JUDSON todayJUDSON todayA Magazine for Friends and Alumni of Judson University

Winter 2014

Celebrating a New President’s TenureJudson Shapes Students Spiritual Lives

Exploring “The Good Life” through a Liberal Arts EducationYeboah Family Shapes Lives through Literacy

My Spiritual Formation at JudsonWhen I left for college in the fall of 1976 I was running from God and from the

traditions of my family and church. A small but prestigious college had invited me to play basketball, and to receive a generous academic scholarship. That school was not only far from home geographically, but also in its values and worldview.

Those were perhaps the most miserable nine months of my life. At the time I thought it was my second knee injury, tough classes, and the low moral standards around me that made me unhappy. But the reality was that God was allowing the consequences of my rebellion to lovingly discipline me as His child, until I would again see my need for Him.

A Christian friend from my basketball team, a senior who I respected, faithfully invited me each week to an athletes Bible study. My attendance was spotty. But I did go one winter night when God’s word gripped my heart and convicted me that He loved me, but that I was risking ruining my life by running from Him. After restlessly walking that snowy campus for hours, I ended up on a footbridge where I tearfully raised my hands and surrendered my life to Him from that day forward.

My middle-of-the-night phone call to my parents surprised them, but was an answer to their prayers. I told my dad that I needed to leave that place, and find a Christian college where my fractured faith could be rebuilt and not continually attacked. Dad had just accepted a new position in Elgin, Ill., and he said he had discovered a little Baptist college on the river that he thought I might want to consider.

The next fall at Judson I discovered professors who loved God, and who taught everything from psychology to marketing from a Christian worldview. I found friends who wanted to learn and grow in the context of a Christian community. I drank in spiritual refreshment and wisdom three times a week in chapel. And I had opportunities to lead and serve, both on campus and in a local church.

The spiritual formation that took place in my life during those years at Judson formed a solid foundation on which I have built the rest of my life. I met my wife of 28 years there, and two of our sons have now found there the same spiritual benefits and life preparation my wife and I did.

God pursued me at a secular college, but He renewed me through a Christian college named Judson. Thirty-five years later, I continue to serve, and give, and yes love that college. I do it because God met me there and did a transforming work in my life. And because He continues to do that in the lives of young men and women today.

Nate Adams ’80Chair, Board of Trustees, Judson University

F R O M T H E B O A R D O F T R U S T E E S

T E l l U S H O W J U D S O n S H A p E D Y O U R S p i R i T U A l l i F E

F A C E B O O K :Facebook.com/JudsonU

l i n K E D i n :Linkedin.com/company/judson-university

T W i T T E R :Twitter.com/JudsonU

J U D S O n T O D A Y E D i T O R i A l S T A F FEDiTORMary DulabaumDirector of Communications and Marketing ASSOCiATE EDiTORBethany Suckrow ‘09Writer/Social Media Manager

lAYOUT AnD pRODUCTiOnCeleste TorresLayout and Production Specialist

pHOTOGRApHYEric Secker Web Projects Specialist

Student PhotographersJamie Galen ’17Meredith Kennedy ’15Christina Malik ’16 Allison Shuflin ’14

AlUMnOTES EDiTORBonnie BienertDirector of Alumni Relations

ATHlETiCS EDiTORBenjamin KellyPublic Information, Judson Athletics

J U D S O n U n i V E R S i T Y l E A D E R S H i p T E A MpRESiDEnTDr. Gene C. Crume, Jr.

pROVOST & CHiEF ACADEMiC OFFiCERDr. Wilbert Friesen

ViCE pRESiDEnT FOR BUSinESS AFFAiRSJohn Potter

EXECUTiVE DiRECTOR OF EnROllMEnT SERViCESNancy Binger ’97

UniVERSiTY REGiSTRARGinny Guth ‘02/’08

DEAn OF STUDEnTSLisa Jarot ’03

inFORMATiOn TECHnOlOGY DiRECTORBrent Richardson

EXECUTiVE ASSiSTAnT TO THE pRESiDEnTTena Robotham ’78

Judson Today is a bi-annual magazine published by the Communications and Marketing Office at Judson University. Please send address changes and correspondence to Judson Today c/o Advancement Office, 1151 North State St., Elgin, IL 60123 or email jcramer@JudsonU.edu.

C O V E R p H O T OChair of Presidential Search Committee Carol Thompson '77, President Gene C. Crume, and Chair of the Board of Trustees Nate Adams '80 gather at the Presidential Installation.

F E A T U R E S

new Speech Communications and performing Arts Major Built for Career Adaptability ...............................................................................4Other new majors and graduate programs offer new career opportunities.

Exploring “The Good life” through liberal Arts Education ..............10Judson revises its General Education courses.

Keeping Christ at Our Core .......................................................12Founding alumni reflect on 50 years of changes with our focus on Christ.

Dr. Crume Ushered in As president .............................................14Judson celebrates the installation of Dr. Gene Crume.

Yeboah Family Shapes lives through literacy ..............................24Anthony ’05 and Mary Yeboah ’04 build a thriving literacy program in Ghana.

World leaders Forum 2014 .......................................................28Condoleezza Rice to keynote the 2014 World Leaders Forum.

i n E V E R Y i S S U E

Faculty Accomplishments.........................................................20

Alumnotes ............................................................................22

Athletics ...............................................................................26Season Wrap-ups on Men’s and Women’s Soccer, Men’s and Women’s Cross Country, and Women’s Volleyball.

Winter 2014

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JUDSON today

4 JUDSON today

by Bethany Suckrow ‘09

J U D S O n n E W S

Judson’s new Master of Leadership in Ministry (MLM) program builds on the expertise and strength of Judson’s bachelors program in the Department of Christian Ministries and is fully accessible to students no matter where they live.

“Our MLM is entirely unique from what other institutions are offering in the traditional masters of divinity programs,” says Provost Dr. Will Friesen. “It not only offers the biblical and theological foundations to make graduates into strong scholars, it also provides in-depth practical experience and methodology to make them influential leaders.”

Over 16 months, students will earn their degree in a unique program that prepares them for leadership in ministry. Building on Bible, theology, and philosophy courses taken at the undergraduate level, Judson’s MLM roots all aspects of the curriculum in a process of practical theology, connecting biblical and theological foundations with everyday ministry practice. The MLM also combines online learning and strategically chosen face-to-face sessions, as well as intensive field experience by requiring students to work at least part-time in ministry leadership throughout the program. Students also gain experiential education through opportunities to travel to Israel, connect with ministry leaders on location in the Chicago area, and attend the Willow Creek Global Leadership Summit. The program’s tuition structure is all-inclusive, covering the Israel experience, Chicago-area ministry visits, books, housing and food for onsite courses, Accordance or Logos software, an iPad Mini, and all other program expenses.

“Because this program combines online learning with a few focused face-to-face sessions, it is accessible to ministry professionals from around the country and around the world. All you need is an

new Ministry program to Call Students from All Corners of the World for Ministry

Internet connection and the ability to visit the campus a few times during the program (plus the two weeks in Israel). And when you come to campus, we cover the housing and food!” says Dr. Dave Sanders, associate professor of Christian Ministries.

“From the cohort-based experiential learning to the theology of application, this program is designed for people from every corner of the world who are launching their ministry vocations and looking to make an impact for the Kingdom of God in every corner of the world,” Sanders says.

The new program will begin in Fall 2014.

new Grant Helps launch Bachelor in pastoral leadership Judson is combining a new Bachelor of Arts in Pastoral Leadership degree with the Master of Leadership in Ministry for traditional students to earn both degrees in less than five years. This new program is made possible by a $498,000 grant from the Kern Family Foundation.

By sequencing the new Bachelor of Arts in Pastoral Leadership with the MLM, students complete both degrees in less than five years, with a competitive 157 credit hours (120 credits for the B.A., and 37 credits for the MLM) while addressing all essential content areas. Enrollment for the Pastoral Leadership program will begin in Fall 2014, with four scholarships available only for those interested in the Bachelor in Pastoral Leadership.

For information about the MLM, call 847.628.1500 or email eric.downs@info.JudsonU.edu. For information about the Pastoral Leadership degree call 847.628.2510.

Christian Ministries faculty members, Kim Budd, Keith Krispin and Dave Sanders pose with students, Molly Moore, Marcilyn Rowan and Madison Flack.

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new Speech Communications and performing Arts Major Built for Career Adaptability

The Communication Arts program at Judson has been restructured and a new major has been formed: Speech Communications and Performing Arts.

“Our focus is to prepare our students for positions that don’t even exist yet,” says Dr. Brenda Buckley-Hughes, who directs the new program. “We honestly don’t know what’s coming, so we have to prepare students to adapt, not just be ready for one job.”

The Speech Communications and Performing Arts major offers a broad curriculum that teaches students to think and communicate well in writing and speech. It also offers minors in Theatre and Speech Rhetoric; both will emphasize poise, stage presence, and public speaking. Buckley-Hughes believes that this newly crafted major will give students the tools to successfully master the changes in all communication professions.

The department’s first big project will be Judson’s first Ars Liturgica (Latin for “The Worshiping Arts”) show. This production will incorporate theatre, music, video and visual art.

“Some people worship through singing or through work,” Buckley-Hughes said. “We worship through the arts.”

The goal of Ars Liturgica is to create something unique with Judson Theatre and incorporate students of all majors to use their talents to glorify God through this project. The first Ars Liturgica production is called “Slavery: Past, Present, and Future” and will premiere in March 2014.

Buckley-Hughes added that the Speech Communications and Performing Arts major will “help students to communicate what is in their hearts and minds to reach the audience in need, whether an audience of one or 600.”

by Augie Morado ‘14

by Bethany Suckrow ‘09

Look for our next issue of Judson Today, which will feature our last article on majors that have branched out from the Communication Arts Division. In our previous issue, we featured the Film & Digital Media major, which has also branched out from the Communication Arts Department.

Judson’s new Master of Business Administration (MBA) program, approved by the Higher Learning Commission on September 24, is designed for working adults seeking to upgrade their credentials and be leaders in their fields.

“Our MBA builds on the strengths of our School of Leadership and Business, which has prepared several generations of students with best business practices and values-based leadership,” says Provost Dr. Will Friesen. “Our purpose is to equip business professionals to lead their organizations and communities with ethical, strategic vision. Judson has the community, the curricula, and the reputation in business education to make it possible in a Christlike way.”

Courses in the MBA program integrate quantitative and qualitative concepts from various disciplines including accounting,

professionals now Can Earn a Judson MBA

economics, finance, marketing, operations, leadership, and strategic management, providing students with the tools and techniques needed to solve problems in a wide variety of real-world organizational situations. All courses are designed by professionals for professionals.

 This 39 credit-hour program is accelerated and cohort-based. Students can choose from one of the face-to-face cohorts at Judson’s Elgin or Rockford locations, or they can choose an online cohort. Students in the program come from a variety of organizations including business, not-for-profit, and government.

 The new MBA program will begin in the fall. For more information, email eric.downs@info.JudsonU.edu or call 847.628.1500.

Dr. Brenda Buckley-Hughes instructs a classroom in the Communication Arts program.

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6 JUDSON today

Judson will be a partner site for The Justice Conference on Friday, February 21 and Saturday, February 22, 2014. The Justice Conference, which was established in 2010, is a networked national conference that educates, inspires and connects a generation of

men and women around a shared concern for the vulnerable and oppressed. This two-day event will be presented in Judson’s Marjorie Thulin Performance Hall of the Alice and Edward Thompson Center via simulcast from the Orpheum Theatre in Los Angeles.

Dr. Marsha Vaughn, professor of psychology at Judson, says that she was inspired to pursue a partnership between the university and The Justice Conference in 2014 after attending the conference at a partner site in Rockford this spring.

“Our community is really passionate about issues of social justice,” says Vaughn. “And after driving all the way to Rockford because it was the closest partner site in 2013, I realized it would be an incredible opportunity for Judson to host the event for the Elgin and Fox Valley community.”

The event promises to be an inspiring call to awareness and action, with prominent social justice experts such as Eugene Cho, founder of One Day’s Wages, a grassroots movement to alleviate

THE JUSTiCE COnFEREnCE 2014 SpEAKERS inClUDE

AnD MAnY MORE | Visit JudsonU.edu/justiceconference to find out program information.

Eugene ChoOne Day’s Wages Founder

Bernice KingDaughter of Martin Luther King

Lynne HybelsHuman Rights Advocate

Stephan BaumanWorld Relief President and CEO

Noel CastellanosChristian Community Development

Association Founder

Experience The Justice Conference 2014 at Judsonby Bethany Suckrow ‘09

J U D S O n n E W S

“And after driving all the way to Rockford because it was the closest partner site in 2013, I realized it would be an incredible opportunity for Judson to host the event for the Elgin and Fox Valley community.”

- Dr. Marsha Vaughn, Professor of Psychology

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WINTER 2014 7

by Augie Morado ‘14

Dr. Warren Anderson, Center for Worship in the Performing Arts (CWPA) director, and Ben Calhoun ’03, Judson alum and Citizen Way singer, are producing Judson’s first ever praise-and-worship album. The album will consist of group and solo performances by current Judson students and will be recorded in Judson’s own Darkroom Studios starting in January 2014. The title and track listing are tentative at this time.

Also contributing are the Music Department’s Dr. Josh Jones, ensuring the songs follow the rules of music composition, and the Biblical and Theological Department’s Dr. Mark Torgerson, ensuring the lyrics are biblically sound.

Anderson’s enthusiasm for the project is clear. “What we are trying to do,” he said, “is take the ethos of

the Center for Worship in the Performing Arts from Romans 12:11, we want that ethos to permeate the album.” Anderson emphasized that the album’s goal is not financial gain but creating something that will help Judson students grow spiritually.

“Recording in a studio is not always thrilling,” said Anderson, “but in that tedium, I can see students growing in patience and love of the Lord and love of each other as they collaborate.” He also discussed corporate worship and how the songs will play a role in Chapel.

“Corporate singing, has the real possibility of spiritual growth.” Anderson said. He also emphasized how powerful transformational elements are at work when we sing together as one body of believers.

The album will be released in spring and be distributed to current and prospective students. Anderson is excited about the latter: “High school students will get this album and believe that they could perform on it.” The idea of annual albums, each with a new set of students performing, is thrilling. It gives hope for future spiritual growth at Judson in the musicians and listeners – in studio, in dorms, and together in Chapel.

Center to produce First praise-and-Worship Album

extreme global poverty; Lynne Hybels, human rights advocate and co-founder of Willow Creek Community Church with her husband Bill Hybels; Bernice King, daughter of Martin Luther King Jr. and CEO of The King Center; Stephan Bauman, president and CEO of World Relief; and Noel Castellanos, founder of the Christian Community Development Association, plus many more renowned speakers.

“I care about justice, and once a year, I need a real infusion of inspiration and the Justice Conference provides that,” says Lynne Hybels in a video promotion for The Justice Conference. “It doesn’t just tell me what new causes I need to get involved with, but it reminds me that justice is grounded in the Bible, it’s grounded in the character of God, and it’s grounded in our calling as followers of Jesus.”

As for Judson’s involvement, Vaughn notes that bringing the conference to Judson’s campus is part of the university’s overall effort to foster leadership in its students and in its community.

“We think it is important to students’ development, and vital to the development of our wider community, that we create opportunities to hear from world leaders first-hand,” Vaughn explains.

Vaughn points out that Judson has already been doing this with events like the World Leaders Forum, the university’s annual event that has hosted leaders like former U.S. President George W. Bush in 2011, former Soviet President and Nobel Laureate Mikhail Gorbachev in 2012, and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair in 2013. (See page 28 to learn about the 2014 World Leaders Forum keynote speaker.) The school has also been hosting smaller events like lectures, exhibitions and symposia for students to hear from experts in their respective disciplines.

“The Justice Conference will allow us to focus specifically on the issue of social justice across the different academic disciplines,” says Vaughn. “At Judson, our purpose is to help students use their gifts, education and faith to meet the needs of the world around them. We also feel responsible for investing in the community by making our campus a welcome place for everyone to come and learn about important issues.”

Vaughn says that in addition to showing the simulcast, she and others on campus are aiming to create a full conference experience with exhibits and other activities, but with a local focus. Local organizations that are invested in issues of social justice are invited to collaborate with Judson for the event.

Registration for the simulcast event is $25 and can be purchased at thejusticeconference.wufoo.com/forms/simulcast-registration-2014. For information about Judson’s simulcast event, contact Marsha Vaughn at mvaughn@JudsonU.edu.

8 JUDSON today

J U D S O n l i F E

Fall Festivities Around Campus

Homecoming Queen Kirsten Kohlstedt and King Eli Johnson ride in one of the cars featured in the car show.

To celebrate our 50th anniversary, Judson’s Homecoming had activities for families that included pony rides, a photo booth, car show and fireworks.

Students enjoy this year’s Homecoming Dance at The Drake Hotel in Chicago.

Student volunteers help incoming freshman move in to their dorms during Orientation. Various superhero characters appear following the Homecoming parade.

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The cast celebrates the finale of Brew Ha Ha Judson Theatre’s fall production.

As a guest chapel speaker, Michael Jr. , a famous comedian had students laughing.

Choir students show their talents as they open up for Founders’ Day.

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Sanctus Real shares their talents with Judson in their November concert.

The Digital Age performs at Herrick Chapel.

10 JUDSON today

by Bethany Suckrow ‘09

Freshman students enjoy a new Gen 101 course.

Changes are coming to Judson’s General Education (Gen Ed) courses, specifically the General 101 class for incoming students, and the General 401 class for graduating seniors. These courses are a common component of liberal-arts higher education, intended to help students acclimate to college life and then prepare them for a career as they graduate. Judson’s curriculum has always followed this model, yet faculty and administrators felt that the courses needed to be taken to a deeper level.

“We found ourselves asking, ‘What does the liberal arts core curriculum make real in the life of a student? What could we give to students that they might not get anywhere else? What do we want to shape: a career, or a life?” explains Dr. Jim Halverson, professor and chair of the Department of History and Intercultural Studies and chair of General Education. Halverson says that he and his colleagues realized that these Gen Ed courses had the potential to help students discover for themselves the value of an education beyond job training.

“We want to equip students not just for the college experience or for their eventual career, but for everything they do,” explains Halverson. “We so often hear about the value of an education in terms of career options, but at Judson we believe in something much more significant than that: we believe in equipping students for a fully developed life.”

In order to help students see the big-picture value of their education, faculty needed to find a way to help students confront the big questions of life more directly. So in the past few years, they’ve redesigned Gen101 and Gen401 joining them together in a two-part model that offers a unifying experience for students, no matter their chosen major. They call the curriculum “The Good

Life,” an idea that they believe will help students ask those big life questions and explore themes that exist at the core of human experience.

In Gen101: Entering the Judson Conversation students are challenged to examine their beliefs about “The Good Life” and to engage universal themes such as love, suffering and community through the lens of Christ’s redemptive work. Students are encouraged to envision their lives as bearers of God’s image who are called to shape their world in anticipation of its re-creation in Christ.

“Academic discipline and spiritual formation need to interact and inform each other,” says Dr. Darrell Cosden, professor of theology and developer for the new Gen401 course. “We’re interested in helping men and women craft a vision for how they’re going to navigate the next steps of their life. As a Christian institution, we know that conversation cannot be had without reference to the Gospel of Christ.”

Gen101 students are assigned an essay to articulate their version of a good life, addressing everything from their jobs, relationships, and faith, to their politics and community involvement. They also explore these themes in popular culture, from interpreting the lyrics of pop songs to reviewing films like “To End All Wars,” a true story of Allied POWs in World War II.

In their senior year, during the Gen401: Continuing the Conversation course, students will read and reflect on that essay they wrote in Gen101 about what “the good life” meant to them.

“They will ask themselves how their vision of the good life has changed and become broader,” explains Cosden. “It will offer them a chance to analyze what their educational experience has meant to

Exploring ThE good lifE Through A libErAl ArTs EducATion

“ ”

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The role of spiriTual formaTion in liberal arTs educaTion

their personal development and their vision for their life.” Connecting Gen101 and Gen401 will create a foundation for

improving the core liberal-arts curriculum, say Halverson and Cosden. The goal is to build a common vocabulary on campus, for students and professors alike to engage those core human experiences and big questions of life across academic disciplines.

Cosden says that with the common vernacular that this revised curriculum offers, students learn to distinguish the big questions from the hard questions.

“The big questions are those big life-orienting questions that anyone can ask and everyone does ask in relationship to how we want to live,” says Cosden. “Why are we here? What is the purpose and meaning of life?’ The hard questions are disciplinary, and they need an expertise of knowledge such as economics or science. The big questions frame the hard questions. The big questions of life give us a context in which the hard questions have meaning.”

These Gen Ed courses and the liberal-arts core will focus on the big questions with an introduction to how each academic discipline addresses the hard, specific questions. Students will discover how their education relates to their faith, and how their vision for the good life fits into the larger context of the world around them.

The culminating project of Gen401 speaks to the heart of this idea, in which students from their varying academic disciplines will form collaborative research to address a local, national or global issue, such as sports and entertainment or the coffee industry.

“Our hope is that students will learn that their vision of life should not be compartmentalized,” says Cosden. “With that realization, we hope students recognize that they can be change agents in their communities, letting the different parts of their life interact and influence one another toward a common good. Helping each other orient ourselves toward God’s love is a way of doing liberal-arts education. It is spiritual formation in its deepest sense. ”

“The School of Art, Design and Architecture (SoADA) encourages spiritual formation by

acknowledging to students that whether we are artists, architects, or designers, we have been gifted with talents by God to be

responsible stewards of the built and natural environment. Within SoADA’s mission and vision

statement we represent the Church at work in design education and base our curriculum on diversity, embracing critical and creative excellence, developing the visual and spatial imagination and modeling stewardship and hope in service to local and global communities. We do these things in the context of a liberal arts education. Additionally, we work with the creativity of God and the Holy Spirit in instilling these values in our SoADA students.”

- Curtis Sartor, Dean of the School of Art, Design and Architecture

“We seek to incorporate faith into every element of our students’ lives by teaching and modeling what it means to be a follower of Jesus Christ. In addressing secular and

eternal needs, we encourage our students to develop a committed and mature relationship

with Christ and we provide support to move them toward that objective. We also want them to be the salt and the light for others, figuratively becoming the stone dropped into the still water that creates ever-widening circles of spiritual influence.”

- Tom Berliner, Dean of the School of leadership and Business

“Spiritual formation begins with an understanding of who God is and His

relationship to who we are. The primary way to learn about God is through his written word. The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences houses

the Biblical and Theological Studies department where courses are offered with this goal in mind.

However, they are not alone in their efforts. All departments and all faculty teach their specific disciplines with the additional goal of providing students tools and insights that help them grow into more mature and committed Christ-followers.”

- lanette poteete-Young, Dean of the Department of Science and Mathematics

“In Luke 6, Jesus says that ‘there is no good tree which produces bad fruit… It is the inner nature of the tree that determines its outward product.’ The students in the School of Education are well prepared for teaching

in public or Christian settings because of the integration of spiritual guidance and academic

rigor our professors provide. As students branch out into their careers, we know that their Judson roots will support them and nourish them throughout their lives. As each senior class leaves and is replaced by the budding freshman, we can all give glory to God for His abundant blessings and fruitful yield.”

- Kathleen Miller, Dean of the School of Education

“hElping EAch oThEr oriEnT oursElvEs

TowArd god’s lovE is A wAy of doing

libErAl-ArTs EducATion. iT is spiriTuAl

formATion in iTs dEEpEsT sEnsE.”- dr. darrell cosden, professor of Theology

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12 JUDSON today

When Judy DeRolf ’64 decided where she wanted to go to college, she chose Northern Theological Seminary. From her hometown in Michigan, DeRolf arrived in Chicago ready to spend four years studying Christian Education in the heart of the city.

She only lasted three.DeRolf graduated, but by the time she

walked the stage at the end of her fourth year, it was as a member of the inaugural class of Judson College.

“It was difficult because we weren’t sure what was going to happen,” DeRolf said. “We came out here on faith.”

Judson’s first students, all of them transfers from Northern Theological Seminary, came to college for the same reason. They were pursuing undergraduate degrees in Christian Education. Sure there was diversity – some of them hoped to teach, some hoped to write music, some planned to enter the ministry. But all of them arrived after choosing a seminary, not a liberal arts college.

Today the intellectual interests of the student body are more diverse and DeRolf has watched the college change as its offerings have expanded. The commitment to Christ, though, has not wavered.

“I’m very, very impressed with how the college has grown and yet how it has kept its original foundation of following Christ in higher education,” DeRolf says.

Keeping Christ at Our Core

After graduating, DeRolf married and moved to New Jersey with her husband Chuck, a 1963 graduate of Northern Theological

Seminary. The couple spent one year at Princeton and then moved to Indiana where Chuck served as a pastor until 1975. The next 30 years they spent as missionaries in Japan.

Now DeRolf teaches Japanese to Judson students in a tutoring capacity. She and her husband have returned to Elgin – not to be close to their families but to be close to her alma mater.

Looking back DeRolf is happy with her decision to follow Judson’s founder, Dr. Benjamin Browne, to Elgin and glad she trusted his vision for the college. She is proud of her alma mater and grateful for her education.

“The reason that my education was so wonderful was because I had such wonderful Christian professors who walked me through

the difficult decisions and the difficult things you have when you’re growing up,” DeRolf says.

Current students refer to the same qualities in their own professors.Heather Krup, a second-year transfer to Judson from Elgin

Community College, is a junior studying Worship Arts. When she originally applied to schools she was considering a sports science program to help her become a personal trainer. Eventually she

Judy DeRolf ’64, Kevin Barker ’64, Heather Krup ’16, Carol (Simpkins) Hunt ’64, Merletta (Hunter) Roberts ’65, and Robert Coats ’65 share Judson memories during Homecoming’s Pioneer Panel.

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stopped resisting a calling to worship, though, and joined Judson’s increasingly popular music program.

Her professors are one of the highlights of her Judson experience.“I love how they just don’t pour into you inside the class, but they

actually care about you outside of the class,” Krup says.Like DeRolf, Krup found a group of educators at Judson who take

their roles a step further than academics. Whether it’s an interaction in passing on campus or a bond formed in the three-times-per-week chapels, Krup says Judson professors keep their students’ spiritual needs in mind, too.

“Having professors who actually care about you, not only as a person but also your walk with the Lord, is something that I think a lot of schools don’t have,” Krup said. “We have a special set of professors here who do that.”

The commitment to guiding students along their spiritual path is a core component of a Judson education. The holistic approach to learning at Judson includes a focus on scholarship, stewardship and spiritual formation. The latter being the process of becoming like Christ in character, relationships, priorities and practices.

Spiritual formation is based in an understanding of God’s word and the Christian faith, which is then reflected in ethical thinking and behavior. When an entire community is working toward the same righteous goal, the resulting inclusiveness is tangible.

Carol Hunt ’64 came from New York City to Chicago for Northern Theological Seminary but moved to Elgin in 1963 as part of Judson’s first class. As one of the college’s few African American students, Hunt came face to face with the segregation of the black community within the church while traveling with the Glee Club.

Hunt grew up in a black American Baptist Church in New York, which was decidedly different from the American Baptist Churches throughout the Midwest. She’s sure now that her presence on the Glee Club – and her role as president – caused some discomfort to the choir’s hosts when they traveled. After the first trip and the ensuing awkwardness over where Hunt would sleep, Choir Director Ed Thompson discreetly started arranging for her to stay with his family during their tours.

Hunt doesn’t have official proof her race factored into this move. She said Thompson never explained why she didn’t stay with the other girls in the group; he just made clear the choir president would stay with the pastor and his family instead of other parishioners while they traveled. Only later did she understand the move as his protection.

Hunt graduated with her degree in Christian Education in 1964 and worked in a couple churches over the course of the next decade before moving into jobs serving senior citizens. She worked with that population, eventually leading an agency committed to giving direct services for the elderly, until she retired in 2011.

Even though her undergraduate years coincided with a decade of unrest during the Civil Rights movement, Hunt describes Judson as providing a safe environment with a faculty that was interested in and committed to the development of its students.

In a recent Pioneer Panel discussion, Hunt referenced African American friends of hers who have worked hard their whole lives to prevent their race from defining them. She said the supportive, loving environment at Judson shielded her at a vulnerable time and allowed her to enter adulthood without any hatred or angst tied to race relations from that era. Her friends, at their respective colleges, were not so lucky.

Now when she returns to Judson, Hunt recognizes something familiar on campus, something she notes with joy in the faces of students.

“I get a sense of that same community support and love again,” Hunt said, “supporting them so that they indeed will be able to change the world.”

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Judy DeRolf ’64 and her husband Chuck stand with graduating Kanto Gakuin University students who took their Bible study class. The DeRolf’s taught at the university during their missions work in Japan.

14 JUDSON today

Dr. Gene C. Crume Jr. was installed as Judson’s sixth president in a ceremony on October 24. The new president was honored in opening remarks by Elgin Community College President Dr. David Sam and Elgin Mayor David Kaptain, as well as several members of the Judson community.

“The City of Elgin is as good as it’s ever been in the half century since Judson University settled here,” said Mayor Kaptain. “I look forward to building a deeper relationship with Dr. Crume and with Judson University in the years to come as we work together to make our community shine.”

Shalina Wozny, student body president, gave welcoming remarks to Dr. Crume.

“We listen with anticipation to your plans. We know that you will help us reach our potential, and help us shape the world that we haven’t even begun to understand. You will inspire us with your leadership as you take this new role,” said Wozny.

Judson’s Faculty Moderator Jim Halverson also gave a warm speech to welcome Dr. Crume.

“A mere greeting is not enough; we welcome you, Dr. Crume. We invite you into the hospitality of our community. Your quiet, warm confidence has already begun to transform this university. We are so thankful to have you here,” said Dr. Halverson.

Dr. Crume was introduced by Dr. Thomas Meredith, senior fellow for the Association of Governing Boards, former head of three university systems and the former President for Western Kentucky University.

“Gene’s respect for faculty, appreciation for staff, and deep, abiding love for students all spell success for Judson University,” said Meredith in his introduction of Dr. Crume.

Drawing on his deep commitment to the Christian faith along with his extensive leadership experience, Dr. Crume spoke about the value of “committed unity” in his inaugural address.

“My definition of unity is when we live in faith with great hope because we love one another,” said Dr. Crume. “I end all of my

by Bethany Suckrow ‘09Photos by Eric Secker

D r . C r u m e

as sixth presiDentUshered in

WINTER 2014 15

“my Definition of Unity is when we live

in faith with great hope beCause we love

one another.”- Dr. GeNe C. CrUme

WINTER 2014 15

16 JUDSON today

speeches with the statement ‘It is a great day to be a Judson Eagle’ because it is a statement of unity, of faith, hope and love. It is an expression of faith, remembering those who established Judson University in faith 50 years ago. It is an expression of hope, just as it says in Isaiah 40:31, ‘those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles.’ It is an expression of love for each other, because that is what brings us here today. I accept the opportunity to serve in unity with you as we shape lives that shape the world. It is truly a great day to be a Judson eagle.”

Following his speech, Dr. Crume was officially inducted as university president by Chair of the Board of Trustees, Nate Adams ’80, along with Carol Thompson ’77, chair of the Presidential Search Committee and former chair of the Board of Trustees.

“There is no more appropriate time to celebrate this presidential installation than the day before Founders’ Day, when we will celebrate principles and people that made Judson what it is today,” Adams noted in his remarks. The presidential installation ceremony preceded the university’s annual Founders’ Day on Friday, October 25, which marked 50 years since the university was established in Elgin in 1963.

Other program participants included President of Iowa Wesleyan College Dr. Steven Titus and Reverend Alfy Austin, who is the senior pastor of World Gospel Church in Terre Haute, Ind., where the Crume family had attended. The three previous presidents of Judson University, Dr. James Didier, Dr. Jerry Cain, and Dr. William Crothers, also participated in the ceremony by praying over Dr. Crume before his official induction.

After the ceremony, the community gathered for an informal reception in the Dining Hall of the Betty Lindner Campus Commons.

Judson community members and guests mingle in the campus commons for Dr. Crume’s installation celebration.

Past presidents were at Dr. Crume’s side on this special day. Left to Right: Dr. James Didier, Dr. Jerry Cain, Dr. Gene Crume and Dr. William Crothers.

Elgin Mayor David Kaptain and Elgin Community College President Dr. David Sam also participated in the installation.

WINTER 2014 17

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18 JUDSON today

Judson University’s 600-seat Herrick Chapel was filled to capacity for its annual Founders’ Day service on Friday, October 25, which marked its 50th anniversary since the school was founded in Elgin in 1963. Willow Creek Community Church Pastor Bill Hybels was the keynote speaker for the celebration.

Hybel’s address invited both laughter and tears from the audience as he spoke about the vital importance of Christian education at every level, sharing stories of how it influenced the trajectory of his own life when he was a young man. Thanks to the encouragement of a second grade teacher at his Christian elementary school and a professor from Hybels’ days at Trinity International University, Hybels said he was able to hear God’s whisper leading him to start a church rather than join his father’s business.

Hybel’s father was skeptical of his choice to leave behind the family business for church planting and asked his son, “You’re going to bet the farm of your life on a whisper?”

Hybels said that he reflected on his father’s question as Willow Creek celebrated its 38th anniversary in October.

“I bet the farm of my life on God’s whisper, and I’m so glad I did,” said Hybels.

Today Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington, Ill., has a weekend attendance of 20,000. Hybels is also chairman

of the board for the Willow Creek Association, a not-for-profit fellowship of more than 12,000 like-minded churches located in 45 countries.

He concluded his speech by addressing the different members of the audience and their roles in staying true to God’s whisper for Judson University in the 50 years since it was founded in Elgin. He commended staff and faculty for remaining true to the whisper of God heard by their predecessors when they founded the small Christian college in 1963.

“To board members and donors, through your ongoing support, you are creating an environment where any kid on any day can hear the whisper of God that will change their lives,” said Hybels. “And students, on any given day, God might reach down, tap you on the shoulder, whisper in your ear. My greatest prayer is that you would listen well and follow that call.”

Following the chapel service, Judson donors, staff, faculty and trustees gathered for a luncheon in the Dining Hall, where they heard from Northern Seminary’s Vice President of Academic Administration Blake Walter. Before Judson University was founded in Elgin in 1963, it served as the undergraduate branch of Northern Baptist Theological Seminary for 40 years. Walter shared information that he found in Northern’s historical archives, which

Willow Creek Community Church Pastor Bill Hybels gives Founders’ Day keynote.

foundErs’ dAy Reflectson 50 yEArs of blEssings AndlEAdErship

by Bethany Suckrow ‘09Photos by Eric Secker

WINTER 2014 19

illustrated then Judson College’s humble beginnings, including professor salaries (an average of less than $6,000) and year-end receipts for university expenses (totaling less than $58,000) and a statement of faith written by Judson officials.

“Judson has 40 years of commitment that predates Judson’s 50 years of success that we celebrate today,” Walter explained. “On behalf of my colleagues at Northern Seminary, we are proud of our shared heritage, and look forward to the many years to come.”

After Walter’s speech, the audience heard from former Director of Advancement Lynn Wheaton, who highlighted memorable relationships between Judson University and its donors.

The luncheon concluded with the presentation of the Golden Eagle Award, given to alumni Bill and Sally (Ackemann) Boscaljon for their many years of service to the university. This award is the highest non-degree honor that Judson bestows, and is given to those who have done significant work to advance the mission of the university.

“We know that a lot of good people have done a lot of good things for Judson, and it is truly humbling to be singled out to receive this award,” Bill said in his acceptance speech.

Bill Boscaljon ’79 is an Iowa native who attended Moody Bible Institute before enrolling at Judson. An Elgin, Ill., native, Sally (Ackemann) Boscaljon graduated from Judson in 1973 and earned her elementary teacher certification at Judson in 1998. They were married in 1979. Bill and Sally each were employed for various responsibilities on campus including Student Activities, the Bookstore, Plant Operations, the Alumni Office, the Health Center, and as houseparents in Volkman Hall. Sally has served on the Alumni Board and the Council for the Master of Literacy Program. Together they have enjoyed leading the coordinating committee for Judson’s Golden Centennial Celebration. They are active members of First Baptist Church of Elgin. Sally teaches third grade in Elgin School District U-46 and Bill works as a supervisor at Ace Hardware.

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After chapel, Founders’ Day guests gathered in the Betty Lindner Campus Commons for a luncheon.

Lynn Wheaton, former Director of Advancement, highlights memorable relationships between Judson University and its donors.

Sally (Ackemann) ’73, ’98 and Bill Boscaljon ’79 receive the 2014 Golden Eagle Award for their many years of service to the university.

20 JUDSON today

Jeffery Carl, M.F.A., Professor, Art and Design, had his painting, “Lantern,” displayed in Humans Beings II, a national competitive exhibition addressing disabilities and disability culture curated by Riva Lehrer from May 10 - June 20, 2013 at Woman Made Gallery in Chicago.

Also, his drawing “T12” was displayed as part of the 56th Annual Beloit and Vicinity Exhibition, a regional competitive exhibition, at the Wright Museum at Beloit College from June 15 - July 22.

G.E. Colpitts, M.F.A., Professor, Art and Design, had her work included in several exhibitions this year. “Vessel Form #130” was displayed at the 2013 Quad-States Biennial Juried Exhibition at the Quincy Arts Center in Quincy, Ill. from June 7 – Aug. 4, and also at the 37th

Annual Beverly Exhibition at the Beverly Arts Center in Chicago from Nov. 8, 2013 – Jan. 5, 2014. “Vessel Form #131” was displayed at the 64 Arts National 2013 All Media Juried Exhibition at the Buchanan Center for the Arts in Monmouth, Ill., from September 6 – October 12. “Vessel Form #145” was displayed at the Visions in Clay 2013 National Juried Exhibition in the L. H. Horton, Jr. Gallery at San Joachin Delta College in Stockton, Calif. from August 22 – September 19.

Jhennifer A. Amundson, Ph.D., Professor, Architecture, gave an introductory talk, “Architecture and Improvement in Antebellum America,” as session chair at the annual meeting of the Society of Architectural Historian in Buffalo, N.Y. from April 10-14, 2013. Also, her essay, “Staging

a Triumph, Raising a Temple: Philadelphia’s ‘Welcoming Parade’ for General Lafayette, 1824,” was published in Commemoration in America: Essays on Monuments, Memorialization and Memory. Ed. David Gobel and Daves Rossell. Charlottesville: University of Virginia Press, 2013.

Curtis Sartor, Ph.D., Dean of Art, Design and Architecture, made an Architecture Accreditation visit to the University of Arizona in Tucson for its initial accreditation of the Master of Architecture Degree. Sartor was also selected as a visiting team Chair Mentor

by the NAAB for their Team Chair Training Workshops, and he served as an external reviewer for Promotion and Tenure Committee at the University of Hartford’s College of Engineering, Technology and Architecture.

Thomas H. Berliner, Ph.D., Dean of Leadership and Business, delivered two presentations, “Effective Leadership I” and “Effective Leadership II,” for the Training Presentations at the Village of Oak Brook Leadership Academy 2013 on April 2.

Tim Carlson, M.B.A., Program Director of Management and Leadership, Criminal Justice Management, delivered a presentation, “Budgeting,” at the Village of Oak Brook Leadership Academy 2013 on September 17.

David Cook, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Leadership and Business, delivered two presentations, “Communication: Roles and Application” and “Crisis Communication,” at the Village of Oak Brook Leadership Academy 2013 on September 17. Cook also gave a presentation called “10

Mistakes Leaders Make” to the Bag Makers Corporation in Union, Ill., on September 10.

Jennifer Mattingly, M.A., Program Director of Communications Management, Center for Adult Professional Studies, delivered a presentation, “Seven Productivity Tools,” at the Business Women’s Council of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce in Rockford, Ill., on

October 1.

Teri Stein, Ph.D., Program Director of Human Resource Management and Senior Consultant of Leadership Development Group, Center for Adult Professional Studies, delivered three presentations at the Village of Oak Brook Leadership Academy of 2013: “Team

Development” on July 9, “Performance Evaluations” on August 20, and “Succession Planning” on September. 3. Stein also delivered “Embracing the Psychosocial Impacts of the Employment Process,” a series of three presentations at the Rockford Register Star Job Fair on October 23.

Tom Voigt, Ph.D., Assist. Professor, Business Administration, Accounting, and Marketing, earned his Ed.D. from Northern Illinois University this year; his dissertation was entitled “Learning as it Relates to Addiction Recovery; A Case Study of Experiences of Men

in a Faith-Based Addiction Recovery Program.”

F A C U l T Y A C C O M p l i S H M E n T S

This August, Judson welcomed Roger Brimmerman as the university’s new Associate Vice President for Development. In his new role, Brimmerman serves as the chief fundraising strategist with a significant role in major gift fundraising.

Brimmerman comes to Judson from Concordia University in Seward, Neb.,

where he served as director of Development from 2007 to present. He led Concordia’s “On a Mission” Campaign, which raised $63 million, including the capital component of a

new athletic facility. Before taking up his role at Concordia, Brimmerman served as Director of Annual Giving and Advancement Services at Midland Lutheran College in Fremont, Neb. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences from Midland Lutheran College in 1983.

“We are very pleased that Roger has joined the Judson community,” says university President Dr. Gene Crume. “His successful track record in establishing effective development programs will be very beneficial in helping Judson achieve its vision.”

Roger Brimmerman Becomes new Associate Vice president for Development

WINTER 2014 21

REAL LEARNING. Judson’s professors hold themselves and their

students to the highest academic standards. But their expertise isn’t

limited to ivory-tower theorizing, they have also been practitioners in

the fields that they teach.

REAL LIFE. At Judson University, classroom excellence doesn’t

stay in the classroom. Through internships, practicums, and student

teaching, 90% of Judson students apply their learning in real-world

settings while they are still in school.

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Join the Judson University Alumni Club and you will be helping your alma mater while enjoying savings exclusively for Alumni Club members! Go to JudsonU.edu/Alumni for more information. We want to know what our illustrious alumni are up to, so be sure to notify us of your latest personal and professional achievements. Alumnotes are published in each printed issue of Judson Today. Please submit news and photos for inclusion in the next issue of Judson Today by January 15. Digital photos may be submitted in JPG format and should not exceed 5MB in size. If you would like fellow alumni to be able to contact you, please submit your email address with your alumnote.

Please send your Alumnote to: Judson University Alumni Office | 1151 N. State St. | Elgin, IL 60123 Alumni@JudsonU.edu | 847.628.2083 | Fax 847.628.2094

ALUmnotes

Courtney and Diego Cevallos ‘04 announce the arrival of their baby daughter, Isabella Marie. Isabella was born on Oct. 5, 2013, weighing 7 lbs. and measur-ing 19.5 inches. Diego is in his sixth season as the Judson women’s head soccer coach.

Shelley (Gross ‘04) Kress and David Kress announce the arrival of their daugh-ter, Amalia “Molly” Jeanette Kress. Molly was born on Sept. 6, 2013, weighing 7 lbs. and measuring 20 inches. She is also welcomed by her big sister, Josephine (“Josie”). The Kress family resides in Las Vegas, Nev.

Christopher Bayer ‘04 and his wife, Lindsay, welcomed their first child, Stella Grace, on Nov. 7, 2012. Chris currently serves as a Regional Sales Coordinator for Aflac and Lindsay is a non-profit consultant and graduate student. Chris and Lindsay were married on Oct. 7, 2006, and currently reside in Galesburg, Ill.

Sam ‘07 and Heidi (Johnson ‘07) Hurst announce the arrival of their daughter, Brianna Lilli Hurst. Bri was born on April 28, 2013, weighing 8 lbs. 0.6 oz. and measuring 20 inches long. Sam is a baker for Einstein Brothers Bagels and Heidi is working retail. The Hurst family resides in Grove City, Ohio.

Dana Collins ‘10 was married to Jimmy Cliningsmith on July 12, 2013 at the Abbey Resort in Fontana, Wis. Dana is teaching ESL at Hilltop Elementary School. The couple currently resides in McHenry, Ill.

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Brent Weber ‘70 was recently promoted to Vice President of Sales at W. R. Meadows. Brent joined W.R. Meadows in 1970 and has held the positions of sales manager and regional sales manager.

Chrisann (Andersen ‘75) Smith received her Doctor of Education Degree from National Louis University on June 22, 2013, at Arie Crown Theater in Chicago. The title of her dissertation was “A Descriptive Study of a Homework Help Program.” Dr. Chrisann is employed by McHenry Elementary School District 15 in McHenry, Ill. She is an active member in the Presbyterian Church of Barrington as a Chris-tian Education Committee member, youth leader, and choir member. Addition-ally, she serves as a member of the Judson Alumni Board.

paul Floyd ‘76 was named to the Executive Committee at the Hennepin County Bar Association. Paul was elected to the association’s officer ranks as secretary, beginning a five-year leadership track that will have him serve as president for 2016-17. Paul is a founding partner with Wallen-Friedman & Floyd and resides in Roseville, Minn., with his wife Donna (Fraser ’76) Floyd.

Alumnus and Judson Trustee Bruce Strom ‘87 recently released a book titled Gospel Justice in which he tackles the question, “Can a justice system that doesn’t protect the poor be considered truly just?” Bruce left a successful legal career to start Administer Justice, a non-profit organization providing free legal

care to our most vulnerable neighbors. Gospel Justice calls churches across the nation to transform lives by serving both the spiritual and legal needs of the poor through participation in the Gospel Justice Initiative (gji.org). It is not a book for only lawyers or pastors, though; Bruce is calling each of us, the whole body of Christ, to join the cause of legal justice for the oppressed. Administer Justice recently received WORLD Magazine’s 2013 Hope Award for Effective Compassion.

On July 1, 2013, James Tohme ‘92 was named principal for the Hawthorn School of Dual Language in School District 73. Jim was the principal of Lakev-iew Elementary School in Hoffman Estates, Ill., and served 11 years as a teacher, assistant principal, and principal in Carpentersville District 300.

Sharon Heldman ‘96 recently released a book, The Resurrection of Sarah Finfield, available on Amazon.com and Kindle. It is the story of a young widow who has hidden away from the world but suddenly finds herself engulfed in a baffling mystery. Sharon has been involved in ministry to nursing and assisted living homes for 35 years. Since her husband Ken went to be with the Lord, ShiningLight2Seniors has been holding church services twice monthly in 10 different facilities in the Belvidere/Rockford/Woodstock area. Read more on her website (shininglight2seniors.com).

Mary Doyle Brodien ‘97 recently published her fifth book, Young in the Spirit, available on Amazon.com. More information about her work is available on her website (marykdoyle.com).

In February 2014, Yvonne Randle ‘99 will release her sixth book, The Secret to Creating Loving Relationships. Yvonne has tackled both fiction and non-fiction and more information is available from her website (lovingrelationships.biz).

Dr. Kyle Strobel ‘00, authored Formed for the Glory of God: Learning from the Spiritual Practices of Jonathan Edwards, published in June 2013 with InterVar-sity Press. “In Jonathan Edwards, we find a grasp of spiritual formation that tries to balance deep thought with deep passion, human action with God’s action, truth with goodness and beauty,” writes Kyle. He is a professor of theology at Grand Canyon University and a research associate at the University of Free State (Bloemfontein). Kyle lives with his wife Kelli, daughter Brighton, and baby son Oliver in Phoenix,.

Fred ‘02 and Julie (Wyruchowski ‘03) Talone were married in 2001 in Herrick Chapel and celebrated their 12th anniversary in July. Julie was a stay-at-home mom raising their three children (Andrielly, 11; Matheus, 9; and Giovanna, 7) until this school year. She is currently a second grade teacher at Kennesaw Charter Science and Math Academy while Fred works with the Bank of America. Fred serves with the youth and Julie is the children’s ministry director at Victory North Church in Kennesaw, Ga.

ian price ‘05 recently incorporated his own game development company, Diamond Dust Dreams. Ian resides in Warrenville, Ill.

Josh Horton ‘05 was awarded the Middle School Teacher of the Year Award at the Kane County Educator of the Year Awards in May 2013. Josh is an AVID

WINTER 2014 23

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(Advancement Via Individual Determination) and language arts teacher at Lake-wood School in Carpentersville and always faces challenges head on, according to District 300. When he realized a number of students at his school did not have winter coats, he organized SNOW (Students Need Outer Wear) to collect donated coats, hats and gloves. He and his wife Erin felt a call to adopt, so they adopted two boys with Down syndrome, Malachi and Elijah. “Josh celebrates his students’ journeys as if they were his own children,” the district said. “At Lakewood, he has built a community of loving support. Josh has taught his students well, but more importantly he has left a legacy of service and character to the students he teaches.”

In 2010, Faith Amano ’05 teamed with a group of Christians to start a church, Living Water Chapel in Tokyo. He has the privilege of preaching and leading worship every Sunday. He continues to work at Free The Children Japan as a Motivational Speaker/Performer and the Director of Leadership Programming during the weekday. Faith continues his ties with Judson, most recently as a speaker at Judson’s sister school in Japan, Shokei Gakuin University. He asks for prayer for Japan as less than one percent of the Japanese population have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and approximately 30,000 commit suicide every year.

Judson alumni and friends in the Peoria area gathered to meet and welcome Dr. Gene Crume to the Judson family. Pictured are Rick Eddy ‘90, nate Mcneely ‘10, Bob Atwater ‘71, Roger Brimmerman, Marti (Shay ‘70) Atwater, Jordan Delks, Mike Monahan ‘84, Wendy (Smith ‘84) Monahan, Joel Newton, Bonnie Bienert and Dr. Gene Crume.

Our September alumni and friends gatherings included a stop in Springfield, Ill. where alumni and friends had a Q&A session with our new president. Pictured are a few friends that caught up in Springfield, Rodger Fiorito ‘80, Mary (imhoff ‘80) Fiorito, Angelo Bravos ‘81, nate Adams ‘80 and Beth (Schultz ‘81) Adams.

Judson alumni and friends in the St. Paul, Minn. area enjoyed the Sanctus Real, Citizen Way Run Tour and were treated to a back stage gathering with Citizen Way. Pictured are Ben Calhoun ‘03, Lynnette Hodge, Donna (Fraser ‘76) Floyd, paul Floyd ‘76, Mary Hodge ‘02, Josh Calhoun ‘09, David Blascoe, Roger Brim-merman, Ben Blascoe (att. ‘01-‘04), Bonnie Bienert and Dr. Gene Crume.

lidia Bartel-Krzemien ‘02: October 18, 1967 – October 24, 2013

24 JUDSON today

by Bethany Suckrow ‘09

Yeboah Family Shapes lives through literacy

Finishing touches are put on The Garden of Eden Library Learning Center, a future library in Ghana for which the Yeboahs raised funds.

A l U M n i S T O R Y

Anthony and Mary Yeboah met as students at Judson, when Anthony was earning his Master of Architecture ’05 and Mary was earning her Bachelor of Arts in Art Education ’04. They knew once they got married and started a family that they wanted to move from the United States to Anthony’s homeland of Ghana in Sub-Saharan Africa, to serve God through reading. So in 2010, the Yeboah’s home church in Wheaton, Ill., Blanchard Alliance, sent them as vocational missionaries to Kumsai, Ghana, where they worked at a Christian international school for one year before settling in Accra.

Anthony currently works as an archutect and construction manager with his own business, Green Design Systems, and also became a lecturer at Central University College. Mary works as an art teacher and school administrator for American International School.

“We were passionate about developing communities through education,” explains Mary. “After living in Ghana for one year, we were overwhelmed by the lack of access to books and educational support for children.”

There was no library or school reading program to develop literacy in the community, and many of the children were undereducated. So Mary and Anthony decided to start a small reading program to do what they could to make a difference in the lives of their neighborhood youth. Little did they know how quickly it would flourish. In 2011, the Yeboahs asked friends and family back in the States to donate children’s literature. The Blanchard Alliance

church that commissioned the Yeboahs to minister in Ghana also contributed. In 2012, after receiving the large shipment of books, the Yeboahs began a Saturday reading program on their very own front porch for all the neighborhood kids.

Mary says that every Saturday at least 10 to 15 students would come to the program, and by the end of 2012, it was clear that the Yeboahs had outgrown their makeshift library space. The needs of the children exceeded what they could manage during once weekly meetings. The Yeboahs searched for a place to host their growing library, but it became clear that the cost of buying a plot of land and then building one was financially prohibitive. The best place to put a new library would be right where the program began: in their own front yard.

In 2013, the Yeboahs started a fundraising campaign to build The Garden of Eden Library Learning Center. They have a webpage for receiving online donations, www.gofundme.com/libraryinGhana, and they’ve had a swell of support from friends back home. As of December 2013, they have garnered enough contributions to lay the foundation, construct the walls and roof, and are in the process of tiling and painting the interior. When it’s done, the Learning Center will provide space for reading classes for both children and adults, homework tutoring, art activities, Bible studies, creative writing, and more.

As they put finishing touches on the structure of the Learning Center facility, the Yeboahs continue to seek support from those

WINTER 2014 25

that want to invest in this good cause. Another $10,000 is needed to make the library fully functional and available to the community.

“Most of all, we really need people to commit to praying for our library,” says Mary. “That God would establish it as a place of refuge and light for the community, that God would use it to speak to the hearts of both the Christian and Muslim children and reveal His great love for them, and that God would provide the right Ghanaian staff from the neighborhood to run the library and ensure buy-in and sustainability.”

Mary says that their Stateside friends and family, including the Blanchard Alliance Church community, have been a tremendous help as they invested the time and energy to collect, load and ship the first container of books to Ghana.

Mary says she’s also grateful for several friends from Judson University that have helped along the way. Judson Psychology

Professor Dr. Marsha Vaughn introduced the Yeboahs to another Judson alumna, Mal Keenan ’09, who runs an organization that facilitates donations of books and monetary support to promote literacy in Zambia and Ghana. The Yeboahs have received a steady donation of children’s literature from A to Z Literacy. Judson English Professor Dr. Sharon Kim has also contributed Christian educational material. Mary also adds that she will always be grateful for the way that their Judson education helped them prepare for meeting the needs of their community.

“Judson shaped our lives through providing the college experience that integrated faith and learning,” she says. “We were inspired by others to use our skills and knowledge to serve others. Judson provided the strong academic and Christian foundation for us to go out into the world prepared to make a difference for Christ.”

While I grew up in a loving, stable home and had a strong church experience in my youth, it was at Judson College in the mid-1970s that I really came to understand community. When education, faith, friendship and mentoring all came together, I felt both profoundly fulfilled and deeply content. After graduating from Judson with a degree in Human Relations (Psychology) in 1977, I attended graduate school and worked, but I really missed the Judson campus and its people. I realized that it had become the place where I most felt at home.

It was with profound gratitude that I made my way back in 1987 to start teaching, and I have enjoyed living on or near campus since 1991. My wife Jill and I served together as houseparents in Volkman Hall, and then she also began working in the registrar’s office and taking courses to complete her bachelor’s in Accounting (’96), so we have been members of the Judson community together. And we have many fond memories of raising Katie (’06) and Jeremiah here.

My time as a Judson student was a wonderful experience for me. Being at a small, Christian college meant that everyone knew each other and people could participate in multiple activities and groups. Some of my best memories are of choir (with some great tours, particularly getting snowed in near Colorado Springs), reach out teams, chapels, concerts (especially Barry McGuire and the Second Chapter of Acts in Herrick Chapel), late-night theological discussions/debates in the dorms, and the Eyrie (games, music, milkshakes, and good company). And, of course, given what I’ve become, you might guess that I also enjoyed classes, reading and writing. At Judson, there has always been a good balance of following Jesus and providing a strong education.

Given all that Judson had done for me, and what it came to mean to me as a student, I kept in close touch, hoping that an opportunity to teach might develop. Fortunately, it did at just the right time.

And though it wasn’t one of the factors that drew me back, one of the greatest benefits of returning has been the opportunity to teach alongside many of the professors that taught me as a student.

I’m passionate about teaching because in my experience, reading a text and discussing it with others is what truly helps the mind grow and mature. Seeing students develop their own perspective, whether in an essay exam or paper or presentation, still gives me a sense that I’m contributing to the next generation of Christian thinkers and leaders.

I’m also passionate about supporting Judson financially. Jill and I started contributing shortly after we got married in 1979, though at that time it was a very small amount given annually. Over the years, that has grown into more frequent contributions to ongoing projects (like chemistry Professor Dr. Rolf Myhrman’s hunger research), the annual fund, and the various capital campaigns. Eventually, I helped initiate the drive for an endowed scholarship to honor Marc Didier and Donna Shotwell, students who were tragically killed in a one-car accident in the Fall of 1975. When my parents died, my brother and I endowed a memorial scholarship in their names. And most recently, Jill and I have tried to do something substantial every year for the Imago Film Festival.

Making donations, for us, is something we have always felt is a natural part of our faith journey, and we have wanted to go beyond our giving to the local church. Judson’s work and ministry have benefited our family greatly, so we want to help students, many of whom will have difficulty funding a private education, and contribute to programs and projects that will not get done without special gifts.

Giving Back to the Judson Community

please consider including Judson University in your giving.For more information, call 847.628.2080 or go to JudsonU.edu/give

by Pat Hargis ‘77

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26 JUDSON today

The 2013-2014 Judson Fall athletics had high expectations for many of the teams heading into each respective season. Almost every team exceeded the sights they set in August as they concluded their 2013 Fall season. The women’s and men’s soccer teams wound up in Kissimmee, Fla. with berths to the NCCAA National Championships. The women’s cross country team sent two individuals to the NAIA National Championships, while the men’s cross country and volleyball teams look to improve for the seasons to come.

Women’s SoccerSixth year head coach Diego Cevallos ’04 was adamant that the

team he composed for the 2013 campaign was one that would consistently be in the national spotlight, and he was correct. Entering the campaign ranked 25th in the country, the Eagles won many games this season using a combination of a prolific offense, a steady midfield and a stout defense led by seniors.

Judson kicked off the season with a road loss and a home draw in the month of August, but went on a tear through the September and early October months winning 10 of 11 matches, which included a 2-1 road win over No. 18 Ashford and a 3-0 Homecoming shutout of No. 8 Olivet Nazarene.

Junior forward Angela Bianchi has been the leader offensively for the Eagles consistently ranking among the conference and national leaders in total goals. The York High School graduate continued her amazing career determined to etch her name at the top of every offensive category in Judson women’s soccer history. Bianchi has twice been named CCAC Offensive Player of the Week with her latest coming in the week of October 22 when she tallied five goals in two matches during that span. Bianchi was named NAIA Offensive Player of the Week – just the second player to earn the award – in the first week of October while also garnering NCCAA Offensive honors in the same week.

Senior goalkeeper Sara Hoffman was also determined to earn her place in Judson Women’s Soccer history. With well over 30 shutouts throughout her career, the Huntley, Ill., native has been named CCAC and NCCAA Defensive Player of the Week during the 2013 campaign. During the 11-match unbeaten streak this season, the net-minder notched seven shutouts.

The Eagles had five representatives in the All-CCAC postseason honors with Bianchi and sophomore midfielder Jamie Kats picking up first team honors while Hoffman, senior defender Jamie

JUDSON ATHLETICS

Athletic Highlights for Fall 2013by Benjamin Kelly

Wimberly and junior forward Jenna Steffensen all earned second team honors.

Although Judson spent the majority of the regular campaign ranked in the top-25, the Eagles struggled to produce offense at the end of the season ending the CCAC tournament run in the opening round. The Eagles received a bid to play in the NCCAA National Tournament in Kissimmee, Fla., but came back to Illinois without a victory in two matches played.

Judson will graduate six seniors: Hoffman, Wimberly, Kamila Marchi, Sasha Garcia, Kari Sicheneder and Kaity Puffer.

Men’s Soccer30 years is a long time at any

organization at any level; but when the success becomes as habitual as it has for head coach Steve Burke, the years tend to breeze by a little quicker. Coming into the 2013 season, the seasoned coach was cautiously optimistic, as his team possessed many youthful players with a few upperclassmen sprinkled into the mix.

Twenty young men filled the 2013 roster for the Eagles

men’s soccer team arriving at Judson from a variety of different backgrounds, ethnicities and playing styles. Coach Burke described his team early in the season as “energized and youthful” with just seven of the 20 footballers having double-digit match experience. But the season was a very pleasant surprise for all Judson supporters.

The Eagles found themselves in the top tier of the CCAC standings throughout the majority of the season with an outside chance of contending for a regular season championship. Their offense has produced the most goals in the conference for the first time since 2011 when the Eagles netted 66 total goals, 12 more than the second place team.

The offense was guided upfront by juniors Santiago Munoz, Michael Berrequin and sophomore Walter Lopez. All three reached double-digit goals, something the men’s program has not done since 2007. Meanwhile, Berrequin and Lopez fought with each other and a couple other players in the conference for the league leaders in goals.

Judson has done a terrific job this season of keeping the ball out of the net, which has led to four clean sheets this season. Junior

(Left to Right) Jamie Wimberly (Senior), Chandler Evans and Sara Hoffman (Senior)

Captain Jason Mok (Junior)

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Jason Mok has been a staple in the backline of defense for Coach Burke and his Eagles. Not only has he helped the defense; but the Irish-born defender also added seven goals – a career best – to support his teammates this season.

Both Mok and Lopez have been named CCAC Players of the Week. Mok earned the honor in the opening week of the campaign; while Lopez – who tallied seven goals including a four-goal performance against St. Francis on October 26 – earned the offensive honors.

The Eagles finished third in the CCAC final standings with a record of 7-3-1. Judson also produced four All-CCAC mentions including three first teamers – Mok, Lopez and Berrequin – along with Munoz earning second team honors.

Judson finished the season as the second seed in the NCCAA National Championships in Kissimmee, Fla., however the Eagles made an early exit going 0-1-1 in pool play.

Women’s Cross CountryThe pre-season expectations

might have been the highest for the women’s cross country team and they have consistently answered first-year Cross Country Coach, Tim Ciochon’s call. Leading a team that was blessed with senior leadership and great runners, Ciochon helped mold the already established Eagles into a nationally recognized unit, receiving votes in consecutive late-season NAIA polls this season.

During the three meets in October, the Lady Eagles finished in the top third of each one. At the Warrior Invitational, Judson finished ahead of three other competing CCAC schools and placed ahead of No. 22 Aurora University, a NCAA Division III school. They finished third overall in the 6K event.

The momentum carried over into the two following meets as the Eagles swept the competition coming in first in a field of 14 at the Bethel Invitational with three top-ten finishers. Judson placed 11th in the Great Lakes Challenge in the final meet of October, finishing in front of two vote-receiving schools and placing just seconds behind vote-receiving Huntington and No. 19 Aquinas.

Senior Meaghan Gard-Ciochon,Coach Ciochon’s wife, was the team’s undisputed leader on and off the course. Gard-Ciochon finished as the top NAIA finisher – second overall – in the Warrior Invitational, beat everyone in the Bethel Invitational and placed eighth in a field of over 360 runners in the Great Lakes Challenge.

It was a special season for the Elgin Larkin High School graduate. She earned NAIA and NCCAA Athlete of the Week award along with being named CCAC Runner of the Week twice. She continued to break her own records on the course, improving her times each week.

Gard-Ciochon along with junior Jordan Wagner were the two lone Eagles to qualify for the NAIA National Championships. The senior finished 42nd overall while the junior, Wagner came in 99th. Gard-Ciochon fell just 12 places short of being the first All-American in Judson Women’s Cross Country history.

Men’s Cross CountryTim Ciochon knew his men’s team better than most first-time

coaches coming into their first season. A 2013 graduate and well-decorated runner during his four years at Judson, Ciochon focused his sights on improving weekly with his team of former peers.

The men’s cross country team improved as the season progressed, posting some of its best times at the Great Lakes Challenge on October 26. Sophomore Mitch Mallary has been a strong number one for the Eagles, consistently leading his team in each meet. Along with Mallary, sophomore Charles Sievers and freshman Elijah Bobell form the team’s core.

The Eagles hope to continue improving and close out the 2013 season on a strong note. Expectations are high for next season.

Volleyball

The Judson volleyball team came off its first 20 win season, the most since the program won 18 in 2005. Second year head coach Jill Rokosik has this program on the right track as her team continued to compete and played much better volleyball down the final stretch of the season.

Plagued with injuries at the start of the season, the Lady Eagles won just six of their first 28

matches. They turned things around in late October, winning five of seven matches to end the month. With 11 of the 19 players on the roster being underclassmen, Rokosik knew it would be a year of developing her Eagles. As the season progressed, she managed her team into a competitive, winning unit.

Junior Taylor Lesner led the Eagles’ offense. The Algonquin, Ill. native reached double-digit kills five of those seven games in which the Eagles won. A pair of highly anticipated freshmen, 6'1" Maizie Martin and 6'4" Grace Smith commanded the middle of the net with tremendous ability and high expectations for the future.

The Eagles finished with an overall record 11-27 with a 5-12 mark in the CCAC. A pair of freshman earned All-CCAC Second Team mentions. Freshmen libero, Cara Tyrrell, along with classmate Grace Smith, earned the honors as they look to anchor a strong returning group for the 2014 season.

Meaghan Gard-Ciochon (Senior)

Cara Tyrrell (Freshman)

28 JUDSON today

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Condoleezza Rice to Keynote the 2014 World leaders Forum

The 2014 World Leaders Forum will feature a community event at 3 p.m. at the Judson University Herrick Chapel, where Dr. Rice will speak on “Global Leadership and Faith.” At a VIP reception later that day at the Hilton in downtown Chicago, Dr. Rice will speak on “The United States in a Changing World.” At both events, Dr. Rice’s presentations will be followed by question and answer sessions. Sponsors of the VIP event will also have a photo opportunity with Dr. Rice and receive an autographed book.

Tickets to both events are now available to the public. For ticketing and sponsorship information, visit www.WorldLeadersForum.info.

Condoleezza Rice will keynote Judson’s fourth annual World Leaders Forum on March 19, 2014. Rice, the first African American woman to serve as Secretary of State, will speak about global leadership at two events – a community event at Judson University in Elgin and a VIP reception later that night in Chicago.

Condoleezza Rice, former Secretary of State to U.S. President George W. Bush, is the first African American woman to hold the position of U.S. Secretary of State. She is also the first woman to serve as Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs, which she did for the Bush administration from 2001-2005. Since leaving the White House, Dr. Rice has authored two bestselling books, No Higher Honor: A Memoir of My Years in Washington, and Extraordinary, Ordinary People: A Memoir of Family. Today, Dr. Rice is a professor of political science at Stanford University and founding partner of RiceHadleyGates LLC

“We are honored to welcome an innovative leader with a unique global perspective to Judson,” said Judson University President Dr. Gene Crume. “Dr. Rice was at the top of our wish list, and we look forward to learning from her incredible perspective next March.”

In its first three years, the World Leaders Forum was keynoted by George W. Bush, Mikhail Gorbachev, and Tony Blair, respectively. The goal of this annual event is to offer Judson students and area professionals an opportunity to be inspired by significant thought leaders with a global perspective. Funds raised from the World Leaders Forum go toward scholarships for current Judson University students and an endowment to start an Entrepreneurial Studies program at Judson.

“The World Leaders Forum is a wonderful event that is a perfect fit for our community,” said Elgin Mayor Dave Kaptain. The City of Elgin will continue as a partner and strong supporter of the event. “Elgin is home to many corporations with international presences, so this global event impeccably complements the business climate in our community.”

W RLDLEADERSFORUM

2014

Condoleezza Rice speaking at Bringham Young University in 2011.

Follow Condoleezza Rice on Twitter @CondoleezzaRice#WLF2014CONDI

2014 Sponsors Include: