FALL/WINTER 2015
ENSURE JUSTICE IN ARGENTINA 12 SENIOR FOCUS: SHERIDAN SMITH
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Vanguard’s Golden Glove LEADING OTHERS TO SUCCESS TEDLA MEKONNEN GIVES BACK 14
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20
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30 THE MISSION OF VANGUARD UNIVERSITY IS TO PURSUE KNOWLEDGE, CULTIVATE CHARACTER, DEEPEN FAITH, AND EQUIP EACH STUDENT FOR A SPIRIT-EMPOWERED LIFE OF CHRIST-CENTERED LEADERSHIP AND SERVICE.
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from the president
FALL/WINTER 2015 | VOLUME 17 | ISSUE 2
FROM ITS ORIGINS AS A SCHOOL THAT TRAINED MISSIONARIES IN THE 1920s TO ITS STANDING AS A WORLD-
GLOBAL ENGAGEMENT.. ........................................... 8
CLASS PRIVATE LIBERAL ARTS
Vanguard alumni across the world prove the value of the University’s commitment to
INSTITUTION TODAY,
cultural diversity and global engagement.
ENSURE JUSTICE IN ARGENTINA............................... 12 Dr. Sandie Morgan and Derek Marsh lead students to Argentina to help facilitate an Ensure Justice Conference there for course credit.
LEADING OTHERS TO SUCCESS................................ 14 Tedla Mekonnen took the gift of his full scholarship to Vanguard and used it as the springboard for success—and to give back to others.
COMMUNITY RESOURCES....................................... 20 Student Heidi Lepe is exploring ways to bring the power of her Vanguard education to bear on the lives of the people in her home community.
RESTORING HOMES AND FAMILIES........................... 23 As the Foster and Adoption Programs Director at Olive Crest, Jessica Valdez helps bring healing to children and families.
DEPARTMENTS Message from the President. . ........................................ 1 On Campus. . ............................................................ 2 Faculty Spotlight...................................................... 24 Sports.. .................................................................. 26 Class Notes.. .......................................................... 32 My Story.. .............................................................. 40 Learn of Me............................................................ 41
CHAIR, BOARD OF TRUSTEES
DIRECTOR OF MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS
Doug Green
Erin Hales
UNIVERSITY ADMINISTRATION
CREATIVE SERVICES CONSULTANT
UNIVERSITY GOVERNANCE
PRESIDENT
Tawny Marcus
Michael J. Beals
WRITER / COPY EDITOR
PROVOST / VICE PRESIDENT OF ACADEMIC AFFAIRS
LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER
Rene J. Scheys
Doretha O’Quinn
Chauncey D. Bayes
VICE PRESIDENT FOR ENROLLMENT MANAGEMENT
CREATIVE SERVICES MANAGER
Kim Johnson
VICE PRESIDENT FOR STUDENT AFFAIRS
Tim Young
VICE PRESIDENT FOR UNIVERSITY ADVANCEMENT
Daniel Kim
SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Vanguard University has always made it a part of its mission to send students out into a world that they can impact in a positive way, a world that desperately needs the influence of people who serve Christ. Each year we see Vanguard’s student population more and more reflect all the diversity inherent in God’s creation, as we take active steps to engage in our Southern California community and represent His kingdom. That cultural diversity helps us as we equip students for work in the global marketplace, where employers, organizations, and the communities they serve stand to benefit from our tremendous Vanguard alumni! In this issue, Tedla Mekonnen’s ’97 story shows us what happens when people invest in the lives of others through education. Were it not for two generous donors, Tedla might not have attended Vanguard, and he has always remembered that, choosing to share fruits of his own success with young students like him with great potential and few resources. We also are able to hear about Dr. Sandra Morgan’s journey to Argentina with a cohort of 10 students receiving course credit for the study abroad trip. As the director of the Global Center for Women and Justice, Dr. Morgan is tireless in her advocacy. In addition to hosting the Ensure Justice Conference every year at Vanguard University, she and her students helped manage the same type of conference in Argentina, performing valuable work overseas on a trip sponsored by Vanguard’s office of Global Education and Outreach. Vanguard University was also awarded a national grant as a Hispanic Serving Institution, thanks in part to the tremendous work of Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Tim Young and many other staff, administration, and faculty. This designation validates Vanguard’s commitment to cultural diversity and represents resources that will enable us to continue that commitment. A number of faculty are featured in this issue as well, including two longtime religion professors Dr. Roger Heuser and Dr. Jerry Camery-Hoggatt. The students they’ve educated and ministered to over their careers at Vanguard must number in the thousands, and each of them offers a view of their warm and engaging personalities in their respective pieces! I believe it’s possible, when reading all these stories about global engagement, to stretch and push beyond the limits of your comfort zone— and I hope you are inspired to do just that!
Candice Co
Justin McIntee
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.
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
vanguard magazine is a free publication published 2 times per year by Vanguard University. All contents copyrighted, 2015, Vanguard University.
MICHAEL J. BEALS PhD
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.
PRESIDENT, VANGUARD UNIVERSITY
Jeremy Moser
vanguard magazine FALL/WINTER 2015
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on campus
ON CAMPUS VANGUARD TO OFFER ONLINE RELIGION PROGRAM IN 2016 Vanguard University’s School for Graduate and Professional Studies is in the planning stages of a religion program that will be offered entirely online, set to commence in Fall of 2016. The program would feature a BA in Religion with a concentration in ministry and leadership, and an MA in leadership studies. Vanguard’s goal in offering this religion degree entirely online is to train individuals for ministry and service who might otherwise not be able to attend classes on Vanguard’s campus, thereby extending the reach of Vanguard’s elite religion faculty. “We want to reach students all over the world, who are not within commuting distance,” says Dr. John Sim, who is leading the development of the program. “The goal is to train more Assemblies of God ministers, and online programs are attractive to people in other states and other countries.”
THE PRICELESS LUNCHEON TO END HUMAN TRAFFICKING RAISES MONEY AND AWARENESS For twelve years, the Global Center for Women
In addition to raising more than $230,000 for
and Justice (GCWJ) at Vanguard University
the work of the Center, the Priceless Luncheon
has provided training and resources to enable
was also an occasion to honor the recipients
leaders to promote justice for women and girls.
of the Diamond Award. This year the Diamond
The support of individuals and organizations
Awards were given to Kyla Smith, director of
who believe in this mission is essential to the
the Dream Center in Los Angeles, Betsy Tarbel,
work of the GCWJ, and on September 19,
who served on the board of the Salvation
2015, the Center held its annual Priceless
Army for 15 years, and the Orange County
Luncheon, an event that helps raise funds for its
Transportation Authority, for it’s Be The One
global advocacy.
human trafficking awareness campaign.
This year’s event was chaired by Jasmine
“For me, it is so affirming to see that we have a
Shodja, a vice president, wealth advisor
community that believes in what we’re doing,”
at Wells Fargo, and brought together 350
says Dr. Sandie Morgan, director of the GCWJ.
supporters, businesses, and anti-human
“The funds that we raised are feeding our
trafficking advocates for an inspiring program
programs, and it’s evidence of the character of
to honor victims and community members,
this community that we are a part of.”
The online religion degree will also draw students who are called to ministry yet are not traditionally collegeaged, allowing them to complete their education within the context of their other obligations. The program also represents another extension of the partnership between Vanguard University and the SoCal Network Assemblies of God. Religion professor Roger Heuser is excited about the potential: “The online programs in leadership, both undergraduate and graduate levels, greatly expands the opportunity and flexibility for Christian leaders to expand their horizons, think new ways about leading organizations, sharpen their skill sets, and network with other leaders. We are grateful to the SoCal Network for making this possible.”
as well as educate the attendees about the startling issue of human trafficking.
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@VANGUARDU
TWEETS @C_Moore_34 #Welcome2VU was honestly probably one of the best weekends of my life! I’m really excited to start and see what God has in store with me. A Vanguard family enjoys family weekend.
VANGUARD UNIVERSITY HOSTS FAMILY WEEKEND One of the goals of Vanguard University’s
and this year, families attended the dedication
Office of Student Success, Retention, and
of that same building—witnessing an exciting
Family Relations is to engage students and
example of Vanguard University’s growth. “It
their families with their university experience
was the most fun moment of the weekend,” said
in multiple and meaningful ways. To this end,
Amanda Lebrecht, director of student success
each year Vanguard invites students to bring
& academic resources. “We were able to
their families to campus for a weekend of
celebrate a year of provision, as the Lord made
activities that connect parents and siblings to
it possible to be finished. People were able to
the lives of their Vanguard student.
take tours through the building that we were
Last year, Family Weekend included the groundbreaking ceremonies for the Scott Academic Center renovation and expansion,
@alexajoyhall God is so faithful! Once again He has provided financially for me to go to @VanguardU #goodgoodFather
@StrengthSupport For vets looking for a college that caters to the needs of Veterans check out @VanguardU. They have a beautiful new Veterans Center.
dreaming of a year ago. And it’s a reminder that families are such an important part of what we’re building.”
@DTucrkile Everytime I visit @VanguardU I feel like I am home.
VANGUARD UNIVERSITY IS BEST IN THE WEST, ACCORDING TO PRINCETON REVIEW Vanguard University is one of the best colleges
Princeton Review editors made their selections
in the West according to The Princeton Review.
based on data the company collected from
The well-known education services company
its survey of administrators at several hundred
lists the college among its “Best in the West”
colleges in each region, as well as its staff visits
recommended schools in its “2016 Best
to schools over the years, and the perspectives
Colleges: Region by Region” website feature
of college counselors and advisors.
that posted on August 3, 2015.
@therealdumas Shout out to my fellow @VanguardAlumni on the morning commute. I see you reppin’ @VanguardU with that license plate.
“I am thrilled that Vanguard University is being
@shreecarter
In its website profile on Vanguard University,
recognized by The Princeton Review as an all-
The Princeton Review commends the college for
around outstanding academic institution,” said
“focusing on students’ personal development
Vanguard University President Michael Beals.
Today’s highlight...the @VanguardU Staff Community Care Cart! Perfect time for an afternoon snack.
and sense of community on campus.” “We
“Acknowledging Vanguard’s unique focus on
chose Vanguard University and the other
professor-mentors, academic rigor, and Christ-
outstanding institutions on this list primarily for
centered learning, this esteemed recognition
their excellent academics,” said Robert Franek,
affirms that Vanguard is one of the finest
The Princeton Review’s Senior VP-Publisher. The
Christian universities in the state.”
TWEET @VANGUARDU SOME LOVE AND YOU JUST MIGHT END UP IN THE NEXT VANGUARD MAGAZINE!
vanguard magazine FALL/WINTER 2015
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on campus
FACULTY BOOKS & JOURNALS ED RYBA R C Z Y K Rybarczyk, Edmund J.
“New Churches: Pentecostals and the Bible,” pp. 587-605, in The New Cambridge History of the Bible, vol. IV: From 1750 to the Present John Riches, Editor. Cambridge University Press, 2015.
GA RY TY R A Tyra, Gary
VANGUARD HOLDS INAUGURAL LARSON LECTURESHIP ON ETHICS & BUSINESS
Pursuing Moral Faithfulness: Ethics and Christian Discipleship
On October 26, 2015, Vanguard held its
business community,” says David Vazquez,
inaugural Bill & Jo Anne Larson Lectureship
director of strategic partnerships. “As a
IVP Academic (May 15, 2015)
on Ethics & Business. Presented by the
University, it’s important to be a resource
Vanguard University Department of Business
to industry, and the Larson Lectureship has
and Management, the Larson Lectureship
already proven to be a great way to invite
features recognized business and civic
business leaders to campus and to discuss
leaders who embody a life of Christ-centered
the important issues of ethics and values in
leadership and service. The evening was a
relation to business and leadership.”
J I M WA LZ Walz, Jim
SPeak Performance: Using the Power of Metaphors to Communicate Vision, Motivate People, and Lead Your Organization to Success Corporate Communication Collection Business Expert Press (January 26, 2014)
M A RY WI C K M A N Anthony, M. & Wickman, M. (May/June 2015).
Precepting Challenges: The unsafe student. Nurse Educator, 40(3), 113-114.
rousing success, gathering business leaders, city council members, community members, students, alumni, professors, and other friends of Vanguard. After a formal lecture from Admiral Vern Clark, retired Chief of Naval Operations and former Vanguard trustee, Vanguard president Dr. Michael J. Beals moderated an interview with Admiral Clark.
The Lectureship was endowed by Dr. Bill and Jo Anne Larson. The Larsons are dear friends of the Vanguard community, and passionate about Vanguard students and Christian higher education. They endowed this lectureship to provide Vanguard students with invaluable insight from distinguished and accomplished business and thought leaders.
“The Larson Lectureship provides a great format for Vanguard to engage the local
DELTA KAPPA ALUMNI RETURN TO VANGUARD Each year since the 1960s, Vanguard University
and celebrate the opening of the newly
has inducted students into its Delta Kappa honor
renovated and expanded Scott Academic
society. Commemorated with an engraved
Center. “As we prepared to open the new front
brick displayed on Vanguard’s campus mall, the
door to Vanguard, we wanted to incorporate
recognition honors students who are exemplary
those whose stories are woven into our history,”
in their Christian lifestyle as they serve their peers
said Joel Gackle, director of alumni relations.
YOUR GIFT IS A PRICELESS INVESTMENT IN OUR STUDENTS
and represent the University.
“Each member who attended was able to
Give today at vanguard.edu/growourstory
Delta Kappa alumni event, inviting past
This summer, the alumni office held a special recipients of this honor to return to Vanguard
sign the wall outside President Beals’ office, to leave their mark and pray over the next chapter in Vanguard’s story.”
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COMING TO VANGUARD’S LYCEUM THEATER
New students gather at Balboa Beach during Welcome Week.
VANGUARD ROLLS OUT THE RED CARPET DURING WELCOME WEEK Each year at the start of the fall semester,
all designed to promote the community
Vanguard introduces new students—both
atmosphere Vanguard is known for.
freshmen and transfers—to the special
“Welcome Week is all about student
community of the University. Welcome
success and we want our students to
Week features a number of sessions
flourish!” says Shelley Youd, associate
centered around the University’s mission,
director of residence life. “Setting their
exploring topics such as Title IX, academic
expectations, connecting them with
expectations, and living a life of service.
their first friends, and giving them timely
These sessions are held in an engaging
resources helps them to adjust into life at
“Ted Talk” model, featuring personal
Vanguard with the hope that they will stay
A ROMANCE DRAMA THAT SENDS A CHILLING MESSAGE
stories, reflections, and group learning,
and persist through graduation.”
OF FORGIVENESS AND RENEWAL
THE WINTER’S TALE BY WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE
VANGUARD UNIVERSITY RECEIVES $15,000 EDISON GRANT FOR STEM PROGRAM
DIRECTED BY SUSAN K. BERKOMPAS
A royal family is ripped apart when the king imprisons the queen on suspicions of infidelity and then exiles their newborn daughter.
Vanguard was recently awarded a
and will help to increase retention and
But callous hearts are redeemed, and broken ones mended, when
gracious $15,000 grant from Southern
graduation rates.
the king’s abandoned orphan falls in love with a distant prince. In
“The demand for students trained in STEM
a surprising Shakespearean twist, this beautiful and bittersweet tale
California Edison (SCE) to launch a one-year pilot program entitled: Student Success for Undergraduate Minorities STEM Education Program. This initiative will help to improve minority student achievement by implementing bestpractices in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) education through supplemental instruction and expansion of student tutorial services. The grant funding will help to launch this program that will better prepare Vanguard students with oneon-one tutoring in science related fields
career fields is only growing,” says David
transcends wrath and regret to achieve romance and renewal in a
Vazquez, director of strategic partnerships
miraculously cathartic conclusion. Suitable for teens and older
at Vanguard. “Our recent partnership with Southern California Edison positions Vanguard to better equip our students with the skills required for in-demand STEM fields, and to excel in their coursework. Edison is interested in increasing the number, diversity and success of students
FEBRUARY 26-28, MARCH 3-6 GENERAL $14
SENIOR/CHILD/GROUPS $12
participating in STEM fields of study and we are thankful for their generous gift to partner with us to achieve this goal.”
PURCHASE TICKETS AT VANGUARDTICKETS.COM vanguard magazine FALL/WINTER 2015
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THROUGH THESE DOORS The Oddo Family Bell Tower rises above the newly-expanded Scott Academic Center. The tower is the crown jewel of the Scott Center renovation, serving as a beautiful landmark that visually establishes Vanguard University’s presence in Costa Mesa, Calif. and marks Scott as the “front door” of the campus.
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FUNDAMENTAL TO VANGUARD UNIVERSITY’S MISSION TO EQUIP STUDENTS FOR A SPIRIT-EMPOWERED LIFE OF CHRIST-CENTERED LEADERSHIP AND SERVICE IS THE COMMISSION TO ENGAGE WITH A CULTURALLY DIVERSE GLOBAL COMMUNITY. PREPARING GRADUATES FOR SERVICE IN THE WORLD HAS ALWAYS BEEN A PART OF VANGUARD’S EDUCATIONAL AMBITIONS, TRACING BACK TO ITS ORIGINS AS A SCHOOL FOR TRAINING MISSIONARIES AND PASTORS. TODAY, VANGUARD’S DIVERSE CAMPUS, RIGOROUS ACADEMICS, AND COMMITMENT TO CHALLENGE STUDENTS TO MAKE GLOBAL ENGAGEMENT A PART OF THEIR EXPERIENCE PRODUCES STUDENTS AND ALUMNI WHO ARE PREPARED TO MEET THE NEEDS OF THE WORLD, THROUGH VOCATIONS IN MINISTRY AND IN BUSINESS.
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“We want to graduate every single student with cultural competency,” says Kayli Hillebrand, Vanguard’s director of global education and outreach. “Living in Orange County, we have access to so many global representatives. We want to take advantage of our community, and give students an understanding of cultural competency and a heart for it.” As the world effectively shrinks through globalization and the
Passive Asset Management, where he manages a territory that ranges
evolution of internet technologies that connect more and more
from South Dakota, Oregon, Alaska and all states in between. He
citizens—combined with the ease of international travel—it becomes
works with the top portfolio managers and executives at the major
of even greater importance for this cultural competency to serve as a
Wall Street firms. “What Vanguard as a business school lacks in size,
highlight of the liberal arts education. Vanguard’s students and alumni
it more than makes up for in its commitment to a godly viewpoint,”
are equipped with a special sensitivity for diversity, as this sensitivity
says Lance. “Jobs, careers, and titles will all pass away. What made my
is rooted in the context of building God’s kingdom. Each graduate of
education relevant was the Christian worldview I learned it in.”
Vanguard pursues his or her career with a strong moral foundation that values ethics, excellence, justice, and a deep understanding that every global citizen, from Orange County and beyond, is made in the image of God.
Lance’s education in economics didn’t fully click for him until he was out of school and working; however, his education in how to make moral choices and serve God in business happened at Vanguard. He has always put faith at the forefront of his relationships with
This foundation serves Vanguard alumni who pursue careers in
colleagues and employees. “It’s very simple,” he says. “Even the most
high-stakes, stressful occupations in which ethics plays a crucial role
high-powered finance managers have just as many personal or family
in challenging global realities. One such vocation is in the financial
issues as anyone else. I’m in constant contact with people who need
sector, where globalization promises individuals, corporations, and
God, and I believe that your work is your market for God.” One of
banks ample opportunities for profit, and where stories of malfeasance
the times that Lance followed God’s urging to leave a position, his
are never far from the public eye. Acknowledging this, Lance Allen
decision was a result of making a very clear moral choice, one that
(’96) is grateful for the education he received at Vanguard. Lance
gave him a conspicuous platform to explain to colleagues the way that
is currently a Regional Vice President in the Global Client Group,
his faith influenced his thinking.
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Lance firmly believes that his faith is perfectly aligned with the global
government,” he says. “ However, we all have a responsibility to bring
reach of his company, which allows him to serve communities on a
Christian values to our work and beyond. If you are anointed with
larger scale. “We live in a world where global banks are doing what
the Holy Spirit, you can bless others, and you can be used to show the
they can to go out of their way to help communities,” he says. “My
work of the Holy Spirit. A lot happened for me at Vanguard which
passion for finance is a God-given one. It is very biblical to grow
focused on academics, but Vanguard didn’t forget about my spiritual
businesses, and work hard to expand the kingdom. God wants the
life and my walk with God.”
whole world reached, no matter what a person does!”
Tim now lives in Paris, France and represents Slovenia in the
In addition to banks and corporations, the key driver for globalization
Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD),
is quite obviously world governments, who advocate for their
which is in some ways like a consulting firm for governments, with
populations and endeavor to position themselves to prosper from
the goal of improving the well-being of people around the world. “We
the shared resources of the global community. Once again, stories of
pursue better policies for countries,” says Tim. “We seek to help the
misconduct often dominate the news, so it can be more difficult to see
environmental, financial, social effectiveness of governments around
the hard work of the many individuals who work for governments
the world.” As Tim pursued this work, he found that his interests at
to improve the lives of their citizens. Tim Soos (’08) is one Vanguard
Vanguard prepared him well for a position in which it is necessary to
alumnus whose strong faith and cultural competency have been
meet with people from many different cultures and forge discussion
integral in preparing for a career in government. Originally from
on important ideas. As a member of Vanguard’s debate and forensics
Slovenia, a small country in Central Europe of just 2 million people,
team, and in his communication classes, Tim was being trained to look
Tim came to Vanguard and was welcomed by a gracious community,
at the broader perspective of an issue before communicating his ideas
and challenged by demanding academics.
effectively about it.
While still a student at Vanguard, Tim took advantage of an
In his position with the government of Slovenia, Tim has been able to
opportunity to travel to New York and work for the Slovenian
utilize his strong foundation in faith from Vanguard to serve God’s
government’s representation to the United Nations. After graduation,
kingdom in government work. “If you make governments better,
he moved back to Slovenia and took a government position in
you affect people’s lives for the better,” he says. “Many governments
the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (this is analogous to the U.S. State
are ineffective and not well-run. Even though individuals working
Department). Eventually Tim was serving as one of three principal
for governments are doing their jobs well, the processes many times
advisors to Slovenia’s Secretary of State. And though his work is
diminish the value of their work. OECD helps governments bring
in government, Tim has made faith central to his life. “When I was
innovation and effectiveness to their objectives.”
younger, I heard time and time again that Christians had to avoid
“WE LIVE IN A WORLD WHERE GLOBAL BANKS ARE DOING WHAT THEY CAN TO GO OUT OF THEIR WAY TO HELP COMMUNITIES. MY PASSION FOR FINANCE IS A GOD-GIVEN ONE. IT IS VERY BIBLICAL TO GROW BUSINESSES, AND WORK HARD TO EXPAND THE KINGDOM. GOD WANTS THE WHOLE WORLD REACHED, NO MATTER WHAT A PERSON DOES!” LANCE ALLEN ’96
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“WHEN I WAS YOUNGER, I HEARD TIME AND TIME AGAIN THAT CHRISTIANS HAD TO AVOID GOVERNMENT. HOWEVER, WE ALL HAVE A RESPONSIBILITY TO BRING CHRISTIAN VALUES TO OUR WORK AND BEYOND. IF YOU ARE ANOINTED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT, YOU CAN BLESS OTHERS, AND YOU CAN BE USED TO SHOW THE WORK OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.” TIM SOOS ’08
As the director of global education and outreach, Kayli Hillebrand
opportunity is provided with the Center for Holy Land Studies through
is at the forefront of Vanguard University’s innovations in global
the Assemblies of God to spend five weeks in Israel for three units of
engagement. Her department represents the University’s recent focus
course credit, open to all majors and all years and giving students the
on challenging students with study abroad experiences that are co-
chance to walk where Jesus walked. Other departments planning these
curricular, providing a very strong connection between exposure to
kinds of trips include theater arts, kinesiology, business, and biology.
new places and cultures, and the academic learning necessary to add
In every case, the student is responsible for completing work that
maximum value to the experience. Kayli explains how Vanguard has
indicates he or she is processing the academic and spiritual significance
implemented progressive expectations for each student’s engagement:
of the experience. “We want students to apply what they are learning
“In their first year, every student has to do community service hours,
to their lives,” says Kayli. “They’re not just putting it on a shelf. They
and not just in things like teaching Sunday School. That kind of service
are asking how it affects the community, and how God is shaping what
is obviously important, because it’s serving the Lord. But we want
he has for them through the experience.”
students to serve the community also, and begin to think globally. We then encourage them to go on outreach trips, then shorter study abroad trips, and then a three to four month study abroad trip. No matter what the student’s major is, they are looking at these assignments as a practical way to help those around the world.”
All of this adds value to the Vanguard student’s liberal arts education, helping him or her understand God’s world and be more sensitively equipped to engage with it. But it also adds value to the Vanguard student’s resume, helping employers see explicitly that the student has vital cultural competency. “Employers ask: do you have cross-cultural
Faculty at Vanguard are excited about the opportunities this focus
experience?” says Kayli. “It’s becoming the norm in the business world,
represents, and a number of new study abroad learning experiences
and the beauty of globalization is the access we have to the world. If
are already in the works. The Psychology Department has partnered
you can engage with people through cross-cultural interactions, you
with the Africa Theological Seminary in Kenya to offer 9 units of
will go far, and when you experience this, you are exposed to the needs
academic credit for a course that includes a practicum in which
of the world and the Kingdom causes. You begin to learn about how
students will be working with local churches and schools to connect to
your passion and talents intersect for Kingdom work.”
families who are survivors of violence in that country’s wars. Another
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ENSURE JUSTICE IN ARGENTINA A CALLING TO SERVE THE WORLD HAS ALWAYS BEEN A PART OF THE MISSION OF THE GLOBAL CENTER FOR WOMEN AND JUSTICE—IT’S RIGHT THERE IN THE NAME. UNDER THE LEADERSHIP OF DIRECTOR DR. SANDIE MORGAN, THE GLOBAL CENTER FOR WOMEN AND JUSTICE HAS LOOKED OUTWARD FROM THE VERY BEGINNING, TAKING STEPS TO EDUCATE ORANGE COUNTY CITIZENS AND STUDENTS FOR ACTION TO COMBAT HUMAN TRAFFICKING HERE AND ALL OVER THE GLOBE. For more than a decade, Dr. Morgan has taken many
in Argentina. Participants also came from Chile, Ecuador, and Colombia,
groups of students abroad to advocate for justice,
helping to build a regional awareness on human trafficking. “I’m not a fan
and with the recent assignation of the office of Global
of ‘looky-loo’ social justice,” says Dr. Morgan. “We bring students there to
Education and Outreach into Vanguard’s academic
do constructive work with people who have experience to help them make a
house, she is able to make these same trips with specific
difference. We don’t go in as if we have all the answers from America. We will
curricular goals. Students can now earn course credit
bring tools and be a part of the solution.”
as they travel and engage with the world, making their study abroad experience even more meaningful and life-changing.
Dr. Morgan’s co-professor on the trip, agrees that students are challenged by the realization that the work expected of them on the trip is real. “It would
Human Trafficking Country Study: Argentina was the
be easy to go on a vacation,” he says. “But the students are going in order to
second course to represent the partnership between the
connect with change agents in those countries, contributing to their process.
Global Center for Women and Justice and the office of
Students are able to see that they have a positive impact. At the same time, we
Global Education and Outreach, sending Sandie Morgan,
are realistic about what they can accomplish. We don’t take it lightly.”
her co-professor Derek Marsh, and six students to Argentina for two weeks in July of 2015. The educational aspect of this type of study abroad experience is unparalleled. “Experience is the key word,” says Dr. Morgan. “From a learning perspective, experience is a great teacher. After you are engaged overseas with someone who is guiding you, you come back and it becomes integrated with who you are. It’s not overstating it to say that it’s transformative.” As part of the study abroad trip, the students participated in the Asegurar Justicia conference, a replica of the Ensure Justice conference hosted annually by the GCWJ. The Asegurar Justicia conference had over a hundred and twenty leaders learning about the issues of human trafficking including teachers, professors, law enforcement, healthcare providers, and social workers, as well as attorneys and faith based leaders from four provinces
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Derek Marsh, retired Deputy Chief of the Westminster Police Department and
In the context of their unique expertise, Derek Marsh and Sandie Morgan offer quite a one-two punch in the fight against injustice. Dr. Morgan is a nurse and a teacher, training community leaders to advocate for the least powerful in their societies. Derek is a law enforcement officer, and by virtue of that, is able to gain access into what is often an insular culture—where he is able to train other officers in how to use the law to advocate for these same people. The education Vanguard students receive just by being witnesses to Derek’s and Dr. Morgan’s work is enough to account for a whole semester’s worth of studying textbooks. The students are much more than mere observers, however. “They’re not just following us around,” explains Dr. Morgan. “They have to find a way to contribute to social justice and engagement.” This is precisely what Kayli Hillebrand, Vanguard’s director of global education and outreach, is aiming
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Dr. Sandie Morgan and students share the journey on the Global Center for Women and Justice’s study abroad trip to Argentina.
for when she helps facilitate these study abroad opportunities. “It’s a win-
for her. “I’ve been on trips where I’ve visited an orphanage and built a
win,” says Kayli. “We partner with Assemblies of God World Missions. The
playground,” she says. “We left something physical. On this trip we knew we
students are exposed to content here and in another country, and it broadens
may not be able to see the immediate fruits of our labor, so it wasn’t about
their understanding of how big the world is and how many people care about
feeling good about ourselves. It was about knowing we were able to be used.
important things. The trip to Argentina opened these students’ eyes to see
Our desire was to connect to other people and have something continue after
other people fighting for good.”
we left. So many people feel that there’s no escape for those trapped in human
Haylee Pierce was one of the Vanguard students who went to Argentina. A junior psychology major, Haylee took Sandie Morgan’s class on human trafficking and child exploitation the semester before and jumped at the chance to travel and work with her abroad this summer. Haylee can attest to
trafficking, and in Argentina, many people are unaware of the problem. To offer something to those people by spreading awareness in Argentina was transformative. I know it’s something that Jesus cares about, so I want to care about it.”
the rigorous expectations placed on students for the trip. Prior to leaving the
In this mission of advocating globally for those who are oppressed by human
States, Haylee and her classmates took a four-week intensive online course
trafficking and sexual slavery, Dr. Sandie Morgan is not limiting herself to
on the history of Argentina. Once they got there, in addition to supporting
just a few other countries. She’s been invited back to Argentina, and also has
the logistics of the Asegurar Justicia conference, Haylee and her classmates
an invitation from the Ecuadorian government. She recently took a team
were responsible for cultivating lasting relationships with the people
for training and outreach to Italy, she has connected with Nigerian Women
from Argentina and other countries. They met with priests and non-profit
Against Violence, and she’ll be going to Romania next May—accompanied
organizations before and after the conference, visited church services where
by passionate co-educators and Vanguard students who have a driving desire
they worshipped with those in the community, and did a special Live2Free
to see more justice in the world. “We want to expand for our students what
presentation for community leaders.
constitutes ‘ministry,’” she says. “So they can use their experiences and their
Even though Haylee has been on a number of service-oriented trips overseas,
energy for something greater than themselves.”
she is candid about how working with Dr. Morgan was a new experience
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LEADING OTHERS TO SUCCESS It is safe to say that Tedla “Ted” Mekonnen’s ’97 journey to Vanguard University was more unusual and a little more unlikely than most. It was made possible only through an extraordinary sacrifice by his parents, and a beautiful and lasting act of generosity by three people who believed in a boy with no resources but vast potential. Ted’s time at Vanguard became a mandate for the rest of his life, serving as the cornerstone of a successful career built on helping others to receive the same opportunities in education that he did. In 1990, Ted and his brother Mike were two boys living in Yugoslavia, where their father was an ambassador from Ethiopia. As the civil war in Yugoslavia intensified and political turmoil in Ethiopia made that country unstable, Ted and Mike’s parents made the decision to send them to the United States to attend Piney Woods School, a Christian boarding school in Jackson, Mississippi. There Ted and Mike were befriended and cared for by a man named Lee Unger, vice president of Piney Woods, who recognized their special circumstances and their potential. Lee took personal and financial responsibility for Ted and Mike, teaching them leadership and business development skills and helping them apply to college. When he did apply to college, Ted was accepted for admission by 32 institutions. His primary criterion for which school he would
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“[The professors] take you under their wing like you are their own child. They care about not just your education, but also your sense of direction in life and who you should be.” attend was practical; he needed a scholarship. It happened that at this
from a missions point of view, you need resources. I didn’t go into business
time a successful real estate developer and operator in Newport Beach,
just to make money. That attitude leads to many businesses having no
Calif. named Hap Byers and his wife Marilyn decided to fund a four-
integrity. For me, my integrity, ethics, courage, and generosity will serve me
year scholarship to Vanguard University for a student in need. The result
and my purpose.”
was that Vanguard was the only one of 32 colleges to offer Ted a full scholarship, and that’s the one he chose.
Ted began working full time for an investment firm called Endeavor Group during his last year at Vanguard, and after graduation went on to become
Ted immediately discovered that the scholarship wasn’t merely tuition.
an extremely successful financial executive. Eventually, he founded his
Hap and Marilyn extended their generosity to Ted personally, opening their
own investment company called RoKa Capital, but again, personal wealth
home to him during the holidays and becoming like a second family. Hap,
wasn’t the goal. “I left my company and started my own business,” explains
who passed away in October of 2015, also began to mentor Ted. “While I
Ted. “It’s a platform to generate income to impact lives. From there I can
was at VU, we had lunch every month near campus,” says Ted. “He taught
fulfill my true purpose, which is the foundation I started with help of Lee
me that the most important things in life are relationships with God, with
Unger in 2004.”
your family, and with others. He also helped me develop as a business student. He taught me to take calculated risks and not let my fear stand between me and my dreams.”
This is the L.E.A.D. Foundation, whose goal is to provide for the education of young people throughout the world with big potential and few resources—the kind of child Ted once was. The letters stand for Leadership,
At the same time, Ted was having the full Vanguard experience, majoring
Education, Arts, and Diversity, and naturally each of these is important
in finance and management and exploring his larger purpose under the
to Ted. “This is a holistic foundation,” he says. “We don’t just give the
guidance of professors like Ed Westbrook. “The love that professors and
student some money and say, ‘Good luck.’” Leadership and Education
staff have toward students is so genuine,” he recalls. “They take you under
equip students to live a powerful life of purpose, Arts gives them the tools
their wing like you are their own child. They care about not just your
to express themselves, and Diversity helps them connect to a unique and
education, but also your sense of direction in life and who you should be.”
varied world. Ted is particularly committed to diversity. “We need a lot of
Ted did discover who he should be: someone successful in business. His goal, however, wasn’t to amass personal wealth, but to follow the example of his mentors Hap Byers and Lee Unger, who used their assets as a means
colors in our lives! That’s how God created the world. Vanguard was very diverse for a small college. I learned that if you’re a child of God, then you embrace diversity, because we all have that in common.”
by which God could impact the lives of others. “My father’s career in
It’s impossible for Ted to appraise the magnitude of Lee Unger’s and Hap
business was constrained by the fact that he was in poor third-world
and Marilyn Byers’ generosity, so he simply gives the same way that they
countries,” says Ted. “He had limited resources but unlimited potential.
did, to others who are like him. In addition to supporting scholars through
Through business, I found my purpose: to find people like that and give
the L.E.A.D. Foundation, Ted is an active member of Vanguard’s Alumni
them the opportunity to pursue their purpose.” For Ted, Vanguard’s
Association Board. Ted’s time at Vanguard prepared him for a life of
community served as a model for how all the different disciplines are
purpose, and the influence of his mentors has shaped that sense of purpose
interdependent, galvanized by a desire to expand God’s kingdom. “At
for Ted’s entire journey. “I’m defined by who I am, what I attempt to do,
Vanguard, I got to know a lot of religion majors, students working to
my goals, and how I treat people,” he says. “Those are all a product of my
become missionaries and ministers, and I realized, they need people like us,
education at Vanguard, where I learned vision, courage, the importance of
to help them! In order to build churches, libraries, and hospitals globally,
relationships, and how to have a sense of who you are.”
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LIVING THE GLOBAL FUTURE NOW. Send presentation to Buenos-Aires. Videoconference with Stockholm. Lunch with a new colleague from Sri Lanka. Team meeting to brainstorm new strategies for Cape Town. You’ve always wanted to explore Cape Town. The nature, the cultures – so exciting. Request transfer with promotion to Cape Town. Compete for this transfer with graduates of the Nanyang Technological University in Singapore and Paris-Sorbonne University. Whether this excites or scares you, the global workplace is not
The second is a research-backed model of cultural capabilities
just the future. It is our present reality. Vanguard graduates have
which can be developed in order to enhance individuals’ ability
worked and served on all inhabited continents. They started
to thrive in intercultural situations.
companies in Africa and institutions of Higher Education in the Middle East. They work in multinational organizations. And as the world becomes even more connected, the trend will continue.
In my personal intercultural experiences I found three individual characteristics to be of key importance to positive and successful interactions: caring, curiosity, and courage. Caring about
I “fell into” working in intercultural relations right after college,
people – being genuinely interested in their well-being – opens
at the time when the boom of global connections was just
opportunities for quality, deep interactions and relationships.
beginning. It was great fun. People had trouble pronouncing my
Another, related key is curiosity. Developing interpersonal and
name. I had trouble pronouncing their names. It did not matter
intercultural understanding naturally flows from caring curiosity.
that interactions were not immediately easy or comfortable
What shaped individuals you are interacting with? Why do
(just do not give up right away, and just settle for monosyllable
they interpret events and behaviors the way they do? Asking
nicknames). A minor discomfort of occasionally not knowing
these questions allows developing deeper understanding of
what certain foods were or what being on time meant to
individuals, which in turn facilitates building relationships.
different people did not matter. What mattered is that we could communicate. We could collaborate. And we could accomplish the work that made the world just a little bit better. It was a great way to start my working life. Since then, I wrote a dissertation and published on the role of culture in the workplace, presented my work on four continents, consulted for organizations with international reach, and developed many intercultural collaborations and friendships. It’s been a good ride.
Finally, I believe courage is essential. While there are many expressions of courage, the type of courage I find most conducive to developing intercultural capacity, learning new languages, or living in international contexts is the courage to make mistakes. Fear of making mistakes can be paralyzing. Do not take yourself too seriously; the learning process does not require an immediate perfection. You are going to make mistakes. Others are going to make mistakes. Being open to the learning process, and enjoying
People often ask – “what makes a person successful in
that process, is much more productive than being paralyzed by
intercultural relations?” I have two answers. One is a brief list of
the “perfection or nothing” mentality. Just make sure to not waste
characteristics I personally found helpful across many situations.
a good mistake – learn from it, do not keep repeating it.
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Opportunities in the global workplace are
from other cultures. Would your attempts to
Finally, motivational capability, or “drive”, reflects
abundant. So are the challenges. Cultures
establish yourself as the leader (or simply to
a desire to learn and function in another culture.
influence our workplace expectations, our ideas of
get noticed) have an effect of others perceiving
If you do not care to learn which behaviors can
what leadership looks like, how we provide and
you as obnoxious, conceited, or disrespectful?
be offensive in certain contexts, or do not care
receive feedback, how we handle stress, how we
Understanding of how culture influences such
to act accordingly even if you do know your
work in teams, and what pushes our subconscious
perceptions is a major part of building successful
behavior (say, putting your feet up in public) will
buttons and leads to conflict. As more and
intercultural collaborations. I would add that
be perceived as offensive, you are not likely to
more individuals daily interact with those who
awareness of your own cultural background and
build successful intercultural relationships. While
are very different from them, the diversity is invigorating, but it also requires different ways of thinking, and a new skillset of paying attention to communication signals that are more difficult to decipher, acting in ways that are not intuitive, and examining your own behavior more closely than
”DEVELOPING INTERPERSONAL AND INTERCULTURAL UNDERSTANDING NATURALLY FLOWS FROM CARING CURIOSITY.”
we typically might be inclined. Fortunately, research shows that cross-cultural capabilities can be developed. According to one of the prominent approaches to these capabilities, the cultural intelligence approach associated
how it influences your behavior and perceptions is
developing motivation capacity might be more
the key to metacognitive capability.
difficult than simply learning the rules, observing someone who built their success on functioning
with the work of Soon Ang, Lynn Van Dyne,
Behavioral capability (also called “action”) reflects
David Livermore and their colleagues, there
the ability to demonstrate appropriate verbal and
are four aspects of cultural capabilities (cultural
non-verbal behaviors in a foreign culture, which is
intelligence) that can be deliberately practiced
vital to effective communication and to establishing
and improved upon:
relationships. To develop this capability, it is
The global workplace is here. We can bemoan
essential to practice new behaviors so that they
the increasing complexity of life. We can
become easier and more natural for you. Practice
grudgingly drag ourselves into the world, perhaps
the type of handshakes or table manners expected
holding onto the safety blanket of some of the old
in specific environments - such as keeping the fork
ideas and assumptions. Or we can harness the
in the left hand and the knife in the right for the
change and have fun riding its wave. With proper
entire duration of using these utensils, European
skills and attitudes, opportunities in the global
way. Watching others and role playing specific
workplace are endless.
Cognitive aspect of cultural capabilities, or knowledge factor, reflects familiarity with the norms and practices of other cultures, as well as understanding of how cultures function in general. There are many ways to increase cultural knowledge – travel, interaction with individuals from other cultures, reading, visiting cultural events or centers, or perhaps taking courses focused on developing cultural knowledge. However, knowledge by itself is not enough.
well across cultures, or thinking of your prior successful and beneficial interactions with people from different cultural backgrounds, should help.
behaviors (standing closer or father apart from conversation partner, using culturally appropriate volume of voice in a conversation) is helpful in developing behavioral capability.
Metacognitive capability (also called “strategy”) reflects the ability to understand cultural knowledge, cultural awareness of appropriate
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
behaviors, and awareness of own behavior
Ludmila Praslova, Ph.D., Professor and Director of Vanguard’s Master of Science in Organizational Psychology (MSOP) program. In her 20s, she served as a Director of International Relations for the Russian Union of Pentecostal Evangelical Christians. She received her Ph.D. in Industrial-Organizational Psychology from one of the top 10 programs in the field, at the University of Akron, OH.
and thinking in intercultural interactions. It can be developed by paying attention to your own behavior in cultural situations and the reaction of others to your behavior. It requires being carefully attuned to what you know about cultures and individuals, and learning to predict how your behavior will be perceived by individuals
As a reflection of Vanguard’s commitment to preparing students for the diverse and global workplace, MSOP is working on introducing a specialization in Intercultural Relations within the program, which will specifically serve students interested in global careers or careers in organizational diversity.
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PULL AND PUSH WHEN NATHAN GONZALES ’00 READ THAT THE CAMPAIGN TO RENOVATE AND EXPAND THE SCOTT ACADEMIC CENTER WAS NAMED THROUGH THESE DOORS, HE REALIZED THAT, IN REFLECTING ON HIS OWN EDUCATION AT VANGUARD UNIVERSITY, THE IMAGE OF MOVING THROUGH A DOOR VERY MUCH RESONATED WITH HIM. NATHAN WOULD ADD ANOTHER SET OF DOORS TO THE METAPHOR, HOWEVER. “VANGUARD HELPED ME THROUGH ONE DOOR,” HE EXPLAINS, “INVITING ME INTO A COMMUNITY WHERE I COULD LEARN AND GROW IN MY FAITH, BUT IT THEN OPENED OTHER DOORS TO NEW EXPERIENCES AND SENT ME THROUGH THOSE. THIS SENSE OF BEING PULLED IN AND THEN PUSHED OUT OF MY COMFORT ZONES WAS FOUNDATIONAL AND LIFE-CHANGING.”
Nathan was certainly pulled in. When he arrived on campus, he had a plan that considered Vanguard little more than a two-year stepping stone to a larger state university. That all changed when within two weeks he had made lifelong friends in what was then the East Tower, serving together with them on a juvenile hall ministry team in Riverside. There he quickly discovered what it meant to be pushed out. “It was a sobering experience, not very comfortable,” he says. “We accompanied a Teen Challenge group and had a chapel for the kids there. We played worship songs, then broke up into small groups. They had two questions for us: how much we were paid to be there, and what was our experience in criminal activity. Vanguard gave me the opportunity to take ownership of my faith. I grew up in the best Christian home any kid could ask for, but college was time for me to figure out what faith really meant.” Nathan’s faith was being challenged by the hard reality of real service to the Lord. Near the end of his time at Vanguard, Nathan had the experience of being pushed out again, this time with results that echoed far into his life and career. Professor Dennis McNutt introduced him to the American Studies program, which led to an internship in the White House Press Office. During the internship, Nathan’s desk—really just a folding table with four telephones—was on the other side of the room in which the White House press secretary delivered daily briefings. He was in the center of all the activity, and caught the political bug. “Ninety percent of my time I answered phones and made copies,” he says. “But I had great attendance, I was always on time, and I worked extra hours. The internship led directly to my first job after graduating from Vanguard, at CNN. This is what 18 vanguard magazine FALL/WINTER 2015
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I tell young people when I explain to them the importance of an internship!” Nathan’s passion for politics moved beyond television work when he was connected to highlyregarded political analyst Stuart Rothenberg and began writing for the Rothenberg Political Report in 2001. Nathan had found his true calling. He’s been hard at work for this publication ever since, recently assuming ownership of it. It’s now the Rothenberg & Gonzales Political Report, and to this Nathan has added another website he created called Politics in Stereo. The Rothenberg & Gonzales Political Report explores and explains the different races happening at each level during election years, while Politics in Stereo allows its reader to filter political commentary state by state and according to ideology. Both of the projects have similar aims: to educate voters with precision, relevance, and fairness. Both are non-partisan, one of Nathan’s abiding principles. “It’s important for people to be exposed to opinions other than the ones they agree
Nathan Gonzales appears on Meet the Press in October of 2015.
with,” he says. “Knowing and understanding where the other side is coming from can take the edge off political discourse. We don’t have to all agree with each other, but the tone of political discourse is often unhealthy and often not Christ-like. As Christians we should be mindful of how we act in the political realm.” Nathan’s faith has always been closely connected to his work. “One of my missions is to seek truth and write about truth. Good journalists seek out truth and write a fair story about what’s happening. That’s in line with Vanguard’s core values and, of
course, the Bible’s. Faith plays a huge role in how
of Vanguard’s future has at its center that image of
I interact with sources and other journalists. It’s
those doors. “My heart is to get as many students
a brutal industry and I try to conduct myself in a
on campus as possible, growing them in their faith
Christ-like manner in all my interactions. My hope
and knowledge, and then pushing them off campus
is that people will come to trust me with material.
to learn about and serve the world. Vanguard helped
They know they’ll get fair treatment if I write it.”
me broaden my worldview and encouraged me to
Nathan has recently been appointed to the Vanguard Board of Trustees, and he’s the youngest member. With the privilege of being directly involved in the governance of Vanguard University, Nathan’s vision
grow deeper in my faith, which led to freedom as I left campus. As I enter service on the Board, that’s my goal: I want to get kids here, and then push them out to do great things.”
“GOOD JOURNALISTS SEEK OUT TRUTH AND WRITE A FAIR STORY ABOUT WHAT’S HAPPENING. THAT’S IN LINE WITH VANGUARD’S CORE VALUES AND, OF COURSE, THE BIBLE’S.” NATHAN GONZALES ’00
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COMMUNITY RESOURCES AMONG THE DIVERSE BENEFITS OF THE TRANSFORMATIONAL EDUCATION STUDENTS RECEIVE AT VANGUARD UNIVERSITY, PERHAPS THE MOST RESOUNDING ARE THOSE THAT ECHO BACK THROUGH THE STUDENT AND INTO HIS OR HER HOME COMMUNITY. Students are empowered by the tools they acquire
who received the National Hispanic Christian
she says. “Professor Hien Park saw my passion for
at Vanguard, and with those tools they return to the
Leadership Conference scholarship for Latino students
the Hispanic community early and encouraged me,
communities that formed them intent on helping serve
at Vanguard. Heidi also served as a diversity intern
telling me that my goals are worthy and that I can
the concerns there.
in Vanguard’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion, and
go far. Professor Elizabeth Powell motivates me to
she volunteered for the community development
integrate faith and psychology. She gives me a model
organization MIKA as part of their El Paseo after-
to aspire to, teaching and presenting at seminars
school tutoring, helping K-12 students achieve their
and conferences. And Professor Ed Clarke has so
maximum potential academically. This year, Heidi is
much going on, and is so busy, and yet when I told
also volunteering for the Down Syndrome Association
him of my dream of building a resource center at my
of Orange County, serving the Hispanic community
church, he said, ‘Let’s make it happen!’” Heidi has
under their Spanish Outreach program. In this role,
already begun just that, working with her church, The
Heidi is really laying the foundation for her future. “We
Wash LA, to organize events that serve the diverse
provide bilingual resources and educational support
surrounding community, many members of which are
for families of individuals with Down Syndrome,” she
low-income or homeless.
Heidi Lepe is one of these students. Originally from the ethnically diverse, compact, and crowded community of West Los Angeles, Heidi came to Vanguard and immediately fell in love with the sun-drenched pace of living in Costa Mesa and the structured community of higher education. Her home was never far from her mind, however. At Vanguard, Heidi discovered a way to talk about and name the issues that her community faces, and even more importantly became equipped with tools to challenge them. “Before, I didn’t take things seriously, or think about them,” she says about the matters that plague West LA. “My education here has opened my eyes, made me aware of these problems, and be able to label them as ‘not okay.’ Now I can’t overlook them. I can find a solution to them.” At Vanguard, Heidi found an academic community sensitive to her identity and committed to providing opportunities for her to appreciate and expand it. Two years ago she was the president of El Puente Club, and last year she was one of four students
says. “This allows me to take part in a movement to advocate for people who have no voice. I love working with these families. My dream job is to be an educational advocate for Latinos in schools and communities across the nation locally and politically, whether it be in a school district or on a city council.”
But for all that Heidi has done, it’s not enough. She graduates this spring, yet her education is not complete. “My parents, who immigrated to this country and are now citizens, always taught me to do my best, and set God first. More than anything, they said to me ‘Go to school, because we never could.’ I plan
The most essential component of Heidi’s development
to go on and get my PhD, to be an example in my
at Vanguard has been professors who transmit their
community and an advocate in education for Latinos,”
knowledge and experience through passion and
she says.
relationship. “There is a sense of professors being there for you, both spiritually and academically,”
“My sociology degree will be a part of my ministry, using the church as a tool to open resources to families in communities.” HEIDI LEPE
At Vanguard, Heidi has been equipped for a life of faith that serves the needs of her own people, whatever ethnic or economic demographic they belong to. “I will never forget when a professor here told me ‘The gospel is best heard when people know that you care about all of them and not just their spiritual well-being.’ My sociology degree will be a part of my ministry, using the church as a tool to open resources to families in communities.”
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S H E R I D A N IF YOU TRY TO CONDUCT AN INTERVIEW WITH SGA PRESIDENT AND SENIOR SHERIDAN SMITH ANYWHERE ON VANGUARD’S CAMPUS, BE PREPARED FOR INTERRUPTIONS. Nearly everyone who passes by has a friendly word to say to Sheridan, and he welcomes these greetings with warmth and kindness. This is fitting, because for Sheridan, the community-mindedness of Vanguard University is so deeply woven into the fabric of campus life that he began to benefit from it the very first moment he stepped onto the grounds. He wasn’t a part of an Admissions Pre-VU weekend or any other official event; he was just walking around a strange new place with his parents. “We didn’t have a tour guide, and class wasn’t even in session,” he says. “Yet every student we encountered was so friendly. They realized I was new
S M I T H
Sheridan would rely on these relationships, as well as the support services Vanguard offers, when at the end of his sophomore year and into his junior year he began to experience a deep and dark depression. He had no idea where it was coming from. “That period cultivated the most growth in my life,” he says. “I learned that you have to show up to your own life. I was drawn to God, and truly understood what it means to receive his love and grace. It was a very important season in my life, when my narrative became redemptive.” An essential part of Sheridan’s recovery was the Counseling Center at Vanguard. In addition to personally helping him, the experience gave him the foundation for his future, and Sheridan knows that the heart for ministry he’s always had will somehow manifest in giving others the same help he received. “I’m planning to attend the Institute of Spiritual Formation program at Biola, to prepare for a position as a spiritual director at a church or as a Christian therapist. What I do know for certain is that I want to help others like I was helped. My passion is to challenge people to understand who they are and
and gave my parents and me an unofficial tour. They
how to go deeper in their faith.”
were already building relationships and they didn’t even
In the meantime, Sheridan is embracing the joy of
know us.”
serving as SGA president. “It’s a fun job with a lot of
As a student, Sheridan immediately found ways to
responsibility,” he says. “Leading people and making
be engaged in this community, becoming a Resident Assistant for Huntington Hall as a sophomore. Sheridan
decisions requires confidence and the ability to delegate to my team.” This experience will be one of many at
shortly realized that being a part of any community
Vanguard that have prepared Sheridan for his future.
carries with it the frustrations of being human. He
At Vanguard, the education Sheridan received cannot
diplomatically explains that he was in charge of the
be separated from the redemptive power of a community
rowdiest floor in the building. “It was very hard, but
in partnership with Christ. “It’s difficult to create an
extremely rewarding,” he recalls. “It was a relationally
environment of academia as well as a culture of spiritual
exhausting job, and I had such a tough year that when
and Christian leaders. It’s so valuable because not many
they asked me to be an RA again I almost said no. But I
universities can do it. At Vanguard, you gain knowledge,
found strength in the relationships I had developed with
become a scholar, and understand what it means to
the Resident Life staff.”
discover God.”
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RESTORING HOMES AND FAMILIES BEFORE JESSICA VALDEZ ’00 ARRIVED AT VANGUARD UNIVERSITY AS A JUNIOR TRANSFER STUDENT, SHE HAD AN EXPERIENCE THAT WOULD PROVE FORMATIVE AS SHE DEVELOPED THE FOUNDATION FOR HER CAREER. JESSICA HAD VOLUNTEERED AT A CRISIS PREGNANCY CENTER, LOCATED IN A HOUSE AND RUN BY A SMALL STAFF OF DEDICATED WOMEN.
“I loved that it was run out of a home,” Jessica recalls. “When women came in, they came into a living room. They could feel safe. They could feel like they were in a home, not a hospital or clinic. I remember thinking, ‘I would love to run something like this!’” Jessica fulfilled this ambition, but with a twist. In her position at Olive Crest—an organization that educates and advocates for youth and families in crisis—she still has an opportunity to see the home as a place of healing and restoration. Now the Foster and Adoption Programs Director, Jessica’s first position at Olive Crest was over a decade ago as a student intern required to perform 30 hours of service in the late Dr. Elizabeth Leonard’s Domestic Violence class. “Dr. Leonard was the person at Vanguard I identified with the most,” says Jessica. “Something about who she was resonated with me. She made her teaching more personal than academic; she related to my passion as I was discovering it.” Jessica distinguished herself so well in her role as an intern that Olive Crest gave her a parttime position while she completed her degree at Vanguard. Upon her graduation, Jessica accepted a full-time position, and from there steadily began taking on more and more leadership responsibilities. When Olive Crest was chosen as one of LA county’s adoption services providers, Jessica was asked to coordinate the new department. In 2013, she assumed her current role, and one of the more unique aspects of her journey at Olive Crest is that in over 10 years, she has only once held a position that anyone held before her. She has consistently been responsible for creating new positions and developing them within the framework of Olive Crest’s mission. “God has opened doors for me, and as I have chosen by faith to walk through each one, amazing opportunities have presented themselves!” One of these doors was further education, and so, while still working full-time at Olive Crest, Jessica went back to school, obtaining her Master’s in Social Work from Cal State University – Long Beach. One of the accomplishments Jessica is most proud of is a Digital Storytelling program she began with a co-worker to help children process their adoption story. “Many children have rarely told their story to anyone,” she says. “Our Digital Storytelling workshop allows youth to share aspects of their life story, through their perspective, by creating short, multimedia movies that combine photographs, video, animation, sound, music, text, and a narrative voice. This therapeutic experience, which has historically been specifically for adoptive youth, is the only
Jessica is not shy about what is needed most in this battlefield:
one of its kind in Los Angeles County. To date, more than 40 stories have been created.”
families of faith who will step in and fill the role of the church
Olive Crest’s motto is “Strong Families, Safe Kids” and Jessica is motivated in part by the idea
in the lives of children in foster care. For these families willing
she encountered at the crisis pregnancy center and was exposed to growing up, of the home as a place of safety and renewal. “My passion is for family,” she says. “I had a wonderful family growing up, but of course, not everyone has that. People and children heal in families—even if their wounds come from their family. My initial experience at Olive Crest was being a part of a team that took joy in making a difference. I wanted to be a part of that. I wanted a life that was purposeful and had meaning.” Such a life is not without effort. In her work in the world of adoption and foster care services,
to answer this call, Olive Crest is a means by which they can facilitate the healing and recovery of others in crisis. “What is our role as believers in these kids’ lives?” Jessica asks. “At Olive Crest, we are always in need of families who believe in restoration, who are willing to adopt. It’s a strong call, and a hard call—we know that. But we also see it as a missional call, to serve kids and families.”
Jessica is witness to a great deal of pain and trauma. “It’s not easy,” she says. “We are walking
If you would like more information about Olive Crest’s adoption
into the battlefield for people’s hearts and souls. But we keep our eye on the goal and fight for
services and volunteer opportunities, please visit
what is hard and uncomfortable, but right.”
www.OliveCrest.org.
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A DREAM THAT NEVER DIES “DREAMING GOD’S DREAM” – THAT’S THE PHRASE PROFESSOR ROGER HEUSER USES TO DESCRIBE HOW LEADERS ALIGN THEIR DREAMS – AND THE DREAMS OF THEIR CONGREGATIONS AND ORGANIZATIONS -WITH GOD’S MAGNIFICENT VISION OF RECONCILING THE WORLD TO HIMSELF. THE INVITATION TO DREAM AMIDST THE MANY AND DIVERSE CHALLENGES OF CONTEMPORARY CULTURE IS BOLD AND ADVENTUROUS, AS IT IS AT TIMES DAUNTING.
Upon this solid foundation, Dr. Heuser built an eclectic ministerial and academic career. After receiving his undergraduate degree from Trinity College and his MA from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Dr. Heuser served for eight years on the pastoral staff at his father’s multicultural congregation and pastored a church plant in a Chicago suburb, before he somewhat unconventionally pursued his PhD in religious studies from New York University, a place where graduate students came from many backgrounds and faith traditions. “My classes there challenged me, testing and deepening my faith,” he says. “But God is not intimidated by our curiosity.
Certainly God’s dream has been at work in
congregation of a German church in a
God wants us to open our mind to academic
Dr. Heuser’s life, from the small Midwestern
demographically changing neighborhood in
pursuits, and our heart to life experiences.” One
communities where his parents taught him his
urban Milwaukee, attempting to reach people
of Roger’s heart-opening experiences was his
first lessons in pastoral leadership, to his 32-year
different from their own church culture. As a
foray in a jazz-rock Christian band called the
career at Vanguard University, teaching leadership
child, Roger observed his father in the trenches
Crimson Bridge. “We thought God was calling us
studies, spirituality, and practical theology.
of ministry, making hospital calls, broadcasting
to be rock stars, but it never happened,” he says
a weekly radio program, preparing Bible study
with a laugh. (You can observe the chromatic
and prayer meeting every Wednesday, and
vestiges of this calling in Dr. Heuser’s office in
preaching three times on Sunday. Roger’s mother
Heath, where an old “psychedelic” poster for the
was deeply involved in children’s church and
band encourages you to “Fill your head with the
women’s ministries, before transitioning to
Crimson Bridge”.)
“I was raised in an Assemblies of God pastor’s home in Wisconsin,” he says. “Both of my parents were dedicated servant leaders who modeled for me authentic ministry.” As a life-long learner in leadership studies, Roger can look back at his parents’ ministries and see how their effectiveness was rooted in the deeply spiritual and sacrificial nature of their leadership. One experience he remembered vividly was his dad pastoring an English
her gift of teaching in ecumenical, adult Bible studies. Her occupation was serving the Lord, and she never retired from it, leading her Bible study up until just three weeks before she passed away. “She had a saying,” explains Roger. “She wanted ‘to die with her boots on.’” And she did!
After filling his head and heart with vocational ministry experience, an excellent education, and a long shot at rock music stardom, Dr. Heuser found himself in Costa Mesa in 1983, dreaming God’s dream for Vanguard University. “When I came here, it just connected: ‘This is where I’m supposed to be.’ Earlier in my career, I knew
DR. ROGER HEUSER teaches a variety of religion courses in graduate and undergraduate programs at Vanguard University. He is a consultant and retreat facilitator for congregations, nonprofits, and mission agencies as well as an adjunct professor at Fuller Theological Seminary, the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary, Northwest University, and other programs in Europe, Asia, and Latin America. Before beginning his teaching career, Roger served as a pastor for twelve years in the Chicago area.
that I would serve God by serving the church, and here I discovered I could do that through teaching, writing, consulting, and working with leaders in other countries.” Professor Heuser came to Vanguard to help launch the MA in Religion, with two concentrations: Biblical
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Studies and Church Leadership studies. He was honored to count himself among the members of a faculty he had great respect for. “I joined the faculty with scholars I always admired: Don Baldwin, Jerry CameryHoggatt, David Clark, Murray Dempster, Nancy Heidebrecht, Byron Klaus, Bill Williams, and Ron Wright. And I had an immediate sense that I was home when I met them, and with the entire faculty. That has continued through the years even with the changing of the faculty. I am proud to be a
“The same God who created the majesty of these heavens and earth wants to recreate fresh, vibrant mission in congregations and nonprofits to meet the challenges of the 21st century. Claiming kingdom values for ourselves— forgiveness, the ministry of reconciliation, loving our enemies, blessing others, not cursing them—is a radical mission for individual leaders and their congregations and nonprofits.”
part of this religion department, where we have a rare combination of scholar/servants who care about students, pastorally, as well as the integration of scholarship with faith and ministry.” Dr. Heuser is committed to Vanguard’s identity as a Christian liberal arts institution, having benefitted himself from such an education while at Trinity College. “When I was an undergraduate, my mind opened into a whole new world. Someone told me, ‘All truth is God’s truth,’ and I realized how I could be a follower of Jesus and still explore a variety of academic fields of study under the lordship of Christ. The Christian liberal arts experience believes in a God who
for our world. What better motivation to
look no further than his own journey, and
excel in different fields of inquiry!”
his own marriage. Four years ago, he was
As Professor Heuser developed Vanguard’s leadership curriculum, he also deepened his passion for the subject, helping place Vanguard at the forefront of training students to lead congregations, organizations, and nonprofits to be agents of God’s kingdom in the world. “I love to study and write about what makes organizations and congregations work well,” says Dr. Heuser. “The same God who created the majesty of these heavens and earth wants to recreate
diagnosed with low-grade lymphoma, and the experience of facing this life-threatening disease gave him a deepening sense of gratitude. Now in remission, he is thankful every day to be with students, friends, and family—most especially his wife of 22 years, Gayle. “I’d be at a different place without the joyful companionship of my wife,” he says. “I’ve never known such strength and tenderness that is a natural incarnation of her care and prayerful support.”
fresh, vibrant mission in congregations
Perhaps what motivates Dr. Heuser more
and nonprofits to meet the challenges of
than anything is the belief that God is
the 21st century. Claiming kingdom values
still dreaming for Vanguard. “God’s not
for ourselves—forgiveness, the ministry of
done with Vanguard,” he says. “One of the
reconciliation, loving our enemies, blessing
things that attracted me over 30 years ago
“Without God,” he continues, “the
others, not cursing them—is a radical
was the participation of the faculty, staff,
temptation is to become a materialist. Are we
mission for individual leaders and their
administration, and trustees as partners in
all just physical, material interactions? With
congregations and nonprofits.”
the governance of this institution. It has been
created the world and is in the process of redeeming that world through Christ. This education has no limits in exploring God, his creation, and his relation to humankind.
God, we can believe in the wonder, joy, and majesty of a God who doesn’t stop creating and wants us to create with Him, and care
When Dr. Heuser wants a fresh reminder of the power of these “kingdom values,” he need
tested, but I believe there’s still a desire to be what God is dreaming for this place.”
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sports
ALL GOOD THINGS FOR MANY STUDENT ATHLETES AT VANGUARD UNIVERSITY, THE EXPERIENCE OF PLAYING ON A TEAM THAT IS ABLE TO EXPLICITLY EMBRACE FAITH IN CHRIST AS A PART OF ITS MISSION IS A NEW ONE. FOR JOSE ROJAS, HOWEVER, THE TRANSITION WAS EASY. AS LONG AS HE’S BEEN PLAYING BASEBALL, JOSE HAS BEEN COMMITTED TO MAKING HIS FAITH AN ESSENTIAL PART OF HIS SPORT. “Ever since I was little,” he says “I have made an
NAIA National Baseball Tournament, reaching the
effort to give all good things to the Lord, especially
third round of the NAIA World Series in Lewiston,
the privilege to play baseball. I have always been
Idaho, ending the year ranked 8th.
thankful for the opportunity to play, and the effort I’m willing to give to get better is because of that.”
Jose was also individually honored at the close of the season. The shortstop was chosen for an NAIA
Of course, now that he’s a member of Vanguard’s
Gold Glove Award, the first player in Vanguard’s
baseball team, led by coach Rob Pegg, Jose is
history to receive this distinction, and he was also
very grateful to be at a place where his faith is
recognized as an Honorable Mention on the
supported all around him by a close community
2015 NAIA All-America team. Jose appreciates
of believers. “When Coach Pegg offered me
the recognition, but awards have never determined
the chance to attend Vanguard, I felt it would be
his happiness and success. “I’m grateful because it
a good place to go because of my faith, and
means that my hard work showed on the field,” he
because I could stay in California and be close
says. “But my mindset is simple: keep having fun
to my family. Then, ever since the day I arrived, I
and working hard, and good things will happen.
loved it. The community of students, athletes, and
The rest takes care of itself.”
staff have been so caring, helpful, and friendly.”
Upon his graduation from Vanguard, Jose hopes
At Vanguard, Jose has found a team that balances
to continue playing professional baseball, where
a strenuous commitment to athletic excellence with
as before, his faith will be a central part of who
the broader perspective that comes with faith.
he is as an athlete and teammate. “Jesus is always
“Coach Pegg has influenced me in a major way,”
my first priority. My will, my work ethic, and my
says Jose. “He has encouraged me to give my
confidence all come from my faith, and I love to
best effort in all I do. He encourages the team to
express it.” When Jose’s playing career is over, he
glorify God and do our best, building a foundation
intends to give back to his community, becoming
of working hard every single day.” Coach Pegg’s
a physical education teacher and baseball coach,
approach so far has brought results. This year,
helping guide others like himself to the fun of
Vanguard’s baseball team scorched through the
baseball and the joy of faith in Christ.
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“JESUS IS ALWAYS MY FIRST PRIORITY. My will, my work ethic, and my confidence all come from my faith, and I love to express it.” JOSE ROJAS, BASEBALL
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BRIDGE PROGRAM BY VIRTUE OF ITS LOCATION IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA, VANGUARD UNIVERSITY SERVES ONE OF THE MOST CULTURALLY DIVERSE COMMUNITIES IN THE UNITED STATES. IN THE LAST TWO DECADES, AS THE EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR MANY POPULATIONS HAVE EVOLVED, MORE AND MORE FIRST-GENERATION COLLEGE STUDENTS ARE SEEKING A QUALITY CHRISTIAN LIBERAL ARTS EXPERIENCE.
students, listen to their story, become a part of
Vanguard has consistently been at the forefront
connecting students to each other, and helps
for the day, and are then invited to participate
of meeting the unique needs of these students,
students access and navigate the resources
in a number of events that connect them to
fulfilling its mission to minister to the whole student,
available to them. Students also receive
each other and to the school. One evening
no matter what social or cultural demographic he
academic support, centered on math and
they attend an Angels game; the next they have
or she occupies.
writing, and what we call ‘proactive advising,’
dinner at the home of the vice president for
where we go directly to students and help them
student affairs. And as the director of student
take advantage of tutoring and mentorship.”
success and academic resources, Lebrecht has
Whereas many colleges and universities endeavor to create programs for first-generation
their story, become an advocate for them while we teach them to advocate for themselves, make them a part of our community, and give them the tools to explore their giftings.” As Lebrecht explains, making students feel immediately welcomed into Vanguard’s community is often as important as the academic preparation. During the two weeks of the Bridge Program, students complete their study portion
first-hand knowledge of the impact the program
students, Vanguard’s efforts reflect its special
Confidence plays a large role in a student’s
identity as a place where relationships are of
likelihood of success, and one of the trends
the highest priority. At the center of these efforts
among first-generation students is a lack of this
is Vanguard’s Bridge Program, now in its third
confidence. Many students experience adversity
year. The Bridge Program is an intensive two-
when they attempt to navigate the culture
week introduction to the community of Vanguard
of academia, and there is a risk that these
University, focused on providing academic
students fly under the radar. As an academic
and social resources to students who are, for a
institution invested in the lives of each of its
variety of reasons, underprepared for the rigors
students, Vanguard wants to find those students
of college life. “The Bridge Program provides a
and make sure they succeed. “This program
Cyndi Murillo, Vanguard’s Hispanic Serving
relational and academic transition to college,”
embodies what Vanguard does well,” says
Institution (HSI) coordinator, echoes how vital the
explains Dr. Tim Young, vice president for student
Amanda Lebrecht, director of student success
sense of community is to the Bridge Program.
affairs. “The program delivers social integration,
and academic resources. “We uniquely identify
“Being a community to them means a lot,” Cyndi
has had on these students completing their degrees. “We have an increase in retention across the board,” she says. “There’s a reason for that. We have a rich legacy of caring for people, and we have a small campus. We can identify these students, discover their needs, and give them all the best of Vanguard University in two weeks.”
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Students participate in Vanguard’s 2015 diversity graduation celebrations.
says. “A lot of our first-generation students
represents $2.57M over five years. Vanguard
their careers. This federal grant enables us to
have questions about the college experience
provost Dr. Doretha O’Quinn is proud of the
enhance and expand our academic offerings
that they feel ‘dumb’ asking. We establish trust
hard work of different departments to make this
to our students and positions Vanguard as a
with them, and go out of our way to create
grant a reality. “The synergy and collaboration
leader in equipping Hispanic students.”
opportunities for them to succeed. It’s more
between the academic and student affairs units
than being just a friend or mentor, however.
can make a significant difference in the life of
We’re always asking them, ‘How’s school?’
Vanguard University,” she says.
Our biggest goal for them is to graduate.”
As Vanguard continues to grow the Bridge Program and expand its reach and influence, Dr. Tim Young is excited about the potential of
David Vazquez, director of strategic
the program as one more way in which the
In addition to introducing students to the
partnerships at Vanguard, echoes this pride.
University fulfills its mission, which is, as he puts
University, Vanguard aims to draw these
“Vanguard University Hispanic student
it, “To equip each student. We believe there is
students’ families closer as well. Events such as
enrollment parallels trends of the Hispanic
no student who is not capable of succeeding
Grandparents Day and Family Weekend are
population in both Orange County and
at Vanguard. Meeting the needs of students
vital to this aspiration, but so is the translation
California,” he says. “Vanguard is really
means that we meet them where they’re at
service that Cyndi provided Hispanic parents
addressing a need in our community. Being
now, and our vision for a holistic student is to
during Welcome Week. She knows how
the only institution in Orange County to receive
make sure they succeed academically. First and
important this type of help is through personal
the Title V Grant is in many ways a compliment
foremost, we want each student to receive the
experience. “I feel passionate about reaching
to what Vanguard is doing to train, educate,
fullness of a Vanguard education.”
out to these parents because I know that my
and prepare Hispanic students for life and
parents were once there, wanting to learn and grow and understand college life.” The benefits of the Bridge Program extend beyond the obvious advantages it confers on the students who participate. By implementing this support system and investing resources into it, Vanguard University was able to establish the clear steps it was taking to serve the needs of Hispanic students. This played an integral role in Vanguard having been awarded a Hispanic Serving Institution Grant from the
“WE UNIQUELY IDENTIFY STUDENTS, LISTEN TO THEIR STORY, BECOME A PART OF THEIR STORY, BECOME AN ADVOCATE FOR THEM WHILE WE TEACH THEM TO ADVOCATE FOR THEMSELVES, MAKE THEM A PART OF OUR COMMUNITY, AND GIVE THEM THE TOOLS TO EXPLORE THEIR GIFTINGS.” AMANDA LEBRECHT, DIRECTOR OF STUDENT SUCCESS AND ACADEMIC RESOURCES
U.S. Department of Education—a grant which
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Vanguard’s Landmark Scott Academic Center Opens Vanguard University unveiled a dramatically expanded and remodeled Scott Academic Center on Saturday, October 3, to nearly 600 community members, civic leaders, administrators, students and others keen on advancing the history of this 95-year-old university – the first four-year college opened in Orange County. The expansion will allow for Vanguard to increase classroom capacity by approximately 1,500 students per day. “We offer this building as a public landmark, tying Orange County’s past to its future,” said Dr. Michael J. Beals, president of Vanguard University. “Scott Academic Center now serves as a welcoming beacon for a new generation of academics, idealists, and thought leaders prepared to lend influence to some of the most-pressing challenges of our time.”
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through these doors
Top row, left to right: President Beals addressed the crowd at the ribbon cutting ceremony; the new Samson’s Café gathering place; donors to the Scott Center campaign are honored on special panels in the building; Middle row, left to right: guests enjoyed brunch on the Heath Lawn; tours of the newly renovated building; the three-story expansion on the building’s east side; the Veterans Courtyard; Bottom row, left to right: the Judkins Courtyard; the Assemblies of God Heritage Room; the beautiful new entry lobby.
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class notes
CLASS NOTES 1960s
1970s
Service Officer working for the United States Agency
Jan (Lawless ’65) Hennemuth had a great
Patrick Thomas ’72 retired after 30 years in
time in June at Vanguard’s Decade of the 60’s reunion
education. He received his Master’s Degree in
halfway through a four-year posting where Brian is
getting reacquainted with old friends from her time in
Physical Education from Adams State College in
school. She had a wonderful time worshipping and
Alamosa, Colorado and also his PhD in Curriculum
Cecilia (Geronimo) Martinez ’89 was promoted
hearing some old friends preach. Lots of new memories
and Instruction from Kansas State University. For the
to Supply Chain Procurement Manager in June 2015
were made.
last 13 years he served as an associate professor
with the St. Joseph Health System.
for International Development (USAID). They are overseeing economic development programs.
and department chair in the College of Education at
Joe McCarthy ’89
Armstrong State University in Savannah, GA. Patrick
60’s GRADUATES GATHER ON
traveled with a student study abroad program in
CAMPUS FOR REUNION
the Far East, Europe, and several nations in Central
About twenty years ago, alumni of Vanguard
Sharon Thomas, retired after 40 years as a public
University from the decade of the 1960’s began gathering on campus to connect with one another and celebrate their shared past. This past June marked another opportunity for alumni from the decade of the 1960’s to join together, under the theme of “Friendship and Memories.” The event encouraged new friendships and the renewal of old friendships, as attendees celebrated a weekend of activities. “The weekend was filled with times to connect, fellowship, worship, inspire, and care for others,” said Joel Gackle, director of alumni relations. “The 60’s group is a special group, forged by the intimate, closeknit campus built on serving Christ. This decade witnessed a transformational time that included the nearby Jesus Movement and the moments leading up to, and the start of the Vietnam War. When you connect with any members of this group, you quickly realize the depth of friendships, and sometimes faith, that began on our campus. Fifty years later,
is the Director of Marketing & Public Relations at Hope International University
Asia working with schools in each country. His wife, school media specialist. The couple lives in Savannah, Georgia, and continue traveling, adjunct teaching, and playing as much golf as possible.
in Fullerton, CA. He and his wife of 17 years have adopted two daughters, Eliana Joy (8) and Gabriela Grace (6). The McCarthys have lived in Brea since 1996.
1980s
Phil and Linda (Stiles
Gerard Beenen ’84 was recently awarded
’84) Parker ’85 have
tenure at Cal State Fullerton where he works as a
served as youth pastors,
management professor. He teaches undergraduate
business administrators,
and MBA courses in organizational behavior,
Christian education directors, and lead pastors
leadership, negotiation, and organizational change, and his research focuses on workplace motivation and
in four churches over 17 years. Phil also served as the
learning, and leadership. He is also currently vice chair
Business Administrator for the Nebraska District
of the management department and acting associate
Assemblies of God for almost 10 years. In 2011, he
dean for graduate programs in the business school.
started a ministry/business called FASTChurch
Additionally he works as an adjunct professor in the
(Financial & Administrative Services for Today’s
MBA programs at Carnegie Mellon University and UC
Church), which aids churches and religious non-profits
Irvine, where he will be a visiting associate professor
with bookkeeping and other administrative needs. Phil
during his fall sabbatical. Beenen completed his PhD
and Linda raised four daughters, one of which returned
in organizational behavior and theory at Carnegie
to Vanguard several years ago. They have three
Mellon in 2008, and previously did his MBA at
grandchildren as well. Phil and Linda live in Colorado
Northwestern University and MA at Fuller Seminary. He
Springs, Colorado.
and his family (Eun, Matthew, and Hannah) are active members of Irvine Presbyterian Church.
the alumni from the 1960’s continue to inspire
Brian Conklin ’89, his
and serve those around them.”
wife Dawn and their children, Kyle, Kaylee and Elysse are living in northern Ghana. Brian is a Foreign
1990s Joy (Andrick ’99) Qualls has accepted a new position as an Associate Professor and Chair of the Communication Studies Department at Biola University. Joy and her family Kevin, Blakeley (5), and Soren (4) moved to Brea late this summer. They are all enjoying
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their new life in California and look forward to participating in activities at both Biola and Vanguard!
2000s Steffany Ayala ’09 decided to pursue an MBA at Hope International University after graduating from Vanguard. While studying, she found herself passionate about the financial structure of non-profit organizations and started to pursue a career in the sector. She currently works for an international humanitarian non-profit called Good Neighbors USA Justin ’98, MBA ’08 and Joelle (Mockabee ’00) McIntee with children Estella and Quinn.
that works in over 35 countries around the world. She also started her own company called S-Finance with the mission of helping non-profit organizations and individuals reach a good financial structure and to attain their bookkeeping goals. Jennifer Fetters ’07 has been a Financial Aid Administrator for over eighteen years, and is currently working for Bellevue College in Washington State. She is also involved in politics and currently serves as
A NOTE FROM JUSTIN HAS VANGUARD HAD A POSITIVE IMPACT ON YOUR LIFE? AS I CONSIDERED COMING BACK TO SERVE HERE AT MY ALMA MATER, THIS QUESTION PLAYED A SIGNIFICANT ROLE IN MY DECISION. I initially came to Vanguard to play basketball
expertise have you been developing? I have a
for Coach Reynolds. Little did I know at the
vision that every one of our students would
Melissa (Cook ’08)
time, that I would earn two degrees from
connect with a mentor during their time on
Craik taught Physical
Vanguard, meet my beautiful wife here, make
campus. This is a lofty goal, I know. Imagine
life long friends, and build a relationship with
if we were in touch with all of our alumni and
God that provides purpose and direction for
knew what industry you worked in. This vision
everything I do.
would become a reality sooner, rather than later.
Washington State Young Republican Chairman.
Education for the last three years, but is now taking time off to be with her son, Jameson (born June 7, 2015). Her husband, Kevin, is in the ordination
It is a privilege and honor to now serve as the
process to become an Anglican priest.
Vice President for University Advancement. It
Would you enjoy imparting your wisdom on a Vanguard student?
is my intent to build infrastructure so that we
If you haven’t been back on campus in a while,
published her fourth book,
can have a life long relationship with all who
there is no better time to come visit. In August,
Breathe Deep (Eternal
care deeply about Vanguard and our mission
we opened the newly renovated Scott Academic
Press, 2015), a sequel to
to pursue knowledge, cultivate character, and
Center. I would love to give you a tour. So, next
Deep Green (2013).
deepen faith.
time you are in the area, please, let me know and
Aaron Jimenez ’03
I invite you to reconnect with us. First and
graduated with a Master’s
foremost, we would love to hear what you have
Degree in Clinical Mental
been up to since graduation. Secondly, what
Trisha Haddad ’00 has
let’s reconnect. I look forward to hearing from you.
Health: Community Counseling in 2011 and opened a private practice - Foundations 4 Life, LLC. Aaron has also become a Licensed Addiction Counselor and works with parolees recently released from prison. Aaron is also an adjunct
JUSTIN MCINTEE ’98, MBA ’08
professor at Colorado Mesa University and Colorado
VICE PRESIDENT FOR UNIVERSITY ADVANCEMENT
Christian University. Aaron’s main passion is working
vanguard magazine FALL/WINTER 2015
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Joshua, Heather, Benjamin, Nathan, Lizzie, and Seth Harrington.
NATHAN HARRINGTON – RUN FOR MERCY 5K During Homecoming Week of 2013,
Nathan knows firsthand that every individual with
more concrete. Even though I was 34 years old with
Vanguard University hosted a 5K fun
HD represents a family made more vulnerable to
four kids, the professors and other students were so
run/walk as a fundraiser for the medical
Huntington’s Disease. Nathan also recognizes that,
accepting. Jerry Camery-Hoggatt, Gary Tyra, and
expenses of Mercy Doyle, the daughter
while his hope for healing ultimately rests with God,
Bill Dogterom were so influential in shaping my
of alumni Kevin ’99 and Camie (Grasser
earthly resources make possible medical advancements
learning experience, and in helping me deal with
’99) Doyle. The event served as an opportunity
that can vastly improve the lives of those with HD.
Huntington’s. They helped me press forward, and live
for the Vanguard community to rally around two of its
“Our mission with the Healing Huntington’s foundation
life to the fullest.”
own, and the Run For Mercy 5K became an annual
is very straightforward,” says Nathan. “Through faith,
tradition. The following year raised funds for the family
surrounded by love, joy, peace, patience, kindness,
of Candace (Wong ’02) Segrove, and last year
goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, all
the 5K supported the family of John Brock (’04).
mankind would receive a cure through God’s gift of
In 2016, the fourth annual Run For Mercy 5K Fun Run/
miracles, and healing from any ailment or disease.”
Nathan completed his BA in religion with an emphasis in pastoral care, whereupon he and his family moved back to Washington state. He is now devoting all of his energy to Healing Huntington’s, though at times it is difficult. He has lived with the disease for nearly
Walk will raise support for Nathan Harrington
Nathan has been strengthened in his resolve by
a decade, and some days are better than others.
(’15) and his foundation Healing Huntington’s.
a long journey of highs and lows—a journey that
There are stretches when he seems to be functioning
Nathan and several members of his family suffer from
includes a 12-year break between his junior and
normally, but is having trouble with his mind. Add
Huntington’s Disease (HD), a genetic-progressive brain
senior years at Vanguard University. He entered
to this the rigorous demands of leading a nonprofit
disorder that causes uncontrolled movements, cognitive
Southern California College as a freshman majoring
organization, and it’s easy to see why Nathan is so
difficulties, and emotional turmoil. There is no cure
in pastoral leadership in 1998, on a scholarship to
thankful for the support of Vanguard University and its
for HD, and there are very few treatment options. As
sing in Vanguard Choir, but left school early in order
community. “We started the foundation in 2010, and
a result of the brain’s cells gradually breaking down,
to support his family through a difficult season. After
it’s been hard to get support for it,” he says. “When
those afflicted with HD experience symptoms such as
September 11, Nathan enlisted in the Army as a
Vanguard called, I cried tears of joy to know that this
trouble concentrating, depression, chorea, and loss
Chaplain Assistant, serving two years before his HD
university has cared for me from the age of 18 to 35.
of motor skills. Though it affects thousands people,
diagnosis led to his honorable discharge. As the years
There is a sense of me being their son—Vanguard has
Huntington’s Disease is relatively unknown, and there
passed, he met his wife and started a family. Then, in
watched me grow and is taking care of me and my
isn’t a great deal of research currently devoted to it.
2013, when he was 34 years old, God called him
family. It is so hard to fight this terrible disease alone,
back to Vanguard to finish his degree, so he and his
but this is another sign that God is there, and he wants
family moved to Costa Mesa.
to care for us. We are so thankful, honored, and
Nathan hopes to change this. He is not only motivated in part by his own condition, but also by the genetic nature of the disease; his father, two brothers, and
“When I first came to Southern California College, it
sister have also been diagnosed with HD, and
felt like a home away from home,” he says. “When
his daughter is at a greater risk of contracting it.
I returned to Vanguard, that feeling was made even
excited, all at the same time!”
34 vanguard magazine FALL/WINTER 2015
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class notes
with families and married couples struggling with
Althea Penn ’09
various music blogs and will be playing a showcase
marriage issues, and he is a guest lecturer for Marriage
earned her certificate in
later this year.
Encounters and teaches the skills needed to overcome
Early Childhood
challenges within marriages.
Development, a Bachelor’s
Jonesboro, Arkansas.
began working with the US
in Organizational
Abi Kennedy ’02 just started as Area Coordinator in Residence Life at Arkansas State University in
Jonathon Cobb ’11 State Department in Iraq
Leadership, and a Master’s
after graduation from
Degree in Education Administration. She is currently
Vanguard. He is currently
pursuing a Doctorate in Educational Leadership. She Tim ’04 and Cambria (Holford ’06) Larson currently reside in Fargo, ND. Tim works for Microsoft and Cambria works at an adoption
has authored several education tools and resources and serves as a conference speaker for organizations that intentionally cultivate the potential within others. Vanguard gave her a solid foundation and sparked an interest in lifelong learning about effective instructional strategies and educational organization development.
agency. They just welcomed their second child Eliana
Vanessa Vargas ’09
Clara Larson on 10/25/15. Tim is also a director
recently graduated from the
and producer on the documentary film “Jedi Junior
University of Southern
High,” which releases on Amazon and iTunes on
California with her MSW.
November 17th. Dawn (Hayes ’08, Credential ’10) Lopez and her high school sweetheart, Daryl, just celebrated their five year wedding anniversary. She had been teaching at a Christian school in Santa Ana until they moved to Idaho in July. They’re looking forward to a slower lifestyle in a smaller town and raising their future kids in the area. Lisa Morgan ’08 moved to New York City and held jobs in different industries such as advertising, health & wellness, and now in investment banking. Her passion, joy, and focus lies in a jewelry line she started in New York called Jefferson NYC. She founded Jefferson with her two partners, Jen Trahan and Taryn Randall, who are both California
She continues to be
working to create stability and security in the Kurdistan region of Northern Iraq near ISIS-controlled territory. Deborah O’Donnell ’10 became a firefighter for the Oregon Department of Forestry and just finished a Master’s Degree in Sustainable Natural Resources. Kelly Douglas ’13 is working as the Enrollment Management Receptionist at Vanguard as well as a wedding assistant for Brooke Keegan Wedding and Events in Newport Beach.
involved at Newport Mesa
Itzel Guzmán ’12 has
Church as a High School Leader. She also recently
returned to Vanguard
returned from Royal Family Kids Camp where she was
University as a Student
a counselor for abused and neglected foster kids ages
Success Coordinator for
7-11 years old.
Nursing as of January 2015. Itzel continues to
2010s
work alongside her mother, María García, serving the David Beavis ’13 works full time on the Mariners Church High School ministries team and will be completing his MA in Theology from Talbot
School of Theology in May of 2016.
Hispanic community since June 2004 when the first church, Aguas Vivas del Siloé, was planted in the city of Santa Ana. Today, there is a total of four churches: the mother church in Santa Ana and three sister churches in Lake Elsinore, Mexico City and in a small town called Aratichanguío, Guerrero. Itzel is a worship leader for the Santa Ana church and a youth leader for the Lake Elsinore church. God willing, Itzel would like
transplants. Since starting the line in November of
Brian Carmona ’11
to return to school to earn her MBA and marry her
2014 the company has been featured in In Style
recently formed his new
fiancée in the near future.
Magazine and will next appear in Vogue Mexico.
band, XPLOR with friend
Lisa feels so grateful to come from a college that
Vince DiCarlo. The vision
instilled such a strong sense of community, spirit, and
of XPLOR is to create fun
work-ethic in its students. The website for Jefferson
pop songs with memorable
NYC is www.jefferson-nyc.com. Dale and Rebecca (Mitchell ’66) Myhill ’00 celebrated 46 years of marriage in August. They live in Lake Stevens, Wash., near their family. They enjoy spending time with their two grandchildren, Noah (9) and Sophia (7). They worship at Snohomish Faith Assembly.
Micah Hamilton ’13 has embarked on quite a few adventures since graduating. He biked
hooks/melodies, and stretch the boundaries of their
across America in 42
creativity and abilities. On June 12, 2015 the band signed their first Publishing/Licensing deal with Warner/Word Entertainment which is host to artists like For King & Country, Jon Foreman, and NeedToBreathe. The two Nashville transplants, Carmona (Los Angeles) DiCarlo (Forth Worth) met through their church The Belonging in Nashville, and immediately formed a friendship that led to the creation of XPLOR. Although in
days, traveled to Iceland to shoot a wedding, worked at GoPro as an editor, and traveled to Israel, China, and Haiti to shoot documentaries. He is currently pursuing his film career by directing commercials and music videos out of LA. He actively use skills learned in the Vanguard’s film program in his career.
its infancy, XPLOR has received great feedback from
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Ethan and Jennifer (Nelson ’13) Harper ’13 met at Vanguard and were married on August 23, 2014. Jennifer works for a Christian investment firm called Applied Financial Planning, and Ethan works as a Claims Adjuster for Travelers Insurance. Ethan’s parents, Cynthia (Davis ’83) and Scott Harper ‘82 graduated from Vanguard and his older brother Grant Harper ’10 did as well. Now, his younger brother Lance will graduate in 2016. Jennifer and Ethan live in Irvine. Heather Hernandez
BUSINESS WITH INTEGRITY One of the first things to catch Emmanuel Hyppolite’s ’11 eye when he first came to Vanguard’s campus as a student in the Graduate and Professional Studies (GPS) program was the statue of the lion that resides between the Heath and Scott Academic Centers. “The lion is so majestic and powerful,” he recalls. “I loved that it was Vanguard’s mascot!” And if the lion represented a vision of strength for the education Emmanuel was set to receive, then what was perhaps more surprising was the gentleness and warmth of the community that came with it. “When I came in and met my counselor, the conversation was very natural. No one seemed rehearsed, and everyone got along and genuinely cared about me. That got my attention very quickly.” Emmanuel soon discovered that this kindness and vigor extended to the professors he was learning from. Now Emmanuel is the Manager of Business and Project Controls for the Environmental Remediation Department at Pacific Gas & Electric. In this position, Emmanuel manages the planning and governance function within the department, providing leadership over business processes and project performance. He is also a part of the leadership team that manages the Remediation program which investigates and where necessary, remediates former manufactured gas plant sites, former power plants, service centers, gas regulator stations, and substations throughout PG&E’s service area. These sites include properties that the company owned or operated which may have been impacted by their operations. This work serves to meet PG&E’s corporate environmental commitment, protecting human health and the environment by achieving compliance with regulatory requirements, restoring vacant PG&E property to beneficial use, and reducing PG&E’s long-term environmental liabilities. It’s a job Emmanuel is proud of. “It’s land development with environmental constraints,” he
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explains. “It’s fulfilling for me on many levels. I get to see the site, learn about its history, and its contribution to how California was formed. By renewing the site, I’m participating in making the world a better place.” In addition to the obvious benefits Emmanuel’s business degree conferred on his professional life, Vanguard was also able to guide him to a deeper understanding of how he could integrate his faith where and when appropriate. Though he isn’t able to explicitly make his faith a part of his work, Emmanuel has shared one of his favorite classroom texts from Vanguard called Business Through The Eyes of Faith with many of his employees. He can do this because the subject is relevant to his goals as a manager. One of his favorite sentences from Business Through The Eyes of Faith is, “The need for justice in business should continually touch our Christian consciences. Our decision about wages, prices, safety standards, recruiting policies, and a host of other issues must mirror our concern for doing the right thing in the right manner with the right motive.” Emmanuel believes that business and the Christian faith aren’t that far apart. “Christian values make good business values, as far as doing the right thing, keeping your word, and not being greedy. There are a lot of business benefits that come with having integrity!” One part of Emmanuel’s business plan is giving back. This desire motivates his larger goals, which is to teach at the college level. After he completed his education at Vanguard, he went on to receive an MBA from Golden Gate University, but he hasn’t forgotten the importance of his time in Costa Mesa, or of giving others the opportunities he had. One other way that PG&E reinvests in the community is to offer matching funds to employees who donate to worthy causes. Emmanuel has already taken advantage of this, becoming a donor to Vanguard University and helping others experience the strength and grace of a Vanguard education.
’11 graduated with her BA in Business Administration. This past year Heather relocated back to San Diego, spent a month exploring Europe, and recently obtained her Real Estate license and is now working with Team Foote Real Estate at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties. Paige Johnson ’15 graduated a year early which opened up the possibility of going on VU Italia (a study abroad program in Italy). Upon returning from Italy, she interned with Mariners Church Junior High School ministries and then started a full time position with them this fall. She currently is the Junior High Ministry Operations Coordinator. Christian Lucas ’15 spent his summer traveling with From the Vine music, Vanguard’s student worship team. He recently moved to Henderson, Nevada and joined Green Valley Christian Center as their new Youth and Young Adults Worship Leader and 6th-8th grade Music Teacher. Will Manson ’13, after graduating from Vanguard, moved back to Woodland, California and began working for Fourth and Hope, a local faith-based emergency homeless shelter that serves more than 70,000 meals annually. This September, Will became the overseeing supervisor at the Fourth and Hope Toxicology Laboratory located at Walter’s House, a faith-based residential drug and alcohol treatment facility. Tamara Philips ’13 didn’t get too far from Vanguard after graduating – considering she still lives in Costa Mesa and continues to eat a ton of Laventina’s pizza. After leaving The Voice student newspaper, she has become the Managing Editor for a Newport Beach magazine publishing company. She
11/28/15 11:33 AM
enjoys her job immensely and plans to stay local for the foreseeable future. Anthony Varon ’11 graduated from Vanguard with a degree in Business Administration from the School for Professional Studies. He recently moved to North Carolina and is working on two feature films in addition to working as a Project Coordinator for Time Warner Business.
FUTURE ALUMNI Brian and Emily (Sloan ’06) Kimball ’09 are excited to announce the birth of their 3rd child, Liliana Mae. They are current living in Tustin, CA and Brian is a Loan Officer for one of the nation’s most elite mortgage companies. He also serves on the Vanguard Alumni Association Board. Emily is a full-time mom and has her hands full with raising the three kids, caring for their backyard chickens, and managing the home. Robin (Gleeson ’00) Lara and her husband Rosendo welcomed little Rosendo Daniel Titus Lara to their family on July 31, 2014. Robin resigned from her teaching position with the Twin Rivers Unified School District in order to be a stay at home mom, and to have more capacity to serve at Bayside Church in Granite Bay, California, where her husband is on the pastoral staff. Lydia (’14) and Kyle (IT staff ’06-’14) Mack welcomed Lewis Robert and London Samuel on April 16, 2015. Ashley Michael ’08 welcomed London Grace Michael to the world on June 15, 2015.
Charis (Medina ’96, MA ’98) and Trevor Meyer are proud parents to Ethan Aleutian Meyer, born
MAKING GOOD IN SAN DIEGO As the daughter of an Assemblies of God minister in Pasadena, Calif. and the youngest of eight siblings, Sophia Padilla Hall ’83 was nurtured and protected by her close-knit family. When it came time for her to choose a college, Sophia’s parents were concerned that Vanguard University was too far away for Sophia to go to school. However, just prior to fall semester, Sophia convinced her mother to come along and see Vanguard in person. While there, her mother was persuaded by the kind attention of the dean of the college himself, who helped Sophia register for classes and settle her housing situation just one week before the semester was to begin. Once enrolled, Sophia discovered that she couldn’t have made a better choice. At Vanguard, Sophia encountered an atmosphere where the intimacy of her upbringing was matched with the thrilling challenges of academic freedom. “I went from one family to a larger family,” she says. “Since I enrolled late, they had to find a place for me in the dorm. My RA convinced Maria (Raygosa ’84) Dunlap and Judy (Asmuth ’84) Hamilton, who were upperclassmen at the time, to take me in. Right away, they welcomed me as a friend. They showed me around, and brought me to church with them. I met my first boyfriend at that church; he’s my husband now!” This family environment extended to her professors as well. While some students seem preordained with vocational interests from early on and follow those interests through their education and career, Sophia had no idea what she wanted to be. She chose biology as a major and began taking science classes. When she began to struggle, professors Don Lorance and Larry McHargue noticed, and instead of merely attempting to help Sophia raise her grades, they encouraged her to ask big questions about what she was doing and what mattered to
her. “They were mentors to me,” she says. “They challenged me to figure out who I was and what I wanted. This led me to the path I’m on now, always seeking truth and asking questions.” Though Sophia’s major was biology, one of the things she realized as she explored classes and ideas outside her major was that a career in the sciences wasn’t what she wanted. Her journey after Vanguard was eclectic and diverse, eventually leading her to lease a space in San Diego to sell hand-made goods from the community. Now Sophia’s store, called Make Good, is thriving, having recently been named once again Best Shop in San Diego by San Diego Magazine. With Make Good, Sophia has combined her desire to support her community with her love of artisans and their work. When she began her business, she sold the goods of just seven makers and artists; today she features over 140 artists in her store. Her prevailing philosophy is simple: she sponsors artisans from San Diego-Tijuana and nowhere else, supporting the local economy and providing products made by people who are treated fairly. Knowing the artists and makers personally adds a unique and critical dimension to Sophia’s business. “Most makers have a reason for making and selling what they do,” she says. “I get to hear their stories and backgrounds, and in this way, their stories are what I’m truly selling. These artists make their goods, and then they themselves invest in the local economy. The people who buy from my store are likely to meet the very artisan whose goods they’re buying!” So even though Sophia chose a path other than science, the community, love, and spirit of inquiry she found at Vanguard University has served her well. “My faith is about being kind, helping others, doing good, and loving people in a tangible way. My store is an expression of that, and that’s what I’ve always been meant to do.”
on September 7, 2015.
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Matt and Becky (Wallace ’00)
JUST MARRIED Grant and Mollie
Preece welcomed
(Huntsinger ’11)
their second son on
Harper ‘10 were
August 25, 2015.
married on September
Timothy Matthew was
19, 2015 in Windsor,
born in Sydney, Australia, where they are currently living. Big brother Jonathan George is very excited to have a little brother.
Colorado. They currently reside in Phoenix, Arizona where Grant
IN MEMORIAM
works for State Farm and Mollie works for Ping Golf. Jonathan and Kimmy (Gower ’13) Pelanne ’06
married in August
June, on June 11,
group and Kimmy is busy keeping up with Eleanor.
YOU NEWS OF THE LOSS OF A VANGUARD
at Vanguard and were
their first child, Eleanor
where Jonathan works with a real estate investment
IT IS WITH HEAVY HEARTS THAT WE BRING
(Davanaugh ’15) Van Orden ’15 met
celebrated the birth of
2015. The Pelannes reside in Ventura, California,
Connor and Jillian
2015. Connor currently works as a marketing coordinator for Canon and is testing for several police agencies. Jill is an administrative assistant for the Orange
UNIVERSITY SUPPORTER AND FORMER BOARD MEMBER. ON SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2015, HAP BYERS WENT TO BE WITH OUR LORD JESUS, AT THE AGE OF 87. Hap touched many lives with his generosity, love, humor
Jenny (Heath ’07)
County Water District. The couple lives in Newport
and wisdom. He became connected to Vanguard when
Prior and husband
Beach and still frequent Vanguard, as Connor’s little
George Wood was speaking at the Newport Mesa
Brandon just welcomed
sister is now a Lion!
Church. Hap took a special interest in the students at
their second child, Daniella, into their family. Since becoming a mom, Jenny has become heavily involved in ministry to moms at their church. Next year she will be serving as the coordinator for the program. Catherine (Riley ’09) and husband CJ Santiago welcomed their first child, Koen Isaiah, on September 3rd. The Santiagos are enjoying their time in Spokane, Washington while Catherine is stationed at Fairchild AFB. Catherine is working as a prosecutor in the US Air Force.
IN MEMORY Following a two month battle with several health concerns, Dianne (Myers ’64) Haneke was
up their home to students throughout the years. He was a
Her husband, John, was by her side in Manor,
Hap was born on January 30, 1928 in Vienna, Austria
Texas. Dianne was very involved as a student, ranging from sports to her love of choir. In 1994 Dianne was recognized with the Distinguished Service Alumni Award. She was a continuous learner and a gifted writer, authoring several books. Dianne’s love and commitment to Vanguard ran deep. She and her husband John established the Dianne Myers Haneke Scholarship Fund. Along with three of her 60s classmates, she also created the Library Endowed Fund. The family has
Lauren (Rogers
Dianne be directed to the Dianne Myers Haneke
’09) Riddle
Scholarship Fund.
October 21, 2015
and character, and, along with his wife Marilyn, opened supporter of Vanguard University for over 30 years.
requested that any donations made in honor of
Gregory Riddle on
mentored many Vanguard University students in business
called home to be with the Lord on Aug 6, 2015.
Andrew ’07 and
welcomed Declan
Vanguard and started looking for ways to help. Hap
Violet (Hougland ’48) Swaney passed away on March 29, 2015.
weighing 4lbs. 8oz and 17 inches. Pictured with big sister, Avery Michelle, 2 years old.
SEND US YOUR PHOTOS!
to Roxana Byers, and leaves behind a younger sister, Rosemary. Hap attended Los Angeles High School, and was a member of Hollywood Presbyterian Church where he met Marilyn Sturgis, his soon-to-be wife. Hap went to USC where he studied Business and Cinema and became the resident photographer for the fraternities and sororities. He was a member of the Delta Tau Delta Fraternity. After serving in the Korean War, he returned home to begin his career in photography. Hap ran his successful photography business for 26 years, later changing careers and began working in real estate with Coldwell Banker and later, Collins Foods International. In 1973 he founded his own commercial Real Estate company, Byco, Inc., in Orange County. Hap was married for 65 years to Marilyn and is the beloved father of four children, Carin, Janet, John and Mark. His family and friends celebrated his amazing life at his Memorial Service on Friday, October 23, 2015, at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church in Newport Beach.
We’d love to showcase pictures of your new baby, wedding or anniversary in Class Notes. Email your photos to alumni@vanguard.edu 38 vanguard magazine FALL/WINTER 2015
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FROM THE WRITER
THANK YOU TO OUR
SINCE I’M ONLY HUMAN, I CONFESS THAT I REALLY ENJOY IT WHEN I’M REMINDED OF HOW INTERESTING MY OWN INTERESTS ARE. I was delighted
Of course, that’s also the whole point
to have this
of vanguard Magazine. We tell stories
experience when
about the people who have studied
I spoke to Jerry
here, the people who teach here, and the
Camery-Hoggatt for this issue’s Learn
people who work here, because through
of Me. A longtime professor of New
stories about what we’ve done we learn
Testament at Vanguard, Dr. Camery-
about who we are. We discover who is
Hoggatt described his belief that
in this community and what we share
narrative story is a way of thinking and
with each other.
learning about Christian theology that holds many advantages, chief among them the opportunity to discern the character of God “from the inside.” According to Dr. Camery-Hoggatt, it is deeply significant that God chose to reveal himself through a book of stories, and Dr. Camery-Hoggatt’s students past and present no doubt recall the many characters he portrayed for them from these stories.
In the many dozens of people whom I’ve interviewed for vanguard Magazine, I’ve seen two recurring
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themes repeated over and over again. The first is that there is a
FA N TA S I A P R E L U D E
sameness when the topic is that
HOAG ORTHOPEDIC INSTITUTE
person’s experience while a student at Vanguard. Many alumni describe close relationships with brilliant professors who cultivate belonging in a special
ORANGE COAST AUTO FA N TA S I A S Y M P H O N Y
community. The other truth is that there
ANONYMOUS
I’m no theologian, but as a lifelong
is an incredible diversity when the topic
AT&T
reader, former English major, and
is that person’s experience after having
current English instructor, I was excited
graduated from Vanguard. Vanguard’s
FORUM CHRISTIAN BUSINESS LEADERS
about this idea. One of the reasons I
identity as an academic institution
love literature is because we learn so
where faith, learning, and relationships
much about what it means to be human
are valued is written onto the blank
MESA WATER DISTRICT
when we are fully immersed in some
pages of every new student’s life,
long work of prose. Good writing,
and that identity often influences the
THE BANHSEN GROUP/ HIGHTOWER ADVISORS
whether it be fiction or non-fiction,
greatness on all the pages that follow.
TRILOGY FINANCIAL
offers the opportunity to imaginatively enter the life and mind of someone else, and see through the author’s powerful language. This is thrilling enough when you consider the experience of reading John Steinbeck or Toni Morrison, but what about when you apply it to your reading of the Bible? Through language you discover the character of God—
I love the literature in all of the stories of Vanguard University. It’s a joy to hear these stories, and a privilege to tell them. I hope you’re inspired by the greatness on the pages of vanguard
MASON-LITE
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ARAMARK
THE DOT CORP
CAREMERIDIAN
US RIGGING
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Magazine, and that these stories are a reminder to you about the greatness of your own!
FA N TA S I A E N C O R E BANK OF AMERICA
what he loves, what he doesn’t, what
CAROL CARSON
makes him sad, and what he hopes
FARWEST INSULATION CONTRACTING
for—and nothing reveals these things as powerfully as his stories.
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RENE SCHEYS ’04, WRITER/COPY EDITOR
GENERAL DATA KEITH WEBSTER
HILL PARTNERSHIP INC/ NEWPORT RESOURCE MANAGEMENT MAYER-LITHO MOSS ADAMS OPTIMAL BENEFITS
LUSARDI CONSTRUCTION
vanguard magazine FALL/WINTER 2015
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39
11/28/15 11:34 AM
my story
A (FUL)BRIGHT FUTURE MANY OCCUPATIONS CAN CLAIM TO PROVIDE THE WORLD WITH A PRODUCT OR A SERVICE THAT PROVES INDISPENSABLE TO OUR DAILY LIVES, AND AS AN ANTHROPOLOGIST, I BELIEVE THAT MY OCCUPATION IS ONE OF THEM. I WAS ALWAYS INTERESTED IN CREATING KNOWLEDGE, AND I HAVE ALWAYS HAD A DESIRE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE. As an anthropologist, I study specific cultural aspects
There are a number of factors that can influence how
of the human experience, in specific cultural contexts,
a person struggles with a disease like diabetes in a
and the research I produce becomes a tool by which
developing country like Ghana, and my research will
governments, nonprofits, businesses and other social
aim to quantify them. I know it might be surprising to
organizations can innovate positive change. I am
hear about diabetes as a problem in the developing
motivated by my faith and my activism. I believe God
world, but the reality is that quite often public health
wants us to make changes that challenge power
funding and outreach focuses on big-name diseases
structures that are keeping people sick and in poverty.
that the West finds more important, like HIV and
Vanguard University is where I discovered my passion for anthropology as a tool for social good, although my entrance into the field was reluctant. When my counselor placed Anthropology on my class schedule, I thought it was an error and meant to change it. But all it took was a few classes with the late Dr. Craig Rusch and I was hooked. I loved it. Dr. Rusch immediately began debunking my assumptions about how the world works, teaching me how to embrace differences, and how to think for myself. Dr. Elizabeth Leonard taught me to be compassionate for social
malaria, leaving those suffering with chronic illness with less resources and support. I remember when I did an ethnographic field study in Honduras with an organization during my junior year at Vanguard, and everyone was talking about diabetes. It’s a growing issue in the developing world, and that’s how I ended up planning to go to Ghana. This country has seen more instances of diabetes as a result of people doing less physical activity and consuming more calories, as well as more stressful lives and less access to medical care.
justice, and Dr. Jamie Huff believed in my abilities.
The alliance between academics and faith is such
They all encouraged me to live a thoughtful life that
a vital part of Vanguard’s identity, and it gave me a
incorporated my intellect and my faith.
context for serving God by pursuing my scholastic
I am currently in the process of completing my PhD at Michigan State University, and I was recently honored to receive a Fulbright Grant, which will fund my fieldwork in Ghana. The grant will allow me to embed in a diabetes clinic at a major city hospital, where I will examine how persons living in extreme poverty manage their illness in the course of their daily lives.
SABRINA PERLMAN ’09 is a Fulbright Scholar and a PhD candidate in Anthropology. She will be travelling to Ghana in 2016 to complete the fieldwork for her dissertation.
ambitions. Vanguard is one of the few Christian schools that even has an anthropology department, and I credit the Department of Anthropology and Sociology for instilling in me the idea that everything I do is for God. This is so important, because it encourages understanding and embracing differences in our world, and it’s how we connect to and serve people.
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learn of me
WHEN I CAME TO VANGUARD UNIVERSITY AS AN UNDERGRADUATE, I ENCOUNTERED BILL WILLIAMS, RUSSELL SPITTLER, AND MURRAY DEMPSTER. Their encouragement was transformative! It was strange to come back later in my career as their colleague, but once again, they encouraged me as a young professor.
When I had kids, I learned that I had to allow them the freedom to be wherever they were in their development. When my son was three years old, he needed to be three—no younger or older than that! I try to keep this in mind in my classroom. A freshman needs to be 18, not 25. As teachers, we have to start wherever our students are because that’s the first abutment of the bridge to maturity. MY STUDENTS HAVE TAUGHT ME HUMILITY. I remember an encounter with a female student who made a rude comment to me. My response to her was equally graceless. I realized that immediately, and I apologized on the spot. In public. Four years later, when she graduated, she thanked me for that apology. She told me it changed her experience here. Another time, I had just finished a lecture in class. One of my students raised his hand and said, “I have a different take.” I sat down and let him speak, and it was wonderful. When he finished, I said to the class, “Applaud him—he has surpassed his teacher!” I BELIEVE THE HUMAN MIND HAS THREE MODES: RATIONAL, NARRATIVE, AND METAPHORICAL. ALL OF THESE VARY AND COMPLEMENT EACH OTHER IN OUR EXPERIENCE, AND ALL THREE
LIFE LESSONS FROM VANGUARD UNIVERSITY LUMINARIES
JERRY CAMERY-HOGGATT Dr. Jerry Camery-Hoggatt is retiring after a 32-year career as a religion professor at Vanguard University. His areas of specialization include New Testament studies and narrative theology. He is the author of numerous books, including Reading The Good Book Well: A Guide to Biblical Interpretation and When Mother Was Eleven-Foot-Four. FROM MY FATHER I LEARNED TO SPEAK TRUTH TO POWER. He didn’t intend to teach me this. He was mentally ill, and his life was a constant struggle to care for a large family with limited inner resources. He made up for this deficit with an iron will, and sometimes to survive I had to say, “This far, but no farther.” MY MOTHER TAUGHT ME COURAGE. She dealt with impossible circumstances with great bravery. PERHAPS BECAUSE MY CHILDHOOD WAS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT,
ARE ESSENTIAL IF WE ARE TO THINK ABOUT GOD DEEPLY AND WELL. There’s a belief out there that truth can only be understood in the rational mode. I do not believe that. Some dimensions of experience can only be understood by telling stories. Storytelling isn’t a subset of rationality, but it has its own validity and its own ways of grasping and communicating truth, and -- I believe with all my heart -- there are aspects of God that can only be understood in the narrative mode. I’VE LEARNED THAT NEGATIVE EMOTIONS ARE OKAY. The well-lived life has room for anger, sorrow, and doubt. Anger at the right things, and in the right degree, can drive our quest for justice. Sorrow can help us leave things in the past and move forward to new things, and it can help us empathize more deeply with others who are experiencing loss. Doubt can push to look past the obvious, and sometimes to discover the profound. The upshot of this discovery is that I’ve learned to be more accepting of the difficulties of the inner life, and thus to be a little more forgiving of others who may be struggling with emotions I do not fully understand. One takeaway: By the time my father had passed away, all of his children had forgiven him his shortcomings, and had come to wish him well. I’VE LEARNED THAT GOD IS MORE MYSTERIOUS THAN MY MORTAL MIND CAN GRASP. He’s at work in so many ways. Whatever we
I’VE ALWAYS BEEN AN IDEALIST. It’s not always comfortable or safe being
can say falls short of the reality of who God is. You have to dwell in that
an idealist. Many people make pragmatic decisions that violate their ideals, and
mystery. Nevertheless, I trust. It’s not always easy. Sometimes you encounter
I wonder how they look themselves in the eye.
difficulty, and you say, “Where is God in that?” But we still trust. vanguard magazine FALL/WINTER 2015
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