSTILE Longtime professor in the School of Business and Leadership and beloved friend of CCU
April DR. STANLEY HARWOOD Former Board of Trustees member, pastor, and beloved friend of CCU
April DR. LEE GREEN Former interim president of CCU, former Board of Trustees member, and beloved friend of CCU
April BEVERLY BECKMAN Loving spouse of president emeritus, Dr. David Beckman
Hebrews 12:1-2
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God
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Greetings!
Tremendous things are happening all the time at CCU, and I’m eager to share just a small sample of the many blessings CCU has recently experienced. As the familiar hymn says, we count our blessings to see, remember, and be inspired by what God has done — and is doing in the hearts and lives of students. First, this year CCU launched the Faith|Family|Freedom Campaign to completely redevelop the Lakewood campus. As many of you know, CCU’s existing physical structures are simply insufficient to meet the present needs of the campus. Through a dramatically transformed campus, the physical plant will visibly communicate the University’s commitment to continued academic excellence, ongoing growth, and world-class opportunities to engage with key ideas of our day. With great joy, we dedicated the site of the first academic building during a special prayer celebration during the last chapel of the school year on May 2. Final preparations are underway for the site that will serve as the temporary home for many CCU classrooms and faculty offices during the actual construction of the first academic building. We hope, as President Bill Armstrong often says, “to see steel rising out of the ground” for the new building later this summer. Third, CCU recently created the World Changers Scholarship and hosted a special weekend designed to help CCU fulfill our strategic objective to become a magnet for outstanding students. Through a competitive two-day event that attracted 118 academically gifted students from across the country, and even internationally, three students were identified to receive full-tuition scholarships to the College of Undergraduate Studies for four years. I cannot tell you what a blessing it is to celebrate these victories with you! As we work this summer to finish the fundraising goal for Phase 1 of the campaign, we trust with confidence and humility that God will guide us as we seek His will through these endeavors. Thank you for being a partner with us in the important work of CCU.
Paul J. Eldridge, J.D. Vice President Development and Alumni Relations
Fourth Annual Rally in the Rockies
“Freedom’s New Day” • July 26 - July 28
Centennial Institute
Western Conservative Summit 2013
Freedom's New Day
AND MANY OTHER DISTINGUISHED SPEAKERS
Jonah Goldberg National Review KT McFarland Fox News Gov. Scott Walker R-Wisconsin Kellyanne Conway The Polling Company
• Hyatt Regency Denver • Host a Table $2,700 • Individuals $295 • Under Age 30 $75
Under Age 19, Apply to Attend Free
Register Today at: WesternConservativeSummit.com
Alumni News
•Mary (Bowen) Reich (’59) – Mary graduated from Rockmont College. She and her husband, Keith, are happy to celebrate their marriage of 53 years! •Jim Weber (’71) – Jim graduated from Rockmont College with degrees in Bible and psychology. He now lives with his wife JoAnn in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, and is serving as the president and CEO of Global Connection International. •Shari (Kanengieter) Ardill (’78 & ‘96) – Shari graduated from Western Bible College in 1978 before returning to CCU to get a degree in organizational management. She and her husband, Jim, have been missionaries with SIM since 1988. Reich •Reverend Richard Fulmer (’82) – Since graduating from Colorado Baptist University, Richard and his wife, Leah, have pastored five churches. •Frank Vivona (’82) – Frank and his wife, Carole, are currently living in Escondido, CA. Since graduating from Rockmont, Frank has taught special education for twelve years at Valley Center High School, and was the youth director for seven years at Valley Center Community Church. Their three children are now grown, and they have been blessed with four grandchildren: Taylor (11), Lauren (10), Michael (4), and Lily (2). Weber •Carey Green (’90) – Carey launched www.ChristianHomeandFamily.com — a website dedicated to helping people make Christ the center of their home, so that they can establish a legacy of radical faith in their family for generations to come. •Timothy Jardine (’92) and Melinda (Curnutte) Jardine (’96) – Timothy has been deployed to Afghanistan for 6 months now and has completed 30% of the classes towards his M-Div Chaplaincy. He plans to be an Army chaplain by the beginning of 2015. He and his wife, Melinda, live in the Seattle area when they are in the states. Thank you for your service, Timothy! •Deirdre (Burbick) Brouer (’96) – Deirdre graduated from Denver Seminary in December 2012 with an MA in Biblical Studies and Old Testament. Her husband, Ron, also graduated from Denver Seminary, and they have now been married for 15 years. Deirdre is finishing a certificate program in spiritual direction at the Lanteri Center. Currently, she teaches Hebrew, offers spiritual direction, and prepares seminars and articles regarding how the Old Testament speaks about sexual abuse in healing and redemptive ways. In addition to this, Deirdre is pursuing a P .H.D. program and further teaching opportunities. •Mark Gagnon (’99) – Mark received his degree in organizational management from CCU in 1999 and is now living with his wife, Tracey, in the United Kingdom. •Nate Gustafson (’99) and Jennifer (Jackson) Gustafson (’98) – Nate and Jennifer live in Colorado with their daughter, Annabelle (4). Nate currently leads accredited clinical pastor education programs for Spiritual Living Center for Education & Training in the areas of community-based spiritual care and pastoral counseling training. •Rebecca (Crews) Dodge (’02) – After graduating from CCU, Rebecca attended the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Nursing. She is now practicing in the state of Nebraska where she lives with her husband, Matt. Fether •Christian Ford (’02) and Sonja Ford – Christian and Sonja are living happily in Georgia with their two children Najeeah (16) and Jaseer (9). Christian is currently working in the medical device industry. •Pastor Michael Bowen (’03) – In October of 2011, Mike became the Senior Pastor of the Wiley Church of God in Wiley, CO. Congratulations, Mike, may God bless your church and ministry!
Vivona
Brouer
Oxendale
1914
Denver Bible Institute Established
1945
Denver Bible Institute Becomes Denver Bible College | 12 |
1948
Western Bible Institute Established
1949
Denver Bible College Becomes Rockmont College
• Lindsey (Barilovich) Fether (’04) - In 2010, Lindsey, Matthew, and their son Noah (2) moved to Washington; and then in April of 2012, they welcomed their little girl Kaylie into the world. Congratulations! •Jordan Olivero (’05) - In September 2010, Jordan and his bride Valeria were married in Troy, MI. In August of 2011, their son Mateo was born, and then in December of 2012, Jordan completed the MBA program at the Kellogg School of Management (Northwestern University). Congratulations Jordan and Valeria! • Amy Oxendale (’05) – Amy earned her MA in christian formation and a Master’s of Nonprofit Administration from North Park Theological Seminary, and she is currently working at North Park University in the University Ministries department as the spiritual formation coordinator. • Adam Delp (’06) – Adam is part of the leadership team at the Colorado Outdoor Education Center and is serving as the Assistant Director for a fresh and new program, the Sanborn Semester. •Heidi (Buller) Gunn (’06) and Kevin Gunn (’07) – Heidi and Kevin are celebrating the birth of their daughter Lucille (Lucy) Jean Gunn who was born in December of 2012. Congratulations! •Diane Bauerle (’09) – Since graduating from the MACI program, Diane has developed curriculum and trained providers and clinical staff to document in the electronic health record at SCL Health System. She has also served as an adjunct faculty member at Arapahoe Community College in the health information technology program. Additionally, Diane recently accepted a position as eHIM regional manager in health networks at SCL Health System. •Chad (’10) and Joni (Miller) Ryder (’11) – Joni and Chad are excited to announce that they are moving to China! They will be working with Big Tree International there. Our thoughts and prayers are with you both as you undertake this new adventure! •Renee Templeton (’10) – Since receiving her degree, Renee has been teaching at Douglass Valley Elementary in Academy School District 20. She is pictured with her husband, Shawn, and their two children, Ashley (17) and Levi (9). •Nichole (Schroeder) Yeske (’10) – Nichole and her husband Davie are excited to announce the birth of their first daughter, Madison Lynn, born on February 28, 2013! •Christine (Elsas) Sani (’11) – Since graduating from CCU, Christine has lived in Uganda, Brazil, and Mozambique and done short term missions in South Africa, Tanzania, and Kenya. She graduated from Harvest Missions School with Iris Ministries and staffed a school for them. She and her husband, Ibrahim, are launching a non-profit using soccer to care for orphans and homeless children. •Dylan Morrow (’12) and Alyssa (Johnson) Morrow (’12) – Upon graduation May 2012, Alyssa and Dylan married June 16, 2012, and moved to Decorah, Iowa. Alyssa is a resident director at Luther College and Dylan is the worship pastor at Iron Ridge Church. Yeske
Delp
Bauerle
Ryder
Templeton
Sani
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 and photos to www.ccu.edu/alumni/share.asp
Smart phone users: download a “QR Reader App” for free at www.ccu.edu/QR then take a picture of the QR code to view this web page on your phone.
1975
Western Bible Institute Becomes Western Bible College
1983
Colorado Baptist University Established
1985
Western Bible College and Rockmont College merge to form Colorado Christian College
1989 - Present
Colorado Christian College and Colorado Baptist University merge to form Colorado Christian University
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FOR GOD’S GLORY
A story of humility & witness
Bob & Barbara Kirchner with recipients of the Kirchner Endowed Scholarship
“I was waiting tables, what they called ‘hashing,’ at a sorority house,” recounts Bob Kirchner. “And on my way home, we would cross each other in the park. Finally I called her, and we had a date.” “We’d just say hello, you know?” remembers Barbara.“I don’t know what happened, but something clicked, I guess.” Barbara was a freshman and Bob a junior at the University of Colorado in 1941, studying music and business, respectively. They dated two years, and Bob reached the NCAA Final Four as a guard on CU’s basketball team, before World War II intervened. Bob went into the Navy after graduation, and wouldn’t even be able to call Barbara for another year. “I was in downtown Evergreen on my horse,” says Barbara, “and mother came down and told me Bob was on the phone. I went home so fast!” “I had 60 days in the States because our ship needed repairs,” tells Bob, “and I called Barbara and said, ‘Let’s get married.’ Her mother put together the wedding in six days. Needless to say, there wasn’t a huge crowd, but we got married on August 6, 1944, in Evergreen.” Another year and a half passed, though, before the two could truly settle somewhere, after Bob was discharged from the Navy in 1946. They moved to the Hiwan Ranch in Evergreen—now a museum—before coming down the mountain to Denver a year later. Established in Denver, the two began to build their lives together. Bob began selling municipal bonds at Boettcher & Company; Barbara volunteered at Craig Hospital. In a few years, they built a house on Wadsworth Boulevard—then just a gravel road, and raised two children, Brad and Robin. Bob met success in business, founding his own municipal
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bond business in 1960, Kirchner & Company, later to become Kirchner Moore, and its legacy continues in the Denver area. God had designs for the family they didn’t yet know about—though it’s clear He was working behind the scenes all along. As their children entered high school and got involved in Young Life, Bob and Barbara began to understand the gospel more clearly. “We would say we were Christians, but we didn’t really know what it was until we got into Young Life,” declares Barbara. Add to that a friendship with David Beckman—who was part of Rockmont College, one of CCU’s legacy schools—and the two saw what a relationship with God was about. They began looking for ways, unobtrusively, to give back. “We wanted to honor the Lord, not ourselves—and there’s a fine line between humility and being a witness,” says Bob. So, after retirement—and a stint as chairman of the 1978 U.S. Open at Cherry Hills Country Club—Bob served as finance chairman to the 1987 Billy Graham Crusade in Denver. And, while they gave to many organizations, nineteen years later they were looking to give something that would last a long time. “We wanted to make a gift that was really significant for us,” Bob reports, “and we chose CCU.” They established the largest single endowed scholarship at Colorado Christian University. Today, college students at CCU are wondering what their futures hold; they’re seeking to give back in their own ways, to honor the Lord while balancing humility and witness. Fortunately, their possibilities are brighter thanks to two students who crossed each other in a park 72 years ago.
Benefits of a CCU Charitable Gift Annuity.
1. ATTRACTIVE RATES. When you compare our gift annuity rates with what you might receive from a certificate of deposit you will be pleasantly surprised. (Rates average between 4%-11.5%*.) 2. REGULAR PAYMENTS. When you establish your gift annuity, you decide how often you want to receive your payments (with certain restrictions). 3. FIXED INCOME. Your payment rate will be locked in at the time you obtain your gift annuity. 4. LIFETIME BENEFIT. Gift annuities are for life. And if you have a two-life gift annuity, when one person dies, the other can continue to receive the same amount for the rest of his/her life. 5. DEPENDABLE SOURCE. CCU reinsures all gift annuities, so your assets are protected with the backing of a top-rated insurance company. 6. RELIEF FROM TAXES. Since part of your contribution for a gift annuity is considered a charitable gift by the IRS, you will receive an income tax charitable deduction to apply on an itemized tax return. 7. SIMPLE PROCESS. We can provide you with a tailor-made illustration so you can see how it all works with your age and contribution amount included. Interested in enjoying these benefits? Are you at or near retirement age? Let us give you more information. Contact: Paul Eldridge, Vice President Development and Alumni Relations Colorado Christian University 303-963-3330 *Rates will vary depending upon age and number of beneficiaries
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Colorado Christian University
8787 W. Alameda Ave. Lakewood, CO 80226
SCOTT MILLER
President and CEO of Interstate Batteries Degree: B.S. in Business Management Class Year: 1991 Scott Miller knows batteries. He’s been working at Interstate since he was 14, when his father—then president at the company—started him out at the warehouse, telling the employees to teach him the basics. They did. And after receiving a B.S. in business management from CCU, Scott applied what he had learned about batteries, and what he had learned about business and God, to his career at Interstate. The first lesson? It’s not about batteries. “We are about glorifying God, enriching lives, and serving others,” says Scott. The successful president and CEO then quotes Viktor Frankl, concentration camp survivor: “Success, like happiness, cannot be pursued; it must ensue, and it only does so as the unintended side effect of one’s personal dedication to a cause greater than oneself.” Under Miller’s leadership, Interstate Batteries will continue to differentiate itself as a company dedicated to its customers—earning profits because they are focused on people.
CCU’s Values-Aligned Alumnus for 2013. For more, see page 4
Scan this QR code with your smart phone to go to: ccu.edu/successstories
Chairman of the Board Gary Armstrong speaking at the site dedication ceremony for the first building in the campus redevelopment project.
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.
Dear Friends, As another school year at Colorado Christian University draws to a close, we find ourselves reflecting back while straining to see what’s ahead. By God’s grace, CCU has celebrated significant successes over the past months: our debate team has been decorated for their performance, the American Council of Trustees & Alumni ranked us in the top two percent of colleges nationwide, our sports teams reflected this institution well through their excellence and sportsmanship, Hugh Hewitt broadcast his radio show from our campus, and our musical ensembles toured the west. We continue to experience God’s faithfulness. Our community continues to grow, and we have over 5,000 students spread across our College of Undergraduate Studies and our College of Adult and Graduate Studies—men and women who are becoming the next generation of leaders in our world, who are dedicated to bringing grace and truth to those around them. And, this month, we celebrated a site dedication for the first academic building as part of our Lakewood Campus Redevelopment. As the building is raised this summer, I can only imagine the classes and conversations that will occur within those walls. I trust that this new building will offer more space for a common refrain—one of the reasons I came to CCU and what I hear time and time again: God is active here. God is active here. You can hear it in the professors’ words, see it on the faces of students, sense it in the dedication of the staff. As we look back, we are thankful. And, as we look forward, we see the hope to which God has called us. I’m reminded of a prayer attributed to St. Francis, echoed by Margaret Thatcher upon her election as prime minister, and one of my hopes: “Where there is discord, may we bring harmony. Where there is error, may we bring truth. Where there is doubt, may we bring faith. And where there is despair, may we bring hope.” We seek to bring light to darkness, through our knowledge, our faith, and our actions. Sincerely,
Bill Armstrong
JUNE
Disinherit the IRS June 4 or 6 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. CCU Lakewood Campus www.ccu.edu/IRS to register All Colorado Alumni Career Fair June 25 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. Denver Marriott DTC, Free for CCU Students and Alumni www.ccu.edu/alumni
JULY
Western Conservative Summit: Freedom’s New Day July 26-28 Hyatt Regency Downtown Denver www.ccu.edu/ WesternConservativeSummit to register
CCU Symposium September 17 -18 CCU Event Center
OCTOBER
AUGUST
Summer Play August 28 – 31 7:30 p.m. CCU School of Music
Jefferson County Prayer Breakfast October 4 7:00 – 8:35 a.m. Marriott Denver West www.jeffersoncountyprayerbreakfast.net Athletics’ Hall of Fame Banquet October 11 CCU Event Center
SEPTEMBER
President’s Circle Dinner September 16 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. CCU Event Center By Invitation Only
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SPRING
Volume 5, Number 1
To add your name to the mail list and to receive other announcements about CCU alumni events or to update your contact information please go to www.ccu.edu/Alumni Colorado Christian Connection is a regular publication produced by Colorado Christian University to connect CCU alumni and friends to each other and to CCU. As we build each issue, we strive for complete accuracy, however, we occasionally miss the mark. Please inform us of our errors, and we will address them in the following issue. THIS PUBLICATION IS SPONSORED BY THE OFFICE OF DEVELOPMENT AND ALUMNI RELATIONS: Paul J. Eldridge, J.D. Vice President, Development and Alumni Relations Christi Kirchner Director of Alumni Relations David Nye Director of Development Dan Westermann Director of Development Jan Otteman Event Planner and Administrative Assistant Kathleen LeCrone Database Specialst THIS PUBLICATION IS PRODUCED BY UNIVERSITY COMMUNICATIONS: Lisa Zeller Director of University Communications Gabe Knipp Copywriter Danielle Hull Graphic Designer Bethany Applegate Graphic Designer
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VALS 2013
The Moral Case for Free Enterprise
FAITH | FAMILY | FREEDOM
Campus Redevelopment Update
ENCOUNTERING JESUS AND FINDING PURPOSE
The IMPACT of Adult Education at CCU
YEAR IN REVIEW
ALUMNI NEWS
FOR GOD’S GLORY
A story of humility and witness
THE MOR AL CASE
FOR FREE
ENTERPR ISE
UNSHACKLING COMPETITION
Colorado Christian University’s 11th annual ValuesAligned Leadership Summit connected almost 300 students with 450 local business executives this April. Exploring “The Moral Case for Free Enterprise,” the event promoted discussion while providing networking opportunities for students—giving them unparalleled access to successful businesspersons as they shared a table and conversed over relevant issues. Dennis Prager, a nationally syndicated talk show host, offered the keynote speech. “The American trinity of values is on our money,” he declared, “Liberty, ‘In God We Trust,’ and e pluribus unum.” Asserting that we must remain true to such values, Prager reminded the audience, “Only the American DNA is for small government. America is an aberration in the world.” “The bigger the government, the smaller the citizen,” he quipped, to the applause of the almost 750 in attendance. The day also illustrated CCU’s connection with the Denver business community. Professor Ron Rex described how Employment Management Services has connected with over 120 local businesses, bringing top students to the workforce—with a 97% success rate. “The event was wonderful,” said Karen Ann Young, a longtime attendee. “It gets better every year. This year was like an I.V. infusion of hope for our future and our world.” The day’s theme of free enterprise was also carried by Dr. Jay Richards, a senior fellow at the Discovery Institute. Richards told of how no system of economics has benefited the world as much as free enterprise. Dr. Jill Vecchio explored implications of the Affordable Care Act, while CCU’s own President Bill Armstrong, Dean of CCU’s School of Business and Leadership Dr. Gary Ewen, and Executive in Residence Kevin Miller also discussed the advantages of a free enterprise system.
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2013
Dennis Prager An annual highlight of VALS is the time organizers take to honor those living ethical, values-aligned lives. Each year, a CCU student, an alumnus, and an executive from the community is honored for his or her efforts to impact others through business. This year, Caleb Rawson, CCU class of 2013, was given the Values-Aligned Student award; Scott Miller, class of 1991 and current president and CEO of Interstate Batteries, received the Values-Aligned Alumnus award. Curt and Nancy Richardson, founders of Otterbox and the OtterCares Foundation, were celebrated for their ability to create jobs, help others—and encourage their employees to help others—as Values-Aligned Executives.
Curt and Nancy Richardson with Dr. Gary Ewen, Dean of School of Business and Leadsership
BUILDING GREATNESS: By His Grace, for His Glory
Site Dedication Celebration
Gary Armstrong, chair of CCU’s board of trustees, stood before students, the staff and faculty, and invited guests. “We acknowledge,” he prayed, “that it has been your faithful promises, your great favor, and your generous provision which have brought us through the practical steps to get here this day.” The site dedication for CCU’s redeveloped campus and first academic building began—and ended— with reflection. It was a time to give thanks, as much as a time to imagine what might be—evident in the message of each speaker. Jim Weber, class of 1971 and the student body president when CCU (known then as Rockmont) moved to its present location in Lakewood, thanked God for the “courage and tenacity of those who served during some of the school’s most difficult times.” And, with many members of the board, former President David Beckman, and county commissioners Faye Griffin, Casey Tighe, and Don Rosier in attendance, President Bill Armstrong declared the hour to be “one of the great intersections in nearly a century of CCU history.” Spontaneous applause and collective “ooohs” met | freedom the overview of the faith new | family campus and the first academic building; students high-fived when Project Manager Shannon Dreyfuss mentioned there will be over 1,000 parking spaces on the future campus.
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Dreyfuss also showed the interior of the first academic building. There is space for over 100 common seats, where students can study, hang out, and simply be together—along with 540 teaching seats, more than doubling the capacity in the current School of Education and School of Business and Leadership, which the new building will be replacing. The excitement was palpable, not simply because of the new campus, but because it will be built where students—and alumni—have already found comfort and formed memories. And Gary Armstrong, ready to offer a prayer of dedication, recounted visiting other properties, specifically one in Morrison, Colorado, where CCU could be one day. But when he reflected on the students, on their engagement with the community and culture, he finally realized, “the campus needs to be here because of who the students are.” “Our prayer,” he uttered, “is that this ground would be holy ground—ground dedicated only for your purposes and plans. We partner with you in our desire to enlarge your kingdom and to see your will be done thorough our staff and student body and out to our world.”
Encountering Jesus and Finding Purpose: The IMPACT of Adult Education at CCU
If you listened to the radio for any length of time in late January, you may have heard Colorado Christian University unveil its Believe Campaign, highlighted by radio spots airing on top stations in the Front Range area. The spots advertised a scholarship promotion and encouraged prospective students to believe in themselves. “The economy has beaten people up. We see students who have been laid off five or six times in the last few years. You can’t help but wonder about yourself when that occurs.” said Chuck Klijewski, assistant vice president of enrollment and marketing for CCU’s College of Adult and Graduate Studies. students,” said Klijewski. Examples of focusing on the student first include a long-term atriculation agreement that CCU has formed with every community college in the state of Colorado; a tiered approach to degree programs, so a student often can earn a certificate and associate degree before her bachelor’s, thus
“We make decisions based on a student’s interest rather than our bottom line. Not every school is doing this in our industry today.”
And, the Believe Campaign corresponds with what happens in classes. Unlike traditional undergraduates at CCU, CAGS does not require students to sign a statement of faith, and classes often become evangelistic tools—places where non-believers get a high quality education while understanding the gospel and experiencing it through the dedication of professors, support staff, and peers. As students encounter the gospel, they end up seeing their own lives with new enthusiasm and purpose. The results speak for themselves. CAGS is now one of the top 100 online schools in the U.S. by volume; associate degrees have increased over 500% in three years; overall growth is at 40% compared to last year—this while higher education numbers are shrinking nationally. “Our growth has been driven by a number of actions, but the overall initiative that has increased growth— and retention—has been our focus on helping
increasing earning power and decreasing debt; new degree offerings such as criminal justice, and health care administration that tap into growing job sectors; and ensuring that every student receives a rigorous Christian education. “Integrating faith and academics means we refuse to water down Scripture,” mentioned Klijewski. “We’re not Christian only if you want us to be. Instead, a Christian education means approaching the material with a different worldview. And, the theme running through all our programs is that of transformation. Students encounter Jesus; they find purpose and begin to make a difference in the world.The stories are overwhelming.” For students in CAGS, transformation may start with something as simple as a radio commercial and the nagging question of what might be possible.
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THE POWER OF PARTNERSHIP
Colorado Christian University has launched a unique initiative to build partnerships with Christian schools, churches, and parachurch ministries. We seek to empower and assist our partners in our shared mission of helping others experience God’s kingdom. We offer our over 60 partner schools and over 60 partner ministries access to the expertise within our faculty and staff—organizing camps, offering resources for Bible study, or speaking at events. Our schools span the country, and our partner ministries range from local churches to international organizations, such as Young Life or Youth With a Mission. Students from partner institutions can also receive scholarships to CCU, as a demonstration of appreciation and recognition of their involvement with our partners. Part of our community partnering includes dual credit offerings. This gives high school students a chance to gain college credit before coming to CCU • Students gain familiarity with CCU through class before they graduate high school • Courses are offered at a reduced rate—so students save money on tuition • Schools are able to teach their own courses, with instructor and syllabus approval from CCU
To explore scholarship opportunities, visit ccu.edu/finaid/partnerscholarships.
w
TO THE NEXT GENERATION
Share your own CCU experience with potential students. Direct students to the CCU website. Encourage them to attend an Information Session (adult students) or CCU Preview Days
(traditional undergraduate students).
COLORADO CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY
PROMOTE
ccu.edu /refer
Scan this QR code with your smart phone and go directly to the referral form online.
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} Year in Review
2012-2013
July September
The annual President’s Circle Dinner was held in honor of the University’s core supporters. At the President’s Circle Dinner, the Faith|Family|Freedom Campaign for the redevelopment of CCU’s Lakewood Campus was launched. Dr. Janet Black, associate professor of English at CCU, was named a Fulbright Scholar for the 2012-13 school year affording her the opportunity to lecture and research at Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda, while acting as a “literary ambassador for America.” Dr. Angela Henderson joined CCU as a new assistant professor of biology. Dr. Henderson’s appointment helped enable the School of Humanities and Sciences to launch a premedical profession major and a health sciences major in the fall.
October
August
By a unanimous vote, the Lakewood City Council formally approved the University’s rezoning plans allowing CCU to expand by 10 acres and providing the first step in the Faith|Family|Freedom Campaign for the Lakewood campus redevelopment. The American Council of Trustees and Alumni (ACTA) ranked CCU in the top 2% of colleges nationwide. CCU and the United States Air Force Academy were the only two universities in Colorado to be ranked in the top 2%. Over 140 alumni and their guests joined us for the Natalie Grant Concert on October 11.
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The 2012 Weekend of Welcome provided five days of orientation and enjoyment for new students. The largest freshman class in CCU history joined the community by building relationships, preparing for classes, and worshipping together with current students. This marked a record enrollment for — now over 5,000 total students in the CCU Undergraduate, Adult, and Graduate programs.
November
The School of Music presented Jesus Trip as the fall play at CCU’s Music Center. Centennial Institute presented, “What’s Next, Conservatives,” a post election look at voter response in Lakewood and Grand Junction.
The University Band Tour began on March 20 with performances in various locations in Arizona, Oklahoma, and New Mexico.
January
Dr. Chris Leland, Ph.D., was promoted to the position of Assistant Vice President for Curriculum and Instruction in the College of Undergraduate Studies. The School of Music presented the Music Man as the spring play at CCU’s Music Center.
April
Dr. Sarah Dallman announced her retirement as Dean of the School of Education. CCU celebrates and thanks Dr. Dallman for her faithful service in this position since 2001.
Homecoming 2013 brought over 200 alumni and guests to campus for an all alumni indoor cookout, basketball games, a heritage alumni prayer breakfast, and more. World Changers Scholarship Weekend brought 118 academically gifted students to campus, three of them were awarded full-ride schloarships.
May
Students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends of CCU gathered at the Lakewood Campus for a Site Dedication Celebration of the first new academic building in the Faith|Family|Freedom Campaign. On May 11, graduates were recognized at CCU’s commencement ceremony . This year’s event featured Hank Brown, former U.S. Senator and U.S. Representative, as a speaker.
March
CCU’s Debate Team, in just its second year, won the National Finals of the National Christian College Debate Tournament, “edging out Wheaton, Cedarville, Liberty, Cal Baptist and all the rest.”
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In Remembrance
Colorado Christian University has endured for nearly 100 years for one reason: God’s goodness exhibited through His people. We stand where we do today because men and women have given their time and talents; they have considered the desires of others before their own. Our leaders have guided wisely; our faculty have taught truthfully; our students have learned courageously. In the past few months, several friends of CCU have passed away. We take time to recognize these friends who served before us and alongside us. We remember their legacies. And, as believers in the Risen Christ, we celebrate their lives.
February RAY OSTILE Longtime professor in the School of Business and Leadership and beloved friend of CCU
April DR. STANLEY HARWOOD Former Board of Trustees member, pastor, and beloved friend of CCU
April DR. LEE GREEN Former interim president of CCU, former Board of Trustees member, and beloved friend of CCU
April BEVERLY BECKMAN Loving spouse of president emeritus, Dr. David Beckman
Hebrews 12:1-2
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God
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Greetings!
Tremendous things are happening all the time at CCU, and I’m eager to share just a small sample of the many blessings CCU has recently experienced. As the familiar hymn says, we count our blessings to see, remember, and be inspired by what God has done — and is doing in the hearts and lives of students. First, this year CCU launched the Faith|Family|Freedom Campaign to completely redevelop the Lakewood campus. As many of you know, CCU’s existing physical structures are simply insufficient to meet the present needs of the campus. Through a dramatically transformed campus, the physical plant will visibly communicate the University’s commitment to continued academic excellence, ongoing growth, and world-class opportunities to engage with key ideas of our day. With great joy, we dedicated the site of the first academic building during a special prayer celebration during the last chapel of the school year on May 2. Final preparations are underway for the site that will serve as the temporary home for many CCU classrooms and faculty offices during the actual construction of the first academic building. We hope, as President Bill Armstrong often says, “to see steel rising out of the ground” for the new building later this summer. Third, CCU recently created the World Changers Scholarship and hosted a special weekend designed to help CCU fulfill our strategic objective to become a magnet for outstanding students. Through a competitive two-day event that attracted 118 academically gifted students from across the country, and even internationally, three students were identified to receive full-tuition scholarships to the College of Undergraduate Studies for four years. I cannot tell you what a blessing it is to celebrate these victories with you! As we work this summer to finish the fundraising goal for Phase 1 of the campaign, we trust with confidence and humility that God will guide us as we seek His will through these endeavors. Thank you for being a partner with us in the important work of CCU.
Paul J. Eldridge, J.D. Vice President Development and Alumni Relations
Fourth Annual Rally in the Rockies
“Freedom’s New Day” • July 26 - July 28
Centennial Institute
Western Conservative Summit 2013
Freedom's New Day
AND MANY OTHER DISTINGUISHED SPEAKERS
Jonah Goldberg National Review KT McFarland Fox News Gov. Scott Walker R-Wisconsin Kellyanne Conway The Polling Company
• Hyatt Regency Denver • Host a Table $2,700 • Individuals $295 • Under Age 30 $75
Under Age 19, Apply to Attend Free
Register Today at: WesternConservativeSummit.com
Alumni News
•Mary (Bowen) Reich (’59) – Mary graduated from Rockmont College. She and her husband, Keith, are happy to celebrate their marriage of 53 years! •Jim Weber (’71) – Jim graduated from Rockmont College with degrees in Bible and psychology. He now lives with his wife JoAnn in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, and is serving as the president and CEO of Global Connection International. •Shari (Kanengieter) Ardill (’78 & ‘96) – Shari graduated from Western Bible College in 1978 before returning to CCU to get a degree in organizational management. She and her husband, Jim, have been missionaries with SIM since 1988. Reich •Reverend Richard Fulmer (’82) – Since graduating from Colorado Baptist University, Richard and his wife, Leah, have pastored five churches. •Frank Vivona (’82) – Frank and his wife, Carole, are currently living in Escondido, CA. Since graduating from Rockmont, Frank has taught special education for twelve years at Valley Center High School, and was the youth director for seven years at Valley Center Community Church. Their three children are now grown, and they have been blessed with four grandchildren: Taylor (11), Lauren (10), Michael (4), and Lily (2). Weber •Carey Green (’90) – Carey launched www.ChristianHomeandFamily.com — a website dedicated to helping people make Christ the center of their home, so that they can establish a legacy of radical faith in their family for generations to come. •Timothy Jardine (’92) and Melinda (Curnutte) Jardine (’96) – Timothy has been deployed to Afghanistan for 6 months now and has completed 30% of the classes towards his M-Div Chaplaincy. He plans to be an Army chaplain by the beginning of 2015. He and his wife, Melinda, live in the Seattle area when they are in the states. Thank you for your service, Timothy! •Deirdre (Burbick) Brouer (’96) – Deirdre graduated from Denver Seminary in December 2012 with an MA in Biblical Studies and Old Testament. Her husband, Ron, also graduated from Denver Seminary, and they have now been married for 15 years. Deirdre is finishing a certificate program in spiritual direction at the Lanteri Center. Currently, she teaches Hebrew, offers spiritual direction, and prepares seminars and articles regarding how the Old Testament speaks about sexual abuse in healing and redemptive ways. In addition to this, Deirdre is pursuing a P .H.D. program and further teaching opportunities. •Mark Gagnon (’99) – Mark received his degree in organizational management from CCU in 1999 and is now living with his wife, Tracey, in the United Kingdom. •Nate Gustafson (’99) and Jennifer (Jackson) Gustafson (’98) – Nate and Jennifer live in Colorado with their daughter, Annabelle (4). Nate currently leads accredited clinical pastor education programs for Spiritual Living Center for Education & Training in the areas of community-based spiritual care and pastoral counseling training. •Rebecca (Crews) Dodge (’02) – After graduating from CCU, Rebecca attended the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Nursing. She is now practicing in the state of Nebraska where she lives with her husband, Matt. Fether •Christian Ford (’02) and Sonja Ford – Christian and Sonja are living happily in Georgia with their two children Najeeah (16) and Jaseer (9). Christian is currently working in the medical device industry. •Pastor Michael Bowen (’03) – In October of 2011, Mike became the Senior Pastor of the Wiley Church of God in Wiley, CO. Congratulations, Mike, may God bless your church and ministry!
Vivona
Brouer
Oxendale
1914
Denver Bible Institute Established
1945
Denver Bible Institute Becomes Denver Bible College | 12 |
1948
Western Bible Institute Established
1949
Denver Bible College Becomes Rockmont College
• Lindsey (Barilovich) Fether (’04) - In 2010, Lindsey, Matthew, and their son Noah (2) moved to Washington; and then in April of 2012, they welcomed their little girl Kaylie into the world. Congratulations! •Jordan Olivero (’05) - In September 2010, Jordan and his bride Valeria were married in Troy, MI. In August of 2011, their son Mateo was born, and then in December of 2012, Jordan completed the MBA program at the Kellogg School of Management (Northwestern University). Congratulations Jordan and Valeria! • Amy Oxendale (’05) – Amy earned her MA in christian formation and a Master’s of Nonprofit Administration from North Park Theological Seminary, and she is currently working at North Park University in the University Ministries department as the spiritual formation coordinator. • Adam Delp (’06) – Adam is part of the leadership team at the Colorado Outdoor Education Center and is serving as the Assistant Director for a fresh and new program, the Sanborn Semester. •Heidi (Buller) Gunn (’06) and Kevin Gunn (’07) – Heidi and Kevin are celebrating the birth of their daughter Lucille (Lucy) Jean Gunn who was born in December of 2012. Congratulations! •Diane Bauerle (’09) – Since graduating from the MACI program, Diane has developed curriculum and trained providers and clinical staff to document in the electronic health record at SCL Health System. She has also served as an adjunct faculty member at Arapahoe Community College in the health information technology program. Additionally, Diane recently accepted a position as eHIM regional manager in health networks at SCL Health System. •Chad (’10) and Joni (Miller) Ryder (’11) – Joni and Chad are excited to announce that they are moving to China! They will be working with Big Tree International there. Our thoughts and prayers are with you both as you undertake this new adventure! •Renee Templeton (’10) – Since receiving her degree, Renee has been teaching at Douglass Valley Elementary in Academy School District 20. She is pictured with her husband, Shawn, and their two children, Ashley (17) and Levi (9). •Nichole (Schroeder) Yeske (’10) – Nichole and her husband Davie are excited to announce the birth of their first daughter, Madison Lynn, born on February 28, 2013! •Christine (Elsas) Sani (’11) – Since graduating from CCU, Christine has lived in Uganda, Brazil, and Mozambique and done short term missions in South Africa, Tanzania, and Kenya. She graduated from Harvest Missions School with Iris Ministries and staffed a school for them. She and her husband, Ibrahim, are launching a non-profit using soccer to care for orphans and homeless children. •Dylan Morrow (’12) and Alyssa (Johnson) Morrow (’12) – Upon graduation May 2012, Alyssa and Dylan married June 16, 2012, and moved to Decorah, Iowa. Alyssa is a resident director at Luther College and Dylan is the worship pastor at Iron Ridge Church. Yeske
Delp
Bauerle
Ryder
Templeton
Sani
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 and photos to www.ccu.edu/alumni/share.asp
Smart phone users: download a “QR Reader App” for free at www.ccu.edu/QR then take a picture of the QR code to view this web page on your phone.
1975
Western Bible Institute Becomes Western Bible College
1983
Colorado Baptist University Established
1985
Western Bible College and Rockmont College merge to form Colorado Christian College
1989 - Present
Colorado Christian College and Colorado Baptist University merge to form Colorado Christian University
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FOR GOD’S GLORY
A story of humility & witness
Bob & Barbara Kirchner with recipients of the Kirchner Endowed Scholarship
“I was waiting tables, what they called ‘hashing,’ at a sorority house,” recounts Bob Kirchner. “And on my way home, we would cross each other in the park. Finally I called her, and we had a date.” “We’d just say hello, you know?” remembers Barbara.“I don’t know what happened, but something clicked, I guess.” Barbara was a freshman and Bob a junior at the University of Colorado in 1941, studying music and business, respectively. They dated two years, and Bob reached the NCAA Final Four as a guard on CU’s basketball team, before World War II intervened. Bob went into the Navy after graduation, and wouldn’t even be able to call Barbara for another year. “I was in downtown Evergreen on my horse,” says Barbara, “and mother came down and told me Bob was on the phone. I went home so fast!” “I had 60 days in the States because our ship needed repairs,” tells Bob, “and I called Barbara and said, ‘Let’s get married.’ Her mother put together the wedding in six days. Needless to say, there wasn’t a huge crowd, but we got married on August 6, 1944, in Evergreen.” Another year and a half passed, though, before the two could truly settle somewhere, after Bob was discharged from the Navy in 1946. They moved to the Hiwan Ranch in Evergreen—now a museum—before coming down the mountain to Denver a year later. Established in Denver, the two began to build their lives together. Bob began selling municipal bonds at Boettcher & Company; Barbara volunteered at Craig Hospital. In a few years, they built a house on Wadsworth Boulevard—then just a gravel road, and raised two children, Brad and Robin. Bob met success in business, founding his own municipal
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bond business in 1960, Kirchner & Company, later to become Kirchner Moore, and its legacy continues in the Denver area. God had designs for the family they didn’t yet know about—though it’s clear He was working behind the scenes all along. As their children entered high school and got involved in Young Life, Bob and Barbara began to understand the gospel more clearly. “We would say we were Christians, but we didn’t really know what it was until we got into Young Life,” declares Barbara. Add to that a friendship with David Beckman—who was part of Rockmont College, one of CCU’s legacy schools—and the two saw what a relationship with God was about. They began looking for ways, unobtrusively, to give back. “We wanted to honor the Lord, not ourselves—and there’s a fine line between humility and being a witness,” says Bob. So, after retirement—and a stint as chairman of the 1978 U.S. Open at Cherry Hills Country Club—Bob served as finance chairman to the 1987 Billy Graham Crusade in Denver. And, while they gave to many organizations, nineteen years later they were looking to give something that would last a long time. “We wanted to make a gift that was really significant for us,” Bob reports, “and we chose CCU.” They established the largest single endowed scholarship at Colorado Christian University. Today, college students at CCU are wondering what their futures hold; they’re seeking to give back in their own ways, to honor the Lord while balancing humility and witness. Fortunately, their possibilities are brighter thanks to two students who crossed each other in a park 72 years ago.
Benefits of a CCU Charitable Gift Annuity.
1. ATTRACTIVE RATES. When you compare our gift annuity rates with what you might receive from a certificate of deposit you will be pleasantly surprised. (Rates average between 4%-11.5%*.) 2. REGULAR PAYMENTS. When you establish your gift annuity, you decide how often you want to receive your payments (with certain restrictions). 3. FIXED INCOME. Your payment rate will be locked in at the time you obtain your gift annuity. 4. LIFETIME BENEFIT. Gift annuities are for life. And if you have a two-life gift annuity, when one person dies, the other can continue to receive the same amount for the rest of his/her life. 5. DEPENDABLE SOURCE. CCU reinsures all gift annuities, so your assets are protected with the backing of a top-rated insurance company. 6. RELIEF FROM TAXES. Since part of your contribution for a gift annuity is considered a charitable gift by the IRS, you will receive an income tax charitable deduction to apply on an itemized tax return. 7. SIMPLE PROCESS. We can provide you with a tailor-made illustration so you can see how it all works with your age and contribution amount included. Interested in enjoying these benefits? Are you at or near retirement age? Let us give you more information. Contact: Paul Eldridge, Vice President Development and Alumni Relations Colorado Christian University 303-963-3330 *Rates will vary depending upon age and number of beneficiaries
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Colorado Christian University
8787 W. Alameda Ave. Lakewood, CO 80226
SCOTT MILLER
President and CEO of Interstate Batteries Degree: B.S. in Business Management Class Year: 1991 Scott Miller knows batteries. He’s been working at Interstate since he was 14, when his father—then president at the company—started him out at the warehouse, telling the employees to teach him the basics. They did. And after receiving a B.S. in business management from CCU, Scott applied what he had learned about batteries, and what he had learned about business and God, to his career at Interstate. The first lesson? It’s not about batteries. “We are about glorifying God, enriching lives, and serving others,” says Scott. The successful president and CEO then quotes Viktor Frankl, concentration camp survivor: “Success, like happiness, cannot be pursued; it must ensue, and it only does so as the unintended side effect of one’s personal dedication to a cause greater than oneself.” Under Miller’s leadership, Interstate Batteries will continue to differentiate itself as a company dedicated to its customers—earning profits because they are focused on people.
CCU’s Values-Aligned Alumnus for 2013. For more, see page 4
Scan this QR code with your smart phone to go to: ccu.edu/successstories
