NCU Magazine Fall 2007

Trent Emenecker Assistant Athletics Director, NCU

Current and former students serve the community at home and around the world Athletics can be a tool to reach those who may not be churched and see them open to the Gospel.

FROM THE PRESIDENT

North Central is about touching people and changing lives with God’s love.

What has consistently been our mission has increasingly become a part of our culture as an institution. From our faculty, to our administration and staff, to our current students and alumni, it’s clear that we’re taking action and touching lives around us.

It is this philosophy of reaching outward that drives our newest slogan, ‘Your life. Our mission.’ We want to minister to the lives of students, equip them and help them grow. In turn, we hope and pray they embrace the reality that their mission includes the lives of those God places around them.

We strive to keep our mission before us at all times, and though you may have heard it many times, we hope that its recently revised form is familiar to you:

North Central University is a Christ-centered, Pentecostal school, with a commitment to academic excellence, whose purpose is to prepare students to fulfill biblical models of leadership and ministry throughout the world. Ephesians 4:11-12

We are confident that our purpose is indeed to ‘prepare students to fulfill biblical models of leadership and ministry throughout the world,’ and we are committed to providing the best preparation possible to our students.

Of course, leadership and ministry inherently require both leading (action) and ministering (doing). While academic training and preparation for ministry are certainly valuable and necessary, they are a means to the end. Being prepared to do is good, but the actual doing is far better.

In this issue of our NCU Magazine, we want to celebrate the doing that is an ongoing part of life at NCU. We hope these stories about members of our community who are helping to fulfill not only NCU’s mission, but also the Great Commission, will encourage you and challenge you even more to see the people and the needs around you as opportunities to minister.

“Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do.” -James 2:18

Dr. Gordon Anderson is the fifth president of North Central University. 612.343.4741 • president@northcentral.edu

NCU Students MOVE into Ministry at home and around the world

Upfront p.2-4

From The President p.2 The Director's Desk p.4

Insight p.6-11

NCU receives ministry gift of KNOF 95.3 FM p.6

Orfield Renovations p.7

Move p.12-17

Trent Emenecker p.14

Dr. Carolyn Tennant p.15

Partnering to facilitate nontraditional learners p.8

Making the grade p.9

Experience to lead p.9

On the Cover

James Magee, Music Major, Junior

NCU Magazine North Central University 910 Elliot Avenue Minneapolis, MN 55404

1.800.289.6222

admissions@northcentral.edu

Administrators

President: Dr. Gordon Anderson

V.P., Academic Affairs:

Dr. Thomas Burkman

V.P., Advancement:

Dr. Paul Freitag

V.P., Business: Cheryl Book

Exec. Dir., Fine Arts: Larry Bach

Lacey Jaeger p.16

Class of 2007 p.17

V.P., Student Development: Mike Nosser

Exec. Dir., University Relations: Nate Ruch

Editorial Nate Ruch, Editor-In-Chief npruch@northcentral.edu

Ryan Decker, Managing Editor rtdecker@northcentral.edu

Jodi Krause, Staff Writer jmkrause@northcentral.edu

Joy Lindner, Staff Writer joy.lindner@northcentral.edu

Photography Intern, Cover Photo: Emily Overturf

New coach bolsters golf program, leads team to first win p.10

Connect p.18-21

Connect to friends and classmates from the past

Athletics department joining NCAA D-III p.10 Faculty p.11

Design

Mike Norman, Media Coordinator mhnorman@northcentral.edu

Scott Angus, Visual Media Designer sjangus@northcentral.edu

Contact

Alumni & Church Relations 612.343.4742 scott.lindner@northcentral.edu

Main Switchboard 612.343.4400

Media Relations 612.343.4153 mediarelations@northcentral.edu

University Relations 612.343.4747 joy.lindner@northcentral.edu

Births, weddings, and memorials

Website www.northcentral.edu

Web Coordinator: Andy George webmaster@northcentral.edu

NCU Magazine is mailed free of charge to alumni, donors and friends of North Central University. North Central University is a Christ-centered 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

© 2007 North Central University. All rights reserved.

THE DIRECTOR'S DESK

“Back it up.” This statement is one echoed in our lives everyday. Teachers want their students to prove their study efforts by taking a test, coaches wait for their teams to prove their commitment to winning in the game by working hard in practice, employers want their employees to show up on time every day…all of this just to prove actions that back up promises.

The people of NCU live every day with the intention of backing up commitments that we’ve made to God and this world. For three-quarters of a century, students have arrived knowing that the discipline that is exacted on their lives will produce changed lives all over the world. Amazing stories still roll in of ordinary North Central individuals committed for a lifetime to see lives changed.

Our world has heard a lot of promises from politicians, self-help gurus and even the church. It seems that many on planet earth aren’t as interested in the title Christian, as they are in whether or not we back it up. To follow Christ means to live out our intentions, to move or to act. This issue is a collection of snapshots that show North Central people MOVING at every age and in every stage of life.

If you know of someone that is “backing it up,” please let us know. Who knows? Jesus might be proving His love through someone in your world.

Don’t be afraid to move…

Nate Ruch is the Executive Director of University Relations • npruch@northcentral.edu

North Central University is seeking …

… comments from the public about the University in preparation for its periodic evaluation by its regional accrediting agency. The University will undergo a comprehensive evaluation visit Nov. 12-14, 2007, by a team representing The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The HLC team will review the institution’s ongoing ability to meet the Commission’s Criteria for Accreditation. The public is invited to submit comments regarding the college:

Public Comment on North Central University

The Higher Learning Commission

30 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2400 Chicago, IL 60602

Comments must address substantive matters related to the quality of the institution or its academic programs. Comments must be in writing and signed; comments cannot be treated as confidential.

THE SIMPLE AND FAST WAY TO GIVE

In just minutes, you can help give young people a Christ-centered education. Our online donation option is simple and secure. You can even designate a purpose for your gift. To donate:

1. Go to the online page www. northcentral.edu/give

2. Click the “Donate Online” link on the left.

3. Select a fund or purpose for your donation.

4. Carefully fill in your billing information into the form.

5. Click “Submit,” and verify your information is correct.

6. Click “Complete Donation” and you’ve helped NCU.

NCU receives ministry gift of KNOF 95.3 FM

Gospel. Ministry. Radio. Since 1960 the radio station of KNOF has been pumping southern gospel music and preaching into cars and homes throughout the Twin Cities. North Central has witnessed the ministry that has come out of it and now has the privilege of participating.

In November 2006, Grace Adam contacted North Central and expressed an interest in gifting the ministry and radio station of KNOF 95.3FM which she and her husband, Rev. Fred Adam, founded in 1960. Over the next six months, North Central worked out the details of the transfer of the gift. At the end of August, the transfer of the radio license was completed.

Along with the station came the Selby Gospel Broadcasting Corporation. Selby has been a full gospel ministry with a combination of teaching and preaching along with southern gospel music broadcasting on KNOF. The transfer of control of the corporation also took place with the assignment of board members from North Central to the Selby board.

Fred and Grace were pioneers for Christian radio in the Twin Cities. It was their life and passion to proclaim the gospel to this area. After Fred passed away, Grace continued to minister into her 90’s.

Many alumni and friends grew up knowing of KNOF. Some have recounted stories of their childhood and the ministry they remember through the radio station. Even the founders of North Central, Frank and Irene Lindquist, broadcast their church services from the Minneapolis Gospel Tabernacle on KNOF.

The university is studying and learning how the station can strategically build upon the legacy of this ministry. It is North Central’s desire that numerous people will find hope and inspiration through the good news that Christ died for our sins and rose again.

 Paul Freitag, Vice President of Advancement 

KNOF ESSENTIALS

Strategically located between Minneapolis and St. Paul, the station is 6,000 watts and covers a 100 mile radius which includes most of the Twin Cities. Similar stations have been valued at 10 to 15 million dollars.

Orfield Renovations

Summer brought many new looks to the North Central campus, some of which enhanced the appearance and functionality of the Orfield Apartments. Renovations included new windows, a fresh exterior paint job and new kitchen cabinets and countertops.

Funds for the Orfield renovations were raised at the annual Partners for Progress dinner, where donors contribute money for necessary campus projects. “It was a big enough need where it became the top of the priority list for Partners for Progress,” said Resident Director Kristin Fink.

Many of the Orfield windows were very old and not functioning properly. Many could not open or shut properly. Consequently, keeping the apartments' temperature appropriate to

the season (whether cool in the summer or warm in the winter) was an issue.

Orfield exterior paint jobs were also on the list of repairs. The exterior paint now more closely reflects Phillipps Hall and carries a khaki color scheme, rather than the previous gray.

“It makes the [buildings] look newer, clean, and not as old,” said Orfield resident and senior intercultural studies major Angie Umeda.

The Orfields also received new kitchen cabinets and countertops. The new cabinets are wood-based, making them more durable than the previous cabinets. Also, unlike smaller old cabinets, the new cabinets reach to the ceiling, providing more storage for residents.

Improvements at a glance

• Vinyl Windows: Improves energy efficiency and are easier to maintain

• Kitchen Cabinets: Increases storage space and enhances the living environment

• Paint Job: More closely matches Phillipps Hall, helping identify the University

Opportunities offered by Carlson Institute:

• BA & BS in Church Ministries

• BA & BS in Interdisciplinary Studies

• AA in Biblical Studies

• Certifcate in Bible

• Every course necessary for A/G ministry credentials.

• Tuition is $99.00 per credit (equals a 75% scholarship when compared to residential tuition).

• Establish a “Learning Center” with qualifed churches. Learning Center tuition is only $79.00 per credit.

• Incarcerated students pay only $49.00 per credit.

• Carlson participates in the Minnesota PSEO program for eligible high school juniors and seniors.

• Last year 237 students enrolled in Carlson Institute, making it the 4th largest academic department at NCU by student enrollment.

Partnering to facilitate non-traditional learners

Carlson Institute looks to build leaders by partnering with Master's Commissions and schools of ministry

Since its inception in 1989, the Carlson Institute of North Central University has continued to grow and expand its sphere of influence. As of June 2007, the Carlson Institute has students enrolled from 31 states and one foreign country (Estonia). Currently there are 237 students enrolled, making Carlson Institute the 4th largest academic department of the University by actual student count.

Originally created for Distance Education, Carlson Institute has moved into partnerships with organizations to help facilitate their need for Biblical education. Currently, Carlson Institute has academic partnerships with six Master’s Commission ministries, two schools of ministry in Illinois and Washington and two learning centers in Wisconsin and Oregon.

Carlson Institute also serves 19 inmates in 10 correctional facilities. A grant was obtained this summer for inmate education at Stillwater Correctional Facility in Bayport, Minn. This money is being used to provide tuition, textbooks, reference materials and a personal study Bible for three prisoners who are enrolled in a bachelor’s degree

“Students come to us for many reasons,” stated Doug Chapman, director of Carlson Institute. Students who are a part of the Institute may often be seeking an affordable degree completion program that provides a flexible schedule with courses that can be completed where the student is located. Some of the students are seeking ministerial credentials or have an interest in continuing their education simply for self-

To learn more about the Carlson Institute and the courses offered call 1-800-446-1166 or visit us on the web at www.carlsoninstitute.com

Carlson Institute is constantly changing and growing. Today’s technology offers a variety of mediums to present educational opportunities. The main focus will always be to serve students, pastors and laypeople to accomplish their mission to reach the world.

Joy Lindner

joy.lindner@northcentral.edu

Fort Myers Master’s Commissions, Carlson Institute Learning Center, class of 2007.

Doug Chapman Director, Carlson Institute

Making the grade

Accreditation is more than just a one-time pat on the back from an independent agency; it’s an ongoing process that makes sure the school receives grants, students receive financial aid and that credits transfer in from other schools. The group charged with evaluating North Central is the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and its representatives will visit the school this November.

During the visit, a team of five HLC peer-reviewers

will come to the University and meet with students and faculty alike. They will be in chapel and attend board meetings, and all the while will be comparing what they observe with what North Central says about itself.

North Central’s Dr. Carolyn Tennant is a peer-reviewer for the HLC. “The very first thing they are going to look at is… our mission statement,” Tennant said. “They are going to evaluate us according to

BY THE NUMBERS (since 1997)

68%

■ The number of majors has increased from 19 to 32, a 68% increase.

60%

■ Presently 60% of our full-time faculty have terminal degrees as contrasted to 39% ten years ago.

[what it says] and they’re going to want us to prove that we did it.” This is why the mission statement was recently changed—to more accurately reflect what the school was hoping to accomplish and to present a consistent target to aim for when it comes time for accreditation. For schools that passed

10 yrs

■ Most of the faculty has been overseas in the last decade, generally multiple times.

Experience to lead

Troy Pearson has been named the new Director of Admissions at North Central. A 1988 graduate of the University, Troy comes with a wealth of experience to lead the University’s enrollment efforts. Troy is no stranger to the North Central campus. He spent three years in the North Central Admissions Department in the early 1990’s and served as the North Central Athletic Director and head men’s basketball coach from 1993-1997. During that time, he was

named the NCCAA Regional Basketball Coach of the Year and received the 1995-96 NCCAA National Sports Ministry Award.

In previous years, Troy has held positions as Director of Admissions for Crown College and Vice President of Advancement at Crossroads College. Along with his B.S. in Mass Communications from North Central, Troy also holds a M.S. in Management from Southwest State University.

70

■ They have travelled to 70 different countries. Several have sat on a yak!

their last accreditation review with flying colors (like North Central did) the HLC gives ten years until the next review. NCU started preparing three years ago for this year’s review.

“It’s really helped us, because the areas they’ve said we need to work on, we have really worked on,” Tennant said. “It’s really interesting to see where we’ve come in the last ten years.” 

Christopher Fletcher

90%

■ 90% of the general population of NCU students performed volunteer work.

100%

■ 100% of graduating seniors said that they participated in a local church community.

Troy truly has a love for North Central and the mission of preparing Pentecostal leaders. "I continue to respect the unity NCU’s employees, administration and leaders demonstrate towards providing an environment that allows young people to explore their future while

learning God’s purpose for their lives," states Troy. He recognizes that even though the institution has grown to become a University and has greatly expanded programs, it has not lost its personal compassionate focus.

Troy is married to Becky [Dubbels] (‘86) and has two daughters: Morgan (14) and Mikayla (9).

Joy Lindner

joy.lindner@northcentral.edu

Troy Pearson Director of Admissions

New coach bolsters golf program, leads team to first win

New Men’s Golf Coach Todd Monger, also a consultant with Wisconsinbased Swing Solutions, a company specializing in holistic golf training, has brought new excitement to the program.

Monger brought PGA professionals Carolyn BarnettHowe and Steve Howe of Swing Solutions into preseason practices, along with the bio-feedback computer system used in the Swing Solution’s Clinic to help improve rhythm and heart rate in competition. New state-of-the-art equipment

was purchased for the team to use in its indoor and outdoor practice sessions.

Monger has also forged a relationship with Theodore Wirth Golf Course in Minneapolis providing a place for the team to practice and play home matches. The Rams will host two meets at Theo Wirth in 2007 and will use its practice greens, par-three short course and other amenities for improving the program’s competitive edge.

 Trey Meadows  tfmeadow@northcentral.edu

The team has already seen results with this new coach and equipment. Monger led the team in their first ever win. The Rams won the Sept. 6 tournament with a team score of 308, beating Bethany (Mankato, Minn.) by one stroke and MLC (New Ulm, Minn.) by six.

Athletics department going NCAA Division III

North Central Athletics began the NCAA Division III membership process in 2005 and is currently in the third year of that procedure. It is a four-year course of action that asks the new school to raise its department to the standards and requirements of the association, including the number of sports it offers, academic eligibility requirements, recruiting policies, financial aid reports and equality standards. Schools that get accepted into their third year generally are able to pass into the fourth year and become a full member with no problems.

The NCAA is the largest

and most widelyknown collegiate sports association. Division III, the level at which NCU is seeking membership, is the group set up for small, non-sports scholarship schools. Their emphasis is on preserving the amateur status of the student athlete and ensuring that each is able to receive their degree while wholly involving themselves in their campus and their sport.

The requirements of the NCAA will ask NCU to be fully supportive in finance as well as administration of each of its athletic offerings

ensuring student athletes the highest level of support available for schools of like mind and size.

NCU strives for the best way to serve the Lord and their constituents. The Athletics department believes that becoming an NCAA member will allow North Central to broaden the competitive arena while also using the membership requirements to ensure the students are receiving the best possible experience.

In this momentous time, North Central firmly believes that this process

aligns with the goal of making God’s plan for students’ lives a daily mission. Since NCU also believes that an athlete’s gifting in sports is deeply connected to what God has in store for their lives, the mission is also bound to facilitate the best possible outlet for those talents and passions. With those feelings in mind, the “D-III process” has become more than an operations check list; it has refined what North Central does and opened another level of accomplishing the unique calling of North Central’s mission.

Trey Meadows

FACULTY

Professor Promotions

Dr. Bob Brenneman, NCU’s missionary specialist, has been promoted from Associate Professor to Professor.

As part of the 2007 Faculty Retreat, North Central honored several members of the faculty for their faithful service to the University.

20 years or more of service to NCU:

Dr. Amy Anderson, Professor in the Department of Bible and Theology, spent close to two months of this summer on cooperative work with the International Greek New Testament Project, a group of scholars who are producing a Greek edition of the Gospel of John that cites every ancient manuscript of John. In particular, Dr. Anderson assisted in the production of a database of Greek Patristic Citations by transferring the Johannine citations of the church father Origen, into electronic form.

Gary Dop, Assistant Professor in Communication Arts, had work recognized in various genres this summer. He sold a short-film, commissioned and optioned by Fearless Films, had two poems published in Whistling Shade, a literary Journal, had another

Dr. Nan Muhovich, head of the International Development Program, has been promoted from Associate Professor to Professor.

JoAnn Smith, of the Deaf Cultural Studies Department, has been promoted from Associate Professor to Professor.

New Faculty

Tracy Buhl – Assistant Professor, Elementary Education

B.S. Elementary Education North Central University, 1994

M.S. Education AdministrationMinnesota State University, Mankato, 2000

Chris Corbett – Assistant Professor, Children & Family

B.A. Children’s Ministries North Central University, 1993

M.A. Children and Family MinistryBethel Seminary, 2004

Donna McElveen – Social Work Specialist

25 years or more:

poem accepted for publication by The New Formalist, which is also a literary journal and was accepted to present his poetry this fall at the University of South Dakota’s Writer’s Conference.

B.A. Human Services Wesleyan College, 2000

M.S.W. Social Work - St. Thomas University & College of St. Catherine, 2007

University Officers –20 years or more:

Dr. Amy Anderson Department of Bible and Theology

Dr. Nan Muhovich Department of Intercultural Studies

Gary Dop Department of Communication Arts

Dr. Carolyn Tennant, Jerilyn Bach, Dr. Leslie Crabtree, Joanne Kersten, Dr. JoAnn Smith

Larry Bach, Dr. Glen Menzies, Dr. Buzz Brookman

Dr. Gordon Anderson, Dr. Paul Freitag, Cheryl Book (not pictured)

NCU Students MOVE into action

Community Outreach Day

On Sept. 12, North Central classes were put on hold for a day to allow the campuswide opportunity to reach out to the community in practical ways. Over 550 students united with faculty and staff to meet the practical needs of 27 churches and community organizations in the local and surrounding areas. Students mowed lawns, painted walls, cleaned facilities, picked up trash and worked on any project available to meet the organizations’ needs.

Student Ministries Board

Eight teams of students meet every week as a part of NCU’s Student Ministries Board. These students recognize that they are called to minister right where they are, and are serving the campus directly with weekly prayer support, reaching out to local populations of the homeless, victims of AIDS, the infirmed and hurting in the streets, as well as coordinating other outreach-focused events.

ninedays

North Central’s fourth annual student-led international short-term missions program, ninedays, is once again sending out students who seek to give up their spring break to affect change beyond NCU’s local community. This year, over 70 students will reach out to eight different locations around the globe from March 1-9: Ghana, Japan, Nicaragua, Ireland, Utah, Guatemala, and Russia, as well as a team of students staying back who are dedicated to praying.

Ministry Service-Learning Projects

Part of being a graduate of North Central is understanding the importance of life-long service. The Ministry Service-Learning Program takes every student through four semesters of weekly service to churches and area non-profit organizations. This semester over 300 students will serve at nearly 90 different sites around the Twin Cities, to the benefit of the organization and the reinforcement of a servant mentality for the students.

Halloween Outreach

Every year on Oct. 31, the Student Ministries Board's Halloween Outreach invites kids from the Elliot Park neighborhood to eat candy and have a blast in North Central’s gymnasium. Hundreds of pounds of candy are collected from NCU students and given away simply to give kids a safe alternative to walking the streets of Minneapolis. Donations are always accepted to make this event a success! (See information below to contact Adam Schnaare.)

To find out more about any of these events or groups, contact Ministry and Volunteer Coordinator Adam Schnaare at adschnaa@northcentral.edu.

◗ Community Outreach Day ◗ Student Ministries Board ◗ Community Outreach Day ◗ Summer Ministry Team

◗ Ministry Service-Learning Projects

◗ Summer Ministry Team

Contributing Authors: Adam Schnaare, Titus Decker, Terrence Talley

serving the community and world

Summer Ministry Team

Six young women embarked on an adventure across the Midwest from June to August 2007 as a part of North Central’s Women’s Summer Ministry Team. They proclaimed God’s good news in camps throughout the region, and through their travels they learned how the enemy opposes those who are obedient, and how God upholds His servants.

Although the team works as an extension of NCU’s recruiting initiative, its primary focus is ministering to the region’s adolescent population. The team is trained to meet the needs of high school students by offering friendship, direction, and prayer. They are also taught how to address the many issues they may encounter at the camps.

Amy Viviano remembers a week when, in the midst of a bout with loneliness, God helped her to touch a handful of students she might have otherwise overlooked. “All the other girls were doing a different position and I was by myself a lot. I said, ‘God, why am I doing this?’ And that was the week when I had the most incredible talks with my campers,” Viviano said. “Knowing that God had put us together this week in our lives for a reason; knowing what I say, what God can say through me, will affect their lives is great.”

2007 Summer Ministries Team Members:

Amy Viviano – 21, Global Mass Communications major, junior

Jessica (Jessie) Manfredini – 19, Children’s Ministry major, freshman

Janessa Olson – 19, Elementary Education major, sophomore

STREETS Basketball League

In July, North Central hosted the STREETS ("Striving To Reach Educational Excellence Through Sports") basketball league. The league, which was designed to give inner city schools an opportunity to play basketball during the summer, also gave them a chance to learn about their college options at North Central. Ten high school teams from the Minneapolis area were invited to attend.

The last two weeks of July saw four games played each day with approximately 100 students involved each day. Steve Floyd, STREETS coordinator and NCU Alum, reports countless stories from coaches and players who are looking forward to coming back next year.

STREETS gave North Central the opportunity to reach out to students and families who usually would not hear about North Central, and interact with them on a personal level. It really showed “Your life. Our mission,” being played out in a practical way. In the future, the league hopes to include North Central student athletes in leading discussions about leadership on and off the court. STREETS was successful this year and will continue to be a strong part of North Central’s service to the community.

Lauren Borucki – 22, ASL/English Interpreter major, junior

Raina Hoxie – 19, Intercultural Studies major, sophomore Allison Dahl – 19, Psychology major, sophomore

◗ ninedays: Egypt 07

◗ ninedays: Mexico Team 07

◗ Summer Ministry Team ◗ Student Ministries Board

“Athletics is a microcosm of life,” said Trent Emenecker, the new Assistant Athletics director and Men’s Basketball Coach. “It pinpoints the focus that we are here to glorify God in a real world experience.”

Coming to North Central has been an opportunity to get back into a spiritual environment and to develop spiritual leadership in students’ lives. According to Trent, leadership is about taking what they are learning in and out of the classroom and putting it into practice.

Along with developing the athletics program and helping lead the Rams into their new NCAA D-III status, Trent hopes to develop sports camps and create opportunities for athletes to do ministry at NCU. “Athletics can be a tool to reach those who may not be churched and see them open to the Gospel,” Trent said.

“Trent had the leadership and spirituality to be engaged in our leadership building process”, said Athletics Director Greg Hayton. “He is a good fit to the overall purpose of athletics – to build leadership and see men and women develop spiritually and emotionally.”

 Joy Lindner  joy.lindner@northcentral.edu

Occupation: Assistant Athletics Director, Men’s Basketball Coach, NCU

Family: Wife Natalie (married in ‘93), 4 Kids Alex (10), Addie (8), JT (5) and Tyler (2) Favorite Colors: (we didn’t ask, but we think they’re) blue and gold Contact Trent: tdemenec@northcentral.edu

Trent Emenecker

It is for excellence in teaching and the ability to influence students in spiritual growth that Dr. Carolyn Tennant was presented with the Distinguished Educator Award this summer by The Alliance for Assemblies of God Higher Education. The award acknowledges Dr. Tennant’s significant contribution to education within the Assemblies of God and comes in her 25th year at NCU. The honor is only conferred every two years, and then only when there are candidates worthy of receiving it.

The award itself has “Delta Alpha” inscribed on its surface. The words come from the Greek for “teacher of excellence.” A brief survey of Dr. Tennant’s career with North Central shows her to be most definitely a teacher of excellence in every sense of the word. She can get students to think before they know what hit them. She is a teacher’s teacher.

Sitting across from Dr. Tennant in her office on the North Central campus, I notice the walls are bare of the framed sheets of paper that often adorn the offices of faculty. Then she hands me the Distinguished Educator Award she received this summer and confdes, “This one is really cool.” She hints that it might be the only academic honor to share a place on the wall alongside Excalibur and a portrait of Joan of Arc.

My eye travels to the copies of “In Awe in Argentina” that sit atop a filing cabinet. Tennant served as editor for the book, which outlines the history and experiences of the Argentine revival. She’s been there herself, ministering through her gift of preaching. She is an educator who practices what she teaches.

 Christopher Fletcher 

Occupation: Professor of English at NCU, 2002-present Dr. Tennant also serves on the National Task Force for the Network for Women in Ministry, and is a nationally and internationally sought-after speaker.

Dr. Carolyn Tennant

Four years ago Lacey Jaeger never would have pictured herself in the position of Early Childhood Pastor. Today, however, with a Children’s Ministry degree and title of North Central’s Class of 2007 Valedictorian, she has found herself doing just that.

Lacey was in the middle of her final semester when she received a call from the Children’s Pastor in Lawton, OK regarding the Early Childhood Pastor position. “I called him back, originally intending to tell him that I was not interested in the position,” Jaeger admits. Whatever her intention, there were many telephone conversations that eventually led to an interview in January 2007. “I really felt like Lawton was where the Lord wanted me to be,” Jaeger said. “Honestly, it felt like home.”

Jaeger’s responsibilities now revolve around working with children from birth to pre-kindergarten and coordinating volunteers. She is also involved in planning events for the children of the community and their families. On July 4th, Lawton First A/G teamed up with another local church to put together the first “I Love America” celebration. This event, with inflatable games, bands and fireworks, drew in an estimated 22,000 people from the community.

Nearby Fort Sill makes Lawton something of a military town, which has its blessings and challenges. “We get people from so many different backgrounds,” Jaeger notes. “It is hard to say goodbye to the many families who are sent other places.”

 Jodi Krause  jmkrause@northcentral.edu

Occupation: Early Childhood Pastor, Lawton (OK) First A/G Contact: ljeager@lawtonfirst.org

Lacey Jaeger

Class of 2007 Graduates by Department*:

Reconnecting is simple and easy

We can be together or apart, but reconnecting with each other is a great feeling. It’s like getting an unexpected phone call from an old friend, or getting together with family you haven’t seen in years. These are the stories that we share with each other. Please share yours with your extended North Central family. Send us a letter about your latest personal milestone, family addition or blessing from God. And send us pictures! We’d love to see them. Fill out the form on page 20 and mail it to us, or fill out the online form at www.northcentral.edu/ alumni/update.

(Please send us copies of photos. Submitted photos will not be returned.)

OFFICE OF CHURCH RELATIONS

&

ALUMNI

Scott Lindner, Director

612.343.4742 alumni@northcentral.edu www.northcentral.edu/ alumnifriends

Victor Hedman (’62) and wife, Janet, have been missionaries in Spain since 2000 and have planted three churches in that time. They have a TV program that reaches all of Spain and Spanish speaking communities throughout Europe.

Donald Meece (’64) took a position at Global University in Springfield, MO as a professor of record in church business and education. He is accompanied to Springfield by his wife, Nancy.

Remi (Attd ’86-‘89) and Anne [Wessel] Malig (’95) are living in Lodi, WI, with their children, Moriah, Zach and Marcus. Remi is a Business Analyst for Mortgage IT in Middleton, WI. Anne works as a Title 1 Reading Teacher and has completed her Reading Teacher 316 certificate.

Cynthia [Groseclose] Royer (’87) is teaching high school English at a Christian school north of Detroit, MI. She has three children, Josiah, Julia and Carissa.

Mike Nosser (’88) is the Vice President of Student Development at North Central. He and wife, Tiffany, have five children, Ty, Josiah, Nicky, Nathan and Hailey. They reside in Forest Lake, MN.

Gena [Lugli] Ramsey (’88) along with husband, Todd, has planted the Well Church in Santa Ynez Valley, CA. They are also involved in missions in India, Sri Lanka, Haiti and Jamaica. They have four children: Sabastian, Sophia, Giovanna and Isabella.

Dan Harper (Attd ’88-’89) is the Senior Pastor at Harvest Community Church in DeForest, WI. During their summer children’s outreach, the church saw 10 children accept the Lord into their hearts.

Jon (’91) and Jennifer [Tims] (’94) Dahlager have been A/G missionaries in Costa Rica since 2000. They teach in the Bible College and lead national ministry with youth and Pastors’ kids. They have three children: Jonathan, Joshua and Julia. Jon is working on his Doctor of Ministry degree from the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary.

Albert Svenddal (’93) lives in Nashville, TN where he is working in the music business. He also has earned his Doctorate of Ministry and is involved in two churches.

David Nicholson (’94) and wife, Melissa, have just planted a church in the Mormon community of Eagle Mountain, UT. They have three children: Nathan, Zachary and Naomi.

Steven Schweitzer (’95) completed his first year as Assistant Professor of Old Testament at Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary in Elkhart, IN. His first book, Reaching Utopia in Chronicle, was just published by T&T Clark International (2007).

Angela [Renea] Johnsen (’96) has become a pastor’s wife after her husband, Otto, has become the associate pastor at a church in Coleman, MI. They have a twoyear-old daughter, Adrianna.

Wes Modder (’96) returned home to his wife, Beth, and their three children following an Iraq deployment. He is currently working on his D-MIN from Fuller Theological Seminary.

Michelle [McGraw] Sherman (’97) and husband, Jayesun, have been working as assistant missionaries at Asia Pacific Theological Seminary for the past three years. Michelle is also teaching English to Korean students and working on a Children’s Church curriculum for the Philippines. They have a one-year-old daughter.

Alumni Awards

The Alumni Association wishes to honor those people who add something extraordinary to their ministries, jobs and relationships. You can nominate an alumnus to receive the Young Alumnus Award, Lifetime Achievement Award or Distinguished Service Award. Nominations can be completed online at www.northcentral.edu/ alumni/award or by calling 612.343.4742.

Seth McCoy (’97) and wife, Jen, have moved back to the Twin Cities with their three children: Judah, Glory and Silas. Seth is the youth/college director at Woodland Hills Church in St. Paul, MN and Jen is working out of her home as a consultant for Body Shop at Home.

Jessica [Lubenau] Broberg (’99) and husband, Aaron, are Associate Pastors in Sparta, WI at New Life Assembly of God. They have three children: Jacob, Levi and Hannah.

Sharon Decker (’99) has left her position as Resident Director of NCU’s Miller Hall to become the Assistant Dean of Resident Life at Bethel University.

Tiffany [Dirks] Mossman (’99) teaches physical education classes for elementary and middle school students in Webb City, MO.

NCU TO YOU

She also coaches volleyball, basketball, and track. She has earned her Masters Degree and is working on an Education Leadership degree. Tiffany and husband, Josh, have a two-year-old daughter, Ella.

Katrina Glaim (’99) has moved to Georgia after two years in Pennsylvania. She has been a nanny for the past three years.

Chad Engelhart (’00) is enrolled in the Physician’s Assistant program at Augsburg College after completing his MA in Christian studies with a youth emphasis from Bethel Seminary. His wife is the youth pastor at Oak Haven Church in Ham Lake, MN.

Jonathon Miller (’00) started the Minnesota Teen Challenge Duluth Campus in 2005 and has been successfully running that 44-bed men’s facility.

Bring NCU to you by scheduling one of our faculty members for your next conference, service or seminar. Please call 612.343.4747 to find a relevant speaker, or visit www.northcentral. edu/pastorschurches and click on 'Speakers Bureau' for a list of speakers and topics.

Please

Jonathan (’02) and Andrea [Cooper] (’02) Roe are currently residing in Brighton, MI, where Jon works as the Pastor of Worship Arts. They spent five months in Padova, Italy, where they volunteered at International Christian Fellowship. In 2006, Andrea received her Masters Degree in Organizational Leadership from Bethel University.

Keith (’02) and Karla [Owen] (’01) Foisy live with their three children in Branch, MI, where Keith is the senior pastor of a local church.

Matthew Guevara (’03) has accepted a position as the KidsWorld Creative Art Director at Christ Community Church in St. Charles, Il. He will make the move from Wisconsin to Illinois with his wife, Noel [Denen] (’03), and children Isabel and Sofia.

Aaron (’04) and Rebecca (’05) [Bradley] Rath have recently returned from a

two-year term of being missionary-teachers in Saipan. They now live in Roseville, MN.

Molly Barnhart (’06) has just celebrated the grand opening of her new coffee shop, Overflow Espresso Café, in Minneapolis, MN. Molly intends this to be a ministry where people “come empty and leave overflowing.”

Dawn Steuer (’06) has started her second year teaching fourth grade at Calvary Baptist School in Menomonee Falls, WI.

Cynthia Rolle (’06) serves as Youth and Children’s Pastor at Evangelistic Temple Assembly of God in Nassau, Bahamas.

Shannon [Struck] Moyer (’06) and family recently moved to Pennsylvania to take the position of Associate Pastor of Education at Hope Grace Brethren Church in Mechanicsburg. Shannon is continuing a career in the field of counseling.

With the Lord

Elda McDonnell (’36) of St. Cloud, MN, passed away July 2007.

Clifford Wellbrock (’57) of Plymouth, MN, passed away on January 13, 2007. He is survived by his wife Frances.

Nathan Lutes (’55) of Central City, NE, passed away on August 18, 2007. He is survived by wife Joyce (’54).

IN TER ACT

Interact with your team, other leaders

& speakers:

todd hunter

mark batterson

ed stetzer

rob ketterling

february 11-13, 2008 north central university

4th Annual Missional Church Conference

February 11-13, 2008

Pastors and leaders will not want to miss this! Come and interact with speakers like Mark Batterson, Ed Stetzer and Todd Hunter as we discuss real issues facing churches who are committed to reaching the lost in their communities. See ad on the opposite page or visit www.northcentral.edu/mcc for more information.

› Fall Graduation Chapel

December 7, 2007 @ 11 a.m.

You are invited to join us at the Trask Word and Worship Center as NCU honors the Fall 2007 graduating class and commissions them as they continue to pursue God’s plans for their futures.

› Finals Week

December 10-12, 2007

www.northcentral.edu/treatastudent

Would you like to bless a student at NCU? Treata-Student! Send them cookies or a care package during finals week by contacting Pioneer College Caterers, NCU’s cafeteria & catering service.

› Spring College Days

March 27-28, 2008

Mark your calendars for our largest campus visit event of the year. If you or someone you know is interested in attending North Central, this is great time to experience the campus for yourself.

Songs of the Season

November 30-December 2, 2007

www.northcentral.edu/songs

Join us for a night of incredible music that celebrates the Christmas season! Always one of the highlights of the year at NCU – you won’t want to miss it!