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A Publication to the CCU Community Summer 2010
Colorado ChristianOffice of Development:Keith Wright, Vice President of DevelopmentDavid Nye, Director of DevelopmentDaniel Westermann, ’04, Director of Development and Alumni RelationsChristi Kirchner, Administrative Coordinator for Development
Publication produced by University Communications:Lisa Zeller, Director of University CommunicationsJon Watters, Associate Director of University CommunicationsDanielle Hull, University Graphic Designer
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.
Alumni Workshop: Resume and Interview Tips June 24, 6:00 p.m., Lakewood Campus: Cedar Center
Western Conservative Summit, Centennial InstituteJuly 9–11, Denver Marriott South
Alumni Rockies GameAugust 13, 6:30 p.m., Coors Field
YOU’RE INVITED TO THESE COMMUNITY EVENTS
Visit us online at www.ccu.edu/Support; e-mail: [email protected]; phone: 303.963.3330
The Colorado Christian Connection is a quarterly newsletter produced byColorado Christian University for the CCU community.
Colorado Christian UniversityOffice of Development8787 W. Alameda Ave.Lakewood, CO 80226
Weekend of Welcome, College of Undergraduate StudiesAugust 18-22, Lakewood Campus
Third Annual Jefferson County Prayer BreakfastSeptember 29, 7:00 a.m.
Alumni Homecoming WeekendOctober 1-2, Lakewood Campus
An Unconventional Missionary JourneyWhen Duane and Barbara Ayers graduated from Rockmont College, one of CCU’s heritage
institutions, in 1954 they were primed and ready for a long career on the mission field. For two years immediately following, they lived among and ministered to the Navajo in New Mexico, until Duane realized his need for further training. So in 1957 they moved back to Colorado, where he earned a degree in missions from Denver Seminary.
After that, the Ayers applied to serve in Argentina with the parent group of today’s World Venture organization. While preparing for the birth of their fourth child, they received news that the mission board had turned them down. It was a big disappointment, Duane remembers, but they moved forward, trusting in God’s leading. In 1960, He led them downstate to the town of Hooper, a farming community of 300. Duane had accepted a job as pastor of a local church.
For the next decade, Duane grew the church from 40 members to almost 90. Then in 1970 he became pastor of a larger church in Riverton, Wyo. Twenty-six years later, Duane retired from the pastorate after seeing that congregation through ups and downs that included a collapse of the local oil, uranium, and steel industries in the mid-’80s. Since then, he’s served as an interim pastor in Riverton, back in Hooper, and at other churches in Colorado, Montana, and Payson, Ariz., where the Ayers now live and Duane is a part-time associate pastor.
The Ayers still keep in touch with friends who’ve attended CCU heritage schools, including some Payson locals. Barbara has also circulated a round-robin letter with Rockmont classmates every year since graduation. In 2006, the Ayers drew up a living trust to include CCU among
their beneficiaries. “I have great respect for Rockmont and what it became,” Duane says. “It was the foundation of my Christian experience and knowledge.”
Duane’s unexpected yet fruitful career wasn’t always easy, he say: One time he completely broke down—“I went out north of town, sat on a rock, and cried out to God, Lord, what do you want with me here?” Years later, he’s realized that God always had him on a missionary journey, just of a different kind, helping some struggling churches throughout the region turn around. VALS 2010 page 2
New Nursing Program for CCU page 2
Sons of Sudan-Thank You page 3
Year in Review page 4
An Unconventional Missionary Journey page 8
Graduates at the 2010 CCU Commencement ceremony
Visit www.ccu.edu/events for additional community event information.
Be a Legacy—Join the Ayers and become a member of the 1914 Society by making a financial provision forCCU in your will. For more information about the 1914 Society and other creative giving opportunities,
visit www.ccu.edu/legacygiving or call 303.963.3330.
Colorado Christian University’s New Nursing ProgramMeets Needs of Working Adults
Working adults who dream of getting a nursing degree, but can’t juggle school along with their jobs and families, can now keep working and
pursue their degree in a trailblazing program designed just for them by Colorado Christian University. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing joins two already successful programs introduced by CCU within the last two years. While those were designed to help registered nurses obtain a bachelor’s degree, or licensed practical nurses obtain their associate degree, this new program is for brand-new nursing students starting from scratch.
“No other nursing program in Colorado offers both instruction and clinical placements in locations throughout the state,” said Barbara White, Dean and Professor of Nursing and Sciences.
Thanks to satellite classrooms, online study options, and more than two dozen statewide locations for clinical experience, working adults can earn their degree while living virtually anywhere in Colorado. Enrollment is expected to begin this summer for the fall semester, and CCU expects its first class of nurses from the program to graduate in 2012.
In addition, the program will offer courses in two of the newest, cutting-edge fields of medicine: genetics and global health care, two of White’s areas of expertise.
The global-health component will draw from White’s extensive experience working overseas, including in Korea, China, and Africa. In addition, students will be required to attain some literacy in Spanish and will be given the chance to go overseas for some clinical experience.
The genetics portion of the program will be enhanced by the involvement of the National Institutes of Health, one of the nation’s foremost medical-research centers. It has named White to a new, one-year position as “Faculty Champion,” making her one of 20 educators nationwide who have access to the latest NIH genetics-research materials for use in classroom teaching.
“I think, honestly, we’re the only one in Colorado that has the opportunity to take a brand-new curriculum and craft it with this cutting-edge material,” White said. “Most programs are already jammed full with content; we can design ours from the ground up.”
CCU can admit 48 nursing students at a time, and students of every faith and belief are welcome. “We want to give all students the opportunity to explore ethical ideas and values from different perspectives,” White said. A Nursing Scholarship Fund has been established to support students pursuing a nursing degree. If you would like to contribute to the fund, please contact CCU’s Office of Development at 303.963.3330. ■
| 2 |
A crowd of nearly 300 business executives, professionals, and students gathered at the Marriott City Center in Denver on April 15 for Colorado Christian
University’s eighth annual Values-Aligned Leadership Summit. Marked with networking sessions, table discussion, and keynote speakers ranging from business to the federal courts, this year’s theme was ethics-based leadership and its specific relationship to natural law, liberty, and the rule of law.
“There are so many things here that are culturally acceptable,” stated one graduate of CCU’s School of Business and Leadership, who teleconferenced from his work location overseas to join the panel discussion on legislated ethics. “I’ve learned that [sometimes] you have to be countercultural.” His observation reflects the overarching lesson intended through every VALS installation in addition to each year’s subtheme: To provide business professionals with a root framework by which to ethically weigh motives and decisions despite varying roles, industries,
or as in his case, global marketplaces.This year’s keynotes included David Ebel, a senior judge in the U.S. Court of
Appeals; Dr. Daniel Robinson, a professor at Oxford University; Kevin Miller and Terry Leprino, local business executives; and Theresa Melaragno, a CCU staff member, professional speaker, and author of The Integrity Meltdown.
Effective leadership is more than just an ability to command, Melaragno reminded audience members—“after all, if a man thinks he’s leading, and no one is following, then he’s simply taking a walk.”
In addition to exploring insightful topics, the VALS conferences offer an early chance for CCU’s undergraduate and graduate business students to interact with those already in the workplace, to learn from their personal perspectives on life, work, and integrity. “For the rest of your life, you will be facing into a headwind that will be…chipping into your values a little bit at a time,” Ebel related to students during his stage presentation, stressing the importance of young people anchoring their personal values early on in life.
CCU Business Students Urged to Be Ethics-Based LeadersCOL
OR
ADO
CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY
• NURSING •
CCU Alum Receives First-Ever Colorado Nightingale Nursing Student AwardIn April, CCU graduate Allyson Campbell received Colorado’s first-ever Nightingale Nursing Student Award for Excellence in Human Caring. She was nominated last December while still enrolled in CCU’s Licensed Practical Nurse to Associate of Science in Nursing program. The student award is a new part of the annual Nightingale Awards founded in 1985 for registered nurses, and it serves as a mark of distinction for both Campbell and the LPN-ASN program, now in its third year of operation. ■
Judge Ebel speaks at VALS.
And now, as Paul Harvey would have said, here is the rest of the story:
Wal Biet – graduated in 2008 (B.S. Biology)Manwuour Dior – graduated in 2008 (B.A. Social Science)Kuai Kuai – graduated in 2008 (B.S. Business Administration)Jor Jor – graduated in 2009 (B.S. Business Administration)Abraham Yol – graduated in December 2009 (B.A.Global Studies)Gabe Majok – graduated in December 2009 (B.S. Accounting)Yai Lyai is close to graduating with a degree in accounting
One of these young men is now in Sudan where he has started a ministry which will be drilling wells, providing health care, and consulting on agricultural matters.
Another has medical school in his future and plans to go home to Sudan to minister to the physical and spiritual needs of his troubled people.
Only God knows the final outcome, but I believe these young men are destined to ‘pay forward’ what they have received here at CCU. God will call them to be an incredible blessing to their home land that has suffered so much.
This would not have been possible without the financial support which many of you helped to provide. So I just want to say once again…thank you.
Sincerely,
William L. Armstrong,CCU President
Thanks to your prayers and generosity, God richly blessed CCU’s Sons of Sudan project. The financial
support of many faithful donors has made possible an extraordinary success story which has transformed the lives of the “lost boys” and will, I believe have an extraordinary impact on the future of their tragic country.
The Lost Boys of Sudan make up more than 27,000 of the Dinka ethnic group who were displaced and/or orphaned during the Second Sudanese Civil War, in which approximately two million were killed. Villages were attacked and girls were raped, killed, taken as slaves to the north or became servants or adopted children for other Sudanese families.
But some of the five to eight year old boys escaped, fleeing to neighboring countries. Out of estimated 27,000 - 30,000 young refugees, only about10,000 survived the hardships of starvation, wild animals, disease and hostile soldiers. Some were resettled in Kenya, others made their way to the United States where they were adopted by churches and community service groups, and some managed to earn their high school diplomas.
In the spring of 2004, CCU began working to provide these young men a quality Christ-centered college education. After assessing their readiness, CCU brought them through a process of preparation for college and integration into various CCU degree programs. You and other generous friends provided the financial resources to make the dream of a college education come true for these lost boys.
SONS OF SUDAN: Thank You From the President
In a letter of appreciation, one of the Sons of Sudan wrote “… a little thing that you do to your brother will make a difference in his life and he will make a difference in other people’s lives. May our Lord Jesus Christ, our savior and redeemer, grant you abundant grace, love, peace, and above all may He guard you wherever your life will take you.”
CCU alum Stephanie Stewartnetworks during VALS.
| 3 |
Learn more about all of CCU’s adult and master’s programs by visiting www.ccu.edu/CAGS or
call 303.963.3311
Colorado Christian University’s New Nursing ProgramMeets Needs of Working Adults
Working adults who dream of getting a nursing degree, but can’t juggle school along with their jobs and families, can now keep working and
pursue their degree in a trailblazing program designed just for them by Colorado Christian University. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing joins two already successful programs introduced by CCU within the last two years. While those were designed to help registered nurses obtain a bachelor’s degree, or licensed practical nurses obtain their associate degree, this new program is for brand-new nursing students starting from scratch.
“No other nursing program in Colorado offers both instruction and clinical placements in locations throughout the state,” said Barbara White, Dean and Professor of Nursing and Sciences.
Thanks to satellite classrooms, online study options, and more than two dozen statewide locations for clinical experience, working adults can earn their degree while living virtually anywhere in Colorado. Enrollment is expected to begin this summer for the fall semester, and CCU expects its first class of nurses from the program to graduate in 2012.
In addition, the program will offer courses in two of the newest, cutting-edge fields of medicine: genetics and global health care, two of White’s areas of expertise.
The global-health component will draw from White’s extensive experience working overseas, including in Korea, China, and Africa. In addition, students will be required to attain some literacy in Spanish and will be given the chance to go overseas for some clinical experience.
The genetics portion of the program will be enhanced by the involvement of the National Institutes of Health, one of the nation’s foremost medical-research centers. It has named White to a new, one-year position as “Faculty Champion,” making her one of 20 educators nationwide who have access to the latest NIH genetics-research materials for use in classroom teaching.
“I think, honestly, we’re the only one in Colorado that has the opportunity to take a brand-new curriculum and craft it with this cutting-edge material,” White said. “Most programs are already jammed full with content; we can design ours from the ground up.”
CCU can admit 48 nursing students at a time, and students of every faith and belief are welcome. “We want to give all students the opportunity to explore ethical ideas and values from different perspectives,” White said. A Nursing Scholarship Fund has been established to support students pursuing a nursing degree. If you would like to contribute to the fund, please contact CCU’s Office of Development at 303.963.3330. ■
| 2 |
A crowd of nearly 300 business executives, professionals, and students gathered at the Marriott City Center in Denver on April 15 for Colorado Christian
University’s eighth annual Values-Aligned Leadership Summit. Marked with networking sessions, table discussion, and keynote speakers ranging from business to the federal courts, this year’s theme was ethics-based leadership and its specific relationship to natural law, liberty, and the rule of law.
“There are so many things here that are culturally acceptable,” stated one graduate of CCU’s School of Business and Leadership, who teleconferenced from his work location overseas to join the panel discussion on legislated ethics. “I’ve learned that [sometimes] you have to be countercultural.” His observation reflects the overarching lesson intended through every VALS installation in addition to each year’s subtheme: To provide business professionals with a root framework by which to ethically weigh motives and decisions despite varying roles, industries,
or as in his case, global marketplaces.This year’s keynotes included David Ebel, a senior judge in the U.S. Court of
Appeals; Dr. Daniel Robinson, a professor at Oxford University; Kevin Miller and Terry Leprino, local business executives; and Theresa Melaragno, a CCU staff member, professional speaker, and author of The Integrity Meltdown.
Effective leadership is more than just an ability to command, Melaragno reminded audience members—“after all, if a man thinks he’s leading, and no one is following, then he’s simply taking a walk.”
In addition to exploring insightful topics, the VALS conferences offer an early chance for CCU’s undergraduate and graduate business students to interact with those already in the workplace, to learn from their personal perspectives on life, work, and integrity. “For the rest of your life, you will be facing into a headwind that will be…chipping into your values a little bit at a time,” Ebel related to students during his stage presentation, stressing the importance of young people anchoring their personal values early on in life.
CCU Business Students Urged to Be Ethics-Based Leaders
COLO
RA
DO CHRISTIAN UNIVER
SITY
• NURSING •
CCU Alum Receives First-Ever Colorado Nightingale Nursing Student AwardIn April, CCU graduate Allyson Campbell received Colorado’s first-ever Nightingale Nursing Student Award for Excellence in Human Caring. She was nominated last December while still enrolled in CCU’s Licensed Practical Nurse to Associate of Science in Nursing program. The student award is a new part of the annual Nightingale Awards founded in 1985 for registered nurses, and it serves as a mark of distinction for both Campbell and the LPN-ASN program, now in its third year of operation. ■
Judge Ebel speaks at VALS.
And now, as Paul Harvey would have said, here is the rest of the story:
Wal Biet – graduated in 2008 (B.S. Biology)Manwuour Dior – graduated in 2008 (B.A. Social Science)Kuai Kuai – graduated in 2008 (B.S. Business Administration)Jor Jor – graduated in 2009 (B.S. Business Administration)Abraham Yol – graduated in December 2009 (B.A.Global Studies)Gabe Majok – graduated in December 2009 (B.S. Accounting)Yai Lyai is close to graduating with a degree in accounting
One of these young men is now in Sudan where he has started a ministry which will be drilling wells, providing health care, and consulting on agricultural matters.
Another has medical school in his future and plans to go home to Sudan to minister to the physical and spiritual needs of his troubled people.
Only God knows the final outcome, but I believe these young men are destined to ‘pay forward’ what they have received here at CCU. God will call them to be an incredible blessing to their home land that has suffered so much.
This would not have been possible without the financial support which many of you helped to provide. So I just want to say once again…thank you.
Sincerely,
William L. Armstrong,CCU President
Thanks to your prayers and generosity, God richly blessed CCU’s Sons of Sudan project. The financial
support of many faithful donors has made possible an extraordinary success story which has transformed the lives of the “lost boys” and will, I believe have an extraordinary impact on the future of their tragic country.
The Lost Boys of Sudan make up more than 27,000 of the Dinka ethnic group who were displaced and/or orphaned during the Second Sudanese Civil War, in which approximately two million were killed. Villages were attacked and girls were raped, killed, taken as slaves to the north or became servants or adopted children for other Sudanese families.
But some of the five to eight year old boys escaped, fleeing to neighboring countries. Out of estimated 27,000 - 30,000 young refugees, only about10,000 survived the hardships of starvation, wild animals, disease and hostile soldiers. Some were resettled in Kenya, others made their way to the United States where they were adopted by churches and community service groups, and some managed to earn their high school diplomas.
In the spring of 2004, CCU began working to provide these young men a quality Christ-centered college education. After assessing their readiness, CCU brought them through a process of preparation for college and integration into various CCU degree programs. You and other generous friends provided the financial resources to make the dream of a college education come true for these lost boys.
SONS OF SUDAN: Thank You From the President
In a letter of appreciation, one of the Sons of Sudan wrote “… a little thing that you do to your brother will make a difference in his life and he will make a difference in other people’s lives. May our Lord Jesus Christ, our savior and redeemer, grant you abundant grace, love, peace, and above all may He guard you wherever your life will take you.”
CCU alum Stephanie Stewartnetworks during VALS.
| 3 |
Learn more about all of CCU’s adult and master’s programs by visiting www.ccu.edu/CAGS or
call 303.963.3311
| 4 |
The Fund for Beckman Scholars – This new scholarship initiative will provide funding on an annual basis for students with financial need. (above)
WOW 2009 – The Lakewood campus hummed with energy last August as the 2009-10 academic year kicked off to record enrollment with the largest traditional freshman class in CCU history. (above)
| 5 |
President’s Circle Dinner – Nearly 300 donors, friends, and their guests gathered at the CCU Event Center to enjoy dinner and hear from guest speaker Hugh Hewitt. Held annually, this event celebrates God’s provision and acknowledges the unique role of President’s Circle donors: those who provide CCU with at least $1,000 each year and actively promote and pray for the University. (left)
Heritage Alumni Prayer Breakfast – Alumni from CCU’s heritage institutions gathered during Homecoming for this annual event. (right)
CCU Symposium – This newly introduced event gave students and staff the opportunity to take two days out of the school year to ponder the fundamental values of faith, family, and freedom. (left)
Endowed Scholarship Luncheon – More than 90 percent of traditional undergraduate students receive scholarships or other forms of financial aid. This
luncheon honors the CCU donors who establish endowed scholarships and the students who receive them annually.
Centennial Institute Senators’ Debate – An audience of nearly 300 gathered to hear four Colorado candidates for the U.S. Senate. Candidates responded to audience questions in a forum hosted by CCU’s Centennial Institute. (above)
CCU Christmas Concert (above)
Strategic Objectives Workshops – This workshop series brings CCU community members together on a regular basis to cultivate a deeper understanding of the strategic objectives that provide a point of convergence for every aspect of life at the University. February’s guest speaker was Lee Strobel, author of The Case for Christ. (above)
Prayer One – CCU students and staff participated in several helicopter prayer-fly-overs of the Denver metropolitan area, during which time they prayed for the city’s communities and leaders. (left, pg. 4)
Men’s and Women’s Basketball – Both teams made final-four appearances at the RMAC Championship. (right)
Sanctus Real Concert – The band drew a packed house and 91.1 K-LOVE radio collected blankets on-site to donate to the homeless. (below)
Evangelical Missiological Society – CCU hosted the regional meeting this spring.
Northglenn Center Ribbon-Cutting – CCU’s College of Adult and Graduate Studies is experiencing record enrollment, with globally accessible online programs and six regional centers established in the Denver Metro area and across the state. The newest location is in Northglenn, Colorado.
CCU2theWorld – Twelve student-staff teams participated in short-term mission trips this year.(right)
AUG
OCT
SEPT
APR
MAR
JUL
DEC
MAY
| 4 |
The Fund for Beckman Scholars – This new scholarship initiative will provide funding on an annual basis for students with financial need. (above)
WOW 2009 – The Lakewood campus hummed with energy last August as the 2009-10 academic year kicked off to record enrollment with the largest traditional freshman class in CCU history. (above)
| 5 |
President’s Circle Dinner – Nearly 300 donors, friends, and their guests gathered at the CCU Event Center to enjoy dinner and hear from guest speaker Hugh Hewitt. Held annually, this event celebrates God’s provision and acknowledges the unique role of President’s Circle donors: those who provide CCU with at least $1,000 each year and actively promote and pray for the University. (left)
Heritage Alumni Prayer Breakfast – Alumni from CCU’s heritage institutions gathered during Homecoming for this annual event. (right)
CCU Symposium – This newly introduced event gave students and staff the opportunity to take two days out of the school year to ponder the fundamental values of faith, family, and freedom. (left)
Endowed Scholarship Luncheon – More than 90 percent of traditional undergraduate students receive scholarships or other forms of financial aid. This
luncheon honors the CCU donors who establish endowed scholarships and the students who receive them annually.
Centennial Institute Senators’ Debate – An audience of nearly 300 gathered to hear four Colorado candidates for the U.S. Senate. Candidates responded to audience questions in a forum hosted by CCU’s Centennial Institute. (above)
CCU Christmas Concert (above)
Strategic Objectives Workshops – This workshop series brings CCU community members together on a regular basis to cultivate a deeper understanding of the strategic objectives that provide a point of convergence for every aspect of life at the University. February’s guest speaker was Lee Strobel, author of The Case for Christ. (above)
Prayer One – CCU students and staff participated in several helicopter prayer-fly-overs of the Denver metropolitan area, during which time they prayed for the city’s communities and leaders. (left, pg. 4)
Men’s and Women’s Basketball – Both teams made final-four appearances at the RMAC Championship. (right)
Sanctus Real Concert – The band drew a packed house and 91.1 K-LOVE radio collected blankets on-site to donate to the homeless. (below)
Evangelical Missiological Society – CCU hosted the regional meeting this spring.
Northglenn Center Ribbon-Cutting – CCU’s College of Adult and Graduate Studies is experiencing record enrollment, with globally accessible online programs and six regional centers established in the Denver Metro area and across the state. The newest location is in Northglenn, Colorado.
CCU2theWorld – Twelve student-staff teams participated in short-term mission trips this year.(right)
AUG
OCT
SEPT
APR
MAR
JUL
DEC
MAY
| 7 |
CCUALUMNI
Color
ado
Christian Un
iver
sit
y
association
Stanton Spiess, 1984 – Stan went home to be with the Lord on May 23. He worked with American Missionary Fellowship until his death, and his wife Janet will continue his prayer chaplaincy ministry. Our prayers of peace and comfort go out to the family.
Bette Drummond, 1990 – Bette, also a 1958 Rockmont alum, is planning to move as a missionary to Guadalajara, Mexico. She will be teaching The Scarlet Thread Through the Bible, or Why Christ Had to Die and Why He Had to Die the Way He Did, in Spanish.
Lars Tjernagel, 1994 – Lars now lives full time in Guam, where he’s the U.S. tier-three transmission engineer for an undersea cable system being constructed by Australian-based telecommunications company PIPE International.
Dr. Aaron Johnson. 1995 – Dr. Aaron Johnson, formally at the University of Chicago, has taken the position of associate professor of Classics at Lee University in Cleveland, Tenn. Congratulations to Aaron and his wife, Rev. Heidi Johnson (1996), on this accomplishment!
Dr. Marc DeMeester, 1998 – This June marked the first full year for the Alive Health Center founded by Drs. Marc and Katie (Bowman) DeMeester. They specialize in treating chronic conditions like multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, fibromyalgia, trigeminal neuralgia, autism, and other autoimmune conditions using a unique approach called Upper Cervical Specific Care. This summer, Marc will also offer his services to an estimated 20,000 people in El Salvador.
Thomas Santa Maria, 1998 - Thomas was recently selected as the associate dean for computer science in Stevens-Henager College’s Online Division. He is now in his tenth year as a professor, and in this new role will develop curriculum for the college’s bachelor’s program in computer science.
Anna (Madsen) Phillips, 2000 – Anna and her husband John welcomed their son, Logan John, into the world on May 2. Congratulations to them on their recent addition!
Paul Romig-Leavitt, 2002 – Paul is continuing to help Christian communities use dramatic art responsibly through his nonprofit organization, Torn Curtain Arts. His wife Christa (2001) is one of the pastors at The Refuge, a church in Broomfield, Colo. Their daughter Stella, 4, starts kindergarten this fall, and the family is excited about the new addition of Liora Day, now 6 months old.
Katie DuBransky, 2003 – Katie and her husband Steve enthusiastically welcomed their new son, Nathan James, into their lives on February 8.
1914
Denver BibleInstitute
1945
Denver BibleCollege
1948
Western BibleInstitute
1949
RockmontCollege
1975
Western BibleCollege
1983
Colorado BaptistUniversity
1985
Colorado ChristianCollege
1989
Colorado ChristianUniversity
1968
Colorado BaptistJunior College
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.
Lindsey (Barilovich) Fether, 2004 – Lindsey and her husband Matt are pleased to announce the birth of their son, Noah Matthew. Noah weighs 7 pounds, 12 ounces and is 21 inches long. Congratulations to the Fethers!
Kelly (McDonnell) Johnson, 2004 – After finishing her master of arts in clinical counseling and school counseling last fall, Kelly opened a counseling practice, the Colorado Center for Healing and Change (www.centerforhealingandchange.com), where she provides comprehensive professional counseling services for individuals, couples, and families in the Denver and Aurora areas.
Daniel Westermann, 2004 – Daniel and his wife Bonnie (2004) welcomed their son, Bryce, into the family on October 9. He weighed 7 pounds, 15 ounces and is now a healthy and happy eight- month old.
Kelsey Young, 2004 – Kelsey is co-founder of a recently launched nonprofit called ROWAN: Rural Orphans and Widows AIDS Network (www.loveROWAN.com). This summer, she will move to Uganda to work on the ministry full time.
Jordan Olivero, 2005 – Jordan became engaged to Valeria Solange Ocares Vega in Antigua, Guatemala, on May 21—the same day as the conclusion of their service on a well-drilling trip with Living Water International. For details on the proposal, visit Jordan’s blog, http://pointingup.blogspot.com.
Heather Rau, 2006 – In May, Heather completed a master’s degree in counseling with a concentration in school counseling from Denver Seminary.
Kristine (Ives) Lubert, 2007 – Kristine recently became a foster parent to a 10-year-old, Nick, whom she hopes to adopt. She met him nearly two years ago while working at a treatment center where he was living. It is going very well and she loves being a mom!
Jeffrey Dean, 2009 – In January, Jeff relocated from Denver to Lincoln, Neb., where he works as a project manager and corporate-safety officer. He recently passed his Leadership in Environmental and Energy Design (LEED) certification, has been accepted by the Project Management Institute to sit for the Project Management Professional certification, and on January 8 welcomed his fourth grandchild (and first grandson).
Duane Padilla, 2009 – Duane was recently hired by Promise Keepers as a city transformation representative and ambassadors coordinator, and in August will be working on a conference in Orlando, Fla. He has enjoyed getting to meet Coach McCartney in person and working daily under the leadership of Dr. Raleigh Washington.
■ 1980s
■ 1990s
■ 2000s
| 6 |
E.M. Bounds wrote, “Prayer is not what you do before the
work; prayer IS the work.” This is true as we walk through every moment of each day attentively following God’s leading in our lives, for His glory.
When the First Continental Congress met at Carpenter’s Hall in Philadelphia, one of its first official acts was to bow in corporate prayer. In 1779, the Day of Prayer Proclamation asked that “Almighty God would grant
the blessings of peace to all contending nations, freedom to those who are in bondage, and comfort to the afflicted.” And in 1952, religious leadership groups in the United States Senate and House of Representatives inaugurated the National Prayer Breakfast.
Early in his career, as a young congressman in our nation’s capitol, CCU president Bill Armstrong also discovered the importance and power of prayer. So in 2008, knowing how critical it is to uphold and support our local and national communities in prayer, he enlisted the help of Ron Benton, CCU Assistant Vice President of Administrative Services, in organizing an event to gather community members of Jefferson County. With 300 in attendance, the inaugural Jefferson County Prayer Breakfast featured Scott Beck, international CEO of Tango, who shared how a relationship with Christ helped mold his business decisions. During the breakfast, all of the attendees also participated in moments of corporate prayer. Last year, with 300 participating again, best-selling author Jerry Jenkins encouraged the audience through uplifting stories about Billy Graham from his “as-told-to” biography that Jenkins wrote. On September 29 this fall, Jerry Schemmel, the newest “voice” of the Colorado Rockies, will share about how prayer reflects our relationship with Christ. Please make plans to attend.
Jefferson County Prayer Breakfast
Author Jerry Jenkins speaks at theJeffCo Prayer Breakfast.
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 to (with “Clash of the Classes” written in the memo line): Colorado Christian University, Attn: Alumni Relations 8787 W. Alameda Ave. Lakewood, CO 80226
Clash of the ClassesColorado Christian University
Alumni Association
CCU invites all CCU alumni and their families to attend Alumni Homecoming Weekend 2010. Reconnect with old friends, professors, and staff members, and experience the great atmosphere on campus. Family members of current CCU students can also join alongside in experiencing the community their students
are a part of every day. This year’s Homecoming events include: • Frisbee Golf Tournament• Alumni and Student Dessert Reception• Athletics Alumni Games• “Classes Without Quizzes” • All-Alumni Luncheon/BBQ
• Homecoming Concert• Hall of Fame Banquet• And much more!
Join us on October 1 and 2, 2010Visit www.ccu.edu/homecoming for more details
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CCUALUMNI
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Stanton Spiess, 1984 – Stan went home to be with the Lord on May 23. He worked with American Missionary Fellowship until his death, and his wife Janet will continue his prayer chaplaincy ministry. Our prayers of peace and comfort go out to the family.
Bette Drummond, 1990 – Bette, also a 1958 Rockmont alum, is planning to move as a missionary to Guadalajara, Mexico. She will be teaching The Scarlet Thread Through the Bible, or Why Christ Had to Die and Why He Had to Die the Way He Did, in Spanish.
Lars Tjernagel, 1994 – Lars now lives full time in Guam, where he’s the U.S. tier-three transmission engineer for an undersea cable system being constructed by Australian-based telecommunications company PIPE International.
Dr. Aaron Johnson. 1995 – Dr. Aaron Johnson, formally at the University of Chicago, has taken the position of associate professor of Classics at Lee University in Cleveland, Tenn. Congratulations to Aaron and his wife, Rev. Heidi Johnson (1996), on this accomplishment!
Dr. Marc DeMeester, 1998 – This June marked the first full year for the Alive Health Center founded by Drs. Marc and Katie (Bowman) DeMeester. They specialize in treating chronic conditions like multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, fibromyalgia, trigeminal neuralgia, autism, and other autoimmune conditions using a unique approach called Upper Cervical Specific Care. This summer, Marc will also offer his services to an estimated 20,000 people in El Salvador.
Thomas Santa Maria, 1998 - Thomas was recently selected as the associate dean for computer science in Stevens-Henager College’s Online Division. He is now in his tenth year as a professor, and in this new role will develop curriculum for the college’s bachelor’s program in computer science.
Anna (Madsen) Phillips, 2000 – Anna and her husband John welcomed their son, Logan John, into the world on May 2. Congratulations to them on their recent addition!
Paul Romig-Leavitt, 2002 – Paul is continuing to help Christian communities use dramatic art responsibly through his nonprofit organization, Torn Curtain Arts. His wife Christa (2001) is one of the pastors at The Refuge, a church in Broomfield, Colo. Their daughter Stella, 4, starts kindergarten this fall, and the family is excited about the new addition of Liora Day, now 6 months old.
Katie DuBransky, 2003 – Katie and her husband Steve enthusiastically welcomed their new son, Nathan James, into their lives on February 8.
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Colorado ChristianUniversity
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Colorado BaptistJunior College
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.
Lindsey (Barilovich) Fether, 2004 – Lindsey and her husband Matt are pleased to announce the birth of their son, Noah Matthew. Noah weighs 7 pounds, 12 ounces and is 21 inches long. Congratulations to the Fethers!
Kelly (McDonnell) Johnson, 2004 – After finishing her master of arts in clinical counseling and school counseling last fall, Kelly opened a counseling practice, the Colorado Center for Healing and Change (www.centerforhealingandchange.com), where she provides comprehensive professional counseling services for individuals, couples, and families in the Denver and Aurora areas.
Daniel Westermann, 2004 – Daniel and his wife Bonnie (2004) welcomed their son, Bryce, into the family on October 9. He weighed 7 pounds, 15 ounces and is now a healthy and happy eight- month old.
Kelsey Young, 2004 – Kelsey is co-founder of a recently launched nonprofit called ROWAN: Rural Orphans and Widows AIDS Network (www.loveROWAN.com). This summer, she will move to Uganda to work on the ministry full time.
Jordan Olivero, 2005 – Jordan became engaged to Valeria Solange Ocares Vega in Antigua, Guatemala, on May 21—the same day as the conclusion of their service on a well-drilling trip with Living Water International. For details on the proposal, visit Jordan’s blog, http://pointingup.blogspot.com.
Heather Rau, 2006 – In May, Heather completed a master’s degree in counseling with a concentration in school counseling from Denver Seminary.
Kristine (Ives) Lubert, 2007 – Kristine recently became a foster parent to a 10-year-old, Nick, whom she hopes to adopt. She met him nearly two years ago while working at a treatment center where he was living. It is going very well and she loves being a mom!
Jeffrey Dean, 2009 – In January, Jeff relocated from Denver to Lincoln, Neb., where he works as a project manager and corporate-safety officer. He recently passed his Leadership in Environmental and Energy Design (LEED) certification, has been accepted by the Project Management Institute to sit for the Project Management Professional certification, and on January 8 welcomed his fourth grandchild (and first grandson).
Duane Padilla, 2009 – Duane was recently hired by Promise Keepers as a city transformation representative and ambassadors coordinator, and in August will be working on a conference in Orlando, Fla. He has enjoyed getting to meet Coach McCartney in person and working daily under the leadership of Dr. Raleigh Washington.
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E.M. Bounds wrote, “Prayer is not what you do before the
work; prayer IS the work.” This is true as we walk through every moment of each day attentively following God’s leading in our lives, for His glory.
When the First Continental Congress met at Carpenter’s Hall in Philadelphia, one of its first official acts was to bow in corporate prayer. In 1779, the Day of Prayer Proclamation asked that “Almighty God would grant
the blessings of peace to all contending nations, freedom to those who are in bondage, and comfort to the afflicted.” And in 1952, religious leadership groups in the United States Senate and House of Representatives inaugurated the National Prayer Breakfast.
Early in his career, as a young congressman in our nation’s capitol, CCU president Bill Armstrong also discovered the importance and power of prayer. So in 2008, knowing how critical it is to uphold and support our local and national communities in prayer, he enlisted the help of Ron Benton, CCU Assistant Vice President of Administrative Services, in organizing an event to gather community members of Jefferson County. With 300 in attendance, the inaugural Jefferson County Prayer Breakfast featured Scott Beck, international CEO of Tango, who shared how a relationship with Christ helped mold his business decisions. During the breakfast, all of the attendees also participated in moments of corporate prayer. Last year, with 300 participating again, best-selling author Jerry Jenkins encouraged the audience through uplifting stories about Billy Graham from his “as-told-to” biography that Jenkins wrote. On September 29 this fall, Jerry Schemmel, the newest “voice” of the Colorado Rockies, will share about how prayer reflects our relationship with Christ. Please make plans to attend.
Jefferson County Prayer Breakfast
Author Jerry Jenkins speaks at theJeffCo Prayer Breakfast.
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 to (with “Clash of the Classes” written in the memo line): Colorado Christian University, Attn: Alumni Relations 8787 W. Alameda Ave. Lakewood, CO 80226
Clash of the ClassesColorado Christian University
Alumni Association
CCU invites all CCU alumni and their families to attend Alumni Homecoming Weekend 2010. Reconnect with old friends, professors, and staff members, and experience the great atmosphere on campus. Family members of current CCU students can also join alongside in experiencing the community their students
are a part of every day. This year’s Homecoming events include: • Frisbee Golf Tournament• Alumni and Student Dessert Reception• Athletics Alumni Games• “Classes Without Quizzes” • All-Alumni Luncheon/BBQ
• Homecoming Concert• Hall of Fame Banquet• And much more!
Join us on October 1 and 2, 2010Visit www.ccu.edu/homecoming for more details
A Publication to the CCU Community Summer 2010
Colorado ChristianOffice of Development:Keith Wright, Vice President of DevelopmentDavid Nye, Director of DevelopmentDaniel Westermann, ’04, Director of Development and Alumni RelationsChristi Kirchner, Administrative Coordinator for Development
Publication produced by University Communications:Lisa Zeller, Director of University CommunicationsJon Watters, Associate Director of University CommunicationsDanielle Hull, University Graphic Designer
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.
Alumni Workshop: Resume and Interview Tips June 24, 6:00 p.m., Lakewood Campus: Cedar Center
Western Conservative Summit, Centennial InstituteJuly 9–11, Denver Marriott South
Alumni Rockies GameAugust 13, 6:30 p.m., Coors Field
YOU’RE INVITED TO THESE COMMUNITY EVENTS
Visit us online at www.ccu.edu/Support; e-mail: [email protected]; phone: 303.963.3330
The Colorado Christian Connection is a quarterly newsletter produced byColorado Christian University for the CCU community.
Colorado Christian UniversityOffice of Development8787 W. Alameda Ave.Lakewood, CO 80226
Weekend of Welcome, College of Undergraduate StudiesAugust 18-22, Lakewood Campus
Third Annual Jefferson County Prayer BreakfastSeptember 29, 7:00 a.m.
Alumni Homecoming WeekendOctober 1-2, Lakewood Campus
An Unconventional Missionary JourneyWhen Duane and Barbara Ayers graduated from Rockmont College, one of CCU’s heritage
institutions, in 1954 they were primed and ready for a long career on the mission field. For two years immediately following, they lived among and ministered to the Navajo in New Mexico, until Duane realized his need for further training. So in 1957 they moved back to Colorado, where he earned a degree in missions from Denver Seminary.
After that, the Ayers applied to serve in Argentina with the parent group of today’s World Venture organization. While preparing for the birth of their fourth child, they received news that the mission board had turned them down. It was a big disappointment, Duane remembers, but they moved forward, trusting in God’s leading. In 1960, He led them downstate to the town of Hooper, a farming community of 300. Duane had accepted a job as pastor of a local church.
For the next decade, Duane grew the church from 40 members to almost 90. Then in 1970 he became pastor of a larger church in Riverton, Wyo. Twenty-six years later, Duane retired from the pastorate after seeing that congregation through ups and downs that included a collapse of the local oil, uranium, and steel industries in the mid-’80s. Since then, he’s served as an interim pastor in Riverton, back in Hooper, and at other churches in Colorado, Montana, and Payson, Ariz., where the Ayers now live and Duane is a part-time associate pastor.
The Ayers still keep in touch with friends who’ve attended CCU heritage schools, including some Payson locals. Barbara has also circulated a round-robin letter with Rockmont classmates every year since graduation. In 2006, the Ayers drew up a living trust to include CCU among
their beneficiaries. “I have great respect for Rockmont and what it became,” Duane says. “It was the foundation of my Christian experience and knowledge.”
Duane’s unexpected yet fruitful career wasn’t always easy, he say: One time he completely broke down—“I went out north of town, sat on a rock, and cried out to God, Lord, what do you want with me here?” Years later, he’s realized that God always had him on a missionary journey, just of a different kind, helping some struggling churches throughout the region turn around. VALS 2010 page 2
New Nursing Program for CCU page 2
Sons of Sudan-Thank You page 3
Year in Review page 4
An Unconventional Missionary Journey page 8
Graduates at the 2010 CCU Commencement ceremony
Visit www.ccu.edu/events for additional community event information.
Be a Legacy—Join the Ayers and become a member of the 1914 Society by making a financial provision forCCU in your will. For more information about the 1914 Society and other creative giving opportunities,
visit www.ccu.edu/legacygiving or call 303.963.3330.
