colorado christian connection fall 2013

7/22/2019 Colorado Christian Connection Fall 2013

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We envision graduates who think critically and creatively, lead with high ethical and professional standards,

mbody the character and compassion of Jesus Christ, and who thereby are prepared to impact the world.

CCU students congratulate each other

n the quad after mid-terms.

Fall


2/20

Dear Friends,

As a partner of CCU, please dont read these pages simply as highlights from the University. Readthem as shared highlights. Youve come alongside us in the journeysupporting us, praying for

us, celebrating with us.

Thank you! These highlights are made possible by your partnership.

They are also a result of Gods continued providence and grace, and we glorify God for His gifts. Our undergraduateenrollment has reached over 1,100 studentsthe largest in the nearly 100 year history of CCU. Add to that ouradult and graduate enrollment of over 4,000, and were educating well over 5,000 students right now.

Currently, over 200 student-athletes are representing CCU on the court, field, or track. Our new Employment

Management Services has placed over 330 students in paying jobs. And, CCU will award $11 million in scholarshipsthis year.

Our Western Conservative Summit saw nearly 2,000 attendees listen to dynamic speakers like Ted Cruz, Scott

Walker, and Allen West. Elsewhere, 120 students and staff traveled the globe witnessing in the name of Jesus.

And, perhaps most momentous of all, weve broken ground on the first academic building in our Lakewood

Campus redevelopment. It will be ready for use next fall. Our Faith|Family|Freedom Campaign continues tostress the core values we hold dear.

Thank you for your partnership. This next year will see the completion of Phase One of our Faith|Family|FreedomCampaign. Well award additional full-tuition World Changers Scholarships to some of the brightest high schoo

students in the nation. And, our sports teams, our musical concerts and plays, our ministries will continue toalways preach the good news of Christ, and use words when necessary.

Sincerely,

Bill Armstrong

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NOVEMBER

November 13-16

Fall Play:

Voices from Beyond the Veil

Evening performances each

day at 7:30 p.m., and a

matinee on Saturday,

Nov. 16, at 2:30 p.m.

CCU Music Center

303-963-3333 to RSVP

November 18

Centennial Institute

Issue Monday: Green and

Free: Can It Be?

7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

CCU Beckman Center

303-963-3424 to RSVP

DECEMBER

December 6 & 7

School of Music Presents:

Wonder, a CCU Christmas

Celebration

7:30 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.

West Bowles Community Church

303-963-3333 to RSVP

FEBRUARY

February 6-8

Alumni and Family Weekend:

Prayer Breakfast, Chapel, Campus

Tour, Family Game Night, BBQ, and

Basketballand much more

Lakewood Campus

www.ccu.edu/

alumnifamilyweekend

MARCH

March 6-9

Spring Play: Meet Me in St. Louis

Evening performances each day

at 7:30 p.m., and a matinee on

March 8 & 9 at 2:30 p.m.

Lakewood Cultural Center

303-963-3333 to RSVP

APRIL

April 24

Values-Aligned Leadership Summit

For more information call the Office

of Development at 303-963-3330

Visit www.ccu.edu/eventsfor more upcoming events.


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To add your name to the mail list and to receive other announcements

about CCU alumni events or to update your contact information please go to

www.ccu.edu/Alumni

FALLVolume 5, Number 6

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Colorado Christian Connection is a regular publication produced by

Colorado Christian University to connect CCU alumni and friends to each other

and to CCU. As we build each issue, we strive for complete accuracy, however,

we occasionally miss the mark. Please inform us of our errors, and we will

address them in the following issue.

THIS PUBLICATION IS SPONSORED BY

THE OFFICE OF DEVELOPMENT AND ALUMNI RELATIONS:

Paul J. Eldridge, J.D.Vice President, Development and Alumni Relations

David Nye Director of Development

Dan Westermann Director of Development

Missy Smith Director of Alumni & Parent Relations

Emma AlsdorfAnnual Giving, Foundation & Donor Relations Coordinator

Kathleen LeCrone Database Specialist

Jan Otteman Event Planner and Administrative Assistant

THIS PUBLICATION IS PRODUCED BY

UNIVERSITY COMMUNICATIONS:

Lisa ZellerDirector of University Communications

Gabe Knipp Copywriter

Bethany Applegate Graphic Designer

Tim Roesch Graphic Designer

Justin Jones Contributing Graphic Designer

8

46

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18

10

FAITH | FAMILY | FREEDOMAcademic Excellence - Leaders for the21st Century

2013 SYMPOSIUM | REDEEMINGTHE TIME:Following Christ in aSecular Era

WRITE DIRECTION:The Story of Howard Propst

PRESIDENTS CIRCLE 2013

PRODUCING GRACE

ALUMNI NEWS

A LETTER FROM ANNE KLASSEN


4/20| 4 |

To view the webcam and get construction

updates, visit ccu.edu/campaign/update


5/20| 5 |

The steel, explained Shannon Dreyfuss, will go up

in a matter of weeks. And even if youre off campus,

youll be able to watch. Our new construction

camera takes an image every 30 seconds. Well

have a nice time lapse video at the end to see every

step of the construction.

At most CCU events, the audience is receptive. But

at the last Strategic Objective Workshop, bringing all

staff and faculty together for important talks and

updates, there was a palpable sense of anticipationin the air. Everyone had seen the torrential rains in

September that displaced thousands. They surely

delayed construction. Already on a tight schedule,

what would that mean for the construction timeline?

Dreyfuss, both hands on the podium and leaning

over it, knew the troubles better than anyone. The

vice president has headed the construction project

at CCU since the beginninghe had been looking

at renderings and options for months before even

submitting a zoning request to the city. The zoning

was approved by the city council unanimously.

Even after, however, permits had to be pulled,

contractors scheduled; he had to move all the

displaced staff and faculty to a temporary location

while the new building roselike a giant game of

three-dimensional Tetris. And, it all had to happen

over the summer, before students came back.

Rain was just one more issue to overcome. Dreyfuss

smiled at the staff and faculty, his colleagues. Im

happy to say that well still be on time with this project,

and well be into the building next May. Once the

steel goes up, he explained, we put the roof on and

get the electricians and plumbers and everyone

else in there. Well be in the new academic building

not in years, but in months.

So, Phase One of the Faith|Family|Freedom

Campaign will be over in monthsliterally paving

the way for subsequent phases of the Lakewood

campus redevelopment. And, with only $3.3

million remaining to raise out of a total $18.775 fo

Phase One, the Campaign is on target. In fact, an

anonymous donor also pledged a $1 million gift

match for any gifts before January 1, 2014, which

is simply another sign of Gods faithfulness to CCU.

While the initial excitement of the constructionwanes, its important to celebrate progress with each

milestone and each new building in this multi-year

$120 million campaign. And we thank you, reader, fo

your support. Your gift will make a difference in the

lives of thousands of students over the years. The next

milestone, and the first academic building, will be

done in less than a year. And in the meantime, theres

a webcam to keep an eye on things. - G. Knipp

Construction progress of the new academic building for the

Faith | Family | Freedom Campaign


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This years symposium at CCU focused on how

to follow Christ in the midst of a confusing and

turbulent era. Over 1,000 students listened to

speakers for two days, reflecting on whats

happening in the world and their place in it.

The news is not overly positive, especially for

people of faith.

As a generation thats often written about, statistics

on millennials are profuse. Nearly one out of two

thinks marriage is obsolete. Nearly 22 million

of them have moved back in with their parents.

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2013 Symposium | Redeeming the Time

Following Christ in a Secular Era

Sixty-five percent rarely or never attend worship

services; around the same number dont read the

Bible. Even among those who consider Jesus as

their savior, 70% dont list faith as really important

in their lives.

The symposium at CCU is about reversing those

trends. Its about providing students an honest

place to explore, to talk, to see who God is and

where He is leading themespecially while so

many are choosing not to listen.

Overview of CCUs annual symposium


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Speakers such as David Perkins, who serves on staff

at New Life Church in Colorado Springs, called

students not just to know about Jesus, but to know

Jesus. His winsome and humorous delivery inspired

students to look at the Bible with fresh eyes.

Or, Jim Weidmann, a popular author and speaker,

talked about following God with your gifts. Part of

his presentation included a survey to determine a

students gifts in order to give him greater clarity

and direction of where God might be calling.

The question and answer session after Jims talk

included students who wanted to know more

about how their gifts fit with Gods kingdom work

and they took the next step in answering those

questions.

Esther Fleece, named by Christianity Todayas one

of the top 50 women shaping church and culture

exhorted students to seek after that which is good

She told of her own journey in following God

listening to his voice, and going after good things

The word, good, she said, is profoundly prevalent

in the Bible and rarely discussed.

And Roberta Ahmanson reminded everyone that

Christians must be people who look to heaven

who are obsessed with what will be and how

everything will be right, because it has profound

implications for how we live our lives here and now

Students left the 2013 Symposium with fresh

answers and new tools. They were encouraged to

live out their faith in an increasingly secular world,

using their gifts to further Gods kingdom. They

were reminded to fix their eyes on Jesus, because

doing so will change their lives both now and

forever. - G. Knipp

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Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs,

Dr. Chris Leland

Symposium speaker Roberta Ahmanson


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Weve all experienced the What Would Jesus Do

wave that coursed through Christian circles andcaused believers to evaluate if their behaviors really

were consistent with the actions and teachings

of Christ. WWJD is an important reminder to live

consistent lives that give witness to a true faith in

Christ, but perhaps an even more fundamental

question is, Who is Jesus Christ and why has he had

such a lasting impact on the world?

This is the question CCU supporter and dear friend

of President Bill Armstrong, Howard Propst, and

his daughter Lorre Propst McKeone, asked in their

recently self-published book, The Impact of Jesus

on the World. Together, they have attempted

to explore how the remarkably unique life and

teachings of Jesus Christ have impacted the lives of

individuals and nationszeroing in on a few of the

teachings of Jesus and his impact on his followers,

both historic and present day. Howards contributions

to the work focus on personal stories of real peoplewhose lives and beliefs embodied the core values

of Christianity, while Lorres writings integrate a study

of actual Biblical accounts of what Jesus said and

how he behaved.

BOOK EXCERPT:

For where your treasure is, there will your heart by

also. Matthew 6:21

Jesus did not begin his ministry as a respected

rabbi or revered priestYet in his three short years

of ministry he spoke to individuals, to crowds of more

than 5,000 and carried on theological discussions

with some of the most learned scholars of the day.

The lessons he taught were in many ways contrary

to worldly wisdomgetting to the heart of what

was important.

In the story of the man with great wealth, Jesus

confronted the man in his personal area of greatestneedhis need to trust in Gods provision rather

than earthly security. Jesus words seem to make no

sense from the standpoint of being responsible or

self-sufficient. But they were meant to test this mans

faith. God had freely given him life and prosperity,

and Jesus was asking him to also be a giverand

not in a small waybut in a way that proved he

understood the source of his wealth.

As Howard relates, this lesson of freely giving

and freely receiving was handed down to him

through his mothers example of selflessness. In

a poem she shared with Howard on his wedding

day, she reflected,

Give to the needy shelter and bread,

For giving is living, the Angel said,

And must I be giving again and again?

My selfish, peevish question rang.No, said the Angel piercing through,

Just give until the Master stops giving to you.

Anonymous

Giving does not come naturally or easily to most

human beings, and yet as Christs followers

learn deeper and deeper levels of trust, they find

themselves giving of their own talents, time, and

treasures, even as Christ gave of Himself that others

would have life and have it to the full (John 10:10).

Howard Propst grew up as a rancher on the Bar

Three Ranch. He was raised by his parents, Lewis

and Grace Propst, who taught him the most

important lessons of lifelessons of love, truth, hard-

work, and faith in God. Lewis and Grace taught

Howard and his siblings by example that integrity

was not just a goal, but the essence of their lives.

Write Direction:The story of Howard Propst


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From this foundation, Howard realized the importance

of spreading these values through the American

political system. Howard entered politics in the

Colorado General Assembly and also served three

terms as a state representative from Logan County.

At the same time that Howard was working in Colorado

politics, Bill Armstrong was beginning to make a

name for himself in the Colorado political sphere.

The two first met when Howard was a Colorado State

GOP Chairman and Bill was a new state legislator

with, as Howard recalls, a bright political future.

Shortly thereafter, Howard and his family began a

research project that focused on the growth of three

revolutionary trends: the growth of knowledge,

increase of communications, and rapid rates of

change. The focus of this research project was to

show that these increases which allow the opening

and freeing of the mind correlate precisely with the

spread of liberty. He named the program Success

America and traveled around the country presentingthe program on the speaking circuit. At this time,

Bill Armstrong, who had achieved the politica

office of U.S. Senator, invited Howard to present

the Success America program to Colorados

Congressional Delegation in the U.S. Capitol

Following that presentation, Bill offered Howard a

senior staff position in his Washington office. Howard

served on staff with Bill for ten years from 1979-1989.

Howard still recalls the close bonds and dedicated

friendships that were formed among Bills staff and

attributes those life-long relationships largely to Bills

genuine care and concern for all of his staff. His

appreciation of Bill Armstrong was due to the fact

that Bill always conducted himself and his politica

office with absolute integrity. When looking back

on the memories that the two shared, Howard

remembered them as some of the best years of his

life. - C. Kirchner

promote colorado christian universityto the next generation

Visit ccu.edu/refer

- Share your own CCU experience with potential students.

- Direct students to the CCU website.

- Encourage them to attend an Information Session (adult students)or CCU Preview Days (traditional undergraduate students).

Scan this QR code with your smart phone and godirectly to the referral form online.

U.S. Senator Bill Armstrong and Howard Propst


10/20

An air of excitement and decorum surrounded

CCU on September 16, as supporters and friends

of the university gathered for the annual Presidents

Circle Dinner.

This years Presidents Circle Dinner was

highlighted by student testimonies, a university

update from President Armstrong, and a powerful

keynote speech by Dr. James Dobson, founder of

Focus on the Family and FamilyTalk.Students from

both the College of Undergraduate Studies and the

College of Adult and Graduate Studies shared how

CCU Changes Lives: emphasizing the importance

of faith integrated into the classroom, how faculty

and staff pour into the lives of students, and the

impact a rich and God-honoring community

has on learning. Following the student speakers,

President Armstrong gave an impassioned

and exciting update on the university and the

| 10 |

Dr. James Dobson addresses the crowd

Attendees sign a steel I-beam to be used in the first building

of the Faith | Family | Freedom Campaign


11/20| 9 || 11 |

FREE, REAL-WORLD SEMINARS ANDNETWORK-BUILDING FOR LEADERS INBUSINESS, NON-PROFITS, AND CHURCHES

Join the Dean of the School of Business andLeadership, Dr. Gary Ewen, and Executive inResidence, Kevin Miller on the second Fridayof each month.

Challenging, thought-provoking seminarsbegin at 6:45 am, followed by Q & A andnetworking opportunities.

Visit crossovernetwork.orgfor more information.

Faith|Family|Freedom Campaign,

including the announcement of amillion dollar match challenge gift.

The night ended with Dr. James

Dobson speaking on the sanctity

and value of life; something that

concurs strongly with one of CCUs

strategic objectives, which stresses

the importance of impacting our

culture in support of traditional family

values, sanctity of life, compassion

for the poor, Biblical view of human

nature, limited government, personal

freedom, free markets, natural law,

original intent of the Constitution and

Western civilization.

Each year, at the Presidents CircleDinner, we come together to celebrate

friends and supporters of CCU, to hear

from pioneering Christians in our culture,

and to honor God for His faithfulness

to CCU. - E. Alsdorf

CCU student Haley Littleton

Vice President of Development

Paul Eldridge

CCU President Bill Armstrong presents Dr. Dobson with a gift


12/20

PRODUCING

GRACE

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Hollywood is not a place known for its faith. Its nota place to produce movies that tell stories withmorals and redemption. Its certainly not a placeto produce movies where characters question iftheyre really living for Jesus.

Unless, of course, youre Russ Rice. Then, you make adeal with Lionsgate to distribute Grace, Unplugged,one of the biggest movie industry coups in years.

He wasnt always into movies, though. In 1980, RussRice was a freshman at CCUs legacy institution,Rockmont College,and he was interested in onething: basketball. He spent his time training withRalph Simpson of the Denver Nuggets, hoping toplay abroad in Europe one day. And, although hewas attending a Christian university, he admits hewas playing a game there, too.

I wasnt a Christian, he recounts. I knew what tosay and what to do, and even believed I was. But Ireally wasnt at all. I told the woman I was dating I

was a Christian, and 10 months later she becamemy wife.

Carina Bruning, daughter of Stan Bruning of KWBIradio, and granddaughter of Archie Yetter (ofYetter Hall on CCUs campus), married Russ andthey went, not into basketball, but into business. Heowned a shoe repair store in Cherry Creek, andhe and Carina began thinking about a family. Shegot pregnant; he became more married to hiswork than to his wife.

It was literally the night we had our first child when Itold my wife I couldnt do this anymore, Russ says.Iwas going to lose my marriage, lose everything. So,I called my competitor told him he could have thebusiness. It was kind of stupid.

That stupid thing to do ended up saving his family,though. Russ, Carina, and their new son moved toMichigan, where he landed a job with a candyfundraising company. It was an easy job to landthe owner of the company still talked about a kid


13/20

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who set candy fundraising records years agoagarrulous kid who could sell sawdust to a lumber mill.They remembered him from high school. So, Russ Ricestarted work and was quickly making six figures inthe mid-1980s. In his off time, he kept playingbasketball, and running some camps with formercollege star Greg Kelser.

It was all going great until I saw a group of guysdoing a Bible study at a restaurant. They met everyday from six to eight in the morningit was seriousand they asked me to join. I knew I couldnt just gofor a week or a month; if I was going to do this, Iwould have to stick with it.

And it changed his life.God radically transformedme, Russ says. He took a dead man and mademe alive.

Russ left his six-figure job and moved back to

southern Californiawhere he grew upwith theintent of going to seminary. He also started his ownfundraising company to support his family; whenhe realized he wasnt called to be a pastor, hesimply kept building his business. Only, he wanted togive kids more than candy to sell, so he began toproduce short educational filmsabout peoplelike Thomas Edison or the events like the gold rush.Over time, Warner Brothers wanted to advertise ontheir videos.

They thought our $30,000 videos were made for

$200,000, he says. They were really impressed withthe production value.

It was a matter of timeand Gods urgingbeforeRuss, approached his friend Brad with a new idea.Brad Silverman had started out as an actor before hecame to faith, and had been producing the videoswith him. Russ said to his friend one day, Brad,I think we should start a film company. I think wecan do this.

Their first full-length movie was No Greater Love,the story of a broken marriageand its restoration.

Lionsgate agreed to distribute it, but the moviewas slated for release in 2009. In the height of therecession, Lionsgate balked at putting the faith-based film in theaters.

The straight-to-video movie became the numberone grossing Christian film ever for Lionsgate.

Following up on that success, RiceandSilvermanwent about producing the nextunabashedly faith-based film. The result was

Grace, Unplugged, about a young woman wholeaves her church and her family to make it bigin Los Angeles. Featuring AJ Michalka (Secretariat,Super 8), James Denton (Desperate Housewives),and Kevin Pollak (A Few Good Men), the movie hasbeen praised for its superb acting and productionvalue. Its virtually assured of becoming Lionsgatesnumber one grossing Christian film.

Yet, the story around the movie is as captivatingas the movie itself. They had to battle to keep thename Jesus Christ in the filmsince it was used ina positive, rather than negativelight. Russ stressesthat the film is not aimed at teens hoping to fulfilltheir dreams, despite some of the marketing. Itsaimed at people hoping to discover, or rediscover,their faith. Even the story itself is patterned afterevents in Rices life. His daughter ran away topursue her dreams when she was 18, and reallydoesnt have anything to do with the family.

It really is a family movie, Rice says. If you thinkabout it, were all that prodigal. Weve all rebelled.The tagline is Nothing can stop a Fathers love,with an intentional double meaning.

Every time Im at a screening, I meet peoplewho realized they are like Grace in the movie,running away, and have made the decision tocome back. Its a story with a purpose.

Its a story only someone like Russ Rice could

produce. And, its the only time youll hear thequestion, Are you living for Jesus Christ? in aHollywood film.

Until his next one, of course. - G. Knipp

GRACE unpluggedIn theaters now.

Watch the trailer here.


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Dear Alumni and Parents,

What an exciting time at Colorado

Christian University! Record number

enrollment, our first new building is

on the rise, a Parent Association is

being developed and lots of fun

and engaging Alumni events are

in the works. I hope you will join

us for Alumni and Family Weekend in February and at other

events throughout the coming year. CCU is truly experiencing

the blessings of the Lord!

Im beginning my fifth year at CCU and I am more impressed

each year with the faith, academic excellence, and desire

to serve of those at CCU. The faculty and staff are so gifted

and striving all the more to fulfill the strategic objectives for ou

students. President Armstrong inspires us all to live lives o

integrity and courage.

It is my goal to build continuing community for our alumn

and parents; resources and support that enhance the studen

experience through a parents perspective, and to give ou

alumni a way to stay connected with the unique community

that is created on our campuses. It is truly a blessing to serve

you and CCU and to be a part of our universitys growth and

development.

Warmest regards,

Missy Smith, M.A.

Director of Alumni and Parent Relations

The Colorado Christian

University Alumni Relations

Office will be hitting the

road this year and traveling

to share news about the

campus redevelopment plans

and general CCU updates

in the following cities:

DallasGrand Junction

San DiegoSt. Louis

...and maybe your city too

Alumni in these areas

should keep their eye out

for special e-mail and print

communications about these

regional alumni events.


15/20| 15 |

ALUMNI & FAMILY WEEKEND

Make it a plan for the whole clan.

FEBRUARY 6-8, 2014Bring the whole family for a weekend of fun.

For more, visit ccu.edu/alumnifamilyweekend

CCU Professor Dr. Johann Kim willbe hosting a tour of biblical Greece

May 20 - June 3, 2014

In partnership with the Zodhiates InternationalNew Testament Study Center

Cost is $2,230 plus airfare. Registration must becompleted by December 1.

Follow in the Footsteps of the Apostle...explore the land, culture, and context of the Bible

Dont miss this chance of a life

Contact David Bosworth, School of Theology, for dePhone: 303-325-3055 Email: dbosworth@ccu


16/20

1945

Denver Bible InstituteBecomes Denver BibleCollege

1948

Western Bible InstituteEstablished

1949

Denver Bible CollegBecomes RockmonCollege

1914

Denver BibleInstitute Established

Chase

vans

Leitch

owe

Alumni News

| 16 |

Scott LaPoint (01) Scott has recently accepted an internship position with LakeviewNeuroRehabilitation Center in Effingham, New Hampshire. The year-long position fulfills theinternship requirement for the doctoral degree in clinical psychology at Regent University inVirginia Beach, VA, that Scott is currently pursuing. In this position he is the rehabilitationpsychology intern, facilitating individual and group therapy and conducting neuropsychologica

evaluations. Congratulations and best of luck!

Chuck Lawson (72) Chuck graduated from Western Bible College in 1972 and has recentlyaccepted the positions of administrator of Plaza Heights Christian Academy and pastoral staff oPlaza Heights Baptist Church in Blue Springs, Missouri. May God bless you and your ministry, Chuck

Dr. James Howard (86) James graduated from Colorado Christian College in 1986. He hasrecently been hired as the new senior pastor at Dillon Community Church. Blessing to your familyand Dillon Community Church!

Deborah (Schug) Palmer (03) and Eric Palmer (04) In July of 2012, Eric joined CentenniaMiddle School in Montrose as a sixth grade math teacher. Just shy of a year later, in May of 2013, EricDeborah, and their son Jeremiah (2) welcomed Jasper Timothy into their family. Congratulations!

Leslie (Lazzeri) Evans (07) and Gary Evans (04) After graduating, Gary and Leslie marriedand moved to Florida where Gary pursued his law degree at Florida International University. Heis currently practicing as a public defender for the state of Florida. Leslie is currently working as a

human resources and payroll manager at TEKsystems and will be sitting for her Professional HumanResources certification later this year.

Daniel Seatvet (06) After graduating from CCU with a degree in business administration, Daniecompleted his Master of Arts in Leadership from Denver Seminary in 2008. He then worked in nonprofit and for-profit scenarios, including being a partner for a start-up financial services recruitingfirm. Daniel is continuing to work out his natural gifting as a business leader doing marketplaceministry as an account executive for New Horizons, the worlds largest IT training provider. Mosrecently, in April of 2013, Daniel married his wife Jana who is originally from Slovakia. CongratulationsDaniel and Jana!

Jennifer (Smeltzer) Chase (95) Jennifer and her husband Dan live happily in Colorado withtheir five sons Benjamin (16), Joshua (13), Jacob (8), Jettson (6), and Jonah (6). Jennifer harecently written a book entitled Adoption Reinvention which is now available online at Amazoncom. Jennifer would like to encourage anyone that is struggling in their adoption to check it out.

Larissa Denton (11) Starting this fall, Larissa will be a graduate assistant for the Center fo

Information and Communication Sciences at Ball State University. During this time, she also planto pursue her masters degree. Best of luck, Larissa!

Libby Bergstrom (83) Libby graduated from Rockmont College in 1983 with a degree inelementary education. She is now starting a new project with IDEAS (ideasworld.org) GlobaReach Library Services. In this project she is using her professional skills to help transformationaeducation and community development projects around the world. Congratulations on such anexciting opportunity!

Louellen (Hurst) Lowe (07) and Timothy Lowe (08) Since graduating from CCU in 2007 and2008, Tim and Louellen have had many exciting changes. They are currently living in Tyler, Texaswhere Tim is completing a masters degree in kinesiology and working as a research assistant in theKinesiology Department. Tim is also working as a sports trainer at APEC Sports. This fall, Tim will beginteaching as an adjunct professor in the biomechanics lab at The University of Texas, and plans toapply to physical therapy school in 2014. Since graduation, Louellen has completed her masterin international affairs at Texas A&M and is now the east Texas regional director for a senator. Toadd to the excitement, Tim and Louellen recently celebrated the arrival of their first child, Laurayne

Isabelle Lowe on December 4, 2012! Congratulations, Tim and Louellen, and best of luck on themany new adventures awaiting you!

Maggie Leitch (06) Maggie has recently relocated to the Boston suburbs and is celebratingthe start to a new job with EverFi! Congratulations Maggie and best of luck in your new position!


17/20

This section of the Colorado Christian Connection is designed to encourage alumni to stay connected. If youve

a recent change in your life (i.e., engagement, wedding, birth, new job, promotion, or something else exciting),

like to hear about it. Submit your news and photos to www.ccu.edu/alumni/share.asp

Smart phone users: download a QR Reader App for free at www.ccu.edu/QR then take a picture of the QR code to view this web page on your phone.

Ralph and Marianne Henning (87) This year has held many successes for Ralph and Marianneas Ralph has been promoted to colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve. Effective December 2013, Ralphhas been selected to command the 411th Engineer Brigade in New Windsor, NY, and will assumecommand in March 2014. Thank you for your dedicated service to our country, Ralph!

Norma (Kuhlers) Keaton (73) On July 7th, Normas husband David Keaton went to be with theLord. After over a year of suffering with autoimmune liver disease, David was ushered home in thepresence of his children and Norma who was able to remain by his side throughout his entirehospital stay. Norma and Davids oldest son, Lynn, has now taken over Davids ministry at ClearLakes Christian Academy. Norma has been quick to notice that God has been with their familyevery step of the way and has blessed them abundantly. Our deepest condolences go out to youand your family, Norma, and we pray that you will continue to feel Gods presence with you throughthis time.

Tammy (Vlahos) Dreiske (00) and Mike Dreiske (00) Since graduating from CCU in 2000 withdegrees in liberal arts and youth ministry, respectively, Tammy and Mike are now working at a oneyear Bible school and summer camp in Montana. To learn more about what Tammy and Mike aredoing at Beartooth Mountain Christian Ranch, visit their website at www.bmcrministries.org!

Michael Hopkins (85) and Loretta Hopkins (85) Michael and Loretta, both alumni of Rockmont,are now serving as Assemblies of God missionaries in Rome, Italy, as lead pastors of InternationalChristian Fellowship, where they have been serving since 1999. Before arriving in Rome, the Hopkinsserved as pastors for 25 years in the U.S. and are both ordained ministers in the Assemblies ofGod USA.

Greg Freeman (11) Greg has accomplished a great feat by climbing his first 14er on August17th! Greg successfully hiked Mt. Sherman with a group of nine friends from his Sunday Schoolclass. Congrats on a true Coloradan accomplishment!

Rev. Thomas Bradley (99) Thomas received his MA in biblical counseling from CCU in 1999and served as the director of pastor care at Cheyenne Regional Medical Center. In December of2012, Thomas retired from this position and has moved to Spokane, WA, with his wife in order to becloser to their grandchildren. Thomas now serves as a volunteer chaplain with the Spokane CountySheriffs Department, through which he ministers to the sheriffs deputies and accompanies themfor death notifications when someone passes away in an accident, shooting, or other cause. Healso provides support to all first responders when they are in a critical incident. Its such a blessingto hear how youve used your education and passions to serve the Lord! Keep up the good work,Thomas!

Robert Rial (80) Robert and his wife Maria are still living and working in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.They are blessed to have found good Christian fellowship in Malaysia, and have witnessed howGod manifests himself in different cultures and countries. Robert and Maria like to try to split theirtime between Malaysia, Colorado, and the Philippines. Although they miss Colorado and plan onmaking it back here some day, God is keeping them in Malaysia for now. Our prays are with youboth and your ministry in Malaysia! What a wonderful example of following the Lords calling!

Amy Justice (10) Amy received her BA in psychology from CCU in 2010 and is currently enrolledat Dallas Theological Seminary where she is pursuing her masters of theology. In this time, Amy hasnoted how much she has drawn on what she learned at CCU through the professors and lessons.She would like to give a shout out to all of her professors from CCU and let them know that the lovethat they demonstrated is still sustaining her in seminary and has been a tremendous blessing.Thank you, Amy, for your kind words!

Brian Yiech (96) Brian graduated from the CISM program at CCU and is currently the director ofrecruitment at Resources Global Professionals, San Antonio office. Brian joined Resources GlobalProfessionals in June of 2012, and his primary responsibility is maintaining and developing adiversified team of professional consultants available for client engagements. Prior to assuming thisrole, Brian served as Sr. Human Resources Administrator of Recruitment at the city of San Antonio.Brian is a 21 year US Air Force veteran, where he rounded out his military service assisting with thedevelopment and implementation of an online employee self service portal servicing US Air Forcepersonnel.

1975

Western Bible InstituteBecomes Western Bible College

1983

Colorado BaptistUniversity Established

1985

Western Bible College andRockmont College merge to formColorado Christian College

1989 - Present

Colorado Christian College andColorado Baptist University merge tform Colorado Christian University

Bra

Rial

Yiech

Freeman

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18/20| 18 |

Dear Friends, Helpers & Family,

The other day I fell asleep for the last time and my

soul was escorted to Paradise by angels. Yes, there

really are angels, and we were guided there by a

bright light. It was a most fantastic trip and we were

met at the Eastern Gate, at that beautiful entrance

of the Promised Land.

There was my husband Dan, my mom and dad, andFrieda, Rudy, my brother Pete and my sister Mary,

my dear grandson Clayton, and all my friends and

relatives that have gone on before. Dan had a brand

new body. He picked me up and held me for the

longest time and he told me that he missed me, and

that he loved me. He said look at yourself, and I

realized I had a new body. I was not blind anymore, I

could hear everyone clearly. My skin was smooth; my

arms and legs were strong; my back had no pain.

Dan and I walked into Paradise hand in hand. Oh,

what a day that was! We walked in and he introduced

me to all the new friends he had. The angels gave me

a robe and crown and they said Jesus was waiting

for me. We went over to the Great White Throne; it

was magnificent. And there was my Savior, the King

of Kings and Lord of Lords. At His feet was this huge

pile of crowns and I took mine off and I put it on top

of the pile. I didnt know what I was going to do at

that moment, whether I was going to dance for joy

or be still and lay down in front of His feet. Then Hesaid my name Anne, I see your name here in the

Lambs Book of Life. Well done, good and faithful

servant. He took my hand and then I saw the holes

in His palms from the nails. We just walked for a while

and He said, I love you and I have been waiting for

you. How do you like your new home? My Savior said

to me that I will never again feel pain, and I will never

again have a bad day. Just imagine, I walked around

Gods Heaven with my

Lord, sheltered safe in

the hand of my Jesus.

I looked down and I

saw that the roads were

actually paved with gold.

He told me there would

be no more storms in

my life, no more sorrow,no more sadness, no

parting, no trouble, just peace in the valley for me

and everyone here. Everything He has promised has

come true. Everything He said He will do, He has done.

I know you are atwell, what you call my funeral,

but I would rather call it my graduation. Thank you

to my three daughters for taking such great care of

me when I was with you. I am so proud of you, Verna,

Margaret, and Janet, and all my family. I am looking

forward to seeing you again here in the Promised

Land. Until we meet again. You are all always in my

thoughts and prayers.

It is well, it is well with my soul. God be with you til we

meet again.

Mom, grandma & great grandma, sister & friend,

Anne Klassen

anne klassena letter from

Anne Klassen was the beloved mother of

Verna Pauls, wife of CCU board of trustees

member, Bill Pauls. Anne passed into the

arms of Jesus in June of 2013. Verna Pauls

brother, Gerry, penned this letter just after

she passed away.


19/20

Benets of a CCUCharitable Gift Annuity.

71. ATTRACTIVE RATES. When you compare our gift annuity rates

with what you might receive from a certicate of deposit you will bepleasantly surprised. (Rates average between 4%-9%)*

2. REGULAR PAYMENTS. When you establish your gift annuity,you decide how often you want to receive your payments (withcertain restrictions)

3. FIXED INCOME. Your payment rate will be locked in at the timeyou obtain your gift annuity.

4. LIFETIME BENEFIT. Gift annuities are for life. And if you havea two-life gift annuity, when one person dies, the other can continueto receive the same amount for the rest of his/her life.

5. DEPENDABLE SOURCE, CCU reinsures all gift annuities, soyour assets are protected with the backing of a top-rated insurancecompany.

6. RELIEF FROM TAXES. Since part of your contribution for a giftannuity is considered a charitable gift by the IRS, you will receive anincome tax charitable deduction to apply on an itemized tax return.

7. SIMPLE PROCESS. We can provide you with a tailor-madeillustration so you can see how it all works with your age andcontribution amount included.

Interested in enjoying these benets?

Are you at or near retirement age?

Let us give you more information.

Contact: Dan Westermann, Director of

Development and Planned Giving

Colorado Christian University

303-963-3330

*Rates will vary depending upon age and number of beneciaries.

| 19 |


20/20

Colorado Christian University787 W. Alameda Ave.akewood, CO 80226

Kari Osborne | Senior Treasury Advisor and Vice President for UMB BankDegree: B.S. in Business Administration

Class Year: 2008

Kari Osborne very clearly desires to serve the Lord, wherever she is placed. This desire is

demonstrated in her academic and professional endeavors. In her role as senior treasury adviso

and vice president for UMB, she seeks to provide banking solutions and supportive, authentic

business relationships for non-profit and government sectors. I strongly believe that this is where

God has placed me, and I really want to steward that welland steward the role and talents God

has given me, says Kari.

After studying vocal performance at Southwest Baptist University and transferring to one of CCUs heritage schools, Colorado

Baptist University, life happened, and Kari never finished her undergraduate degree at that time. Later, she honed he

communication and finance skills while studying in the College of Adult and Graduate Studies program at Colorado Christia

University. Part of going back to school and finishing my education was really about taking seriously the stewardship of my

role at UMB. In 2008, Kari graduated with her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with honors, and continues to

bring integrity and competency to the finance world.

Scan this QR code with yoursmart phone to go to:

ccu.edu/successstories

ALUMNI SUCCESS

colorado christian connection fall 2013

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