Like Mother, Like Daughter
A L L I S ON TA S H ’13
WHEN ALLISON TASH ’13 BEGAN THE PROCESS OF CHOOSING WHERE TO EMBARK ON HER COLLEGE CAREER, SHE WAS INITIALLY DETERMINED THAT IT WOULD NOT BE VANGUARD UNIVERSITY. This wasn’t because she had any
the student government association (SGA). She was SGA
misapprehensions about the school or
president this last year, an experience that she says plugged
the education it could provide her—on
her into the community of Vanguard in powerful ways. “It
the contrary, her mother, Catherine
was a fantastic opportunity to invest in Vanguard. It gave
(Turpin ’77) Tash, was a proud alumna who had made
me a chance to be involved with the vision and dreams of
lifelong friends at the college and was constantly extolling
the administration, as well as letting me hear the incredible
the virtues of Vanguard. Allison instead wanted to strike out
stories of so many other people.”
on her own, and while she valued her mother’s experience, she also felt it necessary to fashion for herself a completely unique journey.
Allison also credits Vanguard with equipping her to love Jesus even more. “In addition to a great liberal arts education, I gained a solid foundation for my faith,” she
One visit to the campus, however, and Vanguard’s beautiful
says. In the department of religion, Allison cultivated her
grounds and warm community reeled her in. “I decided
passion for ministry, and she will employ this passion in
to take a tour,” says Allison, “and I fell in love with it
her plans to establish a church in Portland, Oregon. She
immediately. I knew I was supposed to be here.” Her
and three of her close friends will spend the next year in a
choice was affirmed by the largesse of Vanguard’s financial
church-planting residency in preparation for fulfilling that
aid department; Allison received a number of scholarships
dream.
for her academic excellence. Naturally, her mother was overjoyed. It’s a decision that Allison hasn’t regretted for even a moment. By the time she graduated this year with her religion degree, Allison had been involved in the theatre department, Women’s Chorus, as the student representative on the presidential search committee, and most prominently,
The love of Vanguard that Allison’s mother initially shared with her was returned in abundance at Allison’s graduation party this spring. In addition to her own friends, Allison also invited all of her mother’s friends from Vanguard. The result was a party that celebrated not just Allison’s achievement, but also the legacy of her family and the friends they made in the singular community of Vanguard University.
I N V E S T I N G I N VA N G U A R D .
ALLISON WITH HER FATHER, GARY, AND MOTHER, CATHERINE
ISSUE 5 / SUMMER 2013
WE CELEBRATED WITH OVER 500 GRADUATING VANGUARD UNIVERSITY STUDENTS AT THIS YEAR’S
EQUIPPED FOR THEIR NEXT CHAPTER
COMMENCEMENT CEREMONIES.
On May 10, 2013, Vanguard University held its annual commencement ceremonies, honoring the hard work of 530 students. The event officially marked the point at which graduates will apply the experience of their education – and the Christ-centered development of their emotional and academic maturity encompassed therein—to known and unknown adventures. The following three graduates represent just a small number of the many students empowered by their time at Vanguard.
As we welcome this newest class to the alumni community, I reflect on the ways God uses this University for building His kingdom. The years that students spend on this campus and the networks that go with them following graduation are part of a story God is writing in each of their lives. It is a story of Spirit-empowered lives of Christcentered leadership and service. Because of your generosity and support, there is space and resources for those stories to be written. Thanks to you, we continue to
REBEKAH KILLAM (PICTURED ABOVE RIGHT)
organizations, Vanguard grounded him in his faith, setting him
Rebekah Killam ’13 began her time at Vanguard with the
free from the concerns that can dominate individuals in the
intention of pursuing a career in broadcast journalism, but the
attract outstanding professor-mentors, improve facilities, and provide much needed
required film classes in her communication major diverted her
scholarships. Please join me in prayer for these graduates as new doors open for
passion and opened up a new world of creative possibilities.
them in business, ministry, postgraduate degrees, and community life.
Work on student films interested her in the specific area of production design. In that discipline, Rebekah found an ideal
give.vanguard.edu / 714.966.5443
OFFICE OF ADVANCEMENT 55 FAIR DRIVE, COSTA MESA, CA 92626
and challenging mix of design and collaboration. She took
Kelly Kannwischer Vice President for University Advancement
TO INVEST IN VANGUARD, VISIT give.vanguard.edu
business world. “I loved my internship, and learned so much,” he says of his experience working with a wealth management firm. “But I also saw how money can rule over people’s hearts. And I saw how I can be the light of Christ even there.” JORI SMITH
as many design classes as she could in the Department of
Jori Smith’s ’13 emphasis as a cultural anthropology major
Communication and the Department of Theatre Arts, hungry
was in Asian studies, and she’ll be taking her education in
for experiences that would give her practical knowledge. “As
that field directly to Asia. This summer she will volunteer at kids
soon as Professor Sue Berkompas knew I was interested in
camps in South Korea, teaching English as a Second Language
production design,” says Rebekah, “she went out of her way
(ESL), and allowing God to use her to reach the people there.
and found specific crew assignments that would prepare me for
She first became involved with teaching ESL in high school,
the graduate level and a professional career.” Rebekah’s hard
and found that when she got to Vanguard, the school grew and
work and Vanguard’s creative opportunities have paid off; in the
nurtured her interest. She is particularly grateful for the way the
fall, she will begin classes in the graduate program at Chapman
Department of Anthropology was tailored to her specific goals.
University’s prestigious Dodge College of Film and Media Arts.
“One of my favorite classes was called Applied Anthropology,” she says. “The whole purpose of the class was to show us how
CLINTON MUNOZ
our major could be applicable to exactly what we wanted to do
FOLLOW VANGUARD ON FACEBOOK AND TWITTER:
As a business major planning to go into the field of wealth
in our careers. It also showed us that we were capable of doing
facebook.com/vanguarduniversity twitter.com/vanguardu
aware of the potential pitfalls of the trade, which is why
management and beyond, Clinton Munoz ’13 is wellhe is so grateful to have attended a university with such a strong Christian mission. In addition to a practical education that prepared him for internships with high-level financial
so much more than we first thought!” To invest in the lives of Vanguard students visit give.vanguard.edu or donate via the VU mobile app for iPhone or Android.
Rich in Faith
A Message from the Director of the Annual Fund
“WE ARE SO FORTUNATE.” LINDA FINKENBINDER RECALLS HEARING HER MOTHER SAY THESE WORDS TO HER WHEN LINDA WAS JUST AN EIGHT-YEAR-OLD CHILD, AND HOW IT SEEMED LIKE THEY COULDN’T POSSIBLY BE TRUE. Linda’s family was poor and life was difficult where
one of the speakers at Billy Graham’s Congress on
they lived in rural Michigan, so her mother’s words
Evangelism in 2000, which she counts as one of the
puzzled her. When her mother completed the
highlights of her life.
thought, however, Linda’s life ambition blossomed out of that simple truth. “We are so fortunate,” her mother had said, “because we know who Jesus is. There are millions who don’t know his name.”
“Vanguard emphasizes living by faith. Students acquire a foundation that enables them to live for God regardless of difficulties or obstacles.”
Her regular and generous giving to the Vanguard University Fund is one of the ways that Linda’s dedication to sharing the Gospel now finds its expression. She sees the mission of Vanguard
Since that day, Linda Finkenbinder has dedicated
University reflected in her own: “It’s my hope that
her long life to serving the Lord and spreading
my gifts will enable students to be inspired to serve
the Gospel with whatever means she has. She is
God wherever they’re called,” she says. “Vanguard
91 years old now, and for nearly 70 years, she
emphasizes living by faith. Students acquire a
ministered to the people of Latin America alongside
foundation that enables them to live for God
her late husband Paul, who was known as Hermano
regardless of difficulties or obstacles.”
Pablo to the people he and Linda blessed in their long careers. Linda and Paul’s ministry reached hundreds of thousands through radio, books, television, and crusades. In addition to supporting her husband, Linda played an active role, leading marriage seminars and ministering to the specific
Linda Finkenbinder’s own life is an example of how obstacles are surmounted through the provision of the Lord, and she counts herself still fortunate to help
UNIVERSITY
IN THE LIFE OF A
CEREMONIES, A HEARTY CHEER ROSE UP FROM HER FELLOW GRADUATING CLASS, A SIGN OF THEIR AFFECTION FOR HER AND OF THE
great things classmates were able to do when they
especially by Dr. Terry Zeigler, a professor in the
embraced and delighted in the gifts God gave them.
Department of Kinesiology. “She taught me so much,”
More than anything, she reflected on the gratitude she
says Lauren. “When I was interviewing for physical
felt for having had the opportunity to be together at
therapy positions, I was surprised by how much I
Vanguard with those students.
knew!” And Dr. Zeigler’s instruction didn’t end with
Lauren’s experience at Vanguard is a testament to the way the Christ-centered community is able to rally
As she reflects on her time at Vanguard, Lauren also expresses gratitude towards those donors who are
through that time her spiritual health was supported as
responsible for making her education possible. The
well as her bodily health. “My coach supported me and
University’s generosity with its financial aid enabled
prayed for me always,” she says.
her to receive a number of academic and athletic
Even though she was a full-time athlete, Lauren made the decision to work as a Resident Assistant (RA) during her junior year. It was an enormous task, but she’s glad she did it. “It was a blessed time,” she recalls. “I was so honored to invest in the lives of the girls on my floor and serve as a mentor to them.”
scholarships, and with her newly-completed education, she plans to pursue a graduate degree in her field with the eventual aim of directing an athletic-training program at the high school level. She is one more example of how gifts to the school contribute to the community in tangible ways, and a quick glance at her story reveals that she has certainly lived up to the responsibility entrusted to her by these gifts.
ERICA BIZZELL, JUNIOR, SOCIOLOGY
TOWER’S LOBBY AND PATIO
THE GENEROSITY OF DONORS
I feel blessed to have made incredible relationships during my freshman year at Vanguard. I am glad we have a great place to socialize and build lasting friendships.
Donors who give so that students like me can attend Vanguard.
JONATHAN SCHALEMBIER FRESHMAN, COMMUNICATIONS
If it weren’t for the donors and their generosity, I would not be here at Vanguard.
I’m thankful that I have the opportunity to lead fellow students in the right direction and inspire incoming freshman.
VALERIA CAMPOS JUNIOR, PSYCHOLOGY
OSCAR ISLAS, FRESHMAN, MARKETING
PROFESSORS WHO HAVE MENTORED ME
OPPORTUNITY TO GROW IN MY FAITH
ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIPS
I love how at Vanguard I’m not just a number in the classroom. My professors honestly care not only about my academic growth, but my spiritual and personal growth as well.
I am thankful for the opportunities that have been presented for my faith to be challenged. Professors, students and chapel services have taught me how my faith is integrated with my actions.
I am extremely thankful for my academic scholarship because it enabled me to go to Vanguard and have the incredible experience I’ve had with students and staff. Without that scholarship, none of that would have been possible.
TAYLOR HOOPER FRESHMAN, HISTORY/ POLITICAL SCIENCE
JONATHAN VAZQUEZ, FRESHMAN, RELIGION
JORDAN GRIPENWALDT, SENIOR, ANTHROPOLOGY
THE CHANCE TO LEARN HOW TO BE A STRONG CHRISTIAN LEADER
VANGUARD UNIVERSITY GO BEYOND THE EXPECTED.
BECOME A VANGUARD
President’s Medallion Club Member today.
Lauren. “She’s like our mom.”
fell short of her own expectations due to injuries, and
MICHAEL AVILA FRESHMAN, PSYCHOLOGY
I really enjoy having a place on campus with a great study environment.
OF ALUMNI, PARENTS AND FRIENDS WHO HELP
kinesiology. “Her heart is so big for students,” adds
around what is truly important. Her athletic career
I am thankful for the relationships I have been able to make at Vanguard with both faculty and my peers.
RENOVATED LIBRARY WITH NEW STUDY ROOMS
YOU’RE INVITED TO JOIN A VISIONARY GROUP
WAY SHE WAS ABLE TO CONNECT WITH THE COMMUNITY OF VANGUARD. Lauren was also a recipient of mentoring, most
AMY RAE REYNOLDS JUNIOR, KINESIOLOGY
RELATIONSHIPS WITH FACULTY, STAFF AND PEERS
Thank You,
difference student.
COMMENCEMENT
She spoke about how she was “awed” by the
I am so thankful that we have such a diverse lab available to use and study with.
How do you want to be remembered? To us, you will forever be remembered for giving to Vanguard University and educating students who will in turn change the world in the name of Jesus Christ.
MAKE A
OF STUDENTS MIKE WILSON AS THE STUDENT-SPEAKER AT VANGUARD
With your gracious support, each and every student will have the opportunity to grow into the person God has called him/her to be. At Vanguard, each student will be mentored through truth, service and virtue. Their stories and their lives will be skillfully and artfully shaped so that they leave here more like Christ than when they entered.
THE KINESIOLOGY LAB
Jennifer “JJ” Smith, Director of Annual Fund
WHEN LAUREN MINNICK ’13 WAS INTRODUCED BY DEAN YEAR’S
As we prepare for our 2013-2014 fall semester and welcome new students to the Vanguard family, we do so in celebration of what God has in store for their lives.
the power of God,” she says. “And I want it known!”
LET US RUN THE RACE MARKED OUT FOR US THIS
While these are all qualities worth striving for, I’m only able to have and embrace them through my savior Jesus Christ. When I forget that I’m simply God’s child, who is to focus on him and the power of the Holy Spirit, I become a woman who misses the mark. And that is a woman I would not want to be remembered as, nor would God want me to be.
WE ASKED VANGUARD STUDENTS WHAT THEY ARE THANKFUL FOR. HERE’S WHAT THEY SAID:
others discover this beautiful promise. “I believe in
needs of women in Latin America. She was even
LINDA FINKENBINDER
How do you want to be remembered? Do you ever slow down and think about that? Maybe you do from time to time. Hanging on the wall in my office is a plaque which serves as a reminder of the type of person I desire to be. It states, “Be Kind, Daring, Creative, Funny, Positive, Loving, Loyal, Honest, Genuine, Fearless, Generous, Original, Brave, Optimistic, Grateful, Unique, Happy.”
:students say thanks
Members of the President’s Medallion Club (PMC) are a distinguished group
“[WORKING AS A RESIDENT ASSISTANT] WAS A BLESSED TIME. I was so honored to invest in the lives of the girls on my floor and serve as a mentor to them.” LAUREN MINNICK
of donors that support Vanguard University by giving a minimum of $1,000 annually. PMC members are leaders in helping to provide opportunities for today’s students to become community leaders tomorrow.
To find out more and join the club, visit
give.vanguard.edu
EQUIP VANGUARD STUDENTS AT GIVE.VANGUARD.EDU
Rich in Faith
A Message from the Director of the Annual Fund
“WE ARE SO FORTUNATE.” LINDA FINKENBINDER RECALLS HEARING HER MOTHER SAY THESE WORDS TO HER WHEN LINDA WAS JUST AN EIGHT-YEAR-OLD CHILD, AND HOW IT SEEMED LIKE THEY COULDN’T POSSIBLY BE TRUE. Linda’s family was poor and life was difficult where
one of the speakers at Billy Graham’s Congress on
they lived in rural Michigan, so her mother’s words
Evangelism in 2000, which she counts as one of the
puzzled her. When her mother completed the
highlights of her life.
thought, however, Linda’s life ambition blossomed out of that simple truth. “We are so fortunate,” her mother had said, “because we know who Jesus is. There are millions who don’t know his name.”
“Vanguard emphasizes living by faith. Students acquire a foundation that enables them to live for God regardless of difficulties or obstacles.”
Her regular and generous giving to the Vanguard University Fund is one of the ways that Linda’s dedication to sharing the Gospel now finds its expression. She sees the mission of Vanguard
Since that day, Linda Finkenbinder has dedicated
University reflected in her own: “It’s my hope that
her long life to serving the Lord and spreading
my gifts will enable students to be inspired to serve
the Gospel with whatever means she has. She is
God wherever they’re called,” she says. “Vanguard
91 years old now, and for nearly 70 years, she
emphasizes living by faith. Students acquire a
ministered to the people of Latin America alongside
foundation that enables them to live for God
her late husband Paul, who was known as Hermano
regardless of difficulties or obstacles.”
Pablo to the people he and Linda blessed in their long careers. Linda and Paul’s ministry reached hundreds of thousands through radio, books, television, and crusades. In addition to supporting her husband, Linda played an active role, leading marriage seminars and ministering to the specific
Linda Finkenbinder’s own life is an example of how obstacles are surmounted through the provision of the Lord, and she counts herself still fortunate to help
UNIVERSITY
IN THE LIFE OF A
CEREMONIES, A HEARTY CHEER ROSE UP FROM HER FELLOW GRADUATING CLASS, A SIGN OF THEIR AFFECTION FOR HER AND OF THE
great things classmates were able to do when they
especially by Dr. Terry Zeigler, a professor in the
embraced and delighted in the gifts God gave them.
Department of Kinesiology. “She taught me so much,”
More than anything, she reflected on the gratitude she
says Lauren. “When I was interviewing for physical
felt for having had the opportunity to be together at
therapy positions, I was surprised by how much I
Vanguard with those students.
knew!” And Dr. Zeigler’s instruction didn’t end with
Lauren’s experience at Vanguard is a testament to the way the Christ-centered community is able to rally
As she reflects on her time at Vanguard, Lauren also expresses gratitude towards those donors who are
through that time her spiritual health was sustained as
responsible for making her education possible. The
well as her bodily health. “My coach supported me and
University’s generosity with its financial aid enabled
prayed for me always,” she says.
her to receive a number of academic and athletic
Even though she was a full-time athlete, Lauren made the decision to work as a Resident Assistant (RA) during her junior year. It was an enormous task, but she’s glad she did it. “It was a blessed time,” she recalls. “I was so honored to invest in the lives of the girls on my floor and serve as a mentor to them.”
scholarships, and with her newly-completed education, she plans to pursue a graduate degree in her field with the eventual aim of directing an athletic-training program at the high school level. She is one more example of how gifts to the school contribute to the community in tangible ways, and a quick glance at her story reveals that she has certainly lived up to the responsibility entrusted to her by these gifts.
ERICA BIZZELL, JUNIOR, SOCIOLOGY
TOWER’S LOBBY AND PATIO
THE GENEROSITY OF DONORS
I feel blessed to have made incredible relationships during my freshman year at Vanguard. I am glad we have a great place to socialize and build lasting friendships.
Donors who give so that students like me can attend Vanguard.
JONATHAN SCHALEMBIER FRESHMAN, COMMUNICATIONS
If it weren’t for the donors and their generosity, I would not be here at Vanguard.
I’m thankful that I have the opportunity to lead fellow students in the right direction and inspire incoming freshman.
VALERIA CAMPOS JUNIOR, PSYCHOLOGY
OSCAR ISLAS, FRESHMAN, MARKETING
PROFESSORS WHO HAVE MENTORED ME
OPPORTUNITY TO GROW IN MY FAITH
ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIPS
I love how at Vanguard I’m not just a number in the classroom. My professors honestly care not only about my academic growth, but my spiritual and personal growth as well.
I am thankful for the opportunities that have been presented for my faith to be challenged. Professors, students and chapel services have taught me how my faith is integrated with my actions.
I am extremely thankful for my academic scholarship because it enabled me to go to Vanguard and have the incredible experience I’ve had with students and staff. Without that scholarship, none of that would have been possible.
TAYLOR HOOPER FRESHMAN, HISTORY/ POLITICAL SCIENCE
JONATHAN VAZQUEZ, FRESHMAN, RELIGION
JORDAN GRIPENWALDT, SENIOR, ANTHROPOLOGY
THE CHANCE TO LEARN HOW TO BE A STRONG CHRISTIAN LEADER
VANGUARD UNIVERSITY GO BEYOND THE EXPECTED.
BECOME A VANGUARD
President’s Medallion Club Member today.
Lauren. “She’s like our mom.”
fell short of her own expectations due to injuries, and
MICHAEL AVILA FRESHMAN, PSYCHOLOGY
I really enjoy having a place on campus with a great study environment.
OF ALUMNI, PARENTS AND FRIENDS WHO HELP
kinesiology. “Her heart is so big for students,” adds
around what is truly important. Her athletic career
I am thankful for the relationships I have been able to make at Vanguard with both faculty and my peers.
RENOVATED LIBRARY WITH NEW STUDY ROOMS
YOU’RE INVITED TO JOIN A VISIONARY GROUP
WAY SHE WAS ABLE TO CONNECT WITH THE COMMUNITY OF VANGUARD. Lauren was also a recipient of mentoring, most
AMY RAE REYNOLDS JUNIOR, KINESIOLOGY
RELATIONSHIPS WITH FACULTY, STAFF AND PEERS
Thank You,
difference student.
COMMENCEMENT
She spoke about how she was “awed” by the
I am so thankful that we have such a diverse lab available to use and study with.
How do you want to be remembered? To us, you will forever be remembered for giving to Vanguard University and educating students who will in turn change the world in the name of Jesus Christ.
MAKE A
OF STUDENTS MIKE WILSON AS THE STUDENT-SPEAKER AT VANGUARD
With your gracious support, each and every student will have the opportunity to grow into the person God has called him/her to be. At Vanguard, each student will be mentored through truth, service and virtue. Their stories and their lives will be skillfully and artfully shaped so that they leave here more like Christ than when they entered.
THE KINESIOLOGY LAB
Jennifer “JJ” Smith, Director of Annual Fund
WHEN LAUREN MINNICK ’13 WAS INTRODUCED BY DEAN YEAR’S
As we prepare for our 2013-2014 fall semester and welcome new students to the Vanguard family, we do so in celebration of what God has in store for their lives.
the power of God,” she says. “And I want it known!”
LET US RUN THE RACE MARKED OUT FOR US THIS
While these are all qualities worth striving for, I’m only able to have and embrace them through my savior Jesus Christ. When I forget that I’m simply God’s child, who is to focus on him and the power of the Holy Spirit, I become a woman who misses the mark. And that is a woman I would not want to be remembered as, nor would God want me to be.
WE ASKED VANGUARD STUDENTS WHAT THEY ARE THANKFUL FOR. HERE’S WHAT THEY SAID:
others discover this beautiful promise. “I believe in
needs of women in Latin America. She was even
LINDA FINKENBINDER
How do you want to be remembered? Do you ever slow down and think about that? Maybe you do from time to time. Hanging on the wall in my office is a plaque which serves as a reminder of the type of person I desire to be. It states, “Be Kind, Daring, Creative, Funny, Positive, Loving, Loyal, Honest, Genuine, Fearless, Generous, Original, Brave, Optimistic, Grateful, Unique, Happy.”
:students say thanks
Members of the President’s Medallion Club (PMC) are a distinguished group
“[WORKING AS A RESIDENT ASSISTANT] WAS A BLESSED TIME. I was so honored to invest in the lives of the girls on my floor and serve as a mentor to them.” LAUREN MINNICK
of donors that support Vanguard University by giving a minimum of $1,000 annually. PMC members are leaders in helping to provide opportunities for today’s students to become community leaders tomorrow.
To find out more and join the club, visit
give.vanguard.edu
EQUIP VANGUARD STUDENTS AT GIVE.VANGUARD.EDU
Like Mother, Like Daughter
A L L I S ON TA S H ’13
WHEN ALLISON TASH ’13 BEGAN THE PROCESS OF CHOOSING WHERE TO EMBARK ON HER COLLEGE CAREER, SHE WAS INITIALLY DETERMINED THAT IT WOULD NOT BE VANGUARD UNIVERSITY. This wasn’t because she had any
the student government association (SGA). She was SGA
misapprehensions about the school or
president this last year, an experience that she says plugged
the education it could provide her—on
her into the community of Vanguard in powerful ways. “It
the contrary, her mother, Catherine
was a fantastic opportunity to invest in Vanguard. It gave
(Turpin ’77) Tash, was a proud alumna who had made
me a chance to be involved with the vision and dreams of
lifelong friends at the college and was constantly extolling
the administration, as well as letting me hear the incredible
the virtues of Vanguard. Allison instead wanted to strike out
stories of so many other people.”
on her own, and while she valued her mother’s experience, she also felt it necessary to fashion for herself a completely unique journey.
Allison also credits Vanguard with equipping her to love Jesus even more. “In addition to a great liberal arts education, I gained a solid foundation for my faith,” she
One visit to the campus, however, and Vanguard’s beautiful
says. In the department of religion, Allison cultivated her
grounds and warm community reeled her in. “I decided
passion for ministry, and she will employ this passion in
to take a tour,” says Allison, “and I fell in love with it
her plans to establish a church in Portland, Oregon. She
immediately. I knew I was supposed to be here.” Her
and three of her close friends will spend the next year in a
choice was affirmed by the largesse of Vanguard’s financial
church-planting residency in preparation for fulfilling that
aid department; Allison received a number of scholarships
dream.
for her academic excellence. Naturally, her mother was overjoyed. It’s a decision that Allison hasn’t regretted for even a moment. By the time she graduated this year with her religion degree, Allison had been involved in the theatre department, Women’s Chorus, as the student representative on the presidential search committee, and most prominently,
The love of Vanguard that Allison’s mother initially shared with her was returned in abundance at Allison’s graduation party this spring. In addition to her own friends, Allison also invited all of her mother’s friends from Vanguard. The result was a party that celebrated not just Allison’s achievement, but also the legacy of her family and the friends they made in the singular community of Vanguard University.
I N V E S T I N G I N VA N G U A R D .
ALLISON WITH HER FATHER, GARY, AND MOTHER, CATHERINE
ISSUE 5 / SUMMER 2013
WE CELEBRATED WITH OVER 500 GRADUATING VANGUARD UNIVERSITY STUDENTS AT THIS YEAR’S
EQUIPPED FOR THEIR NEXT CHAPTER
COMMENCEMENT CEREMONIES.
On May 10, 2013, Vanguard University held its annual commencement ceremonies, honoring the hard work of 530 students. The event officially marked the point at which graduates will apply the experience of their education – and the Christ-centered development of their emotional and academic maturity encompassed therein—to known and unknown adventures. The following three graduates represent just a small number of the many students empowered by their time at Vanguard.
As we welcome this newest class to the alumni community, I reflect on the ways God uses this University for building His kingdom. The years that students spend on this campus and the networks that go with them following graduation are part of a story God is writing in each of their lives. It is a story of Spirit-empowered lives of Christcentered leadership and service. Because of your generosity and support, there is space and resources for those stories to be written. Thanks to you, we continue to
REBEKAH KILLAM (PICTURED ABOVE RIGHT)
organizations, Vanguard grounded him in his faith, setting him
Rebekah Killam ’13 began her time at Vanguard with the
free from the concerns that can dominate individuals in the
intention of pursuing a career in broadcast journalism, but the
attract outstanding professor-mentors, improve facilities, and provide much needed
required film classes in her communication major diverted her
scholarships. Please join me in prayer for these graduates as new doors open for
passion and opened up a new world of creative possibilities.
them in business, ministry, postgraduate degrees, and community life.
Work on student films interested her in the specific area of production design. In that discipline, Rebekah found an ideal
give.vanguard.edu / 714.966.5443
OFFICE OF ADVANCEMENT 55 FAIR DRIVE, COSTA MESA, CA 92626
and challenging mix of design and collaboration. She took
Kelly Kannwischer Vice President for University Advancement
TO INVEST IN VANGUARD, VISIT give.vanguard.edu
business world. “I loved my internship, and learned so much,” he says of his experience working with a wealth management firm. “But I also saw how money can rule over people’s hearts. And I saw how I can be the light of Christ even there.” JORI SMITH
as many design classes as she could in the Department of
Jori Smith’s ’13 emphasis as a cultural anthropology major
Communication and the Department of Theatre Arts, hungry
was in Asian studies, and she’ll be taking her education in
for experiences that would give her practical knowledge. “As
that field directly to Asia. This summer she will volunteer at kids
soon as Professor Sue Berkompas knew I was interested in
camps in South Korea, teaching English as a Second Language
production design,” says Rebekah, “she went out of her way
(ESL), and allowing God to use her to reach the people there.
and found specific crew assignments that would prepare me for
She first became involved with teaching ESL in high school,
the graduate level and a professional career.” Rebekah’s hard
and found that when she got to Vanguard, the school grew and
work and Vanguard’s creative opportunities have paid off; in the
nurtured her interest. She is particularly grateful for the way the
fall, she will begin classes in the graduate program at Chapman
Department of Anthropology was tailored to her specific goals.
University’s prestigious Dodge College of Film and Media Arts.
“One of my favorite classes was called Applied Anthropology,” she says. “The whole purpose of the class was to show us how
CLINTON MUNOZ
our major could be applicable to exactly what we wanted to do
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As a business major planning to go into the field of wealth
in our careers. It also showed us that we were capable of doing
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aware of the potential pitfalls of the trade, which is why
management and beyond, Clinton Munoz ’13 is wellhe is so grateful to have attended a university with such a strong Christian mission. In addition to a practical education that prepared him for internships with high-level financial
so much more than we first thought!” To invest in the lives of Vanguard students visit give.vanguard.edu or donate via the VU mobile app for iPhone or Android.