transform newsletter - spring 2010
DESCRIPTION
Simpson University Donor NewsletterTRANSCRIPT
ransformSpring 2010
A quArterly look At how your investment impActs simpson university And its students
t
Learning to say thank you
Debbie and I have been blessed with four beautiful grandchildren. Their
ages range from 4 down to 1, and another grandson will be born in May. Being grandparents is a wonderful stage of life!
We were together as a family over Christmas and spent a great deal of time playing with the grandkids. It was enjoyable but exhausting! It was particularly interesting to watch the grandchildren interacting with one another, playing together, and learning to share. We also noted that they had to be reminded by their parents to say “please” and “thank you.” These simple words are expressions that are used to ask for and express gratitude for the small kindnesses that add so much to our lives. Yet even as adults, we sometimes have to be reminded to express our gratitude to others.
I am reminded of the biblical account in Luke 17:11-19 where 10 individuals were healed from leprosy by the Lord Jesus. However, only one took the time to come back and thank the Lord for the miracle that was performed. Jesus asked, “Were not ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this
Dear Friend,
transformPresident:
Dr. Larry J. McKinneyVice President for Advancement:
Gordon FlinnEditor & Layout:
Candace DyarStaff Writer: Elise Wilson ‘08
Photographers: Victoria Manuola ‘10, Michael Burke
Transform is a quarterly newsletter designed to inform friends of Simpson
University about how their gifts are making a difference.
For more information about giving to Simpson University, call 1-800-598-2239 or visit
simpsonu.edu/giving.
On the Cover: Brenda Rhoads is a senior music major who plans
to pursue a master’s degree in vocal pedagogy after she graduates from Simpson University in April. Read more on p. 4. Photo by Victoria Manuola.
2 TRANSFORM Spring 2010
IN THIS ISSUE
4 Student Focus
6 Meet the Faculty
10 Trustee Profile
11 Stewardship Focus
Learning to say thank youDr. Larry J. McKinney
President
www.simpsonu.edu / 1-888-9-SIMPSON 3
(one) foreigner?” Our Heavenly Father enjoys hearing us say thank you. It is a pattern that needs to be developed and repeated in our lives.
With this theme of gratitude in mind, I express my appreciation to you for your generosity to Simpson University. It is because of your support that we are able to provide quality, Christ-centered higher education to hundreds of students who otherwise may not be able to attend Simpson. You play a very vital role in the educational ministry of Simpson University. Your gifts are so very important. Thank you!
You’ll notice a slightly different look and feel to this issue of Transform. With the start of a new year and the recent introduction of a new logo, we thought we’d give the publication a fresh look as well. We hope you enjoy it. This issue focuses on our Music Department, featuring several of our students and faculty members, the music ministry of the Chorale, and a generous gift of a baby grand piano from a long-time friend of the university. Be sure to pass your copy of Transform along to a family member or friend when you are done reading it.
Thank you again for your kindness to Simpson University. God bless you!
In His Service,
As a Christ-centered learning community, Simpson University develops students in mind,
faith, and character to influence the world through leadership, scholarship, and service.
4 TRANSFORM Spring 2010
STUDENT FOCUS: Calvin Hemphill & Brenda RhoadsMusic majors, seniors
Senior music majors Calvin Hemphill and Brenda Rhoads traveled long distances to attend Simpson University. Calvin is a missionary
kid whose parents served in Papua New Guinea. Brenda is from Dillsburg, Pa., a small town outside Harrisburg. Both students will graduate in April with a B.A. in Music.
“Being far away is really hard,” Brenda said. “It’s hard talking on the phone because of the time change and finding money to pay for plane tickets.”
Despite logistical and financial challenges, however, neither senior would trade their Simpson education for anything.
“Simpson has been a place where I’ve learned to think for myself and see the world as a place of opportunity,” Calvin said. Both he and Brenda receive financial aid from Simpson. “It’s one of the reasons I came here,” he said. “Simpson helped out a lot financially.”
“I’m so glad that I chose to come to a Christian school,” Brenda said. “If I hadn’t come here, I wouldn’t be as grounded in biblical truths as I am now. It has changed the way I see faith and my walk with God.”
Both seniors have been very active in the music department. Calvin has participated in Chorale, the Sinfonia Orchestra, the percussion ensemble, and a string trio. His piano performances placed first (2009) and second (2008) in the Performance Prize Competition, funded by the Bryan Johnson Memorial Fund and The Redding Riverside Chorus.
Brenda has been involved with Trinity Repertory Singers, Chorale,
www.simpsonu.edu / 1-888-9-SIMPSON 5
and a ladies trio. She is also active in the Simpson and Redding communities, serving as a resident assistant in the Morgan-Sharpe residence, accompanying the choir at First Church of the Nazarene in Redding on piano, and performing with the Redding City Musical Theater Company.
Both seniors plan to attend graduate school. Calvin hopes to earn a master’s in ethnomusicology, the study of a culture and its music, after taking time off to research schools and go on an overseas internship with an ethnomusicologist. Brenda is pursuing a master’s in vocal pedagogy, the study of teaching voice.
Calvin and Brenda share the funds allotted for the Promising Musician Award. Calvin also receives the International Missionary Dependent Grant. Both appreciate people who donate money for scholarships.
“I love it. It’s important. Scholarships are a key part of getting through college,” Calvin said, adding that he’s also thankful for those who donate to help with the purchase and repair of instruments, as well as the Performance Prize Competition.
“It means so much when I think of people giving money to me to come here,” said Brenda. “My experience would have been so incredibly different if I hadn’t come here. I’ve grown so much as a person. I am grateful, blessed and humbled that people would contribute to my life.”
Your gifts for scholarships and instruments help students like Calvin and Brenda pursue their passion for music. Thank you for your support. — By Elise Wilson ‘08 / Photo by Victoria Manuola ‘10
Your gifts to the annual
fund help students
like Brenda and Calvin
receive a Christ-
centered college
education. Thank you!
6 TRANSFORM Spring 2010
MEET THE FACULTYDr. Hoffmann Urquiza PereiraAssistant Professor of Music
Dr. Hoffmann Urquiza Pereira, director of choral activities and assistant professor of music at Simpson University, heard about
a job opening in Simpson’s Music Department while he was teaching at a small Christian college in Tennessee. He wanted to teach at a larger Christian institution, so he felt like Simpson was a great choice.
“For me, small Christian universities are special by definition,” he said. “When one considers the increasingly post-modern and secularized society we live in, these universities play a vital role in higher education. Being one of the few C&MA colleges and its strong emphasis on missionary work make Simpson very special.”
Dr. Pereira teaches a variety of classes, including Choral Pedagogy and Methods, Music Theory, and Music Theory Lab. This semester he is teaching Chorale, Trinity Repertory Singers, Music in History and Context, and Form and Analysis. He is also serving as interim department chair while Dr. Dan Pinkston is on sabbatical.
“It’s my joy to see students grow academically as musicians in areas such as vocal technique, music style, performance and ensemble techniques,” he said.
Dr. Pereira received his Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts degrees in choral conducting from Louisiana State University. He earned undergraduate degrees in music from schools in Brazil.
www.simpsonu.edu / 1-888-9-SIMPSON 7
Currently 23 students are music majors and 30 are music minors. Though relatively small, the Music Department is known for its high-caliber performances and quality education. Professors Dan Pinkston and Dwayne Corbin are both award-winning composers. Earlier this school year, Dr. Pinkston joined other international speakers at an academic conference celebrating the work of the band U2.
“There is great energy and momentum, which has been generated by a number of factors: great concerts, including our student recitals, strong freshmen classes with a sincere desire to learn, and faculty accomplishments, all of which have kept this energy going,” Dr. Pereira said.
Music majors who have graduated from Simpson have gone on to study at excellent graduate music programs, including the Peabody Conservatory, Washington State University, and the Greatbatch School of Music at Houghton College. Others have gone to work in churches, become teachers, and become professional singers.
“Our classes, individual music lessons, and ensemble experiences play a vital role in preparing our graduates,” he said. “I believe they leave Simpson ready to compete in a very challenging job market.”
Dr. Pereira is thankful for donor contributions to Simpson and the Music Department. “In my view, donors play a vital role in the areas of music scholarships and music equipment updates,” he said. — By Elise Wilson ‘08
8 TRANSFORM Spring 2010
MUSIC MINISTRY
Chorale
Charlie Dale donation/piano
Dwayne award/Pinkston preview
Chorale makes a joyful noiseEvery year Simpson University’s Chorale goes on tour in the U.S. or
abroad. Past tours have visited parts of California, England, France, Germany, Belgium, Spain, Switzerland, and West Africa. This year the Chorale will perform at high schools and churches in the Portland, Ore., and Seattle areas March 25-29. (Check simpsonu.edu/music for details.)
“My favorite part about going on tour is strengthening the relationships within the Chorale and the thrill of sharing our music with new church and school audiences, especially potential Simpson recruits,” said music professor and conductor Hoffmann Urquiza Pereira.
One of the Chorale’s main goals during tour is to impact audiences spiritually and artistically. “My joy comes when the audiences perceive how hard-working, disciplined, and talented my singers and accompanist are,” Dr. Pereira said. “I feel honored to work with them toward academic and artistic goals. That God is honored through this is perhaps an even greater joy.”
Students audition to be a member of Chorale. The ensemble specializes in advanced vocal and choral techniques and standard choral repertoire. Lois Nichols, part-time instructor of music, is the accompanist.
“Tour is always a good experience, not just because it’s fun, but it is the culmination of all that we have accomplished over the year,” said junior Jennifer Lawler, a soprano and president of the Chorale Council. “We get to share what we love to do with other people, and we often meet students at schools and introduce them to the possibility of coming to Simpson. What better way to learn about a school than directly from the students?” — By Elise Wilson ‘08
www.simpsonu.edu / 1-888-9-SIMPSON 9
your gifts to the faculty development fund help our professors in their research and scholarship.
A 1938 graduate of Simpson Bible Institute, the Rev. Charlie Dale remains dedicated to serving the Lord and being a faithful testimony of Christ. He has served as the pastor at Balboa Avenue Alliance Church in San Diego, a Simpson trustee, and a board member at a retirement community affiliated with the Christian & Missionary Alliance.
Charlie has been very generous to Simpson University and its capital campaign. In January, he donated a 1960 Knabe piano to Simpson’s Music Department. This piano was originally bought as a gift for his wife, Elizabeth, who passed away 11 years ago. This style of piano, no longer sold in the United States, is commonly used by the Metropolitan and San Francisco operas.
In 2005, the Charles H. Dale Faculty Development Fund was established to benefit faculty in their professional growth, research and writing. Music professors Dan Pinkston and Dwayne Corbin are both recipients of Dale Faculty Scholar Grant funding. Dr. Corbin used the grant funds to finance a solo percussion recital in Redding and Juno, Alaska. He also completed an original work that won first place in the Percussive Arts Society Composition Contest, published by C.F. Peters.
Dr. Dan Pinkston used grant funding to complete a composition -- commissioned by Redding harpist Candace LiVolsi -- titled “A Thousand Hills.” The piece, written for harp, flute, cello and percussion, debuted at a January faculty recital at Simpson. Listen to original works by Drs. Pinkston and Corbin online at simpsonu.edu/music (click “Faculty” on the right, then look for “Media”).
Charles H. Dale ‘38
Dr. Dwayne Corbin
Dr. Dan Pinkston
10 TRANSFORM Spring 2010
TRUSTEE PROFILEMark MathesonCEO, Matheson Trucking Inc.
“It is important to cultivate the
fruits of the spirit in our lives
and strive to be good examples of God’s character
as students as well as out here
in the secular business world.”
Mark Matheson is no stranger to hard work. When he was 5 years old, his father started Matheson Trucking with a single water truck. Today
the Sacramento-based company employs 2,000 people. “I’ve been involved with the business as long as I can remember,” said Mark, who worked in multiple capacities before he was named president and CEO in 2008. Mark, who joined Simpson University’s Board of Trustees in fall 2009, is similarly dedicated to the importance of Christian education. He and his wife, Sherrie, often help sponsor students who wish to stay in Christian school. Their daughter attends a Christian college in Southern California, and their son, Joshua, is a junior at Simpson, majoring in business administration. Joshua, in fact, played a part in his father’s deeper involvement with the university. “He told us of a need that would be a good area for us to give,” Mark said. “Seeing the good that is coming out of Simpson University caused me to want to help in some way.” Mark is encouraged by the “obvious pursuit of excellence in education as well as a Christian walk through life” that Simpson demonstrates. “As a firm believer in Christian education, I would love to see Simpson grow and flourish so that we can produce even more professionals with sound Christian educations,” he said. As a university, we are grateful for the life experience and giving hearts of our trustees, who devote time and resources behind the scenes in support of our mission to develop students to lead and serve. Please join Mark in prayer for our growth and Christ-centered impact on students’ lives.
www.simpsonu.edu / 1-888-9-SIMPSON 11
The first quarter of a new year is a good time to consider new goals and ventures. In this early part of 2010, you may be thinking about your
finances and how best to grow and share those resources. Have you ever considered setting up a charitable gift annuity? It’s an option that assures you of income and allows you to leave a legacy of blessing. If you create a gift annuity with Simpson University, we promise to pay you a fixed rate every year for as long as you live. After that, the balance of your investment will benefit Simpson students. The rates you receive depend on your age -- you might be surprised at how high they are. When you set up a gift annuity, you will receive an income tax deduction and may receive the added benefit of mostly tax-free income. Most exciting, you know that your gift will help us further our mission of developing students in mind, faith and character to influence the world through leadership, scholarship and service. For more information on establishing a charitable gift annuity with Simpson University, please visit our Web site at simpson.giftlegacy.com, call 800-598-2239, or e-mail Gordon Flinn at [email protected].
Good Stewardshipthrough Charitable Gift Annuities
The Gateway to the Future Campaign reached the $8 million mark by the end of 2009. The goal for the end of 2010 is $10 million, with a challenge goal of $13 million. Your campaign donations can be designated to the following projects: Science and Nursing Building, Fine Arts Center, student scholarships, faculty development, and curriculum development. Thank you for your investment in our future!
simpsonu.edu/giving
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