CORBAN CONNECTION J A N U A R Y
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EDUCATING CHRISTIANS TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE WORLD FOR JESUS CHRIST.
NOTE FROM THE PRESIDENT
WHAT IS A BIBLICAL WORLDVIEW AND WHY DOES IT MATTER?
“Do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’” —Matthew 6:31
In a year when our nation, communities, and even our homes have been entangled in difficult conversations and controversies, Corban is eager to present the Worldview Video Series. In lieu of Corban’s annual scholarship luncheon, this series will take the form of several episodes where expert speakers, faculty, alumni, and students will discuss the importance of living with a biblical worldview in today’s current climate. Join with us as we dive into critical and controversial topics surrounding the idea of “worldview.” Those who experience this content will walk away with a new level of understanding about how an authentic Christian worldview can inform our minds, our
I like to encourage students as they learn and grow at Corban, not to lose their childlike faith. One of the great things about working alongside students is that they call us on our hypocrisy. This video series, taking place in February , will feature Corban faculty Dr. Kent Kersey, Dr. Greg Trull, Dr. Sandee Flint, Dr. Bryce Bernard, Dr. Scot Bruce, Dr. Sarah Comstock, Dr. Ryan Connor, and Prof. Jen Kleiber.
hearts, and our actions. Subscribe to Corban’s YouTube channel to ensure that you don’t miss a single episode. Learn more at: go.corban.edu/cb1
CORBAN STUDENTS REMAIN RESILIENT DURING CHALLENGING FALL SEMESTER In a semester which could easily have become overwhelming and disheartening, Corban students have displayed uncommon resilience—a testament to their character and faith. Masks, distancing, outdoor dining, virtual social events, and live-remote learning have all contributed to a semester that is far from the expected college experience. And yet, Corban has worked diligently to ensure that our community could remain an on-campus, face-to-face community. “My friends and I have made it a point to still be in community, even if that looks a little different this year,” says Elizabeth Lewis. “That might look like a game night in PVG with masks and distance, or a lunch break together outside, but we continually look at the school being open as a huge blessing.” Students like Alexa Taylor have been able to take this unique time as an opportunity for personal growth. “I’ve learned more about prayer this year than in
To Christ be all Glory,
Sheldon C. Nord, Ph.D. President
For more information, visit: go.corban.edu/cb3
This year, Corban University received a grant from the Murdock Trust for $745,500. Funds from this grant will help the University to increase impact and sustainability by boosting its online degree capabilities and offerings, building a robust online platform to increase educational opportunities for seekers of college degrees of any age or stage in life. “We have a wonderful opportunity to bring our Christ-centered education to students who do not have the capacity to come to our campus either as a commuter or residential student, but who still want to learn and grow in a Christian environment,” says University Provost Tom Cornman. “Murdock is the premier partner for private institutions in the Pacific Northwest, and when they support a project like this, what they’re saying is they have confidence in the institution that they can achieve the goals that have been set out for the purpose of this grant and that we have a plan to do something that will make a strategic difference. We are incredibly blessed and grateful.” Read the full story at: go.corban.edu/cb5
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Optimism in the face of adversity has become the hallmark of the student population as they find new ways to embrace their college experience while continually placing each others’ needs before their own. “2020 has strengthened Corban's community,” says Juan Arriaga Juarez. “It has shown us that we're not alone. Despite everything we've gone through, we stand strong, together, under Christ. From President Nord, to Dr. Anderson, to Jason and the Aramark team, all of us have grown in our own unique ways, and our strength within each other and within Christ will only continue to grow.”
These are lessons learned from those we have been entrusted to teach and train up. And that’s the beauty of the Corban community. We edify one another, regardless of age or any other distinction. We are all called to be a grateful people, even in the midst of anxiety, fear, and division. This year, our students have encouraged me to trust and remain grateful under all circumstances, for God, the great provider, remains in control.
CORBAN RECEIVES $745,500 GRANT FROM MURDOCK TRUST
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any other,” she says. Lewis agrees. “I've realized the importance of quiet time with God even more so than I did before,” she says. “The Lord has met me where I'm at in struggles and hardship and brought peace and joy. A lot of healing has happened here.”
This year, amid my own confusion and moments of doubt, our students have reminded me of what it means to have faith. That if we are exiles and refugees on earth (1 Peter 2:11), and if our citizenship is in heaven (Philippians 3:20), and if nothing can separate us from the love of Christ (Romans 8:35), and if His steadfast love is better than life (Psalm 63:3), and if all hardship is working for us an eternal weight of glory (2 Corinthians 4:17), then we will not fear.
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Marvin and Danalee Leadham '57
THE HISTORY OF THE CLOCKTOWER The dream of the clocktower started back in 1993. In September of 2006, with the help of clockmaker Ed Beacham of Sisters, Oregon, Corban located the historic and unique L.D. Odobey, Jr. cadet clock movement which became the mechanical heart of the tower. Coincidentally, the movement is the same age as Schimmel Hall. The clocktower and Legacy Plaza now enhance the heart of Corban's campus, drawing visitors and clock enthusiasts to the University every year. Read the full history at: go.corban.edu/cb7
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Post Election Blog
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Agriculture Science Major
Career Services
Garage Sale of the Mind
Music Update
Alumni Connections
Love Lock
Pastoral Training Program in Africa
Olivia Wall
Athletic Complex
Fall Play
Alan Scharn
Giving Day Report
Events
Corban Fund Report
MARVIN AND DANALEE LEADHAM '57 Marvin Leadham couldn’t sleep. Recently, two of the missionaries he supported were set to retire from the field, leaving him with what he considered to be a new hole in his giving. Awake at night, the Lord continually placed Corban on his mind and on his heart. When he learned about Act Six, Corban's scholarship program supporting bright local students from underserved communities, it didn’t take long for him to realize where the Lord was calling him to funnel his prayer and support. Marvin and Danalee support over a dozen ministries financially and in prayer. “I believe I’m still here today because the Lord wants me to support the needs of these ministries," Marvin says. "I’m not living for this world, because only what we do for Christ will last.” Read their full giving story here: go.corban.edu/cb9
CAREER SERVICES OFFERS CREATIVE SUPPORT When the pandemic hit, Career Services Director Steve Reed remembers confronting his own fears. “I didn’t know how I would be able to provide for these students.” With the conventional means of operation dried up, Reed knew he had to pivot. Reed began to ramp up their career counseling focus, emphasizing reaching students during their freshman year. Additionally, he implemented Corban's new Handshake tool to help connect employers and students in an increasingly digital world. “It’s my prayer that we can help students walk away with a broader understanding of what’s available and the confidence in their ability to take advantage of their opportunities.” Read more at: go.corban.edu/cb11
ALUMNI CONNECTIONS FACEBOOK: Alumni Page: Corban University/Western Baptist Visit our page for University updates and event information. Alumni Group: Corban University/Western Baptist Join our alumni group for more relational involvement within our alumni community. INSTAGRAM: @corbanuniversity LINKEDIN: Corban University
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EMAIL: alumni@corban.edu
Back when she was an undergraduate at Corban, Olivia encountered an environment that felt tailored specifically to her needs. “The smaller environment was perfect for my learning because I was able to study exactly what I wanted to,” she says. "If you look at my transcript, I substituted so many courses. It was such a mess. But at Corban, professors know you by name and want you to succeed and study what you’re passionate about.” Along with double majoring, Olivia was actively involved in student life as a resident assistant in Aagard, and also took advantage of Corban’s exchange program with Oxford University in the United Kingdom where she studied history under the direction of global experts. Her holistic experience helped prepare her for her eventual foray into a postgraduate law degree. “The law is such an interesting conglomeration of various subjects,” she says. “It is driven by narratives.” After graduating in 2018, and passing the LSAT a year later, Olivia ended up applying to 15 different law schools in the fall, expecting to hear back sometime in the spring. Her wait was short-lived. “After I submitted my application, two days later Washington University in St. Louis called and said, ‘We want to interview you,’” she recalls. “They were so kind but also showed so much interest.” Washington University eventually offered her a full-ride scholarship, plus a living stipend and institutional support. Now in law school, the intensity of her experience has done little to discourage the pursuit of her passion. “It’s like learning a new language. They’re training you to think like a lawyer,” she says. “It’s very difficult, but I’ve never for one second doubted that I wanted to be here. I really enjoy what I’m doing. It’s important and it’s interesting to me, and
so I don’t know what more you could really ask for out of grad school.” After law school, Olivia hopes to pursue work as a public defender. “I’ve always been very interested in the narrative of people’s lives, and a public defender represents probably the most vulnerable people in the most vulnerable times of their lives,” she says. “It’s an opportunity to really live out the gospel. Regardless of what they’ve done, or who they are, or what opportunities they’ve had, to say, ‘I will be your advocate, and I will seek justice on your behalf,’ is a really significant thing for people who are so often forgotten.”
Olivia Wall, '18
Olivia hopes to eventually return to her home state of Oregon and step into an increasingly polarized environment, working to support and advocate for members of either side of the political and religious spectrum. “I think we as Christians are called to be peacemakers in this new space,” she says. “It’s the type of work I could see myself doing for the rest of my life.” Keep reading at: go.corban.edu/cb13
DIRECTOR OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE ALAN SCHARN SET TO RETIRE AFTER 10 YEARS AT CORBAN During his extensive career in law enforcement, teaching had always been a component of Alan Scharn’s various roles. But when Corban reached out to him in 2011 with the opportunity to spearhead the growth of their new criminal justice major, Scharn was eager to step into a new role, helping young individuals connect with the passion he was introduced to more than 30 years ago. “I jumped in with both feet and started building that program,” says Scharn. “It was a great opportunity to serve our students and community by teaching and helping to train our future criminal justice professionals. And it was a great opportunity to work in a Christian environment, which I had never done before.”
program at the end of this school year, Dr. Flint is poised to continue where he left off. “2021 will be my tenth year at Corban, for a total of 40 years in the field. So, I thought it was probably time for me to retire and let others step in,” says Scharn. “I know Sandee will come in just like I did and really take this program to the next level.” Professor Scharn's service has left an indelible mark on the Corban community, and the law enforcement community he faithfully served for more than 40 years. “It’s been an honor teaching at Corban,” he says. “I’m going to really savor my last semester.” Read the full story at: go.corban.edu/cb15
Under his direction, the program grew each year and has now more than doubled since he began. Scharn was also instrumental in establishing the new forensic psychology major and the Master’s in Public Safety Administration degree, as well as building Corban’s diverse and expert pool of adjunct instructors. “When you work in the criminal justice profession for 30 years, you meet and know a lot of people,” Scharn says. “I was able to go out and contact people I knew that I had worked with on cases and get them excited about coming in and teaching at Corban.”
Do you have questions about transcript or diploma requests, course descriptions, or faculty information? Contact: registrar@corban.edu.
One of the first individuals he turned to was Dr. Sandee Flint, who is now Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice and Forensic Psychology at Corban. “She’s an awesome instructor with a 30year background in the FBI and law enforcement,” says Scharn. “We’ve been very fortunate to have people like Dr. Flint come in and teach in our program.”
To explore all of our social media platforms and pages, visit: go.corban.edu/cb47
With Professor Scharn set to retire from his position as Director of the Criminal Justice
Email to share updates such as name changes, marriages, obituaries, or special acknowledgments for yourself, or fellow alumni (that are deemed public information).
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OLIVIA WALL PURSUES HER DREAM THROUGH FULL-RIDE SCHOLARSHIP TO LAW SCHOOL.
Director of Criminal Justice, Alan Scharn.
CORBAN ALUM'S UNIQUE DONATION HELPS FINANCE NEW ATHLETIC COMPLEX This year, Corban alum Deanna GardinerGarcia (‘63) and her husband, Chuy, got creative with their giving when they decided to donate a residence they owned in California to the University. The University was able to sell the property and use the proceeds in support of the new athletic complex. “Deanna and her husband have been amazing supporters of Corban for many years,” says Associate Vice President for Finance, Dee Wendler. “She has such a heart for Corban's mission of educating Christians for Christ. A gift like this really helps us to focus on that mission.”
“I am very grateful to be a part of furthering the mission of Corban through this gift,” GardinerGarcia says. “When we were first married, we didn’t have a quarter to get across a toll bridge. I feel that any funds that I have are from the Lord.” The funds will prove vital in moving closer to the financing and construction of Corban’s planned athletic facility, a move which will benefit our student athletes and free the University from additional rental costs each year. “336 of our students are athletes, and yet we only have one gymnasium and one athletic field complex,” says Wendler. “So, if you’re going to continue to
CORBAN GIVING DAY RAISES OVER $100,000 IN STUDENT SUPPORT Corban Giving Day was a record-breaking success. From all around the world, our Corban family came together and gave with purpose, displaying an overwhelming outpouring of support for Corban students through gifts dedicated to the Corban Fund. Through these gifts and the matching funds provided by generous donors, Corban Giving Day exceeded last year's total, making this the most successful Giving Day ever and more than doubling this year's goal with over $100,000 raised.
nurture the athletic programs, which do so much to nurture students, you have to have the physical assets to help them pursue their passion. Watching someone give selflessly for the future Christians that will become the change in our world is incredible.” To find out more information about the advantages of donating real estate, please visit: go.corban.edu/cb17
Chuy and Deanna Gardiner–Garcia
CORBAN FUND REPORT The Corban Fund is the University’s unrestricted scholarship account, set up to increase the access of quality Christian education to more students each year. The fund's annual goal of $880,000 runs from July 1 through June 30, and is vital not only to Corban's growth as an institution, but also to the growth of its mission by offering the opportunity for more students to be educated to make a difference in the world for Jesus Christ. To learn more about all of Corban's scholarship funds, projects, and how you can get involved, visit: go.corban.edu/cb21
Donors with gifts exceeding $500 will have custom engraved bricks placed in the Legacy Plaza beneath the clocktower, giving permanence to the power of their impact. Orders are currently being filled and scholarships are being made available to future Corban grads. All funds raised will go directly to scholarship support for Corban students, allowing even more individuals to experience the life-changing education and spiritual growth found here at Corban. For more information on how to get involved visit: go.corban.edu/cb19
LOVE LOCK — DR. MARTY TRAMMELL and DR. RICHARD ROLLINS
GARAGE SALE OF THE MIND — DR. JIM HILLS
In our socially networked but disconnected age, we find ourselves longing for deeper, more intimate connection. Love Lock, Creating Lasting Connections with the One You Love is the perfect read for couples who want more – an essential read for those who want the closeness back. We were created for connection, yet many marriages are coming apart as couples “unfriend” each other long before the feelings fade. Love Lock couples are looking for ways to connect beyond what they allow people to see on social media. They care about true friendship, and love over “likes.” This book seeks to help couples discover, or rediscover, the intimate connection God intended. Watch the full author interview here: go.corban.edu/cb23
“Most of these essays and articles appeared over a 25 year span in one or another of the publications put out by Regular Baptist Press. The political commentaries were first published by Northwest Conservative, a monthly journal, or by The Statesman Journal, Salem’s daily newspaper, which also published the original, shorter version of ‘The Tyler Principle.’ Writing is a curious enterprise. In order to offer public discourse, we shut ourselves away and refuse to answer phones and doorbells. In order to say something to people we will never meet, we discourage, for a time, conversation with our spouses and friends. I’m especially grateful for the patience and encouragement of Bonnie, the resident extrovert, who has learned to live with the ruminative silences of a husband who spends a lot of time with the printed page.” – Jim Hills Watch the full author interview here: go.corban.edu/cb25
ENCOURAGEMENT FOR A DIFFICULT 2020: DR. TONY CAITO Welcome to pandemic politics in America with an impeachment, riots, COVID-19, Supreme Court confirmation, and an election—it hasn’t been pretty. The great thing about being governed by a rule of law, however, is that we can usually say, “We have a process for that.” Enter COVID-19 and we’ve had to scramble to reimagine what a free and fair election looks like. America has rich religious, ethnic, racial, ideological, and linguistic diversity requiring us to cleave together our many disparate wills—cleaving requires compromise. This is challenging because we are an increasingly individualistic, powercalculating, and rights-aware culture that has exceptionally high expectations of our laws and markets. Democrats' and Republicans' half-hearted adherence to liberalism is sowing seeds of doubt that the other is negotiating in good faith,
minimizing harms, and responding proportionally. Further, when mutually valued resources are perceived to be scarce, indivisible, and unfairly accessible, pitched zero-sum political battles emerge. Americans are increasingly asking themselves if they should risk dividing the union they have to forge the union they desire. How then should the church engage with American culture and politics: should it reflect popular cultural norms to attract the lost; bow loyally to the will of the state to curry political favor; erect a wall of separation to maintain purity; insist the state remain within its sphere of sovereignty; seek Christian interests through power politics; or be social justice warriors on behalf of the powerless? Read the entirety of Dr. Tony Caito's response by following this link: go.corban.edu/cb27
INTRODUCING THE NEW
Exciting news for coffee lovers who also love Corban: We are introducing a new Corban Coffee Club. Members will receive an annual handmade Corban coffee mug and custom coffee blend from Conversatio Coffee Roasters, owned and operated by alumni Timm ('85) and Lori ('87) Taff. Though the mug and coffee blend will be distinct each year, the mission of the Corban Coffee Club will remain the same—uniting thousands of donors around the world through their love of coffee and their heart for Corban. When you choose to support Corban students, you won't just join the Corban Coffee Club. You'll join a passionate group of Warriors who are actively preparing the next generation of world-changers. Discover more and become a member by visiting: go.corban.edu/cb29
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EVENTS
NEW AGRICULTURE SCIENCE MAJOR MOVING TOWARD FALL 2022 LAUNCH Experts believe agriculture and sustainability will rise to the forefront of global concerns in the coming years, with projections indicating that global food production will need to increase 70% by 2050. Corban University will utilize its unique location in the rich, agriculturally-diverse Willamette Valley to create a rigorous undergraduate agriculture science program built on a Christian worldview, becoming one of the only Christian universities on the West Coast with an agriculture science degree.
The decision is born of a desire to educate and equip Christians to be competent, ethical voices in the agricultural and scientific communities, helping to meet the world’s increasing need for food in ways that are beneficial, sustainable, and honoring to God. Corban's goal is to launch the program with 20 students, with plans for further sustainable growth in the next five years. The University is still actively raising funds to ensure a sustainable launch. For more information, visit: go.corban.edu/cb31
A GLOBAL MISSION: CORBAN'S PASTORAL TRAINING PROGRAM IN AFRICA Back in 2010, Corban’s administration was looking for a way to expand the School of Ministry’s graduate program. They planned for something servant-hearted yet straightforward, and within the University’s current scope. A pastoral training program in Africa was not even on the table—it hadn’t even crossed anyone’s mind. But when one of Corban’s representatives ran into Steve Van Horn, the Director of International Training and Equipping Ministries, at a conference, plans began to shift to prayer. Dean of the School of Ministry, Dr. Greg Trull, met with Van Horn
to discuss the emerging need in Africa for pastoral training as demand for solid biblical teaching was far outstripping the current supply. Trull flew out with Van Horn on a scouting trip to Cameroon. “I saw an incredible need,” Trull says. “There were so many pastors looking for training that we could help provide.” He returned home to tell his department the news. “I told them, ‘This is what we prayed for,’” he says. “It might not have been what we were looking for, but this was what we prayed for.” Read the full story at: go.corban.edu/cb33
WATCH CORBAN CHAPEL SERVICES LIVE ONLINE This year, you can participate in our chapel services by subscribing to the Corban University Chapel YouTube channel. Join with us as we take time to learn from expert faculty and exciting guest speakers. Through this channel, you can watch chapel streams live on Mondays and Fridays at 10:00 a.m. PST or rewatch any of our services at your convenience. Visit this link and click subscribe to join our Corban Chapel channel: go.corban.edu/cb39
REFER A STUDENT If you know a high school student beginning their college search, or an adult who could use a bachelor's or master’s degree, let us know. We’d love the opportunity to connect with them. Just to show how much we appreciate you sharing your Corban experience with others, we’ll send you a free t-shirt when you submit a referral to us! Refer a student today at: go.corban.edu/cb41
CORBAN MUSIC DEPARTMENT PLANS ITS RETURN “We need music. There’s a certain aspect of being human that nothing else reflects as well as music,” says Associate Professor of Music Mark Stanek. Since the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic, music— live performances especially—has been something we’ve been forced to forgo. We’ve each felt the impact of this loss in our own ways, big or small, subconsciously or tangibly. It’s a loss that Stanek and the Corban Music Department are actively seeking to remedy. Since the beginning of the pandemic, Stanek has been reading and researching the most recent studies on music and aerosol dispersion, working alongside Corban’s COVID Task Force to minimize health risks while exploring creative options to keep music alive.
Thanks to the hard work of Stanek and his department, the students, and Corban’s COVID Task Force, music ensembles have the green light to begin again next semester. Though it will likely be in a very cautious and limited capacity, the news is as life–giving to Corban’s musicians as the music they make is to the community. Stanek recently had a meeting with his senior music majors to discuss continuing the cherished tradition of Hymn Fest. “Everyone is eager to continue that tradition,” he says, “It’s certainly going to look different and will likely be some sort of live-streamed event,” Stanek says, “but we’re committed to making it happen.” Read the full story at: go.corban.edu/cb35
CORBAN THEATRE CHANNELS UNCOMMON CREATIVITY FOR FALL PLAY “It’s the definition of creativity to take what you have available and make something out of it,” says Director of Theatre Arts, Tamara McGinnis. “We are doing something completely new, and that is rare.” Corban’s Theatre Department has been forced to channel uncommon creativity for an unconventional time. In spite of the difficulties to overcome, and the new unconventional forms their efforts might take, Corban Theatre managed to put on a show. For the cast and crew, the desire to once again create art that can minister to their community was the unifying force behind this production. “We work hard. Our masks fog up. We get hungry and tired. Sweat soaks our costumes,” says Victoria Venard, who played Dromio of Syracuse, “but we do it because we love acting and we want to give people the chance to laugh. For a couple hours they can forget the pandemic and experience the time– traveling wonder of theater.” “One of the most exciting parts of this process is seeing such a relevant theme being played out through the script,” says Elisa Wright, who played
2021 ALUMNI AWARDS NOMINATIONS Do you know an exceptional Western Baptist or Corban alum who deserves recognition for how they’ve made a difference in the world for Jesus Christ? Nominations for the 2021 Corban Alumni Awards are now being received through March 15. Many alumni have gained unique distinction in their professions, ministries, and communities. With your help, together we can recognize and celebrate these individuals.
Victoria Venard and Brendan Fugere hatch a plot during Corban's production of "The Comedy of Errors.."
Dromio of Ephesus. It’s a sentiment McGinnis shares. “Now more than any other time, when everybody is feeling very depleted in spirit, what an opportunity for us to offer this gift of joy, positive escape, a moment to be lifted above our circumstances,” she says. “To remind us that there is a plan, order will be restored, and chaos will not rule forever.” If you missed this exciting production, don't worry. The Comedy of Errors will be available for viewing for a limited time in a $5 pay per view format, January 1 through March 1. All proceeds go to support Theatre Arts at Corban. Watch now at: go.corban.edu/cb37 Additionally, Corban Theatre will be taking the stage again this spring with their production of The Importance of Being Earnest, by Oscar Wilde, which will run from March 4-7; 12-14.
If you would like to view this online go to go.corban.edu/cb49 or scan this QR code.
Learn more about eligibility criteria and the selection process, or submit a nomination by visiting: go.corban.edu/cb43
REWATCH DR. DAVID F. MILLER PAVILION DEDICATION EVENT On November 14, we honored former professor and president, Dr. David F. Miller by dedicating the Pavilion in his honor. In his 17 years as head pastor at Valley Baptist of Perrydale, and his 20+ years teaching at then Western Baptist College, Dr. Miller faithfully preached the power of the gospel to all who would listen. As Corban’s president, Dr. Miller ushered in an era of growth, improvement, and innovation which continues to be felt across Corban’s campus. To rewatch the event visit: go.corban.edu/cb45
REACH OUT TO US This newsletter is printed on 15% PCW recycled content paper, using soy-based ink.
Do you have something you would like to see featured in an upcoming issue? Let us know at go.corban.edu/cb51, by email at advancement@corban.edu, or by mail.
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