Crown College’s Alumni Newsletter
CROWN CARRIES ITS MISSION INTO ATLANTA read more on page 4
SUMMER 2019
ALUMNA ABBI CHRISTENSEN (’19) BURNED DOWN A FIELD AT CROWN…FOR SCIENCE Dressed head to toe in a flame-retardant uniform, Abbi Christensen assembled her team with flamethrowers in hand and set fire to an entire field, in the name of science. Supervised by the Prairie Restoration of Minnesota, Christensen wanted to see what would happen to the soil and monitor the new growth. The team monitored the fire and watched how it danced past some of the pine trees and small fruit trees. New growth on the blackened field began to appear in only a matter of days. “When you burn something, it turns into ash and the degrading of the plants recycles the organic material into the soil,” says Christensen. “That introduces things like nitrogen and phosphorous, and reduces competition in the soil. Then we can reintroduce native species into the soil.” Interestingly, she sees the experiment as a way to learn about veterinary science—that animals suffering from nutritional diseases may benefit from nutrient-adjusted grasses. Christensen is already enrolled in veterinary school and plans to work in a veterinary teaching hospital or become a researcher.
Crown College’s Alumni Newsletter
GRADUATE NUMBERS On-campus Studies 125 Graduates Online Studies 11 Associate’s Degrees 64 Bachelor’s Degrees 126 Master’s Degrees Crown College Omaha
(Partnership with Christ Community Church in Omaha, NE)
10 Graduates REACH Training Institute (Partnership in Salem, OR)
13 Graduates
CONTRIBUTORS
Administrative Assistant for External Relations Julie Howe
Alumni Relations Manager Sarah Benbow
Contributing Writer John Brandon
Designer Pam McMurdo
Photographer Josiah Bondy
Sports Information Director Peter Ingraham
Vice President of External Relations Jill Osborn
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COVER STORY
Called to serve. Prepared to lead. This simple tagline sums up Crown College’s mission to provide a biblically based education that equips individuals to lead in whatever profession they choose, and in whatever part of the world they live. Crown’s roots remain firmly in the Word of God; from our first days as a Bible College 103 years ago in St. Paul, Minnesota, our branches continue to grow and bear fruit. Now in St. Bonifacius, our newest branch extends all the way to very diverse suburb of Atlanta, Georgia. Crown College is partnering with All Nations Institute (ANI) (a program of Lilburn Alliance Church) and Envision (a ministry of the C&MA) to offer a college education, primarily to immigrants and refugees in the Clarkston/ Lilburn area. Clarkston has been called the most diverse square mile in America. Envision estimates that 18,000 refugees from 200 people groups, of which 90 are unreached people groups, live in the area. In addition, Lilburn Alliance Church has many immigrants in their church community and has helped start other churches, including a French African church, an Ethiopian church, an Eritrean church, and a Spanish church. These existing relationships will be the starting point to begin recruiting students, explains Crown College recruiter for Atlanta, Liz Venable. Classes will be held face-to-face at ANI, and be online. Individuals will be able to choose from 14 degrees. Associate Pastor Stephen Hartley tells the story of approaching the state of Georgia for accreditation of the school. “When we applied to the state of Georgia for accreditation and for the right to teach here, we explained that our mission is to teach refugees and immigrants in the area. They were surprised, and said, ‘No one has ever attempted to educate those in Clarkston.’ When we heard this, our hearts were broken for the thousands of people in Clarkston who had never had an opportunity to receive a quality education. We knew it was a calling from God to offer an affordable, excellent, biblical education to the people of Clarkston.” Pete Brokopp, Envision’s Site Coordinator in Atlanta, works to establish Envision staff in refugee housing complexes. He says that refugees’ most common need is to have a friend in America. The Envision neighbor can be that friend. To date, 11 house churches have emerged that are led by refugees.
But the barriers for refugees are many. They need to learn English, apply for US citizenship, find a job, and learn an American way of life. A college education can seem like an unreachable dream. But Crown College, ANI, and Envision share the same dreams: • To share Jesus with individuals who were forced to leave their homes because of war. • That several people will start home churches and pursue a college education where they will learn biblical theology and a career that will give them a better life. • That some will become missionaries and expand Christianity through their people group—and even take Christianity back to their native countries. The majority of people interested in a college education from All Nations Institute will be first generation immigrants or refugees, and paying for college will be very difficult. They will compare tuition costs to that of a local community college where education is less expensive, but we know the benefits for them and the community of receiving a biblically based education.
WOULD YOU PLEASE CONTRIBUTE TO THIS VALUABLE OUTREACH MISSION? We are asking for your help. Crown will need to provide scholarships equal to 50 percent of online tuition. The cost of this would be approximately $8,000 per student per year.
ONLINE AT crown.edu/give
MAIL TO External Relations 8700 College View Dr St. Bonifacius, MN 55375
EMILY CANO EMBARKS ON 12-MONTH DEPLOYMENT TO MIDDLE EAST Crown College alumna and director of PSEO and Dual Enrollment, Emily (Smith, ’02) Cano, plays an important role in helping PSEO students adjust to their college courses and, using her own military background, helping work with Crown’s military students. “As a veteran herself, Emily does a wonderful job serving our military students,” says Fawn McCracken, Dean of the Crown College School of Online Studies and Graduate School. “She understands their needs and can empathize with many of their challenges.” Now in her 11th year of service, Cano plans to leave for a 12-month deployment to the Middle East, after two months of training in Fort Hood, Texas. She serves as the Brigade S1 for the 34th Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade, in which she provides leadership and support of more than 1,200 soldiers. She and her section are responsible for tracking all the personnel by name as they move around the area, helping with awards, promotions, and evaluations of soldier readiness and strength. Cano’s husband, Joey, has been in the Minnesota National Guard since November 1999. “My husband is supportive of my decision. My kids, Lydia (8), Elise (6), and Jonah (3) are proud of their
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parents’ commitment to the military, but they don’t fully understand why we serve, as it can negatively affect them—missed birthday parties, many absences from home, and more,” says Cano. Being away from home means that her husband Joey is responsible for all the day-to-day activities at home, like cleaning, snow removal, lawn mowing, all while keeping tabs on three energetic kids. “We’re taught resiliency in the Army and that comes in handy during these times of separation,” says Cano. Her parents, neighbors, Crown coworkers, and friends try to offer support and help as well. Cano will be able to stay in touch with her kids through Skype, though the eight-hour time difference poses some difficulties. “I will record myself reading books to them each week and mail the discs and books home each week, and I will send letters because my kids get very excited about cards in the mail” says Cano. Reflecting on her military career, Cano says, “The education, experiences, and friendships from the military have been extremely valuable. The chance to interact with so many people who need Jesus has been helpful for my own faith.”
ATHLETICS NEWS
Seth Betts (sophomore, shortstop): 2019 UMAC All-Conference First Team
HISTORIC SEASON FOR CROWN COLLEGE BASEBALL The Crown Baseball team and Head Coach Ryan Doheny celebrated a record-setting season. Crown’s 2019 team racked up the most wins, commanded the longest winning streak, and earned their first UMAC Playoff appearance! In addition to the team records that were shattered, individual players earned accolades as well. Sophomore shortstop Seth Betts was named to the 2019 UMAC First Team All-Conference. Betts set single-season school records for runs (38), hits (48), total bases (70), walks (22), assists (93) and saves (2). Additionally, he broke two single game records, with five runs in a single contest, and nine assists in another game.
Seniors Gideon Dunn and Sydney Ness were both named All-Conference Honorable Mentions. Dunn batted .300 and broke double-digit doubles for the first time in Crown’s baseball program history. This was Dunn’s fourth All-UMAC Honorable Mention award. In addition, Dunn was named a UMAC AllSportsmanship Team selection. Sydney Ness was honored after a spectacular season of pitching. Ness pitched 53.1 innings with a 3.54 ERA. He tied the school record with four wins in a single season. This historic season came to an end on May 9, when Crown fell to the fourth-seeded UW-Superior Yellowjackets. Crown’s Baseball season may have ended, but the future looks bright as they look to return next year with loads of talent.
Gideon Dunn (senior, pitcher, and outfielder): UMAC All-Conference Honorable Mention
Sydney Ness (sophomore, pitcher): UMAC All-Conference Honorable Mention
FOR A FULL LIST OF ATHLETIC CONTESTS, ROSTERS, AND SCHEDULES, VISIT athletics.crown.edu.
hOMEcOMINg OCTOBER 5, 2019
10:30 am Carnival Games
1:00 pm Football Game
11:00 am Dessert Food Truck
1:00 pm Concessions Open
11:00 am Food Tent
4:00 pm Cardboard Boat Regatta
More details will be coming!
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MINISTRY & MISSIONS SURVEY RESULTS For more than 100 years, Crown College has held firm to its roots in equipping people for missions and ministry. In June, we sent a survey to our alumni via email asking alumni about their ministry and missions experience.
159 TOTAL COMPLETED SURVEYS WERE RECEIVED. (includes couples)
GRADUATION YEARS: 1950 TO 2017
65%
YEARS OF SERVICE: 1 TO 63
MALE
35%
ORGANIZATIONS SERVED:
FE M A LE
INTERNATIONAL/SERVICE OUTSIDE THE USA: 34%
15% OT H E R
The majority of those have served in more than two locations. PEOPLE THEY ARE SERVING: Buddhist Rice Farmers Elderly Homeless People Hospital Patients in Gabon, Africa Immigrants Japanese Children Local Hmong Church Muslims in Africa Orphans & Foster Children People with Leprosy People of Mozambique
People of South Africa People of Swaziland People in Pa Pau New Guinea Refugees Romanians Sons of Arabian Camel Farmers Taiwanese Teachers in the US Teens & Families in Crisis Terminally Ill Women in Hong Kong
24%
MI S S I ON A RY OR G A N I Z AT I ON
46%
CHURCH
15%
N ON - P R OFI T
CHURCH AFFILIATION:
SAMPLE OUTCOMES OF SERVING: “The Bongolo Hospital has more than 1000 people coming to the Lord every year.”
“We have seen a handful of Muslims come to the Lord and we have had the opportunity to disciple some and read the Bible with others who have not yet decided to follow him.” “Our ministry helps oversee and facilitate groups in over 700 churches, with more than 10,000 people currently in groups. Our counseling office helps 200 people a month. Our resources are being used all over the world to help people find freedom.”
49% 51%
“I have worked with some 600 churches and perhaps some 100,000 people directly or indirectly.” “During youth conferences we have up to 1,500 youth come to us to hear the gospel mostly from villages where they don’t hear the true gospel, but are involved in deep witch craft and ancestral worship.” “Literacy training prepared 800+ teachers to teach people to read in their own Baoule language.”
C& MA
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OT H E R
FACULTY NEWS Dr. Ken Castor, Professor of Youth Ministry, contributed to Share the Light: 40 WorldChanging Devotions, authored by Sam and Kevin Sorbo. Sam is a writer, author, award-winning actress, model, home school advocate, and radio show host. Kevin is a director, producer, actor (perhaps best-known for his lead role in Hercules: the Legendary Journeys), and author. Dr. Stacy Ingraham, Director and Professor of Exercise Science, is an author of several articles, including “Dynamic Knee Hyperextension in competitive High School Soccer Players” in Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, “Allometric Scaling of Body Mass in Running Economy Data: An Important Consideration in Modeling Marathon Performance” in Journal of Sport and Exercise Science, and “Effects of plyometric and explosive speed training on recreational marathoners” in Journal of Sports Science. Ingraham is also a publication reviewer for the International Journal of Sport Physiology and Performance.
Dr. Dawn Locklear, Professor of Mathematics and Department Chair of Mathematics and Science, wrote three courses for Cengage Publishing, including College Algebra, PreCalculus I, and Pre-Calculus II. Dr. Darin Mather, Assistant Professor for Global Studies; Stephen Jones, Assistant Professor of Intercultural Studies; and Dr. Scott Moats, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs authored “Improving Upon Bogardus: Creating a More Sensitive and Dynamic Social Distance Scale” in Survey Practice. Dr. Fawn McCracken, Dean of School of Online Studies and Graduate School, presented “Connecting theory with practice: Church-based learning ecologies for online ministry students” for the Association of Christian Distance Education Conference. Scotti A. Moats, Assistant Professor and Chair of the Teacher Education Department, presented “See Me, Hear Me” to the Higher Learning Commission’s Lumina Grant Student Success Project in Chicago.
Dr. Aeisha Thomas, Associate Professor of Biology and Life Sciences, presented a Tapas Talk, “Closing out the semester of small world with a journal article” to Tiny Earth/ Small World Initiative Symposium 2018 in Wisconsin. Thomas also presented a poster at the Society for the Advancement of Biology Education Research. Dr. Alexander Zell, Director and Assistant Professor of Online Christian Ministries Programs, published a Book Review in Missiology of The Church in Mission: Foundations and Global Case Studies by Bertil Ekstrom. Zell presented “Gooool!!! A Brazilian Resultsbased Process for Selecting, Educating, and Coaching Effective Church-planting Pastors” at the National Evangelical Missiological Society in Dallas. He also taught “Professionals in Ministry” at the Alliance Seminary in Cabinda in Angola, Africa.
ALUMNI NEWS SERVING MOCHAS, MUFFINS, AND THE GOSPEL: HOW CHRIS O’DELL TURNED A TAIPEI CAFE INTO A MISSION FIELD Written by Joseph DiFuccia, student writer
Your typical cafe probably doesn’t double as a church. But Aroma cafe, nestled within the heart of Taipei, Taiwan near China is not typical. Aroma serves the locals of Taipei and prepares them to be missionaries to the world. It operates as a cafe and as a church, and is now in its seventh year of operation. The man leading this ministry is Crown alumnus Chris O’Dell (’08). O’Dell started Aroma in 2012, and he continues to see how God has used the ministry in countless ways. Reflecting on his time at Crown, O’Dell especially remembers how classes such as Hebrew, Greek, and Biblical Evangelism and Missions prepared him for his missionary work. The classes he took at Crown, combined with the advice and tutoring from his professors, prepared him spiritually and gave him experience for crossing cultures, applying Scripture to his work, and helping him work with a team of people.
On one of the trips he took during his time at Crown, O’Dell went to Taipei where he first encountered both the beauty of the city and its desperate need for a Christian revival. His team leader on the trip was a young woman named Jamie—they started dating after the trip and married a year later! The young couple eventually landed in Taipei, where they founded Aroma, a cafe that is now a staple of the Christian community in Taipei. “Aroma provides a quiet place to relax, an opportunity to study English, and an entertainment venue,” says Aroma missionary Jay Wirkkala (’10), also a Crown graduate. Aroma staff invite guests to weekly church services, community groups, and one-on-one opportunities with the missionaries. O’Dell gives all of the credit for Aroma’s success to Christ. He finds that the best way to evangelize is to step out of the way and let Jesus reveal the Holy Spirit to everyone that steps in Aroma’s doors.
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ALUMNI NEWS
1970s
Mary (Paul, ’71) and Raymond Ebbett left Spain in June 2018, where they had served for 25 years. They retired from International Ministries July 1, 2019. “We are living in the Atlanta area and have just bought our first house, moved in, and are furnishing it!” says Mary. “Still uncertain are the plans the Lord has for us in retirement.” Lynn Thomas Geiger (’72) retired and began volunteering with Athletes in Action. Her first assignment was for three years at Otterbein University in Westerville, OH. She then assisted in starting a women’s ministry in Ohio Wesleyan University in Delaware, OH, where she served for two years. She and her husband, Bill, just relocated to TN nearly a year ago. Lynn is now serving with AIA at the University of Tennessee, mentoring female athletes—work she finds both challenging and very fulfilling. “God has used this ministry to grow me into Christlikeness!” says Lynn.
1980s
1 Stephen (Chip) (’84) and Lisa Anderson are entering their 6th year of church planting in The Hill community of New Haven, CT. Chip was the interim pastor from 2014 to 2017 in the Presbyterian Church in America, and then he was called to be lead pastor of Christ Presbyterian Church in The Hill, one of the poorest communities in CT. “Who would have guessed I’d be a church planter at 61 years old? The work is challenging, but I am humbled and grateful to have this opportunity after all these years,” says Chip.
Scott Toenges (’83) is the Department Chair of Christian Studies at The First Academy in Orlando, FL, where he was recently voted the Christian Educator of the Year. He is an Adjunct Professor at Palm Beach Atlantic University. He will be a featured speaker at the Kingdom Schools Institute in Dallas, TX, and the National Conference of Christian Apologetics in Charlotte, NC this year. Dr. Mark Mitchell (’89) was named Dean of Academic Affairs at Patrick Henry College in Purcellville, VA, in March, 2019.
1990s
Denise (Keding, ’93) and Chris Williamson have been accepted as pre-field missionaries with Missionary Aviation Repair Center (MARC) in Soldotna, AK. MARC’s vision is to reach remote Alaska with the Hope of Jesus Christ through missionary aviation. They do this by flying people and supplies where there are no roads, supporting other missionaries and their aircrafts, and training missionary-minded pilots and mechanics. Aviation is very important in Alaska as there are fewer roads than in the entire state of Rhode Island. 2 Geoff Gradzinski (’99) and Heather Hanson (’99) were married in Dec., 2018. They live in Shakopee, MN, and have four children and a dog. Geoff teaches at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota and works in the customer service industry. Heather is a private counselor in Burnsville, MN.
Matthew (Ratty) (’98) and Sara Stephani welcomed their first child, Samuel Tobias, on March 30, 2019.
2000s
Melissa MacDonald (’03) married Luis Gaytan in March 9, 2018. The two live together in Iowa where Melissa continues her work as the Children’s Disciplemaking Specialist for The Christian and Missionary Alliance. Luis, a former missionary and current non-profit director, travels with Melissa when he is able. “We are grateful for God’s sweet grace in our lives,” says Melissa. They also visit Crown as often as possible as Melissa is a frequent Chapel speaker and guest professor. 3 Danielle (Schiebout, ’08) and Alan Hall welcomed Quinn Julies on Nov. 15, 2018. She joins big brother Owen (3 years old). 4 Alissa (Kelly, ’09) and Ryan Bartholow welcomed Toby Allan on Oct. 26, 2018. 5 Jordan (’09) and Nikki (Rollins, ’08) Brown welcomed son Levi Zacharias on March 22, 2019. Nikki says, “His names mean Joined with God who Remembers. We are so grateful.”
GIVING THROUGH IRAS Did you know that individuals who are 70-1/2 years of age and older can make charitable gifts directly to Crown from their IRA? Through such gifts, you avoid paying federal income tax on the funds, increasing the value of your gift.
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Jennifer (Karkula, ’08) Raushel and her Deerwood Bank team recently won an award from the United Way of 1000 Lakes for Best Community Engagement. She has worked at the bank for more than a year and a half as the Retail Manager, and she recently accepted a promotion to Branch Manager of Woodland Bank. “I’m still happily married to Blaine, with our almost seven-year-old yellow lab, Lady,” says Jennifer.
2010s
6 Kaywin (Bogle, ’10) and David Herro welcomed Jairus Ghazal Herro in July, 2018.
Harry (’13) and Teshia Owczarek welcomed Leo Michael on Dec. 10, 2018. He joins Harrison (3) and Oscar (20 months). 7 Michelle (Malcore, ’15) and Jakob Pratt married Jan. 12, 2019, in New Brighton, and the couple will welcome their first child in Sept. 2019.
Grant (’16) and Rachel (Horne, ’14) Roethel welcomed baby girl Emma Louann on Feb. 25, 2019. 8 Isaiah Rashad II (’19) published his seventh book, What My Parents Didn’t Tell Me…, released May 20, 2019. After nearly 40 years of successes and failures, Rashad contemplated suicide after his fourth time of homelessness and loss. Over an 11-yearperiod, he wrote all he has learned in life in an effort to save people from hardship and place them in the hands of harmony. Rashad is the author of other books, including The Opposite, Battlefield Business, and Staying Focused. Learn more on his blog, at booksbyisaiah. blogspot.com.
Jennafer Orrock (’13) is working as an Office Manager at New Life Family Services, a nonprofit pregnancy resource center in the Twin Cities. “I use my schooling every day to counsel women and men in unexpected pregnancy situations, train volunteers for one-on-one peer counseling and keep our office running smoothly and clients served well,” says Jennafer. She recently gave a Chapel presentation with a live ultrasound at Crown College.
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SYMPATHY ANNOUNCEMENTS Longtime Crown College Music Professor, Lucille May Brown, passed away May 10, 2019, at the age of 99. Brown taught at Crown (SPBI) from 1946-1953 and 1957-1975, and she was Crown College’s first professor to receive emerita status. Harry Kiel, former Crown College board member passed away on May 22, 2019, at the age of 95. Kiel served on the board for 22 years and chaired it for six years. Former Crown College Adjunct Professor in the Psychology Department, Linda Krogh, passed away May 10, 2019, at the age of 70. Krogh taught from 2005 to 2010. Former English and Communication Professor, Dr. Helmuth Carl Poggemiller, passed away April 29, 2019. Poggemiller taught Composition and a variety of Literature classes between 1974 and 1982. Debra K. (Olson, ‘08) Schott, age 58, of Lester Prairie, MN, died June 28, 2019 in a helicopter crash. Debra was a graduate of the Crown Nursing Program.
Need to mail a check or update? Send us mail at:
Crown College Office of External Relations 8700 College View Dr. St. Bonifacius, MN 55375
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8700 College View Drive St. Bonifacius, MN 55375
Crown College is located in one of the most serene and beautiful locations in Minnesota. Surrounded by the waters of Parley Lake, Mud Lake, and Lake Waconia, it is a beautiful place to swim, paddleboard, and fish in the summer, and a popular place for ice fishing and snowmobiling in the winter.