CCCU Advance Spring 2009

Page 1

SPRING2009

weathering the storm

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Watching a shift in power | 16

Assessing spiritual formation | 32

Looking for asteroids | 38


inadvance COVER: Shining a light through stormy times In using various tools to deal with the economic downturn, institutions are aiming to navigate through choppy waters to financial strength. By M.Z. Hemingway

From Soldier to Student A new brigade of students who have served in combat is entering the classroom, with the help of a new GI Bill and support systems. By Mimi Wiggins Perreault

The Measures of Ministry Two scholars aim to discover and document how best to minister to students and facilitate spiritual growth. By Christopher Martin

Gathering for the Inaugural Either on the Mall or in the Auditorium, students and staff took in the transition of a new president. By Mimi Wiggins Perreault

After the Fire Westmont College picks up the pieces and celebrates miracles after the Tea Fire roared through the campus. By Kami L. Rice

The Search for N.E.O.s Looking in the skies for asteroids is a global collaboration for scientists and students at Hardin-Simmons University.

The Council for Christian Colleges & Universities (CCCU) is an international higher education association of intentionally Christian colleges and universities. Founded in 1976 with 38 members, the Council has grown to 111 members in North America and 70 affiliates in 24 countries. The CCCU is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization headquartered on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. The mission of the CCCU is to advance the cause of Christ-centered higher education and to help transform the lives of students by faithfully relating scholarship and service to biblical truth. Distribution CCCU Advance is published each year in the fall and spring and is mailed to members, affiliates and friends of the CCCU. It is also available online at www.cccu.org/advance. Direct questions and letters to the editor to advance@cccu.org. Advertising CCCU Advance is now accepting advertising from organizations that serve the students, faculty or administration of our campuses. For more information and/or to receive a Media Kit please email advertising@cccu.org People Paul R. Corts, Ph.D.

President Nate Mouttet

By Kami L. Rice

Vice President for Communications Mike Plunkett

Editor

From the President . . . . . . 03 | By Paul R. Corts Editor’s Note. . . . . . . . . . . . 04 | By Mike Plunkett Around the Council. . . . . . 05 The news of the CCCU Offices AKA, 9 On the Shelf, 8 By the Numbers, 7 On the Hill. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 New president brings new perspectives on policy. | By Mike Plunkett

R&D . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Institute takes lead in sustainable research. | By Kami L. Rice Going Global. . . . . . . . . . . . 13 A University in Korea serves the least of these. | By Mike Plunkett Open Source . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 E-Software opens up learning possibilities for students. | By Natalie Lester The Last Word. . . . . . . . . . . 42 Senior Fellow goes around the a world to see the Council at work. | By Jim Mannoia

Brandon Rush

Art Director Jason Hohertz

Web Manager Amber Palmer

Advertising Manager Natalie Lester

Editorial Intern Cecily Farrar Walters

Copy Editor


from the President by Paul R. Corts, CCCU President

Changes Allow Crises to Become Opportunities

C

hange is in the air and

So, I welcome you to the most popular

deductions that are important to our

that brings a tremendous

conversation in Washington, as virtually all

members. Most observers believe

burst of hope and

involved in public policy are asking that

that higher education has been treated

optimism about the

question with respect to their own interest.

quite well in the government’s stimulus

future, as well as plenty

of fear about the unknown of change. Those of us here at the CCCU offices

I am optimistic in the short term that our institutions will continue to have their

program and in President Obama’s first budget proposal.

religious exemption for hiring rights.

Many concerns remain about the economy

The surveyors and observer/pundits

and what the longer term impact may

of our nation’s cultural scene seem to

be on our institutions. Nevertheless,

In that spirit, I am very pleased to

be in general agreement that we are in

the challenge of the current economic

present a complete makeover and

for major struggles in the longer term.

crisis provides our institutions with the

upgrade of our CCCU Advance.

Your CCCU staff is committed to work

opportunity to review and readjust, to

Congratulations are in order to our

to ensure our member institutions’

trim expenses and redirect resources.

Vice President for Communications

Constitutional rights both in the short

Like many of you, the Council is taking

Nate Mouttet, Editor Mike Plunkett

term and in the long view. I believe that

cautious actions to hold down costs

and Art Director Brandon Rush for

there have been several early signs and

and help our members—no increase in

their outstanding leadership in this

statements from this Administration that

dues structure next year, a hold on new

effort. We hope you enjoy this

are encouraging and reassuring for us.

positions, increasing our student fees

are hopeful about the opportunities that come with change.

expanded communication!

I am grateful for the Administration’s

Changes are having a potent impact

inclusiveness that provides an

on our political and economic sense

opportunity for input and dialogue

and they bring many challenges but

on issues that are very important

also opportunities. Politically, we have

to the faith community and I pray

a new President/Administration, a

that the Lord will use our honest

strengthened majority party in Congress,

efforts for good.

and consolidation of political power in the hands of Democrats that provides an alignment portending very significant changes and likely quickly.

The economic meltdown that has occurred in our country during the past months has sent shock waves throughout the higher education community and I know

minimally, and trimming back on travel and other expenses; we do this even as we celebrate a record enrollment in our outstanding student programs, plan optimistically for 2009-2010 and prepare for a great International Forum in 2010! As you’ll read in this issue, we are sharing information about some of the many ways our campuses are dealing with the economic crisis that we hope will help other institutions.

Since the election last November, there

from conversations with many of you

We sow the seed and tend the fields and

is one question I’ve probably been asked

that it has had a major impact on most

the Lord provides the harvest. Let us be

more than any other: “What do the

if not all of our campuses. We have

good stewards of the opportunity and

election results mean for the CCCU and

been working in concert with the major

pray for God’s blessing on our work.

our movement?” It is a good question. I

national higher education associations

think even as we ask it, we all do so with

to seek increases in student financial

our own answer in mind, but anxious to

aid, help for the bond financing markets

hear the forecasts of others.

and support for charitable contributions

spring2009 CCCUAdvance 3


Editor’s note A New Publication to Advance the Cause

T

by Mike Plunkett

en years ago, an issue

transform lives, yet the look and feel

of The News publicized

of the mission is shifting. How do we

the name change from

respond? How should we respond?

the Coalition of Christian Colleges to the Council

for Christian Colleges and Universities. With the change in name came new communication initiatives, including the advent of Christian Higher Education Month and a new Council logo. The Council stood at 95 members and 36 affiliates, and each institution looked

Last fall, the CCCU released the “Blueprint for the Future,” the vision of the Council through 2012. One of the planks outlined the goal of CCCU Communications, including a publication that truly meets the needs of the entirety of our membership. This issue is the manifestation of that vision.

“ The goal for CCCU Advance is to be a mirror of the movement.”

at the turn of the new century with

It’s only fitting that a decade after the

these crucial areas of higher education.

excitement and anticipation.

renaming of our organization, we are

CCCU President Paul R. Corts gets the

While many were grappling with the

proud to introduce the new CCCU

first word, while each issue finishes with

Advance. The design, elegantly and

a guest writer providing “The Last Word.”

ramifications of Y2K, institutions also were dealing with questions about the future of higher education. Issues of

thoughtfully constructed by Art Director Brandon Rush, captures the vibrancy

growth in numbers, the vast potential

of our students and the vitality of our

of online learning and the overall value

campuses. In addition to reading in print

of higher education in a changing

form, CCCU Advance is available in a

economic structure sat on the fence of

digital format at CCCU.org.

the 20th century.

The goal for CCCU Advance is to be a

Much has happened in a decade. The

mirror of the movement. What issues

membership recently added Shorter

are looming on the minds of presidents?

College (GA) as the 111th member.

What trends are professors speaking

The number of affiliates has nearly

about? We aim to tell stories of change

doubled. The touch points of the Council

and stability, innovation and constancy.

are felt in 24 countries, and in many ways, working globally and locally are one and the same.

To that end, CCCU Advance has grown. This issue is anchored with features on the realities affecting our institutions, as

I am thankful for the hard work the writers for this issue—M.Z. Hemingway, Natalie Lester, Chris Martin, Mimi Wiggins Perreault and Kami Rice— put into telling the story of the CCCU members, but also laying the groundwork for the future of CCCU Advance. I also offer my thanks to Cecily Farrar Walters, Jocelyn Green and Amber Palmer for all their valuable contributions. We want to hear from you. Starting next issue, we will publish letters to the editor. Send your letter to advance@cccu.org. Please include your name and institution affiliation. Letters

Yet, minus the threat of Y2K, there still

well as the uniqueness of our members

is much uncertainty, and questions

and affiliates. “Around the Council”

linger which don’t have easy answers.

hosts the news of Council offices, while

As we are Christ’s hands and feet and

The movement of Christ-centered higher

four new sections—Open Source, R&D,

doing God’s work, let us celebrate Christ-

education is dedicated to its mission

On the Hill and Going Global—feature

centered higher education and prepare

of advancing the cause and helping to

what is happening within the CCCU in

to move forward.

4 CCCUAdvance spring2009

will be edited for clarity and grammar.


around the council During his 28-year tenure as director of the American Studies Program, Jerry Herbert (RIGHT) has taught more than 2,000 students from CCCU institutions worldwide. Herbert will be stepping down at the end of the spring 2009 semester. To read more, go to page 7.

Presidents Office

was named new vice chair and Mike

president of the Tennessee Independent

CCCU OKs New Member, Board Directors

O’Neal of Oklahoma Christian University

Colleges and Universities Association;

(OK) was named as the new secretary/

Gregory Baylor, director for the Center

treasurer. He takes over for Jon Wallace,

of Law & Religious Freedom, Christian

During the 33rd Annual Presidents

president of Azusa Pacific University

Legal Society and Gary Cook, president

Conference of the CCCU Jan. 29-31,

(CA), who finished his second term on

of Dallas Baptist University (TX),

2009 in Washington, D.C., officials

the Board of Directors.

finished their respective terms of service.

“What a great time to become chair

Newly elected board directors approved

of the CCCU board. Our association

during the Annual Business Meeting

Board of Directors.

president, Paul Corts, has set a firm

are Sandra Gray, president of Asbury

course for the CCCU,” Zylstra said. “The

College (KY); Ron Manahan, president

Shorter College in Rome, Ga., is a

International Forum in Atlanta is only

of Grace College and Theological

Southern Baptist-affiliated liberal

a year away. Membership is growing.

Seminary (IN); Chip Pollard, president

arts college seeking to provide quality

Student programs are expanding.

of John Brown University (AR) and Pat

higher education, enabling and

Overall, the Council provides an

Taylor, president of Southwest Baptist

encouraging student commitment

incomparable package of institutional

University (MO).

to active lifelong learning, personal

and presidential support, leadership

spiritual values, responsible citizenship

training, faculty development, student

and community and societal leadership

programming and public policy

in a global context.

advocacy…Chairing the board is both

Bethel University (MN) has received

humbling and exciting.”

the Robert and Susan Andringa Award

approved Shorter College (GA) as the 111th member of the Council and announced new leadership on the

Carl Zylstra, president of Dordt College

Bethel Receives Andringa Award for Racial Harmony

for Advancing Racial Harmony.

(IA), was named the new chair of

Several presidents and other leaders

the CCCU Board of Directors. Zylstra

concluded their terms on the board

The Robert and Susan Andringa

replaces Bob Brower, president of

of directors and were thanked during

Award for Advancing Racial Harmony

Point Loma Nazarene University (CA),

the closing banquet. In addition to

celebrates the achievements of CCCU

who served as chair for two two-year

Brower and Wallace, Justin Cooper of

campuses in making progress in the

terms. Brower remains on the Board

Redeemer University College (Ancaster,

areas of diversity, racial harmony and

as immediate past chair. In addition,

ON, Canada); David Dockery of Union

Kim Phipps of Messiah College (PA)

University (TN); Claude Pressnell,

continued on page 6>>

spring2009 CCCUAdvance 5


around the council

AWARD WINNERS

“I’m both humbled and honored to accept this award on behalf of Bethel,” said Dr. Jay Barnes, Bethel University president. “I’m honored because I’m proud of the progress Bethel has made toward becoming an anti-racist institution. We have more faculty of color and more students of color enrolled than we’ve ever had, and it makes my heart sing. I think something is happening at Bethel that is changing the momentum on issues of reconciliation, and I’m excited by what God is doing and grateful for the recognition. I’m also humbled because I know there is much more to be done.…Reconciliation is something we should all care about, not because it is ‘politically correct,’ but because it is a biblically-driven agenda.”

Packer Honored with Leadership Award Brandon Rush

Dr. James I. Packer, a renowned author and theologian, was honored with the 2009 Mark O. Hatfield Leadership Award. Named for the former U.S. senator from Oregon and longtime supporter of the CCCU, the Mark O. Hatfield Award is presented to individuals who have demonstrated uncommon leadership that reflects the values of Christian higher education. Packer is the author of more than 30 books, including his 1973 classic Knowing God. He is an executive editor of Christianity Today and was general editor of the English Standard Version of The Bible, published in fall 2001. His Collected Shorter Writings

TOP: Dr. Jay R. Barnes, president of Bethel University (MN), accepts the Robert and Susan Andringa Award for Advancing Racial Harmony. BOTTOM: Dr. J.I. Packer, center, talking with David Dockery and Paul R. Corts, called for a renewal in bringing up a new generation of catechists and theologizers.

are available in four volumes, and a selection of his articles has been published as the J.I. Packer Collection. Packer currently is the Board of Governors’ Professor of Theology at Regent College in Vancouver, B.C., Canada. “Christ-centered higher education is crucially needed for the spiritual health of both the church and the wider community

from page 5>>

in North America today. The advancing juggernaut of postChristianity calls for a re-Christianizing of the world of thought

reconciliation. It started in 2000 as the Racial Harmony Award

leadership and thus must be done by persons qualified to do

and was renamed at the 2006 International Forum in honor of

it. But without higher education of the highest quality, fed

Dr. Andringa, who retired that year.

by a steady flow of significant research, qualified cultural

Since its launch in 2005, Bethel’s unique reconciliation studies major has prepared graduates to mediate ethnic, economic, gender, religious and other forms of social conflict using biblical principles. Nearly half of the student body studies cross-culturally. Students do service-learning work in the diverse Frogtown-Summit/University area of St. Paul, and the University has begun adult education

contenders will inevitably be lacking and Christianity will become a shrinking cultural island. I plead, and pray, for finely educated educators who will stand in the gap,” Packer said.

Mannoia, McWhertor Named Senior Fellows The CCCU announces the appointments of Dr. Jim Mannoia and Tom McWhertor as Senior Fellows.

courses in the community. Led by Chief Diversity Officer

Mannoia is charged with the development of international

Leon Rodrigues, the 35-member Bethel Anti-Racism and

programming, particularly the development of a grant proposal

Reconciliation Commission seek to catalyze change on the

for expansion of the work of the CCCU with international

campus and the community.

institutions of Christ-centered higher education.

6 CCCUAdvance spring2009


around the council Mannoia served as

in Michigan. Previously, McWhertor

“As I look back on 28 years with the

president of Greenville

served at Calvin College (MI) for 16

American Studies Program, I am most

College (IL) for 10 years

years, finishing as vice president of

grateful. It has indeed been a good run

until his retirement in

enrollment and external programs.

for me. Teaching at ASP has been such

July 2008. Previously,

Senior Fellows are leaders and experts

he was academic vice

Mannoia

president and dean at

appointed by the president of the Council on special issues and projects.

and associate academic

Senior Fellows serve at the direction

dean at Westmont

of the president.

College (CA).

“Working with John Bernbaum and Rich Gathro when Jeannie and I first

CCCU who are tasked to assist the

Houghton College (NY)

an incredible blessing” Herbert said.

arrived in D.C., teaching now with Peter Baker and Gerry Hartis, and serving with ASP faculty and staff over the years has without a doubt helped me grow

Student Programs

both professionally Jesus. Perhaps most

director for a comprehensive market

Leadership Changes Hands at American Studies Program

research program, undertaken in

At the conclusion of the spring 2009

richly and been

collaboration with the CCCU

semester, Jerry Herbert will step down

deeply shaped by the

membership and Noel-Levitz, Inc.

as director of ASP and current faculty

invaluable experiences

Since 1986, the market research

member Peter Baker will assume the

and friendships I have

project provides timely information

director position.

had working with ASP

As part of his undertakings as Senior

McWhertor

Fellow, McWhertor will be the project

for CCCU institutions regarding

Herbert has served as director of the

potential students and the changing

American Studies Program for 28 years,

environment of higher education.

providing leadership and guidance to

McWhertor is the new director of

more than 2,000 students during his

constituency development for the

tenure, with more than 400 ASP alumni

Christian Reformed World Relief, based

who currently work in the D.C. area.

and as a follower of of all, I have benefited

herbert

students and alumni over the years. I thank the Council for giving me the chance to have baker continued on page 8>>

CCCU Retention and Graduation Rates, 2007-08 | compiled by Nita Stemmler

Freshman to Sophomore Retention Rate

Sophomore to Junior Retention Rate

5-year Graduation Rate

6-year Graduation Rate

All CCCU Institutions Reporting (N=84)

73.57%

62.78%

54.17%

56.14%

Range

42%-96%

35%-88%

16%-87%

10%-86%

Top Quartile Rate

78.70%

69.94%

62.11%

64%

Median Rate

73.5%

63%

53%

57%

Bottom Quartile Rate

69%

54%

46.58%

49%

Traditional Selectivity (ACT 20-23, SAT 955-1050)

69.56%

57.36%

48.46%

50.40%

Selective Admissions

79.11%

70.25%

61.04%

63.40%

(ACT above 23, SAT above 1055)

Note: The differences in rates between the traditional admissions selectivity institutions and the selective institutions is significant at the p<.001 level across all rates.

spring2009 CCCUAdvance 7


around the council said. “Consequently, ASP is uniquely positioned to create opportunities for Council students to directly engage individuals and institutions of global influence as they prepare to take their place among them. The transformative potential of the program remains rooted in the original vision of ASP’s early leaders, expressed in our commitment to resist the compartmentalization of

Blind Spot: When Journalists Don’t Get Religion Terry Mattingly, nationally syndicated columnist and director of the Washington Journalism Center, is one of 14 authors of Blind Spot: When Journalists Don’t Get Religion (Oxford University Press). Edited by Paul Marshall, Lela Gilbert and Roberta Green Ahmanson and with backing from the Oxford Centre for Religion and Public Life’s Media Project, Blind Spot argues that a grasp of religion is crucial within the context of the media, especially in our complex and multi-layered day and age. In addition to Mattingly, Blind Spot features contributions from Michael Gerson, John J. DiLulio Jr. and others. Blind Spot won the 2009 Wilbur Award for Non-Fiction Book. For more information, go to www.blindspotreligion.com.

Faith Deployed: Daily Encouragement for Military Wives Jocelyn Green, former editor of CCCU publications, recently authored Faith Deployed: Daily Encouragement for Military Wives (Moody Publishers). A graduate of Taylor University (IN) and a former military wife herself, Green wrote and compiled devotions from fourteen other military wives from each branch of the U.S. Armed Forces, three of whom are also graduates of CCCU institutions: Sarah Ball, John Brown University (AR); Sara Horn, Union University (TN); Lasana Ritchie, Indiana Wesleyan University (IN). Faith Deployed uses real-life illustrations, Scripture, and insights from noted Christian scholars to address how the Bible relates specifically to what military wives experience. For more information, visit www.faithdeployed.com.

our faith and instead challenge students to consider how thinking biblically can create new opportunities in public policy and sustainable development.” The deadlines for applying to the BestSemester programs for |the 2009-10 academic year are: Spring 2010 semester Oct. 1 Regular Admission May 1 Early Admission

BestSemester Enrollment Smashes Records A record 363 students are attending a BestSemester off-campus study program during the 2009 spring semester, according to the Office of Student Programs for the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities. Combined with the 2008 fall semester, the Office of Student Programs set an enrollment record with 726 students attending a BestSemester culturecrossing and culture-shaping program during the 2008-09 academic year.

from page 7>>

learned and experienced so much.

background in both academic research

Now it is time for me to move on to

and business development that includes

new opportunities. I have the highest

a significant amount of work experience

regard for the current ASP team and am

outside the United States.

confident the program is in good hands as it looks to the future.” Baker is a spring 1996 ASP alum and

“We who live in Washington, D.C. are learning to live in these times of change

PD&R Department Adds Two to Team The CCCU welcomes Juliene Moore and Lisa-Jo Baker to the Professional Development & Research team. Juliene Moore, the new director of conference services, is responsible

and complexity. There is a great deal

for coordinating the planning and

University (IL). He received his Ph.D.

to be excited about regarding the new

execution of the Council’s conferences

in Political Science from the University of

opportunities opening up to our students

and workshops.

Notre Dame in 2008. He arrives with a

in the present environment,” Baker

a 1997 graduate of Olivet Nazarene

8 CCCUAdvance spring2009

continued on page 10>>


around the council

Since last summer, several CCCU institutions have installed new presidents and have changed names. compiled by Natalie Lester

Bethel University (MN) The delegates to the Bethel Corporation elected Dr. James H. Barnes as the fifth President of Bethel on June 26. He has been a member of the Bethel family for 13 years, previously serving as a provost and executive vice president to the college.

Spring Arbor University (MI) Spring Arbor University announced Dr. Charles Webb as the school’s 29th president. Webb comes from Michigan State University where he has served as a vice president of development. He assumed his position at SAU on June 1, 2008.

Carson-Newman College (TN) The Board of Trustees at Carson-Newman College elected Dr. Randall O’Brien as the institution’s next president in July 2008. He had previously served as executive vice president, provost, professor of religion and law at Baylor University (TX).

Sterling College (KS) Dr. Paul J. Maurer became the 11th president of Sterling College on Jan. 8, 2009. He has led Trinity International University (IL) for the past six years as the senior vice president of institutional advancement. He has also been on staff at Westmont College (CA).

Cornerstone University (MI) The Board of Trustees appointed Dr. Joseph Stowell as the 11th president of Cornerstone University in the summer of 2008. Stowell previously served as president of Moody Bible Institute in Chicago. He is a member of the board and executive committee of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.

VANGUARD UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA (CA) The Board of Trustees appointed Dr. Carol Taylor in March 2009. Taylor previously served as the provost at Vanguard. She came to Vanguard from Biola University (CA), where she served as vice provost of undergraduate education.

East Texas Baptist University (TX) On Oct. 15, 2008, the Board of Trustees from East Texas Baptist University selected Dr. Samuel W. “Bud” Oliver as the school’s next president. Oliver had previously been serving at Baylor University (TX) as the vice president for student development.

Warner Pacific College (OR) Board of Trustees unanimously elected Dr. Andrea P. Cook as president. Dr. Cook served as interim president since November. She began her service at WPC as vice president for advancement.

Insitutional Name Changes

Northwest Nazarene University (ID) Dr. David Alexander assumed his position as president of Northwest Nazarene University on July 1, 2008. The Board of Trustees unanimously elected him on March 8, 2008. He has served at NNU for 17 years as the Vice President for University Advancement and in previous positions within the university’s music department.

Briercrest College (Caronport, SK, Canada) has changed its name to Briercrest College Seminary. The Web site remains www.briercrest.ca.

Oklahoma Baptist University (OK) Oklahoma Baptist University announced Dr. David Whitlock as the 15th president of the university. He had previously been serving Southwest Baptist University (MO) as an associate provost and dean of the college of business and computer science.

Malone College (OH) has changed its name to Malone University. The institution can be found on the Web at www.malone.edu.

Northwest Christian College (OR) has changed its name to Northwest Christian University. The Web site can be found at www.northwestchristian.edu.

Warner Southern College (FL) has changed its name to Warner University. The school will keep the Web address www.warner.edu.

Oral Roberts University (OK) Oral Roberts University named Dr. Mark Rutland as the institution’s new president on January 28, 2009. Rutland was president of Southeastern University, where he has served the last ten years. Rutland takes over on July 1.

spring2009 CCCUAdvance 9


around THE AROUND the COUNCIL council CCCU Center for Research in Adult Learning Gears Up with New Initiatives, Conference

from page 8>>

Juliene received has her bachelor’s from Georgetown University and received her master’s

The CCCU Center for Research in Adult Learning remains

in Hotel, Restaurant & Tourism Management

active in its pursuit for its understanding of adult education

from the University of South Carolina. As the new director of development and

in the CCCU. Leaders are planning research opportunities baker

research, Lisa-Jo brings seven years of

and an informative conference in the coming months. The Center is preparing to host a conference on May 12-13

experience in grant development work

at the Greenwood Education Center in Greenwood, Ind. The

to the Council.

seminar will focus on centering Christ in adult education

Most recently, she worked for Habitat for

and will include topics of spiritual transformation of adults,

Humanity—both in its Africa and Middle East

integration of faith and learning, learning outcomes in adult

area office in Pretoria, South Africa and its

moore

programs, online learning and adult student retention.

headquarters in Atlanta. Before that, she worked

Those interested in attending the event can find costs and

for the International Organization for Migration, Mission in

accommodations at www.indwes.edu/cral/conferences.htm.

Ukraine. During her career in development, Lisa-Jo has helped bring in, manage and report on grants from both public and private institutions ranging from a few thousand dollars to multi-

For more information on the Center, please go to www.indwes.edu/cral.

year, multi-million dollar grants. A native of South Africa, Lisa-Jo has her bachelor’s from Gordon College (MA) and received her law degree from the University of Notre Dame. 10 CCCUAdvance spring2009

compiled by Natalie Lester and Mike Plunkett


on the hill New Presidency Brings New Perspectives on Policies by Mike Plunkett

A

change in presidents usually means a change

Religious Hiring Rights

in policy. Depending on the issue and promises

The question of hiring based on religious mission continues

made during the campaign, changes can be

to be an issue on the forefront of Council institutions and

for good or for ill. Administrations spend much

the public policy work of the CCCU. The Employment Non-

of the first moments of a presidency (and much

Discrimination Act of 2007 (ENDA) did not a reach a Senate

political capital) reconciling a course laid out during an election

vote before the 2008 election. The House version of ENDA

with the present realities of a nation.

included language that incorporates the exemptions of Sec.

Although the Obama presidency is just a few months old

02, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act as amended.

and economic doldrums crowd the debates in Washington,

During a time of questions and answers during a plenary

discussions and decisions that directly affect the CCCU

session on Faith and Public Life at the Presidents Conference,

membership are taking place.

Rep. James Clyburn (D-SC), the Majority Whip for the 111th Congress, noted that even as concerns were raised regarding

Funding Education

comments made by then-Senator Obama on the campaign

During his address to a Joint Session of Congress in March,

trail regarding the issue of faith-based organizations receiving

President Obama called for a long-term reform to education,

government funds, he stated there isn’t a need to be overly

urging all Americans to commit to at least one year of higher

anxious about a change in public policy regarding hiring rights.

education, with the goal of having the nation as the best in

He noted that hiring based upon religious mission has been and

the world in producing college graduates by 2020.

is currently protected by lawful provisions.

To match his rhetoric, the president proposed sweeping changes

“The law is there. The civil rights protection for you is there.

to student aid and lending in his FY 2010 budget. Ideas such

I don’t believe you ever have to fear someone’s interpretation

as making Pell Grants an entitlement program; eliminating

about a comment made about the campaign in regards to your

bank- and lender-based student loans programs; converting

freedoms to hire Methodists to teach or preach in a Methodist

the application of all student loans into a direct loan program

church. … We do have to be very careful that we don’t allow

and reforming the Perkins Loan program were quickly praised

these things to be used to do unsavory things in the name of

as well as criticized by those within higher education.

religion,” Rep. Clyburn said.

In the stimulus package passed by Congress and signed

This issue continues to be closely monitored by the Council

by the President in February, institutions benefited from

office and by member and affiliate institutions. As Rep. Roy

increased Pell Grants and tax credits. Yet, new contributions

Blunt (R-MO) said in his remarks at the Presidents Conference,

to the Perkins Loan program and an increase in limits on

“If there’s no other reason to be in Washington, D.C., it’s to

unsubsidized loans weren’t passed.

engage in as many battles as you should. You cannot be who

Questions regarding taking government funds for purposes outside of student aid have and continue to be ongoing on

are you are if you lose the ability to hire based on a common purpose.”

CCCU campuses. The debate on the future of student lending is just beginning.

spring2009 CCCUAdvance 11


open source Open Software Programs Enhance Learning Process by Natalie Lester

T

rying experiences with technology can often lead to images of fists through computer screens or dreams of watching hard drives plummet off a balcony to destruction. However, some modern software programs

are assisting CCCU campuses with time management in their classrooms and student-teacher relationships. “I am able to individualize learning more than I ever could before,” said Bonni Stachowiak, assistant business professor at Vanguard University of Southern California (CA). “Largerthan-usual classes can still provide the one-on-one attention that students love. I feel I am more able to live God’s calling to help students use the gifts He gave them in their careers when I can connect with them individually using technology.

million users and nearly 2 million teachers. Stachowiak uses the program to improve the learning environment for Vanguard students. “Typically, the classes I teach involve two-thirds of the class time spent in the classroom and one-third of the time learning online in an unscheduled, asynchronous environment,” Stachowiak explained. “[Students] can go through various lessons at 3 o’clock in the morning if that is the best time for them.” Professors control the settings of their classroom by adding and monitoring research resources and homework activities. Course assignments can be broken down by week or topic. Instructors access the program based on their user preferences and customize the program for each class. Other

This also frees up more opportunities for face-to-face

software can be added to Moodle to augment the experience

interaction with students when technology facilitates some

for both teachers and students. Stachowiak’s students are

of the more administrative-type work professors face.”

benefiting from the technology component of her classes.

As technology marches on, American classrooms evolve and

“Like any new technology, Moodle was foreign to me and

CCCU classrooms are keeping up by offering their courses

needed some getting used to,” said senior Matt Ross. “But

off-site and online through various software innovations.

in a matter of a week, I began to appreciate the effectiveness

Open source programs, such as Moodle learning, have changed some classroom environments and opened

of the program. Moodle has given me the ability to effectively participate in class from the comfort of my own home.”

opportunities for non-traditional learners who are

Ross is a business administration major at Vanguard.

unable to participate in a traditional college setting.

He has taken two classes, intro to business and sales,

“Using these tools makes the learning environment much

that had Moodle as part of the class requirements.

more interactive,” said Stachowiak. “I can assess how

“I am a very visual person and the PowerPoints and

students are doing in a course well before an actual exam

click slides used in Moodle reinforce what has been

and adjust my teaching approach to align with their unique

covered in the classroom,” said Amira Adams, president

learning styles. They also get the individualized attention

of the Students in Free Enterprise chapter at Vanguard.

that their generation tends to crave, making their return on

“It is a convenient way of learning from home or the

investment in a private education more evident to them.”

school library, etc. It is also a great way for students and

Moodle is a moldable service that can be used to facilitate courses completely online or in conjunction with a typical classroom setting. According to statistics posted on Moodle.org, there are over 51,000 registered validated sites in 208 countries, with more than 29

12 CCCUAdvance spring2009

professors to stay in constant contact, without playing e-mail or phone tag. Moodle allows me to access my course syllabus, study guides and even my grades.” Natalie Lester is currently a junior at Carson-Newman College (TN). She is a double major in journalism and literature.


going global Korean University Sets Standard for Rehabilitation Studies by Mike Plunkett

K

orea Nazarene University

in Cheonan, Republic of Korea, is taking Christ’s commandment of “serving the least of

these” seriously. What started as efforts to provide tangible assistance for those who are in need, both in enrolling students and hiring faculty with special needs, became the framework for a comprehensive program of study in rehabilitation. Since the launching of

Jim Mannoia

toward facilitating those with special

In addition to its institutes, Korea

needs. They are walking their talk.”

Nazarene offers both a master’s of

its rehabilitation studies program in

In a presentation at the 33rd Annual

1997, Korea Nazarene is leading the

Presidents Conference in Washington,

way in Asia and the rest of the world

D.C., Dr. Abraham Im, President of Korea

in this important and necessary field.

Nazarene, presented the opportunities

Founded in 1954 by American missionary Donald Owens, KNU now is the largest of the consortium of 57 institutions affiliated with the Church of the Nazarene, with nearly 6,000 undergraduate and graduate students.

at KNU for its rehabilitation studies

Fairbanks, education commissioner for the Church of the Nazarene and former president of Mount Vernon Nazarene University (OH). “What separates KNU from other institutions is not just their academic program, which is top-notch, but their whole campus is geared

sports rehabilitation and other forms of rehabilitation.

emphasis on going “glocal,” embracing

physical, mental, emotional and

both the global and the local in a

spiritual. These factors drive KNU’s

holistic manner. Fairbanks noted that

efforts in its myriad programs.

a large contingency of students are

Living & Employment Center nurtures

colleges and universities,” said LeBron

include rehabilitation psychology,

rehabilitation takes on many forms:

needs add to the student body.

in Asia and globally among Christian

rehabilitation sciences. These programs

The university also places a high

The Assistance for Barrier-Free

in the rehab studies programs, both

arts and a master’s of science in

program. Im pointed out that

Appoximately 350 students with special

“KNU is making a remarkable example

State of the art classroom enables students with special needs to fully engage with other students at Korea Nazarene University.

challenged students to be competitive and professionally qualified to lead

Chinese, with many also representing non-Asian nations. In addition, KNU shares partnerships with universities in China and Japan.

in the knowledge-based society,

“KNU is setting the pace in Korea and

by integrating education and living.

beyond. Their faculty are consultants

Started in August 2000, the Center

to campuses worldwide in rehabilitation

has expanded its resources to

studies. They recognize they have a

reach those with special needs in all

responsibility for what they believe is

capacities. For its efforts, the Center

a direction from the Lord for them.

was selected as an Exemplary Program

They sense that and aren’t backing

for supporting disabled students by

away from it,” Fairbanks said.

the Korean Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development.

spring2009 CCCUAdvance 13


R&D New Institute Promotes Kingdom Practices of Sustainability by Kami L. Rice

J

uliana Lezama tells the story of her 9-year-old self who, while riding with her mother, was writing down license plate numbers of cars emitting excessive amounts of pollution. She then wrote a letter to the Ministry of the Environment of her native Colombia

to report the polluters. Her passion hasn’t waned from its early beginning, so it’s no surprise that she joined the first cohort to enter programs offered by Lipscomb University’s (TN) new Institute for

Sustainable Practice, following the completion of her undergrad degree in political science. “I found my calling,” she said, speaking of sustainability. “It’s not only what I want to do with my career, but it’s a way of life. …It’s really refreshing to study what is my passion in life.” She couldn’t find anything like this program back home in Colombia. While she would love to work in sustainability there, she said it’s difficult because underdeveloped countries don’t yet have the resources to support sustainability. Companies aren’t interested yet, and one can’t find supplies to provide products necessary for energy-efficient homes and businesses.

Kristi Jones

ABOVE: Lipscomb and the Institute is taking the lead on green initiatives, including the construction of the new Burton Health Sciences Center and Villages at Lipscomb Residential Complex, which represents a $21 million renewable energy and green building effort by the campus and by hosting the 2008 Tennessee Green Business Expo (RIGHT). anti-environmental movement perspective before he began to be interested in emerging trends in green marketing. That led to learning about the environmental side effects of production,

Lipscomb is positioning itself as a leader in the emerging

which took him to study consumerism and finally deposited him

field of sustainability. With the October 2007 inception of the

in the sustainability movement. “I stumbled across the word

Institute for Sustainable Practice, the university launched an

sustainability and was like, that’s what I’m looking at,”

undergraduate major and minor in sustainability, as well as a

he said. The uniqueness of Lipscomb’s program and the fact

graduate certificate program and a terminal master’s degree.

that it was faith-based drew him to the school, as did its location

The first students were welcomed into these programs during

in Nashville.

the 2008-09 academic term.

Lipscomb is the first—and currently the only—school in

The Institute’s first and second cohorts have attracted students

Tennessee to offer majors in sustainability. Before beginning

with an excitingly diverse array of backgrounds: a pharmacist, a

these programs, Lipscomb was already going green. When the

waitress, a stay-at-home mother/accountant, a civil engineer, a

school’s Ezell Center was constructed in 2005-06, it was the

farmer’s market employee, a coffeehouse manager, a landscape

first academic building in Nashville to use geothermal heating

architect, a homebuilder and more.

and cooling systems. All-new construction on campus since

Preston Clark, a U.S. Army officer in the sustainability

then has included this energy-saving system.

concentration of Lipscomb’s MBA program, is an example of

Sustainability’s goal is to “holistically integrate the needs of

a Christian whose perspective has shifted. He came from an

people, the planet and prosperity,” explained Dodd Galbreath,

14 CCCUAdvance spring2009


R&D executive director of the Institute. A truly trans-disciplinary field, the sustainability movement is rooted in “love for all generations and all species across time that do not deserve to inherit our wastes, depleted resources and eroded quality of life.” “Fundamentally, sustainability is the secular world’s alternative to kingdom living,” said Galbreath. “It has emerged

Lipscomb is the first—and currently the only—school in Tennessee to offer majors in sustainability.

as a way to achieve justice and prosperity in the world.” It’s critical that Christians be part of this movement because without their participation, the world “will miss out on the opportunity to know that this kingdom living of today can be extended forever.” Much about the principles of sustainability fit closely with Jesus’

broadest intent: to create a better life

Health Sciences Center, which has

for people, the planet and prosperity,”

been submitted for LEED (Leadership

Galbreath explained. The Institute model

in Energy and Environmental Design)

was chosen because it supports an

certification and is expected to be the

innovative approach to education that

first LEED-certified academic building

includes service to the local community

in the state.

and connection to the wider world.

True sustainability programs are

The Institute is involved in both passive

particularly rare at faith-based schools,

and active partnerships with other

though some, including some CCCU

organizations in Nashville. Passive

schools, are incorporating sustainability

partnerships take the form of providing

elements into environmental studies

free meeting space on campus to

programs. Most notably, John Brown

Historically, the environmental movement

organizations working on various

University (AR) has announced the

has had an uneasy relationship with

aspects of sustainability. Active

addition of a bachelor of science

much of the evangelical Christian

partnerships include organizing and

degree in renewable energy beginning

world for several reasons, including

hosting an annual Green Business and

in fall 2009. It is the first university

the perception that environmentalism

Living Summit. The second annual

worshipped creation more than the

summit will be held in April 2009.

teaching. “It amazes me that secular people have figured out the holistic aspect of Jesus’ teaching before many Christians have,” Galbreath added.

Creator and ignored real needs for jobs and livelihood. But Galbreath explained that a more fact-driven approach has quietly emerged, largely supported by corporations, non-profit organizations

Additionally, Galbreath and the Institute have relationships with the other higher education institutions in Nashville. Fellow CCCU member Trevecca Nazarene

in Arkansas and one of only a few in the U.S. offering a four-year degree in the field. In addition, the CCCU announced that six institutions were awarded mini-grants up to $5,000 to begin the implementation of creation care

and other bottom-up sources that aren’t

University (TN) has brought students to

as political. “As sustainability emerged

tour Lipscomb’s campus, and Galbreath

as the new and much-improved

has participated with Trevecca’s

While sustainability is best done in

environmental movement, it began to

president, Dr. Dan Boone, in events on

partnership with others, Lezama noted,

make more sense to people. ‘Hey, this is

faith and the environment. Galbreath

“It’s important to educate people

rational,’ [they realized]…Sustainability

has also participated in conferences at

about the problem and let them know

has the potential to connect eternal

Vanderbilt University and served as a

everything they do has an impact on

thinking with sustainable thinking and to

guest lecturer there. He anticipates that

the environment.”

create more faith rather than less faith.”

Vanderbilt will be a significant partner in

The Institute for Sustainable Practice

programs on their respective campuses.

sustainability research.

was created to meet the growing need

In August 2008, Lipscomb dedicated

for “trained, credentialed leaders who

almost $21 million in new green

understand sustainability from its

construction, including the Burton

Kami Rice (www.kamirice.com), a 1997 graduate of Asbury College (KY) and an alumna of the American Studies Program, is based in Nashville and loves working as a freelance writer.

spring2009 CCCUAdvance 15


around the council inauguration A crowd of students, faculty, staff, and community members gathered at Goshen College (IN) to watch Barack Obama take the oath of office on Jan. 20, 2009.

Jodi H. Beyeler

Either on the Mall or in the Auditorium, campuses watch the peaceful transfer of power. by Mimi Wiggins Perreault

J

uliana Wilhoit stood near

election night, where Obama gave his

the National Air and Space

acceptance speech as the next president

Museum on the National

of the United States. She said while this

Mall looking over the crowds

was her first time to vote in a national

of people who had gathered

since 4 a.m., and realized the bond she shared with those present. It was the beginning of a change. “History was made,” Wilhoit, 20, a sophomore at Wheaton College (IL),

said with excitement. “And, hey, I was one of those people involved.” Wilhoit is president of the Wheaton College chapter of College Democrats, and avidly campaigned for President Barack Obama on her campus, in Racine and Marysville, Wis., and even made it to Grant Park in Chicago on

16 CCCUAdvance spring2009

“ No matter who you voted for, that act of relinquishment by one president to another, especially by a political adversary, is truly awe-inspiring.” James Brenneman, Ph.D. president, Goshen College (IN)

election, her involvement made her feel like her vote counted. She said her reasons for being an Obama supporter were very much in line with her Christian faith. “The Democratic Party has a platform of providing justice,” she said. “In a lot of ways, I feel like the church has just failed. We need change within the church. It’s a people-centered party.” Wilhoit flew in from Chicago for the inaugural festivities on Sunday morning, attended the We Are One concert that evening and even made it to one of the


aroundinauguration the council inaugural balls at George Washington University the evening after the ceremony. She said she could not think of any place she would have rather been that weekend. “We all worked so hard to get there,” she said. “The number of people was amazing.” President Obama took the oath of office in a ceremony flanked by prayer, an invocation by Saddleback Church’s Rick Warren that included the Lord’s Prayer and a benediction by Rev. Joseph Lowery, who acknowledged the significance of Obama’s presidency in relation to the dreams of Martin Luther King, Jr. Wilhoit said these references to faith made the ceremony even more meaningful. Also in the crowd was Washington Journalism Center student Zachary

Danika Heatherly

Klemme, 20, a student from Asbury

“One of the most amazing, even

College (KY), who said he was touched

miraculous, signs of American

by the experience even though he did

democracy at its best is the peaceful

not vote for Obama.

transition of power we are about

“The opportunity to experience this

to witness,” Brenneman said. “No

event with so many people in the city

matter who you voted for, that act

that were in a celebratory mood and

of relinquishment by one president

who were so genuinely excited about

to another, especially by a political

the event was what made it great to be

adversary, is truly awe-inspiring.”

with all three or four million people,”

Brenneman, his son Quinn and a crowd

Klemme said. “I will remember how people pushed aside the complicating circumstances of the event—the cold, the sheer number of people who were in the city, the extra police and security personnel to deal with, traffic issues and so on—to remain focused on the event itself. Perseverance, really, in a way.”

Watching Back Home While preparing to watch back home in

of students and faculty attended the event. Two professors previewed the event with scholarly information about its historical and political significance, and the event concluded with commentary by two professors about what was said during the inauguration ceremony, including an acknowledgement to Arizona Sen. John McCain for his concession speech.

Indiana, Goshen College (IN) President

Goshen was one of several CCCU

James Brenneman released a statement

institutions that had inauguration viewing

before a two-hour long community

parties, many of which corresponded

viewing party where more than 400

with festivities celebrating the birthday of

watched in the campus’s Umble Center

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

on a movie theater-sized screen.

continued on page 18>>

Buck James

TOP: Whitworth students traveled to the nation’s capital to stand among the crowds as Obama was sworn into office. BOTTOM: Approximately 1.5 million people on the National Mall witnessed the inauguration of the nation’s first African-American president.

spring2009 CCCUAdvance 17


around the council inauguration

“ The opportunity to experience this event with so many people in the city that were in a celebratory mood and who were so genuinely excited about the event was what made it great.” Zach Klemme, Junior, Asbury College (KY)

Buck James

a crowd waits on E Street to get past a security check point in an attempt to get onto the Inaugural Parade Route.

from page 17>>

perspective of people from all 50 states. While they came up a

Junior Jacob Schlabach from St. Paul, Minn., attended the

few states short, the video collection presented a diverse array

Goshen gathering and reflected on Obama’s inaugural address.

of perspectives from the event. McPherson acknowledged that

“Did Obama give me hope? Yes, though not in the way that

the experience was a teachable moment for his students.

may have been expected,” Schlabach said. “I think his somber,

“Students learned some interesting lessons about fairness

realistic tone in regards to the challenges that our nation, and

(comparing people who got good seats because of whom they

our world, face was a welcomed change for politics.”

knew to people who had worked on the campaign but couldn’t

Schlabach did vote for Obama, but said the experience of watching with a group of people who did not necessarily support Obama during the election was just as meaningful to him.

get tickets), about the peaceful transfer of power that some nations find so amazing on our part and especially about how a key event—or person—can, for better or worse, bring people together,” he said. “(In the midst of the) massive crowd and the cold, an Iranian immigrant sat near me and began softly singing

“At one point, at the beginning of the inauguration, one of the

along with the national anthem,” he said. “My wife and I joined

organizers of the school event tried to insight a cheer of ‘yes, we

in, me with tears in my eyes.”

can.’ The response was lackluster. Everyone who was there was

At the end, the crowds made their way off of the National Mall

there to see Obama become president, yet it seemed to me that

and back into the streets, and Wilhoit returned to her campus to

the people present had a feeling that the political maneuvering

lead the Wheaton College Democrats and Students for Change,

and partisan inspiration should go on hold for a time.”

a new organization born out of the election campaign. While

Documenting the Experience Students who took part in Media Impact in N.Y. and D.C., Whitworth University’s (WA) January term study program, came to Washington, D.C. to attend the inauguration and meet with leaders from the media to talk about contemporary

her thoughts about the Obama administration are positive, she recognizes the importance of the people behind the president. “The government can’t do everything; he’s recognized and enabled people,” she said. “Now we have to keep up our end of the work.”

American society. Whitworth professor James McPherson led the group of nine students attending the program. The students created a blog to log the events of their trip (http://jmc346.blogspot.com), and four students decided to conduct a film project to document the

18 CCCUAdvance spring2009

Mimi Wiggins Perreault lives in downtown Washington, D.C. with her husband Greg. She attended the Washington Journalism Center in the summer of 2004, and graduated from Baylor University (TX) with a bachelor of arts in journalism in 2005.


westmont fire

Westmont recovers from natural disaster and looks to rebuild. story by Kami L. Rice | photos by Brad Elliot

E

very now and then, Westmont College (CA) freshman Stacey Torigoe still encounters the scent of smoke emanating from some piece of her belongings. “The smoke smell is kind of haunting,” she said, recalling the observation

Above: With the music still visible on the white pages, the only signs of the Nov. 13 fire are the burned edges. almost worse sorting and cleaning belongings that survived than just starting fresh with nothing.

from a recent conversation with her roommate.

Drs. Kim and Ken Kihlstrom were in Israel when they learned

In spite of that, she’s doing okay these days, though she was

of the fire that claimed their home along with the homes of

among the 50 on-campus students who lost their housing in the

14 other faculty members. The Kihlstroms traveled with 43

Tea Fire, the wildfire that burned through Westmont’s campus

students, including their son Kevin, and another professor

and surrounding areas on Nov. 13, 2008.

couple and were entering the final three weeks of a semester

Because Torigoe lived on the bottom floor of Clark M, a section of student housing whose upper level was destroyed by the

of study in Europe. continued on page 20>>

fire, some of her belongings were salvageable. During the night she spent in Murchison Gym waiting out the fire with other community members, she prepared for the possibility that everything she owned beyond the cell phone and saxophone she had with her when the evacuation order came would be gone in the morning. Torigoe said the whole experience has left her rethinking “materialism and how much stuff we really need.” She’s trying to cut back on how much she has and thinks twice before buying things. “Right after the fire when I thought I’d lost everything, it was kind of freeing,” she said, adding that it was

“The fire revealed the strength and cohesiveness of the Westmont community in so many ways.” Gayle Beebe, Ph.D., president, Westmont College (CA)

spring2009 CCCUAdvance 19


westmont fire

above: Miraculously, the Nancy Voskuyl Chapel survived while trees burned around it. Right: A Firefighter returns to his truck amidst the smoke. from page 19>>

trustee family to care for them in the

“In some ways,” said Kim Kihlstrom,

aftermath of the fire and through

“that whole trip prepared us. We traveled

the rebuilding.

for three months with one 45-pound suitcase.” She says they learned they didn’t need all these things, and in some ways the fire, as awful as it was, gave them a shortcut to simplification they were yearning for. The prayer time students traveling with

The Kihlstroms see an unexpected grace in rebuilding the house they’ve lived in since arriving at Westmont more than 20 years ago. They can build it to fit their current needs, which means designing spaces that work even better for the

“ When you’ve got nothing left, you just rely on God, and it’s a beautiful thing.” Stacey Torigoe, Freshman, Westmont College (CA)

student gatherings they regularly host.

them led for their family “was absolutely amazing, one of the greatest blessings of my life,” said Kihlstrom. That level of support has continued since their return to the United States. She described “the overwhelming support we have felt on so many fronts, so many offers of help, so many people wanting to buy us a gift to replace what’s lost.” She said sometimes the care and help has come from unexpected places, including from students they hadn’t heard from in years. While their house is being rebuilt, the Kihlstroms are living in the guest cottage of a trustee family. “Our trustee families have been so amazing in this process,” said Kim Kihlstrom. Each faculty family who lost their home was assigned a

20 CCCUAdvance spring2009

North of the prayer chapel, green shoots push their ways through the blackened soil as new life returns to the burned area.


westmont fire Dr. Tom Fikes and his family are also among the families whose homes were lost. “Being part of the Westmont community has been phenomenal,” he said, noting that within a week of the fire one of the trustees wrote a sizable check to each faculty family whose home was lost. Another trustee family checks in on them regularly and still takes them to dinner on occasion. “The fire revealed the strength and cohesiveness of the Westmont community in so many ways,” noted Westmont President Gayle Beebe. He described the quick and calm evacuation as students went to the gym the way they had been trained to do and the heroic efforts of faculty and staff, including physical plant staff who extinguished spot fires and limited the fire’s destruction. “[Students] never panicked [during the night in the gym], and their faith and concern for each other deeply touched me,” he explained. “As soon as the fire was out, their first thought was to reach out to those affected by the fire to do whatever they could to help…I’ve been so impressed by the leadership shown by our faculty

Reporting on the Fire, Up Close and Online Just a few days before the Tea Fire struck Westmont College’s campus, senior Rob Gutierrez, editor in chief of Westmont’s newspaper, The Horizon, and his staff discussed ways to boost traffic on the

and staff as they have modeled for students how to respond

The Horizon’s Web site.

to devastating circumstances.”

Days after that meeting, Web site visits jumped

While the campus has returned to the routine of classes and

from roughly 25 per week to 1,400 overnight as

campus activities, the disruption of construction that was in progress before the fire has been magnified with the addition

anxious parents, students and friends of the college searched for news regarding how the campus and its

of rebuilding projects. Community members might have to take

people were faring while the fire bore down on them.

a different route across campus from one day to the next as

Gutierrez, alumnus of the Washington Journalism

construction equipment blocks pathways, but as Fikes noted,

Center, notes that Terry Mattingly, WJC Director,

“There’s still just a ton of goodwill, and everyone is looking for

emphasized blogging as one facet of where

ways to compensate for the [upheaval].”

journalism is headed.

In considering the most amazing and strong people she knows,

The night of the fire, Gutierrez blogged from his

Kim Kihlstrom observed that they are almost always people who

off-campus apartment as newspaper staff reported

have suffered in some significant way. “When we choose to

to him from campus. But around 2 or 3 a.m., the

respond in trust and thanksgiving, it molds us into the people

college’s Web site went down. He didn’t know when

God wants us to be,” she said.

it would be back up.

“This fire has confirmed my thoughts about suffering as

Gutierrez and The Horizon’s managing editor

a necessary part of our journey of faith,” added Beebe.

approached the Santa Barbara Independent,

“Fortunately, God never makes us all suffer in the same

asking to blog from The Independent’s offices

way or at the same level of intensity, and those whose

and Web site. The Independent was very

homes and offices survived have been able to comfort

accommodating, said Gutierrez.

and support those with great losses. In many ways, it’s been a humbling experience to be reminded how much we depend on God. No matter what happens to us, He remains faithful and will help us survive even

By evening the day after the fire, The Horizon was back to blogging on its own site. “It was cool that [the Web site] could be a resource for people,” said

great devastation.”

Gutierrez, who found it significant to witness the

As Torigoe said, “When you’ve got nothing left, you just

times of crisis.

role the media play in serving their audience during

rely on God, and it’s a beautiful thing.”

spring2009 CCCUAdvance 21


' * 3 $ $ % ! 3 ( % % % 3 $ $ $ % ) 3 $ $ % ! -

The economic downturn affects every sector, including higher education. No one answer fits all institutions, but campuses are constructing creative solutions to persevere and establish long-term viability and solvency. Story by M.Z. Hemingway

22 CCCUAdvance spring2009


economy

',/"!,æ%#/./-)#æ#2)3)3æ0,5--%4).'æ34/#+-!2+%4æ,/!.3æ"5$'%4æ()2).'æ&2%%:%3æ%80%.3%3æ%.$/7-%.43æ,/34æ')6).'æ#/343æ3 */"æ).#/-%æ,/33%3æ%#/./-)#æ$/7.452.æ"),,)/. $/,,!2æ%.$/7-%.43æ(524).'æ342!).æ!33%43æ!,,/#!4%$æ30%.$).'æ2!4%3æ 342!4%')#!,,9æ-!*/2æ$/./23ææ$%"4æ$)2%æ%#/./-)#æ%.6)2/.-%.4æ#/-0%4)4)6%æ345$%.4æ-!2+%4æ#/.3)$%2).'æ,%33 %80%.3)6% $5%æ 4/æ 4(%æ %#/./-)#æ $/7.452.æ &%$%2!,æ "!),/54æ %#/./-)#æ 34)-5,53æ "),,æ -/.%9æ 345$%.4æ &).!.#)!,æ !)$æ $/7.452.'2/74(æ ).$53429æ ',/"!,æ %#/./-)#æ #2)3)3æ 0,5--%4).'æ 34/#+-!2+%4æ ,/!.3æ "5$'%4æ ()2).'æ &2%%:%3æ %.$/7-%.43æ ,/34æ ')6).'æ #/343æ 35&&%2).'æ */"æ ).#/-%æ ,/33%3æ %#/./-)#æ $/7.452.æ "),,)/. $/,,!2æ %.$/7-%.43æ (524). !33%43æ!,,/#!4%$æ30%.$).'æ2!4%3æ!$*534%$æ342!4%')#!,,9æ-!*/2æ$/./23ææ$%"4æ$)2%æ%#/./-)#æ%.6)2/.-%.4æ#/-0%4)4)6% -!2+%4æ #/.3)$%2).'æ ,%33 %80%.3)6%æ #/,,%'%3æ $5%æ 4/æ 4(%æ %#/./-)#æ $/7.452.æ &%$%2!,æ "!),/54æ %#/./-)#æ 34)-5,53æ " 345$%.4æ &).!.#)!,æ !)$æ %#/./-)#æ $/7.452.'2/74(æ ).$53429',/"!,æ %#/./-)#æ #2)3)3æ 0,5--%4).'æ 34/#+-!2+%4æ ,/!. ()2).'æ &2%%:%3æ %80%.3%3æ %.$/7-%.43æ ,/34æ ')6).'æ #/343æ 35&&%2).'æ */"æ ).#/-%æ ,/33%3æ %#/./-)#æ $/7.452.æ "),,)/ %.$/7-%.43æ (524).'æ 342!).æ !33%43æ !,,/#!4%$æ 30%.$).'æ 2!4%3æ !$*534%$æ 342!4%')#!,,9æ -!*/2æ $/./23æ æ $%"4æ $)2%æ %.6)2/.-%.4æ#/-0%4)4)6%æ345$%.4æ-!2+%4æ#/.3)$%2).'æ,%33 %80%.3)6%æ#/,,%'%3æ$5%æ4/æ4(%æ%#/./-)#æ$/7.452.æ&%$%2! %#/./-)#æ34)-5,53æ"),,æ-/.%9æ345$%.4æ&).!.#)!,æ!)$æ%#/./-)#æ$/7.452.'2/74(æ).$53429æ',/"!,æ%#/./-)#æ#2)3)3æ0,5 34/#+-!2+%4æ ,/!.3æ raditionally, "5$'%4æ ()2).'æ &2%%:%3æ&%80%.3%3æ %.$/7-%.43æ ,/34æ ')6).'æ #/343æ 35&&%2).'æ */"æ ).#/-%æ ,/33%3æ higher Universities: How should assets $/7.452.æ"),,)/. $/,,!2æ%.$/7-%.43æ(524).'æ342!).æ!33%43æ!,,/#!4%$æ30%.$).'æ2!4%3æ!$*534%$æ342!4%')#!,,9æ-!*/ has been #/-0%4)4)6%æ be allocated? Should spending #/.3)$%2).'æ rates $%"4æ $)2%æ %#/./-)#æeducation %.6)2/.-%.4æ 345$%.4æ -!2+%4æ ,%33 %80%.3)6%æ #/,,%'%3æ $5%æ 4/æ 4(%æ $/7.452.æ &%$%2!,æ "!),/54æ %#/./-)#æ 34)-5,53æ "),,æ -/.%9æ 345$%.4æ !)$æ %#/./-)#æ $/7.452.'2/74(æ ).$534 a growth industry. and amounts be adjusted? How to&).!.#)!,æ cut %#/./-)#æ#2)3)3æ0,5--%4).'æ34/#+-!2+%4æ,/!.3æ"5$'%4æ()2).'æ&2%%:%3æ%80%.3%3æ%.$/7-%.43æ,/34æ')6).'æ#/343æ35&& Administrators have "),,)/. $/,,!2æ strategically?%.$/7-%.43æ What can be expected ).#/-%æ ,/33%3æ %#/./-)#æ $/7.452.æ (524).'æ 342!).æ !33%43æ !,,/#!4%$æ 30%.$).'æ 2!4%3æ 342!4%')#!,,9æ-!*/2æ$/./23ææ$%"4æ$)2%æ%#/./-)#æ%.6)2/.-%.4æ#/-0%4)4)6%æ345$%.4æ-!2+%4æ#/.3)$%2).'æ,%33 %80%.3)6% grown accustomed from major donors? Should additional $5%æ 4/æ 4(%æ %#/./-)#æ $/7.452.æ &%$%2!,æ "!),/54æ %#/./-)#æ 34)-5,53æ "),,æ -/.%9æ 345$%.4æ &).!.#)!,æ !)$æ to years of strong enrollments, debt be avoided? $/7.452.'2/74(æ ).$53429æ ',/"!,æ %#/./-)#æ #2)3)3æ 0,5--%4).'æ 34/#+-!2+%4æ ,/!.3æ "5$'%4æ ()2).'æ &2%%:%3æ expanding campuses, and comfortable %.$/7-%.43æ ,/34æ ')6).'æ #/343æ 35&&%2).'æ */"æ ).#/-%æ ,/33%3æ %#/./-)#æ $/7.452.æ "),,)/. $/,,!2æ %.$/7-%.43æ (524). Still, even with a dire economic !33%43æ!,,/#!4%$æ30%.$).'æ2!4%3æ!$*534%$æ342!4%')#!,,9æ-!*/2æ$/./23ææ$%"4æ$)2%æ%#/./-)#æ%.6)2/.-%.4æ#/-0%4)4)6% endowments. But the global economic -!2+%4æ #/.3)$%2).'æ ,%33 %80%.3)6%æ #/,,%'%3æ $5%æ 4/æ 4(%æ %#/./-)#æ &%$%2!,æ "!),/54æ %#/./-)#æ 34)-5,53æ " environment, it’s not all bad news.$/7.452.æ In

T

crisis is changing all that.

fact, CCCU institutions may be uniquely

Elite private and public schools have

positioned in the competitive student

watched the plummeting stock market

market. A survey of 2,500 prospective

shrink their large endowments. Many

students by MeritAid.com found 57

are responding to the crisis by raising

percent were now considering less-

tuition on students even as those

expensive colleges due to the economic

students are having difficulty getting

downturn. And the weak labor market

loans. State schools report budget cuts

is leading many more students to

of five percent or more. And many

consider college.

colleges have declared hiring freezes and made efforts to reduce expenses.

Nationally, CCCU institutions cost less

Endowments lost nearly 23 percent

least a $5000 mean tuition deferential

of their value between July and

for the 2008-09 academic year.

than private four-year institutions, with at

November 2008, according to the National Association of College and

And the federal bailout and economic

University Business Officers. Annual

stimulus bill provide quite a bit of money

giving is down, facilities still need

for higher education in general and

regular upkeep, and tuition costs are

student financial aid in particular. The

harder to meet for families who are

Treasury secretary now has the authority

suffering job and income losses in

to intervene in student loan market.

the economic downturn.

“If student benefits in the bailout bill

If Ivy League universities with their

were a glass of water, in the stimulus

billion-dollar endowments are hurting,

package they’re Lake Michigan,”

smaller and less-expensive colleges

said Joan Crissman with the National

are also feeling the strain.

Association of Student Financial

This brings forth all sorts of large-

Aid Administrators.

scale concerns for members of the Council of Christian Colleges

continued on page 24>>

“There aren’t ‘industry’ solutions. There are solutions dependent on where you are as a particular institution. … It depends on who you are and your own situation.” Carl Zylstra, president, Dordt College (IA), CCCU board chair

spring2009 CCCUAdvance 23


economy

from page 23>>

“There aren’t ‘industry’ solutions. There

income students. The first decrease in

Federal Work Study programs will

are solutions dependent on where you

the school’s 70-year history, tuition was

get an additional $200 million. Some

are as a particular institution. That

already 10 percent below the national

$13.5 billion is allocated for a $2,500

ranges from institutions that are freezing

average for four-year institutions.

tax credit or refund and four million

tuition to raising tuition and strengthening

additional students will receive that

financial aid. It all depends on who you

tax credit now that is refundable,

are and your own situation,” he said.

even to people who pay no taxes. Computers will now be considered a qualified expense for 529 college savings plans. And the maximum award for Pell Grants will now be $5,350 in the next academic year and $5,550 in the year after that. CCCU members report a wide variety of responses to the economy,

President Bryce Jessup said in explaining the reduction.

changes in giving from broader constituencies, including churches and legacy giving, and the competitive environment of each school. What follows are some of the many ideas being attempted by member institutions.

adjustments, budget cuts and loan

While many secular institutions are

repayment assistance programs.

hiking tuition—in an environment

said that each institution will be

prepare themselves for their futures,”

keep in mind endowment levels,

Lower Tuition

College (IA) and CCCU board chair,

students to pursue their educations to

To tailor a solution, institutions should

including hiring freezes, tuition

Dr. Carl Zylstra, president of Dordt

“We want to do all we can to allow

where tuition has outpaced inflation

Andrea Cook, president-elect of Warner Pacific College (OR), said her school decided to implement a tuition reduction of 23 percent last February. Warner Pacific’s student population includes a high percentage of Pell-eligible, firstgeneration college students. Research showed that many were determining higher education wasn’t accessible to them based on sticker price alone.

for years—some member institutions

“At our previous price, it was hard to

|are reducing tuition.

have a conversation about the real affordability of our institution,” she said.

able to come up with ingenious

CCCU affiliate William Jessup University

solutions but they’ll be very specific

(CA) lowered tuition by 2.5 percent for

They made a decision to stress

to those institutions.

full-time undergraduate students as

affordability and accessibility with a

well as expanded scholarships for low-

lower price. The move has been well

24 CCCUAdvance spring2009


economy

Campuses are using a wide variety of responses, including hiring freezes, tuition adjustments, budget cuts and loan repayment assistance programs, to position themselves against continual uncertainty.

received, Cook said. The school is seeing growth in its

Usually investment committees are composed of people

adult student program, a reflection of the changing job

who like to take action. They may want to fire all their

market and the need for adults in the labor market to

managers or take their asset allocation plans and shake

enhance their credentials and skills. But the school has

them up. But they’re also usually volunteers who only meet

also experienced growth in its traditional program. The

three to four times a year. In sensitive financial situations,

school recalibrated both tuition and financial aid. For

caution and diligence is needed so institutions should

instance, top scholarships declined from $10,000 a

make sure that someone is paying more attention to the

year to $5,000 a year.

school’s portfolios, Jarvis said. Investment committees

However, schools that use a high tuition discount model—with the assumption that a certain percentage of students would pay the full amount with the need of a discount—might not have much success with a tuition

should revisit their investment policies and make sure they understand precisely how much cash on hand is needed from season to season.

rate cute, Cook cautioned.

Cut Class

“It wouldn’t make sense for every institution,” she said.

would be going to a primarily evening class schedule and

To make the decision, Warner Pacific assembled a senior

would shift its focus to its adult studies program. The failing

leadership team that ran various models on how the change might impact the school – on both the revenue and expenses sides.

Investment Committees Many institutions wonder how best to manage their investment committees. William Jarvis, the head of research at the Commonfund Institute, cautions institutions not to overreact. “Don’t just do something, stand there,” Jarvis joked.

In January, Crichton College (TN) announced the school

economy had yielded a precipitous drop in donations. Projections showed that the school would be $4 million in debt by the end of the year if it didn’t take action, said Crichton Vice President Sam Garrett. The school had taken rounds of layoffs prior to the decision. In February, the school announced it had entered into an agreement with a group that transforms non-profit institutions into for-profit. Vennard College (IA) was forced to close at the end of 2008 due to debt caused by stagnant enrollment. continued on page 26>>

spring2009 CCCUAdvance 25


economy

from page 25>>

Administrators at Huntington University

with spending restraint but also a

“It was the right decision,” college

(IN) noticed that some students were

renewed fervor to redesigning the

President Bruce Moyer said of the

reluctant to take out loans and began a

university’s academic programs

decision to close the school that

pilot loan repayment assistance program.

and all operations.

Used by law schools and graduate

“To my surprise, the faculty is very

schools for years, loan repayment

behind the idea of the global economic

assistance programs are basically

storm being an opportunity for refining

an insurance policy that institutions

fire,” said President Jonathan Raymond.

opened in 1910 and had 70 students. “We’re sad. It’s not a decision we would have liked to have made, but it’s the right decision so we can bring some closure with integrity,” he said.

take out on qualifying students. When

He expects the university will get $2

MidAmerica Nazarene University (KS)

students graduate, the policy kicks

million in efficiencies and surplus

took Vennard students, offering them

in if their income falls below a certain

revenues from such restructuring.

special financial aid and transfer

level. For instance, the policy would pay

assistance. MidAmerica President Ed

out if income doesn’t reach $25,000.

Talk to Donors

Robinson said the school decided to

If income falls between $25,000 and

One of the most difficult aspects of

waive certain residency requirements

$40,000, students only repay their loans

the economic downturn is preserving

and agreed to accept academic hours

on a graduated scale, with the policy

good relations with major donors whose

earned at Vennard for students working

covering the remainder. If the student

financial situations are much less stable

on bachelor’s degrees. The students

is making more than $40,000, the

than in past years, say fund-raising

were also made eligible for a $1,000

student repays their loan on their own.

experts. Institutions should recalibrate

transfer scholarship and a $750

This enables students to work at a lower

residence life scholarship.

giving expectations but continue

salary early in their careers while also

fundraising programs as before, they say.

“We passionately believe in doing

covering students who are reluctant to

what we can to help out a Midwestern

take out loans over repayment concerns

college with a similar heritage and

in a difficult economy.

mission,” said Robinson.

The focus should be on presenting the institution’s case positively and highlighting the value for the money. At the same time, be genuinely transparent,

Repay Loans

Restructure Strategically

Many members reported low loan volume

Many consultants advise schools to use

at least a year ahead of the current

dramatically different financial situations

The worst thing to do, experts say, is

economic downturn, with lenders pulling

as an opportunity to restructure. Trinity

to pull back from communicating with

out of the market and students reporting

Western University (Vancouver, BC,

donors. Even if they can’t give much

difficulty in arranging financing.

Canada) has responded to the downturn

now, they’ll be in a new position in a

26 CCCUAdvance spring2009

open and accountable, said Ken Burnett, an international fundraising consultant.


economy

No matter what solution is used, this is an opportunity to affirm the identity of each institution, refocus on what is most important and prepare students for the rapidly shifting world.

couple of years and they’ll remember which organizations kept

“With college costs soaring and the economic climate not

relationships healthy. Thank them regularly, communicate the

faring well, College of the Ozarks is a relevant topic for the

mission and seek their input, said Eileen Heisman, president

news,” Elizabeth Andrews, director of public relations, said.

and CEO of National Philanthropic Trust.

“The College has remained firm on its original mission—to

Trinity Western has shown empathy with its donors’ financial situation, attempting to openly address the joint burden donors and the institution face.

provide a quality, Christian education for young people who cannot afford one but are willing to work—and that in itself is newsworthy.” Students participate in a work program and with a combination

The university invited its high-end donors to an economic

of private, institutional and some state and federal aid, students

summit in Vancouver. They brought in an economist as a

do not pay for tuition, only room and board, books and

service to the donors. He discussed the global, national, and

incidental fees. College of the Ozarks is one of the largest work

local ramifications of the economic downturn. Trinity Western

colleges at 1,400 students; the college has adapted the work

also brought three of its own economics faculty members and

program to continually serve the needs of its students.

let them respond. Then the college presented two questions to the donors: What missteps could the university make? What opportunities do you see for the university in coming years?

No matter the solution, the economic downturn provides a great opportunity to affirm each institution’s identity, rally the troops and prepare students for an uncertain economic

“These are great friends of university, and they really went at

future, said Zylstra. He noted that consultants frequently

it in discussion,” said Raymond. The university gathered the

encourage institutions to accentuate what differentiates

responses and took them back to the finance committee to

them from other institutions. For the 111 institutions in

help them adjust. The retreat was such a success that the

CCCU, there’s a ready-made answer for that, he said.

college plans to run another economic summit in Calgary.

“People are going to be asking in uncertain economic

“I must tell you: their commitment going forward is captured

environment – why should I invest in your school?

and solidified,” said Raymond.

Our strongest answer should be our core answer:

Will Work for Tuition While few and far between, work colleges still hold a place

we stand for the same principles you do and we can provide a whole generation to be faithful servants in Christ,” he said.

in the sphere of higher education for those unwilling to take loans and want to work for tuition. College of the Ozarks (MO) is such a place. Major media outlets such as CNN, CBS and Fox and Friends have highlighted the College’s unique approach to financial aid.

M.Z. Hemingway is a writer from Washington. Her work can be found at GetReligion.org and Christianity Today, among other places.

spring2009 CCCUAdvance 27


from to

While new changes in the GI Bill allow many returning from combat the chance to complete their education, veterans coming back to campuses find new challenges and opportunities in transitioning to the classroom. Story by Mimi Wiggins Perreault

28 CCCUAdvance spring2009


feature veterans

F

or former Marine Brian Verslues, adjusting to college life has been a challenge.

dedicated to helping veterans

“I entered service for several

returning to college, who attended

reasons,” he said. “One was to

a conference in support of the

get more money for college.

new GI Bill. Veterans met with

[I also wanted] to see the world

several representatives, including

and serve my country.”

former Sen. Chuck Hagel of

“Those life experiences make

Nebraska. The bill, which goes into

going to college different,” said

effect in August 2009, will make

Verslues, 25, from Jefferson City,

GI Bill Changes and Developments

attending college after military

Mo., who attends Southwest

Since the creation of the GI Bill

service more beneficial to soldiers,

Baptist University (MO). “It’s

in 1944, the U.S. government

their spouses and children.

continues to modify and extend

Verslues, who is studying education

assistance to veterans after

sometimes harder to connect with people too. Because of my four years in the service, sometimes

and political science, began

additional military occupations and

attending SBU after attending

wars. The most recent modification

night school. He was trying to find

to the GI Bill comes as a result

a full-time university in a location

of military enlistment since Sept.

talking with professors a lot.”

where his wife, Ashley, could get a

10, 2001, including service in

job teaching. They are both from

Operation Iraqi Freedom and the

Verslues said he’s found other “non-

the southwestern Missouri area,

War on Terror, Chapter 33. In

traditional” students on the campus,

and have been married since June

addition to Chapter 33, veterans

including a good friend in Mike

2007. Verslues said attending

may also qualify for Vocational

Weeks. The two became acquainted

college would be impossible without

Rehabilitation under Chapter

after Verslues saw Weeks had a

his wife working full-time. One of

31 or the Reserve Educational

Marine Corps sticker on his truck.

the reasons he supported changes

Assistance Fund, Chapter 1607.

Weeks is older, but Verslues said

to the GI Bill was that it will make

he has more in common with him

The GI Bill provides funding for

attending college easier on single

than the majority of the students

eight semesters, or 36 months of

veterans as well as veterans with

in his classes who came to

benefits. The amount of money

families by providing more money

college right out of high school.

for living expenses during college.

my maturity and life experiences make it hard to identify with other students. I find myself just

continued on page 30>>

While he perceives a distance between him and other students, he feels farther from his responsibilities in Iraq as an infantry 81-millimeter mortar man. Although the adjustment has been difficult at times, Verslues is grateful for the opportunity to attend college. He’s also glad the updated GI Bill will reward veterans even more for their service. Last summer, he was one of approximately one thousand other

Campuses who are part of the “Yellow Ribbon Program” will receive additional funds from the Veterans Administration to better cater to returning veterans.

veterans part of Student Veterans of America, a national organization

spring2009 CCCUAdvance 29


veterans from page 29>>

allotted is worth up to $47,000 or the amount

supplies stipends and possible money for disabilities

of tuition based on a monthly full-time student

associated with their service through the program.

rate of $1,321 for the 2008-09 school year.

Within the CCCU, Indiana Wesleyan University (IN)

Verslues receives funding under Chapter 30, or the

provides discounts that apply to active duty military

Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB), and Chapter 31, or the

personnel, including those in the Reserves and

Vocational Rehabilitation Program. The MGIB can

National Guard and military spouses.

be used to pursue either undergraduate or graduate education for two or more years of active duty. Chapter 31 is a program that helps to provide training for veterans who are not able to work because of a service connect disability. These disabilities, which are determined by the Veterans Administration (VA), are often a result of traumatic experiences and are both mental and physical. According to the VA, the majority of veterans receive this assistance. In addition, survivors of dependents of

Those who enroll in the university’s Leadership Education for Adult Professionals (LEAP) program are eligible for these discounts. The LEAP program was created 23 years ago in response to the needs of working professionals and was designed with working professionals of all types in mind. IWU has many online students who are in the active service, and so the discount applies to online and on-campus tuition.

those in the military may also qualify for Chapter 35, or

Adjusting to the Academic World

the Survivors and Dependents Educational Assistance

John Credille, Southwest Baptist University registrar

Program (DEA). The DEA provides training or education

and advisor of the Student Organization for Veterans

for the children and dependents of veterans who

chapter at the school, said the school has around

are permanently or totally disabled due to a service-

50 veterans enrolled, most under the age of 30.

related condition or injury. This program provides up to 45 months of assistance to those who qualify. The newly updated GI Bill provides additional money to fund education and a longer period of time the money is available, now up to 10 years after completing military service. It benefits any veterans who served at least three years of active duty after Sept. 10, 2001 who have not already begun to attend college. For private colleges, including those within the CCCU that the VA has coined “yellow ribbon schools,” the government will pay the amount of the highest undergraduate state institution within that state and an additional 50 percent of the charges the private school requires. At public colleges, the VA will pay $10,000 to the veteran’s university or college and the institution will provide a grant of $5,000, which the VA will repay to the institution. Some veterans are eligible for additional benefits, including a housing allowance,

30 CCCUAdvance spring2009

“I entered the service for several reasons…One was to get more money for college, to see the world and serve my country.” Brian Verslues, student, Southwest Baptist University (MO)


feature veterans

Credille said all of these students receive money

soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan each

either from Vocational Rehabilitation or the GI Bill.

day will. Nathan is serving his second term in the

“The biggest challenge is the timeliness of letting us know that they want to receive GI funds and getting them enrolled on time,” Credille said. “What can cause a

Army in Iraq and is a certified carpenter. Although he does not plan to use the GI Bill to pursue a college degree, Brian said Nathan’s wife might.

headache is since the Veterans Administration changed

Verslues also works in the registrar’s office certifying

their policy and now the students have to tell us they

veterans at the school and has organized a social

want to receive benefits, it takes more communication

group for veterans.

between us and the student than it did in the past.”

“They just tell me they want to use their benefits, and

According to Credille, students can save some of the

I verify that they are enrolled, and then electronically

funds to pursue higher degrees by telling the government

submit their names and hours to be taken to the VA,

how much money they wish to receive. He said this is

who processes it,” he said. “I am currently working

a benefit because some students want to save their

on getting a link for our SBU Web page for this,

money for summer classes or graduate school.

as it would make it much easier for everyone.”

A recent The Chronicle of Higher Education article1

He said the social group is just in its preliminary

stated that veterans often have difficulty getting

stages of formation, but he hopes it can be a social

their financial aid from the VA the first year they attend college. Sometimes it can take three months or so for their availability to be processed, creating a strain on the veteran and also on the university. While some schools offer course credit for military training, the majority do not. This can become frustrating to veterans who plan to enter a field in which their training might count for experience. Credille understands the GI Bill’s importance; he was in the U.S. Navy and served in the Vietnam War, attending college on the GI Bill at Southwest Baptist in 1976.

group where veterans can bond and support each other. The student organization receives money from the student fund through the campus’s student government organization. He said the goal is to use that money to help others in the service in addition to providing programming for fellow veterans. “One of the first things we’re going to do here is compile a list of students and alumni overseas, and spouses, and send care packages,” Verslues said. “We have a responsibility just like others to give back to those serving our country.”

“I grew up here; my father was an employee at the university,” he said. “SBU has been the home of the Credilles for a long time.”

1” College is for Veterans, Too” Nov. 21, 2008 Chronicle for Higher Education By Douglas Herrman, Douglas Raybeck and Roland Wilson.

In addition to the financial challenges, Credille said mostly veterans have difficulty getting acclimated to the rigors of academics, because unlike in the military, they have to figure out how to schedule their lives and manage their time. “There’s nobody to tell you what to do, whereas

GI Bill Resources

For more information on the GI Bill, please visit these Web sites:

said. “In college, they don’t do that—it’s all about

www.military.com/money-for-school/gi-bill/ learn-to-use-your-gi-bill

you working alone to get the end result.”

www.gibill.va.gov

While Verslues himself will not benefit from the new

vabenefits.vba.va.gov/vonapp/main.asp

in the military you don’t have much choice,” he

system, his older brother Nathan and thousands of

spring2009 CCCUAdvance 31


the

$/#+ĂŚ#(!2)4!",%ĂŚ42534ĂŚ -053ĂŚ-).)3429ĂŚ&!)4(ĂŚ,)&%ĂŚ The concept of spiritual $%6%,/0-%.4ĂŚ,%!$%23()0ĂŚ formation is both abstract $)3#/6%25.&/,$ĂŚ30)2)45!,ĂŚ #(!2)4!",%ĂŚ42534ĂŚ!33%33).'ĂŚ and concrete. It is at the crux 3429ĂŚ&!)4(ĂŚ,)&%ĂŚ#/,,!"/2!4)6%ĂŚ of what Council institutions %23()0ĂŚ$%6%,/0-%.4ĂŚ30)2)45!,ĂŚ -!4)/.ĂŚ#258ĂŚ30)2)45!,ĂŚ'2/74(ĂŚ seek to instill, yet it can be /2-!4)/.ĂŚ(%!243ĂŚ7/2,$ĂŚ#!-053ĂŚ manifested in different ways. 2/#%33ĂŚ/&ĂŚ30)2)45!,ĂŚ$%6%,/0-%.4ĂŚ 2/'2!-ĂŚ$)3#/6%25.&/,$ĂŚ30)2)45!,ĂŚ New programs, bolstered by (!2)4!",%ĂŚ42534ĂŚ!33%33).'ĂŚ30)2)45!,ĂŚ a M.J. Murdock Charitable #/,,!"/2!4)6%ĂŚ#/.6%23!4)/.ĂŚ02/#%33ĂŚ Trust grant, will provide a path /0-%.4ĂŚ30)2)45!,ĂŚ&/2-!4)/.ĂŚ02/'2!-ĂŚ '2/74(ĂŚ- * ĂŚ-52$/#+ĂŚ#(!2)4!",%ĂŚ42534ĂŚ to assess best practices in #!-053ĂŚ-).)3429ĂŚ&!)4(ĂŚ,)&%ĂŚ#/,,!"/2!4)6%ĂŚ fostering spiritual growth. $%23()0ĂŚ$%6%,/0-%.4ĂŚ30)2)45!,ĂŚ&/2-!4)/.ĂŚ 30)2)45!,ĂŚ'2/74(ĂŚ- * ĂŚ-52$/#+ĂŚ#(!2)4!",%ĂŚ Story by Christopher Martin ,$ĂŚ#!-053ĂŚ-).)3429ĂŚ&!)4(ĂŚ,)&%ĂŚ#/,,!"/2!4)6%ĂŚ ,%!$%23()0ĂŚ$%6%,/0-%.4ĂŚ30)2)45!,ĂŚ&/2-!4)/.ĂŚ 258ĂŚ30)2)45!,ĂŚ'2/74(ĂŚ- * ĂŚ-52$/#+ĂŚ#(!2)4!",%ĂŚ 7/2,$ĂŚ#!-053ĂŚ-).)3429ĂŚ&!)4(ĂŚ,)&%ĂŚ#/,,!"/2!4)6%ĂŚ %.4ĂŚ,%!$%23()0ĂŚ$%6%,/0-%.4ĂŚ30)2)45!,ĂŚ&/2-!4)/.ĂŚ 32 CCCUAdvance spring2009 ĂŚ30)2)45!,ĂŚ'2/74(ĂŚ- * ĂŚ-52$/#+ĂŚ#(!2)4!",%ĂŚ42534ĂŚ

of


I

n 1999, campus leaders from many CCCU institutions gathered in Vancouver, Wash., at the behest of Rich Gathro, then

senior vice president for the CCCU, to discuss issues relating to spiritual development on CCCU campuses. Hosted by the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust, this

conference launched many of the advances the CCCU has made in the past decade regarding the often difficult task of assessing spiritual formation made the hearts of students at Council institutions. continued on page 34>>

spring2009 CCCUAdvance 33


SPIRITUAL FORMATION

“Spiritual formation is at the center of what our institutions do.” Paul R. Corts, CCCU president

but we also know we can develop a

our profession a need to develop

system of best practices for campus

tools to implement best practices in

ministers to better assess their methods

our ministries,” Fisher said. “CCCU

and further professionalize their efforts.”

institutions recognize the importance of

This desire led to the creation of the Leadership Development and Spiritual Formation Program, co-directed by Anderson and Fisher and funded by a $186,500 grant from the M.J. Murdock

Christian faith and life at Huntington University (IN), and Keith Anderson, senior vice president for academics at Mars Hill Graduate School (WA). “We had two rich days of collaborative conversation regarding the process of spiritual development on our campuses,”

for spiritual formation within the context of the needs of their students.” Fisher and Anderson began by conducting audits of the campus

the Murdock Trust recently awarded

ministries programs of numerous

develop the initiatives they began

conference were Bill Fisher, dean of

discover and unfold the best practices

of Anderson and Fisher’s initial work,

allowing Fisher and Anderson to further

Among those attending the Vancouver

We wanted to train campus ministers to

Charitable Trust. Based on the success

the CCCU a second grant of $248,000,

from page 33>>

spiritual development on their campuses.

regarding spiritual formation.

CCCU institutions. “These audits included two days of onsite interviews with administration, faculty, students, alumni and even local pastors,”

“Spiritual formation is at the center of

Fisher said. “We wanted to conduct

what our institutions do,” said Paul R.

a 360-degree fly-around of as many

Corts, CCCU President. “We’re delighted

campuses as possible in order to

that the Murdock Trust has chosen to

formulate an understanding of what

provide this grant for the work that

works at a variety of places.”

we’re doing with regards to spiritual formation and we think it is a great validation of the work we’ve already begun in this process.”

Anderson and Fisher anticipated using the findings from these audits to develop templates to apply to future institutes as they developed best practices models.

said Anderson. “One of the conclusions

According to Fisher, the impetus for

“We thought that after we’d studied

we reached is that, in many respects,

these studies was a desire for campus

enough campus ministry programs,

campus ministry is where student

ministries to receive methodologies

patterns would emerge that we could

development was 15 to 20 years ago.

and tools for assessment similar to

use when auditing later programs,”

We know that significant spiritual

those implemented in the educational

Fisher says. It soon became apparent

formation takes place on our campuses,

accreditation process. “We saw in

that each institution possesses unique

34 CCCUAdvance spring2009


SPIRITUAL FORMATION

attributes that would not conform to previously established formulas. “We have such wonderful diversity among our CCCU institutions, with each one possessing rich traditions and unique circumstances,” Fisher said. “We found that instead of identifying patterns and establishing templates, we could better serve campus ministers by identifying ways to train them to discover methods for best practices within the context of their institution.” As a result of these findings, Anderson and Fisher generated reports that analyzed the programs and offered recommendations tailored to each institution. Though each campus provided unique circumstances preventing the development of all-encompassing templates, the audits did yield a number of issues common to many CCCU campuses. “We learned there is a need to advocate a greater voice for the chaplain or campus pastor,” Anderson said. “We also saw that the CCCU presidents are open to this if they see that it can help foster greater spiritual development for students.” Fisher and Anderson discovered the profile of campus pastors has risen at many CCCU institutions, with many campus pastors either sitting at the president’s cabinet level, or having regular opportunities to report to the president’s cabinet. A second facet of Fisher and Anderson’s study involved the establishment of a summer institute for campus

“We know that significant spiritual formation takes place on our campuses, but we also know we can develop a system of best practices for campus ministers to better assess their methods and further professionalize their efforts.” Bill Fisher, Dean of Christian Faith and Life, Huntington University (IN)

ministry professionals. This five-day conference now takes place annually on Whidbey Island, Wash., and has received strong support from those who have attended. continued on page 36>>

spring2009 CCCUAdvance 35


spiritual formation played an instrumental role in the CCCU’s efforts to receive these grants in his previous position as vice president for professional development and research at the CCCU. “In the experience of working with the national assessment of spiritual formation through the CCCU’s Faithful Change research, we witnessed first-hand some of the difficulties in definition,

“ Assessing spiritual formation and development can be a nebulous thing… part of the responsibility we have is to tell the story of transformation and development that happens on our campuses.” Ron Mahurin, Vice President and Dean, Houghton College (NY)

measurement and even the perceived value of this work. And yet, part of the responsibility we have is to tell the story of transformation and development that happens on our campuses. While this is not easy work, it is work that we can do together if we are more intentional and purposeful in knowing what we mean by spiritual formation and intellectual growth and development.” Fisher and Anderson intend to use these assessment protocols to launch a graduate-level program at a CCCU graduate school or seminary with an emphasis in training campus ministers. According to Corts, such a program will play an essential role in the CCCU’s effort to further professionalize its campus ministries programs. “A graduate program for campus ministers on a CCCU campus will help further train a new generation of campus ministers and pastors,” said Corts. “This program will implement the best practices and assessment tools from our current initiatives and will provide campus

from page 35>>

ministers with a professional foundation so that their

“The summer institute really sets the table for a collaborative

training is not simply on-the-job.”

conversation about spiritual formation on our campuses,” said Anderson. “This is a spiritually-charged time where campus ministers have an opportunity to learn what techniques

According to Anderson, this increased professionalization complies nicely with the continued integration occurring

for enhancing spiritual development are working on other

between campus ministries and the classroom. “The most

campuses, as well as share their own successes.”

significant development we’re seeing is the increased coming

According to Anderson and Fisher, the second grant from the Murdock Trust allows them to further build on their previous work, especially with regards to establishing assessment protocols for evaluating both campus ministers and the

together of campus ministries with the academic classroom,” said Anderson. “This serves not only to increase the spiritual development that takes place inside the classroom, but also brings an academic process to the work of our campus

spiritual development of students throughout their academic

ministers. Just as faculty members understand that spiritual

career. In this era of increased accountability—particularly

development takes place in the classroom, our campus

in the accreditation process—many believe that these

ministers also see themselves as educators.”

protocols provide essential evaluation for a process that can be difficult to analyze. “Assessing spiritual formation and development can be a nebulous thing,” said Ron Mahurin, academic vice president and dean of Houghton College (NY), who

36 CCCUAdvance spring2009

Christopher Martin is a graduate of Azusa Pacific University (CA). He is senior director at a television agency, managing areas of production and international distribution. He and his wife April live in Washington, D.C. and are expecting twins this spring.



asteroids

The International Astronomical Search Collaboration searches the universe for research and just plain fun. by Kami L. Rice

W

hen then-high schooler Matthew Davis

Through his involvement with the IASC, Davis said, “I’ve learned

looked at some extra images brought

how to look at science a lot better than before. Occasionally

home by his older brother and

there are mistakes in it, and you have to look at it yourself.

discovered an asteroid, he was

I’ve learned that you can look at it yourself. It’s not just for the

hooked. His already-strong interest in

intellectuals of the world; everyone can do and understand it.”

astronomy was cemented by the headiness of participating in discovery. The images came from his brother’s involvement with the International Astronomical Search Collaboration (IASC), a collaboration of several institutions that is coordinated at Hardin-Simmons University (TX).

Founded in October 2006 by Dr. Patrick Miller, associate professor of mathematics at Hardin-Simmons, the IASC (pronounced “Isaac”) is an online program for high schools and colleges that allows students to analyze images collected by the Astronomical Research Observatory in

Davis is now a freshman at Hardin-Simmons, planning to

Charleston, Ill. Students search the images for new asteroids

major in one of the sciences in preparation for teaching at

in the Main Asteroid Belt located between Mars and Jupiter

the high school or college level. He works behind the scenes

and also confirm or observe positions of known Near-Earth

maintaining the IASC’s Web site and uploading images

objects (NEOs) and asteroids. They use software called

into folders to be accessed by participating schools.

Astrometrica, authored by Herbert Raab in Austria, to measure the asteroids’ positions.

38 CCCUAdvance spring2009


asteroids The IASC runs seven 45-day search

teacher participating in an IASC

IASC doesn’t charge for use of this

campaigns throughout

workshop in February, is credited

online educational tool and doesn’t

the year. As many as 15 schools from

as a co-discoverer of an asteroid

prescribe how teachers use it. For

around the world participate in each

currently identified as 2009 BD81.

those participating in the various search

campaign. In addition to Hardin-

The discovery is significant because

campaigns, the only requirement is that

Simmons, the IASC collaborators

of its potential threat to Earth.

the data be analyzed within 48 hours.

Credited with co-discovery of 2009

Currently, the IASC runs two programs

BD81 is Kolyo Dankov, a Bulgarian Ph.D.

and moves teachers from the entry-

student in biophysics who works with the

level search program through the more

IASC as a spotter, giving a second look

advanced program. Dependent on

to images sent to schools participating

the outcome of a grant application,

Much of the program’s value to students

in search campaigns. He made the

the IASC hopes to add programs

is found in the access it gives them

discovery a few hours after Kirby. “It

searching for comets and for Kuiper

to frontline scientific research. “The

was a great excitement for me to be a

belt objects, which are in the outer

include Lawrence Hall of Science at the University of California, Berkeley; Astronomical Research Institute in Charleston, Ill. and Global Hands-On Universe Association in Lisbon, Portugal.

students are actually doing scientific

region of the solar system.

research that’s communicated back to

Miller explained that the goal is for

the professional community,” explained

teachers who have gone through all

Miller. Students who make discoveries

parts of the program to be able to

and observations are recognized as published researchers. “Some of the observations are very important,” he notes, pointing to the discovery in February of a previously unknown near-Earth object. It’s a significant learning tool for students to work with real time data and projects rather than data that have been looked at before and projects with known outcomes. NASA describes Near-Earth objects as “comets and asteroids that have been nudged by the gravitational attraction of nearby planets into orbits that allow them to enter the Earth’s neighborhood.” Some NEOs are classified as Potentially Hazardous Asteroids based on their potential to cross within an especially close proximity to the Earth’s orbit. With the Near Earth Object Program, Congress mandated NASA to identify and monitor these objects because of the danger they can pose. The observations made by the IASC’s participants feed into the data NASA uses to track these objects. On rare

“The students are actually doing scientific research that’s communicated back to the professional community.” Patrick Miller, director, IASC co-discoverer of such an interesting, near-Earth and potentially hazardous asteroid,” Dankov said. “In the past few months, I have measured a lot of asteroids and even found several new objects from the Main Asteroid Belt, but this one is so rare and unusual that

conduct their own astronomical research programs without the IASC. Because much of the data necessary for research is available to the public via the Internet, trained teachers can guide their students toward making important contributions to astronomy. Miller says there are currently only 50 to 100 teachers in the U.S. equipped to do this. He would like to see the number rise to 1,000 to 10,000 teachers around the world. So far, 130 institutions from 12 different countries have participated in search campaigns. This summer, the allAfrica campaign will add participating schools from Ethiopia, Kenya and South Africa. As in the United States, international participation in the IASC helps breed interest in science among students. Dankov in Bulgaria said that

at the first moment I couldn’t believe

after the discovery of 2009 BD81, a

it! It was the first NEO discovered

group of students from several schools

on images from [the Astronomical

in Bulgaria joined the IASC project.

Research Observatory] after more than two years of extensive observations.”

occasions, participants discover

The IASC’s strategy is to train

previously unidentified NEOs. Steven

teachers so that they can integrate the

Kirby, a Texas high school science

research into their classrooms. The

“I am preparing a paper for one Bulgarian astronomy newspaper and think that the discovery will continued on page 40>>

spring2009 CCCUAdvance 39


asteroids from page 39>>

increase the interest toward astronomical work in the students in Bulgaria,” he said. “We have a long-term tradition in astronomy in my country, and the opportunity of IASC will be the next step for retrieval of the interest for such research in the children in Bulgaria.” While interest in such a project has existed for a long time,

The International Astronomical Search Collaboration (IASC) is an educational outreach program for high schools and colleges, provided at no cost to the participating schools.

Miller said the technology to do it wasn’t available until more

IASC (pronounced “Isaac”) is a collaboration of:

recently. The evolution of high-speed Internet access has

• Hardin-Simmons University (Abilene, TX)

been a significant factor in making it possible for students from around the world to collaborate on such research. “I find it exciting that sitting at my little computer in Abilene, I can distribute images to schools all over the world,” Davis said.

• Lawrence Hall of Science (University of California, Berkeley) • Astronomical Research Institute (Charleston, IL) • Global Hands-On Universe Association (Lisbon, Portugal) • Astrometrica (H. Raab, Austria).

Azusa Pacific University | Asbury Theological Seminary | Denver Seminary | Belhaven College | Cornerstone University Northwest College | Golden Gate Baptist Seminary | Covenant College

Colorado Christian University | John Brown University | Oral Roberts University

40 CCCUAdvance spring2009

California Baptist University | Seattle Pacific University | Pepperdine University | George Fox University | Tyndale College


How CCCU Advance can Advance Your Organization Readers of the CCCU Advance are decision-makers on campus. They are active in leadership within the campus structure and within their peer groups among other institutions. With a circulation of nearly 10,000, the CCCU Advance presents a unique way for your organization to connect with these campus leaders and tell them about the services you can provide for their institution. By advertising your company’s services in CCCU Advance, you will gain broad visibility for the services you provide as you reach key decision-makers on campus. Call 202.546.8713 or e-mail advertising@cccu.org for more information.

spring2009 CCCUAdvance 41


the last Word

by Jim Mannoia, CCCU Senior Fellow

32 Days, 16 Institutions, 5 Continents and One Common Purpose

S

itting in the Delhi airport, I’d download e-mail and

students, 66% American faculty and a liberal arts core that

update my Facebook page, but the wireless signal

could be the envy of any stateside CCCU member.

is too weak. I’m fresh off an overnight flight from Helsinki, headed for Delhi and Mumbai before my day ends at our CCCU affiliate CSI Bishop

Appasamy (Coimbatore, India). I’m groggy, but intrigued by the similarity of countries and diversity of our CCCU institutions. Last week, I was at several Latin America affiliate campuses: Universidad Evangélica Boliviana (Santa Cruz, Bolivia), with open buildings set around a lush green “quad” full of plants and fountains. Universidad Cristiana Latinoamericana (Quito, Ecuador) has wide street front exposure in a high-rise 10 feet from the busy noisy traffic of Amazonas Avenue in downtown Quito. In Bolivia, I visited the university Center for Agronomia Pecuária, where students milk cows, collecting 200 liters of milk to sell to the community along with the 3,000 eggs collected and sorted daily. I also walked next door to its medical facility leased to 25 doctors who perform 50 surgical procedures there daily and handle 32 beds of inpatient treatment. That was last week. This week began in the Netherlands, at our sister school

Between my first paragraphs and this one, I’ve completed my trip from Vienna to Coimbatore, after a bus, a train, four flights, a floral welcome, and a dash through dense traffic to CSI Bishop Appasamy College of Arts & Sciences in Coimbatore. I wish you could have seen the passion in the eyes of Flavia Princess, principal of the girls school associated with the college, as she described her project for training victims of the tsunami. I wish you could have walked with me an hour ago in the dusk of the circular drive under tall palms with Bishop Dorai in his long, flowing white robes and purple tassels as he described the impact of missionaries in creating this nowflourishing CCCU college. In every case, Christ is the center of these educational institutions. More than even in the U.S. where, perhaps sadly, higher education has come to be understood as a “right of youth” or a “rite of youth,” in these, our more than 50 sister school affiliate members overseas, there is a recognition that higher education is a privilege, a key to the development of nations and a powerful vehicle for transforming lives into the image of Jesus Christ.

Christelijke Hogeschool Ede (EDE Gelderland), where 4,000

The Body of Christ is diverse. We know this, but often ignore

students gather daily in corporate-like offices and project rooms

it. We want everyone to think the way we do, act the way we

or in the wide open space under a two-story, glass-covered

do. We forget that working with and loving those like ourselves

atrium the size of a football field. Its efforts make this CCCU

proves nothing at all about the power of God’s grace. We ignore

affiliate the top government-ranked university of applied

at our own risk, the ultimate apologetic expressed in Christ’s

science in Holland.

High Priestly prayer, “Father, I have come that they might be

The 300 students at the International University (Vienna

one, so that the world will know that you sent me.”

Austria) are from 75 different nations! They are so respected

May we embrace diversity because it’s part of the genius

that the Libyan embassy pays for its students to attend!

of true education and the heart of our mission as followers

LCC International University (Klaipeda, Lithuania) boasts a campus with a brand new dormitory with wireless Internet, meditation chapel, RD apartment and spacious bright lounges. It also has the best gymnasium in Lithuania where pro basketball teams practice, state of the art exercise rooms for

42 CCCUAdvance spring2009

of Jesus. Jim Mannoia, formerly president of Greenville College (IL), is a CCCU Senior Fellow charged with international partnerships. He undertook a listening tour of affiliate institutions during February and March when this was written, visiting 13 countries and passing through a few more. To read more about his adventures, go to cccu-tour.blogspot.com.



the 2010 International Forum on Christian Higher Education February 23-26, 2010 Hyatt Regency Atlanta www.cccu.org/forum2010

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