Summer 2017 – Judson Today by Celeste Torres

SUMMER 2017

JUDSON TODAY THE MAGAZINE FOR ALUMNI AND FRIENDS OF JUDSON UNIVERSIT Y

Inside: Read how students and alumni are impacting the world for Christ.

JUDSON TODAY Summer 2017 EDITORIAL STAFF EDITOR Mary Dulabaum Director of Marketing and Communications ASSOCIATE EDITOR Lisa Jones Townsel Writer/Social Media Manager STUDENT WRITERS Halee Yarbrough ’19 MyLeah Matheny ’20 Danae Ross ’17 Briana Williams ’17 LAYOUT AND PRODUCTION Celeste Torres Graphics/Production Specialist STUDENT PHOTOGRAPHERS Jamie Galen ’17 Monica Medina ’20 Lily Morawski ’20 Nora Russell ’20 Haley Sliwa ’20 ALUMNOTES EDITOR Bonnie Bienert Director of Alumni Relations ATHLETICS EDITOR Brandon Fowkes Sports Information Director CONTRIBUTERS Shalina Wozny ’15 Admissions Representative Lauryn Miller Director of Advancement Eric Secker Photographer

LEADERSHIP TEAM Dr. Gene C. Crume Jr. President Nancy Binger ’97 Vice President for Enrollment Management and Strategic Planning Devlin Donaldson ’79 Senior Vice President for External Relations Jeffrey Eder Chief Financial Officer and Vice President of Business Affairs Dr. Wilbert J. Friesen Provost and Chief Academic Officer Ginny Guth ’02/’08 Associate Vice President for Student Success and University Registrar Lisa Jarot ’03/’14 Vice President for Student Life Tena Robotham ’78 Executive Assistant to the President Assistant Secretary to Board of Trustees Dr. Curtis Sartor Associate Vice President of Diversity and Spiritual Development Hasi Smith ’15 Vice President for Information Systems and Technology

A WORD FROM OUR STAFF

Valuing the Work He Gives In the fall of 2009, I came to Judson as a freshman ready to shape the world. I knew I would love Judson and consider it home, but I had no inkling of just how formative this place would be for me. As a freshman, I remember sitting in chapel and hearing about all the ministry partners Judson had around the globe. The Spirit prompted me to apply for the Haiti Global Outreach team, but like many of our current students, I let the fear of finances and feelings of inadequacy prevent me from submitting an application. When a 7.0 earthquake hit Port-au-Prince, Haiti, in January 2010, Judson chose to reopen the team enrollment. I told God “If you really want me to serve in Haiti, you will need to help me join the team,” and He did. Then, a few weeks before leaving, I was about $400 short of being fully funded so I once again turned to God. “If you really still want me to go, you’ll need to provide the money.” The next day I received an email indicating that I had received a $400 Global Outreach Serving Scholarship, and my trip was fully funded. So I went. Once on the ground, I had never seen poverty in the way that I did in Haiti. The earthquake brought such death and despair, yet God was alive and working through numerous organizations and churches. I witnessed an organization provide jobs for Haitians so they could provide for their families instead of needing to place their children in orphanages. The body of Christ served the Haitian people in ways I hadn’t seen before. There was beauty in the ashes. In 2015, I joined the Judson University Admissions team; additionally, I have the privilege to work in tandem with University Ministries Director Chris Lash to oversee the Global Outreach teams through planning and coordinating ministry trips! I have seen the ministry grow and God at work in our students and with our global ministry partners. This spring, I took a team of students to a new partner in the Ukraine. I have seen God provide financially, spiritually and pragmatically for members of our team. Altogether, more than 100 students, staff, and faculty have been involved with Global Outreach trips during the 2016-2017 school year, and that does not include participating alumni, staff and faculty members. What’s more, other students and community members have traveled abroad for classroom-based learning and enrichment projects as well. Time and time again, I hear stories similar to mine of God’s provision for ministry-minded Judson community members. Numerous students, staff, alumni and faculty yearly participate in our ministry teams, serving across the globe. The Judson Women’s Soccer team goes to Costa Rica every other year to serve a school where they helped to start a soccer program. Many members of the Judson family have felt God’s calling for missions and are now carrying on their family legacy by serving His Kingdom through domestic and international partnerships abroad. On the Global Outreach team, we desire to provide service learning opportunities for the Judson family to experience different cultures, see the Church at work, and supplement their education by working alongside our global ministry partners. God is using alumni and donors like you to work in this world and in the lives around us. We value people – the students, the team leaders, Ukraine team gathers for a debrief meeting in Budapest, Hungary, and our ministry partners. before returning home. We value transformation in communities and in people. God is blessing this ministry, and I cannot wait to see what He will do in the coming years. Betsy Carr ’13 Assistant Director of Admissions, Global Outreach Coordinator

IN THIS ISSUE

FEATURES

Former Professor David McFadzean Receives Lifetime Achievement Award

First Doctor of Education in Literacy Class of Graduates

Ready, Set, Serve

Alumni Impacting the Kingdom

Rebel Who Found His Cause

A Global Outreach Legacy

This annual festival ushered in a number of historic firsts.

Nine students stay the course to earn their doctorate degree in Literacy Education.

Students, staff, faculty and alums speak of the impact serving trips have had in their lives and hearts.

Alums Marcelo and Lisa Galvao launch All Nations Sports Academy for refugees.

Former athlete and missionary Tom Randall shares life lessons and the Gospel with hundreds abroad.

Judson’s focus on missions led donor to leave a legacy and support serving trips at the same time.

IN EVERY ISSUE

Faculty Accomplishments

Alumnotes

#JUDSONAWESOME SNAPSHOT Sarah Bretz My trip with Judson to the Dominican Republic during spring break 2015 changed my life Unlike · Reply · Message · 2 · March 6 at 4:52pm

ON THE COVER

Athletics

Members of the Belize Global Outreach team climb dozens of steps that are a part of the Mayan ruins in Lamanai, Belize. They included: Judith Mendoza, Brady Radmann, Elizabeth Van Bruggen, Becca Russo, Omar Hernandez, Gene Crume III, Rosalie Mahler and Andrew Kennedy.

Judson Today is published by the Marketing and Communications Office. Please send address changes and correspondence to Judson Today c/o Advancement Office, 1151 North State St., Elgin, IL 60123 or email donna.ritchie@JudsonU.edu

Former Professor David McFadzean Receives Lifetime Achievement Award Judson University’s 13th Imago Film Festival marked several firsts during the annual gathering that was held on the Elgin campus April 4-8. Each year the festival showcases independent films from around the world about faith and ethics dealing with the journey from brokenness to hope. This year’s festival was the first time it honored a Hollywood celebrity who started his career teaching at Judson. The Imago Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to producer David McFadzean (“Home Improvement,” “What Women Want” and “Bernie” fame). Speaking in both chapel and at the fest, McFadzean shared the way that being accepted completely was essential to his faith journey. In an interview, McFadzean offered anecdotes about story development, such as how Elgin, Ill., served as the basis for the hometown of television series, “Roseanne.” Moreover, he discussed story as the essential thread that connects human beings as a way to make sense of frailty. For the first time, the festival featured a film from Myanmar, titled “My Life I Don't Want,” which won the $1,000-grand prize. This animated film directed by Nyan Kyal Say follows the life of a girl dealing with an all-too-common experience of oppression of women in her culture. In a hand-drawn style that is both literal and symbolic, the film shared with the audience a creative and urgent vision. Also, this was the first time the film festival partnered with Affirm Sony Films for a premiere screening of “All Saints,” which featured the story of a Nashville pastor (starring John Corbett) who was told to close his small church, but opened it to Karen refugees. Following the screening, Affirm Sony Executive Vice President Rich Peluso discussed his desire to make films that resonate with human longings for something greater. Local filmmakers Eric Groth and T.J. Berden, who founded ODB Films as a way to produce short films for Catholic ministries, discussed how they became committed to the artful presentation of faith seen with directors like Terrence Malick. This eventually led to the critically acclaimed independent film “Full of Grace,” which chronicles the life of Mary after the death of Jesus, and their current project on the Apostle Paul. Other films screened during the five-day event included: “The Next Door,” a crime film about missionaries in the wrong place; “Life Coach,” a story about a motivational speaker confronting his own limitations; “Bruce,” a story about a father desperate to impress a son obsessed with Bruce Lee; and “One Word,” a film about the fight of a teenage refugee to express himself through performing art. “Film is all around us: in cineplexes, on billboards, on mobile devices. As believers, we struggle with how to be in this world but not of this world. If we watch it without a critical eye, film has the potential to unduly influence us. However, if we watch it with real understanding, film has the potential to reveal profound mysteries and serve the greater good. The goal of the Imago Film Festival is to help us understand film and thereby, equip us to encounter and reflect on the experience of faith,” said Imago Film Festival Director Dr. Terry Wandtke. The festival closed on Saturday, April 8, with the student-favorite Red Carpet Celebration — complete with food, live music and a best-dressed contest. That One Band performed and the evening ended with an awards ceremony and screenings of the festival’s winning films. To suggest filmmakers or seek sponsorship opportunities for the next Imago Film Festival, visit www.imagofilmfestival.com. Judson thanks the many sponsors that supported the Imago Film Festival, including Judson Student Organization, Christianity Today International, Asbury University and Comfort Suites and Mama Lee’s Gourmet Popcorn. 4

JUDSON TODAY

Judson Moves Rockford Campus to I.D. Pennock Family YMCA In February of this year, Judson announced a partnership with the YMCA of Rock River Valley to relocate its Rockford, Ill., campus. Formerly housed at 1055 Featherstone Drive, Judson’s Rockford campus is moving to the Rockford Y’s flagship location, the I.D. Pennock Family YMCA in downtown Rockford situated along 15 acres of Rock River waterfront. Construction for the new space is ongoing, and classes will open at the new location in fall 2017. Judson University will occupy 10,000 square feet of space on the third floor and portions of the second floor of the YMCA facility. The new classrooms will offer Y members an opportunity to take evening college courses in the Division of Professional Studies, which offers adult undergraduate degrees in Organizational Leadership, Business Administration (with optional concentrations in Digital Marketing, Entrepreneurship, Human Resource Management or Leadership), Human Services and Applied Psychology as well as an Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts. Additionally, the Y will have access to the state-of-the art classrooms during the day to run its programs and educational initiatives. The new facilities will give Judson adult students access to free childcare during class time, complimentary use of the fitness facilities and an on-site Subway sandwich restaurant. The I.D. Pennock Family YMCA has been a riverfront destination since it opened in 1964, and with its more than 160,000 square feet of building space on three floors, it is said to be the seventh largest YMCA facility in the United States.

Grad Students Win Urbanism Design Award

Catherine Anderson Wins First Judson Writing Award

Judson Architecture students in the graduate studio, Advanced Architecture and Urbanism, received the 2016 Academic Award for “Best Neighborhood, District and Corridor” from the Congress for the New Urbanism Illinois Chapter (CNU-IL). PICTURED: (left to right) Justin Banda; Professor Christopher C. Miller; Tyler E. Wade; Jennifer Settle (CNU-IL Board of Directors 2016 Chair); Marvin Reyes; Andrew M. Witek; Tyler Hopwood; and Stacey Meekins (CNU-IL Charter Awards Chair). Student Kay Havlicek is not pictured.

The English Department honored the winners of its first Judson University Writing Award. Catherine Anderson ’18 has won the $100 prize for Scholarly Writing, for her essay “Redefining Piety,” on Homer’s The Odyssey. Honorable Mention awards will also go to three writers, listed in alphabetical order: Sarah Jenkins, for “Batgirl Begins Again: A Study of the History of a DC Comics Heroine;” Rachel Peterson ’17, for “Uncovering the Structure of Folktales;” and Danae Ross, for “Audio—the Overlooked Teaching Method.” The Writing Award Endowed Fund welcomes donations, and naming rights are still available. Please contact the Advancement Office for more information.

Upcoming Judson Events – 2017 Welcome Weekend: August 17-20

RISE Preview Day: October 8-9

Fall Semester Begins: August 21

Overnight Preview Day: October 8-9

Global Outreach Week: September 4-8

Inspirational Series: October 9

Preview Day: September 4

Fall Break: October 16

Homecoming Weekend: September 21-23

A Day at Judson: October 16

Network Night: September 21

Founders' Day: October 20

SUMMER 2017

Preparing to Serve You The Lindner Commons kitchen, serving and dining area will get a very noticeable facelift this summer during a major renovation project. For weeks, crews have worked tirelessly to make the transformation a memorable one. The project completion date is scheduled for early August. Judson thanks the Lindner family for its generous donation, which made this renovation possible.

The cafeteria renovations include vital updates to the kitchen and plumbing.

A Mission Minded University Judson University is listed among the 50 Top “Mission Minded Christian Colleges and Universities” for 2017 by Christian Universities Online.

Additional space is being created to accommodate "family-style" seating and make the food line move smoother.

The public is invited to submit comments regarding the University to the following address: Public Comment on Judson University, Higher Learning Commission 230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500, Chicago, IL 60604-1411 The public may also submit comments on HLC’s website at: http://www.hlcommission.org/HLCInstitutions/third-party-comment.html. Comments must address substantive matters related to the quality of the institution or its academic programs. Comments must be in writing. All comments must be received by September 4, 2017

For updates on the cafeteria renovations, please visit: judsonu.useed.net/give/cafereno. 6

JUDSON TODAY

SHAPE YOUR LIFE TO SHAPE THE WORLD At Judson University, we equip students to make a difference in a world that needs their creativity, passion, and leadership. In each of our 60+ degree programs, Judson students are developing habits of mind that will serve them well as they serve their world.

60+

VARIOUS OPTIONS. More than 60 academic programs offered

AN IDEAL SETTING. Located in Chicago’s northwest suburbs

A FAITH COMMUNITY. Our Christian mission helps students develop God-honoring relationships and careers

90%

REAL WORLD LEARNING. Students involved in real-world settings by internships, practicums, and student teaching

“Judson is preparing me in more ways than I know. I am confident that Judson has instilled within me the correct tools I need to walk into the workforce and immediately make an impact. My experience has also shaped me to be a passionate leader.” – Maddie Smith '16, Elementary Education with English as a Second Language, Middle School Endorsement

Judson is ranked in the Midwest Best Universities, U.S. News and World Report Best Colleges Survey

VISIT US ON OUR PREVIEW DAYS 2017 September 4 October 8 - 9 November 10

2018 January 14 - 15 February 18 - 19 April 6

If you know someone who would benefit from a Christian education, invite them to attend a Preview Day, visit our website at JudsonU.edu/visit or call 847.628.2517. SUMMER 2017

JUDSONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; S DLIT CLASS OF 2017

JUDSON TODAY

Lindsay Allen

Vicki Billimack

Valerie Cawley

Principal, Southbury Elementary School Oswego, Ill.

English Teacher, Prairie Ridge High School Crystal Lake, Ill.

Graduate Professor, Division of Education Judson University

Beth Gottlieb

Mary Martin

Maria Schlup

Fourth-Grade Teacher Westminster Christian School Elgin, Ill.

Associate Professor & Director of Christian School Education, Moody Bible Institute Chicago, Ill.

Reading Specialist, District 15 Palatine, Ill.

Joy Towner

Megan Truax

Ben Zulauf

Chair, Division of Education Judson University

Fourth-Grade Teacher, Southbury Elementary Oswego, Ill.

Literacy Coach District 2 Bensenville, Ill.

FIRST DOCTOR OF EDUCATION IN LITERACY CLASS OF GRADUATES In 2013, Judson launched its Doctor of Education in Literacy program, with the idea of combining best practices and scholarly proficiency to aid local educators in becoming top-notch literacy leaders. This May, that first cohort of nine graduated with their Ed.D. degrees, as part of Judson’s Spring Commencement exercises. The Doctor of Education in Literacy program, or DLIT, as it has come to be called on campus, was created by renowned educators Dr. Steven Layne and Dr. Gillian Stewart-Wells, along with an advisory council of 11 university professors, K-12 teachers, principals and literacy coaches. Dr. Layne and Dr. Stewart-Wells continue to lead what has grown into five cohorts of eight to 10 students each. Currently, 45 candidates are enrolled in the program. This first cohort started together in January 2014, and all nine completed the three-year coursework module and defended their dissertations.

“We feel a great sense of being the Church at work in the world,” said Dr. Stewart-Wells of the ongoing success of the DLIT program. “What a tremendous impact for our students, not just at K-12 schools, but in higher education. There’s a ripple effect. They have focused on best literacy practice and how to become better researchers, practitioners and leaders in their fields, whether it be reading, writing, speaking, young adult literature or social justice, etc.” As many as 33 people applied to be a part of that first cohort. Twentytwo were called in for an initial interview, but only nine made it through the entire process that included a multi-tiered application, a committee interview, live-writing prompts, a literacy-related presentation. (Later, a group interview was added to the selection process.) Learn about Judson’s Doctor of Education in Literacy program: JudsonU.edu/literacydoctor

WATCH OUR VIDEO OF DLIT GRADUATE MARIA SCHLUP’S “LITTLE LIBRARIES.” bit.ly/judsonlittlelibraries

ALSO see other fantastic things our DLIT students are involved in, page 20

SUMMER 2017

Campus Life – Living the Judson Dream

The JU Lip Sync event encouraged students to explore their creativity. A senior student served as director of the Spring Concert of Worship.

Finals Week was a little more bearable, thanks to the Puppy Stress Relief event.

Some business students interned for the Chicago Auto Show, the largest auto show in the country.

Judson musicians partnered with the Peru Global Outreach team for a benefit concert.

Judson’s Women’s Soccer team unified for a common goal this spring: missional work in the Central American country of Costa Rica. 10

JUDSON TODAY

Shaping Lives That Shape the World

Architecture and Interior Design majors took on Europe for the 2017 summer study tour.

Students involved in the Penguin Project performed during the RISE Programâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s chapel event.

Senior students displayed their work in the Draewell Gallery as part of the Senior Exhibition.

The Chapel Dance Ministry hosted a showcase this spring.

Skits featuring the Chapel Drama team kept the audience engaged.

Students learned from community members during the annual March into Health Fair.

Judson celebrated 233 graduates during the 77th commencement ceremonies this spring. SUMMER 2017

JUDSON TODAY

BELIZE Trip Bridges Connection with Alumni By Lisa Jones Townsel

“You can’t fully prepare for what you’re going to experience before you get there. You have to live it, before it’s real to you.” – Bonnie, Bienert, Alumni Relations Director

udson Alumni Relations Director Bonnie Bienert and Judson President Dr. Gene Crume have led the Global Outreach trip to Belize for the past four years. The hallmark of this nine-day trip is that it welcomes Judson alumni to join current students and staff to complete a special mission. This is an important distinction because alumni who graduated before the 1990s may not have had a chance to go on a Spring Break serving trip. “They did some choir tours and soccer tours back then, but that was before it was a part of Judson’s culture to do mission trips during the break,” Bienert said. Kristen Stombres was happy to participate. “I had never done a mission trip like this before. When I was at Judson, there weren’t opportunities like this,” said Stombres, a 1979 graduate and an associate professor of Education at Judson. “My students knew this, as I discussed it with them. That is what gave them the idea that I should go! I was amazed to see how ‘fluid and flexible’ team members were, as what was planned had to be changed at a moment’s notice to meet the needs of the people. Students, staff, faculty, Dr. and Mrs. Crume, G3 (the Crumes’ son, Gene III) and prayer calmed any fears that I may have had when we arrived. We were a team, working together to be the hands and feet of Christ.” In this case, the mission field was the community of San Antonio, the second largest community (with about 500 residents) in the Orange Walk District of Belize. Yet, as beautiful as the terrain is, poverty prevails. And, it is not uncommon for homes and churches to be without running water and basic plumbing. In fact, accommodations for the Belize team were meager at best: airbed mattresses in a hurricane shelter, with cold water shower stalls nearby. This serving trip grew out of a meeting Bienert had with President Crume upon his arrival to Judson in 2013. “When Dr. Crume came, he asked, ‘What are some dreams that we have that I could assist with?’ And I told him that I wanted to see an alumni and student missions team.”

Dr. Crume knew of this small village in Belize that his church had worked with, and Bienert said he had a vision for it. She said he told her, “‘Great. You and I will lead it.’ It was like this dream that someone made happen,” she added. But on the trip, the president was just one of the crowd. “My respect for him is huge. When you’re in that environment, hot and tired, you’re seeing the real person,” she said of President Crume. “To see him love the people as a brother, not based on education or ethnicity, it’s real. I think there is no better education you can get from the president than going to Belize with him.” About 20 people go on the trip annually, including students, Dr. Crume and First Lady Cindy Crume and their children, the Bienerts, alumni and friends. There were great moments for alumni and students to work together and bond and for married couples to mentor singles. The group’s Spring Break mission was to help build a patio extension on to the neighborhood church that serves 100 people. Team members also helped tutor and teach school-aged children and led Vacation Bible School for the week with the curriculum created by current education students. “You give them a water bottle, and it’s gold to them,” said Bienert. “Most people don’t have cars; buses come into the village. They’re hospitable and welcoming. You come a little nervous, and immediately, they are so thankful you’re there. It breaks down your barriers.” Bienert recalled that after a group of second and third-graders spent the week creating little booklets that they were truly proud of, they each brought their projects to the Judson workers on the last day of the mission trip to give them as gifts. “They hunger for that connection and to be remembered,” Bienert explained, tearfully. “In our culture, we are so used to being busy and doing, that we’re not always connected to one another,” she said. “In their culture, it’s all about the being. It hits that deep longing for connecting as human beings. There is a beauty in that.” SUMMER 2017

Ready, Set, Serve By Halee Yarbrough ’19

Each year, our students are given the wonderful opportunity to serve alongside their peers during Judson’s Global Outreach trips. Many of these trips are taken during Spring Break, but some are also taken post-term and during Christmas Break. The memories our students make with the people they come into contact with will be cherished forever. Judson thanks the many families that support its annual Global Outreach Trips.

Andrew Kennedy ’18 Hometown: Singapore Major: Biochemistry/Pre-Medical Trip: Belize ’17

“My trip to Belize allowed me to see purpose and passion in serving people on the mission field through medicine. Getting to see the everyday needs of those in the community has given me a new perspective on the role medicine plays in serving those around [me]. The time I have spent in Belize serving alongside classmates as well as President Crume will be one of the strongest memories I will take from my time at Judson.”

Belize

Deborah Lee (Joojin Lee) ’19

Briana Williams ’17 Hometown: Plainfield, Ill. Major: Christian Ministries Trip: Guatemala ’15, Guatemala ’17, Bahamas ’16

Hometown: South Korea Major: Architecture Trip: Mexico ’17

Mexico

“The trip was great. Having grown up as a missionary kid, I really appreciated being able to see the ministry in a different perspective than how I saw it growing up.”

Minh Ngo ’17

Hometown: Brookfield, Wis. Major: Marketing Trip: Belize ’17

“God is good. He will provide and I have surely seen him heal the broken.”

“My trip was eye-opening, to say the least. Seeing how the villagers have such a great sense of community and an awesome love for God was just amazing.”

Bahamas JUDSON TODAY

Guatemala

Brady Radmann ’20

Hometown: Wheeling, Ill. Major: Architecture Trip: Bahamas ’16

“Serving on my short-term mission trip to San Lucas Toliman, Guatemala, has reaffirmed my purpose in missions. It was a reminder that I am doing exactly what God has called me to do: pursue full-time missions.”

Belize

Ukraine

Rebekah Thompson ’20

Logan Ganassin ’19

Hometown: Grand Ledge, Mich. Major: Intercultural Leadership Trip: Ukraine ’17

Hometown: Lake in the Hills, Ill. Major: Intercultural Leadership Trip: Kenya ’16

Something I learned in the Ukraine is that the impact of evangelism isn’t measurable. I may never personally see the results that come from talking to someone about Jesus, or inviting them to a coffee shop where they can encounter the Christian owner. I didn’t go to the Ukraine and see hundreds of people come to Jesus, or changed for God; I went there and planted seeds. Planting seeds in a foreign field and then leaving means I may not see those seeds grow. Yet, the great thing is, they still will because other people will come along and water those seeds, and plan more. Most importantly, God will make them grow because He is powerful! I am thankful for the opportunity to serve Him in the Ukraine, and that we serve an awesome God.

“Kenyan culture is joyous and worshipful. God made himself known in every one of my interactions with others. My favorite part of serving is seeing and understanding God through another person’s eyes.”

Kenya

Peru

Savanna Albanese ’17 Hometown: Batavia, Ill. Major: Psychology Trip: Peru ’14, ’16, ’17 This trip, along with other experiences that I have had while studying at Judson, has inspired me to pursue a career in social work and continue to advocate for and serve vulnerable populations and share the love of Jesus Christ with them.

Gloria Lee (Joo Young) ’17 Hometown: South Korea Major: Youth Ministry Trip: Mexico ’17

Mexico

“I had an amazing and refreshing experience in Mexico. God reminded me of His faithfulness with all the work that He is doing in other countries. His faithfulness gave me peace for my future and the future of missions.”

Chicago

Diana Rivera ’20 Hometown: Glendale Heights, Ill. Major: Worship Arts Trip: Mexico ’17, Chicago ’17 At first, I wanted to go to a foreign country. It’s easy to forget about the needs right in our community. This trip taught us how to communicate, interact and learn about the different things going on in our own community.

Brea Noble ’17 Hometown: Plainfield, Ill. Major: Psychology Trips: Dominican Republic ’14, Guatemala ’15, Kenya ’16 “Attending Judson has provided me with the privilege to go on not one, but three Global Outreach trips over my four years – the Dominican Republic, Guatemala and Kenya. Specifically, going to Kenya and living among such resilient, respectful and vibrant people gave me some of the most beautiful and transformational Kenya encounters of my life that I will genuinely never forget. Each experience has challenged my way of life, expanded my knowledge on what it looks like to serve, and fostered my desire to live in a way that brings honor to the name of Jesus Christ.”

SUMMER 2017

Through The Years Serving trips are an important venue for spiritual development, outreach and evangelism at Judson University, which got its name from Adinoram Judson, the first Protestant missionary from the United States commissioned to go overseas where he and his wife served in Burma. Data represents facts based on 2007-2017

Judson students that have served on a Global Outreach trip

Continents where Judson students have served

“My first morning in Kenya. The sun is bringing the world to life. Roosters crow in the distance, birds that I’ve never heard in my life sing their twitterpated songs to the animal kingdom. The air is light and fresh — different than any air I’ve ever felt. It fills me up with a warmth and sense of belonging I didn’t quite know could exist in a location. A faint scent of firewood is on the bare breeze. The world is crisp and full of leafy color... so many epiphanies have hit me. Nothing comes by chance. God has always been, is and always will be orchestrating our steps. I am meant to be here.” — Rachel Lester ’19

JUDSON TODAY

Trips offered 2007-2017

“I’ve had a heart for global missions for as long as I can remember, but being able to experience a trip like this with my Judson family is a richer experience than I could’ve anticipated. Having gone to Belize a couple of times now, I am blown away by the depth of relationships that can be forged and maintained when you choose to invest in a specific community over the course of several years. The love and warmth that we experienced each time is unprecedented. When we go, it doesn’t feel like we’re meeting with strangers in a foreign land but linking arms with brothers and sisters. The Judson leadership has such a tremendous gift for developing and cultivating a philosophy of ministry that is both sustainable and honoring. I cannot recommend enough that you prayerfully consider going on one or several of these trips.” — Ian Simkins ’06

FINDING FAITH & PURPOSE IN A FOREIGN LAND BY LAURYN MILLER

Over Christmas Break, seven students from Judson alongside David Ogoli and his wife Iris, traveled to Kenya, Africa, where they partnered with local churches and youth camps. As many people assume, the students expected this trip to be one where they do a lot of “work” or physical labor. However, as Judson student Logan Ganassin ’19 expressed, “Pastor Ben challenged students to take in the full ‘holy experience.’” The main focus of the Kenya trip was to be relational, which was contrary to what most North American Christians presume about Global Outreach trips. Instead of building houses or sidewalks, the students traveled to Kenya to learn more about the rich culture and how to love others who are unlike themselves. As they partnered with local churches and children’s homes, they had the opportunity to learn from many individuals about Christ’s church and His love for His children. The Judson students expressed that while in Kenya, one of the most impacting moments was their time spent in the church services. Ganassin and Rachel Lester ’19 explained how the church services lasted all day long. However, as Lester stated, the church services were “not long without reason.” Many locals would stumble into the church as they heard the music being played for hours, and there would be a large meal provided for the church and the public. The Judson students

witnessed many come to know the Lord through these church services and were able to fellowship with the church congregation. The church services taught the Judson students to slow down and be with the Lord, instead of going to church and getting a “check mark” for the week. Another main theme of the trip was that there was no main theme. Each day came without a plan and time was very loose. While the activities varied, their days were filled with time in children’s homes, taking care of orphans, planning a sports camp for local youth, and spending time with the Kenyan people. Lester explained, “Time here is sort of like a mirage in a desert...it does not exist. Meals are taken variously, we arrive to places late and leave late. I seem to fit right in to how things work here — just go with the flow.” As the students traveled back home, they continued to reflect on all their experiences in Kenya. The days and weeks spent there will never be forgotten and have left a large imprint on their hearts. Ganassin and Lester both explained how their time in Kenya opened their eyes to a life on the mission field, serving and loving God’s people. “It is not about how we started, it is about how we finish. Nobody has absolutely nothing. We all have been given gifts, so we must do something with what we’ve been given!” Ganassin said.

Kenya Connection: Professor Ogoli Returns Home By Lisa Jones Townsel

Dr. David Ogoli, a naturalized U.S. citizen, came to Judson to teach in 2001. That following year he and his wife, Iris, a UIC academic advisor, got busy helping groups to go on serving trips to Kenya, his home country. By 2008, the couple was leading their own student groups there, including this past December 2016. All in all, Dr. Ogoli surmises that as many as 70 students have gone on the eight trips to his homeland, where they partner with local orphanages and provide shoes, clothes and food, which the students buy with their own money. They also spend time teaching Vacation Bible School, running youth conventions, performing light construction jobs and simply playing with the kids. They have also experienced the highs and lows of life there, like when Iris Ogoli’s mother passed during this last trip and the students visited her village. While only Dr. Ogoli and his wife speak the native Swahili language on most trips, the students find ways to connect. “We try to train them in areas of culture sensitivity, letting them know that the people may be different in terms of culture, but they have needs just as you do,” he said, adding, “We also prepare them spiritually.” Sometimes, the bigger challenge is getting the students to adjust to coming home after a trip. “It’s like reverse culture shock,” he said. “Sometimes, they bond so emotionally that they just want to go back.” SUMMER 2017

ALUMNI IMPACTING THE KINGDOM BY LAURYN MILLER

JUDSON TODAY

Judson Alums Marcelo and Lisa Galvao impact hundreds of refugees through All Nations Sports Academy

What started out as young love has now flourished into an incredible journey of God’s provision and faithfulness. Marcelo ’96 and Lisa ’95 Galvao met as students at Judson in 1993. They were both involved with the International Student Organization (at the time, there was not a formal group). Marcelo was an international student, and Lisa was an American girl who loved to teach English. As Marcelo and Lisa dated, they decided to lead the international student club due to the fact there was no staff for this position. Together, in their cross-cultural relationship, they wanted to be an influence to their peers. Because of their time at Judson, Marcelo and Lisa felt equipped and prepared to leave college and begin a life of ministry together. Upon graduation and marriage, Lisa received her master’s degree in Missions and Intercultural Studies with a certificate in Teaching English as a Second Language from Wheaton College. Marcelo received a Sports Management degree and proceeded to coach college soccer for 15 years and professional soccer for five years. In 2007, Marcelo and Lisa moved to Houston, Texas, where they applied to the International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention in order to continue their passion for full-time ministry. During this season of waiting, Marcelo and Lisa felt as though all their doors to international ministry opportunities were shut. Also during this time, they already had three children and began to feel that they needed to make Houston their home and be active in the community. Marcelo and Lisa soon realized that their dream of being in full-time ministry was possible in Houston. They began working with their home church, Sugar Creek Baptist Church, where they were exposed to the many refugees and immigrants in Houston. The more they served, the more Marcelo and Lisa’s eyes were opened to staying in Texas.

As a result of staying in Texas, much prayer, as well as, planning, Marcelo and Lisa launched their nonprofit, All Nations Sports Academy (ANSA), where children and youth, especially from disadvantaged communities, can play soccer and be exposed to the Gospel in action. Marcelo and Lisa are an example of what it means to be the hands and feet of Jesus to their community. They recognized that soccer was a universal language among many different nations and languages, which is the focus of the nonprofit. Due to the fact that the majority of the youth they serve come from all over the world, Marcelo and Lisa approach sharing the Gospel like they are in a “closed” country where the Gospel cannot be overtly discussed. They train Christian volunteers whom they can mobilize into service. Instead of taking their community to the church, they believe that the church needs to be brought to the community. ANSA volunteers form a bond with their soccer players and their families and have opportunities to be a light for Christ in the darkness. At the beginning, they opened ANSA with two locations and a handful of kids. Now, two-and-a-half years later, ANSA has expanded to 12 locations, almost 200 volunteers and 800 children and youth. The mission of ANSA is to transform and empower youth and their families of all nations through soccer. And their vision is twofold: to mobilize Christians into service and to reach out especially to disadvantaged communities that are in need of transformation and hope. Marcelo and Lisa recognize that all their successes belong to the Lord – for He has been faithful each step of the way. Judson would like to thank all the faithful donors who give to groups such as the International Student Organization. These generous gifts help equip and train students, just like Marcelo and Lisa, to go out and shape the world. SUMMER 2017

Establishing A Library; Leveraging Love and Learning By Lisa Jones Townsel

Doctoral student Lindsay Allen does a Giant Book read-aloud about Creation for first-graders in Ghana.

What do you get when you put students, staff and faculty together with a cause for literacy abroad? Global progress. Since spring 2015, members of Judson’s Doctor of Education in Literacy program have traveled to Katakyasie, Ghana, to build relationships through the development of a library. The group travels to this small village, where for years, books have been donated to the pre-K to 9th grade students, but little has been done to build the infrastructure to ease the use and care of the books. Jim Reed, a fifth-grade teacher at Sycamore Trails Elementary School in Bartlett, Ill., has spearheaded trips to Ghana as part of Two Pennies Ministry to provide needed supplies. But when the donated books began to pile up, he looked to his church, First Baptist Church of Elgin, and his church friends for help. When Reed and Judson professor, author and chair of the Doctor of Literacy program Dr. Steven Layne talked about the need, Dr. Layne knew his staff would gladly take on the challenge. By Spring Break 2015, faculty and students in the doctoral program devised a plan of making regular trips to the region to help this Roman Catholic school with cataloging books, setting up book-borrowing

systems and assisting local teachers with curriculum ideas. Since that time, two more groups have traveled there to help. This village had amassed more than 2,000 books altogether. “We had no idea what we were getting ourselves into,” said Judson Professor Dr. Brenda Buckley-Hughes, who went on that initial trip. “There were hundreds of unorganized books.” “But they didn’t know what to do with them,” recalled Dr. Joseph Rumenapp, another Judson Professor who also helped. “The idea was to create a library.” This step-by-step approach gave them time to get to know the people, play with the children and see the difference their contributions made. Building a library was a grand undertaking that children from the village helped with too, many of them carrying bricks on their heads to the construction site. The result was a library building that now serves more than 200 students. “They had never had the opportunity to take a book home from the library,” Dr. Buckley-Hughes said of the local students. “The kids were reaching in through the windows to get books.” In addition to Drs. Buckley-Hughes and Rumenapp, Judson Administrative Assistant Rebecca Huguley lent helping hands on a trip to the region, as have doctoral students Lindsay Allen ’12/’17, Cindy Gerwin ’18 and Lizzy VanderWoude ’15. The students helped local teachers with professional development. Other initiatives included helping with an orphanage, adding Wi-Fi to the library and preparing to use the facility as a training ground for local pastors. “To see our doctoral students take on new roles and find passions they never knew they had is really cool to see,” Dr. Rumenapp said. Each trip to the region has been transformational for all. “When we go into the school, we’re showing the love of Christ,” Dr. Buckley-Hughes explained. “We’re not just giving to them; they’re giving to us. We’re so used to rushing from Point A to Point B. For Ghanians, it’s all about building relationships.” Working with the teachers and students is not a one-time experience; the work will continue to grow and develop with return trips to Ghana.

Learning the Principles of Serving By Briana Williams ’17

Students learn real-life lessons of planning missions trip before embarking on one of their own.

Every two years, Christian Ministries Professor Dr. Dave Sanders teaches a “Principles and Practices of Short-Term Missions” class. The class is typically made up of 12-15 students who travel to their serving location during Spring Break. The class is two semesters long. During this time, students not only learn the “why” behind missions, but they also plan the trip from beginning to end. The students are in charge of 20

JUDSON TODAY

purchasing airplane tickets, communicating with the host, budgeting and every other aspect of planning a mission trip. The main question that students focus on throughout the semester is, “What must we learn and unlearn to be agents of God’s mission in the world?” There is a real beauty and benefit to having students get such hands-on experience. “The reason the students do all the planning and execution is that many of them will be doing this in their youth ministry or missions organizations very shortly,” Dr. Sanders explained. This past Spring Break, class members returned to the city of San Lucas Toliman, Guatemala. They served alongside Promised Land Ministries in connection with Roberto Santizo, who worked as Judson’s financial aid director for many years. While there, they partnered with this ministry to build two houses, provide stoves and water filters, and to preach at a local church and so much more! The word, partnership, is key, as students are not going to these places to be heroes, but rather as servants to help further the work that God is already doing. Students also take the time to develop a lesson and teach seminars for the general Global Outreach Seminar that is held on campus during the fall. The class is mandatory for Youth Ministry majors but is open for all other majors to join. Classes such as this demonstrate one of the many ways you help Judson prepare students to shape their future.

Judson has a rich heritage of embracing international students. Here, International Programs Coordinator Rafael Heck poses with current students and recent alumni at an international student event.

A Global Heart

Q&A with International Programs Coordinator Rafael Heck By MyLeah Matheny ’20

Judson alum Rafael “Rafa” Heck ’11/’14/’16, knows what it is like to be embraced by other people and cultures. A native of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, he works at Judson as both the Men’s Soccer assistant coach and the coordinator of Judson’s International Programs. We took a moment recently to speak with him about the benefits of reaching out to people of other cultures. What’s the biggest benefit of having international students on campus?

What made you want to work at Judson?

Our campus has about 50 international students from 23 different countries. Domestic students’ interaction with international students enhances their cultural competency, communication skills and critical thinking ability. At the end of the day, educators want to stretch students’ ability to think and act, and having international students on campus helps to push them all further on their education development.

I first applied [to Judson] to become a student athlete. I finally came in Spring 2009 to finish my bachelor’s degree Exercise Sport Science and play soccer. I had a rough start my first semester because of issues with NAIA eligibility that almost made me leave everything to go back to Brazil. Thankfully, I was embraced by the Judson community in a way that made me feel safe and welcomed. My answer was to love Judson back, and after graduating from here, I was given the opportunity to give back in a much better way: carrying and supporting our students and community. I also have a Master of Organizational Leadership and Master of Business Administration degree from Judson.

What brings you joy in your job as the International Program coordinator?

My favorite thing by far, is to have the chance to meet them all and learn from them about their culture, country, uniqueness and their life. It is a blessing to receive them here as freshmen and help them walk out after four years with their degree in hand ready to face the world. What practical leadership do you offer international students?

I offer them support and the experience to have been in their shoes in the past. I can relate to all their struggles and benefits that come with their lives as an international student living abroad. It could either be a simple ride to the bank to open a bank account or a crucial conversation about their academic struggles, if any. I am open to support them with whatever they need, within the boundaries of our student-educator relationship to help them achieve their goals.

What do you think international students learn most from their time here?

Our international students certainly benefit from being here in a very similar way that domestic students do when interacting with internationals. The difference is that international students are being overloaded with American culture by being immersed in it 24/7. They are also trying to learn how to fit in and be accepted to function properly and benefit from their experience abroad. The Judson community does well helping internationals navigate through their experience abroad by giving the support they need to succeed and feel welcomed. SUMMER 2017

Tom Randall â&#x20AC;&#x2122;76 speaks at Judson University's chapel this spring.

JUDSON TODAY

REBEL who found his cause By Lisa Jones Townsel

Tom Randall’s story is the stuff that legends are made of. Long before he recognized his need for God, God was shaping his life and heart at Judson. A Michigan native, Tom came here on scholarship to play basketball, to party and to get away from the streets of Detroit. While at Judson, he lettered in four sports (basketball, soccer, cross country, golf) and was named a four-time All-Conference basketball player setting seven school records, four conference records, and two national records. He averaged 31.5 points per game to lead the nation in scoring as a senior. The furthest thing from his mind at the time was ministry. Yet, his coaches did more than watch his stats soar (Tom’s ball skills were meteoric, and he was clearly destined for a career in the NBA); they also took interest in his soul. “I loved the campus, and how far it was from the city. It was a peaceful place. I loved every day I was at Judson,” said Tom, who graduated in 1976 with a bachelor’s degree in Human Relations. He would later be named “Alumnus of the Year” in 1981, honored in 1998 with an honorary doctorate degree, and inducted into the university’s Hall of Fame in 2003. “I began to hear the Gospel at Judson. First, I ignored it. Coach Dick Helm did all the hard work; he was my first influence. He led me to the Scriptures. Then he left, and Coach Jim Sziksai led me to the Lord my senior year in the basement of his house. It transformed my life.” All the while, Tom said he knew something in his life was changing from the inside out. “The Lord was pushing me in that direction. I was happy there in Elgin,” he said. “It was such a personal relationship with my professors and coaches. It’s who you lived with and knew. You knew each other by name. They knew your personality. They knew I could be trouble. It was more like they were raising you up.” From that time on, Tom would see those words take on greater meaning. He met his Judson sweetheart, Karen Derheim ’77. They got married after she graduated. He connected with Sports Ambassadors and played international basketball until a bad injury to the elbow changed all that. He would later entertain game goers in the Philippines and beyond with his juggling antics while riding a unicycle. He also become a chaplain for members of the Senior PGA, a gig he would continue for 15 years.

The April birthday celebration for Steve Burke was a reunion for former students and coaches who once worked with him.

Tom has taken Bibles into China, endured a 22-day false imprisonment and rode his unicycle and shared his testimony at prisons, leper colonies, palaces, universities and military bases. And, he even performed during the 2016 NBA Finals. All in all, he played more than 2,000 international basketball games around the world, and he coached and directed more than 100 different teams and about 1,000 short-term missionaries in the Philippines — all the time uplifting the name and the Gospel of Christ. That still only scratches the surface of the greater work that God had in store for Tom and Karen, who began World Harvest Ministries. For 30 years they worked alongside one another in the Philippines, Tom as a missionary ball player and Karen as a missionary teacher. They toiled together in ministry and as husband and wife. When it was clear that they could not have children, they adopted an orphanage of 31 youths, and helped to build churches, hospitals and other sustainable ministries in the local community. At one point, to raise money to help fund the orphanage, Tom and 66 male friends rode bikes across North America. He would eventually suffer broken bones due to a car that ran into him, but that didn’t stop Tom. With a broken collarbone and several fractured ribs, he completed the ride, and the money raised helped to sustain their orphanage for years. Today, Tom proudly tells of their children’s growth and achievements that range from being ministers themselves to teachers, nurses, doctors and entrepreneurs. And not too surprisingly, he said, “All the kids ride a unicycle and give their testimony when they are entertaining.” In April, Tom, a part-time pastor at Christ Community Chapel in Hudson, Ohio, returned to Judson to speak at chapel and to serve as emcee during the Judson Legends’ celebration to honor Head Men’s Soccer Coach Steve Burke, who celebrated his 60th birthday. (Both Randall and Burke were 2003 Hall of Fame inductees.) During both events, Randall was true to himself, a servant leader: “I learned from the Lord in 1 Corinthians 9 that I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. God doesn’t ask you to give what you don’t have,” he explained. “There was a joy in sharing Christ and the ability of sports. Those were the things that I could do.”

Tom Randall addressed the birthday crowd with humor and grace.

Birthday guest Steve Burke poses with his wife, Sharon.

SUMMER 2017

FACULTY ACCOMPLISHMENTS Mark A. Torgerson, Ph.D., Professor, Chair, Worship Arts, has been invited to participate in a National Endowment for the Humanities Summer Institute, “Challenges of Teaching World Religions,” at Macalester College, St. Paul, Minn. Thirty scholars from around the country have been invited to share in this four-week workshop in July-August 2017. The focus of the gathering is on reconsidering how to approach comparative religion instruction for undergraduate students. A. Gillian Stewart-Wells, Ph.D., Co-chair, Graduate Programs in Literacy Education, and Director, Doctor of Education in Literacy Division of Education, published the article, “Hated on Both Sides of the Aisle: Overcoming the Tension between Christian Foundation and Presentday Social Advocacy,” in the Spring 2017 issue of The Journal of the International Christian Community for Teacher Education. Joseph C. Rumenapp, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Graduate Programs in Literacy Education, recently published two peer-reviewed articles: “Talking about Language in Preschool: The Use of Video-Stimulated Recall with Emergent Bilingual Children” in the Journal of Multilingual Educational Research with P. Zitlali Morales and “It Ain’t Nah It’s No’: Preparing Preschoolers for the Language of School” in the Journal of Early Childhood Literacy with Colleen E. Whittingham and Emily Brown Hoffman. He presented papers at the Literacy Research Association annual conference, National Council of Teachers of English Assembly of Research midwinter conference, and the American Educational Research Association annual conference. Additionally, he began a three-year term as co-chair of Area 11: Research Theory, Methods, and Practices for the Literacy Research Association. Sharon Kim, Ph.D., Professor and Chair, Department of English, presented a paper on “Beauty and Madness: the Christian Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald” at a special conference on “Beauty and Exile,” organized by the Conference on Christianity and Literature. Warren Anderson, D.W.S., Director, Demoss Center for Worship in the Performing Arts, conducted the Huntley Brown Orchestra at West Aurora High School for Covenant Christian School’s annual fundraiser on March 25 in Aurora, Ill. The Rev. Brown is the Demoss Center’s artist-in-residence.

Craig Kaplowitz, Ph.D., Chair, History and Intercultural Studies, Director, The Honors Program, was selected to participate in a seminar on “The 20th Century Presidency” at Stanford University’s Washington, D.C., campus in July 2017, sponsored by the Council of Independent Colleges and the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History. This spring he curated the images and audio/visual artifacts for Milestone Documents’ US History II online document collection, and conducted an external program review for the University Honors Program at North Carolina A&T State University. Dave Sanders, D. Min., Professor and Director, Master of Leadership in Ministry, presented “Engaging the Generations: The World and Persona of Millennials and Screeners” to the Paraclete Missions Group’s biennial conference. He conducted three training seminars for adult staff/leaders at the Metro Maryland Youth for Christ annual IMPACT conference and served as project director for the American Bible Society Military Teen Bible, named the “I AM” Bible. He was invited to present a paper entitled, “Why Intergenerational Participation in Shaping Millennial Leadership is Vital for Future Youth Ministry with Screeners,” at the inaugural InterGenerate conference at Lipscomb University, June 2017. He presented as the plenary speaker to 400 high school students at the SERVE 2016 conference (Reformed Church of America). He authored a sidebar article for Officers Christian Fellowship’s COMMAND magazine, and was invited to be a guest blogger. He presented a paper, “Engaging the Generations: The World and Persona of Millennials and Screeners,” at the Association of Youth Ministry Educators’ annual conference, coauthored with Philip Lindsay, a 2015 Christian Ministries graduate. Jim Halverson, Ph.D., Professor, History, Director, General Education, published: “Hugh of Saint Victor c. 10961141,” Classical and Medieval Literary Criticism, ed. Laurence J. Trudeau, vol. 186, Gale Cengage Learning, 2017, 191-320. Terrence Wandtke, Ph.D., Professor, Film and Media, presented the paper, “The Working Class PI (AKA Jessica Jones): Alias as a Narrative of Quiet Desperation,” at the 2017 Popular Culture Association Conference in San Diego, Calif. He also served as chair at the conference in the subject area of Comics and Comic Art, putting together 15 panels and three roundtable discussions. He recently started work as co-editor for the Comics Studies Monograph series from the Rochester Institute of Technology, dealing with comic books and graphic novels in aesthetic, cultural and theoretical frameworks.

Sojung Lee Hong Receives Award

Faculty Farewell: Dr. Pat Alden Retires

After 15 Years of Service, Dr. David Cook Leaves

In May, Sojung Lee Hong, D.M.A., Associate Professor, Music, received the Margaret Hillis Award for the Arts during the YWCA Elgin’s annual Leader Luncheon held at The Seville in Streamwood, Ill. Dr. Hong works as an associate professor of Music and as director of the Performance Certificate in Music program, which supports talented international students who come to the United States to further their music studies. Dr. Hong also recently released an instrumental CD entitled, “Tranquillity.”

Pat Alden, Ed.D., Professor, Business Department, has been a member of the Judson faculty since 1991. Dr. Alden was division chair and interim director in the Business Department. He also served on multiple University-wide committees. He has used his experience to develop and add multiple courses to the business program curriculum in order to strengthen it for our students. After 26 years of service, he is retiring. We are also happy to celebrate this new chapter with him that included an announcement of marriage in May.

Dr. David L. Cook, Ed.D., Dean, School of Business and Professional Studies, will retire in August, but not before overseeing the completion of the move of Judson’s Rockford campus to its new facilities within the I.D. Pennock Family YMCA. Altogether, Dr. Cook – now named as Dean Emeritus – served as a professor and administrator for nearly 15 years, and he will continue to teach as an adjunct during the 2017-2018 school year. An August reception has been planned in his honor.

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FACULTY VOICE

Faculty Accomplishments Out of My Comfort Zone, Into His Care As a student at Judson in the ’70s, there weren’t such excursions as today’s Global Outreach trips. I took my first during Spring Break 2017 to Belize. My students knew when I was a student at Judson that I wasn’t able to go on a missions trip, although I always wished I had. So that’s when two students asked me to come, as others had in the past. I prayed about it. My husband said he thought I should go, and I felt a real calling to be a part of the team this year. As a professor of Education at Judson for 31 years, I spend most of my days observing students in various schools supervising practicums. I also teach Development and Learning; Literacy Methods; Science Methods; Assessment; and I co-teach Senior Seminar. But by far, the hardest and most challenging thing I’ve ever done was to participate in the Belize Global Outreach trip. First, there was fear of the unknowns. Even though others have gone before me, I didn’t know what to expect. Knowing that I would sleep in a hurricane shelter (as everyone else in my group did) didn’t bother me. But I wondered Professor Kristen Stombres works with fourth-graders on their literacy skills. if Judson students would see me in a different light, and the fact that the entire trip was out of my control. I had to trust God that this was what I needed to be doing. Plus, I had the reassurance of the leaders, Bonnie Bienert, who I’ve known for years, and Judson President Dr. Gene Crume. I like my comforts of home, but once I was in Belize, I was very pleased to have a couple students as team members on this journey. They looked out for me. They knew some of my fears and that helped. Going with the flow can be a challenge for me. I teach that you must be fluid and flexible in the classroom, and in Belize, I had to practice what I preached. I was recuperating from a bout with pneumonia before I left, and I was a little fearful about that and my resulting stamina. Now, I wonder why was I worried at all? When I looked at the Crume family, as well as Bonnie and Tom Bienert, you see that it’s also about relationships. It’s kingdom-building far away. I wish every Education student would be able to see that. All in all, I can say that it’s different when you experience things firsthand, when you see how hard Judson’s young people worked and how they served and served and served. They had to be flexible. Their focus, persistence and heart for service really speaks to who Judson is and makes me hopeful. Kristen Stombres ’79 I helped teach in the Belizean village classrooms. I had to work with what I had and with the people Education Professor around me. Everything I have ever learned, all my training as an educator, came into play there, like Golden Eagle Award Recipient 2016 being able to think quickly on the spot. A pivotal moment came when I brought a lot of materials and strategies to the school. I had hoped to lead a workshop for a few minutes, but it lasted for four hours. This trip changed me. While I was there, the kids asked me for my blow-up mattress because they don’t have beds. My luggage weighed 50 pounds on the way there, but only 10 pounds on the way home, which was the case of many who were on this trip. We gave a lot away. As Christians, it is great to get out of comfort and put yourself in His care. In Belize, witnessing the hope in children was invigorating. This experience has helped me really appreciate the gifts given by our Heavenly Father. Everybody should consider a Global Outreach experience!

SUMMER 2017

AlumNotes We'd love to hear about your latest personal and professional achievements. Please submit news and photos for inclusion in the next issue of Judson Today. Photos may be submitted in JPEG format and should not exceed 5MB in size. Join the Judson University Alumni Club, and you will enjoy savings exclusively for Alumni Club members! Go to JudsonU.edu/Alumni for more information.

WEDDINGS & BIRTHS 1 On New Year’s Eve 2016, Trevor Dotson ’16 and Victoria Viegas ’16 were married in Chicago, Ill. Judson alumni in the wedding party included Kaylie Bienert ’16, Maryjane Reilly ’15, Mackenzie Freemire ’16, Scott Layton ’16, Tyler Hoffman ’16 and Ben Puffer ’16. The Dotsons reside in Las Vegas, Nev., where Trevor attends the University of Nevada Las Vegas as a Master of Fine Arts Design/ Technology student focusing on scenic design. Victoria teaches fifth grade at a Title I elementary school in Las Vegas.

NEWS & ACCOMPLISHMENTS Debby (Langlund ’71) Johnston recently released the second book in her Cherish novel series — Cherish: Behold, I Knock. The series is published by WestBow Press (a division of Thomas Nelson and Zondervan) and is available online sources and in bookstores. Debby would love your feedback at www.DebbyLJohnston.com. 2 While in Arizona for the winter, Ron Hunter ’72 entered the “Senior over 50 Olympics” in Tucson, Ariz. He won the silver medal in the regular basketball shoot and the gold medal in the 3-point shoot. Ron was on the Judson basketball team in the late 1960s and early 1970s under Coach Steve Kimery, and he currently resides in Winston Salem, N.C. 3 Congratulations to Kraig Kleeman ’80 for releasing a #1 international bestselling book, A Winning Brand: How to Build a Powerful, Personal Brand in Today’s Modern, Digital World, available on Amazon. He is founder of KragKleemanTV, an instructional sales training YouTube channel and a sought-after speaker. Kraig resides in Chicago, Ill.

Dr. Angelo Bravos ’81 recently became PanHellenic Scholarship Foundation’s interim executive director. The PanHellenic Scholarship Foundation provides scholarships and educational programs for Greek American students. Kim (Wheeler ’86) Johnsen serves as the director of marketing and membership at the Natural Land Institute in Rockford, Ill. In this role, Kim helps people understand nature and conservation as they embrace the mission of doing something for the health of the entire community. Randall Dunn ’88 presented his book, Den, at the Elgin Literary Festival at the Hemmens Cultural Center in Elgin, Ill. Past student Bart Scott was a featured speaker at the event with 28 authors on hand to discuss and sell their books.

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Please send your Alumnote to: Judson University Alumni Office 1151 N. State Street | Elgin, IL 60123 Call. 847.628.2083 | Fax. 847.628.1027 Email. Alumni@JudsonU.edu

Shawn Finley ’91 recently worked with DreamWorks Press on the Baby Po, Madagascar and How to Train Your Dragon picture book adaptations. Shawn graduated as valedictorian of his class and went on to establish his own illustration and design studio, producing work for numerous ad agencies, publishers, game developers and manufacturers. Shawn lives and works in Chicago, Ill., and his website is badlikeme.net. Michelle Guilbeau ’92 is a syndicated columnist and hosts the CBS National Series Small Business Pulse that strives to help small businesses and their owners. She is a writer, reviewer and founder of CraftKitsForKids.com and lives in Chicago, Ill. 4 Kristy Engel ’92 is a full-time missionary and nurse practitioner working all over the world in health care projects. These projects can be crisis-related (such as Ebola) or education-related (such as helping a nursing school in India). She has visited about 30 countries in her career and expects that number to continue growing as there will never be a shortage of health care needs in the world. 5 Kyle Strobel ’00 recently released the book The Way of the Dragon or The Way of the Lamb co-authored with Jamin Goggin and featured on the Christianity Today blog, “The Exchange.” Kyle is a professor of spiritual theology and formation at Talbot School of Theology at Biola University and writes and speaks on the areas of spiritual formation and theology. He lives in Southern California with his wife, Kelli, and their two children. 6 Dr. Patrick McGuire ’03 was unanimously appointed as the new associate principal of Thomas Jefferson Junior High School in Woodridge District 68 in Woodridge, Ill. Patrick has more than 13 years of experience in education, most recently with St. Charles District 303 where he spent most of his career teaching students in grades 5-8.

Sarah (Coutu ’03) Howk recently accepted the position of media specialist for Hill Production & Media Group out of Bloomfield, Iowa, and Nashville, Tenn. Her husband Roy Howk ’02 is a mid-level manager for SSF, Inc., a contractor for FedEx. They reside in Ottumwa, Iowa, with their two children, Christopher, age 9, and Caroline, age 2 1/2. 7 Mark Vargas ’04 was recently featured in Huffington Post as leading one of the most innovative start-ups in RegTech as cofounder and president of Licentiam. The software platform provides a digital solution to simplify and streamline procedures related to the licensing of U.S. healthcare professionals. In October, Licentiam was selected by Chicago incubator 1871 and the Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce to join their first joint Incubator program, which focuses on mentoring Hispanic-led tech companies.

SUMMER 2017

AlumNotes 8 Ben Carr ’09 was recently named the director of advancement for the Kentucky 4-H Foundation where he serves as the organization’s chief fundraising officer. After graduation, Ben worked extensively in various development roles for nonprofits in the Chicago area, including HandsOnSuburban Chicago and the Boys and Girls Club of Lake County.

Derek Stoner ’11 joined the award-winning architecture firm Archer & Buchanan Architecture, Ltd. in December. Derek brought seven years of experience with builders and architecture firms in the Lancaster, Penn., area, specializing in custom-designed homes. He resides in Akron, Penn. Ashley Mowers ’11 was recently accepted to the University of St. Andrews in Scotland to pursue a Ph.D. in Divinity. Ashley currently serves as an adjunct professor of speech for Judson’s Department of Speech Communications and Performing Arts. 9 Caitlyn (Powers ’11) Neel recently self-published her first book, A House Reconciled, which is available on Amazon. The book is about how God brought her through her parents’ divorce as a teenager and is an encouragement for students who are going through similar circumstances. Rebecca Noll ’15 did the cover artwork for the book. 10 In January, Kent Williams ’11 retired as the Village of Bartlett police chief with nearly 32 years of service and as the longest-tenured sworn employee of the Bartlett Police Department. He joined the force in 1985 as a patrol officer and won the Ervin H. Warren Award for Excellence at the Basic Law Enforcement Training Academy.

Matt DeBall ’12 is the COMPASS communications coordinator for the Ecumenical Stewardship Center and also serves as coordinator of donor communications for the Church of the Brethren. Matt and his wife Chelsea (Franz ’12) live in Crystal Lake, Ill. Patrick Ullrich ’14 was recently appointed to Village of Bartlett police chief upon the retirement of Kent Williams ’11. He was appointed deputy chief for the Village of Bartlett in 2009 following his roles as commander and sergeant. He brings more than 18 years of service in law enforcement.

ALUMNI GATHERINGS Judson hosted an alumni and friends group on Royal Caribbean’s cruise to the Western Caribbean in January. Warren Anderson ’86 and Huntley Brown ’88 led in worship and concerts at sea. Pictured front to back are: Karen Gustafson, Tom Bienert, Bonnie Bienert, Cindy Crume, Gene Crume, Art Gustafson, Barbara McKean ’76, Malcolm McKean, Robin Camerer, Michael Camerer ’81, Timothy Goldsmith, Deronica (Bulger ’94) Goldsmith, Aprille Kuhar, Carla Husted, James Riordan, Judith (Cole ’77) Riordan, Heather McSmith, Gail Hazelwood, Michael Huff, Linda Figgins ’74, Richard Hazelwood, Patricia Huff, Kylie Dierking, Dylan Dierking, Kristin (Figgins ’02) Dierking, Ryan Dierking, Warren Anderson ’86, Lea Anderson, John Smith, Marty Smith, Huntley Brown ’88, Annette Brown, Roscoe De Chalus and Revita De Chalus.

In March, alumni gathered in Noblesville, Ind., for a house show with Christian artist Bob Bennett. Attendees included Carol (Heskett ’81) Frisby, Jack Frisby ’81, Julie (Schwartz ’00) Montgomery, Jeff Montgomery ’99, Jeff Sexton ’78, Margaret Sexton, Judi (McConnell ’74) Doyel, Mark Doyel, Nancy (DeRolf ’67) Morgan, Ken Morgan ’67, Kathy Harlow ’11, Desiree Groenland, Dianne McInrue, Devlin Donaldson ’79, Tom Bienert, Bonnie Bienert, Gene Crume and Bob Bennett.

The annual mission team of alumni, current students and Judson staff departed in early March for a week of service in the village of San Antonio, Belize. Pictured are: Gene Crume, Cindy Crume, Melodie Rivera, Becca Russo, Chris (Russo ’11) TreDenick, Stevie Caterina, Judith Mendoza, Darryl Jenkins, LaDawne Jenkins, Tom Bienert, Gene Crume III, Bonnie Bienert, JJay Eden, Rosalie Mahler, Brady Radmann, Omar Hernandez, Andrew Kennedy, Minh Ngo, Elizabeth Van Bruggen and Kristen (Leidig ’79) Stombres.

IN MEMORIAM

In August, Trey Gilmore ’15 had an article published in Relevant entitled How to Find Real Community After College. More recently, he was published in Youth Specialties on the topic of developing youth leaders. Trey is a youth pastor in Tucson, Ariz.

Nancy Brown ’74 October 22, 1953 – November 25, 2016

On October 29, Ben Glunz ’10 was recognized by Dr. Gene Crume and Alumni Board Chair John Syverson ’90 for his six years of service on the Judson University Alumni Board. Most recently, Ben served as chair of the Alumni Board until June 2016 and retired from the Alumni Board at the end of 2016.

Alice Sutor ’92 April 8, 1970 – January 18, 2017

Ray McClintock ’66 December 6, 1940 – December 28, 2016

Bob Krell ’81 November 28, 1949 – February 26, 2017 Dr. Pamela Anderson ’77 April 16, 1955 – March 12, 2017

JU DS O N U N I V E R S I T Y F O U N D E R S ’ D AY SAVE THE DATE

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Concerts at sea will be provided by Christian Concert Pianist Huntley Brown '88 and Worship Leader Bryan Hitch ’80

SUMMER 2017

EagleAthletics Cisneros Crowned NAIA Race Walk Champion Freshman Anali Cisneros of Elgin, Ill., competed in the 5,000m race walk at the 2017 NAIA Outdoor Track and Field National Championships in Gulf Shores, Ala. With her first-place finish, Cisneros became the first NAIA National Champion at both the individual and team levels within the Judson University Athletic program. Cisneros became the first two-time NAIA All-American in the program’s history and the program’s first NAIA National Champion for women’s track and field. Judson’s other National titles include six NCCAA Championships for men’s soccer, and three NCCAA Individual champions for track and field. Cisneros competed in day two of the 2017 NAIA Outdoor National Championships and finished her second NAIA All-American performance and first NAIA National Championship performance in the 5,000m race walk. The Judson freshman finished first overall with a new Eagles’ record time of 24:09.51 defeating the second-place finisher by 25 seconds. For the Women’s Track and Field program, Cisneros captures the team’s first individual National Championship and the program’s third NAIA All-American honor, in which she now holds two of those three honors. She completed the year with one NAIA National title, a second-place finish in the race walk for NAIA indoor, two NAIA All-American performances, and two CCAC All-Conference and conference championships.

Women’s Soccer Targets Global Goal in Costa Rica During the week of March 3-11, the Judson University Women’s Soccer team traveled to San Jose, Costa Rica, for the team’s annual mission trip. Freshman Kameryn Price was privileged to travel with the team on her first trip and was eager to share her experiences: “It was there that we spent seven days working within CCA, a local church,” she said. “Through them, we were able to connect with the community on many different levels. We spent a day in a homeless shelter, a day in the slums, and many days at the church itself, working within the school and playing with all the students. From this trip, we evolved not only as individuals but as a team. We grew closer, learning and seeing how clearly God works. It was an incredible experience that we will never forget.”

Eagles in the Post Season Baseball, Softball, Tennis, and Track and Field all sent teams and individuals to national tournament sites for the 2017 post seasons. Baseball made its program’s sixth appearance in the NAIA Opening Round, Softball headed back to the NCCAA World Series for the third consecutive time along with Men’s Tennis that also made a third, consecutive appearance at the NCCAA National Championships. Track and Field qualified nine for the NCCAA Outdoor Championships and three for the NAIA Outdoor Championships. Track and Field finished with three NCCAA AllAmerican performances, one NAIA National Champion, and two NAIA All-Americans. 30

JUDSON TODAY

2017 Spring Season Award Totals: NAIA All-Americans: 5 NCCAA All-Americans: 8 CCAC All-Conference: 18 NAIA Scholar-Athletes: 10 NCCAA Scholar-Athletes: 10 CCAC All-Academic: 10

Historic Season for Judson Men's Tennis There were numerous program firsts for Judson Men’s Tennis as the season concluded with national rankings, broken records and individual national honors. The Eagles finished the best season on record since its reinstatement in 2009, with a team record of 23-10. Over the course of the season, the men received numerous national rankings including the team’s highest rank in the NCCAA and the NAIA. Judson received its first votes in the NAIA back in February followed by the team’s highest NCCAA rank of No. 4 in the nation in the first poll of the Spring season. With the team’s third straight appearance in the NCCAA National Championship tournament, Judson also capped off the year with its first NCCAA All-American and first NAIA All-American selections. John Mittvick (pictured, above left) made Men’s Tennis program history with his selections as the program’s first NCCAA and NAIA All-American, and Elisha Hougland (pictured, above right) shared that honor as well when he was selected as the second NCCAA All-American. The pair was also voted as CCAC All-Conference as Judson’s No.1 doubles team.

Fifth Conference Title in Seven Years for Judson Baseball Team The Judson University Baseball team closed out the 2017 regular season claiming the CCAC regular season championship with a 9-7 win over Robert Morris University. The three-game series proved to be the most important of the season as the Eagles needed the final game to claim the top spot in the conference. Finishing with a 21-6 record, Judson won its fifth CCAC regular season title in the last seven seasons. The Eagles earned the No.1 seed in the CCAC Tournament that took place May 5-11 and received the conference’s first bid to the NAIA Opening Round National Tournament that opened on May 16. Judson’s bid to the NAIA Opening round was the program’s sixth appearance and fifth in the last six seasons.

Judson University’s 2016–2017 Athletes of the Year Congratulations to Judson’s honored athletes, who were recognized during the final chapel of the school year. (Left to right) Senior Mary Emington of Cadillac, Mich., (softball) was named the female Athlete of the Year; senior Eric Wessel of DeKalb, Ill., (golf) was named the male Athlete of the Year; senior Andrew Eck of Belvidere, Ill., (basketball) was named the male Scholar Athlete of the Year; and junior Claire Speweik of Elgin, Ill., (volleyball) was named the female Scholar Athlete of the Year.

2017 An Historic Year for Judson Track and Field Judson’s Track and Field program finished an historic 2017 season. The season wrapped up at the NAIA Outdoor Track and Field Championships, where a trio of Eagles impressed with three top 20 finishes, two NAIA All-American honors, and one NAIA National Champion. As a three-person team, Judson brought in 11 points between the men’s side and women’s side, with the women finishing 31st overall with 10 points out of 64 teams. Freshman Anali Cisneros of Elgin, Ill., highlighted day two of the national meet with her first-place, national championship race walk performance that also gained her NAIA All-American honors. Cisneros finished with a time of 24:09.51 in the 5,000m RW and finishes the season with two NAIA All-American honors, two CCAC All-conference honors, and now the first NAIA National Championship in both individual and team sports in Judson’s history. The same day, junior Jennifer Donnell (pictured, top right) of Schaumburg, Ill., competed in the women’s shot put and finished 19th overall with mark of 13.05m (42'9.75"). Donnell finished the season with her fourth NAIA national championship qualification along with two NCCAA All-American honors and a firstplace, NCCAA National Championship performance in the women’s shot put. Sophomore Dan Becker of Sheboygan, Wis., (pictured, bottom left with Assistant Coach Jeff Zoellick), finished competition on day three wrapping up with the Eagles second NAIA All-American performance of the 2017 NAIA Championships. Becker competed in the men’ pole vault and finished eighth overall out of 25 vaulters with a mark of 4.75m (15'7"). With the eighth-place finish, Becker captured his first NAIA All-American honor and the program’s fourth overall NAIA All-American selection. Becker also added a third-place, NCCAA All-American performance and two CCAC first-place finishes in the conference indoor and outdoor championships.

SUMMER 2017

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A Global Outreach Legacy Nearly 16 years ago, Herman and Gertrude Booze left behind a legacy that will live on at Judson. As the parents of Harold Booze, they left behind an inheritance to their son. At that time, Harold and his wife Judy were looking for a good place to invest these funds — a place where the funds could make a lasting impact. Around that time, Harold happened to be attending the Illinois Baptist State Evangelism Conference and that is where he first encountered Judson. The choral ensemble performed music at the conference and Judson was represented at a booth. “My dad was mission-minded, and he lived that out by assisting struggling churches or planting new ones. Judy and I have our own passion for missions, and we love encouraging young people.” Harold liked what he heard about Judson and the Herman C. and Gertrude D. Booze Memorial Fund for the Support of Missions Activities was created. To date, 84 students have received partial scholarships to participate in global mission trips. Now a Judson Trustee, Harold still appreciates what originally drew him to Judson, “the strong Christian perspective Judson has and its approach to shaping the lives of young people. I love that Judson encourages students to gain a passion for missions and serve the Lord in this way, and that they will be on mission as they live out the rest of their lives.” Judson thanks the Booze family, as well as the many other families that support our annual mission trips. It is your generosity that provides these meaningful mission opportunities for young people. Judy and Harold Booze