Vanguard Magazine: Fall 2017

FALL 2017

BUILDING ON T H E F O U N D AT I O N O F FA I T H RAISING THE CURTAIN ON LYCEUM THEATER‘S NEXT ACT STUDENTS HELP SYRIAN REFUGEES REGAIN IDENTITY RECHRISTIANED FIELD HONORS PAST & PREPARES FOR THE FUTURE

vanguard magazine FALL 2017

i

Now o f f e r i n g a

BAC HELOR O F S CI E N C E IN N U RS I N G PRE-LICENSURE PROGRAM EQUIPPING STUDENTS TO BE COMPASSIONATE HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS AND NURSE LEADERS

VA N G UA R D . E D U / N U R S I N G pending BRN approval

M A G A Z I N E

FA L L 2017 | VO LU M E 19 | I S SU E 2 UNIVERSITY GOVERNANCE AND ADMINISTRATION CHAIR, BOARD OF TRUSTEES Doug Green PRESIDENT Michael J. Beals PROVOST/VICE PRESIDENT FOR ACADEMIC AFFAIRS Doretha O’Quinn VICE PRESIDENT FOR ENROLLMENT MANAGEMENT Kim Johnson VICE PRESIDENT FOR UNIVERSITY ADVANCEMENT Justin McIntee VICE PRESIDENT FOR STUDENT AFFAIRS Tim Young CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER Jeremy Moser DEAN OF MISSIONAL EFFECTIVENESS Jonathan Allbaugh

VANGUARD MAGAZINE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Linsey Carbone EDITOR Melanie Vogel ART DIRECTOR Tawny Marcus CREATIVE MANAGER Danny Kim DESIGNER John Cheresh CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Alyssa Aragon (‘15) Chris Duncan (‘19) Kedric Francis Tess Kellogg (‘19) James Reed CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Jeff Antenore Andrew Baffa (‘18) Chauncey D. Bayes Steven Georges Tom Halligan Andre Niesing Chris + Jenn Photography SCNG Staff

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.

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12 FIELD OF FAITH

The new Dean Harvey Field was funded by alumni, community members, and former teammates to help honor one of their own.

Plus, new sports added to Vanguard Athletics.

18 LYCEUM THEATER: THE ENCORE

Alumni gather to celebrate and raise funds for much-needed theater renovations, including a backstage dressing room and (finally!) restrooms.

table of contents 24 THE WAY OF JESUS

Vanguard partners with an apprentice program that helps young pastors, many of them alumni, lead a life of love and grace while pursuing their vocation in the church.

SECTIONS 04 VU VIEW: ON CAMPUS 30 FACULTY PUBLICATION 32 STUDENT PROFILE 33 CLASS/FACULTY NOTES 37 LEARN OF ME

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28 PROFESSORIAL PERSPECTIVE

Dr. Ed Clarke writes about how Vanguard sociology students traveled to Greece to work with Syrian refugees and found themselves transformed by the experience.

I really enjoy jazz, and the stand-up bass in my office can prove it. In jazz, songs are composed by taking an existing melody and embellishing it to create new phrasing, often creating tension and resolution. The song is not different, but the phrasing is unique.

Throughout the song, musicians build tension and resolution, and the song moves forward.

Tension builds again, and then is resolved once more.

Jazz is about tension and resolution. Life and society are, too. We’re in a time of tension in our country right now. But those of us who have lived awhile recognize that the shrillness and frenetic atmosphere will resolve. American life will find its center again.

Most of the good things in life don’t come from everything working out all the time.

Without something to struggle against, we don’t learn or get stronger.

When I was a pastor, I often spoke about how life in community can be messy, painful, and difficult. And, there’s often a mess associated with building or doing anything important, both actual and metaphoric. If you’re afraid of that, you’ll never get anywhere, or build anything.

In this issue of Vanguard Magazine, you’ll read about some of what we’ve been building here on THE MISSION OF VANGUARD UNIVERSITY

our Costa Mesa campus, including renovations

IS TO PURSUE KNOWLEDGE, CULTIVATE

to the newly named Dean Harvey Field and

CHARACTER, DEEPEN FAITH, AND EQUIP EACH STUDENT FOR A SPIRIT-EMPOWERED LIFE OF CHRIST-CENTERED LEADERSHIP AND SERVICE.

For no one can lay a foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.”

1 C O R IN T H IA N S 3: 1 1

Lyceum Theater. In addition to those and other recently completed projects, we’ve also been developing a master plan for the future of the university and our students.

We’re growing the university while staying rooted in our core values and relevant to the changing enrollment landscape and existential challenges to Christian higher education. I’m convinced that we don’t have to sacrifice what we know to be true in exchange for financial sustainability. Just as the best jazz musicians stay true to the melody at the heart of a song, at Vanguard we’re committed to a deep confidence in God’s grace and in the Biblical values on which we were founded.

Michael J. Beals, Ph.D. President

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ON CAMPUS AT VANGUARD

vu view

Spirit-filled Worship All year long, all across campus, Vanguard students come together in worship. In the process, they find a preternatural sense of unity. “Although Vanguard is one of the most ethnically diverse Christian universities in the nation, we are one body in Christ. Diversity is different here� explains University Pastor Jon Allbaugh.

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VU VIEW: ON CAMPUS

Challenge Coin Ceremony Associate Professor of Psychology Claudia Degelman welcomed guests, recounting the rich history and success of Vanguard University and the program. “The Veterans Center has become a safe place for students to connect, share their stories, and support each other in life and in meeting their educational goals,” Degelman shared. “I am grateful to our veteran students and to God for what it has become.”

Each coin features the U.S. flag, a flag of the graduate’s branch of service, and an engraving that encourages recipients to EACH MAY, THE VANGUARD

were recognized, with three

“act justly, walk humbly and love mercy

University Veterans Center hosts its

receiving the Chris Merkle

with commitment, honor and excellence.”

annual Challenge Coin Ceremony to

Student Veteran Leadership

The coins also feature the university logo

honor its graduating veterans. This year,

Award: Joey Penuela, Andrew

and motto.

twenty-one graduates (eighteen student

Cowie, and Jordyn Salter.

veterans and three veteran dependents)

vanguard.edu/veterans

ROUNDTABLE BREAKFAST PAIRS VU UNDERGRADS WITH OC PROFESSIONALS

LOCAL LION NIGHT WELCOMING ONE OF THE LARGEST FRESHMAN CLASSES, Vanguard Admissions hosted an inaugural dinner for prospective students last April. The event brought together over 80 students and families from Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, Los Angeles and Orange Counties, and introduced the next class of Lions to Vanguard’s warm community and vibrant spirit. Many of the friendships begun over the evening’s family-style dinner are still going strong – for parents as well as students.

VANGUARD UNIVERSITY connected over 200 students with luminaries from the local business community last academic year. These networking events allow students to meet with professionals from different industries. Held multiple times each academic year, they provide a structured, warm environment where

Last year, over 200 students connected with the local business community students can gain real-world advice about topics as diverse as creating a successful foundation at your first job and integrating faith and work.

For additional information contact david.vazquez@vanguard.edu. vanguard magazine FALL 2017

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VU VIEW: ON CAMPUS

RUN FOR MERCY 5K THE SIXTH ANNUAL RUN FOR MERCY 5K was held on September 30, raising over $6,000 to benefit a young alumni family: Sean (MA ’08) and Niccole (Prigamore MA ’12) Connally, their four beautiful daughters and their son, Noah, who has congenital heart disease.

Even after learning that Noah had Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS), a heart condition where the left ventricle of the heart is underdeveloped, the Connallys trusted God and remained hopeful. Against all odds, Noah survived.

In addition to the three heart surgeries he has already undergone, two-year-old Noah will need at least one more open-heart surgery to completely reconstruct his heart.

As Noah continues his fight, he has a great role model in alumnus Kelly Leeper (’06), one of the oldest living individuals with HLHS. Says Noah’s mother, Niccole, “when we met the Leepers two years ago, my hopes and dreams for Noah multiplied exponentially.”

Visit Facebook.com/PrayingForNoahsHeart to learn more.

American Civil Rights Activist Sylvia Mendez Visits Vanguard

BY CHRIS DUNCAN In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, civil rights activist and Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient Sylvia Mendez shared her experiences with racism and the integration of public schools in 1940s California during a symposium hosted by Vanguard’s Global Center for Women and Justice.

The heroic effort of the Mendez family during this time eventually led to the United States Court of Appeals decision that the segregation of Mexican American students into “Mexican only” schools is unconstitutional and unlawful.

legacy of Hispanic heritage, and the importance of a quality education for every student, no matter his or her race or background,” said Dr. Sandra Morgan, director of Vanguard’s Global Center for Women and Justice. “It is important that we tell her family’s story, which is unfamiliar to most Americans, but profoundly shaped our education system.”

Thanks to its Pentecostal roots, Vanguard has a strong heritage of diversity and was one of the first Hispanic Serving institutions in the county. Currently welcoming a “majority minority” student

The student response to Mendez’ visit

body, where 62% of incoming freshmen

was enthusiastic. Speaking to a full

are persons of color, Vanguard is a leader

house, Mendez said “I remember when

in the national conversation on race and

Judge [Paul J.] McCormick said that

ethnicity in higher education, a position

‘separate is not equal’ in the Supreme

it continues by fostering a healthy on-

Court in Los Angeles. It was the first time

campus dialogue as well.

that anthropologists, sociologists and psychologists were brought to court to prove that, under God, we’re all equal.”

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“Sylvia Mendez is a living

“I’m honored to be here as we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month,” said Mendez.

“My dream has finally come true.”

VU VIEW: ON CAMPUS

Wiffle Ball Tournament

ECLIPSE PARTY

THE VANGUARD UNIVERSITY

hosted the event, sharing his perspective

BASEBALL TEAM hosted its inaugural

on how important it is to “think globally,

Wiffle Ball Tournament this past

and act locally.”

September. Thirteen teams competed in the tournament, which benefited Second Harvest Food Bank. Jay Mohr, comedian, actor, author, and podcaster,

100 people attended, 2.5k was raised, 600 pounds of food was donated to Second Harvest Food Bank.

OVER 300 MEMBERS of the Vanguard community, students, faculty, staff, and friends of all ages, shared the once-in-alifetime experience with Vanguard’s physics team at the official, on-campus NASA Eclipse Viewing Party. Adjunct Professor of Physics, Phillip Reid, who offered participants a view of the eclipse through the university’s 8” Celestron telescope, noted “students were very excited and asked lots of great questions” – whether or not they were science majors.

WOMEN’S SOCCER ALUMNI EVENT VU ALUMNI BOARD MEMBER Erin (Bongiorno ’02) Donovan planned a September event for VU Women’s Soccer Alumni. Festivities began by cheering the current team to a 1-0 victory over Menlo in overtime, then continued with current players and Director of Soccer Randy Dodge at lunch. Former coaches Scott Dameron and Kerry Crooks were recognized for their legacy at Vanguard.

VANGUARD ATHLETICS HALL OF FAME IN FEBRUARY, VANGUARD UNIVERSITY INDUCTED the fifth class into the Athletic Hall of Fame highlighted by none other than NAIA Men’s Basketball Hall of Famer (and former VU athletic director) Bob Wilson. Also inducted: Mike Singletary (‘75), who won two individual NAIA National Championships, and Kelly Schmidt (’07), who

single-handily rewrote all of the women’s basketball records at Vanguard. Rounding out the class was the 1974 Track and Field team who set 22 school records that season, 13 of which still stand. To learn more about the Vanguard University Athletic Hall of Fame visit www.vanguardlions.com/Athletic_Hall_of_Fame.

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VU VIEW: ON CAMPUS

MISSIONARIES IN RESIDENCE THE MISSIONARY IN RESIDENCE (MIR) program at Vanguard University welcomes Mary Mahon (’81) as well as Virginia and Gilbert Contreras for the 201718 school year.

“There is a rich tradition of global impact from the network of Assemblies of God missionaries,” said Jonathan Allbaugh, Dean of Missional Effectiveness. “This year offered a particularly ripe opportunity to bring both the Contrerases and Mary Mahon to work together as the missionaries in residence. Out of their close ties with the SoCal Network and Vanguard, the Contreras’ and Mary Mahon bring close affinity and a wide breadth of cross-cultural experience to the students.”

Virginia and Gilbert Contreras are a husband and wife team, who are currently serving in Argentina. Mary Mahon serves in Costa Rica, where she focuses on Chicas de Promesa, a part of the Costa Rica Children’s Ministry.

MUSIC’S SUMMER REFORMATION TOUR VANGUARD’S RENOWNED SINGERS AND BAND (VSB) toured Germany and the Czech Republic for two weeks—joined by 65 members of the St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church choir. Dr. James Melton, director and professor of music, and music department coordinator, Scarlet Wu, accompanied the group as they sang their way through cathedrals and churches in Central Europe. The choirs followed the footsteps of Martin Luther as Europe was celebrating the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. They traveled to Luther’s birthplace and home, sang in the monastery where Luther accepted his call, and went to the castle where he translated the New Testament while in hiding.

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VU VIEW: ON CAMPUS

MUSIC AND THEATRE EVENT CALENDAR

CHRISTMAS

CHRISTMAS CABARET AMERICAN COAST THEATER COMPANY DECEMBER 10 – 23 A classic variety-style cabaret highlighting sacred and popular Christmas tunes.

BRIDES SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS FEB 15 – MARCH 4 A high-energy musical complete with heartfelt romance, unforgettable songs, and show-stopping dance numbers.

For theatre tickets, call the box office at 714.668.6145 or purchase online at vanguardtickets.com.

TAKE THE

Next Step A N D J O I N T H E T RA D I T I O N O F H OST I N G YO U R WE D D I N G AT VA N G UA R D

vanguard offers

JAZZ FESTIVAL

FULL CATERING SERVICE AMENITIES 20% ALUMNI DISCOUNT

FEBRUARY 24, 8 AM – 5 PM $10 General Admission, $15 General Admission & T-shirt RSVP Requested, Ticketing at the Door vanguard.edu/jazzfestival

Contact our event specialists at Eventrelations@vanguard.edu or 714.662.5293

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BUILDING SPIRIT Members of Vanguard’s inaugural Women’s STUNT team practice a ‘pike basket’ in preparation for spring competition. Seeing rapid growth across the nation, STUNT draws on a vibrant group of athletes who execute the technical and athletic elements of cheerleading. Currently, the Lions are one of only two programs in Orange County.

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FORMER VANGUARD TEAMMATES C OME TOGETHER TO HELP FUND DRAMATIC RENOVATION OF NEWLY CHRISTENED DEAN HARVEY BASEBALL FIELD

FIELD For decades, Vanguard baseball has played an instrumental role in developing college students into young men who are passionate about Jesus and prepared for successful careers.

Perhaps no one knows this better than Jeff Motske (’88), author, radio personality, Trilogy Financial CEO, and former Vanguard starting outfielder, who maintains close ties to his alma mater. When Motske, who currently sits on the executive committee for the board of trustees and serves as chair of the Vanguard University foundation board, envisioned ways to advance the student-athlete experience at Vanguard, he naturally went back to his roots: the baseball field.

Motske also knew after whom the updated field should be named: his good friend and former teammate, Dean Harvey (’88), who tragically passed away in 2011 after being diagnosed with a rare brain disorder. He was only 42 years old.

Years earlier, in 1985, Harvey was instrumental in getting Vanguard to their first-ever National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics World Series.

After graduating from Vanguard with a degree in marketing and management, Harvey went on to enjoy a stellar career as a sporting goods executive, working for such industry titans at ASICS, Wilson Sporting Goods, and Nike.

Motske fondly recalls Harvey as a

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by James Reed

OF FAITH

feature

There have been so many amazing ‘God stories’ that have

tough competitor and natural leader who

getting everyone together that night,” he

radiated positive energy—the ultimate

says. “We had guys fly in from all over the

teammate.

country to hear about the project.”

come out of this project.

“He never had anything negative to

The heart behind the

say about his team or the other players,”

and treasure,” Motske says. “And many

individuals who are

recalls Motske. “He was a real champion

others came forward—people who love

of character and the embodiment of the

Vanguard, people who love baseball, and

values and traits that Vanguard instills in

people who loved Dean.”

driving this, to both honor Dean Harvey and to support our current

all of its students.”

student-athletes,

So Motske went to work, telling his

is inspiring.”

colleagues at Vanguard that he wanted to

–Athletic Director Rhett Soliday

“Some really stepped up with their time

Harvey’s widow, Kathi, fully supported the idea of having the new field named after her late husband.

help raise money to modernize the field and name it in honor of his old college baseball buddy.

Justin McIntee (’98), vice president for university advancement, loved the idea.

“Jeff’s vision for the updated field perfectly aligned with what we aim to accomplish in all large-scale campus improvement projects: that the quality of our facilities match the quality of the experience,” said McIntee.

Soon support for the campaign swelled—as did the excitement about

that goal increased to $850,000 after

honoring the memory of Harvey.

support for the renovation grew, which in

Motske spearheaded the project and put together a committee that included

turn allowed the scope of the upgrades to expand.

Steve Castle (‘88), Mark Deushane (‘90),

To date, more than $732,000 has

Donovan McReynolds (‘99), Ron Nelson

been raised for the Dean Harvey Field

(‘91), Cindy Overeem and Mike Peterson

campaign, Motske says.

(‘85). Tim Fortugno (‘91), who went on to

A key player in the renovation was its

a Major League Baseball career from 1992-

contractor, Tony Elias-Calles, owner and

1995 on teams that included the Anaheim

CEO of San Clemente-based Consolidated

Angels, also was on the committee.

Contracting Services Inc.

Scores of people stepped up in support of the project, Motske says.

“It all started coming together,” he says.

One night in January this year, Motske The 1985 NAIA World Series baseball team, with Dean Harvey at bottom center.

The project initially was launched with a fundraising campaign of $650,000, but

Elias-Calles was able to design a plan to optimize the donations.

On Nov. 11, just five months after breaking ground on renovations, the

invited former Vanguard baseball players

Dean Harvey Field was dedicated—with

(including members of the 1985 collegiate

several former Lions players, including

world series team) and their spouses,

Motske, along with the Harvey family,

for dinner at an Italian restaurant in

in attendance for the festivities and an

Huntington Beach, and the project took off

alumni game.

in earnest.

Fortugno and Peterson were critical in

“It’s night and day,” Motske says of the dramatic transformation of the field into

vanguard magazine FALL 2017 13

one of the best in the country. “It’s a first-

Soliday says, “and the heart behind the

class collegiate baseball field.”

individuals who are driving this, to both

The upgrades include new dugouts, renovated backstop, pro-style grass for the

honor Dean Harvey and to support our current student-athletes, is inspiring.”

infield and outfield, an upgraded irrigation

Says Rob Pegg, head baseball coach:

system, new netting, batting cages, lockers,

“The development of the Dean Harvey

bleachers, a scoreboard, an improved

Field is a tremendous blessing for the

spectator experience, and an easy-to-access

program. It connects the tradition of the

branded entrance.

past to the preferred future, and gives the

Rhett Soliday, director of athletics, says the Dean Harvey Field renovation project is one of the most exciting things he’s

program a high-level facility that is one of the best in the nation.”

And what do members of the current

been a part of in his almost 20 years of

Vanguard baseball team think of their

competing and working in college athletics.

new field?

“There have been so many amazing ‘God

“They’re stoked,” Motske says.

stories’ that have come out of this project,”

BUILDING ON A HERITAGE OF ATHLETIC EXCELLENCE The Vanguard Lions will begin competing in beach volleyball and STUNT this spring for the first time.

These new women’s teams will be joined by men’s and women’s golf in the 2018-2019 academic year, becoming the 14th and 15th athletic teams to compete for the university.

“The addition of these teams is the next step in fulfilling the mission of the athletic department and the university,” says Director of Athletics Rhett Soliday. “I am extremely grateful for our university leadership, which has provided the vision and commitment to expanding Vanguard’s athletics.”

The beach volleyball team will take the sand in spring against a variety of schools, including NCAA Division I teams from the Pac12, Cal State schools, and SoCal rivals Concordia and Loyola Marymount.

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“Beach volleyball has been such a great addition to our campus,” Soliday says. “It is a sport that all can truly appreciate, being a beach community, and we couldn’t be more excited about the leader of the program, Coach Kris Dorn, and the direction he has the team going in such a short amount of time.”

Dorn has coached collegiate volleyball for 21 years for NCAA Division I, II and NAIA programs, including leading the men’s team at Clarke University in Iowa to its first NAIA National Championship appearance.

Dorn also was formerly the head coach of the Newport Beach Sea

Hawks professional team and an assistant men’s and women’s volleyball coach at his alma mater, California Baptist University in Riverside, where he produced five national championships in three years of coaching.

“Being a part of building this program’s foundation is exhilarating,” Dorn says. “It is very clear that this is God’s invention and that we are being moved to join Him. I am honored to be an adoptive child of God, and this is a welcome privilege to be a part of this new family.”

While beach volleyball is a wellknown sport in Vanguard’s Orange

County locale, STUNT is a new and fast-growing sport that focuses on the athleticism of cheer. Two squads compete against each other performing routines at the same time. Judges award points to the team with best synchronization and performance difficulty.

“I look forward to creating an environment where dedication, confidence, character, and a personal Christian walk is developed in each team member,” says STUNT Coach Leslie Allen, who coached locally for 17 years before leading Ouachita Baptist University to their first STUNT competition. Previously, she was head coach at Orange Lutheran High School, where her varsity cheer teams won three National Championships.

“Leslie sees coaching as a ministry,” says Soliday. “She loves investing in the lives of studentathletes. We look forward to having her build a Christ-centered program where we can produce great leaders for the future.”

feature

DO N O R PR O F IL E S

VANGUARD PARENTS: BUILDING WITH HEART T W O P R O U D VA N G U A RD PARENT S , O N E A R E A L E STAT E D EV ELO PER T HE O T H E R A C O N T R A C T O R, CO M B INE T H E I R PA SSI O N F OR VANGU ARD W I T H T H E I R SK I L L I N RENO VAT IO NS , MUCH TO THE DELIGHT OF VA N G U A R D T H E AT E R AF ICIO NADO S A N D B A SE B A L L FA N S. By James Reed

DEAN HARVEY FIELD BUY A BRICK CAMPAIGN:

Support the newly renovated Dean Harvey Field with a $500 donation prior to Wednesday, January 31, 2018 and get your family or loved one’s name engraved on a brick at the entrance of the field. To give, please visit: vanguard.edu/baseballcampaign.

ATHLETICS BY THE NUMBERS: 2 National Championships (Women’s Basketball 2008 & Men’s Basketball 2014) 41 GSAC titles 244 NAIA All-Americans 536 All-GSAC Athletes 434 Scholar Athletes 84 NAIA Scholar Teams 16 NAIA Teams of Character 2 Leroy Walker Award-winners for character

Vanguard Professor of History Dr. John R. M. Wilson’s latest book, Jackie Robinson and the American Dilemma, has recently been translated for Chinese readers.

3 NAIA Hall of Famers (Bob Wilson, Russ Davis, Mattias Johansson)

“A LIFE IS NOT IMPORTANT EXCEPT IN THE IMPACT IT HAS ON OTHER LIVES.”

15 teams as of 2018-2019

—JACKIE ROBINSON

Kevin Coleman is a real estate developer, Tony Elias-Calles a contractor.

They build things for a living --- and also are men of faith with children who went to, or are currently attending, Vanguard.

So perhaps it is no surprise that Coleman and Elias-Calles have emerged as volunteer leaders for longoverdue renovations of the Lyceum Theater and the Dean Harvey Field.

But don’t expect the two to take any personal credit for the projects.

“This was a vision blessed by God that was achieved by the generosity of many,” says Elias-Calles, owner and CEO of San-Clemente-based Consolidated Contracting Services Inc. “I take no credit,” says Coleman, founder and CEO of Costa Mesabased Net Development Company.

Elias-Calles came up with the plan to optimize donations—including revamped fields, new dugouts, batting cages and locker rooms—for an amount far below initial estimates. Out of the total $850,000 price tag, he helped garner more than $220,000 of in-kind services and supplies. The CONTINUED

vanguard magazine FALL 2017 15

D O N O R PROF ILE S

remaining amount was raised thanks to the generosity of committed donors, Elias-Calles included.

A ribbon cutting for the Lions’ new home field was held on Nov. 11, adding to the excitement building toward the team’s midJanuary season opener.

Coleman, meanwhile, contributed monetarily to the $650,000 campaign to modernize and expand the Lyceum Theater, and his company donated labor to design and develop it.

The revamped Lyceum Theater, which will include public restrooms and a new 2,000-square-foot space behind the stage of the existing theater, is scheduled to be completed Dec. 1.

The new theater space will be used as a backstage dressing room and greenroom, and also function as a multipurpose space for classes, including costume design, makeup design and other courses offered by the Vanguard Department of Theatre Arts.

SCHOOL TIES Coleman and Elias-Calles both have children who graduated from Vanguard.

Coleman’s daughter, Kelsey Coleman (‘15), graduated from Vanguard’s theatre program.

Elias-Calles’ oldest child, Alyson, graduated from Vanguard in 2007 and

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Kevin Coleman, below left, and Tony Elias-Calles, below right, proud parents of Vanguard students and key contributors to the Lyceum Theater and Dean Harvey Field renovations.

now is an elementary school teacher.

His oldest son, Matthew, graduated in December 2016 and works with him as a construction engineer at Consolidated Contracting Services Inc. and Shane Elias-Calles (‘17), who graduated with a business degree and is now in his first year of Vanguard’s graduate program in organizational psychology, plays for the Lions baseball team.

But the two donors say their motivation to support Vanguard goes beyond blood ties.

“Vanguard does an amazing job of creating an environment where students can thrive,” says Tony Elias-Calles, who founded his construction company in 1989— nine years after Coleman started Net Development Co. Coleman’s pastor went to Vanguard, as did several of his friends—long before his daughter. With the help of Sue Berkompas, chairperson of Vanguard’s theatre program, Kelsey Coleman landed a job immediately after graduating as a casting agency in Hollywood, where she specialized in actors of Native American descent.

“Vanguard turns out students who are so well-grounded that you look at them and just think to yourself, ‘How did you get so smart?’” says Coleman.

“That’s what Vanguard does: They don’t just educate, but they invest in their students’ lives.”

Both the Lyceum Theater and baseball field renovation projects resulted from a “divide and conquer” campaign launched a few years ago by members of Vanguard’s Foundation Board to identify strategic priorities for the university. Coleman is a member of the Foundation Board.

He had long been a huge fan of Lyceum Theater productions, and came up the plan to make the theater more comfortable and functional for guests and students.

Elias-Calles was in charge of transforming a baseball field that had fallen into disrepair into a facility that now is more than worthy of hosting conference and regional tournaments.

People and companies stepped up to the plate as donors for the new baseball field, including Sports Field Services, which donated some $60,000 worth of dirt from L.A. sports field renovation projects, including the L.A. Coliseum. Another company donated a new $18,000 roof for the dugout.

“This was a huge undertaking,” EliasCalles says, “and people stepped out in faith to support it.” “I praise God for the results and the VU staff for the support in making this happen.”

Faith is at the foundation of all Vanguard endeavors, notes Coleman.

“This is an institution that serves the Lord in an over-the-top way,” he says.

Senior, Business Administration with an emphasis in nonprofit management. Minors in religion, sociology, and women’s studies.

HOMETOWN: NORCO, CA

Vanguard has stretched me spiritually, academically, and has given me life-long friends. Without a scholarship, I would not have been able to attend.

SCHOLARSHIPS TRANSFORM LIVES

THE ALUMNI & FRIENDS SCHOLARSHIP WILL HELP VANGUARD RECRUIT AND RETAIN OUTSTANDING STUDENTS WHO HAVE THE GREATEST FINANCIAL NEED. THE SCHOLARSHIP HELPS STUDENTS REALIZE THEIR DREAM OF A CHRISTIAN EDUCATION DESPITE LIMITED FINANCIAL RESOURCES. GIFTS TO VANGUARD UNIVERSITY ARE DEDUCTIBLE FOR TAX PURPOSES AS ALLOWED BY LAW. PLEASE CONTACT US AT 714.966.5438 FOR MORE INFORMATION.

TO GIVE ONLINE, PLEASE VISIT VANGUARD.EDU/ALUMNIANDFRIENDS

Kristina Kuzmic, a Vanguard University graduate, talks to guests during a Lyceum Theater renovation fundraiser.

18 vanguard magazine FALL 2017

feature

VANGUARD’S LYCEUM THEATER:

THE ENCORE TWO NOTABLE ALUMNI HELP KICK OFF $650,000 CAMPAIGN FOR LONGOVERDUE RENOVATIONS, INCLUDING BACKSTAGE DRESSING ROOM, MULTI-PURPOSE SPACE AND RESTROOMS

by James Reed At the red-carpet dinner in Vanguard University’s Needham Chapel Courtyard, where classic lounge tunes drifted out of speakers and guests dined among white tablecloths jazzed up with faux diamonds and floral centerpieces, a recurring theme among the speakers not only was gratitude and excitement, but something more basic: Bathrooms.

Alumna Kristina Kuzmic (’01), now a social media personality known for her humorous take on motherhood, remembers dashing to a bathroom in another campus building while wearing a billowy dress between acts of “Little Women”—a routine other actors and guests of the Lyceum have been enduring since the former lecture hall was converted into a theater 18 years ago.

Those bathroom dashes will be ending soon— much to the relief of Vanguard staff and students, as well as the legions of patrons of the Lyceum, a 185seat, three-quarter thrust stage theater that is one of Orange County’s best kept secretes in the performing arts community.

“This will benefit not only the school, but all of Southern California,” actress Emily Rose (’03) said during comments at the donor dinner, which was followed by a performance of the comic musical “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” on the Ed

vanguard magazine FALL 2017

19

and Dixie Arnold Stage.

The Lyceum Theater attracts more than 10,000 local patrons through five mainstage performances each season.

The theater renovations include much more than guest and students restrooms.

The upgrades, scheduled to be

Until recently, theatre arts students

completed by year end, will include a

were using a trailer as a dressing room.

new 2,000-square-foot space connected

The trailer since has been torn down.

to the existing theater that will serve

With about 50 students both

as a backstage area, complete with

majoring and minoring in the program,

dressing room and greenroom.

the Department of Theatre Arts is

The new space also will function as a multi-purpose space for classes,

small, but mighty.

“We’re a boutique program, but what

including costume design, makeup

comes out of this university is pretty

design and other theater courses

amazing,” said Sue Berkompas, who

offered by the Department of

is in her 19th year as chairperson of

Theatre Arts.

Vanguard’s theatre department, where

The second phase of the renovation

Left: Guests arrive for Vanguard’s Lyceum Theater renovation fundraiser; Center: Emily Rose, actress and Vanguard theatrical arts graduate, talks to guests during the fundraiser; Inset: Kristina Kuzmic, left, Sue Berkompas and Emily Rose.

industry management agencies in the country.”

Added Berkompas: “This is an amazing major, and worthy of gift-giving.”

Kevin Coleman, founder and CEO of

students study performance, directing,

will feature a second-stage, black box

design, technical theater, production,

“I can name 15

theater that currently is being used as a

theater management, script writing,

of our alumni who

Net Development Co.,

space for maintenance.

theater history, and dramatic literature.

are now working in

is spearheading the

professional film, theater

theater renovation

alumni have gotten into

and television. We are

project. His daughter,

very elite MFA acting

a teeny-tiny campus,

Kelsey, graduated from

and design programs,”

but we are doing

Vanguard’s theater

Berkompas shared with

some amazing things,”

program in 2014.

the select group of

continued Berkompas.

“We have been

“One alumnus just

blessed to be able to

“More than 28

alumni, arts supporters

20 vanguard magazine FALL 2017

Costa Mesa-based

and community

finished an original

raise the funds to get

members gathered at

musical on Broadway.

this project started,”

the Sept. 21 donor

We have another one

said Coleman, whose

event. Close to 100

who is a manager with

real estate development

alumni and donors were

Innovative Artists, one

firm is donating a

in attendance.

of top entertainment

significant amount of

feature

EMILY ROSE Actress Emily Rose, 36, most recently appeared in the TV show “Criminal Minds” and this year was cast as a series regular on a small-town ABC drama pilot starring Reba McEntire and created by “Desperate Housewives” creator Marc Cherry.

Rose is most notably known as the lead on the SyFy cable channel’s supernatural hit “Haven.”

She received a BA degree in theatre arts from Vanguard in 2003. She went on to receive an MFA in acting from UCLA and studied Shakespeare at the British American Drama Academy in London.

After earning her master’s degree from UCLA, Rose was hired to play Elena Fisher in Sony’s hit PlayStation series “Uncharted,” for which she received multiple BAFTA Games Award nominations for best performance.

Rose’s other TV credits include USA’s “Graceland,” NBC’s “ER,” ABC’s drama series “Brothers & Sisters,” CBS’s “Jericho” and David Milch’s HBO series “John From Cincinnati.”

Rose is passionate about teaching and mentorship and currently teaches at UCLA in the university’s professional program, “Acting for Film & Television.”

Rose lives in Los Angeles with her husband and two sons. services to the renovation.

KRISTINA KUZMIC

“The (theater) students have flourished through

Social media sensation Kristina Kuzmic—she of the mom-centric Facebook

tough times,” Coleman told attendees. “I look at the

posts, YouTube videos and more—most recently partnered with LittleThings.

folks who’ve been here, working in those conditions,

com, the largest women’s lifestyle website that has nicknamed her the “Truth

with a smile on their face and a belief in their heart

Bomb Mom.”

that they’re making a difference. They were, and they still are.

“We’re here tonight to continue that dream, to

She now has more than 500 million views across media outlets and websites worldwide.

Kuzmic, 38, received her BA degree in theatre arts from Vanguard in

take this a step further, to give them the space

2001. She and Rose were close friends during the their time together at

they deserve.”

Vanguard.

In 2001, Kuzmic was chosen from 20,000 applicants and crowned the winner of Mark Burnett’s TV competition, “Oprah’s Search for the Next TV Star.” The competition involved numerous challenges, including writing and

Kuzmic and Rose told attendees their time at

producing TV segments and interviewing celebrities like Susie Orman, Gayle

Vanguard was critical to their successful careers.

King, Arsenio Hall, and Oprah Winfrey herself.

“I absolutely loved my experience here,” said Kuzmic,

Kuzmic’s first reality show, “The Ambush Cook,” aired on the Oprah

who recently booked a web series and soon will appear

Winfrey Network. After being approached by various sites to create original

as a guest on the “The Ellen DeGeneres Show.”

content, she settled in 2016 on LittleThings.com.

“I have been through so much in my life

Her blog posts, which incorporate her funny insights on family-related

professionally…and the one thing that remains in

topics, have been published on various website, including Oprah.com and

common is the knowledge and the training I received

The Huffington Post.

here,” said Kuzmic.

Kuzmic lives in Southern California with her husband and three children.

Kuzmic’s career has spanned hosting a cooking show on the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN) to

vanguard magazine FALL 2017

21

THREE BURNING QUESTIONS ANSWERED

creating humorous parenting content for

We are just an hour away from the

LittleThings.com. She came to the U.S. as

epicenter of where creativity and media

a 14-year-old from her native Croatia.

and storytelling lead the world.

She spoke little English and said she had a lot of insecurities.

EMILY ROSE Q. What are your best memories of Vanguard?

A. Tech weeks and opening nights, the way the department would pull together to put together a show – impressive! Also, Saturday morning set-building class. Donuts and painting—what could be more fun than that?

Q. Why should aspiring actors and other artists choose Vanguard over other options?

A. The small, tight-knit environment gives actors the one-on-one attention that is necessary to work on the specifics of great acting or a great production.

Q. What upcoming projects are you working on?

A. “Criminal Minds” recently came out and I currently am working on a handful of auditions that recently came in.

KRISTINA KUZMIC Q. What are your best memories of Vanguard?

A. There are so many great memories. One that stands out particularly is my friends and I grabbing a bunch of blankets and snacks and driving to the beach for study sessions— not how one would normally picture cramming for exams.

Q. Why should aspiring actors and other artists choose Vanguard over other options?

A. The personal attention. Each performer at Vanguard gets so much one-on-one attention and training that they might not get at a larger university. And the professors at Vanguard really care about each individual.

Q. What upcoming projects are you working on?

A. I’m working on my book, a collection of personal stories about what I’ve learned so far from life and parenting, and a new nonscripted show for parents.

“The training here helped me gain

so they can walk into audition rooms

confidence,” Kuzmic said. “Training-

with confidence and boldness, knowing

wise, it has been incredible...I received

they’re in a great spot and that they are

so much more than an education here.

worthy of being in those rooms.”

It’s a very special place for me.”

Rose noted that she had to rely on

Said Kuzmic of the renovations:

financial aid to attend Vanguard, and

“When it comes to theater, having

she implored people to donate to the

adequate rehearsal space really matters.

Lyceum Theater Campaign.

It’s very important to have a better

“I wouldn’t be on the career

facility for performers. It’s also an

trajectory that I am without people

important improvement for parents

having given (to me),” Rose said.

who are considering enrolling their

President Beals, personally thanked

children here. Now, the facilities will

Kuzmic and Rose for attending the event.

match the quality of the program and

“One of my goals here is to create a

the university.”

Rose, who has appeared in numerous TV shows, told the crowd she is very thankful for her time at Vanguard.

“When I think about all of the ways

very positive alumni connection,” Beals told the women.

“I love doing these (events), because it makes me feel so connected to Vanguard,” replied Rose, whose first

my life as an artist has been enriched,

role at Vanguard was as Mustard Seed

one of the key people I think about is

in “A Midsummer’s Night Dream.”

Sue Berkompas,” Rose told attendees.

Said the actress: “What I loved about

“She has built this program in such

it at the time was the all-day, all-night

an amazing way, and one of the

access to the theater. When we were

hallmarks of the program I cherished

putting on shows, we cared about it

and valued was the one-on-one time

so much that we were there all the

and the close-knit experience you got

time. We were trusted by (teachers

with your professors.

and staff). You don’t find that kind of

“They understood your faith, and they were able to interweave that with your creativity. That was the deciding

freedom at other universities. It was like performing arts camp.”

For more information about

factor for why I decided to study here

contributing to the Lyceum Theater

at Vanguard.

Campaign, whose different levels of

“What the department was able to

support range from the Ensemble

accomplish on what little it had was

Level ($1,000) to Producer’s Circle

such a huge part of why, as an artist, I

($100,000), but which will accept

knew I was capable to do anything with

donations of any amount, visit

little. However, I often think about how

Vanguard.edu/theatercampaign.

much more we could do with more.

22 vanguard magazine FALL 2017

“It’s so vital for actors in this program to feel they have the training

$22.5

MILLION GIVEN TO VANGUARD UNIVERSITY THROUGH GRANTS AND GIFTS. WE ARE GRATEFUL FOR GOD’S FAVOR AND THE GENEROSITY OF OUR ALUMNI AND FRIENDS.

$7 MILLION

52 %

84%

DONOR SUPPORT FOR THE SCOTT ACADEMIC CENTER

GROWTH OF THE ENDOWMENT FUND

OF FACULTY AND STAFF MADE A FINANCIAL GIFT LAST YEAR

5

Y E A R S

O F

IMPACT ON GOD’S KINGDOM

PRO G RESS vanguard magazine FALL 2017

23

THE WAY OF JESUS APPRENTICE TRACK BUILDS ON VANGUARD’S FOUNDATION OF FAITH FOR THE FUTURE OF THE CHURCH

by James Reed

VANGUARD PARTNERSHIP HELPS YOUNG PASTORS LEAD A LIFE OF LOVE AND GRACE

A few years ago, Vanguard Associate Pastor and alumnus Bryan Rouanzoin (‘07) found himself asking a curious question: If someone were to follow me around for a few weeks, would they find any behavior worth modeling? Would they respect or admire the way he treated others? The way he dealt with frustrations or anger? What about how he treated his wife and kids? Or the way he dealt with conflict?

Basically, he says, he was contemplating Matthew 11:29-30 and began to wonder, “What does it mean to take His yoke, His way of living, upon ourselves and learn from His gentle and humble heart?” While reading Matthew 11:28 (“Come to me all you who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.”), Rouanzoin thought, “Even in my 20s, I feel a little weary and heavy-laden.” He realized that this feeling was not unique to him, but a far-tooprevalent state of burnout that

24 vanguard magazine FALL 2017

Top: Members of “The Way” pray and worship during a service at Newport Mesa Church on Thursday evening, November 2, 2017.

Below: Trevor Hoehne leads worship at “The Way” gathering.

feature

Vanguard has always been a place to train and learn to equip the church through its ministers and The Apprentice Track is structured as seven areas

missionaries with the next

of focus, with accompanying reading and shared

generation of leaders.”

practice. Meeting once a month, here are the monthly topics: SILENCE AND SOLITUDE There is a reason Silence and Solitude comes first: “In a world that demands our attention, to the point of distraction, it is here that we

many pastors feel. Worse, it gets in the

life of Jesus, we

begin to listen past the distracting, frenetic noise of our

way of the impactful roles they play in

have to adopt

lives to hear the whisper of the life with God,” says

their churches and communities.

the lifestyle of

Rouanzoin.

PRAYER This session explores various forms of prayer

Rouanzoin was determined to

Jesus. In the

“The Way” co-founder Bryan Rouanzoin reads from the Bible and introduces religious teacher and keynote speaker John Mark Comer during the service.

do something to help stave off this

program, we are

– Fixed-hour prayer, Breath Prayer, Centering Prayer,

burnout, while also helping young,

learning to lean

Intercessory Prayer, Journaling, etc. – to open participants

enthusiastic pastors from various

to new ways of being present with God.

into that lifestyle

churches around the county find a

of love and grace,” he says. In that

deeper meaning in the teachings of

way, pastors and church leaders not

participants learn to let the text, the narrative and spirit

Jesus, and connect with one another.

only avoid burnout, but also connect

of Scripture soak into their bones.

This church-building and missionary

with God and their communities

BIBLE READING Through careful and patient reading,

work has been a cornerstone of

much deeper. They can have fuller,

we are not to “live by bread alone.” In this process,

Vanguard from its beginnings, and

richer, more meaningful lives, and

we also loosen the hold of our attachments and

Rouanzoin, along with local pastor

therefore serve their congregations and

open ourselves more fully to a dependency on and a

Todd Proctor, were determined to

communities better.

FASTING Through fasting, we train ourselves that

relationship with God. SABBATH Before we can be useful, we must first learn to enjoy. There will always be another email, another project, another account, another sermon, and another needy soul. Sabbath gives us the ability to be present in everything that we do without being innately identified by it.

SIMPLE LIVING Simple living is a holistic reordering and decluttering of our daily, commonplace existence.

Here participants discover the essential parts of their lives and trim away the unhelpful and unnecessary patterns, possessions or pursuits.

COMMUNITY Discipleship is not an individual or isolated journey, but a shared one, so participants explore the struggle and joys of living in community and how to develop the capacities to cultivate spiritual friendships.

explore a new take on the endeavor.

“This is a way for Vanguard

The Way of Jesus Apprentice Track

to serve as the hub, blessing the

was born.

local community.” Says Savannah

The Apprentice Track is an eight-

Cornelison, Vanguard’s Spiritual

month program that gathers once a

Formation Coordinator. “A lot of our

month to help young pastors learn to

graduates who are now in ministry are

live in Jesus, with Jesus, and empowered

getting plugged into the Apprentice

by Jesus, says Rouanzoin. In partnership

Track, but it also a great connection

with Vanguard, the program offers

for our community of churches,

recent graduates a support structure

bringing together pastors, church

while pursuing their vocaton in the

leaders and congregants.”

church. It’s the answer to his probing

The program accepts 25 young

personal question about whether others

leaders from 15 churches throughout

would find his own life inspiring.

greater Orange County. Many are

After all, that is part of the work

graduates of Vanguard. They come

of a pastor – to serve as model and

together at Vanguard one day a month

inspiration, as well as counselor and

to study a particular practice – Silence

guide. “In order to have the abundant

and Solitude, Prayer, Simple Living,

vanguard magazine FALL 2017 25

and more – and also participate in

make a positive impact and lasting

various retreats. The typical applicant

change in the church’s future. The next

is two to three years out of college

generation of leaders of the Christian

and some have a few years experience

Church won’t necessarily be the ones

in churches or nonprofits, says

with the perfect pedigree, he says.

Rouanzoin.

“They’ll be men and women who

They have a sense of calling, and a true passion and belief that their

created space in their life, that they

mission is to create a better present for

can handle the burden of ministry, see

themselves, their friends and families,

it as the gift that it is, and not burn

and their church and communities.

themselves out,” says Rouanzoin. For

Tully Wilkinson (’13), director of

that reason, a big part of the program’s

modern worship at Shepherd’s Grove

time is spent on learning to become

church in Garden Grove, is one of the

present - present to oneself, to others,

participants. “The value of sitting in a

and to God.

room with a number of young leaders, who are dedicated and passionate

Top: John Mark Comer, the leader of Bridgetown Church in downtown Portland, leads a teaching about the Sabbath at a gathering of “The Way,” a worship service for followers of Jesus Christ of many Christian denominations; Left: “The Way” members Laura and Justin Ancheta talk about their recent experience organizing a Sabbath celebration with some friends.

Slowing down may be tougher now than ever before. We live in a frenetic

about following

world where every minute, every

Jesus by way

second, is occupied by something

of Spiritual

vying for our attention – cell phones,

Discipline, is

email, 24-hour everything. Purpose is

invaluable,”

often too easily lost in the noisy frenzy.

Wilkinson says.

Retreat, reflection, and silence are

“Whether you

more difficult than ever to accomplish.

are in full-time

Anxiety is high; inner peace is scarce,

ministry, work

sometimes even for pastors.

for a nonprofit or

But Rouanzoin, Proctor and

hold a corporate

Vanguard are out to change that. It’s a

occupation, being

long-term vision with a unifying goal.

part of The Way

“Our dream? What if in a few years,

Apprentice Track

there are a few hundred church leaders

provides a unique

around the country who have had this

and beautiful

eight-month spiritual journey together?

opportunity to learn and practice how

Talk about what church unity could

we as followers of Jesus can influence

grow out of that? So it’s not about

the cultures around us.”

your church and my church, but the

“A lot of people have this myth that

church, our church,” says Rouanzoin.

Jesus was only here to give you a ticket

“It’s really just doing what Vanguard

to heaven,” Rouanzoin says. “But He’s

has always done. Vanguard has always

about heaven coming to earth. He’s

been a place to train and learn to equip

about reconciliation of families and

the church through its ministers and

lives and everything in the present.”

missionaries with the next generation

According to Rouanzoin, the leaders

of leaders.”

who realize that, and live it each and every day, are the leaders who will

26 vanguard magazine FALL 2017

have ordered their life in a way, and

PROFESSORIAL PERSPECTIVE

VANGUARD STUDENTS TRAVEL TO GREECE AND WITNESS SYRIAN REFUGEES STRUGGLE WITH THE LOSS OF IDENTITY, AND IN SO DOING SEE THE FACE OF GOD IN OTHERS THAT SOCIETY TOO EASILY OVERLOOKS

by Dr. Ed Clarke A uniquely “Vanguard” approach to

the Global Center for Women and Justice,

sociology curriculum is the volume of

traveled with 12 sociology students to Syrian

Vanguard students interact with Syrian refugee women and children in Greece.

that her students, all young women,

co-curricular opportunities offered in

refugee camps in Greece. The purpose was to

conjunction with academic coursework the

study the vulnerable population of refugees

department offers. Academicians might label

and how the context of being a refugee makes

these opportunities as contextualized

one more vulnerable to trafficking, supporting

been professionals back in Syria. They were

community-based learning. Students,

international efforts to prevent human

teachers, nurses, and engineers. It wasn’t an

meanwhile, are more apt to call them “field

trafficking. The students studied the issues for

uneducated population. They were victims

trips,” “lab work,” or “study abroad.” But, in

some weeks in the classroom before traveling

because of the geopolitical conflict in that

fact, they are important parts of the

to Athens.

region. As a result of their refugee status,

coursework that can also be called “transformative.”

At Vanguard, the sociology department

were shocked at how many of the female refugees they met had

This is an area of study in which our

they lost their identity as a professional, as a

department has developed expertise. We’ve

property owner, and as part of a culture and

even done a piece of research on the identity

a community.

has developed a uniquely hands-on,

of homeless men in Costa Mesa who lost their

practical, Christian approach to academic

space in society and then tried to regain a

process of helping the women and children

learning. After appropriate classroom

sense of their old identity.

rebuild their identity was just treating each of

preparation, we take our students into the

We used that as an educational foundation

One way the students worked to begin the

them as a real person, that they are not just a

community and offer them the opportunity

for students to learn how to do research,

number. But something else quite interesting

to see, study, and get to know individuals

how to do interviewing, and how to think

happened in the refugee camps in Greece.

that society regards as “the other.” We

theoretically about the problems of the

expand on their notion of what it means to

population. We work as sociologists, trying

communicate and connect through their

be the hands and feet of Jesus.

to identify levels of vulnerability in the

mobile devices. We’ll leave for another day

population. That data goes to the city.

the discussion of the sociological implications

This past summer, we saw anecdotal evidence that the Vanguard students working

Similarly, Dr. Morgan’s students were not

Not surprisingly, Vanguard students

of that fact. In Greece, the technology helped

in marginalized communities may help

in Greece as a service organization; it was

students create a connection that Dr. Morgan

restore a sense of identity in the individuals

an academic experience. Students recorded

and the students observed and believe aided

they interact with—in addition solidifying

their experiences. They identified changes in

the refugees in rebuilding a sense of identity.

a sense of Christian identity within the

the way that they were thinking before they

students themselves.

went there, during and after interactions

with her on the mission to Greece that

with the refugees.

prints smart phone photos. The students

Dr. Sandra Morgan, a professor with our Department of Sociology and the director of

28 vanguard magazine FALL 2017

Upon their return, Dr. Morgan told me

Dr. Morgan brought a small digital printer

took pictures of and with those they met in

feature

begin rebuilding a

in our sociology courses. For our students,

lasting sense of identity

will the experience translate to their lives

in the refugees? As an

and potential careers back: when they

academic, I’m pretty

meet refugees or homeless people—any

cautious about making

marginalized person—will they see an

a claim about change.

individual created in the image of God?

In particular, a deep

Truly transformative identity building

change, like identity.

in our students allows them to have very

Our students can

different relationships right here in our

change the world, but

own community and to marginalized

only if we help them

people everywhere. Vanguard graduates

focus their energy on

are empowered to impact lives. To look

areas of real impact.

at people. Talk to them. Treat them like

I am proud that Vanguard recognizes discovery as the deepest

they’re human.

Back in the classroom we discuss

form of learning. When we take students

how the experiences with marginalized

out of the classroom and into a community

communities validate our belief in Imago

of migrants, a community of homeless, a

Dei. The people the students meet, whether

community of refugees, those transitioning

it’s a homeless man in Costa Mesa or a

out of incarceration, and others, the students

Syrian refugee child in Greece, are created

discover things beyond the data and

in the image of God. When they engage

the camps, printed them and gave them to

anecdotal information they observe, collect,

with them and look them in the eye,

individual refugees. The kids lined up to have

record and study.

they’re looking in God’s face.

their pictures taken.

They discover things about themselves,

That’s how we endeavor to treat every

about who they are and about how they see

single person we encounter. “Truly I tell you,

exchange of “selfies” and other printed

the other. Often it’s a sobering experience

whatever you did for one of the least of these

photos created connections between the

when someone realizes that they, in fact, don’t

brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

students and those they photographed. The

see the other as they see themselves. But we

(Matthew 24:30).

exchange and act of “seeing” themselves

often see that when meeting and working

helped many refugees to begin to identify as

with those marginalized by society, students

individuals and not victims.

grow to realize “they are more like me than

The impact was profound, as the

Having someone sit down and listen to the person, to see him or her as an individual, as a real person, was impactful. Having the pictures printed right there was an

they are different from me.” That begins a learning trajectory with a very steep curve.

That’s an element of how we build identity and understanding among students

On September 16, Vanguard’s Global Center for Women and Justice (GCWJ) hosted Priceless, the 5th annual luncheon to raise awareness of and help end human trafficking. More than 300 community leaders, supporters and anti-human trafficking advocates attended the luncheon co-chaired by Helen Steinkamp and Gwyn Hoyt. The event raised $225,000 for GCWJ, which is donor supported.

To learn more, go to: vanguard.edu/GCWJ

opportunity to say, “I’m going to remember you and you’re going to remember me.”

The results are anecdotal, but do suggest areas of further academic study, as well as methodology to connect with marginalized individuals in a wide variety of circumstances.

It seemed transformational for the refugees to be seen as an individual. But we must train our students to look deeper. Did photography

Edward J. Clarke is Professor of Sociology at Vanguard University and the Chair of the Anthropology and Sociology department. He received both a Masters of Marital and Family Therapy and a Masters of Sociology in 1994 and a Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of Southern California in 1996. He came to Vanguard in 2000 after 10 years at Cal State Long Beach. He is currently a member of the Governing Council for the California Sociological Association representing members from private colleges and universities. Dr. Clarke is an active applied sociologist working on issues related to disadvantaged and marginal populations.

merely bring joy in the moment, or did it

vanguard magazine FALL 2017 29

CONSTRUCTING CIVILITY The Decline of Public Life

The following is an excerpt from Assistant Professor of Religion Dr.

articulated in terms of the essential human attributes of

Richard Park’s new book, Constructing Civility: The Human Good in

rationality, relationality, and purposiveness. This notion I call

Christian and Islamic Political Theologies, reprinted by permission of

the human good.

University of Notre Dame Press.

First, given the essential attributes of the human good, the

In his book, Dr. Park aims to bridge Christian and Islamic

task of public civility is possible. In his work on civility, the

approaches to political peace. He argues that modern secularism

legal scholar Stephen Carter insightfully observes, “Behavior

work against the promotion of public civility in religiously societies.

and conversation ... remain our only tools for distinguishing

Dr. Park develops a framework for a universally applicable public

ourselves from other animals. And distinguishing ourselves

civility in multi-faith contexts by engaging the central concepts of

from other animals—or ... displaying our humanity—is

the “image of God” (imago Dei) and “human nature” (fitra) in

what civility is all about.”ii Civility, in other words, which

Christianity and Islam. His central contention is that the construction

marks humans off from other animals, is possible given

of public civility within Christian and Islamic political theologies

the humanness of humanity. But this civility is not merely

is more promising and sustainable if reframed in terms of the

“personal.” The renowned social critic Os Guinness writes,

human good rather than the so-called common good. Dr. Park’s

“Genuine civility is more than decorous public manners,

sophisticated treatment brings together theology, philosophy,

or squeamishness about differences... . It is a style of public

religious studies, intellectual history and political theory.

discourse shaped by respect for the humanity and dignity of individuals.”iii Civility in public life involves this discursive respect for the human good and a whole-life commitment to

The political theorist Michael Edwards provides a helpful

it. Thus, public civility depends on a recovery of the human

summary of civil society since the time of classical Greece:

good and an articulation of its implications for a common

“Civil society has been a point of reference of philosophers

life in plural societies.

since antiquity in their struggle to understand: the nature of

Second, given the essential attributes of the human good, the

the good society, the rights and responsibilities of citizens,

task of public civility is necessary. Jacques Maritain suggests

... and ... how to live together peacefully by reconciling

that tolerance and the pursuit of truth are complementary

our individual autonomy with our collective aspirations,

rather than opposing forces: “There is a [true] tolerance

... marrying pluralism with conformity so that complex

only when a man is firmly and absolutely convinced of a

societies can function with both efficiency and justice.”i It

truth, ... and when he at the same time recognizes the right

would seem, however, that Edwards’s conception of civil

of those who deny this truth to exist, ... not because they are

society does not go far enough. While the aims of balancing

free from truth but because they seek truth in their own way

“individual autonomy with collectivity” (liberty with

[and] because he respects in them human nature and human

equality) and “pluralism with conformity” (multiculturality

dignity [which] make them potentially capable of attaining the

with solidarity) are important for any society, in deeply

truth he loves.”iv Given that all human persons seek truth, it

conflictual societies even striking these balances is not

is necessary that tolerance be shown in order for truth to be

sufficient to the task of constructing public civility. What is

pursued and discovered. Put differently: the rationality of the

missing is a robust articulation of the essential attributes of

human mind, the purposiveness with which humans pursue the

humanity. That is, to ground public civility, we must resource

truth, and the inherent relationality that respects the first and

a notion truly universal to every human person, regardless

recognizes the second—these three essential human attributes

of religious tradition or community—a notion that can be

require that tolerance be shown if truth is to be known.

30 vanguard magazine FALL 2017

Given the competing pursuits of truth in plural societies, it has been my aim to consider, for specifically Catholic and Muslim communities, the theological resources available to ground a framework of public civility. Raymond Plant, in his work on theology and political theory, considers the challenge for plural societies.v Given the “particular narratives” of divergent traditions, there does not appear to be any “metaphysical assurance” that a “common moral word [sic]” should be

Q&A with DR. PARK Q: What inspired your work in public life and civility?

A: An obvious reason is the tragedies we see in the news on an increasing basis: religiously inspired violence is rampant and often fatal. A less obvious reason is more personal. I knew little of one of the world’s largest faith communities—Islam—

possible; yet “equally, there is no metaphysical reason why

and possibly even less about the tradition of our Roman Catholic brothers and sisters. I had four years of research

it should not.” Accordingly, we should not “give up on the

ahead of me; so I figured I would apply myself to change that.

possibility of securing such a common word [sic].” For crucial to the task of constructing this “common world of value”—a

Q: Why is the task of public civility necessary?

framework of public civility—is not only “dialogue and

A: For several reasons: First, secular theories of multiculturalism have been tried and found wanting. Also, Catholic Social Teaching and Islamic jurisprudence have taken the approach of the common good; but the so-called “common” good is defined internally to each tradition such that the “good” is not truly common. Finally, contrary to secularization theory, which suggests that as society modernizes religion declines, religion is on the rise in a very public way. The sociologist Peter Berger notes that the world is as “furiously religious” as ever. Consequently, plural societies across the globe are in desperate need of constructing a framework of what I call public civility.

deliberation,” but also a recognition and reassertion of “the common interest of humanity which can still arise out of our loyalty and location within narrative communities.” This task is accomplished, Plant suggests, by “entering through dialogue into a wider witness to the nature of humanity.”

And the “nature of humanity,” captured in the Christian doctrine of the imago Dei and the Islamic idea of fitra, which I articulate in terms of the human good, is what grounds public civility in plural societies. If we fail to acknowledge the other and articulate in the public square this vital truth, we will not only fail to live up to our humanity. We tragically will both perpetrate and fall victim to our very own uncivil wars. i

Edwards, Civil Society, 6.

ii

Carter, Civility, 19.

iii

Guinness, Case for Civility, 151.

iv

Maritain, “Truth and Human Fellowship,” 24.

v

The quotations in this paragraph are from Plant, Politics, Theology and History, 358.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Dr. Richard S. Park obtained his D.Phil. in theology from the University of Oxford, and completed two masters degrees at Biola University, along with a Bachelor’s at the University of California, Berkeley. Dr. Park is assistant professor of religion at Vanguard University, specializing in ethics, philosophy, and political theology. Dr. Park also serves as founder and president of a nonprofit organization called The Renaissance Group which helps people discern and live out their God-given calling. He and his wife, Christine, reside in Orange County, CA.

Q: Do Christian and Muslim communities have inherent theological resources available to ground a framework of public civility?

A: In the book, I explore the notion of the human good—defined as human rationality, relationality, and purposiveness—and propose it as a universal basis of public civility. I examine documents from the Second Vatican Council, and explore the notion of the imago Dei which I commend as a conceptual counterpart to the human good. I also discuss the Islamic view of human dignity captured in the term fitra as a promising counterpart to the human good.

Q: Is public civility even possible?

A: Absolutely. Civility is a defining trait of humanity. And being made in the image of God—having the human good of rationality, relationality, and purposiveness—makes it eminently possible to construct public civility across deep religious divides. vanguard magazine FALL 2017

31

Samantha Pena

Samantha Pena’s journey to Vanguard was an unexpected one. She attributes her arrival at the university to the grace of God. “The Lord told me to just apply out of obedience, although I totally thought I wasn’t going to get in,” says Pena. “When I got my acceptance letter along with the scholarship they offered me, I was just in awe of God. God just totally turned around what I thought was going to be my future into something else, and how He provided for me was so beautiful.”

As the first in her family to attend college and coming from a single-parent household, Pena, a junior majoring in Religion, strives to set an example for her three younger siblings.

She hopes, through her dedication, she will be able to show them what they are capable of accomplishing.

“I’m the oldest, so going to college was me setting an example for my younger siblings to strive for the same thing.”

Originally, Pena enrolled as a kinesiology major with the intent to pursue premed studies, but God had other plans.

“I’ve been called to be a missionary since I was 10 years old. I’ve always had that passion very close to my heart.“ “I had a conversation with former Vanguard professor Ed Rybarczyk and I told him how I felt. He just looked at me and said, ‘why don’t you consider being a religion major?’”

Struggling with the financial uncertainty being a missionary could entail, Pena spent two weeks in prayer over the matter.

“I realized being a religion major is what I wanted to do, what God wanted me to do,

follow @Live2Free on Facebook to keep up with Samantha’s story 32 vanguard magazine FALL 2017

student profile but it just requires faith. And so I took that leap of faith and I have not regretted that decision since. I love being a religion major. I love the classes; I love the professors; I love what I get to learn. I’m passionate and excited.”

It is the influence of Professor Rybarczyk, along with Professor of Pastoral Ministries and Spiritual

Formation Dr. Bill Dogterom, who have left the greatest mark on Pena’s journey here.

“I have grown so much in my relationship with Christ and in my understanding of what ministry looks like.”

While at Vanguard, Pena has experienced a community that has allowed her to grow and flourish.

“I remember feeling like this dead weed in the desert, and now I honestly just feel like this tree in a beautiful field of grass and flowers.

I’m growing so vibrantly. I have seen the power of His redemption and resurrection of dead things coming to life.”

Pena has put these concepts of healing to use with her involvement in Live2Free, Vanguard’s anti-human trafficking club for which she is the event coordinator.

The pinnacle of this effort was the Fair Trade Fashion Show put on by Live2Free.

The event drew more than 300 students, families, and fair trade companies to educate about unfair labor in the fashion industry.

Pena plans on combining her passion for fighting human trafficking with her missionary work to create a nonprofit that will serve those abused in the sex trade in India, and hopefully in other affected countries.

“I want to spend the rest of my life dedicated to the fight against human trafficking.”

—by Tess Kellogg (‘18), editor-in-chief Vanguard Voice

CLASS NOTES

1960s (GLADYS) MARIAN ROSE (’62) changed her major two times in the four years she spent at Southern California College (SCC) - starting with music, then journalism and creative writing, before finally settling on religious education with missions in mind. As it turns out, all served her well: Gladys is currently a part-time pianist at her local church, as well as choir director. Lacking written music for the small choir, she often wrote out the parts herself. Her writing coursework aided in writing two master’s theses, and though she never authored a book, she edited her youngest sister’s first Christian novel, which will be published this summer by Westbow Press. As for “missions,” Gladys spent a year with Youth With A Mission in Haute Volta (Burkina Faso) 1962-1963; two years in Zaire with Habitat for Humanity 198486; and one year in Somalia as the Finance Officer for the International Medical Corps during the fratricide war (1992-1993) after receiving her first master’s in international administration. Paramount through it all was God, leading her one step at a time in a deeper understanding of Him.

2000s REYNO ACOBA, LMFT (’05) and his wife of 9 years, Janine Klair, welcomed their daughter, Jaymie Rose, into the world on September 29, 2016. The family currently resides in Torrance, CA. with their three-year-old son, Roman James. Reyno serves as a mental health clinician in the County of Los Angeles, Department of Mental Health’s CalWorks Program while also maintaining a private practice.

SHAWN SALEME (’06) manages the nonprofit Burners Without Borders (burnerswithout borders.org), which is a program of the Burning Man Project in San Francisco. He enjoys working in a grassroots, volunteer-driven, community leadership organization whose goal is to unlock the creativity of local communities to solve problems that bring about meaningful change. Burning Man itself is a catalyst for creative culture in the world.

2010s KENNETH FEWS (’12) completed an MBA in technology and engineering management at Dallas Baptist University. He is grateful for God’s goodness, especially for blessing him and his wife with six delightful grand kids: four boys and two girls.

VANESSA MANES (’14) married Eric Cardin and is currently working toward a master’s in marriage and family therapy at Hope University.

NICHOLAS MENDOZA (’16) worked for a year at a foster group home in Orange County.

He then moved back home to the central valley and started a case management position working in the mental health field. Nicholas is now a Deputy Probation Officer. He thanks everyone that supported him throughout his time at Vanguard.

VINCE CATALINA (’15) has been working in the entertainment industry. Although challenging, he is determined to stay on the path God has set for him. His latest project is a feature film entitled “Wild Boys.” This film follows the story of Kate; a young and down-on-her-luck woman who chooses to live with two wild boys to get her life back on track. All three lead actors are Vanguard alumni; Jordan Laemmlen (’16) and Kate Frampton (’17) being the other two. For more information, email: wildboysmovie2017@gmail.com.

vanguard magazine FALL 2017

33

CLASS NOTES

Just Married SAM (’11) AND ANJOLIE (PHILLIPS ’13) GRINDROD were married in May 2016.

Anjolie works as an event coordinator for Kiss Books, a wedding album company. Sam works for the commercial real estate company, Cushman and Wakefield, as a global senior program manager. They live in Costa Mesa with their dog Penny.

A MENTOR’S ADVICE VANESSA LOPEZ (’16) took her mentor’s advice, interning for a local elected official. The role quickly let to a paid position in the local city council elecation race, after which Lopez decided to pursue graduate work at George Washington University in Washington, D.C. Currently, Vanessa works for the National Association of Realtors.

Future Alumni MATTHEW ROSS (’09) and wife Heather welcomed their son, Noah Gregory, on March 2, 2017.

They live in Wildomar, CA. Matt is the sales manager for Structured Settlements at Liberty Mutual Insurance while Heather is blessed to spend her time raising Noah.

In Memory EVANGELINE (LEONARD ’49) EBEL passed away on June 21, 2017.

SEND US YOUR PHOTOS! We’d love to showcase pictures of your new baby, wedding, or anniversaries in Class Notes. Email your photos to alumni@vanguard.edu

34 vanguard magazine FALL 2017

DR. DANIEL C. CHAN (’67) passed away on October 14, 2014.

Daniel was proud of his time at Southern California Bible School. He furthered his education by graduating from Fuller Seminary and preached the gospel on many trips back to his native Singapore and the surrounding countries. He is survived by his wife, Karyn, and three sons.

RUBY WEST WHITE (’59) of Pueblo West, CO, passed away May 27, 2017 after battling cancer for several years. After extensive surgery in 2014, she recovered sufficiently for her and her husband, Dr. Ray White (’58), to travel to Hawaii, Mount Rushmore, New Orleans, Phoenix, and Southern California. She had a funloving personality and a profound peace when her time came to be with Christ.

She leaves her husband of 56 years, Ray, children Timothy White and Brenda Tracy, and four grandchildren.

SHIRLEY STEWART (’61) married Paul Stewart in 1961.

She lived a good life serving the Lord in various capacities in the Church. She enjoyed crafts including crocheting, painting, bead work, and wire wrapping cabs for necklaces. After showing signs of memory loss, she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2008. On September 3, 2017, she passed peacefully into the arms of Jesus.

LENORE WILSON, wife of former Academic Dean and faculty emeritus, Lewis Wilson, passed away the day after her 86th birthday. Lenore was also mother to three Vanguard alumni, including Lew (’77), Beth (’81), and Associate Provost, Dean of the College and beloved Professor of History Mike Wilson (’83).

Lenore earned her teaching credential from SCC/Vanguard in 1969, and taught in Fountain Valley schools, one year being honored as Teacher of the Year. After retiring, she supervised teacher candidates in Vanguard’s credential program. She enjoyed book club led by faculty emerita, Dr. Shirley Felt, with many others from the Vanguard community, and also taking care of her grandchildren, gardening, and painting. She died peacefully in her sleep, succumbing to Alzheimer’s disease after a happy and fruitful life.

FACULTY NOTES

New Faculty JEFFREY BIRD, BA, CPA

JENNIFER JAGERSON, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor of Business Administration, Undergraduate College

Assistant Professor of Graduate Education Multiple Subject, Graduate Education

AREAS OF SPECIALIZATION: International motivational speaker, professional life coach, associate pastor for Zoe Christian Fellowship of Whittier, CFO for the International Church of the Foursquare Gospel.

AREAS OF SPECIALIZATION: Elementary education in the California public schools, urban ministry in Los Angeles, church planting missionary in India Ph.D., BIOLA UNIVERSITY

BA, RUTGERS UNIVERSITY; CPA – STATE OF CALIFORNIA

BJORN JONSSON, MBA

ITZEL CALLEJA-MACIAS, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor of Business Administration, Undergraduate College

Assistant Professor of Biology, Director of the Jesse Miranda Center, Undergraduate College AREAS OF SPECIALIZATION: Biological sciences, molecular biology MA, UNIVERSITY OF VERACRUZ, MEXICO; Ph.D., UNÍVERSIDAD AUTÓNOMA DE NUEVO LEON

AREAS OF SPECIALIZATION: Marketing, international business, economics; principal and founder of Smoothstone Advisory VANGUARD ALUMNUS; MBA, PEPPERDINE UNIVERSITY

RICHARD PARK, Ph.D.

TOMMY CASAREZ, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor of Theology and Ethics, Undergraduate College

Assistant Professor of Historical and Systematic Theology, Undergraduate College

AREAS OF SPECIALIZATION: Philosophy, theology, and ethics MA, BIOLA UNIVERSITY; Ph.D., OXFORD UNIVERSITY

AREAS OF SPECIALIZATION: Church history, systematic theology VANGUARD ALUMNUS, M.DIV., FULLER THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY; MTS, YALE UNIVERSITY DIVINITY SCHOOL; Ph.D., PRINCETON THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY

AMANDA FIRESTONE, MSN, RN, CNS Assistant Professor of Nursing, Undergraduate College AREAS OF SPECIALIZATION: Cardiac rehabilitation, Pre-Licensure nursing MSN, POINT LOMA NAZARENE UNIVERSITY

SYBILLE GEORGIANNA, Ph.D. Assistant Professor of Organizational Psychology, Organizational Psychology AREAS OF SPECIALIZATION: Organizational psychology, advanced psychological research methods, advanced social psychology; clinical psychologist at the Leadership Practice and Sexual Health of Orange County in Laguna Niguel, CA MS, CLINICAL AND ORGANIZATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY UNIVERSITY OF HAMBURG, HAMBURG, GERMANY; Ph.D., UNIVERSITY OF KOBLENZ-LANDAU, LANDAU, GERMANY

KARRIE PREASMYER, MA Instructor of English, Undergraduate College AREAS OF SPECIALIZATION: Victorian Literature MA, MERCY COLLEGE

JOHN MARK ROBECK, Ph.D. Assistant Professor of Theology, Ethics, and Culture Undergraduate College AREAS OF SPECIALIZATION: Latin American theology and global pentecostalism M.DIV., FULLER THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY; BA, SCC/VANGUARD UNIVERSITY; Ph.D., CLAREMONT GRADUATE UNIVERSITY

TERRELLE B. SALES, Ph.D. Assistant Professor of Graduate Education, Graduate Education AREAS OF SPECIALIZATION: Educational leadership, youth minister at Abundant Grace Ministries in Los Angeles, CA MA, VANGUARD UNIVERSITY; Ph.D., LOYOLA MARYMOUNT UNIVERSITY

vanguard magazine FALL 2017

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FACULTY NOTES

Notes DR. TOMMY CASAREZ AND DR. JOHN MARK ROBECK, both Assistant Professors of Religion, presented at the Vanguard University Religion Colloquium speaking on “Christ, Identity, and the Undocumented in our Midst: Toward a Space-Making Theological Ethic.”

At the Reformation Today Conference in Cambridge, England – and again at the Reformation 500 conference held at Regent University – DR. GARY TYRA presented his paper, “From Sola Scriptura to the Sacramental Sermon: Karl Barth and the Phenomenon of Prophetic Preaching.”

In September, DR. JACQUE PARKE, Assistant Professor of Psychology, traveled to Athens, Greece, to do qualitative research of the varied types of ministries and their effectiveness for evangelism, discipleship, and church planting with immigrant, migrant, and refugee populations in Europe.

DR. BONNI STACHOWIAK presented at the University of Georgia College of Education’s Innovation in Teaching Conference and also gave a keynote address at the Florida International University Online Annual Conference.

DR. ELIZABETH POWELL, Assistant Professor of Psychology and Psychology Department Chair, has been named the first Institute for Faculty Development Faculty Fellow for the 2017-2018 academic year. The Faculty Fellowship is supported by Vanguard’s recent Title V grant to aid Vanguard’s faculty in effectively teaching to an ever-widening range of student needs, cultures, and learning styles.

DR. TARA SIRVENT, Professor of Biochemistry and Director for the Academic Writing and Research Office, will serve as the Project Director for the Title V $3.75 million grant recently awarded through the US Department of Education’s Developing Hispanic-Serving Institutions Program. Vanguard will use the Title V grant to not only increase retention and graduation rates among Hispanic and low-income transfer students, but also develop partnerships with local community colleges to enhance transfer rates and develop accelerated teacher-preparation pipelines.

Vanguard President DR. MICHAEL J. BEALS received a commendation for Advancing Christian Education in the Community from West Angeles Bible College.

Provost DR. DORETHA O’QUINN was awarded the “You’ve Made Us Proud” award from West Angeles Bible College for her achievements in Christian education. The Bible College honored Dr. O’Quinn on the basis that she is the first AfricanAmerican female to become the Provost at Vanguard. In addition, Dr. O’Quinn is the only African-American woman to currently hold such a high leadership position at any Christian college or university throughout the US. DR. SANDIE MORGAN, Associate Professor, Director of the Global Center for Women, was a speaker at the Crisis Publishing Initiative Conference in Sopron, Hungary.

DR. KAREN J. HUMMEL, Professor of Psychology, and Dr. Bill Dogterom, Professor of Pastoral Ministries and Spiritual Formation, are working towards certification in the “Art of Spiritual Direction” through the ministry of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange, CA.

DR. DOUG PETERSEN, Professor of World Mission and Intercultural Studies, presented a paper May 11-14 at the Latin American Conference on Social Concern in San Jose, Costa Rica. The plenary session paper was titled, “Biblical Basis for Social Concern in a Latin American Context,” was a significant opportunity to present to leaders of the Assemblies of God World Missions (AGWM) in Latin America.

MR. MICHAEL NIGRO, Assistant Professor of Music and classical guitarist, gave a solo performance in Mashpee, MA. DR. STEPHANIE D’AURIA, Associate Professor of Sociology, and DR. MICHAEL HANNA, Assistant Professor of Psychology, along with former Vanguard Anthropology professor, Dr. Adam Ayers, led students to Kauai, HI, May 9th to the 30th, to conduct two classes in the Social and Psychological aspects of Drug Use and Contemporary Social Issues in the U.S. Pacific Islands. The courses had a large emphasis on service learning. For the Anthropology course, students assisted with the production of poi, which is a traditional Hawaiian food, interviewed native Hawaiians, and toured plantation grounds and museums. For the Sociology and Psychology course, the students interviewed Judge Kathleen Watanabe, Fifth Circuit Court, who focused on judicial and community responses to addiction. Students also had the opportunity to interview recovering drug addicts from the different phases in the U-Turn program, former drug dealers and locals from the island who discussed cultural responses to addiction.

DR. MARY WICKMAN, professor of nursing and interim Dean of Graduate Programs, was named President of the Association of California Nurse Leaders (ACNL) professional nursing organization.

For more information, go to: ifd.vanguard.edu/blog/

Publications DR. RICHARD PARK, Assistant Professor of Religion, published his new book Constructing Civility: The Human Good in Christian and Islamic Political Theologies.

DR. FRANK MACCHIA, Professor of Systematic Theology, published, “The Protestant Reformation: Why it Still Matters to Pentecostals,” in Influence Magazine, the minister’s journal for the Assemblies of God, Issue 14, Oct-Dec. 2017.

36 vanguard magazine FALL 2017

DR. PETE MENJARES, Senior Director, Institute for Faculty Development, is a primary contributor and section editor to Diversity Matters: Race, Ethnicity, and the Future of Christian Higher Education. Dr. Menjares provides an overview of the subject in, “Diversity in the CCCU: The Current State and Implications for the Future”, and in Section One he addresses, “Diversity, Inclusion, and Institutional Faithfulness” through an analysis of four campus case studies.

DR. GARY TYRA, Professor of Biblical and Practical Theology, published Getting Real: Pneumatological Realism and the Spiritual, Moral, and Ministry Formation of Contemporary Christians. Dr. Tyra’s essay “Prophetic Speech and Action as Witness to Christ’s Resurrection” was also published in The Holy Spirit and Christian Mission in a Pluralistic Context.

learn of me Dr. April Harris Akinloye Chief Diversity Officer What were your first impressions of Vanguard?

At first I thought the students were too catered to, and coddled. I’ve been here nearly four years now, and I realize what makes Vanguard stand out is the one-onone attention our students receive. It is a family, it is a second home. Your child is not going to slip between the cracks. Someone is going to make a connection.

There is genuine concern for the student, not just being here or making good grades. But truly finding out who they are, and how they’re going to impact the world after Vanguard.

Why is having a diverse student body so important?

A global perspective is key to Vanguard’s vision and mission. How can students have that perspective in the real world, unless they have diversity in the place where they are developing their skills? When students get here, many are 17 or 18 years old. They’ve probably been part of the same community, the same church, going to school with the same people, for their entire life. This may be their first exposure to something different. We want them to learn from the mishaps and mess-ups of interacting with people from different backgrounds, be it culture, denominations, social and economic status, gender, ability, whatever it may be. This is the place where that training starts.

How do you encourage students to feel safe in learning about diversity?

What virtue do you most admire?

We focus on helping students become not just

Compassion, which is different than empathy.

tolerant, but inclusive. How can I talk about

Compassion takes feelings of empathy and then

differences without offending? Or, if I do offend, how

causes us to want to do something positive. There’s a

can I ensure that I will be given grace and be loved as I learn and grow? We come together with the humility of wanting to learn and understand.

Do you have a favorite Bible verse?

Proverbs 16:9: “In his heart, a man plans his ways, but his steps are ordered by the Lord.” I’ve always been a planner; I planned out my whole life. But everything doesn’t go according to that plan. I often have to take a step back and say, “Okay God, I see

DR. AKINLOYE WAS NAMED ONE OF LOS ANGELES’ 100 MOST INFLUENTIAL AFRICAN AMERICANS IN 2017.

scripture that says, “Jesus looked down on the crowd and had compassion for them.” It’s doing more that saying, “I hear you, and I’ll be praying for you.” It’s taking a personal, vested interest in doing something to help someone else.

Diversity at Vanguard has increased tremendously since many alumni attended the university. How do they react when they come to campus and see this?

I mainly interact with alumni who work at Vanguard.

how you did that. And yes, your way is much better.”

They come to me, often with tears in their eyes, and

What general advice do you give students?

say, “This is not the place I graduated from, I am so

Make a plan! Perfect your elevator speech! Having a

proud of the community Vanguard has transformed

plan and being able to communicate the plan is critical.

into.” They very much want to be part of the change. vanguard magazine FALL 2017

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