Colorado Christian Connection-Fall 10-Pgs
Content
Colorado Christian
A Publication to the CCU Community
Fall 2010
CCU’s Year of Evangelism High Standards for School of Business and Leadership One Freshman’s Story Alumni News CCU Recognized by National Evaluation Board
page 2 page 4 page 5 page 6 page 7
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.
EVANGELISM
THE YEAR OF
5%
Vision
Tools
Resources
Network
enn Jillette, one half of the Las Vegas-based comedy and magic duo Penn and Teller, is not exactly known for his affinity for Christians. In fact, he is a well known outspoken atheist and skeptic. Shortly after one of the shows, a Christian businessman approached Penn and offered him a Bible as well as expressed an interest in talking with Penn about the Lord. After the exchange, Penn returned to his dressing room to a video blog he keeps regularly. Rather than sharing feelings of offense or annoyance, Penn’s blog expresses thoughts of respect and admiration for the businessman who stepped out to “proselytize” him. In Penn’s words, …I’ve always said, I don’t respect people who don’t proselytize, I don’t respect that at all. If you believe that there’s a heaven and a hell, and people could be going to hell, or not getting eternal life, or whatever, and you think ‘it’s not really worth telling them this because it would make it socially awkward’...How much do you have to hate somebody to not proselytize? How much do you have to hate somebody to believe everlasting life is possible and not tell them that?”1 Studies show that less than 5% of Christians ever share their relationship with God.2 Think about this number in the context of Penn Jillette’s comments. That means 95% of people who call themselves followers of Christ, never risk the social awkwardness of sharing the gospel. What does this say about our beliefs? What does this say about our heart for our non-Christian friends and family members?
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In the midst of these questions, God is at work. He is igniting hearts across Colorado in a new wave of evangelism. It seems God has placed Colorado Christian University in a place of strategic influence to see this movement spread across Colorado. To engage in this momentum CCU has declared the 2010-2011 school year, “The Year of Evangelism.” This year will see every CCU student, staff, and faculty member trained to share their faith, and given practical opportunities to do so. But, the Year of Evangelism is far bigger than an on-campus event. CCU is also meeting with pastors and ministry leaders across the state to partner together in training believers in practical evangelism. The response has been overwhelming as churches and ministries are hungry for quality evangelism training. CCU sees itself as a servant to these ministries and has committed to provide resources to support the Body of Christ in this venture. Perhaps most exciting, is the fact that God has surrounded CCU with worldclass evangelism trainers who have agreed to partner in The Year of Evangelism. This team includes: Lee Strobel, bestselling author of The Case for Christ, Mark Mittelberg, bestselling author of Becoming a Contagious Christian, and president and founder of Dare2Share Ministries (and CCU alumnus), Greg Stier. Each has agreed not only partner in training CCU students, but also to be a resource to Colorado churches. Our hope is that the Year of Evangelism will not merely last a calendar cycle. Instead, we believe this year’s campaign will spark a continual focus on evangelism to become part of the DNA of CCU. Perhaps God will use CCU and the Year of Evangelism to launch a movement of evangelism that sweeps across the city of Denver and the State of Colorado. A businessman took a risk to share Christ with a Las Vegas comedian. The result not only impacted Penn Jillette’s life, but it serves as an example to believers everywhere. Our non-Christian friends, neighbors, and family members need to know of the living hope found only in Jesus Christ. Will we love them enough to cry out to them with the news that can transform their lives for eternity? CCU is being led by God, through the Year of Evangelism; to do everything we can to make sure believers answer that question, “Yes!” ■
The challenge also comes from Jesus Christ, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you…”3 Jesus’ call on our lives is clear, as followers of Jesus, we are to make disciples. As people who have found life in Jesus we must take a hard look in the mirror and ask ourselves, “Are we taking the challenge of The Great Commission seriously?” Is social awkwardness, embarrassment, or even a risk of relationship a viable excuse for not living up to our primary calling?
HIGH
V
begin with mouse ears
isitors to Disneyland in April 2010 may have seen Dr. Gary Ewen, dean of CCU’s School of Business and Leadership, crowned with a set of Mickey Mouse ears and handing out ride passes. Was he off his rocker? Far from it. The longtime professor of management and leadership was getting insider perspective on some new standards he planned to introduce at CCU, modeled after Disney’s highly revered business practices. For example, business students must now wear professional attire on Thursdays, and papers must be written with “exacting attention to detail” and never submitted late. Just as in a wellrun company, the Business School will also seek regular performance feedback from its “customers” (parents, administrators, stakeholders). Even though enrollment goals have gone up, Ewen says he’s willing to lose students who don’t agree with the new pace. He’s after those who want real-world training for their future professions, where employers will count on them to lead and thrive in high-demand situations. But what’s it all have to do with roller coasters and mouse ears? The springtime trip to California was a chance for Dr. Ewen and some CCU seniors to visit the Disney Institute, the acclaimed branch of the company whose cutting-edge culture and strategies are recognized as top in the world. “Whenever anyone thinks of organizations that are successful, Disney comes to mind,” he explains. “Obviously, CCU isn’t a theme park, but we can adapt Disney’s principles and commitment to excellence in everything we do.” Ewen also sees practical value in how these new standards will support CCU’s focus on Christian influence in the workplace. “How can you witness if you’re incompetent?” he challenges. The School’s heightened focus on professional excellence should provide a helpful solution. The academic standard at CCU is high, and Dr. Ewen promotes it without hesitation. As he says, “we have to remember that our students represent less than one percent of one percent of the human population, and they’re not just going to college, but a Christ-centered college.” “As it says in Luke 12:48, ‘To whom much is given, much will be asked.’ Well, we’re doing the initial asking.” ■
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STANDARDS
{for business students}
National Merit Finalist finds her ideal college experience at CCU
Her charming grin and mild manner seem befitting to a homeschooler from suburban Oklahoma. But underneath she’s a steely competitor, the youngest in a line of high-school and college sports standouts that include her grandparents, parents, and four older brothers. So, despite her rich athletic history, from a young age Gillian Foster learned balance-that sports aren’t everything in life, and won’t always be there. She took it to heart, focusing on strong grades in school to open more doors. It worked. During her junior year in high school, Gillian became a National Merit Finalist, ranking in the top one-half of a percentile among 1.5 million students in America. Hundreds of academic letters poured in from colleges around the country I and she was accepted into four selective honors programs. Simultaneously, the gifted 6’3” basketball player was carving her own notch in family history: The summer before her senior year, she was being scouted by a number of NCAA Division-I basketball programs. Then her back started hurting. A shrunken disc in Gillian’s spine was pinching her sciatic nerve, radiating pain. Instead of playing in the summer league—a homeschooler’s chance to wow scouts—she suddenly found herself laid up. Fortunately, doctors cleared her for her senior season, and she rallied back. But Gillian had been blacklisted as too risky by all the D-I options—even the D-IIs—and they pulled their offers. So when CCU’s coaches approached her about playing at CCU, she listened and agreed to visit.
This was it, this was both things, the school thought didn’t exist.
Gillian had heard good reviews about the University, but never seriously considered a small school way out west. Lately, though, she wasn’t keen on her other college choices: Good athletics, but lacking the desired academics, or vice versa, and some of the Christian schools didn’t even seem to place priority on their spiritual foundation. “[NCAA] D-II basketball, a competitive team in a tough conference, coaches who are both encouraging and very experienced,” she says, excitedly stringing words together. Gillian enrolled at CCU, where she’s expected to be a dual threat for the Cougars at forward and post. But she’s even more focused on her major: social science with a minor in global studies. “This was it, this was both things, the school I thought didn’t exist,” she says of CCU, whose academic programs and faculty impressed her—something she wouldn’t compromise on. “GOD DEFINITELY USED THE INJURY TO HELP ME FIND MY PLACE,” she muses, thankful for four more years to play. One day, Gillian will fold up her jersey for the last time, well prepared for the next step in her journey. ■
Athletics Participates in City-Wide Service Day
efore beginning the 2010-11 NCAA season, 150 Colorado Christian University student-athletes and coaches came together to complete a common task. The Cougar group made a short trip—less than five miles—to the Westwood neighborhood east of Lakewood to meet up with representatives from Extreme Community Makeover. ECM is an organization that began in 2008 with the goal of inviting people into partnership with residents of specific Denver neighborhoods to complete home and neighborhood improvement projects. These projects include graffiti removal, painting, yard work, or other projects identified by residents. Ultimately, ECM strives to bring communities together through the building of relationships. Statistically, ECM has found that if neighborhood alleys are clean and free of graffiti, crime rates decrease in those neighborhoods. So, armed with paint and cleaning supplies—and already dripping with sweat on the 95+ degree day —CCU’s athletes and coaches set out to make over a neighborhood most hadn’t even known existed. “My group was in charge of painting over the graffiti on the dumpsters,” sophomore volleyball player Cassidy Burke described. “It was simple but rewarding at the same time. While we were painting, a woman came up to us and genuinely thanked us for our help. Though we had all just met each other and we weren’t necessarily on the same athletic teams, this moment allowed for my team to bond in a way we would not have otherwise.” The event marked the perfect way for Cougar Athletics to kick off the university’s Year of Evangelism. Throughout the 2010-11 school year, programs, chapels, and events will focus on the idea of spreading God’s word in our community and beyond. This year, athletic teams will be pairing with ministries and groups from all over the area in an attempt to serve and minister in a way that doesn’t just involve competition. To preview the upcoming athletic season go to: www.ccu.edu/athletics. ■ |5|
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CCU ALUMNI
■ 1950s
John Lind, 1959 – John and his wife, Royce, are currently enjoying retirement
from Wycliffe Bible Translators and live in southern Arizona. They are extremely grateful to God for allowing them to attend Rockmont those four years in the ‘50’s. We thank the Lord for their lifetime of service and ministry.
o
■ 2000s
Scott La Point, 2001 – Scott La Point is presently a third-year doctoral student
in clinical psychology at Regent University in Virginia Beach, VA. In addition, Mr. La Point facilitates the monthly Tidewater Brain Injury Support Group and is a Board Member of the Mary Buckley Foundation. Scott and his wife, Amy, have three children: Luke-5, Joshua-3, and Samuel-8 months. Please pray for Scott as he completes his doctoral studies.
■ 1960s
Rodney Pash, 1963 – Rodney is asking for prayer for his wife, Toni, who is
battling lung cancer. He exclaims that she is “anxious to see Jesus.” Please remember to keep Rodney, Toni, and the Pash family in your prayers.
■ 1980s
Maggie Robberson, 1989 – Maggie retired last year from teaching in Denver
Public Schools. She now works as an Honorarium Instructor at the University of Colorado in the graduate education program. She also enjoys teaching graduate courses for the University of Phoenix local campus, as well as online.
Stacy and her husband, Dale (2003), currently serve at Rifle United Methodist-Presbyterian Church. Dale serves as the Lead Pastor, and Stacy helps out with the administration of the church and enjoys being a full-time mom. Dale is also pursuing his PhD in New Testament. Please pray for Dale and Stacy as they minister to the community of Rifle, CO.
Stacy Fredrickson, 2002 –
■ 1990s
Janet (Chung) Thompson, 1990 – Janet recently married her husband, Jeffrey.
She has earned her an MAED in Secondary Education and is currently finishing her teaching credentials for the state of California.
Kristine (Erisman) Martin, 1994 – Kristine and her husband, Tim, just celebrated their 2nd anniversary on July 19. She is excited to start her fifth year at Harrison Road Elementary School in Spotsylvania County, VA. She also taught second grade for a year, then third grade for three years. This year she is going back to teach second grade. Wendy (Roesler) Monroe, 1995 – Wendy started a new job in June as an
administrator at Fairfield and Woods, a law firm in downtown Denver. She also just celebrated her three-year anniversary with her husband, Joel. Congratulations, Wendy, on your new job!
Nate, were married in 2007 and now have two children – Thaden, 2 and a half, and Allie, 8 months. They just purchased their first home in Castle Rock, CO and Megan is enjoying being a stay-athome mom. Congratulations on the new home, Greene family!
Megan (Borjes) Greene, 2005 – Megan and her husband,
Leroy Heyward III, 1996 – Leroy retired from the United States Army (Active)
in November 2007 with more than 24 years of service. He is currently the Defense Travel Resource Advisor, Contractor for the KSARNG (Kansas Army National Guard) to support Organizational Defense Travel and Tier Help Desk support for the Defense Travel System (DTS). He also graduated from Touro University International in 2004 with an MBA. Congratulations, Leroy, on this great accomplishment!
children’s book and is working on another children’s book, as well as a novel about the first century followers of Jesus. Please pray that Lura is able to find a publisher for her books.
Lura (Belden) Dungan, 2007 – Lura recently completed a
Victoria (Krayna) Spencer, 1999 – Victoria, and her husband Daniel, are anticipating the arrival of their fourth grandchild in December. They have four children: Jessica, Jeremiah, Michael, Aaron. We will pray for a healthy new arrival!
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1914 Denver Bible Institute
1945 Denver Bible College
1948 Western Bible Institute
1949 Rockmont College
Colorado Christian University Outscores 12 of 15 Colorado Schools in National Academic Evaluation, Announces New Highest Enrollment
Clash of the Classes
CLASH OF THE CLASSES Campaign
The CCU Alumni Association is asking for your participation in this year’s Clash of the Classes campaign, which will raise donations toward the Alumni Scholarship Fund. Clash of the Classes is a friendly competitive campaign where alumni individually give the amount of their class year (for example, anyone from the class of 1995 would donate $19.95). There are three ways you can give as part of Clash of the Classes: • Online The most convenient and easy way to give. Simply go to www.ccu.edu/give, where you’ll be prompted to donate via credit or debit card on our secure page. • By Phone Call us at 303.963.3330 to donate via credit card. • By Mail Send a check (with “Clash of the Classes” written in the memo line) to: Colorado Christian University Attn: Alumni Relations 8787 W. Alameda Ave. Lakewood, CO 80226
Colorado Christian University Alumni Association
s one of the many indications that good things are happening at Colorado Christian University, CCU just enrolled its largest traditional freshman class ever. As the 2010-11 college year opened the freshmen count was 306 students, up 40 from the previous record. But this year, new students aren’t the only ones taking a second look at the University. On August 17, 2010, The American Council of Trustees and Alumni, an independent nonprofit, released the latest results in its annual evaluation of U.S. colleges and universities entitled “What Will They Learn: A Guide to What College Rankings Don’t Tell You.” The ACTA evaluation has garnered positive remarks from The Wall Street Journal and the founding editor of U.S. News and World Report’s college rankings. While considering factors like price and graduation rates, it also assigns institutions “school” grades, ranging from A to F, based on how many of the following core subjects they require students to take: composition, mathematics, science, economics, foreign language, literature, and American government or history. Among key findings in this year’s ACTA evaluation: institutions across America have by and large abandoned a coherent, content-rich general-education curriculum—allowing students to graduate with important gaps in their foundational knowledge. Nearly 40 percent of the schools evaluated don’t require college-level math. Fewer than five percent require economics coursework. In this year’s ACTA evaluation, CCU placed higher than 12 of 15 Colorado colleges and universities. Only one Colorado school received an A while CCU and one other local university received the only B’s. “Ordinarily, I would not be overly pleased to receive a B, but in this case, context is everything,” stated CCU President Bill Armstrong. Of the 700 colleges and universities evaluated nationwide, only 16 received A’s. Armstrong attributed CCU’s placement to its new general-education curriculum, which covers a broad base of studies and requires students to choose from courses in economics, political science, math, and American history.
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SHARE YOUR NEWS
This section of the Colorado Christian Connection is designed to encourage alumni to stay connected. If you’ve had a recent change in your life (i.e. engagement, wedding, birth, new job, promotion, or something else exciting), we’d like to hear about it. Submit your news to www.ccu.edu/alumni/share.asp.
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1968 Colorado Baptist Junior College
1975 Western Bible College
1983 Colorado Baptist University
1985 Colorado Christian College
1989 Colorado Christian University
Office of Development:
Keith Wright, Vice President of Development David Nye, Director of Development Daniel Westermann, ’04, ’10, Director of Development and Alumni Relations Christi Kirchner, Development Manager Publication produced by University Communications: Lisa Zeller, Director of University Communications Jon Watters, Associate Director of University Communications Danielle Hull, University Graphic Designer
The Colorado Christian Connection is a quarterly newsletter produced by Colorado Christian University for the CCU community.
Colorado Christian University
Office of Development 8787 W. Alameda Ave. Lakewood, CO 80226
Visit us online at www.ccu.edu/Support; e-mail: [email protected]; phone: 303.963.3330
ou may know Dr. Beckman as two-time president of Rockmont College and later president of Colorado Christian University (1963- ’82,’84-’85,’91-’93), or to you he may be a friendly face who taught at least one course each year out of love for students and learning. He has also been credited with navigating through some of the toughest moments in the university’s history. However, you may not know that all of it almost never happened. During David’s senior year in high school a close family member passed away, followed just months later by the unexpected death of his brother. Then in the week he graduated high school, D-day hit Europe, and war raged in the South Pacific. The turbulence brought new perspective to David’s life which played an important role in his decision to commit his life to Christ. But the looming military draft made his life goals uncertain. When a pastor urged him to enroll in college, he saw a new avenue for pursuing his calling into ministry. A war deferment made it possible for him to continue his education as he trained to be a minister. By 1956 David had earned a doctorate in theology, and in 1962, a master’s in higher-education administration. Today he’s credited with bringing the liberal arts to CCU and for his 11 year fortitude that culminated in CCU’s academic accreditation. When he came to Rockmont the school had 42 students and a $51,000 annual budget, often too little to even pay the faculty, let alone his own salary. The support of his wife, Beverly, kept the family stable as she also sacrificially served CCU by going to work as a nurse instead of pursuing her desire to be a full-time homemaker. Throughout those lean years, David received requests to teach Bible classes and preach in interim at churches around Denver. He found out later that some of the people he led were among the city’s most powerful businessmen and political figures. As Rockmont hit financial bottom, they stepped in to help because Dr. Beckman had first given of himself. CCU is here today because of Dr. Beckman, who refers to working at CCU as a sacred trust: “There’s no question that the Lord rescued the school time and again,” he says. “God wanted it here.” David is encouraged at CCU’s current financial stability and hopes the University will continue stoking the spiritual torch and developing programs that give students—and Christ—a voice in a wide range of professions throughout the world. The boy whose academic aspirations were uncertain because of WWII became one of the most influential leaders in a university’s history. All because he followed Christ’s lead however unexpected, however inconvenient.
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Be a Legacy—Make a financial provision for CCU in your will. For more information about creative giving opportunities, visit www.ccu.edu/legacygiving or call 303.963.3330.
YOU’RE INVITED TO THESE COMMUNITY EVENTS
Homecoming Weekend - October 1-2 www.ccu.edu/homecoming, Lakewood Campus Grand Piano Dedication Concert - October 8 7:30 p.m., Lakewood Campus, Music Center Fall Wind Ensemble Concert - October 29 7:30 p.m., Lakewood Campus, Music Center Justification Debate - November 1 7:00 p.m., Lakewood Campus, Beckman Center, Please RSVP for this event by calling 303.963.3170 An Evening of Jazz - November 13 7:30 p.m., Lakewood Campus, Music Center Centennial Institute - Issue Monday: “Deeper Lessons from Election Day” - November 15 7:00 p.m., Lakewood Campus, School of Business and Leadership CCU Christmas Celebration - December 3-4 7:30 p.m., Lakewood Campus, Music Center Basketball vs. Nebraska Kearney - December 18 Women’s game at 5:00 p.m., Men’s game at 7:00 p.m. Lakewood Campus, Event Center
Visit www.ccu.edu/events for additional community event information.
A Publication to the CCU Community
Fall 2010
CCU’s Year of Evangelism High Standards for School of Business and Leadership One Freshman’s Story Alumni News CCU Recognized by National Evaluation Board
page 2 page 4 page 5 page 6 page 7
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.
EVANGELISM
THE YEAR OF
5%
Vision
Tools
Resources
Network
enn Jillette, one half of the Las Vegas-based comedy and magic duo Penn and Teller, is not exactly known for his affinity for Christians. In fact, he is a well known outspoken atheist and skeptic. Shortly after one of the shows, a Christian businessman approached Penn and offered him a Bible as well as expressed an interest in talking with Penn about the Lord. After the exchange, Penn returned to his dressing room to a video blog he keeps regularly. Rather than sharing feelings of offense or annoyance, Penn’s blog expresses thoughts of respect and admiration for the businessman who stepped out to “proselytize” him. In Penn’s words, …I’ve always said, I don’t respect people who don’t proselytize, I don’t respect that at all. If you believe that there’s a heaven and a hell, and people could be going to hell, or not getting eternal life, or whatever, and you think ‘it’s not really worth telling them this because it would make it socially awkward’...How much do you have to hate somebody to not proselytize? How much do you have to hate somebody to believe everlasting life is possible and not tell them that?”1 Studies show that less than 5% of Christians ever share their relationship with God.2 Think about this number in the context of Penn Jillette’s comments. That means 95% of people who call themselves followers of Christ, never risk the social awkwardness of sharing the gospel. What does this say about our beliefs? What does this say about our heart for our non-Christian friends and family members?
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In the midst of these questions, God is at work. He is igniting hearts across Colorado in a new wave of evangelism. It seems God has placed Colorado Christian University in a place of strategic influence to see this movement spread across Colorado. To engage in this momentum CCU has declared the 2010-2011 school year, “The Year of Evangelism.” This year will see every CCU student, staff, and faculty member trained to share their faith, and given practical opportunities to do so. But, the Year of Evangelism is far bigger than an on-campus event. CCU is also meeting with pastors and ministry leaders across the state to partner together in training believers in practical evangelism. The response has been overwhelming as churches and ministries are hungry for quality evangelism training. CCU sees itself as a servant to these ministries and has committed to provide resources to support the Body of Christ in this venture. Perhaps most exciting, is the fact that God has surrounded CCU with worldclass evangelism trainers who have agreed to partner in The Year of Evangelism. This team includes: Lee Strobel, bestselling author of The Case for Christ, Mark Mittelberg, bestselling author of Becoming a Contagious Christian, and president and founder of Dare2Share Ministries (and CCU alumnus), Greg Stier. Each has agreed not only partner in training CCU students, but also to be a resource to Colorado churches. Our hope is that the Year of Evangelism will not merely last a calendar cycle. Instead, we believe this year’s campaign will spark a continual focus on evangelism to become part of the DNA of CCU. Perhaps God will use CCU and the Year of Evangelism to launch a movement of evangelism that sweeps across the city of Denver and the State of Colorado. A businessman took a risk to share Christ with a Las Vegas comedian. The result not only impacted Penn Jillette’s life, but it serves as an example to believers everywhere. Our non-Christian friends, neighbors, and family members need to know of the living hope found only in Jesus Christ. Will we love them enough to cry out to them with the news that can transform their lives for eternity? CCU is being led by God, through the Year of Evangelism; to do everything we can to make sure believers answer that question, “Yes!” ■
The challenge also comes from Jesus Christ, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you…”3 Jesus’ call on our lives is clear, as followers of Jesus, we are to make disciples. As people who have found life in Jesus we must take a hard look in the mirror and ask ourselves, “Are we taking the challenge of The Great Commission seriously?” Is social awkwardness, embarrassment, or even a risk of relationship a viable excuse for not living up to our primary calling?
HIGH
V
begin with mouse ears
isitors to Disneyland in April 2010 may have seen Dr. Gary Ewen, dean of CCU’s School of Business and Leadership, crowned with a set of Mickey Mouse ears and handing out ride passes. Was he off his rocker? Far from it. The longtime professor of management and leadership was getting insider perspective on some new standards he planned to introduce at CCU, modeled after Disney’s highly revered business practices. For example, business students must now wear professional attire on Thursdays, and papers must be written with “exacting attention to detail” and never submitted late. Just as in a wellrun company, the Business School will also seek regular performance feedback from its “customers” (parents, administrators, stakeholders). Even though enrollment goals have gone up, Ewen says he’s willing to lose students who don’t agree with the new pace. He’s after those who want real-world training for their future professions, where employers will count on them to lead and thrive in high-demand situations. But what’s it all have to do with roller coasters and mouse ears? The springtime trip to California was a chance for Dr. Ewen and some CCU seniors to visit the Disney Institute, the acclaimed branch of the company whose cutting-edge culture and strategies are recognized as top in the world. “Whenever anyone thinks of organizations that are successful, Disney comes to mind,” he explains. “Obviously, CCU isn’t a theme park, but we can adapt Disney’s principles and commitment to excellence in everything we do.” Ewen also sees practical value in how these new standards will support CCU’s focus on Christian influence in the workplace. “How can you witness if you’re incompetent?” he challenges. The School’s heightened focus on professional excellence should provide a helpful solution. The academic standard at CCU is high, and Dr. Ewen promotes it without hesitation. As he says, “we have to remember that our students represent less than one percent of one percent of the human population, and they’re not just going to college, but a Christ-centered college.” “As it says in Luke 12:48, ‘To whom much is given, much will be asked.’ Well, we’re doing the initial asking.” ■
|4|
STANDARDS
{for business students}
National Merit Finalist finds her ideal college experience at CCU
Her charming grin and mild manner seem befitting to a homeschooler from suburban Oklahoma. But underneath she’s a steely competitor, the youngest in a line of high-school and college sports standouts that include her grandparents, parents, and four older brothers. So, despite her rich athletic history, from a young age Gillian Foster learned balance-that sports aren’t everything in life, and won’t always be there. She took it to heart, focusing on strong grades in school to open more doors. It worked. During her junior year in high school, Gillian became a National Merit Finalist, ranking in the top one-half of a percentile among 1.5 million students in America. Hundreds of academic letters poured in from colleges around the country I and she was accepted into four selective honors programs. Simultaneously, the gifted 6’3” basketball player was carving her own notch in family history: The summer before her senior year, she was being scouted by a number of NCAA Division-I basketball programs. Then her back started hurting. A shrunken disc in Gillian’s spine was pinching her sciatic nerve, radiating pain. Instead of playing in the summer league—a homeschooler’s chance to wow scouts—she suddenly found herself laid up. Fortunately, doctors cleared her for her senior season, and she rallied back. But Gillian had been blacklisted as too risky by all the D-I options—even the D-IIs—and they pulled their offers. So when CCU’s coaches approached her about playing at CCU, she listened and agreed to visit.
This was it, this was both things, the school thought didn’t exist.
Gillian had heard good reviews about the University, but never seriously considered a small school way out west. Lately, though, she wasn’t keen on her other college choices: Good athletics, but lacking the desired academics, or vice versa, and some of the Christian schools didn’t even seem to place priority on their spiritual foundation. “[NCAA] D-II basketball, a competitive team in a tough conference, coaches who are both encouraging and very experienced,” she says, excitedly stringing words together. Gillian enrolled at CCU, where she’s expected to be a dual threat for the Cougars at forward and post. But she’s even more focused on her major: social science with a minor in global studies. “This was it, this was both things, the school I thought didn’t exist,” she says of CCU, whose academic programs and faculty impressed her—something she wouldn’t compromise on. “GOD DEFINITELY USED THE INJURY TO HELP ME FIND MY PLACE,” she muses, thankful for four more years to play. One day, Gillian will fold up her jersey for the last time, well prepared for the next step in her journey. ■
Athletics Participates in City-Wide Service Day
efore beginning the 2010-11 NCAA season, 150 Colorado Christian University student-athletes and coaches came together to complete a common task. The Cougar group made a short trip—less than five miles—to the Westwood neighborhood east of Lakewood to meet up with representatives from Extreme Community Makeover. ECM is an organization that began in 2008 with the goal of inviting people into partnership with residents of specific Denver neighborhoods to complete home and neighborhood improvement projects. These projects include graffiti removal, painting, yard work, or other projects identified by residents. Ultimately, ECM strives to bring communities together through the building of relationships. Statistically, ECM has found that if neighborhood alleys are clean and free of graffiti, crime rates decrease in those neighborhoods. So, armed with paint and cleaning supplies—and already dripping with sweat on the 95+ degree day —CCU’s athletes and coaches set out to make over a neighborhood most hadn’t even known existed. “My group was in charge of painting over the graffiti on the dumpsters,” sophomore volleyball player Cassidy Burke described. “It was simple but rewarding at the same time. While we were painting, a woman came up to us and genuinely thanked us for our help. Though we had all just met each other and we weren’t necessarily on the same athletic teams, this moment allowed for my team to bond in a way we would not have otherwise.” The event marked the perfect way for Cougar Athletics to kick off the university’s Year of Evangelism. Throughout the 2010-11 school year, programs, chapels, and events will focus on the idea of spreading God’s word in our community and beyond. This year, athletic teams will be pairing with ministries and groups from all over the area in an attempt to serve and minister in a way that doesn’t just involve competition. To preview the upcoming athletic season go to: www.ccu.edu/athletics. ■ |5|
B
Ch
Colorad
ristian U
ve ni
rsity
association
CCU ALUMNI
■ 1950s
John Lind, 1959 – John and his wife, Royce, are currently enjoying retirement
from Wycliffe Bible Translators and live in southern Arizona. They are extremely grateful to God for allowing them to attend Rockmont those four years in the ‘50’s. We thank the Lord for their lifetime of service and ministry.
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■ 2000s
Scott La Point, 2001 – Scott La Point is presently a third-year doctoral student
in clinical psychology at Regent University in Virginia Beach, VA. In addition, Mr. La Point facilitates the monthly Tidewater Brain Injury Support Group and is a Board Member of the Mary Buckley Foundation. Scott and his wife, Amy, have three children: Luke-5, Joshua-3, and Samuel-8 months. Please pray for Scott as he completes his doctoral studies.
■ 1960s
Rodney Pash, 1963 – Rodney is asking for prayer for his wife, Toni, who is
battling lung cancer. He exclaims that she is “anxious to see Jesus.” Please remember to keep Rodney, Toni, and the Pash family in your prayers.
■ 1980s
Maggie Robberson, 1989 – Maggie retired last year from teaching in Denver
Public Schools. She now works as an Honorarium Instructor at the University of Colorado in the graduate education program. She also enjoys teaching graduate courses for the University of Phoenix local campus, as well as online.
Stacy and her husband, Dale (2003), currently serve at Rifle United Methodist-Presbyterian Church. Dale serves as the Lead Pastor, and Stacy helps out with the administration of the church and enjoys being a full-time mom. Dale is also pursuing his PhD in New Testament. Please pray for Dale and Stacy as they minister to the community of Rifle, CO.
Stacy Fredrickson, 2002 –
■ 1990s
Janet (Chung) Thompson, 1990 – Janet recently married her husband, Jeffrey.
She has earned her an MAED in Secondary Education and is currently finishing her teaching credentials for the state of California.
Kristine (Erisman) Martin, 1994 – Kristine and her husband, Tim, just celebrated their 2nd anniversary on July 19. She is excited to start her fifth year at Harrison Road Elementary School in Spotsylvania County, VA. She also taught second grade for a year, then third grade for three years. This year she is going back to teach second grade. Wendy (Roesler) Monroe, 1995 – Wendy started a new job in June as an
administrator at Fairfield and Woods, a law firm in downtown Denver. She also just celebrated her three-year anniversary with her husband, Joel. Congratulations, Wendy, on your new job!
Nate, were married in 2007 and now have two children – Thaden, 2 and a half, and Allie, 8 months. They just purchased their first home in Castle Rock, CO and Megan is enjoying being a stay-athome mom. Congratulations on the new home, Greene family!
Megan (Borjes) Greene, 2005 – Megan and her husband,
Leroy Heyward III, 1996 – Leroy retired from the United States Army (Active)
in November 2007 with more than 24 years of service. He is currently the Defense Travel Resource Advisor, Contractor for the KSARNG (Kansas Army National Guard) to support Organizational Defense Travel and Tier Help Desk support for the Defense Travel System (DTS). He also graduated from Touro University International in 2004 with an MBA. Congratulations, Leroy, on this great accomplishment!
children’s book and is working on another children’s book, as well as a novel about the first century followers of Jesus. Please pray that Lura is able to find a publisher for her books.
Lura (Belden) Dungan, 2007 – Lura recently completed a
Victoria (Krayna) Spencer, 1999 – Victoria, and her husband Daniel, are anticipating the arrival of their fourth grandchild in December. They have four children: Jessica, Jeremiah, Michael, Aaron. We will pray for a healthy new arrival!
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1914 Denver Bible Institute
1945 Denver Bible College
1948 Western Bible Institute
1949 Rockmont College
Colorado Christian University Outscores 12 of 15 Colorado Schools in National Academic Evaluation, Announces New Highest Enrollment
Clash of the Classes
CLASH OF THE CLASSES Campaign
The CCU Alumni Association is asking for your participation in this year’s Clash of the Classes campaign, which will raise donations toward the Alumni Scholarship Fund. Clash of the Classes is a friendly competitive campaign where alumni individually give the amount of their class year (for example, anyone from the class of 1995 would donate $19.95). There are three ways you can give as part of Clash of the Classes: • Online The most convenient and easy way to give. Simply go to www.ccu.edu/give, where you’ll be prompted to donate via credit or debit card on our secure page. • By Phone Call us at 303.963.3330 to donate via credit card. • By Mail Send a check (with “Clash of the Classes” written in the memo line) to: Colorado Christian University Attn: Alumni Relations 8787 W. Alameda Ave. Lakewood, CO 80226
Colorado Christian University Alumni Association
s one of the many indications that good things are happening at Colorado Christian University, CCU just enrolled its largest traditional freshman class ever. As the 2010-11 college year opened the freshmen count was 306 students, up 40 from the previous record. But this year, new students aren’t the only ones taking a second look at the University. On August 17, 2010, The American Council of Trustees and Alumni, an independent nonprofit, released the latest results in its annual evaluation of U.S. colleges and universities entitled “What Will They Learn: A Guide to What College Rankings Don’t Tell You.” The ACTA evaluation has garnered positive remarks from The Wall Street Journal and the founding editor of U.S. News and World Report’s college rankings. While considering factors like price and graduation rates, it also assigns institutions “school” grades, ranging from A to F, based on how many of the following core subjects they require students to take: composition, mathematics, science, economics, foreign language, literature, and American government or history. Among key findings in this year’s ACTA evaluation: institutions across America have by and large abandoned a coherent, content-rich general-education curriculum—allowing students to graduate with important gaps in their foundational knowledge. Nearly 40 percent of the schools evaluated don’t require college-level math. Fewer than five percent require economics coursework. In this year’s ACTA evaluation, CCU placed higher than 12 of 15 Colorado colleges and universities. Only one Colorado school received an A while CCU and one other local university received the only B’s. “Ordinarily, I would not be overly pleased to receive a B, but in this case, context is everything,” stated CCU President Bill Armstrong. Of the 700 colleges and universities evaluated nationwide, only 16 received A’s. Armstrong attributed CCU’s placement to its new general-education curriculum, which covers a broad base of studies and requires students to choose from courses in economics, political science, math, and American history.
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SHARE YOUR NEWS
This section of the Colorado Christian Connection is designed to encourage alumni to stay connected. If you’ve had a recent change in your life (i.e. engagement, wedding, birth, new job, promotion, or something else exciting), we’d like to hear about it. Submit your news to www.ccu.edu/alumni/share.asp.
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1968 Colorado Baptist Junior College
1975 Western Bible College
1983 Colorado Baptist University
1985 Colorado Christian College
1989 Colorado Christian University
Office of Development:
Keith Wright, Vice President of Development David Nye, Director of Development Daniel Westermann, ’04, ’10, Director of Development and Alumni Relations Christi Kirchner, Development Manager Publication produced by University Communications: Lisa Zeller, Director of University Communications Jon Watters, Associate Director of University Communications Danielle Hull, University Graphic Designer
The Colorado Christian Connection is a quarterly newsletter produced by Colorado Christian University for the CCU community.
Colorado Christian University
Office of Development 8787 W. Alameda Ave. Lakewood, CO 80226
Visit us online at www.ccu.edu/Support; e-mail: [email protected]; phone: 303.963.3330
ou may know Dr. Beckman as two-time president of Rockmont College and later president of Colorado Christian University (1963- ’82,’84-’85,’91-’93), or to you he may be a friendly face who taught at least one course each year out of love for students and learning. He has also been credited with navigating through some of the toughest moments in the university’s history. However, you may not know that all of it almost never happened. During David’s senior year in high school a close family member passed away, followed just months later by the unexpected death of his brother. Then in the week he graduated high school, D-day hit Europe, and war raged in the South Pacific. The turbulence brought new perspective to David’s life which played an important role in his decision to commit his life to Christ. But the looming military draft made his life goals uncertain. When a pastor urged him to enroll in college, he saw a new avenue for pursuing his calling into ministry. A war deferment made it possible for him to continue his education as he trained to be a minister. By 1956 David had earned a doctorate in theology, and in 1962, a master’s in higher-education administration. Today he’s credited with bringing the liberal arts to CCU and for his 11 year fortitude that culminated in CCU’s academic accreditation. When he came to Rockmont the school had 42 students and a $51,000 annual budget, often too little to even pay the faculty, let alone his own salary. The support of his wife, Beverly, kept the family stable as she also sacrificially served CCU by going to work as a nurse instead of pursuing her desire to be a full-time homemaker. Throughout those lean years, David received requests to teach Bible classes and preach in interim at churches around Denver. He found out later that some of the people he led were among the city’s most powerful businessmen and political figures. As Rockmont hit financial bottom, they stepped in to help because Dr. Beckman had first given of himself. CCU is here today because of Dr. Beckman, who refers to working at CCU as a sacred trust: “There’s no question that the Lord rescued the school time and again,” he says. “God wanted it here.” David is encouraged at CCU’s current financial stability and hopes the University will continue stoking the spiritual torch and developing programs that give students—and Christ—a voice in a wide range of professions throughout the world. The boy whose academic aspirations were uncertain because of WWII became one of the most influential leaders in a university’s history. All because he followed Christ’s lead however unexpected, however inconvenient.
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Be a Legacy—Make a financial provision for CCU in your will. For more information about creative giving opportunities, visit www.ccu.edu/legacygiving or call 303.963.3330.
YOU’RE INVITED TO THESE COMMUNITY EVENTS
Homecoming Weekend - October 1-2 www.ccu.edu/homecoming, Lakewood Campus Grand Piano Dedication Concert - October 8 7:30 p.m., Lakewood Campus, Music Center Fall Wind Ensemble Concert - October 29 7:30 p.m., Lakewood Campus, Music Center Justification Debate - November 1 7:00 p.m., Lakewood Campus, Beckman Center, Please RSVP for this event by calling 303.963.3170 An Evening of Jazz - November 13 7:30 p.m., Lakewood Campus, Music Center Centennial Institute - Issue Monday: “Deeper Lessons from Election Day” - November 15 7:00 p.m., Lakewood Campus, School of Business and Leadership CCU Christmas Celebration - December 3-4 7:30 p.m., Lakewood Campus, Music Center Basketball vs. Nebraska Kearney - December 18 Women’s game at 5:00 p.m., Men’s game at 7:00 p.m. Lakewood Campus, Event Center
Visit www.ccu.edu/events for additional community event information.
