NCU Magazine Fall 2021 Issue

NCU COMMUNITY RETURNS TO ‘NORMAL’ FOLLOWING UNUSUAL SEASON

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NCU Magazine Fall 2021

North Central University

Administration

Scott Hagan, Ph.D.

President

Tim Hager, D.Min.

VP, Operations & Business

Bethany (Nelson ’11) Harshbarger, M.A. VP, Enrollment & Student Development

Jason Wenschlag, Ed.D. VP, Academic Affairs

Joshua Edmon, M.A. AVP, Spiritual Life/Dean, Multicultural Engagement

Desirée (Bontrager ’06) Libengood, Ed.D. AVP, Academic Affairs/Dean, College of Arts & Sciences

Jeremy Williamson ’09, M.A. AVP, Student Life/Dean of Students

Editorial

Nancy Zugschwert, ’19 M.A., Editor

Chloe Eckstein, Lead Designer

Tracey Finck, M.A., Proofreader

Photography

Rodrigo de Mendoza ’20, Lead Photographer

Chloe Eckstein

Unless noted, photos are by NCU Marketing

Contributors

Nathan Droege ’19

Tabby (Wilson ’89) Finton

Erica Hanson ’13

Judy (Oftedahl ’77) Jones

Michael Knipe ’19

Michaela (Sevier ’18) Leist

Aimee (Perrin ’97) Robertson

Jordan Robertson ’98

Contact

Marketing and Communications marketing@northcentral.edu 612.343.5005

Alumni Relations alumni@northcentral.edu 612.343.4743

Admissions admissions@northcentral.edu 800.289.6222

NCU Magazine is produced by the Office of Marketing and Communications and distributed free of charge to alumni, donors, and friends of North Central University.

NCU Mission

North Central University is a dynamic Christian learning community educating students for lives of service throughout society, the marketplace, and the church. In keeping with its Pentecostal heritage and mission, NCU models and expects excellence in both academic practice and Christian faith. See more at northcentral.edu/about/mission

Copyright © 2021

North Central University

All Rights Reserved

5 » Ron Bontrager steps down; Shawn Dockter new board chair

6 » Strategic plan unveiled

8 » Hager, Wenschlag, Libengood join Senior Leadership Team

9 » NCU welcomes new faculty

10 » Faculty highlights

11 » NCU security team shifts to professional-staff structure

12 » Meet Rolando Ruiz, George Floyd scholarship winner

14 » NCU returns to NCCAA

15 » Fall sports highlights

16 »

22 »

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To view additional photos of NCU events and happenings, scan the QR code or visit northcentraluniversity.pixieset.com.

On the cover: Collin Johnson ’22 (left) and Elijah Miller ’23 (right), members of Worship Live, lead worship in a chapel service this fall. The NCU community is thrilled to be able to worship together again following the previous year's restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Photo by Rodrigo de Mendoza ’20.

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

I recently shared with someone that I was starting my fifth year as the NCU President. After a pause, they blurted out, “That’s not possible!” They remembered when I began my tenure at North Central in 2017 and felt bewilderment that four whole years had passed between that memory and the conversation we were having.

Their reaction sums up a great deal of our collective response right now—we have lost our sense of tempo and bearing. COVID, along with the nation’s social undoing, has in many respects damaged our liveliness, especially as it relates to recognizing and measuring our place in the world. My good friend Dr. Charlie Self illustrates our current spiritual condition this way:

The dimensions of spiritual warfare facing us call for wisdom. Divisions in the church call for emotional, relational, and theological stability. Anger in the public square calls for peacemakers with a vision of shalom. Political divides call for pastoral and prophetic voices rooted in humility and tears, faith, and hope. Moral and social relativism and the crisis of knowledge and what it means to be human (male and female) call for wellequipped leaders that know Scripture and effective apologetics.

These words bring me back to the beauty of NCU and the faithfulness of our Lord evident on the pages of this current issue of NCU Magazine.

I’ve spent a lot of time examining myself within the context of the college presidency. As a leader who pivoted and entered his field without extensive higher education experience, I began my journey as an outsider with strong aspirations but low confidence in execution. I could easily “imagine” the presidency, but I had no tangible relationship to the role. The following statement by Ellis and Hollis (1978) made me laugh, but it also gave me confidence.

If a university president accepts this prime obligation to cultivate broad understanding and scholarship, keeping himself within the limits of serenity and justice, it matters not too gravely whether he knows all about cost-accounting, has a winsome microphone manner, or started his professional career as a class instructor, bank messenger, or the shaver of men’s beards.

As I begin my fifth year as president, I promise you that NCU is not flinching. Even as our social world fluctuates and lists, we remain steadfast in our mission to produce graduates with a robust biblical-Pentecostal ethos and worldview.

We have experienced dynamic changes in leadership this past year, but NCU remains stable. These changes have positioned NCU for real growth in the educational world.

This magazine offers an insider’s look at North Central University and reflects our continued mission. I invite you to enjoy the stories, the photos, the updates, and the “momentum” that is NCU.

Ron Bontrager steps down as board chair

After 12 years of faithful service as chair of the North Central University Board of Regents, Rev. Ron Bontrager ’78 has decided to step down. In May, the board elected Shawn Dockter as the new board chair. His term began on June 1, and Bontrager will continue to serve on the board as a regent.

During his tenure as chairman, Bontrager worked skillfully with two administrations to navigate times of growth, significant transitions, and various challenges.

Shawn Dockter elected to lead Board of Regents

When Shawn Dockter was a student at North Central in 1989, it changed his life. As the new chair of the Board of Regents, he is eager to partner with President Scott Hagan, Ph.D., to guide and strengthen NCU so students can have life-changing experiences like his for generations to come.

Dockter grew up in a Christian home and attended an Assemblies of God church throughout his youth. When he came to North Central, he was eager to learn more about his faith and make it his own. Although he attended the university (then Bible college) for just one year, the impact on his life and the friends he made have been cornerstones to his success. He attended the University of Minnesota and earned a degree in aerospace engineering, followed by a career that’s “taken a lot of twists and turns.” He ultimately ended up as CEO of Heggie’s Pizza, a Minnesota-based food company.

As the first chair in North Central’s history who is not a vocational minister, Dockter sees his role as

One of his most notable tasks was overseeing the process of selecting a new president for the university.

Dockter recognizes he has big shoes to fill as the new chair. “I’ve been humbled and have such respect for Chairman Bontrager,” Dockter said. “He has led this board proudly and effectively. He created a spirit of Christ-centered love on the board and in this institution that can’t be overlooked. I will be doing my best to follow in his footsteps and to keep that spirit that he has built in this board—not just alive, but thriving.”

striking the balance of preserving the heritage of Spirit-filled education while continuing to innovate and expand to meet the needs of 21st century learners.

“Coming out of COVID, there is a call on higher education to be responsive to new demands from students,” Dockter said. “All schools need to examine their online offerings and not only look at what they are providing their students but also how it fits with the new landscape for the world students will go into after graduation.”

Dockter sees excellent opportunities ahead for North Central. “I'm excited for the Board of Regents to be able to play a part in supporting an environment where young people can discern God’s plan for their lives,” Dockter said. “The strategic plan and the opportunities that North Central is going after to provide for its students show that the school’s leadership desires for NCU to grow, evolve, and meet the changing times. I’m honored to be a part of that and excited to serve the students, faculty, staff, and regents of NCU.”

Strategic plan unveiled to chart course for next five years

After several months of thoughtful exploration, research, and planning, President Scott Hagan, Ph.D., and the NCU Senior Leadership Team (SLT) have unveiled several strategic initiatives that will guide North Central University and propel it successfully toward its centennial, less than 10 years away.

The process of developing the plan was guided by Design Group International and a broadly representative committee of North Central administrators, faculty, staff, and students. The strategic initiatives they identified cover four areas:

• Academic quality

• Student experience

• Institutional culture

• Resourcing the future

According to Hagan, under these areas the SLT has articulated 12 strategic planning goals that will help NCU

live its mission well. “We are a university of promise that is emerging as a leading Christ- and Spirit-centered university that the Church, state, nation, and world will look to for leadership,” Hagan said. “Our fidelity to Jesus and his Word, combined with an insatiable hunger for His presence, will be the key to our success.

“As university leaders, we face rapid streams of experience that offer little time for reflection and sense-making, yet we are responsible to be stewards and champions of NCU by keeping a laser-like focus on the soul of our institution. Personally, I want to grow and become a more effective and caring leader who ignites internal and external confidence and passion about NCU. We are on a remarkable trajectory.”

Following are the 12 goals and correlated action steps North Central has identified as essential to fulfill its mission and meet the demands of Christian education in the 21st century.

North Central University's strategic plan includes constructing a new science and student union building at the corner of Elliot Ave. and 14th Street. A timeline has not been set. Submitted photo.

ACADEMIC QUALITY

1. Provide academic programing that is innovative, furthers our mission, and meets market demand

a. Create robust growth and investment in online and graduate education by launching new academic programming

b. Unbundle the 4-year degree into credit-bearing and non-credit bearing certificates

c. Deliver seamless educational opportunities for transfer and degree completion students

2. Expand educational partnerships

a. Form new educational partnerships in corporate and non-profit sectors

b. Broaden postsecondary enrollment options (PSEO) and early college program offerings

c. Serve our local and global communities through educational outreach

3. Invest in faculty development

a. Implement a holistic onboarding program for new faculty

b. Launch faculty development program to support excellence in teaching, scholarship, service, and spiritual leadership

STUDENT EXPERIENCE

4. Deepen the spiritual growth of our students

a. Develop and assess spiritual life outcomes for an NCU graduate

b. Create a disciple-making framework by focusing on increased biblical literacy and connections to co-curricular ministry opportunities

c. Build continuity of spiritual life with our online student community

5. Maximize intercollegiate athletics

a. Implement recruiting strategies and enrollment tracking to ensure roster goals are being met

b. Create a Rams network that places an emphasis on spiritual growth, academic success, internships, and job placement for student athletes

c. Form new athletic facility partnerships across the Twin Cities

6. Foster a vibrant on-campus and online student experience

a. Improve student wellness opportunities and access for all students

b. Provide comprehensive career readiness programming

c. Cultivate greater belonging through community connections

INSTITUTIONAL CULTURE

7. Renew a sense of collective mission

a. Effectively connect our Pentecostal heritage to our present-day experience

b. Create a series of meaningful community building events

8. Enhance cultural effectiveness

a. Design an intentional pathway for hiring, developing, and retaining a more diverse work force

b. Provide theological clarity, training, and an institutional blueprint that fosters diversity and human flourishing

9. Invest in employee well-being and professional development

a. Offer a competitive compensation package to all employees

b. Develop a wellness culture to promote better mental and physical health

c. Promote and resource staff professional development

RESOURCING THE FUTURE

10. Expand enrollment

a. Explore a new educational economy (e.g., Full Tuition/Work Model)

b. Address long-term affordability issues

11. Invest in strategic facilities and technologies

a. Construct our new science and student union building

b. Invest in new technologies for innovative educational delivery

12. Establish new fundraising and revenue streams

a. Diversify and expand NCU’s donor base

b. Maximize revenue generation opportunities

Hager, Wenschlag, Libengood join Senior Leadership Team

The implementation of North Central’s strategic plan (see p. 6–7) will be brought to life by the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) and their respective staff and faculty teams. The spring 2021 NCU Magazine introduced several SLT members; President Scott Hagan appointed three new members during the summer:

Tim Hager, D.Min.

Vice President of Business & Operations

Tim Hager is a leader with experience serving in churches and the Assemblies of God fellowship. He is impressed by how the university navigated the challenges of the past two academic years. “The people in my area have done a phenomenal job navigating exceedingly difficult waters during the pandemic,” Hager said. “I was impressed by who they are as people, their insights and expertise, their character, and their commitment to NCU. As the university responds to new opportunities and discerns God’s plan and strategies in the new ‘normal,’ I’m excited to take this journey with these high-caliber individuals.” Hager is excited to work with his teams to develop and implement business and financial models for long-term sustainability.

Jason Wenschlag, Ed.D.

Vice President of Academic Affairs

Jason Wenschlag comes to NCU with extensive experience in education and a passion for North Central’s mission. Wenschlag oversees the faculty and staff who create and maintain the academic experience at NCU.

Wenschlag sees God at work for the coming year: “With the strategic plan as a catalyst, a mindset of continuous improvement and a desire to become our ‘better selves’

will lead to innovative programming that inspires people and reflects God’s leading and the rich culture of this school. Engaging in this work will allow God to reveal opportunities we have probably never considered!”

Desirée (Bontrager ’06) Libengood, Ed.D.

Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs

Adding another academic voice at the SLT table emphasizes NCU’s values of academic representation at the highest levels of leadership. Desirée Libengood brings broad perspectives to the team as an alumna, faculty member, dean, and now associate vice president. “In my new role, I’ll provide oversight on HLC accreditation, institutional research, and diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in academics,” Libengood said. “I’m excited to partner with all the faculty in serving our students well through continued improvement in academics. These are key areas that will help direct our growth as an academic institution.” Libengood will continue to serve as the Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences.

The three new appointees join these SLT members: Scott Hagan, Ph.D. President

Bethany (Nelson ’11) Harshbarger, M.A. Vice President of Enrollment and Student Development

Joshua Edmon, M.A.

Associate Vice President of Spititual Life and Dean of Multicultural Engagement

Jeremy Williamson ’09, M.A.

Associate Vice President of Student Life and Dean of Students

See background information for the SLT at northcentral.edu/about/president/vice-presidents/.

Tim Hager

Jason Wenschlag

Desirée Libengood

NCU welcomes new faculty

Rachael Long Kaiser, M.S. Assistant Professor of Education

Rachael Long Kaiser holds a Master of Science in Learning and Leadership with an emphasis on educational technology from the University of Northwestern –St. Paul, and a B.A. in Social Studies Education from Gustavus Adolphus College. She served as social studies teacher and Social Studies Department Head at Maranatha Christian Academy (Minneapolis) and co-director of M.E.A. Day, an experiential learning program for students in grades 6–12. She is a basketball coach and trainer, and social media coordinator for the Minnesota Suns basketball team.

Scott Mulder, Ph.D.

Visiting Assistant Professor of Biochemistry

Scott Mulder holds a Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the University of Nebraska Medical Center, and a B.A. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Biology from Gustavus Adolphus College. His graduate research experience included cancer research exploring several areas pertaining to pancreatic and liver cancer. He is passionate about pursuing science education through a Christian perspective, implementing evidence-based teaching practices, and providing students with impactful and authentic learning experiences. He has served in teaching roles at the University of Nebraska Medical Center and Gustavus Adolphus College.

Neely Tamminga, MBA

Visiting Assistant Professor of Business

Neely Tamminga holds an MBA with emphasis in finance from St. Louis University and a B.A. in Economics from Calvin University. She is CEO and co-founder of DISTILL—a provider of strategic advisory services to CEOs and board directors in the consumer arena. She had a 20-year career as a managing director and senior research analyst on Wall Street, leading the consumer research practice at Piper Jaffray (now Piper Sandler). She developed and led the longest, consistently running, longitudinal consumer survey project in the U.S. of teen consumption behaviors. Minneapolis-St. Paul Business Journal named her a “40 Under 40” award winner, and she is a national expert in consumer behavior and the retail industry. Tamminga has presented for companies and organizations, including Google, and in 2020 did a TEDx talk about the greying of the U.S. economy.

Learn more about North Central University faculty at northcentral.edu/faculty

Rachel Long

Scott Mulder

Neely Tamminga

Academic highlights

Notable activities of NCU faculty

Aaron M. McKain, Ph.D., MSL (English, Digital Media, and Communication Arts), launched a national high school curriculum pilot on algorithmic bias in conjunction with the Anti-Defamation League. Guiding NCU’s student-led Institute for Digital Humanity, McKain has played a part in helping ban discriminatory facial recognition technology in Minneapolis and partnered with the Netflix documentary team that produced “Coded Bias.” In October, McKain and several others, including Thomas Freeman, J.D., MBA (adjunct), Ayin Monge ’21, and Julius Hernandez ’21, presented at the Heider Business Symposium at Creighton University.

Nan Muhovich, Ph.D. (Global Studies), founded and directed the Kidz Read after-school homework help program, a partnership between NCU and Christ Church International. She served as co-director of Come Grow with Us, a community garden in South Minneapolis that provided fresh vegetables and connection in South Minneapolis during the pandemic and rioting. She also chaired and directed the Justice & Mercy 5k Walk/Run to raise funds for Global Horizons, Inc.

JP O'Connor, Ph.D. (Theological Studies) was recently honored as the Upper Midwest Society of Biblical Literature (SBL) Regional Scholar Award Nominee for his paper “From Imagination to Practice: Burial Rituals in Paul” and is under consideration for SBL honors at the national level.

Andy Schuttinga, Ph.D. (Psychology), earned a Ph.D. in 2020 and was promoted to Associate Professor in 2021. He contributed to the revamp of NCU’s Psychology major and consolidated two courses to serve Psychology and Education students better.

Allen Tennison, Ph.D. (Church Leadership), authored an entry in Brill’s Encyclopedia of Global Pentecostalism (2021).

Gail Weinhold, Ph.D. (Education), received her Ph.D. in Education from the University of St. Thomas in May 2020. Her dissertation was titled “The Impacts of Affective Teaching Behaviors and Performance Techniques on Student Engagement by Exemplary Teachers.”

Phil Zarns ’00, Ph.D. (Global & Theological Studies), published a paper in the Journal of the European Pentecostal Theological Association and contributed a coauthored chapter with Jonas Sjöström ’99, ’18 M.A., and Darrin Rodgers for Entusiastisk Kristendom och fanatism I Knutby, a collaboration between theologians from Sweden and the USA.

J.P. O'Connor

Phil Zarns

Nan Muhovich

Gail Weinhold

Aaron M. McKain

Allen Tennison

Andy Schuttinga

NCU security team shifts to professional-staff structure

By Jordan Robertson ’98 Executive Director of Operations

The landscape of city safety and security has changed significantly over the past two decades. Last spring, NCU’s Senior Leadership Team determined a more robust and agile response is needed to mitigate risk to the campus community and provide the appropriate level of full-time emergency response required for a campus in the heart of a major city.

To answer the demand for higher levels of safety and security oversight on campus, the Office of Campus Safety and Security has undergone a complete overhaul that includes employing at least five full-time security officers, scheduled in shifts to patrol the campus and positively engage the community 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The Office of Campus Safety and Security will continue to employ student officers for internal campus functions, but they will no longer be involved with external patrols. This change is budget-neutral, since the restructure reduces the number of student officers. While this eliminates some on-campus jobs for students, it moves NCU in a necessary direction to make sure NCU’s approach to security is consistently sound and quality-controlled. Placing security operations in the hands of full-time officers ensures optimal campus safety.

The full-time officers are now employees of NCU and committed members of our university community, who also serve as effective community relations personnel—internally and with our external neighborhood.

Michael Woods ’17 has been named Director of Safety and Emergency Management. He is a Minnesota native and NCU alumnus. After serving four years in the U.S. Marine Corps, Woods came to North Central and majored in Intercultural Studies. He has 10 years of private security experience, working most recently as a security director for a private school.

The goal of the new Campus Safety and Security team is that every single student, employee, and visitor feels safe in our community within the city.

Travis Kohorn and PeeJay Suaco ’19 patrol campus as members of NCU’s full-time Campus Safety and Security team.

Meet Rolando Ruiz, George Floyd scholarship winner

Rolando Ruiz’s life was transformed by the redemptive power of Jesus Christ during his treatment for addiction at Minnesota Adult and Teen Challenge (Teen Challenge). He has now stepped into another transformative moment as the 2021 recipient of the George Floyd Memorial Scholarship at North Central University.

“We are pleased to announce that North Central University has selected Rolando Ruiz as our second George Floyd scholarship winner,” said Bethany (Nelson ’11) Harshbarger, Vice President of Enrollment and Student Development. “Rolando has an amazing, compelling story and embodies the kind of potential we look for in candidates for this scholarship. His life experience and journey to redemption will allow him to contribute to the NCU environment in unique ways, and we are glad to be part of the next stage of his life’s story.”

CULTURE OF SURVIVAL

Ruiz’s story began—literally—in prison. He was born while his mother was an inmate at the Shakopee women’s prison, and his entire family culture revolved around drugs, addiction, gangs, and crime.

“The only thing I was taught during childhood was to survive,” Ruiz said, “and growing up poor and with drugaddicted parents in South Minneapolis, surviving meant doing things that benefitted my family. Unfortunately, my family members bought and sold drugs and used them frequently. Being deeply involved in gang activity and criminality, they didn’t have a lot to offer me in terms of my growth and development, let alone my future.”

Ruiz experienced crucial turning points that led to a completely transformed life. The first turning point came when he entered the Teen Challenge program. He gives credit to God for the circumstances that led him to recovery, when a judge decided his sentence would be going to Teen Challenge rather than prison.

His time at Teen Challenge wasn’t a straight line to success, but eventually things clicked, and he not only conquered his addiction but also became a leader among his peers.

EXTRAORDINARY GROWTH

Rick Scherber, CEO of Minnesota Adult and Teen Challenge, introduced Ruiz to Kevin Ross, an appellate court judge. Ross and Ruiz formed a mentor relationship that set the stage for a season of extraordinary growth.

Ross saw Ruiz’s potential and has invested time into encouraging Ruiz on a different path. “Rolando’s hunger for God’s Word and his thirst for knowledge are insatiable,” Ross said. “He reads and studies perpetually. That God spared his mind despite years of chemical dependency is obvious; he devours complex concepts in a manner that evidences a serious intellect.”

Ruiz began classes at North Central on Aug. 25. He is grateful for his opportunity to go to college, and said, “The idea that God would pluck me out from that life, and use me to change the lives of others, still blows my mind. No one in my family ever attended college, and rarely did anyone have a job, let alone a career.”

Ruiz is ready to be all-in with his studies at North Central University. He feels the weight of being selected for the scholarship but reminds people, “I’m just a dude that’s listening to God, doing what I’m told. God tells me to put my shoes on and show up, and He does the rest.”

After all that he has been through, Ruiz has no doubt God has prepared him for this opportunity. “No one can tell me God’s not real.”

This year, Partners for Progress gifts support funds for firstgeneration college students. If you haven’t had a chance to make a Partners gift, visit northcentral.edu/partners21 to make a life-changing gift that could rewrite family stories.

The power of a mentor

As a client at Minnesota Adult & Teen Challenge, Rolando Ruiz participated in its mentor program, which pairs clients with a Christian mentor from the local community. Ruiz and his mentor, Kevin Ross, developed a strong connection spending time together a couple times a month. Ruiz credits Ross with inspiring him in his faith walk. “When Kevin started taking me out, it taught me that there are people who are doing God’s work and making sacrifices to invest in the next person. He showed me the love of Christ in a way so specific that I know what to do for other people.”

Kristi Hedstrom ’02 manages the mentor program at Teen Challenge, and has witnessed its fruits firsthand. “I get to see clients like Rolando figure out what it means to be a Christian as they spend time with their mentor. It’s the ‘little things’ that make a significant difference: listening, relating, laughing, praying together. Clients just need to see an example of someone who is living out their faith in everyday situations.”

Teen Challenge’s mentor program has a growing list of clients waiting to be paired with a mentor. Ruiz urged, “If God puts it on your heart [to mentor], do it! It might be small in your eyes, but it’s huge on the receiving end. I wouldn’t be where I am without it.”

To see more of Ruiz’s and Ross’s story and explore getting involved as a Teen Challenge mentor, visit mntc.org/mentors, or contact Kristi Hedstrom at kristi.hedstrom@mntc.org

LOOKING GOOD,

Countless staff at NCU were busy this past summer getting ready to welcome students back to a campus ready to thrive and more beautiful than ever. Carefully budgeted funds provided the means for upgrades, repairs, and facelifts throughout campus. Pictures tell the story best—check out the new and improved North Central! Scan the QR code to see more campus updates.

NCU parking ramps, Phillipps Hall, and Miller Hall were on the upgrade list this summer, receiving fresh paint, updating branding, and wall murals that share the North Central story with visitors.

NORTH CENTRAL RENEWS ATHLETIC SPONSORSHIP WITH

NCCAA

orth Central University Athletics announced its return to the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) beginning with the 2021–22 academic year. While still retaining membership within the NCAA Division III, the NCCAA allows NCU athletes to have a unique opportunity to compete with schools of similar foundational elements and increase the impact of the collegiate athletic experience.

As the athletic department continues to push towards increased competitive equity within the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC) and NCAA Division III, it is essential to address the need for athletes to have more opportunities for postseason play. In deciding to rejoin the NCCAA, senior leaders and the athletics staff considered the mission and vision of NCU and its athletic department and ultimately determined that partnering again with the NCCAA made sense moving forward. Being part of the NCCAA will allow North Central to compete on a national level with increased frequency while also exposing the country to the NCU brand in a tangible way.

“North Central University has had a storied relationship with the NCCAA for most of its athletic history,” stated Athletic Director Michael Knipe. “Our teams have found great success both on and off the field of play as members of the NCCAA. After reevaluating and determining the next steps in our athletic strategic plan, it became clear that rejoining the NCCAA was in our athletes’ best interest. We are extremely excited to continue building on a legacy that has existed for many years while also remaining focused on our goal to raise the national awareness within the NCAA Division III ranks for our institution.”

in early 2020, students who graduated from high school last year “lost” all of their anticipated traditions, including proms and graduation ceremonies. Those who proceeded to college experienced life on campus that was nothing like anything they had expected, nor what the colleges and universities they attended had hoped to provide for them.

At North Central University in 2020–21, efforts to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 included a mountain of protocols—social distancing, reduced class sizes, hybrid learning, reduction or elimination of large gatherings (including chapel), wearing masks at all times in shared spaces, and quarantine or isolation for individuals exposed to or testing positive for coronavirus.

Those who have memories of North Central's vibrant student and spiritual life may not have recognized it as “their” school.

As the start of the current academic year approached, the easing of restrictions throughout the country gave hope that NCU could return to normal operations. The Senior Leadership Team instructed academic and operational teams to put plans in place for standard programming. The stillfunctioning COVID-19 Response Team monitors the health of campus constituents and external policy changes that could impact various aspects of campus life.

With gratitude to the Lord, we're pleased to report that the 2021–22 year is off to a magnificent start. The community has stayed healthy with minimal known transmission of COVID-19. The vibrancy of the NCU campus is more robust than ever— perhaps because so many now appreciate the things once assumed to be ordinary.

The following articles paint a picture of how NCU is returning to life, re-embracing the meaning of “community” and trusting God to guide the university through this unusual season.

A RETURN TO SPIRITUAL VITALITY

ith the campus operating under fewer restrictions this semester, the ethos at North Central is especially vibrant, and the spiritual aspect of campus life is thriving.

President Scott Hagan, Ph.D., is enthusiastic about spiritual life at NCU. “In many ways, this is the best day-to-day spiritual atmosphere I’ve seen at NCU,” Hagan said. “The collective sincerity of our student body is so beautiful. Our students are fully engaged in the world around them, but they also are showing an ability to shut out the distractions and noise that are devastating their generation.”

To help paint a picture of the spiritual climate and activities at North Central, NCU Magazine staff interviewed Joshua Edmon, M.A., North Central’s new Associate Vice President of Spiritual Life and Dean of Multicultural Engagement.

Q. WHAT ACTIVITIES AT NCU FEED THE SPIRITUAL GROWTH OF STUDENTS, FACULTY, AND STAFF?

A. Daily chapel plays a crucial part, of course. Students experience chapel every day and there’s formation happening that is part of the rhythm at NCU. There’s an intensity spiritually happening, where students experience God through His Word, which is critically important, and through worship.

Beyond chapel, we’re seeing a desire for more of the Lord, more of His Spirit. A lot of times, after chapel ends, students just linger in the presence of God. They ’re praying; they ’re seeking the Lord; they ’re praying for each other; they ’re calling out to God for their purpose, for their destiny.

On Fridays, we do prayer and fasting, and students remain in the sanctuary, joined by staff, faculty, and senior leaders, praying and seeking the Lord concerning our community, Minneapolis, and our world.

Q. WHAT ROLE DO MUSIC AND WORSHIP PLAY IN SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT?

A. Jeff Deyo (Fine Arts) serves as a coach and chapel leader. Beyond the music, Jeff and members of Worship Live (NCU’s student worship team), supported by President Hagan and the chapel team, have intentionally invited students, faculty, and staff to participate. If they have a word from the Lord, we’re going to be open to the prophetic. We’re going to be open to what God is speaking to us. We have profound speakers coming in, but we also have people in the audience who are hearing from the Lord, and we encourage them to share what the Lord is speaking to them.

Musically, Worship Live has been just incredible. This year’s teams are pushing us into the presence of God through their gifts of music and worship. They’re humble, talented, and transparent.

Q. DO STUDENTS EVER GET TO PREACH?

A. Render is NCU’s student-led worship experience that happens in chapel most Mondays. Render services include student speakers, and they have a dedicated worship team leading music. These chapel services are well attended as we see students desiring to support their peers and worship together in a service they “own.” We see the Lord doing some amazing things through these students as they take on leadership responsibility.

Q. CHAPEL IS REQUIRED, BUT DO STUDENTS WORSHIP WHEN IT’S NOT COMPULSORY?

A. Absolutely! Every Wednesday at 10 p.m., Praise Gathering (also known as PG) is where students can experience extended time to

Joshua Edmon, above, speaks during NCU's first chapel of the 2021-22 school year.

quiet themselves before the Lord or spend time celebrating the Lord. At PG, students from other colleges all over the Metro also come to North Central to just be with one another and be with the Lord. Students actively share their experience in PG through social media channels, and it expands the reach beyond just NCU students.

Another experience that’s more student-led is the Upper Room, a dedicated space in Miller Hall open 24/7 for individual prayer and worship.

Q. HOW DO FACULTY AND STAFF GET INVOLVED IN SPIRITUAL LIFE?

A. We couldn’t have the environment we have here without the full support and participation of our faculty and staff. Every day in classes, NCU faculty pray for students and connect their subject area to faith. We frequently have faculty and staff members preach in chapel, and many of them take initiative that goes above and beyond any requirements!

For example, every Monday morning, at 7 a.m., Dr. Adam Sikorski ’03 (Church Leadership) leads Morning Rise. He’ll share a devotional and give students space to write in their journals and pray for one another. They share what God has been revealing to them, and we’ve seen a real growth— all from college students at seven in the morning!

Q. WHAT TYPES OF DISCIPLESHIP ACTIVITIES TAKE PLACE ON CAMPUS?

A. The Residence Life team at NCU includes Discipleship Leaders (DLs) in every residence hall and the apartments. DLs are student leaders who guide their peers through weekly meetings, Bible study, and occasional service activities. These smaller-group activities are a powerful complement to the opportunities we provide for corporate worship and spiritual development. Discipleship groups create a space where 10 to 15 people can spend time

together and just dive deeper into their relationships with the Lord and with one another.

Q. AFTER SUCH AN UNUSUAL YEAR LAST YEAR, WHAT IS THE SPIRITUAL TONE ON CAMPUS RIGHT NOW?

A. I see a spiritual intensity here. Especially in chapel, I sense the students are hungry for God and encountering God in powerful ways—because they’re hungry for His Word, for His Spirit, and knowing more of God. They’re hungry for purpose, and they’re submitted to Jesus. I also see a beautiful desire for unity. People are pushing to be unified under the Lordship of Jesus. He’s leading the way, and there’s a desire to walk in unity and reconciliation.

Q. WITH SO MUCH CHANGE IN OUR CULTURE, HOW IS NCU STAYING TRUE TO ITS ROOTS AS A BIBLE COLLEGE?

A. I believe our job is to make Jesus famous—in our time and our culture. We maintain the spiritual heritage of Pentecostalism and Pentecost because we know that to have a robust relationship with Jesus, we must trust the Spirit to give us the ability to do that. We have never minimized the message. We are committed to telling the world about Jesus. We’re going to preach His Word and celebrate His name. We’re going to ask the Holy Spirit to fill us with His presence and His power to baptize us in His presence again and again. We want to teach students to do that as well. My hope is that students would fall passionately and even more deeply in love with Jesus. And that means that they are intentional about spending time with Him beyond chapel and that we give them the tools that they need to seek the Lord for themselves beyond North Central. My prayer is that they would be salt and light and that they would know how to articulate God's heart for this world.

You can listen to chapel at northcentral.edu/chapel.

WELCOME HOME, AGAIN

North Central dives back into campus life with Welcome Week

By Nathan Droege ’19

ost people ask each other typical questions when they want to hang out: What’s the plan? Where are we headed? Who’s driving?

During the 2020–21 school year at North Central University, Brianna Laboy asked very different questions when she wanted to meet up with friends: “Can I do this? Can I go see her? Are you feeling sick?” Now a third-year student at North Central, Laboy said she felt paranoid about getting quarantined due to exposure to COVID-19 and observed that students felt restricted in their interactions. “I feel like it was a year of navigating limitations and boundaries,” said Laboy.

Her experience wasn’t unique: the NCU campus was far from normal last year. While restrictions and guidelines helped keep residents safe, the side effects made finding community unusually difficult, which made the return

to campus in fall 2021 all the more anticipated. Everyone, not just students, felt the need to redeem aspects of the previous year. Gina Zarletti ’05, Assistant Dean of Student Engagement, said her preparation strategy for returning to campus was to “make it as normal as possible.”

Zarletti, who works with student leaders and organizations to plan campus programming, said she encouraged her student leaders to think big as they planned for the new year. “How can we make it awesome?” she asked one leader as they prepared for one of the year’s kickoff events.

YOU BELONG HERE

Each year, Welcome Week begins with the arrival of new students on Super Saturday. On Aug. 21, swarms of returning students and staff greeted lines of cars on 14th Street and Elliot Avenue. Families and volunteer

crews filled every corner of campus as students experienced their first day at North Central. Groups of green-shirted student leaders used carts to ferry items up to rooms, continuing the longstanding tradition of welcoming new residents and families with cheers and applause as they entered each residence hall.

Jeremy Williamson ’09, M.A., Associate Vice President of Student Life and Dean of Students, encouraged move-in crews to make their welcome for the last person moving in just as loud as for the first person. By late morning on Saturday, shouts were still echoing around campus as leaders greeted new students. “Everybody had a smile on their face … everybody was ready to help out with whatever,” said Corban Entinger, a first-year student.

FUN AND FUNKY

Super Saturday kicks off a brisk schedule that includes training, worship services, and parties on campus, culminating with a recent favorite, the Block Party and the perennial Funky Night.

Zarletti remembers her first Funky Night as a lively evening of camp games and eclectic wardrobes, and she wanted to return the party to its roots. This year, games included relay races and a Twinkie-eating contest, and costumes featured plenty of denim, fanny packs, and togas.

After Funky Night, the New Student Organization (NSO) hosted the Patio Party on the Carlson Hall Patio and upper west parking ramp, offering s’mores, cornhole, and other games. “We got a lot of glowsticks,” said Natasha Burk, a second-year student and NSO team member, commenting on the roughly one thousand glowsticks distributed at the glow-themed event.

WELCOME TO THE NEIGHBORHOOD

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Block Party didn’t happen last year. According to Williamson, a

goal for this year’s party was to “push it further and to make it bigger and more fun.”

The Welcome Week team didn’t hold back, inviting staff and faculty and their families to join the students and enjoy popcorn, snow cones, burgers, carnival games, and a performance by the Minneapolis-based band Yam Haus. The event concluded with a big surprise—a fireworks show in the sky above Elliot Park.

“[The Block Party] was definitely one of the highlights of the first couple of weeks at NCU,” said Evan Ackley, a first-year student.

HOME AGAIN

Campus life continued to hu m after Welcome Week. Even after classes started and students moved into routines, excitement has been a prevalent emotion throughout campus.

“I think it feels warmer,” said Chris Woelfle ’00, M.A., Carlson Hall Resident Director, commenting on the campus atmosphere. “I think it’s easier and just more natural to strike up conversations with somebody you don’t know or to reconnect with somebody that you do know.”

As the semester has continued, students settled into the campus and city, but the energy didn’t stop.

“I think people are just hungry,” said Laboy, reflecting on the spiritual atmosphere on campus.

“I think they are just seeking to experience the Lord in new and fresh ways, and so they come to chapel, they come to PG, they come to Upper Room.”

Welcome Week is a fun, energyfilled experience, but it sets the stage for a deeper, foundational experience for students. By bridging the gap between hometowns and downtown Minneapolis, Welcome Week helps prepare for a great new year at North Central.

“This is home now,” said Ackley.

PARTNERS FOR PROGRESS RETURNS

Annual event connects NCU family, raises funds for first-gen students

he 54th Annual Partners for Progress was live and in-person again this year after a pandemic-induced virtual event in 2020. More than 500 people attended the annual gala at The Depot in Minneapolis on Oct. 28.

In addition to an elegant meal and connecting with the extended NCU family, the mood was buoyant as we celebrated God’s goodness to North Central University. Highlights included:

• Laughter and fun as Jeff ’97 and Kristie (Lane ’96) Kerr emceed the evening—even sharing the first-ever original Partners for Progress song

• Music from the NCU Chorale, with Larry Bach directing the choir at this event for the last time before he retires next spring

• Powerful stories from some of NCU’s firstgen students and alumni and their parents

• A celebration of generosity as funds were raised for scholarships to open doors for more first-gen students

If you missed the event, it’s not too late to come on board as a partner for progress for NCU! Gifts of any size and membership in the 1930 Society for those who can give $1,000+ annually can be made by scanning the QR code below or visiting northcentral.edu/partners21.

To view additional photos from the 2021 Partners for Progress, scan the QR code below, or visit northcentraluniversity.pixieset.com/pfp/

2021 ALUMNI AWARD WINNERS

JonCarlos and Gabriella Velez

The Larry C. Bach Award, for demonstrating Spirit-filled leadership and excelling in service through fine arts

Serving as Worship Pastors at Emmanuel Christian Center in Minneapolis since 2013, JonCarlos ’18 and Gabriella (Evans-Jones ’12) Velez are a part of Emmanuel LIVE, a worship movement birthed out of their local church. They are passionate about worship, songwriting, ministry, and raising up the next generation of creatives. In 2017, they founded and launched the School of Artistic Refinement (SOAR) to provide arts education for young students. JonCarlos and Gabriella embody servant leadership, leading with integrity and Christ-like character in each new endeavor they take on. In 2016, they advanced through several rounds of the popular TV show “The Voice.” JonCarlos and Gabriella have been married for nine years and have three children.

Chris and Monica DeLaurentis

The F.J. Lindquist Award, for demonstrating Spirit-filled leadership and excelling in service through church or church-related ministry, mission, and service

In 1993, Chris ’91 and Monica (Takjbakh ’91) DeLaurentis opened an inner-city Minneapolis church in their apartment, welcoming 35 people, many of them dealing with addiction or homelessness. Within a month, 100 people were showing up for services and Inner City Church of Minneapolis (ICCM) was launched. Chris and Monica’s history of teamwork in apostolic ministry is evident as they serve in an area with the highest poverty, addiction, and poor health rates in Minnesota. Their ministries through ICCM Life Center have helped transform the lives of thousands of people through the power of Jesus Christ. Chris and Monica have been married for 30 years and have two grown children.

Bill Svoboda Jr.

The Ivan O. Miller Award, for demonstrating Spirit-filled leadership and excelling in service through career and community

Bill Svoboda ’06 is an entrepreneur, TEDx speaker, and leader. He helps high-performing companies and individuals embrace change and achieve maximum results through his work as a sales and leadership expert. He started his first business—CoEd Monkey— selling t-shirts from his college dorm room and later co-founded CloseSimple, a software company serving title and escrow companies. Bill lives in Minneapolis and spends time outside of work volunteering at Substance Church and various non-profits. He has supported North Central University by working on several committees, speaking in classes, and serving as an NCU Alumni Board member for eight years.

David Hopkins

The Dr. Roger Sorbo Award, for demonstrating Spirit-filled leadership and excelling in service through career and community

David Hopkins ’92, M.Ed., has worked as Associate Director of AV Services for 11 of his 23 years with the Broadcast Center at Princeton University. He is the founder of NLYM, a consulting firm offering services for high-quality multimedia for churches, schools, and businesses, and is also an adjunct professor at Esperanza College of Eastern University. Hopkins considers himself a “tech evangelist,” passionate about helping people conquer their fears of working with technology. He volunteers his services for Global Renewal, Inc., an organization focused on boldly proclaiming the Gospel, planting new churches, and bringing freedom for those in bondage. Hopkins and his wife, Nicole, live in Mount Holly, New Jersey, and have two children.

A PERFECT DAY IN SEPTEMBER

omecoming 2021 provided another opportunity to reconnect, reunite, and recharge after missing this North Central University favorite last year. Saturday ushered in a picture-perfect day for athletic competitions and The Social. Friday fun included the NCU’s Got Talent competition—a showcase for talented students. Led by the Alumni Relations team, dozens of volunteers created a familyfriendly Homecoming for NCU alumni, students, faculty, staff, and friends.

Alumni and faculty authors

Congratulations to the following North Central University faculty and alumni who have recently published books!

Brian Borchers ’76

Second Son of a Second Son: Restoration of Life’s Challenges (Independently published 2021)

“ ‘Second Son of a Second Son’ is a book about rescue and restoration. It is a book about being rescued from an ash heap, both personally and professionally, all tied together with the ‘He Restores My Soul’ phrase of the twenty-third Psalm. Author Brian J. Borchers tells his story with insights into his father and life in rural Minnesota.”*

Robert Brenneman, Ph.D., Professor of Global Studies

Rekindling the Fire of the Nations of Pentecost: How the people of the Bible became Muslims and why many are now coming to Jesus (Independently published 2021)

“[At Pentecost], the Holy Spirit fell on 120 of Jesus’s disciples as tongues of fire, they spoke in unknown tongues, and 3,000 people believed in Jesus. However … today 12 of the 15 peoples and places mentioned in Acts 2 are now predominately Muslim. This book examines how the former ‘Bible Belt’ became Muslim, but also testifies to what is happening in our day as the fire of Pentecost is beginning to be rekindled in the Middle East.”*

Reggie Dabbs ’87

Not So Black and White: An Invitation to Honest Conversations about Race and Faith (Zondervan 2021) Co-author: John Driver

“Reggie Dabbs and John Driver … engage in a respectful, challenging exploration of racism in America, including how Black and White Christians can come together to fight the sin of racism within our hearts and our churches. When it comes to racism in America, many of us feel confused, overwhelmed, angry—and eager to know how to engage in meaningful, action-oriented conversation about a difficult topic.”*

Lon Flippo, D.Min., Professor of Pastoral Studies

Walking through the Ruins: Tales of a Prodigal (Independently published 2021)

“Walk with a grieving father, his wayward son, and the older brother through suffocating darkness to a place of light, hope, and healing. ‘Walking through the Ruins’ offers encouragement and insight into the heart and motivations of not only the father but the prodigal and the older brother. Don’t grieve, don’t despair, don’t give up, don’t let love die.”***

Randy Royston ’79

Breaking The Gates—So You Can Proceed and Succeed (Xulon Press 2020)

“Break free from anything and everything that is holding you back from living out God’s plan and purpose for your life! Gleaning from over forty years of ministry experience, you will discover insights and answers that will help you have a fulfilling life.”*

Philip Shorey ’01

Travelogues of a Family Sideshow (Steiger Press 2021)

“A true story that spans over one hundred years in evangelistic art anthropology, beginning with the Titanic. Journey to the far corners of the world as one family, throughout generations, continuously surrender their art and lives to the calling of Jesus Christ—while facing war-stricken lands, financial burdens, remnants of political corruption, riots, and other adversity. This [story] is evidence of how extraordinary God’s plan can be when allowed to work a generational blessing.”*

Phil Zarns ’00, Ph.D., Assistant Professor; Director, School of Global Studies

The Spirit and the Secular (Wipf and Stock 2021)**

“ ‘ The Spirit and the Secular ’ examines the ways that Spirit-led Christians trust the Holy Spirit while church planting amidst a secular cultural backdrop. A review of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles traces a Spirit-led Christ and Spirit-led church as they make disciples. To better discern the challenge of what it means to be a contemporary church planter in Sweden, a historical review of Swedish culture reveals the rise of secularism alongside the flourish of the Pentecostal church of the 1900s.”

* Source: Amazon.com **Source: Wipf and Stock. ***Source: Author Books have not been reviewed, and their inclusion on this page does not constitute an endorsement by NCU or any of its agents.

FAITHFULLY FORWARD

REVIVAL

50 YEARS LATER ALUMNI REMEMBER 1971 REVIVAL

uring Spiritual Emphasis Week in 1971, a movement of the Holy Spirit swept through the North Central campus and brought revival. Fifty years later, the memories of that week and how the Spirit moved in the hearts of North Central students remain vividly in the minds of several alumni.

North Central University Chancellor Rich Wilkerson explained that God was preparing for the revival well in advance. As a freshman in spring 1971, he had been drifting away from God, when a woman attending a prayer meeting at the church his dad pastored prophesied over him. “She prophesied over me, and said, ‘God wants you to get right with Him because God’s going to send a revival to North Central Bible College in the fall of your sophomore year.’

“I had not even been planning to go back,” Wilkerson said, “But she said, ‘You’re going to stay at North Central and God’s going to send a revival.’ That day I got back to the Lord.”

‘THAT’S WHAT OUR STUDENTS NEED’

In the summer of 1971, a young alumnus named Dick Eastman ’67 received a phone call from North Central Bible College President E.M. Clark, asking him to lead Spiritual Emphasis Week. Eastman was leading a prayer-focused youth ministry in Colorado at the time and didn’t see how he could match the caliber of speakers that he knew were “the usual” lineup for this important week at North Central.

Photos of the 1971 revival at North Central are from the 1972 Archive yearbook. Dick Eastman ’67, the Spiritual Emphasis Weeks speaker, is pictured above. The photo on page 27 shows items donated by students in response to a move of the Holy Spirit.

Intending to decline “Brother Clark’s” invitation, Eastman explained to him, “I just go into these prayer retreats, and we pray, and God just moves.”

Eastman said, “There was a pause on the line. Such a long pause I thought that I lost [the call]. But then Brother Clark spoke again, and he was weeping. He told me, ‘That’s what our students need.’”

After praying about it, and on the condition that he could hold a weekend prayer meeting prior to preaching at North Central, Eastman accepted the invitation.

REVIVAL BREAKS OUT

In October, following the two-day prayer meeting Clark arranged at the Minneapolis Gospel Tabernacle, Eastman came to North Central and preached day and night for five days, and Holy Spirit revival broke out.

Philip McLeod ’74 remembered the prayer retreat and the Spiritual Emphasis Week meetings, and shared them in “A Faithful Past, A Shining Future” (NCU Press 2005). “Dick Eastman spoke at a youth retreat presented by the Minneapolis Gospel Tabernacle,” McLeod said. “I attended that retreat and was challenged to pray and seek God at a depth that I had not yet encountered in my life to that point. Following the retreat, my heart was prepared for God’s work through the Spiritual Emphasis Week.”

The energy from the prayer meetings carried into the chapel services led on campus (in what is now Miller Hall). Eastman said that the Lord spoke very specifically to him, telling him exactly what He would do during each day of the meetings. Eastman was compelled to write each item down on a piece of paper, which he tucked into his Bible.

DEMONSTRATION OF DISCIPLESHIP AND SACRIFICE

When he began to preach, Eastman heard God challenge him to tell the students specifically what the Lord had told him would happen that week, and he ended up pulling the paper from his Bible and reading what he’d written—even though he admits it didn’t make any sense to him. To this day, Eastman recalls that God said on the second day he would send “a demonstration of discipleship and a wave of sacrifice.”

Eastman said that when he got to the end of the message on Tuesday, a girl jumped up and left hastily. “I thought, ‘Oh boy, now they’re going to be leaving,’” he said. When she came back in, she continued right on up onto the platform, and said, through tears, “Excuse me, Brother Dick. I don’t mean to interrupt.”

He asked her, “What’s on your heart?” And she said “I am so sorry I didn’t hear a word of your message. All I kept hearing was, ‘How much do you love me? How much do you love me?’ I said, ‘I love you with all my heart.’ God said, ‘Are you willing to go into your dorm, into that drawer in your closet and get all the money that you have had in the way down there, and give it because of your love?’

“‘How much do you love me? How much do you love me? ’ I said, ‘I love YOU with with all my heart.’”

“And she handed me her wallet and said, ‘Here, Brother Dick. This is all I have in the world.’”

Mike Shields ’73 was there and said he had never seen anything like what happened next. “After she laid down this wallet,” he recounted, “it launched the wildest, craziest time of giving I’ve ever seen in my life. I mean, students took off and went back to the rooms. [A student] who had been a beauty queen showed up with her trophy and laid it on the platform. Suddenly, there were football trophies there … everything that you can imagine—[one guy came with] his keys for his new car and dropped them off on the platform.”

“As the students returned, they were placing them on the altar,” McLeod said. “A collection of things, from stereos to sporting goods to you name it was at the altar.”

In addition to preaching, Eastman prayed over the students throughout the week. Gary Grogan ’73 said, “On one of those mornings, Dick Eastman lined us all up [in the hallways] and then he went around and prayed and prophesied over all of us. I was leaning against the wall and Dick had this incredible, simple little prophetic prayer for me, and it just pierced my heart.

“And I realized I was prideful, and I said, ‘Lord, I’m sorry. Do whatever you want. I’ll go where you want me to go. I’ll do what you want me to do. I’ll be what you want me to be. I’ll say what you want me to say. Lord, my life belongs to you.’ There just became a new passion in my life for God's presence, for prayer, for intercession, for waiting on the Lord, for hearing from God’s voice. And that's been a hallmark of my life ever since.”

“‘I’ll Say what you want me to say. Lord, my life belongs to you.’”

A WORK OF GOD

The outpouring of the Spirit caused North Central students to seek the Lord as never before. Many experienced the power of the Holy Spirit in incredible, even physical ways. The possessions and money students donated that week totaled nearly $30,000 and enabled the construction of what today is known as the Lindquist Sanctuary.

McLeod said, “As the years have unfolded, I have often returned in my mind to that night, and I realize the specific item that I surrendered was not what mattered, but the act of surrender lives on and will continue to impact my future. That night could never be duplicated because it we a one-time work of God in hearts that were tender and prepared for the Spirit’s gentle touch to shape our lives.”

Wilkerson, whose own faith was strengthened during that great revival, believes that the faith of the institution was revived, as well. “You could in some way say that North Central was given a second chance and when that chance came, the school took it. And the school’s never been the same.”

Learn more about the revival at northcentral.edu/history.

Alumni Updates

1950s

Doris (Erickson ’51) Sturtz reports she is 91 years old and doing well. She still hears from Thelma Tate Cook and Wilma Larson Stroh. She spent most of her adult years in Alaska and now lives in Arizona, and says dealing with the heat is worth it to be closer to family.

1960s

Judy (Allender ’62) Leiviska is living in Indiana. She and Ralph ’63, who passed away in June, taught English as a Second Language for over 20 years and were involved in different ministries at Lakeview Church in Indianapolis.

1970s

Randell Turner ’78, Ph.D., is an author, counselor, and a pioneer in the men’s and fatherhood movement. He has authored resources for the National Center for Fathering, National Fatherhood Initiative, Prison Fellowship, and Fatherhood.gov. He created Rescuing the Rogue, designed to equip men in forging intimate relationships to last a lifetime. He lives in Wisconsin and has two daughters and seven grandchildren.

Randy Royston ’79 celebrated 42 years as a licensed, ordained bishop with the last 26 years as the Senior Lead Pastor of New Hope Community Church Charlotte, MI. He recently authored a book (see p. 25). He’s worked with Michigan Right to Life

as a Development Coordinator for 27 years, helping to raise over $13 million for the pro-life cause. Randy is married to Michele (48 years) with three children and eight grandchildren.

1980s

Steve Nickel ’81 transitioned out of 38 years of pastoral ministry in November 2019 to start BEST Life Ministry, committed to helping churches and their leaders Be Energetically and Strategically Transformed. He partners with church leadership to help develop effective disciple-making blueprints and cultivate disciple-reproducing cultures.

Chris ’87 and Connie (Clover ’84) Castilleja are teachers at the ASK Academy. They met in Chorale at North Central and are living in Albuquerque, NM.

Dan Johnson ’89 was licensed as an AG pastor and pastored in Minnesota churches. He earned his master’s degree and has served as a chaplain at Mayo Clinic for nearly 20 years.

1990s

Jon ’91 and Jennifer (Tims ’94) Dahlager serve as AGWM missionaries in San Jose, Costa Rica.

Krista (Textrum ’91) Herrera lives in Brighton, MI, where her husband, Chip, is Executive Pastor and she is the Groups and Connections Coordinator at Community Bible Church.

Heidi (Carcamo ’96) Paredes moved to Chicago 21 years ago as a Master’s Commission student under the umbrella of New Life Covenant Church. She later served as a missions coordinator and administrative assistant. She currently works for the Chicago Public Schools as a Special Education Classroom Assistant.

Randell Turner

Steve Nickel

Jon & Jennifer Dahlager

Jeremy Gates

Chris & Connie Castilleja

Jeremy Gates ’98 was married to Melinda on April 25, 2021. They are living in Rosemount, MN.

Gregory Woodard ’99, D.Min., serves as the Supervisory Command Chaplain of Headquarters Battalion, 2nd Marine Division in Camp Lejeune, NC. He completed a Doctor of Ministry in Ministry Leadership Coaching from Regent University School of Divinity. His dissertation topic was “A FaithBased Curriculum for Increasing Emotional Awareness and Providing Pathways to Soul Care for Christian Navy Chaplains in Arduous Duty Assignments.”

2000s

Sarah Peterson-Lee ’01 received her master’s degree in political studies from Regent University. She is currently involved in worldview training with the Colson Center in Colorado and is the homeschool mom of six beautiful boys.

Chris ’01 and Hannah (Ramser ’03) Bechtel moved to South Jordan, UT (during COVID) to plant a church.

McKinley (Mac) ’03 and Jenn (Pessin ’01) Dwyer moved to Cape Coral, FL, in 2019. Mac serves at Cape Christian Church as Executive Pastor and Executive Director of the newly launched Cape Christian Leadership College. Jenn serves as the Assistant Music Director.

Allie (Kamrud ’04) Hewitt lives in Carver, MN, and works as the inhouse substitute teacher at a highperforming charter school, Cologne Academy. She and her husband, Mitch, have two children.

Brooke (Lane ’06) Altschul and her husband, Ryan, welcomed their second daughter, Grace Brooklyn, on March 23, 2021.

Jon ’06 and Marissa (Baker ’06) Paulsen are fulfilling a lifelong dream, serving as AGWM missionaries in Burundi, Africa.

2010s

Brittany (Terrien ’11) Davies received her master’s degree in social work and has LICSW credentials in Minnesota. She works at Fraser as the program manager for school-based services at Edina Public Schools. She and her husband, Jesse Davies ’09, have an 11-month-old daughter.

Charity (Lovato ’11) Parker and her husband, Caleb, welcomed their first child, Annora Grace, this summer. Charity works full time as a dispatcher for a local Police Department, where her husband is a patrol officer and assistant range master.

Lonni (Pechacek ’12) Elliott lives in Arkansas with her husband, Cody, and three sons, on campus, at the only AG children’s home and family services agency in the country. She supervises a program called SafeCare, serving young families in the communities to help keep their children from entering the foster care system. They welcomed their third son on April 5, 2021.

Jeremy ’11 and Chelsea (Olson ’14) Matvey welcomed their third child, Elijah Adam, on Feb. 4, 2021. He joins Esther and Ila.

Gregory Woodard

Sarah Peterson-Lee

McKinley Dwyer

Charity Parker

Chris & Hannah Bechtel

Allie Hewitt

Tim Puch ’15 is working at The Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind as an Orientation and Mobility Specialist. He works with high-school-aged blind or visually impaired students, teaching independent travel and living skills. He also works with vision- and hearingimpaired students, and he is the cosponsor of the school ski club.

Ravin (Scott ’16) Bhoir served as a youth programming manager of Teen Thrive in Minneapolis. She is married and currently stays home with her infant daughter.

Amber Hagemeister ’16 was in Central Asia learning the native language before she returned to the U.S. in June to begin support-raising for the long term. She hopes to be back in Central Asia in 2022 and continue to learn the language, live with a local family, and eventually establish a preschool and woman’s community center in the region.

Ashley (Reed ’16) Morrison and her husband, Phillip, welcomed Trinity J’Ann on June 6, 2021.

Amanda (Whitcomb ’18) Bogaczyk transitioned out of full-time church ministry and into an administrative support role with the College of Fine Arts at NCU. She married Josh Bogaczyk in December 2020, and they welcomed their first baby, Eleanor, on Oct. 18.

Andrew Greaves ’18 received his Master of Divinity from Fuller Theological Seminary in September 2021. He is completing his second unit of CPE at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle.

Danelle Pageler ’18 moved to Spain in May and is a missionary associate with AGWM, serving immigrants and refugees in Madrid.

2020s

Noah Newbauer ’20 is serving as Communications Director at Faith Covenant Church in Burnsville, MN.

Candace (Smith ’21) Ball moved to North Dallas in June, taking advantage of home-schooling and remote work to make the move.

Olusola Eniolawun ’21 is serving as clergy at Covenant Life Baptist Church in Benin, EDO, Nigeria.

In Memory

North Central University extends condolences to the families of these NCU community members who have passed away.

Mavis “Ileane” (Crawford) Hendrick ’46, of Longview, WA, on June 19, 2021

Ralph Leiviska ’63, of Indianapolis, IN, on June 12, 2020

Daniel Peters ’73, of Surprise, AZ, on Aug. 28, 2021

Charles “Mike” Borden ’74, of Brownsburg, IN, on Jan. 7, 2021

Charles Chivers ’75, of Waupaca, WI, on Sept. 9, 2021

James Peters ’78, of Orlando, FL, on Sept. 20, 2021

Gary Wileman ’85, of Aberdeen, SD on Sept. 24, 2021

Jason Spinks ’99, of Worthington, OH, on Aug. 18, 2021

Andrew Greaves

Ashley Morrison

Danelle Pageler

Tim Puch

Olusola Eniolawun

Larry Bach, M.M., (College of Fine Arts) conducts the NCU Chorale at Partners for Progress. The performance launches a series of finales for Bach, who will be retiring next spring after 40 years at North Central. He will conduct his last Songs of the Season concerts Dec. 3–5, and his grand finale featuring the Chorale and alumni will be held in Minneapolis at Orchestra Hall on April 5, 2022.