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.

United States Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonin Scalia speaks at the CCU Luncheon.

Fall 2014

Dear Friends,

The celebration of Colorado Christian University’s centennial is a time to remember where we’ve come—beginning with two students, who were soon joined by two others and one teacher. It’s a time to focus on where we’re going, as we set a foundation in excellence, values, and—yes—even an infrastructure that will last well into the future.

It’s a time to thank God for His grace upon grace, as He’s sustained and grown this institution over the past century. His hand is readily evident today:

• We currently have over 5,700 students while 19,000 alumni call CCU their school.• We recently dedicated Leprino Hall, the new academic building of our Faith|Family|Freedom Campaign, and we’ve

broken ground on a new residence hall that will house 300 students.• The American Council of Trustees and Alumni has given CCU an “A” rating for the third consecutive year. Only 23

schools out of almost 1,100 surveyed received such a grade.• Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia visited campus in October, teaching a class and delivering a keynote address

before CCU family and friends.• Our College of Adult and Graduate Studies is expanding with a new Master of Science in Nursing degree.• The National Council on Teacher Quality ranked our elementary education program in the top 3% nationwide.

There’s a tremendous sense of movement at this school. We recently added varsity track as a sport, and our sports teams are competing with success and integrity this fall. Our School of Music is practicing for the fall play—which will celebrate the centennial—as well as the annual Christmas Celebration.

At Lakewood in our new academic building, and at centers throughout the state, students are learning to think for themselves, seek truth, and change the world.

We’re thankful for God’s provision—now and over the last 100 years. We’re thankful for your partnership and we’re excited about what God has in store for the next 100 years for this University.

Gratefully,

Bill Armstrong

December:Origins Lecture Series: Theology and Sciences Panel Tuesday, December 2, 2014 at 7:00 p.m.Leprino Hall, 180For more information visit www.ccu.edu/origins

CCU Christmas Celebration ConcertSchool of Music Presents GloriaFriday, December 5, at 7:30 p.m.Saturday, December 6, at 3:00 p.m.West Bowles Community Church303-963-3333 to RSVP

Centennial Institute Issue MondayMonday, December 8, 2014 at 7:00 p.m.Leprino Hall, 170303-963-3424 to RSVP Holiday Handbells and Chamber StringsTuesday, December 9, 2014 at 7:30 p.m.CCU Music Center303-963-3333 to RSVP

March:Spring Musical: “Annie Get Your Gun”Thursday, March 12, at 7:30 p.m.Friday, March 13, at 7:30 p.m.Saturday, March 14, at 2:30 p.m.Saturday, March 14, at 7:30 p.m.Sunday, March 15, at 2:30 p.m.Lakewood Cultural Center303-963-3333 for more information

April:An Evening of JazzFriday, April 10, at 7:30 p.m.CCU Music Center303-963-3333 to RSVP

Values-Aligned Leadership Summit−VALS 2015Marriot DTCApril 23, 2015For more information call the Office of Development at 303-963-3330

Visit www.ccu.edu/events for more upcoming events. | 2 |

To add your name to the mail list and to receive other announcements about CCU events or to update your contact information please go to www.ccu.edu/Alumni

5681012141618

ACTA

2014 SYMPOSIUM Reclaiming God’s Design for Relationships

FAITH | FAMILY | FREEDOM A Campaign for Colorado Christian University

JUSTICE SCALIA

PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE 2014

ALUMNI NEWS

HOMECOMING 2014

ORIGINSA Speaking Series

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 & Alumni RelationsKathy Pettit Director of Development & Planned GivingJavan Greeson Associate Director of Development & Planned GivingMissy Smith Director of Alumni & Parent RelationsEmma Alsdorf Annual Giving, Foundation & Donor Relations CoordinatorJananne Michael Database SpecialistJan Otteman Event Planner & Administrative Assistant

THIS PUBLICATION IS PRODUCED BY UNIVERSITY COMMUNICATIONS:Lisa Zeller Director of University Communications Gabe Knipp CopywriterBethany Bender Graphic DesignerTim Roesch Graphic DesignerJustin Jones Graphic Designer

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ON TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2, JOIN A MOVEMENT OF MILLIONS WHO ARE GIVING BACK AND MAKING THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE.

VISIT WWW.CCU.EDU/GIVE& MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

JOIN AN INTERNATIONAL MOVEMENT.

JUSTICE SCALIA - The longest tenured justice on the current United States Supreme Court, Antonin Scalia, visited CCU on October 1. After teaching a class, he addressed a wider audience of CCU friends and family on the issue of church and state. The longtime advocate for originalism in understanding the Constitution spoke of how Christ compels us to render to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s. (Read more on pg. 8)

DEBATE TEAM - The CCU debate team, quickly rising in stature, hosted two British debaters this past month—debating the place of religion in public policy. CCU’s Hudson Jungck and Jared Cummings held their own again Kate Brookes and Alice Coombes Huntley, of Oxford and the University of Bristol, respectively. The team is gearing up to defend their national championship in debate this spring.

CCU ADDS VARSITY TRACK - Effective 2014-15, CCU has added track as a varsity sport. The men’s and women’s teams will compete in NCAA and NCCAA events this spring, and will be coached by cross-country coach Joshua Coon. The team

CCU HIGHLIGHTSwill initially focus on distance events (races 400m and above).

PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE DINNER - CCU’s annual President’s Circle Dinner featured President Bill Armstrong as the keynote speaker. Armstrong reviewed the past 100 years of CCU’s history with a full-color presentation, regaling the audience with interesting stories. He also laid out a vision for the next 100 years, focusing on how CCU will stand strong for Christ-centered education. (Read more on pg. 12)

MASTER’S DEGREE IN NURSING - This January CCU’s College of Adult and Graduate Studies will begin offering a Master of Science in Nursing degree. The program will initially be delivered entirely online, offering two emphases in nursing education and clinical care management in geriatrics. One of the goals of the new degree addition is to ensure quality employment.

#GI ING TUESDAY

For the third consecutive year, Colorado Christian University has been ranked in the top 2% of colleges nationwide. Ranked by the American Council of Trustees and Alumni (ACTA), CCU is one of only 23 institutions in the nation to earn an “A” rating for its core education.

“We’re tremendously proud of this achievement,” said Vice President of Academic Affairs Cherri Parks, Ph.D. “We have taken the time to carefully review courses to ensure that each and every student receives a comprehensive education that will prepare him or her for both a successful career and a productive life as a citizen.”

ACTA’s What Will They Learn? study examined 1,098 institutions across the United States and rated them according to whether they offer a comprehensive, liberal arts education. To do so, institutions must require students to study composition, literature, foreign language, U.S. government or history, economics, and science. Any institution that requires at least six of the seven subjects receives an “A” grade.

Colorado Christian University meets ACTA’s requirements, while also requiring students to have an understanding of Christian theology. One of the school’s strategic objectives is to help students impact culture—and to be active citizens in the process.

ACTA’s study coincides with broad public understanding of higher education. In 2011, Roper Public Affairs and Media found 70% of Americans believe colleges should require students to study core subjects. For those aged 25-34, which would include many recent college graduates looking for employment or advancement, that number jumps to 80%.

Fewer than half of Americans believe students are getting their money’s worth from a college education—whether public or private. And, over six in ten recent graduates believe college did only a fair or poor job of preparing them for their careers.

ACTA’s What Will They Learn? study is a response to such trends.

“From our core requirements to our innovative Employment Management System, Colorado Christian University is standing against these trends,” noted Parks. “We are resolute in our commitment to prepare students for life after college—and ACTA’s ‘A’ grade is one measurement of how we’re succeeding.

“ACTA has called Colorado Christian University a ‘hidden gem’ because we have the core requirements for an ‘A’ but also other requirements that further distinguish us. We are committed to teaching students to become well-rounded, informed, and productive citizens who will change the world.”

For more on the What Will They Learn? study, please visit whatwilltheylearn.com.

CCU Ranked in the Top 2% for Third Consecutive Year

“ACTA HAS CALLED

COLORADO CHRISTIAN

UNIVERSITY A

‘HIDDEN GEM’...”

JOIN AN INTERNATIONAL MOVEMENT.

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− Gabe Knipp

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2014SEPTEMBER 16th - 17th

“‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And

the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

- Matthew 22:37-40 (NIV)

Holy Living:

Reclaiming God’s Design for Relationships

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EggerichsAnderson Farmer

The speakers were joined by Clint Jenkin, of the Barna Group; Glenn Stanton and Lisa Anderson from Focus on the Family; and John Stonestreet, who is a fellow of the Chuck Colson Center for Christian Worldview.

Students were presented with advice on how to handle relationships, with stories inspiring them to love others well, and with statistics that supported the need for right-living. For example, sexual activity outside of marriage is linked with higher rates of depression.

Jenkin

Kuehne Stanton Stonestreet

The 2014 Symposium, held September 16 and 17, focused on something college students are very familiar with: relationships. Over the two days, thoughtful speakers engaged the students on the topics of identity, dating, sex, and decision-making.

One of the students’ favorite speakers was Joy Eggerichs, whose winsome and witty style won her audience. Showing pictures of her awkward, chubby middle school years, Joy spoke on the problem of identity in relationships—and, specifically, how we can lose our identity when we seek it from others. She urged the students to rely on Christ for their identity—at which point relationships can be borne naturally out of a desire to care for each other.

Shane Farmer, pastor at Cherry Hills Community Church, spoke on the idea of the narrow gate. Rather than complaining about rules or the restrictive nature of Christianity, Farmer urged students to think about these rules in terms of how humans function best.

Dr. Dale Kuehne, author of Sex and the iWorld: Rethinking Relationship Beyond an Age of Individualism, invoked Aristotle, proving that the Aristotelian model for thriving didn’t include many things our society is comfortable with today: gay marriage, sex outside marriage, etc. His work that went beyond traditional Christian ethics provided an outside voice to support traditional ideals.

SYMPOSIUM2014

“...IDENTITY,

DATING, SEX, AND

DECISION-MAKING.”

God truly shows us the best way to live was the repeated message.The students also viewed the movie Irreplaceable, a documentary that touches on the idea of “family” around the world. The takeaway is our common need to belong—and the fallout in modern culture from broken families, divorce, or out of wedlock births. This fallout leads to destruction and pain, and our contemporary society is rife with it.

The 2014 Symposium ended, as usual, with worship and communion—offering a chance for the entire family of Christ here at CCU to remember how and where they belong, and from Whom their identity comes.

Reclaiming God’s Designfor Relationships

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− Gabe Knipp

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Scalia SpreadJustice ScaliaVisits Colorado Christian University

“THE STATE IS NOT THE CHRISTIAN’S SOURCE

OF POWER, BECAUSE THE CONCERNS OF

RELIGION AND OF GOVERNMENT ARE

FUNDAMENTALLY DIFFERENT.”

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In his visit to Colorado Christian University this October, Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia laid out the essentials to Christian political involvement in America. He spoke of how the state cannot coerce religion—nor prohibit its free exercise—while the religious are called to obey the state.

“The Constitution forbids a religious test for political office,” Scalia explained. “Yet, the increased separation of church and state fits the decline in the vigor of religious belief.”

His speech, to a joint gathering of CCU family and friends, invoked the account of Jesus being questioned about taxes during Passion Week. This is the famous moment where He asks for a coin, and proclaims that we must “render unto Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.”

“Goodness and virtue,” explained Scalia, “are not achieved through the state.” He went on to say, “The state is not the Christian’s source of power, because the concerns of religion and of government are fundamentally different.”

He described this phenomenon by noting how the Christian focus on morality and turning the other cheek would not work for the defense of states. Otherwise, states would provide no protection to their citizens.

Laws that are not contra bonos mores—against good morals—also carry moral obligation for the Christian, he noted. Christians are not simply called to let their political views be informed by their religious beliefs in whom they vote for and what they advocate; they must also do so in obeying just laws—even, sometimes, when they disagree with them.

“It’s not true that all government is bad,” the justice explained.

During Scalia’s visit to the school, he also taught a class.

Justice Scalia studied history at Georgetown University, where he graduated summa cum laude and as valedictorian. He earned his J.D., which was awarded magna cum laude, at Harvard Law School.

In 1982, President Reagan appointed Scalia to the Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia. There, he won admiration for his judicial record and powerfully written opinions. Four years later, Reagan nominated Scalia for the ‘Highest Court’ in the land, where he has been serving since 1986. Scalia is the longest-tenured justice on the current Court.

“We are very honored to welcome Justice Scalia,” said CCU President Bill Armstrong. “He is a brilliant jurist and America’s foremost proponent of originalism in constitutional interpretation, and one of the greatest men of the 20th and 21st centuries.”

His stance coincides with CCU’s Strategic Objectives, specifically the objective to “impact our culture in support of the original intent of the Constitution.”

“GOODNESS AND VIRTUE,”

EXPLAINED SCALIA, “ARE

NOT ACHIEVED THROUGH

THE STATE.”

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− Gabe Knipp

Terry Leprino told the story of Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela labored as a prisoner for years. There, in the limestone quarry, Leprino explained, the prisoners would toil for hours. The sun was blinding; the rock dust scarred prisoners’ lungs.

Yet, there, during long hours of imprisonment, prisoners would teach each other to read; they educated each other while quarrying limestone and breaking it into pieces for road gravel. They taught the person next to them.

Leprino spoke at the dedication of the new academic building on CCU’s campus to an audience of students, faculty, staff, CCU’s Board of Trustees, and local dignitaries. The new academic building was named in honor of Leprino, who has been incredibly active in the Denver area, working as marketing director for Leprino Foods, supporting local Young Life efforts, and serving on CCU’s board.

“My prayer is that we would remember the price and struggle for freedom—spiritual, social, and political—throughout history,” she said. “Remember to teach the person next to you, to jump into everything, to forgive, to persevere, to endure, and to hope. Always hope. And pray that the Lord would raise up many more great, great ones.”

The day was a culmination of Phase 1 of CCU’s Faith | Family | Freedom Campaign, which was highlighted by

“MY PRAYER IS THAT WE

WOULD REMEMBER THE

PRICE AND STRUGGLE FOR

FREEDOM...”

Leprino Hall Dedication

Leprino HallFaith | Family | Freedom Campaign

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redCMYK: 32/98/100/45RGB: 111/18/16# 6F1210

blueCMYK: 100/98/37/40RGB: 28/26/75# 1C1A4B

tanCMYK: 31/41/73/5RGB: 174/141/89# AE8D59

the newly christened Leprino Hall, but also included infrastructure improvements to CCU’s campus.

For the dedication, Leprino was joined by CCU President Bill Armstrong and a number of others, including the mayor of Lakewood, Bob Murphy. Murphy offered strong support of CCU by the city, and noted the zoning changes approved unanimously by the Lakewood City Council.

Vice President of Development Paul Eldridge thanked over 600 donors who gave $17.1 million to finish this new building. The 43,000 square feet of classroom and office space was finished on budget and with no debt.

The completion of Leprino Hall also coincides with CCU’s 100th anniversary. The Denver Bible Institute—a heritage school—began in the fall of 1914 with one teacher and two students.

Already, over 1,000 students are enjoying state-of-the-art classrooms and increased “flop,” or hangout, space. On a given weekday the booths, chairs, and couches in Leprino Hall are filled with studying—or chatting—students. Infrastructure improvements including additional parking and a new perimeter road have been critical for the next phase of theFaith | Family | Freedom Campaign.

Phase 2 of the campaign has begun with a groundbreaking of a new 103,000 square foot, four story residence hall along Alameda Avenue. It will provide an additional 300 beds—in CCU’s apartment-style housing—for students, and is set to open for the 2015-16 school year.

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− Gabe Knipp

Architectural Rendering of CCU’s New Residence Hall, opening Summer of 2015

The annual President’s Circle Dinner at CCU is always a night to remember. This year was particularly special as CCU celebrated 100 years of Christ-centered education with a night of decorum and camaraderie.

The dinner featured a full-color presentation by President Bill Armstrong and multiple performances by CCU’s School of Music. Throughout the program students gave testimonies about how CCU has affected them, and attendees left with a greater understanding of the history and legacy of CCU. Students from both the College of Undergraduate Studies and the College of Adult and Graduate Studies spoke on the value of an education from CCU—how the community, academic rigor, and focus on God has changed their lives.

The keynote presentation was unlike anything else, when President Armstrong spoke on the past 100 years of Colorado Christian University. Besides sharing the history of CCU’s various legacy schools, the city of Denver, and the state of Colorado, President Armstrong also touched on recent highlights in CCU’s history. For the third year in a row, the American Council of Trustees and Alumni has given CCU an ‘A’ rating for its curriculum—which places it in the top 2% of almost

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− Emma Alsdorf

1,100 schools surveyed. Additionally, the School of Education has also been ranked in the top 3% of 2,400 elementary education programs in a study by the National Council on Teacher Quality.

President Armstrong reiterated that CCU will continue to stand strong in support of traditional family values, sanctity of life, compassion for the poor, and Christ-centered education for the next 100 years. “As I consider the task ahead, I think there is no chance that we can overcome the obstacles. But I am absolutely convinced that Jesus can and that He will,” the former senator recalled. “There are things that will happen in the next year or two that are going to make everything that happened in the first 100 years pale by comparison—in academics, athletics, new buildings, public outreach, national branding, in everything. The great adventure is just beginning.”

To see a video of President Armstrong’s speech, visit www.ccu.edu/100years/video.

President’s Circle Dinner

CCU’s University Choir performing for P.C. Dinner attendees

1945

Denver Bible Institutebecomes Denver BibleCollege

1948

Western Bible Instituteestablished

1949

Denver Bible Collegebecomes RockmontCollege

1914

Denver Bible Institute established

ALUMNI NEWS

Alumni News Stories July 2014-October 2014

Naomi Porter (‘03) – Naomi graduated with an education degree in 2003. She received a master’s

in curriculum development and teaching English as a second language. She enjoyed a summer of

ministry in Asia. She was able to share the gospel and teach worship dance to girls and children

rescued from human trafficking. She has come back for the school year and is happily teaching

6th graders at Front Range Christian School. We are so proud of you for living out God’s call and

furthering His Kingdom!

Chaplain Mary (Wilson) Murphy (‘83) – Mary graduated from Rockmont College in 1983 with a

degree in faith-based social studies. She started a nonprofit for veterans. They just recently started

to offer vouchers for veterans so the disabled can have alternative care. Thank you so much for

serving the men and women who sacrificed for our country! Best of Luck!

Gregory McNear (‘78) – Gregory graduated from Rockmont College with a degree in Christian

education in 1978. Gregory is doing well and married the love of his life, Maria. We are praying for

you and your wife!

Nicolas Todd (‘04) – Nicolas graduated in 2004 from Colorado Christian University and married

his wife Kimberly (Kilheffer) Todd, who graduated in 2003. After nine years of serving in northwest

China, Nicholas and Kimberly returned to the U.S. They are currently living in Lititz, Pennsylvania.

Nicholas serves at a local church as the minister of mobilization. Thank you for your faithful service

in sharing the gospel in China! We are glad to have you back!

Lieutenant Colonel John Tiedeman (‘01) – LTC Tiedeman graduated from CCU in 2001. He

married Kimberly and together they had three beautiful children: Keara (15), Kambria (11), and

Joshua (9). John gave 21 years of active service in the Army as an aviation officer. He completed his

MPA at the University of Washington. He is currently a professor of military science and department

chair at Santa Clara University. They have 5 junior colleges affiliated with their program. His basis

for continued selfless service points directly “back to my foundation in Christian education from

CCU.” We thank you for your bravery, service, example, and selflessness! We are praying for you

and your sweet wife and kids!

Caryl Olson (‘00) – Caryl Olson graduated from CCU in 2000. She participated in Miami University’s

Earth Expedition global field course. This past summer, Caryl studied model community-based

efforts to preserve Bornean species along the Kinabatangan River in Sabah (East Malaysia) on the

island of Borneo. Caryl is a science teacher at Merrill Middle School in Denver, Colorado. She took

a graduate course in pursuit of her master’s degree from Miami University’s global field program.

Congratulations Caryl! We are so excited for your journey!

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This section of the Colorado Christian Connection is designed to encourage alumni to stay connected. If you’ve had a recent

change in your life (i.e., engagement, wedding, birth, new job, promotion, or something else exciting), we’d like to hear about

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

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

1975

Western Bible Institute becomes Western Bible College

1983

Colorado BaptistUniversity established

1985

Western Bible College andRockmont College merge to formColorado Christian College

1989 - Present

Colorado Christian College andColorado Baptist University merge toform Colorado Christian University

Norma Baird Nelson (‘52) – After Norma’s time at Rockmont, she went on to receive her Master

of Church Music and Master of Social Work degrees. She and her husband of 57 years were

missionaries in Nigeria for three years. After their service in Africa, Norma and her husband moved

across the bay from San Fransisco. She did social work while he was teaching at Golden Baptist

Seminary. They have both retired now, and are enjoying the many blessings of continued service to

the Lord.

John Lind (‘59) – John Lind graduated from Rockmont in 1959 where he studied Bible. Ever since

then, he and his wife Royce have not slowed down in their effort to make the Bible accessible to

more people. In 1961, John and Royce began living in Coatzacoalcos, Mexico, among an Indian

language group. They lived in the area up the coast from Coatza, almost to the lake called

Catemaco. Their two youngest children at that time were Laura and Juanita. Less than twenty years

later, they were both students at CCU and later graduates. The Lind’s translated the New Testament

and Old Testament summaries into the Olmec language, which were published in 1977 and 2010,

respectively. They have also held music making workshops for the people of Coatzacoalcos, which

were requested specifically by the people every six months for ten years. We are so proud of the

many years of service that John and Royce have given to the people of Mexico.

Bill Andrews (‘83) – Bill has recently retired after teaching music in Brighton School District 27J

for 30 years. Bill was Rockmont’s first music education major under a cooperative program that

Professor Allen Schantz had extended to him, via Metro State College. Congratulations on many

years of providing music education! We pray continued blessings on your life!

Justin Bullis (’04) – Justin serves as the Worship Arts Pastor at Foothills Community Church in

Arvada, CO. He graduated in 2004 with a music ministry degree. He and his wife have two children,

with one on the way. Congratulations to Justin and Karissa, and may God bless your family!

Lew Price passed into the presence of Jesus on October 10,2014. Lou was a 1955 Rockmont

graduate and a former Board of Trustees member at Rockmont College. Lew spent the majority of

his career as a school teacher and principal in Jefferson County School District. He was loved by

everyone who knew him and was a wonderful advocate for Colorado Christian University. Lew is

survived by his wife Lois and his 3 children, Tim, Phillip and Torrey, and by eight grandchildren and

five great-grandchildren. He will be deeply missed by Colorado Christian University.

Matthew Naegeli, a graduate of CCU, passed away on Monday, October 27, from injuries suffered

in a car accident. He was 30 years old. Naegeli was active in CCU’s School of Music during his time

here, and had recently moved to San Diego to pursue an acting career—landing roles in South

Pacific, Mary Poppins, and Oklahoma! Naegeli also worked as a teacher and musical director in

local middle and high schools in the San Diego area. He is survived by his parents, Rob and Linda,

and sisters, Bethany and Heather, and he will be deeply missed by the extended CCU community.

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In Memoriam:

Homecoming and Family Weekend was a huge success this year! We kicked the weekend off with a delicious BBQ right outside our new academic building, Leprino Hall. The McPhly Quartet joined us to serenade the many families that came for food, fire, and fun. Bonfire pits lined the pathway of the fall colored trees for warmth. Everyone gathered together, sang songs, and roasted s’mores until the flames burned out.

Saturday morning started with a scrumptious pancake breakfast. We had many alumni and families come out to eat and laugh with each other. Paul Eldridge, Vice President of Development, shared a few words on campus redevelopment. We gave wandering tours of Leprino Hall filled with fun facts about the process of building it, designing it, and student life there today.

Some families and alumni joined us for a lively trip up the Cog Railway at Pikes Peak. That same afternoon, we invited a crowd of ‘50s and ‘60s graduates to a reunion party for graduating classes of Rockmont College and Western Bible Institute. Friends from all over came together and reminisced about their time at Rockmont and WBI and the years since.

CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION

AND

FAMILY WEEKENDHOMECOMING

CCU hosted the Annual Homecoming Banquet. The night consisted of dueling pianos, great food, and fellowship. Two alumni awards were presented. Jordan Olivero class of 2005, was awarded the G.O.L.D. (Graduate of the Last Decade) Alumnus of the Year, and Ralph Henning, class of 1987, was awarded the Lifetime Alumnus of the Year. The G.O.L.D. award is presented to a CCU alumnus who reflects the Christian standards and ideals of CCU in public and private life and demonstrates loyalty to and an interest in CCU. The Lifetime Alumnus of the Year award is presented to a CCU alumnus who has attained outstanding occupational achievement, or has a record of accomplishment which, as a product of CCU, will be impressive or noteworthy and demonstrates leadership in Christian and secular communities, while being a loyal supporter of CCU.

The weekend concluded with Sunday morning chapel and brunch. We worshiped together, prayed together, and heard a grounding message on community, from Vice President Jim McCormick. We enjoyed seeing all the families and alumni that came out and we hope to see you there next year!

Homecoming 2014 Review

− Emma Alsdorf

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The CCU Office of Alumni and Parent Relations has been hitting the road this year to connect with alumni, parents of current students, and friends of the University. Here is where we are headed next:

LOOK WHO’S IN TOWN

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SOUTHERN CALIFORNIAJanuary 2015

CHICAGOMay 2015

WASHINGTON, D.C.May 2015

PHOENIXArizona Balloon Classic Jan 24th

4:30pm-9:00pm—giving away one air balloon ride for two, and other fun stuff. RSVP includes ticket to Desert Glow

and Fireworks Spectacular Saturday night.Location: ASU West Campus, 4701 W.Thunderbird.

Email alumni@ccu.edu with your ideas for regional events in your area!

Dear CCU Alumni and Parents,

Grace and peace to you! It is my greatest privilege to serve you in my role as Director of Alumni & Parent Relations. I have truly been blessed by many of you.

It is CCU’s 100th Anniversary this year! I hope you can join us for an event to celebrate this significant milestone in the life of the University.

Did you know that I publish an Alumni eNewsletter each month and a Parent eNewsletter each month? If you would like to receive these, please send me your email address (at alumni@ccu.edu). It’s an easy way to keep up with what’s happening on campus, news about CCU, and highlights of faculty and alumni. Alumni, send me your story to share. Parents, I am starting a new project to collect your testimonials about CCU—why your student chose CCU, and the impact CCU has had on your life and the life of your student. Please send me your stories.

Many, many congratulations to our alumni award recipients this year:Colonel Ralph Henning, Class of 1987Lifetime Alumnus of the Year

Jordan Olivero, Class of 2005G.O.L.D. Alumnus of the Year

CCU is hosting an event at the Arizona Balloon Classic in January in Phoenix and will be coming to Chicago and Washington, D.C., to celebrate you in May. Stay tuned for details.

Warmest regards,

Missy Smith

In an enlightening lecture series, Colorado Christian University has invited top scholars to campus to discuss the origins of our world. Featuring five speakers of varying viewpoints—who, nonetheless, all fit well within traditional Christian orthodoxy—the series runs through the fall semester, offering students a chance to engage with a pressing contemporary topic.

The first speaker, Dr. Hugh Ross, is an astrophysicist whose study of the big bang event led him to believe in a Creator. Searching out scriptures of various religions, he came to Christianity and was persuaded by the Bible’s scientific and historical accuracy. He founded Reasons to Believe in 1986, and came to CCU to speak about how the latest scientific findings lend credence to the God of the Bible.

Dr. Jason Lisle followed Ross in late September. Lisle is director of research at the Institute for Creation Research, where he speaks in defense of the Christian faith. He asserted to students that biblical creation is the only logical possibility for the origins of our world. Lisle earned his Ph.D. in astrophysics at the University of Colorado, and now works full-time in apologetics.

Following Lisle, Dr. Jack Collins, who specializes in archaeology and oriental studies, spoke on the linguistic structure of Genesis 1. While affirming a real Adam and Eve, Collins also believes that we ought to read each day in Genesis 1 as analogous to a human

workday—not focusing on exactly how long they were, or if the activities match the fossil records, but rather on the theological ideas inherent in the text.

Dr. Michael Behe earned acclaim in the 1990’s for his book, Darwin’s Black Box, in which he explains how certain actions within a cell are irreducibly complex. That is, complex mechanisms within the cell must all function at once, and couldn’t have come to be without intelligent design. Furthermore, Behe explained how Darwin himself recognized this problem—and acknowledged that it could create severe problems for his theory.

The series will conclude with Dr. John Walton, of Wheaton College, who will argue that a proper understanding of Genesis is that it attempts to explain functions of this world rather than its origins. Similarly, though he believes in an historical Adam and Eve, he believes Genesis 2 is painting them as human archetypes—and that such figures may not be parents of the entire human race.

The series will close on December 2 with a discussion panel of professors representing CCU’s School of Theology and School of Humanities and Sciences, helping students unpack the various models and ideas they’ve been presented.

OriginsA Colorado Christian University Lecture Series

Origins

God the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.

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− Gabe Knipp

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71. ATTRACTIVE RATES. When you compare our gift annuity rates with what you might receive from a certificate of deposit you will be pleasantly surprised. (Rates typically average between 4%-9%.)*

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Interested in enjoying these benefits? Are you at or near retirement age?

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303-963-3093

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Benefits of a CCU Charitable Gift Annuity.

Colorado Christian University8787 W. Alameda Ave.Lakewood, CO 80226

Jordan Olivero | Customer Engagement Software Sales at IBMDegree: B.S. in Business AdministrationClass Year: 2005

Jordan Olivero has accomplished much during his time at IBM. He started at IBM as a managing consultant and has worked his way up the company. Since graduating from CCU in 2005, his position has paved the way for five other CCU graduates to begin their careers at IBM, as well.

He now sells IBM software to the U.S. federal government and takes every opportunity in stride. He has led a task force composed of 20 government employees that improved security clearance process and consolidated IT systems of nine agencies using Lean Six Sigma methods. This project resulted in cost avoidance of $16 million over three years and was highlighted in the 2008 Joint Reform Team report to the president.

It is evident that Jordan intends to serve the Lord in all his endeavors. Although he is working in a secular environment, his faith continues to stand strong. During his time in Chengdu, China, representing IBM to build brand awareness through free consulting services, Jordan led an intern to accept Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior.

Scan this QR code with your smart phone to go to: ccu.edu/successstoriesALUMNI SUCCESS

This fall, Jordan was awarded CCU’s G.O.L.D. Alumnus for 2014