NCU Magazine - Fall 2015 by North Central University

NCUMagazine Official Magazine of North Central University

Fall 2015

HOMECOMING 2015 A Memorable Kickoff to an Extraordinary Year

FROM THE PRESIDENT

WHY NORTH CENTRAL UNIVERSITY?

Sincerely,

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Campus News 4

Updates from North Central University

Vice President Academic Affairs Don Tucker, Ed.D.

Faculty Accolades 6

Vice President Spiritual Life Doug Graham, M.Div.

NCU profs demonstrate continued exellence

Vice President Student Development Mike Nosser, M.S.

Chorale at Carnegie Hall 8

Vice President University Relations Andrew Denton, Ph.D.

Pride of NCU prepares for encore appearance

New Faculty Join NCU Family

Director Graduate Studies Thomas Burkman, Ed.D.

Advancement Paul Freitag, Ph.D. Chief Enrollment Officer Michael White, M.A.

Academic staff welcomes new members

Rams Athletics

Men’s lacrosse comes to NCU 2015 alumni awards all in the family

Design Andrew Fischer, Lead Designer

Chosen to Lead 18

NCU alumni pastor new church campus

Photography Julian Flores, Lead Photographer Website northcentral.edu

The Magnum Opus Program

Marketing Mark Erickson, M.B.A. Director of Marketing

Distinguished Service Award

University Relations universityrelations@northcentral.edu 612.343.4747 NCU Magazine is mailed free of charge to alumni, donors, and friends of North Central University. North Central University is a Christ-centered, Bible-based, Pentecostal school with a commitment to academic excellence that prepares students to fulfill biblical models of leadership and ministry throughout the world. Ephesians 4:11-12

Innovative degree program debuts at NCU

Jerry Strandquist named 2015 winner

Contact Admissions admissions@northcentral.edu 800.289.6222 Alumni alumni@northcentral.edu Main Switchboard 612.343.4400

Family Affair 15

Editorial Scott Wible, M.A., Editor in Chief

Gordon Anderson, Ph.D. President, North Central University

Fall 2015

Administration President Gordon Anderson, Ph.D.

NCU Men’s Lacrosse • 2015 Alumni Awards • Homecoming 2015

With all the online options, extension programs, and other non-traditional forms of education currently available, why should a young person choose North Central University? Because North Central offers a high quality, holistic, residential educational program that is Christ-centered, Biblebased, Spirit-filled, and very affordable. And it is a great investment. At a residential school, tuition dollars buy a whole lot more than credits. Think about this: The government figures a car costs about 50 cents a mile to drive. So 100,000 miles costs $50,000. A $300,000 house with a 30-year mortgage actually costs $531,295, not counting insurance and all other costs, and this is considered the best investment most Americans ever make. Average credit card debt in America is $15,706. People are spending money on a lot of things they think are important—but education has all these things beat, hands down. What does a quality education get you? For starters, the difference in earnings between those who have only some college and those who have a degree is about $800,000 over a life career, and much more for those with a graduate degree. Unemployment rates are significantly lower for college graduates. And these are just the financial considerations. What does an education at NCU get you? All that and much more. Spiritual formation in a Pentecostal environment, quality programming outside the classroom, residence life where lifetime friendships are formed, and, quite possibly, a spouse. Don’t minimize this last one. Students who make a mistake during this short period of life end up paying for it for a lifetime. NCU provides a full educational program and an environment that prepares students to succeed in faith, in ministry, and in life. We prepare our students not just for their professions, but also for their vocations, their calling to be the people of God in the world (Ephesians 4.1). This is God’s plan for His prophetic people, it is our Pentecostal heritage, and it is our vision for the future of NCU. And that’s why college-age young people should choose North Central University!

NCUMagazine Fall 2015 North Central University 910 Elliot Avenue Minneapolis, MN 55404 612.343.4400

Homecoming Highlights An NCU family photo album

Alumni Updates 28 ON THE COVER: Homecoming 2015 Fall semester kickoff unmitigated success North Central University students will be: Christ followers guided and empowered by the Holy Spirit and God’s Word. Lifelong learners in the highest tradition of Christian scholarship.

Leaders serving and empowering others in the church and throughout the world. Ministers communicating Christ’s love and the Holy Spirit’s power through word and action. Fall 2015 | 3

Business Students Hobnob with Twin Cities Movers and Shakers North Central University business students networked with NCU alumni and representatives from US Bank, Target, and Crew2 at the first annual NCU School of Business Social Mixer held recently at Restore Collaborative in downtown Minneapolis. Marketing directors, CEOs, VPs, lawyers, small business owners, HR directors, and more mingled among the crowd of 150 attendees, interacting with NCU students who soon will seek internships and, one day, employment when they graduate armed with unparalleled training and experience. “The goal of the evening was to build community between our key stakeholders, leading to student opportunities, and engage them in our brand,” said School of Business Director Bill Tibbetts.

Students Serve Neighbors During Annual Community Outreach Day

New Majors Attract 66 New Students

NCU Selected for Act Six Program

Sixty-six new students joined the North Central University family when they signed up for one of the five new academic programs NCU launched this fall: Computer Science, Computer Information Systems, Accounting and Finance, Entrepreneurship, and Marketing. High demand among both students and employers prompted the development of the new degree programs. North Central continues to expand its academic offerings to meet the needs of today’s marketplace.

The Act Six program has partnered with North Central University in its continued expansion across the Twin Cities. Seeking to develop young people as agents of transformation on their campuses and in their communities, Act Six awards full-tuition, full-need scholarships to emerging urban and community leaders. Learn more at: actsix.org/about/

The Northerner among the Best in the Midwest NCU’s communication arts professors and students alike have reason to celebrate. The Northerner student newspaper participated in the Associated Collegiate Press Association’s Best of the Midwest Journalism Convention held in Minneapolis, nabbing a notable 5th best in the non-weekly student newspaper category. 4 | NCU Magazine

Senior Steven Carver Editor in Chief of The Northerner

Photos by Jalyn Anderson

North Central University students took a break from classes on NCU’s annual Community Outreach Day, Monday, Oct. 5, mobilized and motivated to serve churches and ministry organizations throughout the Twin Cities with their help and hard labor. Crews of a dozen or more workers dispersed to nearly 30 service sites to offer their skills in everything from harvesting garden produce, to cleaning and painting, to serving meals and moving furniture. “As Christ-followers it is important for us to love and serve our neighbors,” says event organizer Keri Agrimson, assistant dean for community partnerships and global service. “It is our hope that students see what it means to be the hands and feet of Jesus in a very practical way.”

Some 350 participants gathered after chapel to fortify themselves with specially prepared sack lunches before being deployed to prearranged sites across the Twin Cities metro area. “Organizations feel very blessed and encouraged by students who come to serve and ask nothing in return,” Agrimson observes. “We get to know and better understand our neighbors, and they get to know who we are as well!” Fall 2015 | 5

Faculty Accolades Bach Receives Dual Honors Larry Bach, M.M., dean, College of Fine Arts, and director, School of Music and Theatre, recently received the Alumni Achievement Award for “recognizable national achievement” in his field of study from alma mater West Virginia Wesleyan College, where he earned a B.A. in vocal performance. Bach also has been named artistic director/ conductor of the Twin Cities Master’s Chorale, a Christian-based organization committed to presenting sacred choral music with utmost excellence.

Brookman’s New Book Released W.R. “Buzz” Brookman, Ph.D., professor of Old Testament and Hebrew, has written a new book Orange Proverbs and Purple Parables: The Enterprise of Reading the Holy Scriptures as Scripture (Eugene, Ore: Wipf and Stock, 2015). “(This book) is about how one might better read the Holy Scriptures,” Brookman wrote in the preface. “It introduces ways of thinking and reading that will transform you into a deep, thoughtful, and sensitive reader of the Bible.”

Heide Presents at Regional Conference

NCU Welcomes Students to Campus The 2015-16 school year began with a bang when students arrived on the campus of North Central University for Welcome Week at the end of August. New students checked in on “Super Saturday,” moved into residence halls, mingled with classmates, and met resident leadership. Parents and students enjoyed a picnic and reception, highlighted by a welcome message from President Gordon Anderson. North Central’s Academic Convocation was held on Sunday morning in the F. J. Lindquist Sanctuary. Festivities continued Monday when returning students took their turn to move in, then celebrated with “Funky Night” and a “Party on the Patio” for the entire North Central community. The following day saw alumni, staff, faculty, students, and other guests enjoy NCU’s first ever Homecoming extravaganza—a fitting prelude to the first day of classes and the school year’s first chapel on Wednesday, September 2.

Jonathon Heide, M.A., assistant professor of Communication Arts, was selected to present at the Great Plains Alliance for Computer and Writing Conference by virtue of his original scholarship with emerging digital media. The theme of the conference, held in October at Metropolitan State University, St. Paul, was “The Body Technologic: Emerging Intersections between Bodies and Technology.”

Hats Off to the NCU Graduating Class of 2015

Menzies Chapter to Be Published Glen W. Menzies, Ph.D., dean of the Institute for Biblical and Theological Studies and professor of New Testament and Early Christianity at North Central University, authored a chapter titled “The Vocations of Israel and Israel’s Messiah in the Work of N.T. Wright” for the book Pentecostal Theology and the Theological Vision of N.T. Wright: A Conversation (edited by Janet Meyer Everts and Jeffrey S. Lamp for CPT Press, Cleveland, Tenn.) to be released in 2015.

Muhovich and Geddes Publish Chapter Nan Muhovich, Ph.D., professor of International Studies and Languages, and alumna Edna Geddes, Psy.D. ’96, senior pastoral leader at Christ Church International in Minneapolis, collaborated on a chapter titled “Violence Against Women in a Multiethnic Church” for the book Religion and Men’s Violence Against Women, edited by Bethel University Professor of Psychology Andy Johnson, Ph.D., and published by Springer, 2015.

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Senior class speaker Sutton Rehwaldt and President Gordon Anderson addressed seniors contemplating their post-college careers, ministries, and lives.

Friends and family packed out the auditorium at Cedar Valley Church in Bloomington to celebrate North Central University’s Class of 2015 during commencement exercises held Friday, May 1. Seniors clad in traditional caps and gowns entered with solemn excitement to a brass ensemble’s elegantly simple rendition of “Pomp and Circumstance.” Glorious voices filled the room as the NCU Chorale serenaded the honorees. After receiving words of congratulations and inspiration from NCU President Gordon Anderson and senior class speaker Sutton Rehwaldt, students one by one took the traditional walk across the platform to receive their hard-earned diplomas. In a fitting close to the ceremony, the graduates gathered up front to be surrounded by and prayed over by NCU faculty, who sent them out to employ their gifts, talents, passions, and newly completed undergraduate degrees in fulfillment of Christ’s Great Commission. See and share a special video of NCU’s commencement at: goo.gl/NRd5iE Fall 2015 | 7

Chorale Slated for Appearance at Carnegie Hall

New Personnel at NCU North Central University welcomes new administrators in the offices of University Relations and Academic Affairs.

The North Central University Chorale has been invited to sing again at Carnegie Hall in New York City. Manhattan Concert Productions has offered the renowned group a much coveted 30-minute guest artist spot during a concert on February 29, 2016. “Our concert will reflect our mission to sing sacred music of styles ranging from Bach to Gospel with excellence to the glory of God,” says Larry Bach, M.M., dean of the College of Fine Arts, director of the School of Music and Theatre, and Chorale director. “This is an excellent honor for us.” The Chorale will kick off its Big Apple tour with an engagement at Brooklyn Tabernacle on February 28, and close with an appearance at historical Trinity Church on March 1. Students also will sightsee and take in an opera or Broadway show along the way. “The NCU Chorale represents one of the many excellent opportunities students at NCU have for an outstanding education both inside and outside the classroom,” Bach says. The Chorale first performed at Carnegie Hall in 2011 with a 10-minute solo spot and as part of a mass choir.

NCU Goes International North Central University has positioned itself to be the Asia Pacific’s school of choice for spirit-filled education. Michael White, chief enrollment officer, and Doug

Andrew Denton, Ph.D., is vice president of university relations at North Central University. Coming to NCU from Bethel University, St. Paul, Minn., where he served as vice president for enrollment management, Denton previously served as vice president for enrollment management at Evangel University in Springfield, Mo. After graduating from Evangel, he earned an M.B.A. from Missouri State University, and a Ph.D. in higher education administration from St. Louis University. Denton also served as an associate pastor in Springfield, Mo., and is an ordained minister in the Assemblies of God. Aimee Robertson ’97 returns to North Central as administrator in the Office of University Relations, where she also provides leadership for such public relations functions as business and alumni relations and career placement. Robertson previously served at NCU as administrative assistant to the vice president for academic affairs and as coordinator of the PSEO program. Most recently, Robertson served as campus director of sales and marketing at Augustana Care in Minneapolis. Graham, vice president of spiritual life, spent 15 days across the ocean spreading the word about NCU’s Asia Pacific Connection initiative to students, families, general superintendents, business leaders, pastors, heads of schools, and homeschool networks. Stops included the Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia. Learn more about the Asia Pacific Connection initiative at: northcentral.edu/apc

William Green, M.A., is director of multicultural and international affairs in the Office of University Relations at NCU. He comes to North Central after serving 25 years at St. Olaf College, Northfield, Minn., most recently as assistant dean and director of multicultural affairs and community outreach. Chair of the Associated Colleges of the Midwest Committee on Minority Concerns, Green has presented at numerous workshops on the subject of diversity, including the Oxford Round Table at Oxford University, Oxford, England. A track and field enthusiast, Green also is an ordained minister of the Church of God in Christ. Don Tucker, Ed.D., is North Central’s vice president of academic affairs. After graduating from Trinity Bible College, Tucker earned an M.A. and M.Div. from the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary, a Th.M. from Princeton Theological Seminary, and an Ed.D. from the University of Pennsylvania. An ordained minister in the Assemblies of God, Tucker taught for 20 years at Valley Forge University, and served for six years as acting vice president of Regent University and associate dean for academics in Regent’s School of Divinity. Most recently he was provost of Malone University in Canton, Ohio.

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New Faculty Join the NCU Family Sam Currier, M.A. Assistant Professor Science

Sam Currier completed an M.A. in biological sciences with a focus on education in the spring of 2015 from the University of Minnesota. She encourages an active learning classroom rather than a traditional lecture format, and wrote her thesis on the subject.

Adam Sikorski

Carrie Erickson, M.A.

Assistant Professor Youth Ministry

Assistant Professor Math Education

Carrie Erickson earned a B.A. in mathematics at North Central University and an M.A. in teaching from Bethel University. Since then, she has been teaching math courses as an adjunct professor at North Central and has helped facilitate Math Club and Minnesota Teacher Licensure Examination math preparation sessions.

Latoya J. Burrell, J.D.

B.J. Mauser, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor Magnum Opus

B.J. Mauser holds a Ph.D. in philosophy from Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wis., and an M.A.A. in apologetics and philosophy from Southern Evangelical Seminary in Matthews, N.C. He has taught at Marquette University, Cardinal Stritch University, Southern Evangelical Seminary, Liberty University, and San Diego Christian College.

Adam Sikorski has been involved in youth and college ministry for more than 20 years, serving in Detroit, Minneapolis, Chicago, and at Illinois State University. Most recently he was the youth ministry professor at Valley Forge Christian University.

Brian Stewart P.h.D.

Assistant Professor, Business Lead Professor, Entrepreneurship Brian Stewart holds both a doctorate and master’s degree in business administration from Argosy University. He comes to NCU from the Minnesota School of Business where he was chair of the Business and Accounting Department. He also chaired the Graduate School at Crown College. Stewart has served as a business consultant and pastor for more than a decade.

Associate Professor, Business Lead Professor, Business Administration Latoya Burrell graduated at the top of her class from Southern University Law Center, Baton Rouge, La., and holds a B.A. in business administration from Northwestern State University. Licensed to practice law in both Louisiana and Minnesota, Burrell also has served as an academic counselor and adjunct professor at Southern University Law Center, adjunct professor at Hamline University and Upper Iowa University, and career strategist at the University of St. Thomas School of Law.

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Allan Hawkins, M.S. Assistant Professor College of Fine Arts Award winning choral director Allan Hawkins earned an M.S. in music education from the University of Illinois at UrbanaChampaign, and has served as an adjunct professor of music at St. John’s University, the College of St. Benedict, St. Cloud State University, and Crown College. He also is a longtime member and past president of the American Choral Directors Association–Minnesota, where he has held numerous leadership positions.

Anna Young

Assistant Professor Youth Development

Rick Hurlbut, M.A. Assistant Professor Magnum Opus

Rick Hurlbut earned an M.A. in humanities from California State University and a B.A. in Christian Education from Oral Roberts University. He has taught at both San Diego Christian College and Dalat International School in Penang, Malaysia. Actively involved in Youth with a Mission (YWAM) since 1991, he currently serves as YWAM’s national director in Malaysia.

Joshua Tompkins, D.M.A. Associate Professor College of Fine Arts An adjunct faculty member at North Central University since 2003, Joshua Tompkins attended NCU and earned D.M.A., M.M., and B.M. degrees in piano from the University of Minnesota.

Anna Young brings more than 30 years of experience in teaching and youth work to NCU. A licensed evangelist with the Church of God in Christ, Young has served at Teen Challenge, the Ramsey County Juvenile Detention Center, and women’s shelters throughout the Twin Cities. She most recently established and ran the Multicultural Mentoring Program for the St. Paul School District.

Vinnie Zarletti, M.A.

Assistant Professor College of Fine Arts

Vinnie Zarletti has been leading worship for more than 18 years, 11 of which he also served as a full-time pastor. He earned a B.A. in music from NCU, an M.A. in worship studies from the Robert E. Webber Institute for Worship Studies (IWS), and currently is a doctoral student at IWS. Fall 2015 | 11

NCU ATHLETICS North Central Selects New Director of Athletics Greg Johnson brings years of professional experience and leadership in collegiate athletics to the NCU community. Greg Johnson is director of athletics at North Central University. Coming to NCU from the University of Northwestern, St. Paul, Minn., where he was assistant director of athletics, Johnson previously served at Palm Beach Atlantic University in Florida, the Valero Alamo Bowl in Texas, and the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC), of which North Central is a member. He holds a bachelor’s degree in communication and public relations, and a master’s degree in organizational leadership, both from the University of Northwestern. “I think Greg’s experience in Division III college athletics will help the athletics department grow,” said Allison Meadows, associate director of athletics. “I look forward to his experience benefitting individuals in the athletics department as well as our current teams.” The transition to Johnson’s leadership marks just the second time in its history that NCU athletics has engaged a new director since Greg Hayton started the department in 1997. Johnson assumed his new responsibilities July 15. “I take it as a great privilege and responsibility to lead the North Central athletics department and its studentathletes,” Johnson said. “I look forward to working with the 12 | NCU Magazine

North Central coaching and administrative staff as we build both community and the brand of the university through athletics. Together, we will continue to integrate athletics as a quality part of the overall educational experience, developing student-athletes in mind, body, and spirit.”

Greg Johnson

Men’s Lacrosse Takes the Field in Spring 2017 Add men’s lacrosse to NCU’s new total of 16 men’s and women’s varsity sports. The Rams lacrosse program, scheduled to begin competition in spring 2017, will be the first NCAA Division III program of its kind in Minnesota. “With the popularity of men’s lacrosse coming to the Midwest over recent years, the time has come to offer North Central students—present and future—and our campus community the opportunity to participate in and support the sport at a varsity level,” said NCU Athletic Director Greg Johnson. “I look forward to further uniting our university and the Minneapolis area through men’s lacrosse.” According to the National Federation of State High School Associations, boys’ lacrosse expanded by more than 27% in 2014, making it the fastest growing team sport in the nation. According to the Minnesota State High School League website, 84 high schools in the state offer boys’ lacrosse, with more than 3,200 participants. Neighboring Wisconsin also is listed among the 10 states boasting the fastest growing participation in high school boys’ lacrosse. Lacrosse also is the fastest growth sport in the NCAA.

Sparrman Rewrites Her Story—and NCU’s Record Books

Dakotah Sparrman plays the game she loves.

“We are very excited about the opportunity to be at the forefront of offering men’s lacrosse at the NCAA Division III level in Minnesota,” said Vice President of Student Development Mike Nosser. “We are thrilled to add an additional sport to be played in our front yard in downtown Minneapolis.” After playing one year of scholarship level soccer in an NCAA Division I program, Dakotah Sparrman decided that her life lacked the balance she desired as a student, athlete, and follower of Christ. So she focused on her studies for a year without participating in the game that was such a big part of her life. Then she sought a new path, discovering that at North Central University she can both pursue her passion to serve youth and play the game she loves. As a youth development major, Sparrman is learning how to guide and mentor students while she gains hands-on experience with her involvement in a local Twin Cities youth group. As a soccer player, she not only has found a home with the Rams women’s soccer program, but also is turning heads among everyone in NCAA Division III. Her current scoring streak is unmatched in NCU history and is among the best in the country. The skilled striker for the Rams front line has tallied 21 goals over just 14 games, shattering the NCU single season record. But that’s not all. When she posted a goal and an assist in the Rams’ thrilling 2-2 tie at Crown College on October 13, Sparrman’s astounding records in goals and points took top spots in both the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference and NCCAA Division II, and third best in NCAA Division III. Fall 2015 | 13

A Fruitful Family Tree

Pheneger Sets New Pace for Rams Volleyball Junior Elissa Pheneger probably would not be the first player you notice when you witness your first Rams volleyball match. Standing just five feet, five inches tall, the diminutive setter for the Rams is often lost to view in a huddle among her taller teammates. But then the action begins, and her energy, athleticism, and skill demand your attention. Pheneger is rewriting the volleyball record books at NCU. Earlier this season Pheneger became the second player in Rams volleyball history to achieve 1,900 career assists, and is quickly nearing 1,000 career digs. Her ability to guide the Rams offense and also provide outstanding court coverage on defense is making a difference in the box score and on the scoreboard. With their victory on October 10 against Grace Bible College, the Rams have already surpassed the team’s 2014 win total by two games—with at least eight more games remaining on the 2015 slate. As a junior this season, Pheneger likely will surpass 2,000 career assists and challenge the NCU record during

Weyer Blazes Trails on the Links

Tera Weyer is the first all-conference player in NCU women’s golf history. 14 | NCU Magazine

Ministry becomes a family affair for this year’s alumni award winners. By Aimee Robertson

Elissa Pheneger is rewriting NCU’s volleyball record books. her final season in 2016. The dynamic setter and her teammates will host the NCCAA Volleyball Regional Championship on October 31, where they have a strong shot at making it back to the national tournament for the first time since 2007.

Senior Tera Weyer spent her 2015 spring semester in the Middle East studying in Egypt and Turkey. Then the smalltown Minnesota native returned home for a few weeks before embarking on her final year of eligibility as a golfer for the North Central women’s team. Her intrepid personality compelled her to explore adventurous academic opportunities at North Central—such as studying in a world where women do not share the same cultural standards as women in the United States. That same intrepid mindset also prompted Weyer to boldly go where no female golfer in Rams history has gone before. As a senior she won the Mid-Country Bank Classic for the second time during her college career. No other woman from North Central has ever done that. Subsequently, she garnered the program’s first ever Upper Midwest Athletic Conference Player of the Week award in September. October brought Weyer another new opportunity as the Rams competed for the first time in a conference championship tournament as a team. As she had done all season, Weyer played near the top of the leaderboard before taking home a second place individual finish, helping the team to a seventh place result. She was also the only player to lower her score over each of three grinding rounds at the championship meet that stretched 54 holes of golf over three days. By virtue of her second place finish, Weyer also became the first all-conference player in NCU women’s golf history.

Since its inception in 1930, North Central University has produced an abundance of stellar alumni. In the spirit of celebrating such a rich legacy, each year a recipient is selected to be given the Young Alumnus Award. Awardees must have graduated within the last 10 years, demonstrated outstanding leadership abilities, and contributed in significant ways to their chosen field, ministry, community, state, nation, or to North Central University. North Central also bestows the Lifetime Achievement Award to a selected alumnus who has consistently met those criteria in their chosen field for 40 years or more. This year, North Central University enjoys an embarrassment of riches in the Shields, Northup, and Farina families. It is North Central’s great pleasure to name Wayne ’98 and Kristi ’00 Northup and Tory ’02 and Elizabeth ’02 Farina as co-recipients of the 2015 Young Alumnus Award—and to confer on parents Mike ’73 and MonaRe ’71 Shields the 2015 Lifetime Achievement Award. It’s an award-winning family, indeed! Fall 2015 | 15

“Dad’s always been crazy...”

the community where God has placed them. In addition to running the church with Kristi, Wayne continues to accept speaking engagements promoting church planting all across the nation. Kristi is an associate pastor at the church and holds down a full-time job in the insurance industry. She also is a successful singer, songwriter, and worship leader who has produced four albums and is working on a fifth. Wayne and Kristi are proud parents of two children, Libby and Lincoln. The Northups are the personification of bi-vocational ministers: the focus is the church, and the second job is a practical means to support their family and stay in touch with the community.

“Ring by spring!” is a common expression laughingly uttered by countless North Central University students and alumni over the years, but the truth is, many great marriages and great ministries blossomed in the halls of NCU. That being said, it’s rare that one family produces such a high volume of dynamic ministry duos as that of Mike and MonaRe Shields. Not only are they partners in ministry and life, but they also are best friends and each other’s numero uno fan. Youngest daughter Elizabeth describes how Mike and MonaRe fell in love: They met on an Alliance International Ministries team in Nicaragua in 1969. The first thing my dad ever said to my mom was, ‘I’m Mike Shields from Goose Lake, Louisiana, Entertainment Capital of the World!’ He’s always been crazy. She was his Spanish teacher at NCU and he knew he would marry her from that point. She was engaged to another guy at the time, but he was pursuing a degree in aerospace engineering and she wanted to be in ministry—it obviously didn’t work out! My dad and mom’s brother Rocky Grams ended up being roommates at NCU, so she couldn’t get away from him. Mom and Dad volunteered together at Christ Church (Gospel Tabernacle). Dad played guitar and did puppets for the kids, and Mom thought he’d make a good dad. Throughout 46 years of marriage, Mike and MonaRe have ministered around the globe visiting countless countries on multiple continents. All the while, they modeled for their two daughters, Kristi and Elizabeth, how marriage and ministry can work beautifully in tandem. As a result, both daughters married NCU grads and have forged ahead into their own lives of dynamic ministry as couples. In addition, all six of these amazing alumni are ordained ministers with the Assemblies of God. Today, Mike and MonaRe continue to travel extensively throughout Latin America as ministry specialists in evangelism and leadership training. Their travels have taken them throughout Central and South America organizing, promoting, and managing 80 international outreach events, and traveling with more than 3,000 students. The Shields also serve as the international directors for the Latin American Advanced School of Theology (LAAST) in the 22 countries of Latin America and the Caribbean, which boasts more than 6,000 active students and 2,000 graduates from the program. MonaRe’s duties as director and visiting professor for LAAST take her to many countries each year. Both she and Mike work together to coordinate 18 one-month training seminars attended by 700 pastors throughout Central and South America annually. And they don’t seem to be slowing down any time soon. 16 | NCU Magazine

“We fell in love studying Romans...” In 2001, Elizabeth Shields married Tory Farina, the only son of evangelist Sam and Vicki Farina. Although they met as children at Lake Geneva Bible Camp in Alexandria, Minnesota, it wasn’t until they were college students that they fell in love… Front: Wayne Northup, Mike Shields, Tory Farina Back: Kristi Northup, MonaRe Shields, Elizabeth Farina

“You should marry Wayne Northup...” Kristi Shields Northup, the Shields’ eldest daughter, recalls her first impression of husband Wayne. Wayne and I met the very first day I moved into the dorms at NCU. He was my Discovery Group leader. I had only been back in the U.S. for a few weeks and hadn’t met very many guys. I remember thinking he said “dude” and “Jesus” a lot! I wondered if all American guys were that way. I quickly figured out he was unique! We actually think we would not have met if we hadn’t been in that group together. He was in sports, I was a music major. We had been good friends for three years when we had our only class together, Homiletics II with Dr. Gill. Without a doubt, Wayne was the best preacher in the class! That will make a girl take notice. We reunited the next year in Urbana, Illinois, while I was an intern and he was staff evangelist at Stone Creek Church with Gary Grogan. The last night of my internship we went for a walk. He asked me if he had ever crossed my mind. I said, “When 50 people have told me ‘ You should marry Wayne Northup,’ yeah, it’s crossed my mind!” We got married the next year. After 15 years of marriage, Wayne and Kristi have led more than 4,000 students in ministry through the streets of New Orleans during its most celebrated, yet spiritually turbulent, days of Mardis Gras. In 2011, they launched Saint’s Community Church in New Orleans. Being a mobile church plant, they spent five long years setting up and tearing down their church every week. Finally, in 2015 they purchased their own building, enabling them to lay down roots and continue to grow and bless

I met Tory when I was six years old. My dad was the district youth director for the Minnesota Assemblies of God and ran the teen camps during the summer. Tory’s dad, Sam Farina, was an evangelist who traveled the country and spoke for youth events. In 1986 Sam spoke for the Minnesota teen camps and brought his young son along. My sister and I were the only little kids at the camp and were thrilled to have a playmate for a few weeks. At the end of the camps we said goodbye and only saw each other two more times in all the years we were growing up. Our parents remained friends, and Tory grew up with our prayer card on his refrigerator (which meant he saw all my awkward stages!). I never forgot the little boy from summer camp. We were reunited as freshmen at NCU. We fell in love studying for our Romans class with Dr. Geddes, were married between our junior and senior year at NCU and graduated as husband and wife. After graduation in 2002, Tory and Elizabeth were called to minister at a church in North Carolina for a year. After moving back to the Twin Cities, they both took secular jobs in preparation for church planting. By day, Tory worked in customer service for Marshall Fields and Elizabeth managed a Williams-Sonoma store. By night they researched and planned what would eventually become their first church plant: High Point Church in Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota. On January 25, 2005, the Farinas launched High Point serving as co-lead pastors for eight-and-a-half fruitful years. On October 4, 2015, they launched their second plant, Liberty Church in Woodbury, Minnesota, where they once again serve as co-lead pastors. Tory and Elizabeth are a tremendous balance for one another. Tory is relational, a networker, and primary

Wayne and Kristi Northup inspire students at a recent NCU Chapel.

Tory and Elizabeth Farina with Olivia, Lewis, and beagle Daisy. communicator, while Elizabeth excels at systems and structural organization. They were both credentialed with the Assemblies of God in 2002 and were ordained in 2007 in the very same ordination service as Wayne and Kristi Northup. Like the Shields and Northups, the Farinas are an indefatigable ministry couple, working passionately to introduce the world to Christ. All of their respective ministries are made possible by the generosity of others and by making Kingdom projects accessible to the people in the pews. The three families have raised millions of dollars, all of which has been recycled back into Kingdom work, changing lives one penny and one person at a time. Fall 2015 | 17

Kirk and Kaylee Graham partner in ministry to downtown Minneapolis.

“Will you use your gifting to answer God’s calling?”

Chosen to Story and photos by Bethany Aleshire

Answering God’s call isn’t always easy—a lesson NCU alumni Kirk Graham and Ben Cruse learned the hard way. It took perseverance, mistakes, mentoring, trials, serving, serving, and even more serving. But their faithfulness in ministry has been acknowledged with respective appointments to campus pastor and worship pastor for a new River Valley Church campus in downtown Minneapolis. 18 | NCU Magazine

In Kirk Graham’s mind, North Central University was the only college for him. Even though both of his parents and older brother attended North Central before him, his desire to attend North Central was clear and personal for reasons other than just family ties. A wayward time in high school rendered the path to NCU a bit rocky, but then two things happened. First, Graham recommitted his life to Jesus in his senior year. Second, during a family missions trip to Africa, Graham engaged in multiple conversations and bonding time with his dad, NCU’s current Vice President of Spiritual Life Doug Graham. “You’ve always been gifted in music,” the elder Graham told his son. “Will you use that gifting to answer God’s calling?” Soon after, Graham decided to employ his musical talents for the ministry and enrolled in North Central’s worship arts program. Still, even with a 4.0 grade point average, Graham’s time in college wasn’t perfect. “I grew a lot in maturity,” Graham says. “I made a ton of mistakes. I even got kicked out of Chorale for missing too many concerts. It was the breeding ground to learning a lot of disciplines that weren’t in my life thus far.” While a student at North Central, Graham was personally mentored by pianist, composer, and former NCU assistant professor of music Dave Pedde. He auditioned for and won a place on NCU’s premier touring worship team One Accord. His worship leadership skills were honed, and his faith was constantly stretched and strengthened. Others noticed, and upon completing his junior year Graham was offered a position at The Oaks Fellowship in Dallas. When River Valley Church in Apple Valley, Minnesota, had an opening for a worship pastor just a year later, Graham applied, got the job, and moved back to his home state with the blessing of his Oaks Fellowship family.

Graham’s ministry at River Valley has continued to evolve these past five years—and in ways he never expected. “I thought I’d be doing music or leading worship till I’m no longer relevant or something happens with my vocal chords,” he recalls. “But different opportunities arose as the church grew and different needs surfaced. Pastor Rob (Ketterling) offered me the opportunity to lead a young adult ministry that didn’t yet exist. He said, ‘We feel like you’re the leader to start something.’ So we launched Twenty Plus two-and-a-half years ago, and that has grown into quarterly events with more than a thousand young adults attending.” Graham’s heart for the church also grew in surprising ways. “I never would have dreamed or even have wanted to be a campus pastor. But because the new campus is in the heart of the city, and because it matches what my wife and I are passionate about—and the people we’re passionate about reaching—it was the perfect opportunity.” Graham and wife Kaylee hope that the Minneapolis campus will serve people and meet their needs in downtown Minneapolis—that it will become a place of community for those who have no community, a place of God’s love for those who don’t know of God’s love…yet. Though Graham’s path to ministry was circuitous, his wisdom and substance abounds because of it. One of his sharpest points of pain is the culture of comparison he observes today. “God created each of us with unique giftings, unique callings,” he says, “and we need to step up to that. Everyone has an authentic voice, something they were created to carry, something they were created to do. Don’t worry about what anyone else is doing—learn what your authentic voice is, learn to be comfortable in it, and don’t compare yourself to others.” Graham’s preaching has resonated with crowds of young adults through Twenty Plus, and many people are just beginning to taste his love and pastoral care through his new position at River Valley. “Who knows what the future holds for me,” he muses, “but right now, by the grace of God, He is allowing me to lead. He is strong in my weakness.”

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“Trying to help people connect with God…” When Ben Cruse opens his mouth to speak, you identify his southern accent right away. But more than that, you notice his servant’s heart and his desire to connect with people. Cruse zeroed in on North Central because it was the only Assemblies of God school to offer a music pastor major. Once he visited the campus, however, he fell in love with more than just the degree program. “It was the atmosphere of the general population,” he recalls. “It wasn’t just the people on stage who were for the Lord, it was everybody in the room.” His experience in chapel during that visit sealed the deal, and Cruse made the move from Dunn, North Carolina, to Minneapolis in 2011. Throughout his college career, Cruse stepped into a number of different leadership and worship positions: discipleship leader his sophomore year, residence assistant his junior year, chapel worship team member, and even student development intern his senior year. He pursued most every opportunity that presented itself, not to pad his résumé, but to start walking out his ministry. “Every year, anything I did, any class, any leadership team, any worship team, somebody was pouring into me, investing into my life, and caring about me—not just to prepare me as a minister, but also to grow me as a person.” Figuring out a healthy balance of pastoral, musical, and administrative work was Cruse’s biggest takeaway

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The Magnum Opus Program An Uncommon Journey. Together. North Central University introduces The Magnum Opus Program, an accelerated, customizable Bachelor of Science degree that takes students from freshman to graduate in 2.7 years. Grounded in a simple but potent approach, Magnum Opus (Latin for “a great work”) provides an extraordinary academic degree track for students who desire to grow wise and go deep—steeping them in the greatest ideas ever thought and communicated, and accomplishing it all in an uncommon way. Ben Cruse leads worship at River Valley’s downtown Minneapolis campus. from his degree program at North Central. “There were some musical elements, but it also focused on spiritual excellence and having a pastor’s heart.” Cruse applied what he was learning to his next season of ministry, growing more passionate about loving people through worship and music than about his dream to lead a large choir or mount major musical productions. While finishing his undergraduate degree, Cruse began attending the newly formed Eagan campus of River Valley Church, eventually joining the worship team and volunteering on Sundays. Never did he imagine that he had already begun the transition into his role as worship pastor for River Valley’s latest campus in downtown Minneapolis. “All I’m doing when leading worship is trying to help people connect with God, if they haven’t before, or if they have, in a new way,” he says about his mission. Today Cruse has set his sights on developing his leadership abilities even further as a graduate student in North Central’s Master of Arts in Strategic Leadership, investing in the people who walk through the doors of River Valley’s downtown Minneapolis location each Sunday, and faithfully serving in the ministry where God has placed him. “Be involved,” Cruse encourages current NCU students. “The professors and the leadership care about you and your development both as an individual and as a leader, together and separately. Step into that relationship of mentor and mentee with the faculty and staff. If you have some free time, serve in leadership. Wherever you are at North Central, just be involved and be committed.”

The innovative new degree program answers the growing demand for affordable higher education during which students: • experience a communal learning environment shared with faculty and mentors; • learn critical thinking skills with coherent real-life applications; • develop a cosmopolitan worldview; • customize their courses to accommodate individual interests; and • complete their degrees in just 2.7 years. Fully titled “Magnum Opus: An Uncommon Journey – Together,” the unique program promises participants world travel; discussion-driven classes; an intensive survey of the great books; a holistic approach to learning that addresses each student’s intellectual, spiritual, moral, social, and emotional make-up; and an “uncommon ending” customized to the individual student’s passions and calling. Students study in cohorts of 15-30 members with two faculty and a mentor throughout their first four semesters, taking classes in a sequentially modular manner that build on each other in the flow of the biblical narrative. “North Central University is thrilled to offer this ‘uncommon’ new degree program,” says Dean of NCU’s College of Arts and Sciences Dan Nelson, “a highly creative and proven approach uniquely suited to meet the needs of a new breed of college students.” Explore the features and benefits of Magnum Opus at: magnumopus.northcentral.edu

Lifelong friendships take root when students join a cohort of 15-30 members their first semester. “At The Magnum Opus Program, you will ask and answer the biggest questions humanity has ever encountered with the best minds civilization has ever produced, all in the context of the greatest story ever told, the Bible.” Pete Lackey, Program Developer

Magnum Opus students study art and beauty for five weeks in Rome, Florence, and Venice. Fall 2015 | 21

Jerry Strandquist 2015 Distinguished Service Award Winner Newly retired after 25 years as lead pastor of Cedar Valley Church in Bloomington, Minnesota, alumnus Jerry Strandquist is the 2015 recipient of NCU’s Distinguished Service Award. Strandquist served more than 20 years on the North Central University Board of Regents, including a season as secretary of the Board and member of the Executive Committee. He also has graciously hosted several of North Central’s spring graduation ceremonies at Cedar Valley. NCU Magazine enjoyed an all-too-brief conversation with this delightful servant of God.

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What drew you to North Central University as your college of choice – how did it all begin?

When I graduated from high school, my father asked me if I would do him a favor and attend Bible school for one year. He believed spending one year at a Bible school would be an important step in my Christian walk. I was familiar with NCU (then called North Central Bible College) because I had an uncle and a couple of aunts who attended there. My twin brother Terry and I attended NCU together.

What are some of your favorite NCU memories?

I came from a little Assembly of God church in Thief River Falls, Minnesota, which is about five hours north of Minneapolis. There were 11 of us from that little church enrolled at NCU. I also made some new lifelong friends in Rich Jorgenson, Larry Griswold, Vern Hagenbeck, and others. Most important, however, is that I met my future wife at NCU, Kathy Kingsriter. Kathy’s father, Arvid Kingsriter, worked at NCU when I started in 1964. He also was the founding pastor of Bloomington Assemblies of God Church, which later became Cedar Valley. I had the privilege and the joy of following in his footsteps after 37 years of successful ministry.

How did your experience as a student influence your path after graduation?

When I came to NCU, I was an 18-year-old struggling with the call of God for my life. It was so very helpful to be surrounded by quality Christian examples. From chapel services to the classroom, I was challenged by gifted speakers and leaders. I could see that they were men and women of great wisdom and spiritual depth. It also was helpful to spend time with other young men who were struggling with some of the same questions I was asking. I knew I wasn’t alone and that others were trying to figure out their futures, too.

In what ways did NCU contribute to your readiness for your ministry?

At NCU I was given a foundation on which I could build for my future. There were discussions about good character and being a person of honesty. God helped me understand that He desires to use each one of us. As a very insecure farm boy, I questioned whether God would use me in ministry. From my experience at NCU, however, I was challenged by people such as Dr. John Phillipps, Dr. Ray Levang, Dr. Bill Snow, Dr. T. J. Jones, and Pastor Oral Krans to simply take steps of faith. I learned the importance of walking by faith even when we have no idea what the future holds. I was encouraged not just to serve, but to serve with joy and enthusiasm. What really was important in my development was to know that someone believed in me. That someone was Pastor Oral Krans, who took time to pray with me and to encourage me to develop my God-given strengths and abilities.

Are there any ways that NCU has continued to influence your life?

While I was a pastor at Cedar Valley Church, we knew we could always find great interns at NCU. And we’ve enjoyed having a number of NCU faculty teach at Cedar Valley. They are loved, respected, and considered a part of our church family. When they have come to teach, they have come with humility and the attitude of a servant. I believe the future is very bright for NCU.

What thoughts might you share with a young person considering coming to school at NCU?

You will love the classroom. You will love the chapel. You will come to love the city. You will make lifelong friends. You will be challenged—not just intellectually, but also spiritually. My father was right—I would advise a young person to attend NCU for at least one year. Then let God determine where you will go for the rest of your life. I think we sometimes make discovering the will of God too difficult. God has wired each of us a certain way, and I always ask people, “What would you like to do?” Then, whatever you do, do it with all of your heart and do it for the glory of God. Fall 2015 | 23

HOMECOMING! A FAMILY PHOTO ALBUM

Nearly 1,000 students, faculty, staff, alumni, friends, and neighbors gathered to celebrate North Central University’s first-ever Homecoming on September 1. From Bubbleball soccer, to activities for kids, to lots of great food and gifts, and a President’s Reception with live jazz and a coffee bar, a great time was had by all. Fans cheered on the Rams soccer teams as they faced the Finlandia Lions in men’s and women’s season openers on our new home field. The day culminated with an all-community block party, and by night’s end, hundreds of students and alumni had experienced what it’s like to “come home” to NCU.

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FUN FACTS

• 800+ dinners served

NCU’s Homecoming extravaganza kicked off with a ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially open the new $1.2 million, NCAA III-regulation soccer field that NCU helped build in partnership with the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board. Officials from the Elliot Park Neighborhood, the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, Hennepin County, NCU, and various donors were on hand to wield the ceremonial scissors in observance of the field’s grand opening. Twin Cities ABC television affiliate KSTP was on location to cover the story:

• 55 volunteers deployed • 150+ alumni attended • Hundreds of “Ramheads” (Dr. Anderson’s head on a stick) distributed

kstp.com/article/stories/s3894272.shtml

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80s Sherrie Aman ’89, Cross-cultural Ministries, is a registered nurse in Osceola, Ind. A widow with four sons, Aman enjoys serving on short-term mission trips as often as she can. “My experience at North Central was life-changing and really opened my eyes to a world vision and outreach,” she says.

00s Bill Svoboda ’06, Business Administration, founder of million-dollar online t-shirt company Coed Monkey, spoke at the recent TEDxFargo event. TED (Technology, Entertainment, and Design) is a nonprofit organization devoted to presenting world-changing concepts at national TED events, usually in the form of short, powerful talks covering diverse topics in more than 100 languages. Independently run TEDx events help share ideas in local contexts around the globe.

Thomas Casper ’12, Education/Psychology, and Sasha (Morris) Casper ’15, Elementary Education, have bought their first home. They both enjoy their jobs at Leopold Elementary in Madison, Wis., where Thomas is a behavior interventionist and Sasha is a second-grade teacher.

10s 90s Kimberlee (Melau) Gauthier ’94, Associates in Business, and husband Lloyd live in Rhinelander, Wis., where she has been elected town clerk and he is a captain in the sheriff ’s office. The couple has one daughter, Hannah, and attends Grace Foursquare Church.

Sarah (Saglimbene) Haller ’11, World Missions, married husband Jacob in 2011, finished a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy at Argosy University, and now serves as a therapist at West Metro Christian Counseling in Eden Prairie, Minn. While working toward licensure as a marriage and family therapist, she also is taking steps to become a licensed pastor with the Minnesota Assembly of God District. The couple attends Abundant Life Church in Blaine, where Sarah leads a junior high small group and an adult cell group.

Ben Leone ’14, Music, ministers together with his wife as youth pastor and worship pastor at Falls Church in Sioux Falls, S.D.

Hero Rewarded for Bravery and Sacrifice Andrea Borsvold ’12, English-Writing, and husband Luke are pursuing masters degrees at the University of Glasgow in Scotland, she in English Language and Linguistics and he in Medieval History. Alyssa McKnight ’13, Biblical Studies, spent two years at Princeton Theological Seminary before beginning her current 12-month stint working with the youth and young adults of The American Church in Paris. Taylor Lewin ’13, Music Business, is a Minneapolis-based producer, composer, engineer, promotions director, and studio manager who has composed all of the music for the popular online series “How To Make Everything.” Recent installment “How to Make Everything: The Sandwich Show” just surpassed two million views on YouTube.

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Isaac Van Proosdy ’13, Music Pastor, serves as associate pastor at Clinton Valley Assembly of God in Clinton Township, Mich., teaches Bible at Parkway Christian High School, and coaches varsity cross country and track and field.

NCU graduate and wounded veteran Staff Sgt. Andrew Walker ’13 and wife Megan ’13 received the keys to a new, fully furnished, mortgage-free home in honor of his service to the United States with the Minnesota Air National Guard. The couple was chosen for the gift by the PulteGroup through a program called Built to Honor in partnership with Operation Finally Home. Walker was injured in 2012 while deployed in Afghanistan as an explosive ordnance disposal technician—his vehicle ran over an IED. During his service, Walker removed more than 3,500 pounds of explosives from the battlefield, completed 90 combat missions, and performed 13 military operations. He has been decorated with both the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star. Today Walker works for the BNSF Railroad and has volunteered more than 4,000 hours of community service to youth development programs. Fall 2015 | 29

Births ’00 Gideon Dean was born to Tom and Jessica (Grages) Halverson ’00 in May 2015. He is the couple’s first child.

’08 John Ross was born to Diane Newcomer ’08, Intercultural Studies, and her husband in February 2015. The family resides in Omaha, Neb., where Diane completed a Master of Arts in Language Teaching at the University of Nebraska at Omaha and now volunteers with a local international student ministry.

’00 Lily Mae was born to Mike ’00 and Angela ’01 Volpe in May 2015. The family resides in Minneapolis.

’08 Daniel Jordan Lucas Sands was born to Jared Sands ’08, Pastoral Studies, in May 2015. “He has changed my life forever,” Jared says, “and I don’t ever want to go back!”

’11 Arie was born to Becky (Salter) ’11 and Todd Austin ’13 in June 2015. He is the couple’s first child.

Visit northcentral.edu/alumnifriends/update to: • Update your profile • Learn about benefits and services for alumni • Submit news • Refer a student • Find out about alumni events • Support North Central University

Make a $4,000 difference in a student’s life! Give us the names of five high school students who want to start college in fall 2016, and we’ll give them each $1,000 a year if they come to North Central. That’s right – those students who meet our admission standards and choose to attend NCU will receive a $1,000 award renewable for four years – a total value of $4,000.

You can personally benefit five young people with up to $20,000 simply by referring them to NCU! Visit northcentral.edu/ncu-referral-form today to nominate up to five young friends for the NCU Referral Scholarship.

NCU Magazine strives for accuracy, but we cannot be responsible for the content of news items submitted by alumni. Their inclusion on these pages should not be construed as an endorsement of their content by NCU Magazine or by North Central University. Due to limited space, NCU Magazine reserves the right to exercise editorial discretion in publishing alumni news and photographs.

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910 Elliot Avenue • Minneapolis, MN • 55404

NCU ALUMNI EVENTS For more information contact alumni@northcentral.edu

NOVEMBER

“Little Women” Fall Musical – Alumni Night! • 7:30 p.m. Friday, November 20 • Alumni are invited to enjoy this performance “on the house” and connect with other classmates at the dessert reception immediately following the show.

DECEMBER

“Songs of the Season” Christmas Concert – Alumni Night! • 7:30 p.m. Friday, December 4 • Alumni are invited to enjoy this NCU Christmas tradition “on the house” and connect with other classmates at the dessert reception immediately following the concert.