Vanguard Magazine: Spring 2017

SPRING 2017

IVE T A V O N AN IN

O T H C A APPRO

N O I T A EDUC

E X PE RIMENT S AN D EXPERIEN CE 16 S E R VING JUST ICE 19 F OR H IM WHO HAS EYES T O SE E 20

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DEPLOYING CUTTING-EDGE METHODOLOGIES to support EVERY STUDENT’S SUCCESS

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COMPLETE YOUR DEGREE IN 2 YEARS V A N G U A R D . E D U / L E A D E R S H I P

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FROM THE PRESIDENT

A Long-standing Tradition WELCOME TO ANOTHER VOLUME OF VANGUARD

Alumna Catherine (Riley ’09) Santiago is a captain in the US Air

MAGAZINE! I am so excited about this issue’s cover story, which

Force and an attorney in JAG Corps. Her advocacy for justice in

goes into detail about the many campus-wide benefits that all of

the military makes Vanguard proud.

Vanguard’s students, faculty, staff, and administration will share

Professor of biology Dr. Tara (Theisen ’96) Sirvent began a

as a result of our university being awarded a Title V Grant by the U.S. Department of Education, which positions Vanguard as a leading Hispanic-Serving Institution. In addition to a validation of Vanguard’s efforts to embrace the diversity of our community, this grant also allows for us to formalize our long-standing tradition of welcoming and supporting our many first-generation students—of which I was one!

“This grant also allows for us to formalize our long-standing tradition of welcoming and supporting our many first-generation students—of which I was one!

summer research project for students in the sciences a number of years ago, and this program has grown to give students vital instruction in research and fieldwork that is common-place among large state schools but a true rarity among Christian liberal arts universities like Vanguard.

Finally, Dr. Mike Wilson (’83) dispenses wisdom daily in his position as dean of the college—so please enjoy a few life-lessons firsthand in our recurring feature Learn of Me! I pray that you will be blessed by these stories, as they are precious examples of God’s provision and calling in the lives of Vanguard’s wonderful alumni and faculty!

After a long and illustrious career in education, Dr. Pete Menjares (’87) has returned to Vanguard as our director of the Institute for Faculty Development, a position that will allow him to keep our university on the cutting-edge of pedagogy and institutional effectiveness.

Please enjoy an exclusive excerpt from religion professor Dr. Ed Rybarczyk’s (’85) new book about beauty in the Christian worldview.

Michael J. Beals, PhD President, Vanguard University officeofthepresident@vanguard.edu

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FROM THE VICE PRESIDENT FOR UNIVERSITY ADVANCEMENT

Equipping and Inspiring the Next Generation MY HOPE IS THAT AS YOU READ THIS ISSUE OF THE VANGUARD MAGAZINE, you will experience a deeper sense of pride for our alma mater. As we approach our centennial anniversary in 2020, our alumni continue to integrate their faith and vocation, our faculty continue to develop personal relationships with our students that inspire learning and selfdiscovery, and our students continue to be equipped to maximize

Our team is praying diligently that God would call our alumni and friends to partner with us as we work to equip the next generation of Christ centered leaders in the church, the classroom, the marketplace and beyond.

God’s call on their life.

In the following pages, you’ll be able to read about a number of

Vanguard students need mentors, internships, job opportunities,

the ways that Vanguard is ensuring the success of its students,

and scholarships. I would love to discuss how you can make an

from the newly-established Institute of Faculty Development to the

impact in the life of a student. I hope to hear from you. In the

spectacular Summer Undergraduate Research Program launched

meantime, may our Lord bless you!

by professor Dr. Tara Sirvent. Vanguard has greatly expanded its academic support services, which increases our ability to ensure our students are well-prepared for whatever comes after Vanguard.

As you read through this issue, pay attention to the prompting of the Holy Spirit. Our team is praying diligently that God would call our alumni and friends to partner with us as we work to equip the next generation of Christ-centered leaders in the church, the classroom, the marketplace and beyond. This generation of

Justin McIntee ’98, MBA ’08 Vice President for University Advancement justin.mcintee@vanguard.edu

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M A G A Z I N E

FROM THE WRITER

For this issue of Vanguard Magazine, I had the privilege of interviewing Dr. Mike Wilson for our Learn of Me feature.

I always enjoy chatting with Dr. Wilson because he and I share a formative experience, albeit 20 years apart. Upon graduating from Vanguard, we both made the decision to move to China in order to teach English. I recall that as I was preparing to leave, I found myself alternating between two prevailing feelings: modest anticipation, and abject terror. I then remembered that in the history class I had taken with Dr. Wilson as a junior, he mentioned in passing that he had taught English in China as a young man. I emailed him and asked to meet so that I could get some sense of what it might be like.

I will admit now that I don’t actually remember everything Dr. Wilson told me—but I do remember how meeting with him calmed my nerves, encouraged me, and gave me a sense of peace about my ability to go to China, and how, in the times of confusion, culture shock, and loneliness that I was likely to encounter, I could trust that God would be there for me as I

16 Tara Sirvent

followed his calling.

Since my and Dr. Wilson’s time teaching in China was separated by 20 years, many of our adventures were vastly different. What was absolutely the same for us was that going to China represented an opportunity to reach out and engage with the world far beyond the realm of anything we had experienced previously. We wanted to approach God’s people in the world in an attitude of service. And we did.

I mention all this because I believe it affirms the wonderful mission of Vanguard University’s Office of Global Education and Outreach. At a time when some of America’s interaction with other countries is adversarial, how precious is the opportunity for our students to go into the world with openness, respect, and humility. As Mike Wilson and I both found out, the education that happens as a result is transformative and irreplaceable.

Rene Scheys ’04 Writer/Copy Editor vucopywriter@gmail.com

FEATURES

Innovative Education 12 Vanguard University is deploying cutting-edge methodologies to support every student’s success.

Experiments and Experience 16 Biochemistry professor Dr. Tara Sirvent leads Vanguard’s Summer Undergraduate Research Program.

Serving Justice 19 US Air Force Capt. Catherine Santiago advocates for victims of assault in the JAG Corps.

A Leader of Diversity and Development 26 Dr. Pete Menjares leads Vanguard’s Institute for Faculty Development.

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M A G A Z I N E

SPRING 2017 | VOLUME 19 | ISSUE 1

UNIVERSITY GOVERNANCE AND ADMINISTRATION CHAIR, BOARD OF TRUSTEES Doug Green PRESIDENT Michael J. Beals

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PROVOST / VICE PRESIDENT OF ACADEMIC AFFAIRS Doretha O’Quinn VICE PRESIDENT FOR ENROLLMENT MANAGEMENT Kim Johnson VICE PRESIDENT FOR STUDENT AFFAIRS Tim Young VICE PRESIDENT FOR UNIVERSITY ADVANCEMENT Justin McIntee

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CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER Jeremy Moser

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VANGUARD MAGAZINE

DEPARTMENTS 1 MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

28 SPORTS

President Michael J. Beals writes about Vanguard having been awarded a Title V Grant by the US Department of Education.

VU basketball player Teslim Idris has taken his game from the streets of London, England to the beaches of California.

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31 VU ALUMNI: CLASS NOTES

Catch up on the latest news and events happening around Vanguard University’s campus.

Check out how former classmates and alumni of Vanguard University are utilizing their education to make a difference in the world!

32 ALUMNI PROFILE

36 MY STORY

Greg and Abigail Gusiff have taken their education and skills to Silicon Valley.

Keith Brigman’s occupation as an adapted physical education teacher led to a fulfilling career and a long association with the Special Olympics.

24 STUDENT SPOTLIGHT VU student Gabby Gwatney traveled with the psychology department to Kenya for a unique study abroad experience.

37 LEARN OF ME Dean of students Dr. Mike Wilson shares lessons he has learned from a lifetime in education.

WRITER / COPY EDITOR Rene J. Scheys CREATIVE SERVICES CONSULTANT Tawny Marcus LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER Chauncey D. Bayes SENIOR DIRECTOR OF MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS Linsey Carbone CREATIVE SERVICES MANAGER Daniel Kim MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST Niki Toro PUBLIC RELATIONS SPECIALIST / CONTRIBUTING WRITER Holly Clinard CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER Andre Niesing

VANGUARD UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA, in compliance with laws and regulations, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, age, disability, national origin, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices or procedures.

VANGUARD MAGAZINE is a free publication published 2 times per year by Vanguard University.

All contents copyrighted, 2017, Vanguard University. Bulk rate postage paid at Las Vegas, NV. POSTMASTER Send address changes to: Vanguard University Alumni Relations Office, 55 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92626.

THE MISSION OF VANGUARD UNIVERSITY IS TO PURSUE KNOWLEDGE, CULTIVATE CHARACTER, DEEPEN FAITH, AND EQUIP EACH STUDENT FOR A SPIRIT-EMPOWERED LIFE OF CHRIST-CENTERED LEADERSHIP AND SERVICE.

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ON CAMPUS AT VANGUARD

vu view Defining Leadership to the Next Generation “Leadership is not only an opportunity, it is a duty and responsibility to every single person,” said former U.S. attorney general, John Ashcroft.

“Each of us is a leader and perhaps the most important leader in the world to someone else.”

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VU VIEW: ON CAMPUS

John Ashcroft Visits Vanguard FORMER U.S. ATTORNEY GENERAL REFLECTS ON 9/11 AND PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION

BY HOLLY CLINARD

VANGUARD UNIVERSITY’S 2ND

professor in the schools of law and

In the evening, over 1000 community leaders,

ANNUAL BILL & JO ANNE LARSON

government at Regent University in Virginia

business owners, students and university

LECTURESHIP OF ETHICS & BUSINESS

Beach, Virginia.

leadership gathered in person and online

hosted former Attorney General of the United States, John Ashcroft, J.D. on November 10, 2016. Ashcroft is most noted for his service as the Attorney General under the George W. Bush administration, leading the Department of Justice’s response to the September 11th terrorist attacks. He currently serves as the chairman of The Ashcroft Group, LLC, which provides confidential strategic consulting and crisis counseling to major international corporations. Ashcroft is a distinguished

Ashcroft’s visit to Vanguard came at a momentous season for the nation and for these college students—just two days after election season came to a close. Ashcroft engaged with 20 eager business and history/ political science students in a Q & A session over coffee, where he urged students to study hard, not fear failure, and stay true to what they believe. The discussion also gave light to the presidential election, and the notable evangelical vote for Donald Trump.

“Leadership is not only an opportunity, it is a duty and responsibility to every single person,” said Ashcroft.

“Each of us is a leader and perhaps the most important leader in the world to someone else.”

for an inspiring lectureship from Ashcroft.

The former U.S. attorney general relived his experience during the events of 9/11, sharing the moments immediately following when he learned of the terrorist attack 15 years ago.

President Michael Beals also moderated an interview with Ashcroft where they discussed the constitution, religious freedom, and free speech. The event closed on a lighthearted note, with President Beals spontaneously requesting Ashcroft show off his musical skills.

Ashcroft appropriately played God Bless America on the piano while the crowd sang along to the historic tune.

To view the Facebook Live recording of the lectureship, visit www.facebook.com/vanguarduniversity.

JOHN ASHCROFT, J.D.

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VU VIEW: ON CAMPUS

5th ANNUAL RUN FOR MERCY 5K SUPPORTS A YOUNG ALUMNI FAMILY WITH A TOUGH BATTLE THIS OCTOBER MARKED THE 5TH ANNUAL RUN FOR MERCY 5K where a crowd of hundreds of runners, walkers, and baby strollers gathered in support of the Miller family.

Noel (Taylor ’07) Miller suffers from an aggressive form of cancer, which started with a molar pregnancy that developed into cancer in the placenta and spread to her brain. Funds raised during the annual Run for Mercy 5K went directly to medical bills and personal needs for the young wife and mother.

The Run For Mercy 5K was first created by the university’s alumni relations office to raise support for families in need who have graduated from Vanguard, and are going through significant health struggles or family loss. The first two 5K events benefited alumni families with incurable conditions. In its third year, the Run for Mercy 5K was dedicated to an alumnus who met his wife at Vanguard, and was widowed less than a decade and two young daughters later.

Last year’s recipient, an alumnus and military veteran, was fighting

“At the center of the Vanguard experience is a community that serves others,” said Joel Gackle, director of alumni and university relations.

For more information on the annual Run for Mercy 5K, visit www.vanguard.edu/5k.

incurable Huntington’s Disease.

VANGUARD UNIVERSITY MOURNS THE LOSS OF DR. SHERILYN RAE BENVENUTI, WHO WENT HOME TO BE WITH THE LORD ON FEB. 8, 2017.

Sheri served God passionately, loved generously, lived joyfully and took great delight in her students. Her larger-than-life spirit embraced all those around her.

The Vanguard community will remember Dr. Benvenuti as a beloved force upon campus who pursued her goal of exalting the name of Jesus with conviction, truth and joy. She began her long association with Vanguard as a student, earning a Bachelor of Arts in 1989 and a Master of Arts in 1992 both in Religion, Biblical Studies before attaining a Ph.D. in Social Ethics from the University of Southern California in 2000. After serving as Dean of Students and Vice President of Student Affairs at Life Pacific College in San Dimas, California, she returned to

Vanguard to teach Social Ethics in 1995 – a cherished role she held until her passing.

Dr. Benvenuti also served as the Dean of Students and Vice President of Student Affairs at Vanguard from 2001 to 2005.

In addition to her vital investment into the lives of students, Dr. Benvenuti also co-founded the Global Center for Women and Justice at Vanguard University in 2003.

She envisioned the Center as an opportunity within the academic context to promote gender reconciliation and the inherent dignity of all people.

An Assemblies of God minister for over 45 years, Dr. Benvenuti‘s personal relationship with Jesus Christ compelled her to present

the Gospel from a practical, “everyday life” perspective. Dr. Benvenuti also wrote and published the book, “When Life Happens: An Honest Look at the Stuff That Comes Along,” in 2010. In this inspirational, faithbased memoir, Dr. Benvenuti encouraged readers to embrace the ups and downs of life by relaying biblical insights from the experiences of King David.

Dr. Sherilyn Rae Benvenuti will be deeply missed and always remembered as a part of the rich legacy of Vanguard University.

To honor Dr. Benvenuti, donations may be made to the William J. Seymour Endowed Scholarship at Vanguard University, established by Dr. Sheri Benvenuti in 2005 to support increasing diversity in the Vanguard student body. Please go to vanguard.edu/honorsheri to make a gift in her memory.

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Priceless Luncheon Diamond Award winners and Director’s Young Leader Award winners with President Michael J. Beals (center) and Dr. Sandra Morgan (right).

A Priceless Cause GLOBAL CENTER FOR WOMEN AND JUSTICE DRAWS HUNDREDS TO RAISE AWARENESS ON MODERN DAY SLAVERY

IN SEPTEMBER, VANGUARD’S GLOBAL

the International Center for Missing and

celebrate the community’s support with joy for

CENTER FOR WOMEN AND JUSTICE

Exploited Children, encouraged the audience

they are providing the resources that will serve

HOSTED THE PRICELESS LUNCHEON

to wake up Orange County and the rest of

the most vulnerable and provide justice.”

TO END HUMAN TRAFFICKING at the

the world to the issues of modern day slavery

Island Hotel in Newport Beach. The annual

and child exploitation.

event brought together over 350 supporters and anti-human trafficking advocates for an inspiring program to honor victims and community members and educate attendees about human trafficking.

Funds raised during the event will sustain the GCWJ’s global, national and local research,

“We are honored by the tremendous

education and advocacy programs to combat

community support shown at this year’s

human trafficking and slavery.

Priceless Luncheon to End Human Trafficking,” said Dr. Sandra Morgan, director of Vanguard’s Global Center for Women and

Keynote speaker Ernie Allen, founding

Justice. “Each year, this event is an example

chairman, former president and CEO of

of the intersection of joy and justice. We

To learn more about The Global Center for Women and Justice at Vanguard University, visit www.vanguard.edu/gcwj.

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VU VIEW: ON CAMPUS

TH ANK YOU TO OUR 20 TH ANNIVERSARY FANTASIA SPONSORS

PRESENTING SPONSOR:

FARMERS & MERCHANTS BANK

VU WELCOMES Centennial Class THIS PAST FALL, VANGUARD

said Dr. Tim Young, vice president for

WELCOMED ITS FRESHMAN

student affairs. “Those who have left their

CENTENNIAL CLASS—the class that

indelible mark of pursuing knowledge,

will graduate in 2020, when Vanguard

cultivating character, deepening faith,

will mark its 100th year.

and leading and serving through Christ.”

“These students are reaping the benefits

A lot has changed since the very first

of those who have come before them,”

graduating class in 1922…

20th Anniversary fantasia Sponsor: MEGUIAR’S SYMPHONY SPONSORS: ANONYMOUS AT&T FORUM FOR CHRISTIAN BUSINESS LEADERS HASKELL & WHITE LLP

Southern California Bible School (SCBS)

Daniel Kerr served as the first president

32 students in attendance

NOW

MESA WATER DISTRICT TRILOGY FINANCIAL

OVERTURE SPONSORS: 454 CREATIVE

THEN

MASON-LITE AND THE HARRIS-TAYLOR FAMILY FOUNDATION

COSTA MESA SANITARY DISTRICT

A.J. FAITH PROPERTIES

RONALD BLUE & CO.

ARAMARK

U.S. RIGGING

BANK OF AMERICA

VANTERA PARTNERS

Vanguard University

ENCORE SPONSORS: Dr. Michael J. Beals currently serves as Vanguard’s 10th president

2,115 in attendance

SCBS offered a 2-year program only, with limited curriculum as a bible school

Vanguard offers a 4-year bachelors degree, masters degrees, over 30 undergraduate degrees and emphases in 15 different departments

Students attended classes on Saturdays as they were involved in ministry on Sundays, and took Mondays off

Most students spend their Saturdays at the beach, in the dorms, exploring Orange County, and serving the community

THE BAHNSEN GROUP

MOSS ADAMS LLP

BON APPETIT MANAGEMENT CO.

MUSICK, PEELER & GARRETT LLP

CAROL CARSON

NET DEVELOPMENT CO.

HEFFERNAN INSURANCE BROKERS HILL PARTNERSHIP INC AND NEWPORT RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

PATRIOT CONSULTING VIP LIMOUSINE

INTEGRATION WORKS MAYER LITHO

OPTIMAL BENEFITS ORANGE COUNTY NAVY LEAGUE

THE WEBSTER FAMILY AND FIRST REPUBLIC BANK

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WAVES OF VALOR SURF CAMP BRINGS HEALING TO MILITARY VETERANS Students and graduates of Vanguard’s Veterans Center congregated on the sands of Huntington Beach to take part in the annual Waves of Valor Surf Camp this September. Team Red, White and Blue (RWB), a national organization started by Vets for Vets, sponsors the event, which taught over 40 veterans how to surf, stay engaged, and work through the healing process of war trauma.

“The healing powers on the water made everything right—surfing is the farthest thing from Iraq that I could think of,” said Christopher Merkle ’16, chapter captain of Team RWB Orange County.

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INNOVATIVE EDUCATION VANGUARD UNIVERSITY’S COMMITMENT TO CARING FOR THE

Harris Akinloye, Vanguard’s chief diversity officer and the leader

WHOLE STUDENT has been a part of the institution’s identity since the

of the Title V core team. “But the grant has also provided the

very beginning, changing only insofar as Vanguard has continuously

resources needed to provide more tutoring, supplemental instruction,

sought innovative ways to do it better. In 2015, Vanguard was

and academic coaching that is often required by underrepresented

awarded a 5-year, $2.56 million grant from the US Department

and first-generation student populations. The grant provides funds

of Education under the Developing Hispanic-Serving Institutions

for Vanguard to offer more collaborative learning opportunities

Program. The competitively-awarded grant is intended for colleges

through our Summer Undergrad Research Program, spearheaded

and universities serving Hispanic, low-income, and under-represented

by Dr. Tara Sirvent and our STEM Summer Bridge, spearheaded by

student populations. In practice, the Title V Grant is a win-win for the

Amanda Lebrecht.”

University all-around; it allows Vanguard to develop new programs and evolve current departments to care for every student, and invest in their success, advancing the University’s commitment to holistic, transformational education for its entire community.

Amanda Lebrecht is Vanguard’s director of student success and retention, academic resources, and family relations, and she couldn’t be more excited about all the potential for Vanguard students to benefit from the resources the grant affords. “Vanguard has always

One of the underrated advantages of Vanguard’s location near the

gone the extra mile to care for students,” she says. “Because we are a

beautiful beaches of Orange County, CA is the incredible diversity of

small, intimate campus, you are more likely to be known, recognized,

the area’s population. As Vanguard’s student demographics continue

and valued. The programs we’re developing under the Title V grant

to reflect the demographics of its location, the school finds itself

‘houses’ that special commitment to know and value students. It

uniquely situated to ensure that all of its students enjoy success in the

gives the student an official place to go, or person to talk to, in order

academically rigorous environment. “As you survey Orange County

to get that support and care.”

and California, Hispanics represent over a third of the population and are growing at a pace faster than other ethnic groups,” says David Vazquez, director of external relations. “Vanguard reflects the growing population trends in our region and the state, and is positioned as a leader in attracting, retaining and graduating students from diverse backgrounds.” According to Vazquez, Vanguard is particularly advantaged in this regard because of its standing as an Assemblies of God institution. “Vanguard was founded by a Christian movement that emphasized racial and diversity inclusion, so its positioning as a Hispanic-Serving Institution fits with our core identity as a Pentecostal institution that equips students with a high-

“VANGUARD WAS FOUNDED BY A CHRISTIAN MOVEMENT THAT EMPHASIZED RACIAL AND DIVERSITY INCLUSION, SO ITS POSITIONING AS A HISPANIC-SERVING INSTITUTION FITS WITH OUR CORE IDENTITY...”

DAVID VAZQUEZ, DIRECTOR OF EXTERNAL RELATIONS

quality education for productive service in the marketplace of the 21st century.”

This is accomplished through the comprehensive expansion and

The Title V grant brings many blessings to Vanguard, both large

consolidation of student support services forming Vanguard’s

and small, which benefit the entire university. “In terms of diversity

Integrated Pathways for Success (VIPS) and by creating an

and inclusion, the Title V grant is contributing greatly to improving

Institute for Faculty Development (IFD) to train faculty in evolving

the cultural competency throughout our institution,” says Dr. April

pedagogical advances with culturally diverse populations. The VIPS

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initiative includes a number of programs that aim to improve student success, and represents the innovative approach Vanguard is taking to maximize the funds provided by the Title V grant. They include: ACADEMIC RESOURCE CENTER

INSTITUTE FOR FACULTY DEVELOPMENT Vanguard University’s faculty has a well-earned reputation for combining mentorship and relationship with morally engaging academic instruction, and the Title V grant provides resources for them as well. “Dr. Pete Menjares joined our Title V Core team and

A greatly-expanded Academic Resource Center now houses both the

Vanguard staff as the Institute for Faculty Development director

Tutorial and Math Learning Center and the Writing Center under one

early this fall,” says April Harris Akinloye. “Dr. Menjares will play a

roof, which is centrally-located on campus, allowing more students

key role in providing training to our faculty members on culturally

than ever to access its services and its dedicated space for tutoring.

sensitive pedagogy. In addition, the institute will offer a plethora of resources—such as journals, guest speakers, and a website—and

STEM SUMMER BRIDGE PROGRAM

professional development opportunities that align with cultural

The STEM Summer Bridge program will provide an intensive,

competency development. Through the IFD, faculty members will be

five-week residential academic enrichment and leadership program

provided with funds to attend workshops and conferences related

designed to bridge the transition from high school to college. It

to research and programs that focus on providing the best student

prepares students for the academic rigor of a liberal arts education

support in the classroom.”

and fosters intellectual leadership, and spiritual growth.

SUMMER UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH PROGRAM The Summer Undergraduate Research Program provides students in STEM majors opportunities to participate in research projects across many disciplines with faculty mentors, with the goal of presenting the results of these independent projects at national and regional conferences.

SUPPLEMENTAL INSTRUCTION Supplemental instruction, where a peer-tutor is dedicated to serve a single class, has been launched and integrated into a number of courses with lower retention rates. Peer learning is often more

Dr. Pete Menjares is excited to serve Vanguard in this role, and he is enthusiastic about what it means for Vanguard. “I love that the grant made a provision not only for student success, but also for faculty development,” he says. “We can pursue a culturally responsive pedagogy, and also grow faculty members in their teaching and in scholarly areas at all levels. IFD signals a commitment to promote a culture of informed, committed, and engaged faculty.”

“WE CAN PURSUE A CULTURALLY RESPONSIVE PEDAGOGY, AND ALSO GROW FACULTY MEMBERS IN THEIR TEACHING AND IN SCHOLARLY AREAS AT ALL LEVELS.”

successful in coursework than a faculty lecture approach. This

PETE MENJARES, DIRECTOR,

strategy considerably improves retention in key gateway courses for

INSTITUTE FOR FACULTY DEVELOPMENT

students in the STEM disciplines enabling the university to assist those students who might benefit from increased small-group instruction.

The Title V Grant represents the fulfillment of a promise that many FIRST TO VU Enhanced support is provided for 1st-generation students through First to VU, an advocacy program that will provide students with support through Vanguard’s large base of 1st-generation faculty and staff, of which President Michael Beals is one.

ADVISE SOFTWARE

faculty, staff, and campus leaders have long worked hard for. One of these is Dr. Jesse Miranda, the founder and director of the Jesse Miranda Center for Hispanic Leadership at Vanguard, who joined Vanguard’s religion faculty in the early 2000’s with the purpose of recruiting and advocating for Hispanic students. “I am proud to see that Vanguard University has become one of the few and select Christian universities in the nation to be selected as a Hispanic Serving Institute under Title V of the U.S. Department of Education.”

Advise Software gives Vanguard’s support services a way to monitor the academic performance of students to watch for the first signs

As Vanguard embarks on the next 100 years in its great history,

of trouble. It then triggers a process for alerting the student, an

it continues to implement innovative ways to fulfill its mission,

advisor, and anyone else who needs to be involved while it captures

empowering students for success, engaging and challenging its

comments and other important information along the way.

eminent faculty, and pursuing higher student enrollment, retention, and graduation rates.

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INSTITUTIONAL RESULTS DEVELOPING HISPANIC-SERVING INSTITUTIONS PROGRAM GRANT

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EXPERIMENTS and EXPERIENCE B IO C H E MIST RY PROF ESSOR DR. TARA SIRVENT LEA D S VA NG U A RD’ S SUMMER UNDERGRADUAT E RESEARCH PROGRA M VANGUARD UNIVERSITY HAS A LONG TRADITION OF SCIENCE

projects is impressive. Among others they include the psychology

education, from its first science class in 1934 to developing

department’s projects on drug reconsolidation, geothermal research

and growing its biology and chemistry majors beginning in the

that investigates new energy resources in earth and space, and

1970’s. Since then, Vanguard University’s science and mathematics

drug design and theoretical modeling in the chemistry department.

departments have distinguished themselves in quality of education

Of course, the program also includes Dr. Sirvent’s own ecological

and faculty, something most evident in their alumni, among them

research into how plants synthesize chemicals (with the eventual

Dr. Tara (Theisen ’96) Sirvent, current professor of biochemistry.

aim of “tricking” them into producing more secondary metabolites,

One of the few things the departments lacked, however, was ample

i.e., chemicals that are beneficial to humans).

opportunities for students to engage in experiential learning, which in the context of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) fields refers to lab and fieldwork centered on research.

This missing piece was the one that Dr. Sirvent immediately set about to fill when she conceived of the Summer Undergraduate Research Project (SURP) in the summer of 2007 as an unpaid pilot program. Now in its 10th year, Vanguard’s SURP has established an unprecedented tradition for a small Christian liberal arts university: a dynamic research program that benefits and substantiates students and faculty alike, supported by several extramural funding sources.

Dr. Sirvent’s professional and academic interests took a sharp right turn when she was a student at Vanguard. She had made her decision to attend Vanguard because of its education program.

She was planning to be a special education teacher, and at the time, Vanguard was the only Assemblies of God institution with such a program. When she arrived on campus, she was in for a shock.

“Not many people believe this about me now, but I was quite shy when I came here,” she says. “I drove on my own from Wyoming, parked my car, and didn’t drive it again until Thanksgiving. There were too many lanes! I was in total culture shock, and I felt like

Research in STEM fields is a lot more than diving into book stacks.

the people here in Southern California didn’t get me.” What she

At Vanguard, students apply to be SURP Fellows, and when chosen

found to mitigate the shock was an academic community intent

receive a stipend along with housing on Vanguard’s campus during

on transcending these barriers and making her a part of a family.

the summer. They conduct their research through a faculty-student

And when that was combined with a specific academic passion,

collaborative relationship, and then prepare presentations in which

Dr. Sirvent discovered an entirely new calling.

they demonstrate their results to departments on campus and at regional and national conferences in their discipline. In Vanguard’s SURP, students and professors collaborate to devise experiments and projects that explore hypotheses; they gather data, analyze it, and along the way troubleshoot any issues that arise. They then align the results of this research with their initial hypotheses and with the prevailing research in the field.

The program is growing and building excitement among faculty and students—so much so that it generates much more interest than it has currently funded positions, something Dr. Sirvent is hoping to change. The list of upcoming and current research

“[Research experience] demonstrates to them time management, problem solving, and analytical skills. It requires student initiative to manage their project and their time, ask questions, and be creative. They learn to work cooperatively in their own lab and in others.” vanguard magazine SPRING 2017

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Former biology professor Dr. Larry McHargue recognized in Dr. Sirvent a kindred spirit, and gave her a safe and welcoming space to explore this calling. He was solely in charge of curating Vanguard’s greenhouse, and when he saw in Dr. Sirvent a bright young student who, like him, loved the environment and how it reflected God’s creation, Dr. McHargue gave her a set of keys and the job of helping him maintain the greenhouse. “When Dr. McHargue put his trust in me and allowed me to do something for the community, it allowed me to come in to the community. I was going through a difficult time with my family back in Wyoming,

“Right now, the rest of the world is grappling with how to keep women interested in science after high school—but we already know how to do this. We have a great model at Vanguard that can be employed at other schools.”

and felt like I had no one. But at Vanguard I had Dr. McHargue, and I had Dr. Don Lorance and his wife, who regularly hosted

student initiative to manage their project and their time, ask

dinners in their home for us students. So, Vanguard became my

questions, and be creative. They learn to work cooperatively in

family, and it became one of the mechanisms through which God

their own lab and in others, and each week, one lab presents to

restored what the locusts had eaten away.” Dr. Sirvent went on

the others, which allows students to engage in an interdisciplinary

to earn her Ph.D. in Botany from Cornell University, and then to

way. This is why we need undergraduate research. It makes our

become a professor herself. When Dr. McHargue retired, Dr. Cecil

students a more attractive candidate for graduate schools, and for

Miller reached out to her, and she immediately felt God calling

employers in the STEM industry sector.”

her back to Vanguard, where she could continue the legacy of the sciences and help the university take the next step.

This fall, Dr. Sirvent was recognized by the Advancing Women in Technology group as a 2016 outstanding Executive for Women

The Summer Undergraduate Research Program is one of the ways

in Technology for her work with STEM education. This happens

she has been able to do this, and its benefits for the student, the

to be another passion of Dr. Sirvent’s. “Right now, the rest of the

faculty, and the University are manifold. The faculty member

world is grappling with how to keep women interested in science

has resources to conduct academic research that allows him/

after high school—but we already know how to do this. We have

her professional recognition in the field, while the student is

a great model at Vanguard that can be employed at other schools:

advantaged by the essential experiential learning. “There’s a

synergistic relationships between student services, experiential

pragmatic aspect to SURP for the student,” explains Dr. Sirvent.

teaching, and collaborative learning. This is what the real purpose

“First of all, many graduate schools won’t even accept a student

of education is, to acquire knowledge in many ways and apply it to

without research experience. It demonstrates to them time

real world problems.”

management, problem solving, and analytical skills. It requires

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ALUMNI PROFILE

SERVING JUSTICE WHEN U.S. AIR FORCE CAPT. CATHERINE (RILEY ’09) SANTIAGO was a student at Vanguard University, she attended the Ensure Justice Conference under the sponsorship of then-president Dr. Carol Taylor. The memory of this is meaningful—at the time, Catherine was ASB president, and had the opportunity to learn from and work alongside strong female leaders at Vanguard.

This experience served her well in her career as an attorney in the US Air Force. Catherine began to learn how to powerfully advocate for justice at Vanguard, both verbally as a member of the speech and debate team, and in prose as an English major under the tutelage of former Vanguard professor Kelly Walter-Carney.

Now Catherine serves in the Judge Advocate General’s (JAG) Corps out of Malmstrom Air Force Base in Montana. After working for some years as a prosecuting attorney for the Air Force, Catherine’s current assignment has taken her to the other side of the aisle.

She is the Special Victims’ Counsel with

“I’m helping to support and listen to people who are often going through the worst time in their lives.”

in 2013. “Prior to the establishment of this

share her faith on the job, seeking justice for

office, there was no one to represent the

those who are in need allows her to live in

victim, and sometimes, justice does not align

faith every day. “The work is challenging and

with victim’s rights,” explains Catherine. “I

emotionally draining,” she says. “But it is also

represent people who have made reports of

edifying. I’m helping to support and listen

sexual assault so that they have a dedicated

to people who are often going through the

attorney through the whole process. I have

worst time in their lives. I stand by them and

a different chain of command, so I do not

help them be empowered through the entire

report to anyone on base; my job is to

process, protecting them and their rights. I’m

advocate for the client, period.”

in their corner. It’s important work, and I

the Air Force Legal Operations Agency at

Catherine is on the front lines of a battle the

Malmstrom, responsible for assisting victims

military is waging to investigate and care

through most criminal and civil legal matters

for the victims of sexual assault, and she is

related to a reported sexual assault. The Air

proud of how the military has responded to

Force became the first military branch to

the issue, and proud to play a role in helping

establish a Special Victims’ Counsel program

justice be served. While she cannot explicitly

don’t take it lightly!” Catherine serves at the pleasure of the Air Force, so after a two-year stint, it is possible she will be reassigned to a different base and take on a different role.

Wherever it is, she is driven by a desire to see justice served among the many men and women who serve in our nation’s military.

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FOR HIM WHO HAS EYES TO SEE WHAT IN THE WORLD HAPPENED TO BEAUTY? We Evangelicals

form of Christianity. How can we harness aesthetics to our mission if

value goodness and truth. Goodness is expressed in Christian living

we do not even know how to discuss or appreciate beauty?

via service, compassion, and biblical morality. For Christians truth variously manifests in relational fidelity, how our understandings correspond with reality, and the virtue of honesty. But beauty? Beauty doesn’t much seem to register inside our Christian worldview. For us, beauty is the Cinderella of the three traditional transcendents (modes of the infinite) of classic philosophy: goodness, truth, and beauty. We think it is safer to keep beauty back in the laundry room, out of sight and only useful when we need her help. That we secret away beauty is perplexing.

My new book, For Him Who Has Eyes to See: Beauty in the History of Theology, surveys ten theologians and one philosopher in order to begin to learn to see beauty for what she is: a gift of unobtrusive love from our magnificent creator. Famously, Dostoevsky once wrote, “beauty will save the world.” To western minds that is simply crazy talk! But if beauty, as it turns out, is ultimately God, Dostoevsky was correct: God will indeed save the world. Or, if beauty is capable of including people without coercing them, Dostoevsky was right: God means to embrace every nation, culture, and race

Truly, it is simply human to love beauty. For instance, Americans

in the work of salvation. Or, if beauty soothes the human soul at

cumulatively spend billions of dollars on movies; we like to immerse

levels indescribably deep, Dostoevsky was onto something more

ourselves in moving stories, stories that often inculcate luscious

profound than westerners might initially believe. As it turns out,

beauty. Christians, like all people, enjoy appointing their homes

that Russian novelist had been trained to perceive—had the eyes

with fitting and sumptuous décor. Music, inherently mysterious and

to see—beauty in ways that went beyond mere appearance. Beauty

beautiful, plays a significant role in our daily lives. Most of us pay

variously has a coursing depth, an elusive but peaceful resonance,

no small amount of attention to our own appearance; we want to

and a transformational presence that the entire human race intuits,

present ourselves to others in aesthetically pleasing ways. But we

embraces, and relishes.

Christ-followers, especially we Evangelicals and Charismatics, do not intentionally bring beauty into our way of being, let alone into our churches.

For Him Who Has Eyes to See engages one immensely influential Enlightenment philosopher (Immanuel Kant), two Eastern Orthodox theologians (Pseudo-Dionysius and Paul Evdokimov), three Roman

Why? Why do we who center our lives in Christ neglect beauty? After

Catholics giants (Augustine, Thomas Aquinas, and Hans Urs von

all, the aforementioned value we place on daily aesthetics belies the

Balthasar), and three Protestant pastor-theologians (Martin Luther,

common assertion that beauty will lead to idolatry. The truth is that

John Calvin, and Huldrich Zwingli) to inform readers on two

we adore beauty but do not know how to bring her into our daily

important fronts. First, I wrote to help contemporary believers

conversations or our preaching. We devote serious time to beauty

understand how some of the greatest Christian minds processed and

and aesthetics, but we do not include those in our strategic thinking

framed beauty. These formative thinkers, in their own respective

about mission. We do not know how to do those things because we

ways within their own respective historical-cultural matrixes, show

do not know either how to discuss or theologically frame beauty.

possible ways for current Christians to intellectually, philosophically,

Particularly, because we erroneously believe that love of beauty

and/or theologically envisage beauty. Indeed, we can learn from

always equals idolatry, we are wary of openly celebrating beauty in

others who themselves have prayerfully, biblically, and zealously

our lives as Christ’s disciples. Amid a cultural shift that is placing

sought to understand and appreciate beauty as a God-given gift.

greater emphasis than ever upon aesthetics and images, our neglect of

Even when we occasionally disagree with the great minds we can

beauty could have dire consequences for our mission. Pentecostalism,

better frame the discussion for learning from them what categories

the historic mooring of Vanguard University, is at its core a missional

and definitions are central.

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AMID A CULTURAL SHIFT THAT IS PLACING GREATER EMPHASIS THAN EVER UPON AESTHETICS AND IMAGES, OUR NEGLECT OF BEAUTY COULD HAVE DIRE CONSEQUENCES FOR OUR MISSION.

Father and the Son. When we experientially taste and see that the Lord is good (Ps. 34:8), when God’s Spirit floods our soul, we find that our entire life is opened up to a perception of beauty that is sweet, pure, and energizing. * God never changes. And yet, he is neither locked inside himself nor chained to only one mode of action. God eternally transcends himself (chapter 1, Gregory of Nyssa). We Christians get to enjoy some of the infinite dynamism of God’s being in this life now, and in the life to come we will eternally be stretched out into evergreater love and knowledge of our beautiful king.

Second, I surveyed these Christian intellectuals in order to facilitate a sturdy vocabulary, an established taxonomy, on the topics of aesthetics and beauty. Having studied theo-aesthetics for many years, I quickly realized that aesthetics is a sprawling topic. Artists write about the required skills for, commitment to, and motives beneath their work. Philosophers talk about why we love beauty, whether our bodies are hard-wired to love form, or whether culture merely predisposes us to think we enjoy something attractive. Poets wax eloquent about form and beauty, but often in meandering ways attuned to their own worldview. Pastors and everyday Christians don’t talk about beauty because we simply do not have a vocabulary that is rooted in a biblical worldview.

Across the book we learn just some of the following seminal points: * The Reformation (chapter 7) was a necessary correction to the

* Entirely God and simultaneously entirely the man from Nazareth, Jesus is the perfect form of beauty (chapter 11, von Balthasar). The whole creation (John 1:3) was patterned after him. We ourselves were made in his image, not he in Adam’s image. What beautiful goal does God want for every human being? Jesus the Christ. What will God do with the universe? Transform it into a temple for his Son’s glorious dwelling. * The distance between this life and the one to follow is infinitesimally small. God created a porous universe (chapter 4, Pseudo-Dionysius) that is capable of radiating beauty in unexpected places and unforeseen ways.

In this new book, written for laypersons and college students, I hope to share the profound beauty of our Christian worldview with inquisitive minds and hungry hearts.

idolatrous practice of medieval Christians. Unfortunately, as is so often the case in Church history, fueled by white-hot rhetoric and personal pride the Reformation was also a deeply wounding over-correction. Today millions—for reasons they could barely articulate—keep beauty out of their lives in Christ due to an event that happened five hundred years ago. * The Holy Spirit is the great beautifier. Jonathan Edwards (chapter 8), the great Puritan academic leader, clarifies that God’s Holy

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Dr. Ed Rybarczyk is professor of systemic theology at Vanguard University. He teaches courses in Theology, Church History, and Philosophy in the undergraduate program, and Historical Theology and Theology electives in the graduate program.

He is also an ordained minister with the Assemblies of God.

Spirit comes to introduce us into the love shared between the

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ALUMNI PROFILE

RECRUITING EXCELLENCE AS A TECHNICAL RECRUITER AT

program manager at Tesla, the company

career. Then when he graduated at the

Facebook’s corporate headquarters in

that may change the auto industry forever.

height of the recession, there weren’t a lot

Menlo Park, Greg Gusiff (’08) is one of

Together Greg and Abigail use faith and

of jobs to be had. Eventually, he was able

the few individuals who can claim to have

community to stay grounded in the cutthroat

to find work at a staffing agency willing to

a hand in something that reaches 2 billion

atmosphere of Silicon Valley.

train new employees, and that’s when he

people across the globe. This vast influence carries with it tremendous responsibility, and Facebook is constantly in search of innovative ways to refine its product. In his position, Greg recruits engineers at the management level, looking for the best and brightest throughout the world, selling them on the opportunity to work for the company that changed social media forever. Greg’s wife Abigail (’10), whom he met while they were both students at Vanguard, works as

“One of the most significant ways that my faith has shaped me as a person is to value honesty,” says Greg. “In my work, I am always honest with people and tell it like it is, and people really appreciate that.” Honesty is crucial in a high stakes environment where Greg’s job is to present information to individuals who are making life-altering decisions based on that information. And it is very rewarding for Greg when he’s able to connect his company to a good candidate and then see that person

“Sports taught me discipline, to work hard, but also to work collaboratively in a team.”

grow and thrive in his or her career.

discovered that the lessons he had learned on the basketball court paid dividends in the corporate world. “Sports taught me discipline, to work hard, but also to work collaboratively in a team,” he says. “Those lessons really benefitted me in the long run.” He also kept an open and inquisitive mind at every new opportunity that came along. “As I began recruiting engineers, I asked questions about what they did, and I always stayed curious, finding out what people do. So I fell into recruiting, but when you find something you’re good at, you get passionate about it!” Both Greg and his

While he was a business major at Vanguard,

wife Abigail have built careers in the tech

Greg never imagined that he’d be flourishing

industry in which they have proven one need

as a recruiter at one of the world’s largest

not compromise values or integrity to reach

businesses. He was focused on his basketball

great heights and inspire many people.

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STUDENT PROFILE

THE LANGUAGE OF THE SPIRIT FOR GABBY GWATNEY, STUDYING PSYCHOLOGY HAS

on how to use the gifts that have made psychology her calling. One

ALMOST ALWAYS BEEN A NATURAL FIT. She has long been

of the most compelling components of doing a class in Kenya is the

fascinated by people’s stories—how they grow up, live their lives,

chance for the students to do their field practicum in another country.

and what they can contribute to the world—and by the opportunity

Gabby was placed with an organization called Esther House, a

to care for others, walk with them, and see them grow into the

refuge for teenage mothers, many of whom had suffered from sexual,

potential God desires for them. As a psychology student at Vanguard

physical, or emotional abuse. The home is designed to give the young

University, she was able to do all this and more in her recent Marriage

women hope, and to empower them in their society.

and Family class—except that her field practicum was a long way from the Orange County classrooms of Vanguard. The class was in Kitale, Kenya at Africa Theological Seminary, and the practicum was woven into the social fabric of that community. Gabby was one of 18 students who accompanied Vanguard psychology professors Dr. Elizabeth Powell and Dr. Michael Hanna to Kenya for a five-week study abroad opportunity. The trip was in keeping with Vanguard’s Office of Global Education and Outreach and the continued emphasis on applied education in the context of overseas experiences.

Gabby initially met with frustration. None of the women or girls in Esther House spoke English, and Gabby wanted so badly to be useful to them. “I felt like I had no way to communicate,” says Gabby. “I asked God, ‘How am I supposed to help? How am I supposed to witness to these girls if I can’t speak their language?’ That’s when I truly learned that the Holy Spirit works beyond words, and the language of the Spirit is even more meaningful.” Instead of focusing on what she could or would say to the women at Esther House, Gabby allowed herself to simply do life with them. She joined them

“Our goals for the Kenya Study Abroad connect to our

for their daily activities, such as Bible studies, play and art therapy

department student learning outcomes, which includes practicing

sessions, pastoral care, and sports games. One young girl Gabby

cultural competency and citizenship with integrity, justice, and

will never forget. She came to Esther House at the age of 14 with an

responsibility,” explains Dr. Powell. “Spending time in Kenya

8-month-old infant, unwilling to look any of the staff in the eye or

learning from the locals gave us a unique opportunity to increase our

even speak. As the weeks passed, Gabby saw how the warmth and

skills in this area. Students were encouraged to learn from Kenyans

community of Esther House changed the girl. “Over the course of 3

and to understand a different cultural context. The classes at ATS

½ to 4 weeks, she had an incredible shift in spirit,” says Gabby. “By

helped students gain a different cultural perspective while still being

the end, she looked us each in the eye and thanked us one by one.”

grounded in Christian faith.”

The insights the Vanguard students gained through experiences

For Gabby, the experience was transformative, allowing her to study

like this were supported by Dr. Powell and Dr. Hanna, who helped

with Kenyan students and professors on their campus, opening up to

their students apply the lessons they were learning through their

and engaging with their worldview, and giving her more perspective

work in the communities of Kenya. “They led us with grace and encouragement, helping us express our experiences and adjust to the challenges we were facing,” says Gabby. The trip allowed Gabby

“I asked God, ‘How am I supposed to help?

How am I supposed to witness to these girls if I can’t speak their language?’ That’s when I truly learned that the Holy Spirit works beyond words...”

and her classmates to share life with the Body of Christ in all the people and places it is manifested, and in the hearts of many of them, it hasn’t ended. “Students got to see how their services directly impacted the lives of others for the better,” says Dr. Hanna. “Students were able to pray for hospitalized patients and make meaningful relationships with young children and employees. This trip reveals that VU is dedicated to empowering students to use their education to serve the community both abroad and locally.”

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FACULTY SPOTLIGHT

A LEADER OF DIVERSITY AND DEVELOPMENT IN HIS 21 YEARS OF LEADERSHIP IN CHRISTIAN HIGHER EDUCATION, DR. PETE MENJARES (’87) has been inspired and driven by a unique set of formative experiences, which helped him become a tireless advocate for the students who are like he once was: a 1st generation, ethnic minority college student. For Dr. Menjares, Vanguard University played a pivotal role in this transformation, and as the recently-appointed director of the Institute for Faculty Development, he now has the opportunity to help Vanguard innovate new and diverse ways to pursue its mission.

As a young man, Dr. Menjares initially had no such aspirations, struggling “terribly” in school. But when he found the Lord, he also found that his desire to learn began to blossom along with his faith.

He immersed himself in study of the Word of God, and set himself on a journey of higher education that began at Vanguard, where

Biola were a long way from the classrooms of southeast Los Angeles, but Dr. Menjares began to feel an unexpected shift in what God was calling him to do with his career. In preparing students to minister in the context of a new global reality, he became a missionary of sorts to Biola, addressing the issues of racism and diversity in the classroom that his teaching career had revealed to him.

he intended to prepare for ministry. Here Dr. Menjares deepened

Dr. Menjares spent 17 years at Biola in many roles, before accepting

his faith and his learning, and discovered a passion for teaching

the position of President of Fresno Pacific University. Dr. Menjares

along the way. “It’s gone with me wherever I’ve been,” he says of his

then transitioned from Fresno Pacific University to begin his own

Vanguard education. “It’s what I fall back on most. My professors

consulting firm, and he was also recently appointed as the Senior

were role models who held me to high standards and laid a

Fellow of Diversity for the Council for Christian Colleges and

foundation I’ve built upon since to integrate faith and learning. I left

Universities. Now, Dr. Menjares has taken on a new challenge,

here stronger in my Christian faith, learning to appreciate scripture,

answering the call from Vanguard President Michael Beals to head

love Jesus, grow in Christian life, and become a lifelong learner.

the newly-formed Institute for Faculty Development, which is

Those seeds are still bearing fruit.”

designed to support the professional development of faculty members

After graduating, Dr. Menjares went into public education and found a true sense of purpose. “My worldview began to shift, and I began to understand that teaching in a public school was every bit a ministry as pastoral work.” He taught in an urban school in southeast Los Angeles, earning his credential and MA from Cal State-Dominguez Hills before moving on to a doctorate at the University of Southern California. “This was the early ‘90s, in LA, when we were dealing with the upheaval from the riots, and it encouraged me to focus my doctoral work on urban education. The area began to shape my educational advocacy and I became more active in social justice. I realized that

and to foster a climate for innovation in teaching and learning in a culturally responsive manner. “Christian higher education has the opportunity to lead the church on the issue of diversity,” says Dr. Menjares. “For diversity to work it has to include everyone, and this generation of students wants to have these experiences. The Institute for Faculty Development represents an investment in academic culture. To support my colleagues in teaching, to encourage them, and to strengthen collegiality is a responsibility I take very seriously. I revered the professors here so much as a student, and now to be able to serve them is a great honor.”

without a formal education, these kids I taught had no chance.”

As Dr. Menjares completed his doctorate, he got a call from Biola University, who asked him to, among other things, address the faculty on the topic of racism in the classroom. Said classrooms at

Dr. Pete Menjares has over 21 years of leadership experience in Christian higher education, including serving as the 11th president of Fresno Pacific University (Fresno, CA). Dr. Menjares was most recently a Senior Fellow for Diversity with the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities, and also spent 17 years as a professor and administrator at Biola University in La Mirada, CA.

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STUDENT PROFILE: SENIOR SPOTLIGHT

SENIOR SPOTLIGHT C H R I S T O P H E R

S H E P P A R D

FAVORITE CLASS AT VU: Action Sports Marketing FAVORITE PROFESSORS: Brenton Fessler, Markita Roberson, Jennifer Russum, Ed Westbrook FAVORITE SPOT FOR LATE-NIGHT FOOD: Hippo Cookies from Dad’s Original on Balboa Island FAVORITE CAMPUS EVENT: Woofest FAVORITE SPOT ON CAMPUS: Tables outside Samson’s FAVORITE STUDY SPOT: Club Lib (aka the Library) FAVORITE TEXTBOOK: Searching For God Knows What by Donald Miller FAVORITE CLUB/ORGANIZATION ACTIVITY: Surf Club’s Learn2Surf Day FAVORITE HANGOUT WITH FRIENDS: Chick-fil-A or Milk & Honey FAVORITE FOOD IN THE CAF: Taco Day FAVORITE BEACH: The Wedge FAVORITE THING TO DO ON THE WEEKEND: Go on adventures in new or random places with friends FAVORITE MINISTRY OPPORTUNITY: Teaming up with MIKA CDC for their MIKA Christian Surf Club FAVORITE MISSIONS OPPORTUNITY: Missions trip to Mexico FAVORITE VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITY: Volunteering with my high school youth group at my church WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO AS YOU PREPARE FOR GRADUATION: I am looking forward to getting out into the workforce and finding my passion and calling in life. I’m also looking forward to spending my last semester with all my friends, coworkers, and professors who have invested in me over the past year and a half.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE VANGUARD? I chose Vanguard because of the community that exists here, the great academics, and the chance to be a part of a student body that is actively involved in the community around us.

WHO IS/ARE YOUR MENTOR(S)? Professor Ilene Bezjian, Rachel Lund and Kayla Holtz ANY ADVENTURES PLANNED FOR THIS SUMMER? My parents and I are going to Germany to visit our former next door neighbor.

WHAT WAS THE LAST GOOD BOOK YOU READ? Jobs, by Walter Isaacson WHAT ARE THREE FUN/INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT YOURSELF? I love to go on road trips, my favorite food is pineapple, and I have the worst flexibility of anyone.

WHAT IS SOMETHING UNEXPECTED THAT YOU HAVE FOUND OUT ABOUT VANGUARD SINCE YOU’VE BEEN HERE? The amount of friends and relationships I’ve been able to form in such a short time being at Vanguard.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR CAREER GOALS: I’d love to work for an action sports company helping with brand vision, management, and development. I also want to work with my church as a youth pastor.

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VANGUARD ATHLETICS

OVERSEAS DREAM TESLIM IDRIS’S PATH FROM THE LONDON NEIGHBORHOOD

So Teslim turned to what had never let him down before: hard

OF HACKNEY IN THE UK TO STARTING FORWARD FOR THE

work and prayer. Every day, he woke up early, went to the gym for

Vanguard University men’s basketball team is one of many miles and

weights, then to practice, then to his job in the cafeteria, then to his

many diversions. Basketball was Teslim’s ticket to America, and while

night classes, and then from there to the gym to shoot-around until

his dreams were altered by circumstances along the way, he sees

midnight. When he got back to his dorm exhausted, Teslim would

God’s hand as always having been on him, guiding him faithfully to

email basketball coaches around the country, introducing himself and

Costa Mesa, California.

sending his highlight tape in the hopes of spurring his recruitment

Teslim’s journey to basketball success in America almost ended before it began. At 17, he was all set to begin playing for a high

again. All the while, Teslim prayed that God would lead him on the path of His will.

school in Irvine that had already sent some players to the NBA. His

Finally, Teslim heard from Savannah State, a D-1 school in Georgia.

future coach couldn’t wait to get Teslim on the court, and Teslim was

He finished his AA degree in Montana and headed south. At

relishing the increased exposure to top recruiting the school would

Savannah State, Teslim found the bright lights and high stakes he

provide. Teslim arrived on campus, and it seemed the whole school

had been craving. Everything was perfect—almost. “I had a feeling

was anticipating his certain stardom as soon as the season began. But

that this wasn’t it,” he says. “It felt good, but I also felt that there

it was not to be. It turns out that, as an international student, Teslim

was something else I was supposed to be doing. So I stayed strong,

was not eligible to play at that school, and had to return to Hackney

prayed, and looked to God for answers.”

before he could ever play a minute. Teslim did not give up on his dream, however, and shifted his sights to college ball. He played a season at Hackney Community College and parlayed that into a scholarship to play at a junior college in Montana.

God brought him to Vanguard. As an international student, Teslim was required to play his final year of eligibility at the NAIA level, and in Vanguard’s commitment to faith integrated into every part of life, Teslim found what he felt had been missing. Prior to the start of the basketball season, he went to a student government-sponsored retreat

“At the end of the day, God still loves you.

That’s the perspective of this program.”

His first season in Montana, Teslim was playing well and getting recruited by Division 1 schools. He was ready to leave, eager for the opportunities that seemed to be presenting themselves to move to the next level. Teslim’s coach convinced him to stay another year, however, suggesting that Teslim’s sophomore year—when he would be a captain and a starter—would be an even greater chance to prove himself to the big schools. Teslim stayed. And for a while, things were

at the suggestion of one of his coaches. “That was life-changing,” he says. “It was the first time in a long time at a church service that I felt like I gained a deeper relationship with God.” As basketball practices began, Teslim discovered the Vanguard difference. “Coach Kelly let me know right away that it’s okay not to have the best performance. At the end of the day, God still loves you. That’s the perspective of this program. In the NCAA, it’s all business. It comes down to your production. That’s your value. Here, your value isn’t dependent on performance. Your value is with God, because we are all children of God.”

going exactly according to plan. The team was doing well, and Teslim

As Teslim prepares for his final season of college basketball, and

was hearing from recruiters. Then things went downhill. The team

his next chapter—whether it is playing overseas or coaching—does

went on a losing streak and the offers went away. After his dream

he ever wonder how life might have gone differently? “I sometimes

had been stymied at high school in Irvine, Teslim had thought he was

think about it. But then I remember, I wouldn’t be here! This is where

on track for success, so this new obstacle discouraged him deeply.

God wants me to be. Coming to Vanguard allows me to be an athlete

Teslim sank into a deep depression, not eating and missing classes,

more for God’s grace than to be on a pedestal. And I couldn’t have

and even wishing in his lowest moments that he could trade places

done it myself. It’s His grace that lets me do it.”

with a close friend back home who had ended up in prison.

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DONOR PROFILE

A LIFE AND A FRIENDSHIP DEDICATED TO MUSIC

BY HOLLY CLINARD

AS A YOUNG GIRL BORN IN THE 1920’S, growing up in a world that was ever-changing, Murella Schliebe found her solace in music. She grew up in Santa Ana, California and attended an Assemblies of God church in town. The oldest of eight children, her mother passed away when Murella was just 19 years old, and soon after that tragedy, she felt like she needed a new start.

That start came at Southern California Bible College (SCBC)—a small bible school in Pasadena that would later be known as Vanguard University in Costa Mesa. Murella Schliebe, now known by her professional name of Merle Valdez, followed her passion and studied music at SCBC in the 1940’s. In her music classes, she sat alongside a young man by the name of Ralph Carmichael.

“My music classes were always so interesting to me, and Ralph made them even more interesting,” recalls Valdez of her piano and music theory classes.

Because of her family’s financial hardship, Valdez only attended one year at SCBC, but that did not stop her from striving to become the best musician and director she could be. She immediately began teaching piano to a small group of students, and that number quickly grew until she opened her own studio out of her home in Costa Mesa, teaching children ages 3-18. At the peak of her career, Valdez was piano instructor to as many as 90 students a week—some she taught privately and some in groups.

“I wanted to direct, but after I stopped attending Bible College, I didn’t have any instruction,” said Valdez. “So, I would go anywhere Ralph would go and watch him direct. I always loved his tenacity—I learned so much from him.”

This year, Valdez made a generous donation to Vanguard University’s department of music in honor of Ralph Carmichael, the famous composer and arranger, known as the “father of Christian rock.”

At the age of 93, Valdez continues to operate a piano studio out of her home in Newport Beach, and has earned a reputation for her annual outdoor benefit concert where she gathers all eight of her grand pianos and has them moved down the hill on her half-acre property for a poolside concert. The springtime benefit concert includes pianos and the Four Seasons Youth Orchestra, and has earned the title Best Concert by the Music Teachers Association of California. A total of 48 benefit concerts have been performed under Valdez, with all of the proceeds going to special needs children.

“People ask me when I will retire. I say, after I take my last breath,” she says. Her cardiologist, Dr. Sarzan Rajput says that she will be teaching music until she is 100 years old.

During her illustrious career, Valdez has trained hundreds of piano students in the Suzuki method, directed countless Easter sunrise services, and choirs of up to 500 members. Many of these services were with the late Pastor Chuck Smith of Calvary Chapel and filled the Newport Harbor Stadium and football field. She eventually did finish her bachelor of arts in music, from California State University, Fullerton, at the age of 50, and also earned a masters’ certificate in Grossmuller Improvising.

Valdez’s love for music continues to grow out of her love for Vanguard. She attends Vanguard’s annual Christmas Fantasia concerts faithfully every year, and if her old friend Ralph Carmichael comes to Vanguard, she will go and see him. Valdez got her start at SCBC, made long-lasting connections and lifelong friendships, like the one with Carmichael.

“I love what Vanguard does, and I love music. I believe that if everyone studied music and went to church the world would be a better place.”

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CLASS NOTES

vu alumni My Story p 36 KEITH BRIGMAN’S long career in education included 35 years as a coach for the Special Olympics.

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CLASS NOTES

1960s

1980s

JEANETTE BELAND (’89) recently celebrated her 4th anniversary living in Fort Wayne,

DON WOODS ’61

Indiana. The native Californian now knows

retired as a

what a lightning bug is, yet still refuses to call

psychologist after 38

soda “pop.” Jeanette works in a non-profit

years and moved to

organization and is a spiritual director. She will

the active retirement

be ordained into the Priesthood in late 2018.

community called

1990s

Sun City Roseville. This location puts him near his children and grandchildren. Don has been

RON (PUP) AND

approved as an elder at Pleasant Grove

ANASTASIA

Community Church where his old SCC choir

(WESTER ’89)

director, Edith Johnson, is a pianist. Don plans to do Marriage Communication Workshops

NELSON ’91 met

teaching couples communication, forgiveness,

Wells for Life

and reconciliation through scripture.

is a founder and operator of Wells for

Michael Viser ’89

Life, a U.S. based nonprofit that works solely

1970s

in India providing clean water and engaging DAVE PETERS (’73) and wife Kristine gave birth to twins Natalie and Luke in January in Irvine, California. Dave

received the 2005 Distinguished Service Award

in other holistic activities in an attempt to bring transformation. Dr. Vince Gil connected Michael with Vanguard anthropology alum, Arielle Lamech ’15. In July, Arielle and her husband Jonathan met Michael in India,

at Vanguard and have been married for 23 years. They have three wonderful children: Zach, Sam, and Ruthie. Anastasia loves being a wife and a mom, as well as being a teacher for Transitional Kindergarten. Ron works for Fellowship of Christian Athletes as the Central Valley Area Director ministering to coaches and athletes. They are excited to have their oldest child Zach attend Vanguard this

where they spent several days dedicated to

fall where he will play baseball while getting to

installing water projects in two states.

experience Vanguard’s wonderful community!

and is a veteran non-profit professional, dedicated to helping at-risk children. He is the Executive Director of Hands Together – A

PHIL AND LINDA

Center for Children and Families in Santa Ana,

(STILES ’84)

California. He co-founded the Wayne Coombs

PARKER ’85 live in

Agency and represented gospel recording artists

Colorado Springs,

including Andrae Crouch and Debby Boone

Colorado. Phil runs

and BJ Thomas. Kristine is the Southern

an Internet-based

California Fund Development Director for

church bookkeeping service (FASTChurch) and

Seneca Family of Agencies.

Linda works for the Department of Homeland Security. They have four grown daughters

DAVID SEIDMAN ’77 is the Head of School at Hawthorne Christian Academy in North Jersey. He and his wife Nina, along with his two children, traded the Southern California sunshine for the beautiful seasons of the northeast. He is grateful to his mentor, Dr. John Lackey, and the education department for setting him on his journey as he

living in Colorado, California, Nevada, and Minnesota. They have three grandchildren as well. Phil and Linda both served as youth pastors, lead pastors, and church business administrators for about 25 years, until Phil started his business. They stay involved in ministry through small groups at their church, and Linda volunteers with The Navigators.

They love spending time in the beautiful Colorado outdoors, especially if it involves four-wheeling in their Jeep Wrangler.

STEVEN WATSON BUEHLER ’96 resides in the Town ‘n’ Country neighborhood outside Tampa, Florida. He works as the Operations Data Reporting Analyst for Optum Settlement Solutions, part of the Workers Compensation & Auto-No Fault division of OptumRx. KENJI WATANABE ’98 and his wife of 17+ years have two daughters and live in Agoura Hills, California. Matrix Institute on Addictions recently named Kenji Clinical Director of its Woodland Hills, California site. Watanabe graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Religion from Vanguard in 1998. He earned a Master of Science in Psychology from California Lutheran University in 2004.

celebrates his 30th year in education.

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CLASS NOTES

2000s DANIELLE (FUSON ’03) PORCHO accepted an Elementary Assistant Principal position with the Panama Buena Vista Union School District in Bakersfield, California. She has spent the past 12 years teaching at the elementary, junior high, and college levels. Danielle conducts teacher in-services and speaks at educational conferences. She a 2006 graduate of Vanguard’s Graduate Education program.

MARLANA (REGINO ’06) WENZEL and her husband, Brandon Wenzel (North Central University alumnus) have accepted the senior high youth pastor position at Brandon Valley Assembly of God Church in Brandon, South Dakota! They are pumped to be a part of this new community and appreciate prayers for a smooth transition.

DECADE OF THE 70’s REUNION “WELL, WE FINALLY FOUND OUT

music, and ministry. Many alumni were

WHO PUT THE CAR IN THE LIBRARY,”

returning to Vanguard’s campus for the

says Barbi (Bethany ’74) Rouse with a laugh

first time after many years, so the campus

as she reflects on the successful Decade of

tour—featuring the Heath Building and

the 70’s class reunion held on Vanguard

the beautifully-renovated Scott Academic

University’s campus in August.

Center—was a particular highlight. At one

“It wasn’t my crew,” contends Debra (Turnbull ’74) Atchley with a playful wink.

ROSE MARIE (PROPRI ’08) SENARY earned her master’s degree in Music: Flute Performance from

California State University Fullerton in 2010.

During her graduate studies, she helped open and run a music school in San Clemente, CA. On December 27, 2011, Rose Marie married Andrew and moved to Virginia due to his service in the United States Navy. Rose Marie and Andrew welcomed their son, Evan Andrew, into the world in May of 2014. In July of

The memory of this prank—which involved deconstructing a VW Bug and reassembling it indoors—is just one of the many moments,

point, folks gathered around the fire pit in the Towers Lobby patio area, singing songs accompanied by a guitar, which was “just like we used to do as students when we went down to the beach,” recalls Debra.

both fun and serious, that were shared

“This is my happy place,” adds Barbi, as she

and revealed during the weekend-long

reflects on the reunion and what Vanguard

event. More profoundly, the occasion gave

means to her. “I never fail to feel the power

attendees the opportunity to join together

of the Lord here. I felt it the first moment

and reflect on where God has led them in the

I walked onto campus in 1970, and the

40 or so years since initially bringing them to

feeling has never left me. And each of our

Vanguard. “It had been 42 years since many

classmates felt the same thing when they

of us had seen each other, and we didn’t skip

walked back on to campus.”

a beat,” says Barbi. “We all look different, many have had children and grandchildren and careers, but we picked up immediately

Debra agrees. “We had been praying that our 70’s reunion time together would be a time of joy, a time of laughter, a time to showcase

2015 their family was transferred to Pensacola,

right where we left off.”

FL and they are awaiting the birth of their

In planning the weekend, Debra and Barbi

we reconnected with friends, but above all

second child, a boy, due in October! Rose

made sure to build in plenty of time for

that God’s presence would be felt. The 125

Marie is a freelance musician and holds a

attendees to just visit. Dinners and picnics

alumni that came can attest to the fact that

private studio where she teaches flute, voice,

were supplemented by times of fellowship,

our prayers were answered!”

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JORDAN (MARCUM ’08) DEWITT married Christopher DeWitt on July 4, 2009 in Redondo Beach.

After living in Los Angeles for a few years, Chris and Jordan moved to Lincoln, CA to be closer to family. Jordan completed her Master

GOD IN CONTROL As an entrepreneur, Chris Cox’s (’05) most essential education was paid for with the tuition of failure. Just after graduating from Vanguard University, Chris combined his BA in music and his entrepreneurial spirit, and began a music school. Full of ambition and energy, he raised funds from investors and opened up shop in Yorba Linda. “It was a complete disaster,” he says. “I lasted five years before I sold it at a massive loss. But it was an important learning experience, and I’m glad I went through it.”

Chris had thought that he’d make enough from the sale of his company to live while he figured out what to do next, but he didn’t even get that luxury. He made much less than he anticipated, and found himself broke, responsible for his young family, and unemployed. This is when some of his old connections from Vanguard came through.

Chris got an opportunity to join one of his investors in his general contracting firm, and for a year Chris learned in and outs of the business before striking out on his own to start his own company once again. “In many ways I owe my success to Vanguard. I met my original investors through friends I made at Vanguard, and even though my first business was a failure, they were there for me again. That all came from people I met at Vanguard.”

Chris started a landscaping company called California Coast Contracting, focusing on the usual plants and trees, but also specializing in magnificent hardscapes like pools, fire-pits, and outdoor kitchens. Chris’

hard work and experience were already meeting with success when he got a call that elevated his prospects even further: he was invited to be one of the contractors on the hit HGTV series Flip or Flop. Chris’ company did three episodes for the show, and while the experience itself was stressful and intense—“In Hollywood, they want it done yesterday, for no money,” explains Chris—the homes Chris worked on sold well and the exposure was worth far more to his business than any kind of advertising he might have done. “It was really fun to do. We did these huge backyard renovations, and the response from the public has been overwhelming. The experience was a turning point and a game changer.”

And as a man of faith, Chris allows his beliefs to guide his business decisions, doing his deals with integrity and honesty. The vicissitudes of being an entrepreneur can make a business owner believe he or she must struggle for control by any means necessary, but Chris’ faith gives him a freedom from this. “The Bible talks about money a lot,” says Chris. “It’s dangerous in that it can make you feel like you have control over your life. But we are not in control. God is in control. When you read the words of Jesus, you learn that you can’t serve God and money. Money can be great, but it doesn’t solve for death. I like how money allows me to care for my family and to help people. But it is not my salvation or my happiness.”

SEE CHRIS’ WORK AT This perspective is what makes CALIFORNIACOAST Chris grateful for the lessons God CONTRACTING.COM has taught him in his success— and in his failure.

of Education in School Psychology in 2015 and Education Specialist in School Psychology in 2016 at Sacramento State. Jordan is now working as a school psychologist at Twin Rivers Unified School District.

WILL AND KRISTI (NOLF ’08) PRUETT ’09 celebrated their 7th anniversary in December. Will works on the Operations team for the Pacific Symphony; his work ranges from stage management to video technician. Kristi changed career paths and now works in IT at Vanguard as the Application Support Analyst.

They have two blonde dogs and a fluffy cat at their home in Anaheim. In their free time, Will and Kristi co-host a wrestling podcast (or two) and enjoy concerts, museums, gardens, football games, and long walks.

2010s LIZETH GUEVARA ’10 works for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Los Angeles as an enrollment and matching specialist. She volunteers at the church she grew up in, Iglesia Mision Cristiana.

She is grateful for her VU Global Initiatives Department experience because it enabled her to organize a local outreach in downtown Los Angeles. Lizeth has led several missions trips with her youth to Mexico, Colombia, and El Salvador. She recently went to Mozambique, Africa this past summer to work with Centro Arco Iris Machava.

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CLASS NOTES

JOY STRICKLER

BOBBI

’11 married Clint

VELAZQUEZ ’15

Rise in a wonderful

resides in Costa

celebration with a

Mesa, CA and is in

ton of Vanguard

the Grad Religion

alumni present!

MTS program at Vanguard. Bobbi and her husband welcomed

EMILY NORTON

A HEART FOR HAITI SHEENA (WERKING ’06) SOUZA married her high school sweetheart just one month after graduating Vanguard.

They have been married for ten years and have two children. Sheena and her family recently returned from Haiti after serving in an orphanage and medical clinic for the last six months. There they spent their time rescuing abandoned babies, treating illnesses, and training children to be virtuous leaders in the midst of a corrupt and impoverished country. Sheena and her family are now living in Orange County for a few months before returning to Haiti for another six-month term.

’11 recently tied the knot with Matthew

their daughter, Roy Lorraine Velazquez, in September 2015. Bobbi finds no greater pride than being a mother!

Stennet on October 22, 2016. The couple

BRANDON

resides in Springfield,

GIEMONT ’15

MO. Emily is currently working in retail.

currently works at Glide Laboratories as

ERIC DUECK ’11

a distribution

graduated with a BA

technician. He also

in Religion and a

volunteers at St. John Neumann Church,

proud minor in

running their Audio/Visual Media department

Rybarczykian

during Mass.

Theology. After graduation, he spent a year teaching English in South Korea. He then moved back home to the San Francisco Bay Area, where he is the Outreach Pastor at a new AG church plant, Sacred Church: Burlingame. Eric is an ordained

Future Alumni JON PRIMROSE ’06 and wife Jessica Primrose welcomed

minister with the Assemblies of God and is

the birth of their son,

applying to become a full-time missionary.

Colin Jonathan, on January 28, 2016.

LAUREN FRANCIS ’10 currently resides in Los Alamitos, California. She is enjoying her new role

KELLY DOUGLAS

They live in Aliso Viejo, CA. Jon is a Senior

’13 recently moved

Sales Executive at iSpot.tv and serves on the

to San Francisco last

Vanguard Alumni Association Board.

March. She currently works at BAR Architects, as an administrative assistant. Kelly thoroughly enjoys her new adventures in San Francisco!

In Memory VONDALEE SMITH-BUEHLER, wife of STEVEN

as Communications Director at Beachcities Church in Huntington

AMANDA HALL ’15 completed a graduate

WATSON

Beach and has the privilege of working

internship in the Human Resources department

BUEHLER ’96,

alongside fellow alum Jeff Fernandez ‘14. She

at the Nickelodeon Animation Studio in

is an avid theater-goer (#laurendoesbroadway)

Burbank, California. There she was responsible

and always makes time to go to Disneyland

for interviewing and hiring candidates. This

(#laurendoesdland) with friends.

experience led her to a full-time recruiter role

passed away suddenly on June 10, 2016, at age 43.

at a marketing firm in Orange County.

SEND US YOUR PHOTOS! We’d love to showcase pictures of your new baby, wedding or anniversary in Class Notes.

Email your photos to alumni@vanguard.edu vanguard magazine SPRING 2017

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MY STORY: KEITH BRIGMAN

Keith (left), with Jeffrey Scott, a Special Olympic athlete who has been in Keith’s program for over 20 years. Jeff recently competed at the World Games in Los Angeles winning gold in tennis singles.

I WAS A BASEBALL PLAYER FROM A SMALL TOWN IN THE

job openings came open in the Santa Ana School District. I was hired as

MIDDLE OF THE DESERT, and what drew me to Vanguard was what

an Adaptive PE teacher and worked there for 39 years!

draws so many others: the beach and the faith. I had gone to a small twoyear college and played baseball there, and ended up being recruited by Vanguard. I came to campus on a recruiting trip with a friend, and we were taken around the campus by Athletic Director Paul Peak, who made sure that we understood the Christian values of the school—and showed us the beach! We both agreed to play for Vanguard on the spot.

When I got to Vanguard, I flourished. Everyone was so helpful and supportive, and I had great fun playing baseball. That first Christmas, I met a girl named Bonnie Bethany, who would eventually become my

Being able to give them that success story and be a part of their joy was a great honor. wife. God had laid out a plan for me, and it began to come together as I finished my degree in physical education and earned my teaching credential. Wayman Carlson in the education department had guided me towards becoming a teacher, and my student teaching happened at

God gives everyone some kind of gift. His gift to me was to have the empathy, demeanor, and patience to work with special needs children.

The work was occasionally heartbreaking because of the disabilities and how they affected families and relationships, but it was also very fulfilling.

My students were incredible. They always had a smile, and had such excitement about learning everything. Being able to give them that success story and be a part of their joy was a great honor.

Early in my career, I was looking for ways to challenge those special needs students who had athletic aspirations, but couldn’t fulfill them in school. Once again, God had a plan for me. Right at this time, the Special Olympics was starting, and I happened to run into the woman who was in charge of it in Orange County. She encouraged me to get my students involved, and I did. We trained them for strength, stretching, and exercise, and the competitions were wonderful. Whole families would come out to watch their child run a 100-yard dash. And the joy and happiness it brought them was beyond belief.

College Park Elementary in Costa Mesa, where I worked with a special

I still coach for the Special Olympics today. I have a core of athletes that

needs class. That experience made me a great fit for my very first job out

I teach—some have been with me for 35 years, and my students have

of college as an official Adapted Physical Education teacher, which is PE

competed all over the world. The skills they’ve learned have been lasting.

for special needs students. These kinds of programs were just beginning

Discipline, organization, self-confidence, work and life skills all give them

in the 1970’s, and the beginning of my career coincided with it perfectly.

a better quality of life. However, they weren’t the only ones benefiting.

I was hired by the Magnolia School District, and put in charge of their

The time I started with the Special Olympics was right when Bonnie and

new program completely. I had to develop the curriculum, do all the

I started our own family. My students became brothers and sisters to our

paperwork, and build the program from the ground up. Two years later,

daughters and they learned so much from that experience. What a joy it

the school had to make reductions in staffing, and I was let go. But the

has been to follow God’s perfect plan for my life!

experience I gained from those two years positioned me perfectly when

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LEARN OF ME

said, in effect, “This is not a good use of my son’s time, and please take control of your class.” The experience impressed on me that there are good and bad ways to handle problems, and the good ways can be productive and promote dignity. At the same time I realized deep down that I needed to make sure I was doing what I could to be a positive influence in the class. My mom had my back, but I still had a responsibility to do the right thing.

MY FIRST TEACHING JOB WAS IN CHINA IN 1984 AFTER I GRADUATED FROM VANGUARD. I wanted to go far away and figure out who I was and find my own way. The experience for me confirmed that the world was bigger than what I knew in the US. There is so much to learn from other cultures and people. In learning about that, I learned about myself. It’s an expansive experience, and that’s why at Vanguard we so strongly encourage studying abroad.

ONE OF THE THINGS I’VE LEARNED AS A PROFESSOR IS THAT WE ALL TAKE TIME TO FULLY COOK. You can make judgements about students, about whether they like you or how effectively you’re teaching them, but then they become greater than you ever imagined. That’s a lesson found in scripture, too. Peter was not all that admirable at first, and made a lot of bad choices. And look what he becomes with time, patience, love and care.

LIFE LESSONS FROM VANGUARD UNIVERSITY LUMINARIES

MIKE WILSON Dr. Mike Wilson is dean of the college and professor of history at Vanguard University. He is an alumnus of Vanguard, and received his PhD from UCLA.

I MET MY WIFE FOR THE FIRST TIME DURING VU WELCOME WEEK. My wife has a certainty and serenity that is calming to me in seasons of doubt. I recall that after I finished my graduate coursework, and I had to write my dissertation, I thought maybe that I couldn’t do it. Maybe I’d teach high school instead. She didn’t blink; she just knew on a deep level what I should do, and that I would do it. And I did.

HAVING KIDS IS GREAT FOR YOUR PRAYER LIFE! Children come into the world with seeds of who they are, and all we can do is water them, love them, and nurture them. As a father, I want to be

MY PARENTS WERE BOTH EDUCATORS, AND THEY RAISED ME

authentic with my kids. I want to have integrity, and be the same person

WITH THE MAXIMUM ROOM TO GO AND BE WHO GOD

at home, at work, and at church. Just like with my parents, I never

CREATED ME TO BE. I always knew that I was loved by God and my

doubted that what they said was who they were.

parents, and my childhood was empowered, safe, and secure.

I WAS ALLOWED A LOT OF INDEPENDENCE, BUT I NEVER

THE MOST IMPORTANT SCRIPTURE FOR ME IS JOHN 15:5.

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you,

DOUBTED THAT MY PARENTS HAD MY BACK. One moment I’ll

you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” As I’ve

never forget: I was in 5th grade, and we had a substitute. Some in the

gotten older I have grown to understand how important it is to be

class misbehaved, and the teacher really lost control. So we all had to

plugged into the vine. For me it’s daily admission that I’m powerless

write an “I will not be bad” a hundred times type of assignment as

without the Lord. I need to see with His eyes and ears and act wisely

punishment. I brought it home, and my mother said, “Don’t do this

within the wisdom of God. There will be strife and discontentment, and

assignment.” She sent me back to school with a note to my teacher that

I will be frustrated—unless I plug into the vine, and yield my will to His.

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