Vanguard Magazine: Spring/Summer 2013

SPRING/SUMMER 2013

Privilege & Passion BAttling CAPtivitY

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REuniOn ShOw

14

delivery boys And enTour채ge

A TribuTe To PresidenT CArol TAylor PRAY FOR MERCY

16 The STory of The Doyle family

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8

16

24

32

4 The mission of Vanguard uniVersiTy is To equip each sTudenT for a spiriT-empowered life of chrisT-cenTered leadership and serVice.

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in this issue

SPRING/SUMMER 2013 | volUME 14 | ISSUE 1

It Is bIttersweet for me to address the alumnI communIty through Vanguard magazIne for

FEatURES

the fInal tIme.

wisdom for life ............................................... 8

I have been honored to introduce so

five alumni share their stories about lessons they learned at Vanguard that serve

many stories of former and current

them beyond the classroom and in lives of service and success.

students who have used their education at Vanguard as a catalyst

hope for deliverance ....................................... 14

for lives enriched by lasting relationships, professional success,

a Vanguard graduate is a vital soldier in the u.s. government’s fght against

and enduring faith.

human sex traffcking.

This issue of the magazine features alumni who are taking the

Pray for mercy ............................................... 16

lessons they learned at Vanguard and applying them beyond the

alumni Kevin ’99 and camie (grasser) doyle ’99 reveal their reasons for trusting

classroom, to careers and livelihoods that honor the mission of the

god in the face of their seven-year-old daughter mercy’s mysterious illness.

university. Our frst cover story includes a number of such alumni:

a lesson about Privilege and Passion .................. 20

Susan Parker ’82, who has lived on a Mercy Ship for over 25

Vanguard psychology professor Kristen howerton writes about how

years, providing free, life-changing surgeries to the world’s poor;

acknowledging your privilege can lead to discovering your passion.

Dylan Christenson ’06, MA ’09, who is working on equipping the

a tribute to dr. carol taylor .............................. 28 Vanguard magazine honors dr. carol taylor’s tenure as president of the university.

developing world with modern solutions for meeting basic needs; and Emily Rose ’03, whose time at Vanguard has helped keep her grounded while starring on a hit TV show.

DEPaRtMENtS

We also spotlight an alumna who was passionately involved with

message from the President ................................. 1

became motivated by that passion to embark on a career as a

on campus ..................................................... 2

federal investigative agent battling human traffcking.

faculty spotlight ............................................. 26

We hope you will be inspired by the story of seven-year-old Mercy

my story ....................................................... 27

Doyle, the daughter of alumni Kevin ’99 and Camie (Grasser)

the Global Center for Women and Justice while at Vanguard, and

sports ........................................................... 32 class notes ................................................... 34 learn of me ................................................... 41

Doyle ’99. She is battling a devastating disease, but she and her parents continue to anticipate God’s coming mercy. Vanguard University was honored to hold a special 5K to help raise funds for Mercy’s medical expenses.

Vanguard has long been a launch pad for innovative entrepreneurs,

UNIvERSIty GovERNaNcE

dIrector of communIcatIons

chaIr, board of trustees

shana martin

and Darren Bagwell ’05 carries on that proud tradition. He is the

david oddo

assocIate creatIVe dIrector

owner of Rock For Her, a company that helps men design custom

UNIvERSIty aDMINIStRatIoN

tawny marcus

engagement rings in a low-pressure atmosphere.

PresIdent

wrIter / coPy edItor

carol taylor

rene scheys

Lastly, Dean of Spiritual Formation Mike Beals, PhD leaves us

ProVost / VIce PresIdent for academIc affaIrs

lead PhotograPher

with some lasting lessons about love, faith, and relationships.

Jeff hittenberger

assocIate dIrector of marKetIng and communIcatIons

VIce PresIdent for busIness and fInance

lettie cowie InterIm VIce PresIdent for enrollment management

chauncey d. bayes

erin hales assocIate dIrector of marKetIng and dIgItal medIa

I know that these stories will inspire you and make you as proud as I have been to be associated with Vanguard University and its extraordinary community!

holly clinard

Kim Johnson VIce PresIdent for unIVersIty adVancement

Kelly Kannwischer 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.

President, Vanguard uniVersity

Follow @Preztaylor on twitter

vanguard magazine is a free publication published 2 times per year by Vanguard University. All contents copyrighted, 2013, Vanguard University. egas, NV. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Vanguard University Alumni Relations Offce, 55 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92626.

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on campus

On CaMPUS WomEn vEtEranS aCroSS thE DECaDES On March 25, 2013, the Global Center for Women and Justice (GCWJ) at Vanguard University commemorated Women’s History Month by hosting an event honoring female veterans of military service.

Women Veterans Across the Decades was held at Vanguard’s needham Chapel, and featured Dr. Mary Wickman as a special guest speaker. Dr. Wickman is a retired captain in the United States navy, as well as a professor of nursing at Vanguard, and spoke about the experiences of women serving in the military.

Vanguard University Enactus members (left to right) Rachel Martin, Kate Jablonski, James Herman, Tyler Muzzy, Elizabeth Vasquez, Kristen Schiele

EnvironmEntal SuStainability ConfErEnCE

The event was an extension of the GCWJ’s new pilot program to create an Orange County Women’s Veterans network that will support the needs of returning women veterans. “The stats tell us we have 9,600 right here in Orange County,” says Sandra Morgan, director

On February 8, 2013, Vanguard University

audience that responded to that passion. “It

of the GCWJ. “These returning women veterans face

held its 5th annual Environmental Sustainability

was obvious to our guests that our speakers and

some unique challenges.”

Conference. The event was organized by

exhibitors were doing something they loved,”

Vanguard’s chapter of Enactus, a student

says Vasquez.

group that aims to engage the community through business and education. Vanguard sophomore Elizabeth Vasquez, treasurer of Enactus at Vanguard University, was the project coordinator of the conference. “The idea was to introduce and affrm the idea that sustainability practices will not harm a business’s bottom line,” she says. This year’s Environmental Sustainability Conference featured six speakers and ten exhibitors, each equipped with a way of creating dialogue about how sustainability is achieved in different industries.

Morgan is also interested in honoring women veterans from years past. “I met a few from WWII

The format of the conference also allowed for

and it occurred to me that the history aspect of this is

shorter talks from speakers on such subjects

heartwarming,” she says. “These women deserve to be

as “Waste in the Food System” and “Fitness

celebrated. They’ve contributed greatly to the history

Enthusiasts for a Green Environment.” Dr. Francene Kaplin gave a presentation on the importance and simplicity of composting as an environmental practice. One of the fnal talks of the day was delivered by Becky Rosaler, who works with the organization Plant With Purpose.

She spoke about sustainability techniques that

of our country.” Vanguard’s pledge of loyalty to these women and their service is one more example of the school’s commitment to its core principles.

Women Veteran honorees with guest speaker and VU professor Dr. Mary Wickman (third from left) and GCWJ director Sandra Morgan (far right)

can serve as solutions to world poverty.

Overall, the event demonstrated Vanguard

The keynote speaker was Martin Diedrich, the

University’s commitment to helping people

founder of Kéan Coffee and Foundation Board

serve as good stewards of the created

member, who spoke about his passion for coffee

earth. Vasquez identifed the success of

and how it is grown, processed, and delivered

the conference in the best possible terms:

to customers, in a way that seeks to mitigate

“Everyone walked away with a greater

any ill effects on the environment. He found an

knowledge about sustainability.”

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@VANGUARDU

TweeTs @Jonathonmurillo so honored to be inducted in delta Kappa yesterday! The true joy was serving the community and mission of @vanguardU for 4 years

@loriloveschris Vanguard students and their grandparents enjoy a special lunch in the Veterans Courtyard of Honor at the Scott Academic Center.

VANGUARD STUDENTS WElcomE THEIR GRANDPARENTS To cAmPUS On the day Shelley Youd turned 21 years

hosted by Vanguard’s Missionary-in-Residence

old, her grandmother came to school with her,

Steve Slater. From there, they attended a popular

at one point spending a whole class session

workshop about staying healthy presented by

felding questions from her classmates. “I

the Alzheimer’s Association. Around noon, the

learned things about Grams that day by hearing

grandparents and students met at the Scott

her answering my friends’ questions, which

Courtyard for the Celebration of Signifcance

I never would have thought to ask her,” she

Luncheon, featuring an appearance by Dr. Carol

recalls. Youd is the Coordinator of New Student

Taylor, who thanked the grandparents for their

Orientation and Parent Relations at Vanguard

support of the students.

University, and it was her hope to give current students at Vanguard the opportunity to have a similarly meaningful experience.

To that end, Youd organized Vanguard’s offcial Grandparent’s Day, held this year on April 12, 2013. Grandparents of students were invited to join their grandchildren for a full day of activities, designed to give them a taste of a student’s life at Vanguard. “The grandparents also got to hear a bit about our mission and vision, so they could better support their student’s decision to come to Vanguard,” adds Youd. “The day was a win-win!”

After checking in and receiving a “Proud Grandparent” pin, the students and their grandparents made their way to the Needham Chapel Courtyard, where they had a breakfast

Other activities included a special seminar

@vanguardU it was amazing! loved our time on campus/music director! now believing god for the impossible because that’s what he’s known for!

@_syaggy i get so nervous when i talk/think about moving 30 hours away from home, but then i see pictures of the @vanguardU campus & i get restoked.

@supermannas Blessed to have a job i love coaching new flmmakers. excited for work today! #universitylife @vanguardU

intended to introduce grandparents to technology that would enable them to stay in touch with their grandchildren, as well as special invitations to some of Vanguard’s fnest events: the Lewis Wilson Institute, the Alumni/Student Art Show, and the Department

@biancaolthoff pumped to be speaking at @vanguardU about human traffcking and how everyday people can make everyday changes!

of Theatre Arts’ performance of the musical Hairspray. Youd was beyond excited about the success of the event: “One set of grandparents told us with tears in their eyes that this was the frst of four grandchildren attending university to have an event like this, and that they felt deeply honored.”

@BelovedBreezy amazing shine service.

Blessed to go to a university flled with students who love to worship and seek god whole-heartedly! @vanguardU

Stay up-to-date on all parent relations events. Sign up for their enewsletter at vanguard.edu/MySubscriptions

TweeT @VANGUARDU some love and YoU jUsT mighT end Up in The nexT vangUard magazine!

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on campus

Clockwise, from top left: patrons enjoy the Alumni Art Show; the Theatre Department’s production of Hairspray; student musicians perform at the Spring Concert; the big screen at the Alumni Film Festival; Vanguard Singers perform.

VANGUARD CELEBRATES THE ARTS Two years ago, in April of 2011, Vanguard

of Jazz Combo, Vanguard Singers, Women’s

engage the community of Orange County through

University held its inaugural Celebration of the Arts,

Chorus, and Guitar and Percussion Ensembles),

the arts. “We do music, flm, and theatre really

a fve-day affair which featured the University’s

the Alumni Film Festival and the Alumni Art Show,

well here at Vanguard,” says Berkompas. “The

music, theatre arts, and flm departments. The

and the annual Playwriting Showcase, which

Celebration of the Arts is a way to showcase one

event, known as COTA, has since become

highlights the work of student playwrights, actors,

of Vanguard’s strengths and commend the artistic

an annual Vanguard tradition which seeks to

and directors. Taking place over the span of the

accomplishments of its students and alumni.”

encourage and celebrate creativity in the arts

entire two-week schedule was the award-winning

by showcasing the talent of Vanguard students

theatre department’s production of Hairspray. The

and alumni.

culmination of this year’s COTA was marked by the

This April marked the third annual COTA, which commemorated student and alumni achievements in flmmaking, music, photography, drawing and painting, playwriting, and theatre in a variety of events held over a period of two weeks.

These events included concerts put on by the University’s various music groups (consisting

Entourage and Delivery Boys Reunion Show, for which former members of the university’s two sketch comedy teams were invited back to perform for current students and faculty.

The festival was planned and presided over by

Berkompas wants the Celebration of the Arts to keep growing larger. “Eventually, we want a have an even bigger weekend festival, where we can really bring the arts to the surrounding areas,” she says. “It’s a wonderful way to reach out as Christians and as a university. Celebrating creativity is celebrating the Creator.”

Check out photos from this year’s Celebration

the chair of Vanguard’s theatre arts department,

of the Arts on Facebook: facebook.com/

Susan Berkompas, who relishes the opportunity to

VanguardAlumni

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Coming this summer to Vanguard’s LyCeum theater

Global Center for Women and Justice Director Sandra Morgan (right) with GCWJ board member Dave Stachowiak at the 2013 Ensure Justice Conference.

ENSURE JUSTICE CONFERENCE COMBATS CYBER EXPLOITATION The Global Center for Women and

internet with respect to child exploitation.

Justice (GCWJ) at Vanguard University

Laura Lederer, president of Global

held its annual Ensure Justice Conference

Centurion, spoke about the rise of sex

on March 8-9, convening experts who

traffcking and street gangs, and Lisa

spoke on the subjects of prevention,

Thompson, who works for the Salvation

protection, and demand reduction of

Army’s Abolition of Sexual Traffcking,

cyber exploitation. The Ensure Justice

presented on the forces corrupting human

Conference takes its name from the verse

sexuality in our society. The conference

AmericAn coAst theAter compAny

in Proverbs 31:8, which exhorts believers

called attention to the various means by

Vanguard uniVersity’s resident theater Company presents

to “Speak up for those who cannot

which sex traffcking can be prevented

speak for themselves; ensure justice for

through workshops with a number of other

LAST TRAIN TO NIBROC

those being crushed.” Sandra Morgan,

guest speakers, including community

A quintessentiAl love story in its purest form

director of the GCWJ, explains that, “Too

leaders and law enforcement offcials.

often our ideas of justice are focused on

“By pulling together the best experts and

stricter laws and penalties for acts already

resources,” says Sandra Morgan “we

committed. However, justice that prevents a

provide trusted input for our community to

victim from being crushed is a refection of

help them study the issues so that when

Jesus, who gave his life so that we would

they speak up, they are confdent in their

not be crushed.”

knowledge, and when they act, they are effective and well-equipped.”

The conference featured three keynote

The GCWJ celebrates their 10th

speakers. The frst was Ernie Allen, president and CEO of the International

anniversary this fall. Visit gcwj.vanguard.

Centre for Missing and Exploited Children,

edu to fnd out how to get involved.

who spoke about the dangers of the

By Arlene hutton DirecteD By sAshA stewArt

mAy 31 – June 16 3 we e ke nD s

Fridays & Saturdays at 8pm • Sundays at 2pm

General $14 Senior/CHilD/GroupS $12 purchAse tickets online At ACTCTICkETS.COM

DECADE of the 60’s REUNION JUNE 21-23, 2013

vAnGuArD university cAmpus

more info At Alumni.vAnGuArD.eDu

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THE HEART OF WORSHIP Vanguard University students lead worship in the newly-remodeled Newport Mesa Church sanctuary during a morning chapel service. Chapel is a beloved part of Vanguard’s mission to provide students with a spirit-empowered, Christ-centered education, and calls the community at Vanguard to join together each week in prayerful fellowship.

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anguard University believes that one of the most important characteristics of a quality education is the learning that happens beyond the classroom. These lessons are valuable because they must be forged by the quality of personal relationships, between professors, students, and staff. Each of the following fve people gained wisdom at Vanguard University that they’ve been able to apply to their lives beyond their time in school. Some of these lessons are very specifc, and some of them are broad; they all demonstrate at least one of Vanguard’s core values: Truth, Virtue, and Service.

Emily RosE ’03 was given one small piece of insight about God at Vanguard and followed it all the way to Hollywood. KylE lindo ’03 attended the School for Professional Studies and discovered a commitment to community beyond the classroom. AmAndA EstRAdA mA ’08 is an elementary school teacher in Orange County who learned how to help others learn. dylAn ChRistEnson’s ’06, mA ’09 trust in God led him to leave a rewarding career and go back to school so he could help others experience the same vision he had while at Vanguard. susAn PARKER’s ’82 belief in the importance of connecting to others was formed at Vanguard and strengthened by over 25 years of selfess service to the world’s poor.

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When Emily RosE ’03 sat down with Vanguard University Theatre Department Chair Susan Berkompas prior to enrolling at Vanguard, she was having doubts about her decision to pursue acting as a career. She knew she loved to act, but wasn’t sure it would yield a viable livelihood. “People kept asking me, ‘What’s your back-up plan?’” Emily recalls. “And Sue Berkompas told me that if this is God’s plan for you, then you don’t need a back-up plan. This is your plan, and you can trust God to take care of the rest.”

This lesson early in her time at Vanguard gave Emily the motivation and courage to pursue her acting dreams, and her education at the school gave her the means.

She was involved in theatrical shows of the highest production value and was able to explore all facets of the theatre and flm industries, but what she remembers more than anything was the relationships she built at Vanguard. “There are too many people to name— professors, staff in the admissions offce—all of them made it clear that they believed in me personally and wanted to empower me to do what I was capable of doing,” says Emily. “I got a lot of tools for my career, which of course have been extremely helpful, but at the end of the day, it’s about relationships.

The relationships have really shaped my life and my person.”

E m ily

Now Emily is the star of Syfy Network’s TV series Haven, the fourth season of

Rose

which she’ll be flming in Nova Scotia in a few weeks’ time. This will be soon after she and her husband Dairek have their frst child. Even though this period may be diffcult, it’s clearly a part of God’s plan for her, and Emily feels honored every day to keep trusting him. “There were many times in my life when

the only tool I had was to just pray,” says Emily. “And God has always answered me, and helped me through the situation.”

During one of the summers that Emily was on the camp team Entouräge, she received a clear vision from God of opening theatre camps for kids. She sees this as the next step in God’s plan for her life, and it’s ftting: she’ll be helping other young actors learn the lesson she did not so long ago.

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Kyle lindo ’03 had to learn some diffcult

of Vanguard’s business program, and his career

forming groups and completing projects,” he

lessons before he ever got to Vanguard

was moving forward once again.

says. “We had to create working relationships

University. “I didn’t take advantage of certain opportunities when I had them, and because of that, I didn’t earn my degree as a young man,” he says. He found himself stymied by his lack of a degree in his chosen career, which is when he discovered Vanguard’s School for Professional Studies program. “Vanguard’s SPS program was affordable, convenient, and it let me earn my degree rather quickly,” recalls Kyle. Soon he was a newly minted

Kyle

graduate

It’s a career that makes Kyle feel as though he has won the lottery. He is the chief of the Marine Safety Division in the city of Huntington Beach,

with other people in order to achieve common goals.” Kyle credits constant application of teamwork for helping him succeed as a leader.

a job he loves for the multifaceted opportunities

However, Kyle learned about more than just

he has to serve people. He is in charge of safety

how to create effective business partnerships

services at the city’s beaches, which includes

at Vanguard. The spirit of service, which he

directing all the lifeguards, managing the city’s

already possessed, was nurtured at Vanguard.

sponsorships with corporations such as Hurley

“I work in the public safety profession,” he

and Toyota, and helping to oversee events like

explains. “That means I am committed to a

the U.S. Open of Surfng. His education at

life of service. At Vanguard, I learned from

Vanguard prepared him specifcally for being

everyone—from the students to the instructors to

responsible for so many people. “In the SPS

the administrators and staff—about how to have

program, we were constantly given the task of

a spirit of helping people.”

Lindo

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AmAndA EstrAdA mA ’08 learned lessons about giving lessons at Vanguard University. After receiving her teaching credential from Vanguard in 2005, she returned to the school to earn her MA in Education in 2008. Amanda now teaches second grade in the Newport Mesa Unifed School District, a position she found herself well-prepared for after her time at Vanguard. Her high level of preparedness was mainly due to the high level of professionalism at the school.

She specifcally recalls how important it was to have small class sizes, which afforded her individual attention and a close relationship with professors. Dr. Mikki Gil had a particularly strong infuence on her. “Dr. Gil was so focused on working with students,” says Amanda. “I was so appreciative of her willingness to work with us, as well as her passion for teaching.”

While looking for a teaching position, Amanda discovered how highly regarded a Vanguard teaching education is in the surrounding school districts.

“Vanguard prepared us to be professionals and, above all, excellent teachers,” she says.

“Everything we did was meaningful and relevant to what’s happening in the classroom.” As a teacher, Amanda can now observe Vanguard from the other side; she regularly sees student teachers come in from the same credentialing program she completed, and these teachers are also particularly prepared

AmAndA

Estrada

to take on the challenges of the job.

Amanda didn’t just learn about how to be a good teacher at Vanguard. She also learned how to care for her students as a directive of her Christian faith. Since she teaches in a public school setting, she cannot share it explicitly; however, this doesn’t stop her from sharing her faith tacitly. “I am an example in my actions, in how I speak to and how I treat my students,” says Amanda. “I’m not just a teacher; I care about them as well.”

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Dylan Christenson ’06, Ma ’09 just couldn’t forget El Salvador. He had graduated with a degree in Liberal Studies from Vanguard University, returned for his teaching credential and masters, and was a math instructor at a great high school in Santa Ana. He loved his job, and was proud of the Vanguard education that had prepared him for it.

But he couldn’t forget El Salvador. He couldn’t forget ricocheting through twisted mountain roads in the back of an old Toyota pick-up truck, gripping the rusted-out side with all his might, wondering if his hands were up to the task of keeping him from bouncing out. He couldn’t forget the people there who let him help dig an essential latrine for their village. He couldn’t forget the feeling that on this missions trip, he had helped do something for others in the developing world of simple but lasting signifcance. This unforgettable experience was courtesy of Linda Hartzell and Vanguard anthropology professor Jamie Huff, who connected Dylan to a community-based missions organization in El Salvador called ENLACE, founded by alumni ron ’90 and Michelle (negron ’93, Ma ’97) Bueno.

So even though Dylan was happy as a math teacher, he decided to make a big change. He thought about his love for teaching, and he thought about his desire to enable the developing world, and he decided to quit his job and pursue a doctorate in civil engineering. This would allow him to cultivate expertise in the feld itself, and then use that knowledge to lead students on the kind of trip he went on while at Vanguard. He now lives with his wife Calli (adams ’05) and their two sons, Samuel and Seth, in Lubbock, TX, where he is pursuing his PhD at Texas Tech University.

Through it all, he remembers his life at Vanguard with deep appreciation. “Vanguard

Dyla n

Christenson

was so full of talented and creative people, who were passionate about their faith,” he says. “At Vanguard, I learned to apply my faith globally.” His area of research focuses on biological solutions to the problem of impure drinking water, a concept with obvious applications in the developing world.

And when he feels overwhelmed by the magnitude of his career change, he always thinks back to a lesson delivered by professor Bill Dogterom. “He told me, ‘Put tools in your toolbox, and trust God to use you and provide for you,’” says Dylan. “I’ve never forgotten that. And I’ve been putting tools in my toolbox, and God has been providing for me.”

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Harding is a man from Sierra Leone who for fourteen years battled a tumor that had taken over his entire face. His mother had spent nearly all she had to pay for visits to the traditional healer, with no results.

He might have given up all hope, were it not for a large ship that docked in a port

SuSan

Parker

near his home. It was a special ship, in the sense that it was a fully-operational hospital called Africa Mercy, crewed by 400 volunteers from 35 nations, with six operating rooms and an 80-bed ward.

Harding was selected to receive surgery to remove his tumor, and the price was right—it was free.

Harding was about to encounter Vanguard

alumna SuSan (WorkS) Parker ’82, who for over 25 years has lived on a Mercy Ship, traversing the coastal cities of Africa and offering life-changing surgeries to the people there. Her husband Gary Parker is the chief surgeon, and they have two children, Carys and Wesley, who have lived their whole lives at sea.

Susan, who works in Special Projects, says the role that gives her the greatest joy is that of preparing the crew to effectively communicate and serve cross-culturally. Some might say the journey Susan is on requires tremendous sacrifce, but she doesn’t see it that way.

She tells the story of Harding in order to illustrate her perspective. Harding’s tumor was so invasive that he underwent three surgeries. During his long convalescence, he was given a Bible and began to read 1 Corinthians 13. In Paul’s words, he found the love he had received through his experiences on the Mercy Ship fully articulated, and he decided to follow Jesus. “When one bears witness to transformed faces and changed lives on a daily basis, it’s hard to feel it is anything but an immense privilege,” Susan says.

Susan learned about the love that a community of believers must possess while she was at Vanguard.

She was accepted by her roommates and their families unconditionally. “I walked into my dorm on move-in day,” she recalls, “and I was immediately enveloped in the warmth of family.” It was her three roommates and their families who encouraged her to join Mercy Ships, and it is those relationships that she continues to draw strength and support from.

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hope for deliverance: On the FrOntlines OF the Fight FOr Justice

E

arly in her career, Special Agent Melissa Smith* was called out to a typical Southern California neighborhood to investigate suspicious activity involving a young girl. There, Special Agent Smith found Rosa* a minor from South America, living with a man in his sixties.

He had purchased Rosa from her single mother, smuggled her into the country, and was holding the young girl captive— as his sex slave.

This disturbing case is a typical example of the

Like so many others, Melissa’s life changed

injustice that Melissa seeks to eradicate in her

completely when she went on an overseas

position as a Federal Investigative Agent. Melissa

missions trip to Athens, Greece, arranged by

used her education at Vanguard University – and

Sandra Morgan, Director of Vanguard’s Global

the tangible exposure to human affiction that it

Center for Women and Justice. Melissa went to

afforded her – to prepare for a life on the front

Athens, where prostitution is legal, to minister to

lines of the battle against human sex-traffcking.

women working in brothels. She and the other

Her time at Vanguard opened her eyes to a

students on the trip visited the city’s red-light

vicious problem in the world, then gave her

district, where they met madams and developed

the tools to understand it and train for a life of

relationships with the women working there.

fghting it.

The ultimate aim was to give those women

Melissa entered Vanguard as a business major, initially thinking that her career might take a path towards entrepreneurship. However, she was also a minor in anthropology, and circumstances dictated a reversal: “My business classes made me miserable,” she recalls. “And I loved my anthro classes.” In the anthropology department, Melissa came under the tutelage of some of Vanguard’s fnest. Dr. Vince Gil and the late Dr. Craig Rusch both inspired her, and

options and support if they ever chose to escape.

Traffckers will often use powerful forms of coercion, such as threats of violence against family members, to make their victims feel imprisoned by their circumstances. On the trip, Melissa worked with a non-proft organization that sought to alleviate threats like that, so that women who wished to fee a life of prostitution could do so with the knowledge of their own safety and the real hope of a new life.

she took advantage of the favorable teacher-

“That trip changed my life, physically, mentally,

to-student ratio. “It mattered to me that my

and emotionally,” says Melissa. Her career path

professors knew me by name, and how to

took a profound new direction, and Vanguard’s

encourage me personally,” she says. Another one

Global Center for Women and Justice helped

of those professors she cites as infuential is Dr.

equip her for it. Melissa is proud of Vanguard’s

Jamie Huff. “He was smart, funny, and most

unique sponsorship of the Center. “It’s a great

importantly, he was active in the feld,” explains

testament to Vanguard’s priorities,” she says.

Melissa. “He was relevant, and became not just

“We seek to serve Christ by serving people,

a professor to me, but a mentor.”

and we do it specifcally by fghting for justice

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and equality for women.” men.” The lessons that have remained with Melissa all revolve around this concept. “As a student, Vanguard brings p through its emphasis life to your doorstep on serving others. You learn that you have to get out of yourself, because life is not about serving yourself.”

As a student, Vanguard brings life to your doorstep through its emphasis on serving others. You learn that you have to get out of yourself, because life is not about serving yourself.

After the trip to Greece, Melissa was looking for a way to combine each of her motivating interests: a heart for service, and a mind for women’s justice, and she found it when she met a federal agent who told her she would be a perfect ft for a job in the feld. Melissa wasted no time. The day after her Vanguard graduation, she was working full-time as a special agent investigating human traffcking. For her part, Sandra Morgan remembers Melissa’s

but edifying. “It’s challenging intellectually,

Though she could go home, and wants to, Rosa

emotionally, and physically,” she says. “But

is still in the United States. She is assisting with

because of that, it is constantly improving me.”

Melissa’s investigation and prosecution of the

The standards of her profession permeate every

man who enslaved her. This is a tall order for

area of her life. “As a law enforcement offcer,

Rosa, but even she recognizes the importance of

my job is dependent on being an upstanding

Melissa’s work, as well as the fact that Melissa

person. I have to conduct my life in a moral way

is trustworthy. More than anything else, it is

in every aspect.”

Rosa’s confdence that sharpens Melissa’s sense of purpose. “To hear her say, ‘I trust you’ and

perseverance more than anything else, and is

The job is not without diffculties. Melissa bears

proud to see that trait serving Melissa so well

witness to the harshest depravities human beings

now. “Since she left Vanguard,” says Morgan

are capable of. Here the strength of her faith, as

“she has been quick to identify the next mentor,

well as her Type-A personality, give her a way of

Melissa is one of the fnest examples of

humble to recognize there is more to learn, and

dealing with the emotionally draining experience

Vanguard alumni who are doing meaningful

persistent in showing up for the battle!”

of interacting with victims, and of keeping the

work all over the globe. Every day, she fghts for

mandate of her occupation her ultimate priority:

justice on behalf of women, men, girls, and boys

to get traffckers off the streets.

who cannot do so themselves, demonstrating her

For Melissa, there is no typical day on the job. She explains that about 60% of her time is spent in the feld, and the other 40% is

She rescued Rosa. In the time since investigating

spent in the offce. Her duties include serving

that call, Melissa has come to know Rosa

subpoenas, writing affdavits, taking photos,

well, and has seen her develop into a mature

investigating criminal records, and conducting

young adult. Melissa has watched Rosa take

surveillance. She arrests traffckers and supports

advantage of services to learn English, as well

the prosecution of them. The job is diffcult

as struggle to process her diffcult experiences.

‘Thank you for helping me’ is what fulflls me,” says Melissa.

embodiment of Vanguard’s core values: truth, virtue, and service. *Name has been changed due to the sensitive nature of her position.

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pray mercy f o r

T h e S T o r y o f T h e D oy l e f a m i ly

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i

f you visit Kevin ’99 and Camie (Grasser) ’99 Doyle’s home in Henderson, NV, you will have what is in many respects a typical family encounter: Kevin’s happy welcome at the door will draw you further in, where Camie will tell you to make yourself comfortable and then offer you something to drink. Selah, their eleven-year-old daughter, will politely look up from her work on the computer, while the couple’s two-year-old son Ayin might use the occasion to introduce his tricycle to your toes. Finally, Mercy Doyle will greet

you with all the warmth and curiosity of a usual seven-year-old, and – though her words will come slowly, and though you will not fail to notice the foot that she has been unable to keep from shaking for two years, and though the miniature, sticker-covered walker next to her may give you pause—you will be touched by the sweetness of her smile. In that moment, you will come closer to understanding the diffcult journey the Doyle family has travelled for the past fve years.

Kevin and Camie Doyle are a Legacy

their time at Vanguard prepared them

Family at Vanguard University. Camie

for their lives now. Kevin was a pastoral

says that she was destined to attend. Her

ministry major and cites professor Bill

mother and father Paul ’75 and Norma

Dogterom as infuential in helping him

(Bichero ’75) met at the school, and her

powerfully confrm the call to ministry.

sister Corie ’03 and brother Caylen ’06

More than anything, he and Camie learned

also followed in their footsteps. When

about the importance of relationships. “It

Camie decided to attend, Kevin’s destiny

became clear to me that we as Christians

was set too; he and Camie have been

are not meant to do life alone,” says Kevin.

together since junior high, and they speak

He tells a story about how he and a group

to each other with the easy familiarity

of close friends took the bunks out of one

of young people who have loved each

room and jammed them into another on

other for a long time. Their story is tied to

their foor of Huntington Hall. The bed

Vanguard forever in a number of ways—

removal resulted in an empty space they

one of them is the fact that in the summer

referred to as “The Upper Room.” Their

when Kevin was serving on the Delivery

intentions for the space were admirable;

Boys camp team, he proposed to Camie

they used the room as a place to seek God,

during one of his comedy sketches. When

alone and together. “We built friendships

spending time with Kevin and Camie, you

that will last a lifetime because they are

can see that the memory still gives them

built on Jesus,” says Camie. “Ministry is

joy, and you will decide that it is ftting

about interacting with and loving people,

that the provenance of their marriage is a

and we learned that at Vanguard.”

moment of happiness and humor.

It would take all of Kevin’s and Camie’s

Kevin now serves as the Worship and Arts

strength to face the morning fve years ago

Pastor at Green Valley Christian Center

when, on a family vacation, their two-year-

in Henderson, NV, pastored by Gary

old daughter Mercy began to have trouble

Morefeld ’72. Camie supports him in this

walking. Up until that point, Mercy was

role, and they are passionate about how

a perfectly healthy toddler; seemingly

Mercy Doyle

overnight, she lost many of her basic motor skills. Normally she was physically precocious and active; suddenly she had trouble putting her thumb in her mouth.

After numerous tests, doctors discovered that a virus that ordinarily should have been defeated by her body’s defenses had

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mercy

reached and attacked Mercy’s brain. They told Kevin and Camie there was nothing to do but wait for the virus to run its course.

It did, and a year later Mercy seemed to

“We always felt that what happened to Mercy was not fair, to her or to us. But the event helped us remember that grace isn’t fair either. We don’t deserve grace, but God freely gives it.” CAMIE DOyLE

have made a recovery. That’s when the symptoms returned, and worsened. In addition to not being able to walk again,

scared,” says Camie. “We were confused.

protection for your kids,” says Kevin. “But

Mercy began to experience tremors,

We didn’t know what it was. We didn’t

we didn’t know what was hurting her, and

uncontrollable shaking, and seizures. Her

know if it was life-threatening. We wanted

we couldn’t do anything about it.” They

eyes crossed. Endless doctors and endless

the tests to come back with something.”

never stopped praying.

tests resulted in the news that a part of

In the meantime, Kevin and Camie tried

Mercy’s brain had atrophied, damage

everything. They spent their time, energy,

that the doctors claimed was permanent.

and money, looking for any treatment,

Still, a specifc diagnosis was not found.

from diets to vitamins to medications,

Kevin and Camie fought their feelings

that might mitigate the effects of Mercy’s

of fear and helplessness in the face of an

illness. Nothing worked.

illness that they could not defne beyond

Finally, after the blessing of having been connected to the Los Angeles Children’s Hospital, Mercy was offcially diagnosed with the autoimmune disease Opsoclonus Myoclonus Syndrome. It’s a disorder that affects 1 in 10 million people, and the

the devastating effects it was having on

“As a parent, you do whatever you can

specifc manifestation of Mercy’s illness

their precious daughter. “We were so

to provide an atmosphere of safety and

is one-of-a-kind. She is being treated by

From left to right: Mercy, Camie, Kevin, Ayin, and Selah Doyle.

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The Run For Mercy 5K at Vanguard University.

From top to bottom: Mercy made special artwork for the 5K winners; participants begin the 5K; the victors display their prizes; Dr. Carol Taylor greets Mercy.

one of the top specialists in the world, and while Kevin and Camie are thankful for this, the regimen has resulted in exorbitant medical costs.

Early in 2012, during Homecoming festivities, Vanguard University organized a 5K called Run For Mercy in order to raise funds to help pay the costs of Mercy’s treatment.

All of the proceeds were designated for the Doyle family’s beneft. The alumni, current students, staff, and friends who participated helped raise money to contribute to Mercy’s current medical bills. The monies raised have helped to provide a safe and stable environment for Mercy to thrive in.

Her insomnia and high blood pressure are gone, she’s off her aggressive medications, her emotional stability has become more regulated, and if you happen to be sitting at the picnic table in her family’s backyard, Mercy is able to walk out there and have a seat right next to you.

Kevin and Camie were overwhelmed by the response of the Vanguard community to the 5K. “It was terribly humbling to be the recipient of so many others’ giving,” says Kevin.

Camie adds that the hand of God was evident in every part of the event. “We always felt that what happened to Mercy was not fair, to her or to us,” she says. “But the event helped us remember that grace isn’t fair either. We don’t deserve grace, but God freely gives it.”

A few years before Camie gave birth to Mercy, she received a word from the Lord about Mercy’s name. It came to Camie in a prayer, and the signifcance is not lost on Camie or Kevin. “When we frst dedicated Mercy to God,” recalls Kevin “we knew that she was God’s child before she was our child. And her name gives us comfort. We believe God will heal her on this earth, and that he will release his mercy on her and make her an example of his mercy.” During this time, Philippians 1:6 spoke to the Doyles. The verse states “…he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion.”

The Doyles look to Mercy’s healing as the completion of the good work that is already started in her.

If you would lIke to make a donatIon to help offset mercy’s contInuIng medIcal costs, please vIsIt ethosmInIstrIes.org, or prayformercy.org for more InformatIon.

Watch the recap video of Homecoming 2013 – including the Run for Mercy 5K, alumni.vanguard.edu/ news-homecoming vanguard magazine SPRING/SUMMER 2013

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A Lesson About PriviLege And PAssion

by Kristen Howerton Photos by trever hoehne

Kristen Howerton worked as a marriage and family therapist for many years before accepting a position teaching in the Graduate Psychology Department at Vanguard University. She lives in Costa Mesa with her husband and four children, and writes a nationally-recognized blog called Rage Against The Minivan. “I feel like my blog is an extension of my faith. I love that it is a platform for me to represent myself as a Christian to an audience that is very mixed,” she says. “I try to infuse my blog with content that is relevant, funny, or thought-provoking to all people, and then occasionally I will sprinkle in some advocacy on the issues that are important to me, like social justice or orphan care.”

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I

want to tell you a story

I would like to say that I found some sort of

home to balloons and family and friends, while

about when I became

supernatural strength in the days following the

others were still missing loved ones and fghting

truly aware of my own

earthquake, but in reality, I felt scared, weak,

to survive? Why did I get to escape to safety

privilege.

and alone. I was without my husband, and

while others were still in Haiti, sleeping outside

without two of my children, and I missed them

and living in fear of the next tremor?

Two of my four children are adopted. My husband

and I adopted our frst child from the foster care system, and our last child from the country of Haiti. We met our son from Haiti when he was

terribly. I was also very worried about getting out of the country. My infant daughter who traveled with me was sick, and we were beginning to hear about issues with food and water.

six months old, and we waited for over three

After being stuck in the country for several days,

years to bring him home, due to the frustrating

we fnally made our way to the embassy. I had

red tape of international adoption. During those

to leave my son behind in Haiti – his adoption

The answer to all of those questions - the irrefutable, undeniable answer - is privilege.

Privilege is an unfair advantage. But that advantage can be used for good. It’s daunting to recognize our privilege, but in doing so, we recognize our power. My hope is that

three years, we tried to visit him as often as we could, taking short trips down to check on him and to try to move the adoption process along.

One such trip happened in January of 2010. I was still nursing my nine-month-old daughter, so I took her along.

What was supposed to be a short visit turned into a nightmare the second day I was there when the earthquake hit Port-Au-Prince, and we were in the center of it. I’ve lived in California

PrIvIlege Is an unfaIr advantage. But that advantage can Be used for good. It’s daunting to recognize our privilege, but in doing so, we recognize our power. My hope is that acknowledging that will move you to action.”

for ffteen years and in that time, have been through many earthquakes. This was nothing like that. It was the most terrifying experience of my life. This earthquake devastated the country of Haiti and killed one in thirteen inhabitants of Port-Au-Prince in an instant. I am alive today because I was in a building built of better materials. The earthquake caused the walls to crack and the tiles to pop off the foors, but it stood as I ran outside.

The days following the earthquake in Haiti were every bit as terrifying as the event itself.

The aftershocks kept coming- and they were signifcant earthquakes. We were afraid to be inside, terrifed that another rumble could leave us buried inside a building like so many houses around us. We were afraid of sleeping outside, because malaria and looting were real risks.

still wasn’t fnal. Saying goodbye on these trips was always hard, but this was the worst. I was scared to death to leave him, but I was scared

acknowledging that will move you to action.

But moving into action requires us to identify our passion frst.

to death to stay. Ultimately, I knew that I could

A man I respect who spends several months a

fght harder to get him home from the US. So

year volunteering in a rural village in Zimbabwe

from the embassy, my daughter and I boarded a

told me something that has always stuck with me.

military jet provided by our government and few

“Find your feld” is his creed. Not all of us have

to a marine base in Pennsylvania, and then on

the power to change the entire world, but we

to Orange County.

probably have the power to change the situation

After coming home, I struggled a lot with the injustices of my survival. Why did I survive this earthquake? Why was I in a structurally sound building? Why did I not struggle with fnding food or water in the following days? Why did I get to drive to an embassy and be fown away from the aftershocks? Why did I get to arrive

for one person, or maybe even a community.

Finding our feld can be as simple as looking at what we are passionate about. It can be as simple as looking at the needs around us, in our own community, neighborhoods, and schools.

And it can be as simple as aligning ourselves with a visionary leader that we respect.

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Finding my passion and purpose came about in the adoption process of my kids. Initially we adopted because we wanted to build our family, but as we learned more about the foster care system and the diffculties for orphans in developing countries, I became passionate about advocating for these kids.

After I snapped out of the haze of survival guilt and returned home from Haiti, I decided to put my blog to work. My son was stuck in an earthquake-ravaged country. He was approved by the US and by Haiti for adoption, and the only thing that stood between him sleeping in a driveway in Haiti versus the bed that had been waiting for him in our home for three

The Howerton Family

years was someone moving that paperwork forward. There were over 900 children in this same scenario – matched with families and stuck

post asking my readers for help in calling our

come on and share about our campaign to get

in limbo. I decided that I would fght for these

state reps. That was a Sunday.

these kids home. Ultimately, the US Secretary

kids who were so unnecessarily vulnerable,

On Monday morning, I woke up to messages

who had waiting families who could care for

on my cell phone from my congressional rep’s

them as the country picked up the pieces and

offce telling me to have my readers stop calling

found beds for the children newly orphaned in

because THEY WERE ON IT. Before I had even

the quake. I started a campaign called Bring

had a chance to call them, people had called

Finding our Field can be as simple as looking at what we are passionate about. it can be as simple as looking at the needs around us, in our own community, neighborhoods, and schools.” on my behalf. I had my government leaders in Them Home, petitioning the government to allow

action and working behind the scenes - all from

already-approved families who were matched

a blog post pleading for help on a site usually

with orphans to bring them into the States and

reserved for whining about kid drama. I also

fnalize the adoption from here. I penned a blog

had calls from CNN, ABC, NBC, asking me to

of State and the Haitian government agreed to give humanitarian parole to already in-process orphans. Kids with waiting families were fown to the US, and we were reunited with our son, who is now a precocious 6-year-old who loves football and playing Just Dance on the Wii. Now, I don’t presume that my little blog was responsible for this decision. But I do believe that it was a tiny little ripple in that movement. I found my feld.

I don’t know what your feld is, but I’m here to encourage you to fgure it out if you haven’t already. Maybe it’s improving public schools.

Maybe it’s immigration reform. Maybe it’s helping single moms. I’m confdent that there is something that your heart beats for that your life experience has prepared you to be uniquely called to.

For more on VU’s Psychology faculty and academics, visit psychology.vanguard.edu

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ROCK OF LOVE The office of Darren Bagwell’s ’05 company Rock foR heR looks moRe like a Really cReaTive peRson’s living Room Than a place wheRe jewelRy is sold, and ThaT’s jusT how daRRen wanTs iT. The couches aRe comfoRTable, naTuRal lighT pouRs in, and The vibe is decidedly laid-back.

Darren’s aim is to offer men who are in

yes, and she and Darren’s customer will be

the market for an engagement ring an

happily married soon after.

alternative to the retail jewelry store experience, which can be defned by endlessly generic options and aggressive salespeople.

Darren presents men with a low-pressure atmosphere where they can be involved in the actual design of the engagement ring in addition to its purchase.

Since his small business relies mostly on word-of-mouth, Darren’s job is all about building relationships, a skill he developed as a beach-loving undergrad. Darren graduated from Vanguard University in 2005 with a degree in Sociology, and he credits this course of study for opening his eyes fully to the

Darren’s approach to the business of jewelry

world . He particularly remembers professor

may be casual, but his knowledge of the

Phil Robinette’s sociodrama class, in which

industry is serious. Darren worked in jewelry

he and the other students were given diverse

sales for many years before starting Rock

scenarios and charged with acting them out—a process that resulted

“At VAnguArd, I loVed beIng surrounded by people who supported my growth And encourAged It. thAt’s where I leArned how ImportAnt communIty Is.”

in a profound sense of

dArren bAgwell ’05, Owner Rock for Her

immediately connected to the

For Her, and he has a number of trusted connections with wholesale sellers, which enable him to meet a customer at any price point. “I can help a guy create a ring from a thousand bucks to many thousands of dollars,” says Darren. “My only concern is to help him navigate what is usually the largest purchase of his life at that point.” After the

empathy in him. “That class actually took me to some tough places, mentally and emotionally,” says Darren. “It gave me a knowledge about people and how they respond to challenges in their lives.”

It was the people at Vanguard that Darren remembers more than anything. He found himself community, and formed a number of close relationships

that have lasted to this day—including his most important one. “I met my wife Kayli (Ober ’06) at Vanguard,” recalls Darren. He adds, “I loved being surrounded by people who supported my growth and encouraged it. That’s where I learned how important community is, and where I had space to explore and strengthen my faith.”

mean typical business goals like adding sales associates or creating a comprehensive brand strategy to explore new markets. For Darren, this means getting Rock For Her to a place where it will support a Marriage and Family Therapy practice that will enable him to offer counseling services for free. He is currently pursuing his Masters degree with this aim. “I want Rock For Her to do well

design process, Darren’s business partner—a

Darren’s career objectives extend beyond

so that I can provide pro bono therapy,” says Darren. It is clear

man who has been making fne jewelry for

making his business successful. He loves

that the lessons Darren learned about people at Vanguard—people

over 20 years—will hand-craft the ring. That

his work at Rock For Her, but has plans to

connected in his community, and people he can help outside of

leaves the fnal step: the woman will say

expand its infuence. This doesn’t necessarily

it—live in his work every day.

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SUSTAINING EXCELLENCE When Vanguard uniVersity Junior elizabeth Vasquez stepped out in front of oVer 120 people to deliVer the opening remarks at the 2013 enVironmental sustainability ConferenCe, she Couldn’t help but marVel at hoW far she had Come: formerly an undeClared maJor and a self-desCribed introVert, she Was noW standing before 120 partiCipants of the ConferenCe that she herself organized as the direCtor of finanCe for Vanguard’s Chapter of enaCtus. as she looked out into the CroWd and saW her Very proud parents, she thought to herself, “they Could neVer piCture me in front of all these people, giVing this speeCh—” then stopped to realize that before this moment, she Could neVer piCture herself doing this!

Equipping students with the means to discover

numbers and a passion for helping others, both

service for people who might not otherwise have

the reaches of their own potential is one of the

of which she has been able to cultivate through

access to those resources. The benefts of VITA are

hallmarks of a Vanguard University education.

her membership in Enactus. This is a nationally

two-fold, however. In addition to donating time and

Elizabeth Vasquez discovered this frsthand, and

recognized group that helps students who are

expertise to people who need it, Elizabeth and

counts the experience of leading the Environmental

business and entrepreneurial majors get involved

her fellow Enactus members gain real-world tax-

Sustainability Conference as one of the most

in their communities, although Elizabeth is careful

preparation experience.

rewarding of her time at Vanguard. “It was because

to point out that members need not actually be

“I looked at [the Environmental Sustainability Conference] as my product that I was putting out there for these people. It was the best feeling ever! I felt unstoppable.” ElizabEth VasquEz, Enactus DirEctor of financE, coorDinator for EnvironmEntal sustainability confErEncE

of the conference that I fnally began to get involved

business majors. The only requirement of students is

in school,” she says. “If it weren’t for the conference,

an enthusiasm for using their skills to help others. In

all I would have gotten was a certifcate, as

addition to the conference, Elizabeth participates

opposed to an opportunity to fnd myself and the

with Enactus in a program called VITA, which stands

qualities I didn’t know I possessed.”

for Volunteer Income Tax Assistance. Elizabeth is

A couple of the specifc qualities that Vanguard has helped Elizabeth discover include a way with

able to use the knowledge she has developed as an accounting major to help low-income or underserved residents prepare their taxes, performing a vital

But it was the conference that challenged Elizabeth the most. She says the aim of the Environmental Sustainability Conference was to raise awareness that “business can be environmentally friendly and proftable.” She coordinated the speakers and the events of the day, but not everything went smoothly in the weeks leading up to her moment at the podium. At one point in the early planning stages, Elizabeth found herself overwhelmed by the task. This was when she beneftted from the unique opportunity Vanguard offers to be directly mentored by talented and encouraging professors. Elizabeth’s faculty advisor for Enactus, Dr. Kristen Schiele, told her not to be afraid of trying, since even failure offers occasions to learn. “She wouldn’t let me quit,” recalls Elizabeth. And Elizabeth is grateful to Dr. Schiele for this lesson in perseverance, not least

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because of that moment when she realized all she

there at such a huge campus. The size of Vanguard

ask questions of others while exploring her beliefs.

had accomplished: “I looked at it as my product that

has let me connect to so many people who have

When asked about what she wants her career to

I was putting out there for these people. It was the

helped me.” Potential employers are often impressed,

be, Elizabeth doesn’t focus on the conference, the

best feeling ever! I felt unstoppable. I’m only a junior

too. When Elizabeth was awarded an internship at

accounting, or the internship. “I hope to make my life

and I put on a conference!”

the consulting frm VCFO Services, her bosses let her

matter,” she says. “I could become an accountant,

know that her breadth of experience stood out over

manager, or a CFO, but if that is not what makes

candidates from other larger schools.

me feel fulflled, I won’t do it. I want to make my life

Elizabeth’s words show the powerful way that realized goals become the seeds of even greater potential. Vanguard’s smaller size and the hands-

All of these attributes appeal to Elizabeth in terms

on approach of the professors afford students

of her professional life, but ultimately what she

opportunities they likely will not fnd elsewhere. She

values at Vanguard is the opportunity to discover

is particularly grateful for this. “Not everything can

the true outline of her faith. “I have a friend who

be taught in classes,” she says “Some things you

says that faith is allowing God to prove himself to

just have to learn by being put on the spot. I know

you,” she cites when describing the way she is able

if I went to a Cal State, I would never put myself out

to build her worldview by having the freedom to

matter.” By this defnition, Elizabeth will undoubtedly be successful—not just because of her ambition to serve, but because Vanguard specializes in helping students write stories that matter.

Stay connected to Vanguard University’s Enactus chapter at facebook.com/VUEnactus

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A Primer on the PAtient Protection And AffordAble cAre Act Dr. Mary WickMan is a professor of nursing anD the Director of VanguarD uniVersity’s Bsn/Ms in nursing prograM, a DiVision Within the graDuate prograMs anD the school for professional stuDies that is fulfilling its ManDate to populate the healthcare fielD With professionally coMpetent anD spiritually generous nurses.

She guides a program that infuses every part

The Goals of the New Law

of its rigorous nursing instruction with the

Dr. Wickman is clear about what the Act aims

principles of a faith-based education and ethical

to achieve: “The goals of the law are to help

leadership. As an expert in the healthcare

improve the quality and accessibility of health

delivery system, providing access to patients

feld with the highest credentials, she is well-

care, and extend health benefts to an estimated

who would otherwise not be seen by a medical

suited to discussing some of the ins and outs

50 million uninsured people in the United States.

professional.”

of the recently passed Patient Protection and

There is a lot of debate about whether or not

Affordable Care Act.

this law will be able to accomplish this, and

Why Healthcare is a Priority

about how exactly the law will be funded. In

What This Means for the Average American

any case, as a healthcare provider, I am hopeful

Whether you have health insurance or not, Dr.

“Prior to the Affordable Care Act, there was

that this law leads to Americans being able to

Wickman suggests that the best healthcare is

a growing realization that the health care

live healthier lives, or to another solution that

preventative. “The most important thing you

system was broken and needed reform,” says

succeeds in that same goal.”

can do is be an intelligent consumer,” she says.

Wickman. She cites a report from the Centers

“Make healthy choices, taking into account your genetic predispositions. Don’t smoke, and

health expenditures in the United States had

A Potential Problem and a Potential Solution

neared $2.6 trillion in 2010, over ten times

Those 50 million newly insured Americans

Try to live a healthy lifestyle.”

the $256 billion spent in 1980. She adds,

will undoubtedly tax the healthcare system,

“American healthcare has continued to become

according to Dr .Wickman. “What policymakers

an increasingly expensive business with

are beginning to come to terms with is the

“At Vanguard, we incorporate a belief in Christ

contributing factors of chronic disease, an aging

fact that there are not enough healthcare

in all we do,” adds Wickman. “Jesus Christ is

population, the increasing use of prescription

professionals to address this increased

the healer of all things physical, emotional, and

drugs, and technologic innovation/explosion.

demand. The Health Resources and Services

mental. As a nurse, as a human being, and as

That’s why addressing the growing burden of

Administration estimates that there are

a Christian, I hope that I can do my part to

healthcare consumption and costs continues to

approximately 55 million residents who lack

care for the whole person, whoever they are

be a major policy priority.”

suitable access to care,” she says. She sees a

and however they have access to my care.”

potential solution to this in an expanded role for

And she has one more piece of valuable health

nurse practitioners and nurses, so that they are

advice, which applies to everybody: “Pray,

able to practice the full scope of their education

instead of stressing out. That’s always good for

and training. “Nurse practitioners are already

your health.”

for Medicare and Medicaid Services that fnds

Mary WickMan, PhD is a professor of nursing and the director of Vanguard University’s BSN/MS in nursing program.

working in the exact places where demand for health services will increase. In many medically underserved communities, nurse practitioners are already on the front lines of the health care

limit fast food in your diet. Decrease your stress.

Don’t Forget to Pray

Watch Dr. Mary Wickman speak on Vanguard’s graduate nursing program at nursing.vanguard.edu

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my story

A BALANCED ACCOUNT The firsT Time i heard of Vanguard uniVersiTy was on a missions Trip in high school. we spenT The nighT in The dorms, and i remember looking ouT The window and seeing The soccer field and The sand Volleyball courT, an image ThaT sTuck wiTh me a few years laTer when i was Thinking abouT where To go To college. my dad wanted me to go to an assemblies of god

started arguing in the middle of the class. we

school for at least one year, and i thought back to

didn’t know it was staged at the time; all we could

the school by the beach—it helped that Vanguard

think about was how the tension in the room was

was one of only a few assemblies of god colleges

affecting everyone and everything around the two

with an accounting major.

students. That was exactly the lesson, of course.

accounting always came easy to me. i knew that’s how god had gifted me. at Vanguard i became a

professor stenhouse brought it to life, and it’s a lesson i apply in my work even now.

Jeremy moser ’97, mBA ’04

double-major in accounting and fnance, with the

after graduating with my degrees in accounting

aim of becoming a fnancial planner for individuals.

and fnance, i returned for a ma in organizational

To that end, i started an investment club my junior

leadership. soon after graduation, i became the

year and ran it for two years. The members of

chief financial offcer for mariners church. my

the club each contributed $20 a month. we’d

responsibilities include all the budgeting, the taxes,

research stocks, present them to the group, then

the legal aspects, the banking, audits, debt

select one every month to invest our pool of cash

repayment plans—pretty much anything related to

in. we worked with a local broker to help us invest

fnances. i also oversee all of the operations for

the stock. finally, we would cash out and split the

the church. That includes the bookstore and café,

now it is my honor to give back to the institution

money. it was a valuable learning project, and

our facilities department, our iT department, human

of Vanguard in a number of different ways. i

great to get hands-on, real-world experience.

resources, and the accounting department. about

serve on the board of Trustees, the audit

a year after i joined the staff, they asked me to

committee, the finance committee, and the

become a licensed pastor. at frst i didn’t think it

executive committee. i believe in Vanguard;

was a good idea for a business major to become

i believe in the importance of a christian

a pastor, but i prayed a lot and it became clear

education, where students can be protected and

that it was what god was asking me to do. and

grounded in a godly worldview. at Vanguard,

it’s been great. i get the personal interaction with

i learned how to think critically and how to

people who are suffering, and at the same time

cultivate a love of learning. i hope that by giving

i am working at the church doing what god has

back to Vanguard, i can help others have that

created me to do.

same experience.

one of my favorite professors at Vanguard was ed westbrook, who taught business law. he made the subject practical and fun—he used monopoly to teach us about the value of partnerships in business! and i’ll never forget taking organizational behavior with professor andy stenhouse, and one lesson in particular. professor stenhouse was teaching about “confict in the organization” when two students

Chief Financial officer, mariners Church, Irvine, CA, Vanguard University Trustee

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A Tribute to Dr. Carol Taylor So Ahab went on up to eat and drink, while Elijah climbed to the top of Carmel. He bent down toward the ground and put his face between his knees. He told his servant, “Go on up and look in the direction of the sea.”

So he went on up, looked, and reported, “There is nothing.” Seven times Elijah sent him to look. The seventh time the servant said, “Look, a small cloud, the size of the palm of a man’s hand, is rising up from the sea.” Elijah then said, “Go and tell Ahab, ‘Hitch up the chariots and go down, so that the rain won’t overtake you.’” Meanwhile the sky was covered with dark clouds, the wind blew, and there was a heavy rainstorm. 1 Kings 18:42-45(NET)

hen Vanguard University

occurred to me that we had been given our

Now, as Dr. Taylor refects on her time leading

President Dr. Carol

own tiny cloud, and if God was in it, it would

Vanguard University, she has the occasion to

Taylor is asked which of

be enough. And it was.”

consider the people and the experiences here

her accomplishments she is most proud of during her tenure at the school, she promptly defers to this story about God’s vast provision, augured by the smallest of signs. Dr. Taylor was at the most diffcult part of a turbulent season in Vanguard’s long history and feeling the weight of what she and the rest of the community would have to achieve in order to endure. In prayerful

So when asked about her accomplishments, Dr. Taylor gives due credit to the providential intervention of God frst, and the numerous leaders, faculty, staff, alumni, parents, students, and friends of the University second. Above all, she sees herself as blessed to have followed the Lord’s guidance on a journey that so clearly demonstrated his power.

that have most profoundly inspired her. She recalls meeting alumni Esther ’03 and Camille Ntoto ’02, MA ’07 when Esther spoke at the 2010 Ensure Justice Conference. Esther and Camille serve in the Democratic Republic of Congo, ministering to women and children who endure unthinkable brutality as a result of the vicious warfare in the region. It was a particularly diffcult period of time in her

refection, she remembered that Elijah needed

This past March, Dr. Taylor made the decision

presidency, but Dr. Taylor remembers being

only to see a cloud the size of a man’s hand in

to again place her trust in the Lord and his

overwhelmed by how essential the work of

order to know that God was promising to meet

calling when she accepted the position of

the Ntotos was, and the crucial instruction

Elijah’s fervent petitions with the full measure

President-elect and Chief Executive Offcer

they received from Vanguard for their life of

of his mercy. Dr. Taylor recognized that

of the consolidated Evangel University in

service. She became convinced more than ever

Vanguard’s moment of crisis could actually be

Springfeld, Missouri. Evangel will be joined

that Vanguard’s mission was indispensable.

conceived of as a small but sure sign that God

with Assemblies of God Theological Seminary

“What struck me in a profound way was that

also meant to honor his promises to the school

and Central Bible College, forming one

Vanguard must survive because we produced

and its mission. “God was in Elijah’s tiny

institution of Pentecostal higher learning. It is a

men and women like Esther and Camille who

cloud, and it was enough to drench the land

post that Dr. Taylor prayerfully considered for

risked their lives to be the presence of Christ

and end the famine,” says Dr. Taylor. “It

months before accepting.

in the world,” says Dr. Taylor. “They embodied

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the mission of Vanguard to equip men and

for, and she names them with pride and joy.

Dr. Taylor. “Every time I see these two women,

women for a Spirit-empowered life of Christ-

“I will miss the sweet campus,” she says. “I

they greet me with the warmest embrace and

centered leadership and service.”

will miss the incredible music and theatre,

a reminder that they pray for me and for

the games in the Pit, Christmas Fantasia, the

Vanguard regularly,” she says.

What has remained central to Dr. Taylor’s presidency is the students. She has been stirred by what she calls the “radical commitment” of Vanguard’s students to God, and by their extravagant love for Him as well.

conversations around a cup of good coffee, the guest lecturers and speakers in Chapel, the student worship leaders, and the new and improved spaces around campus.”

The presidential medallion that Dr. Taylor wears to all functions that warrant academic regalia bears that verse from 1 Kings 18:44, “…a cloud as small as a man’s hand rising

Dr. Taylor has always meant to model for

But she will miss the people at Vanguard

from the sea.” It is a declaration that God

students that God is worthy of their trust and

most of all. Just as the typical alumni

has the power to render his grace beyond the

obedience. She learned this lesson while an

experience is defned by the meaningful

limits of what we think is possible—and that

undergraduate herself at Evangel University,

relationships one fosters at the school, so

Vanguard University has been the benefciary

and can sum it up in the words of Dietrich

then is hers. “More than anything, I will

of this spiritual endowment. “The medallion

Bonhoeffer: “When Christ calls a man, he bids

miss the people who make up the unique

is my reminder of God’s gracious hand on

him come and die. Only Jesus Christ, who

Vanguard community,” she says. “I am blessed

this University,” she says. And though this

bids us follow him, knows the journey’s end,

to work with an incredible board, leadership

gracious hand will guide Dr. Carol Taylor and

but we know it will be a road of boundless

team, administrative support, and so many

Vanguard University each in new directions

mercy. Discipleship is joy.” Dr. Taylor hopes

faculty and staff and student leaders.” Two

over the coming years, there is little doubt

to inspire students to unconditionally agree to

people with whom Dr. Taylor has formed a

that it will also continue to gently affrm

the journey that God has promised them.

particularly close bond are Angeline and Adele

their respective missions: to follow the Lord

Oddo, the mother and wife of Vanguard’s

wherever He leads.

There are so many aspects of Vanguard that Dr. Taylor has developed a special affection

board chair David Oddo. They have been a constant source of godly encouragement to

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A Tribute to Dr. Carol Taylor

“Carol Taylor is an inspiration to female leaders everywhere She has encouraged me as a young female leader to dream big, and always have a willing heart to serve and to listen to God’s voice above all else. Also, every time she sees me she always whispers, ‘Girl Power!’”

“I love how Carol’s faith is like a rock, and how her life is built on a strong foundation of faith in Jesus Christ. When I talk with her, she naturally relates situations and happenings to the Word of God. How beautiful a life is that!” Dr. Dixie ArnolD FAculty MeMber

“It is hard to think of anyone that more embraces the mission of Vanguard more than Dr. Taylor. I have seen her honor God in her words, integrity and actions. Before making a major decision she would often take time to be alone in prayer and contemplation to best discern God’s will. Carol cared deeply for Vanguard.

Regardless of how busy her schedule was, it was not unusual for her to make time and share a cup of coffee with a student or parent who stopped by her offce to just say, ‘Hi.’”

Allison TAsh ’13 SGA PreSident 2012-13

DAviD oDDo chAir oF the boArd oF truSteeS

“Carol challenged me professionally, coached me to become a better leader, embraced me during times of personal sadness, and taught me to be more grateful.

Carol was always more concerned with how I was doing than what I was doing. She trusted and acknowledged my expertise. I am grateful for the years I worked for and Kim Johnson with Carol.”

“CArol’s exAmple of unselfish servAnT leADership senDs An inspiring messAge To All. her AbiliTy To remAin humble, grACious, inspireD AnD CompAssionATe eACh AnD every DAy is A lesson in leADership ThAT i will CArry wiTh me.” pAul Turgeon director oF cAMPuS SAFety And chAir oF the StAFF coMMunity cAre teAM

interiM Vice PreSident For enrollMent MAnAGeMent

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Sign the online Tribute Wall for Dr. Taylor at president.vanguard.edu/taylor-tribute

“As a leader, Carol showed me how to serve by giving all she had to every moment. As a mentor, she taught me to seek Christ frst and to stay close to His presence. As a friend, she cared for me as a mother and wife during both the joy flled and challenging times. As our ninth President, she poured herself out for the sake of God’s mission through Vanguard. I live with great anticipation for what the Lord will continue to do through Vanguard University. I am forever grateful for the rare opportunity to share the journey with Carol Taylor.”

Kelly KannwiscHer vice President for university AdvAncement

”It has been an honor and privilege to have Dr. Taylor serve in leadership at

“When Dr. Carol Taylor became President just over four years ago, Vanguard was in a challenging moment in its history. Today, Vanguard is strong: record enrollments, growing fnancial strength, and bright prospects for the future. This turnaround is attributable to the grace of God, to the sacrifcial work of scores of Vanguard faculty, staff, administrators, and Trustees, and to President Taylor’s conscientious and insightful leadership.”

Dr. Jeff Hittenberger Provost/vice President for student AffAirs

Vanguard University. Since her arrival in August of 2007, we have been witness to her incredible gifting and unquestionable calling to Christian Higher Education. She is committed to excellence and above all, she is committed to God. She has overseen Vanguard through some very diffcult times and under her leadership, today Vanguard is a thriving, growing school. Dr. Carol Taylor will be missed dearly in Southern California and her impact at Vanguard will never be forgotten. I look forward to seeing how God continues to use her for great things in Springfeld!” ricH guerra suPerintendent for the socAl network Assemblies of God

“watcHing carol leaD was tHe best class i tooK at VanguarD, anD i neVer HaD to pay for it. sHe leaDs witH gifteDness, brilliance, anD submission to tHe lorD. sHe always alloweD tHe stuDent Voice to be present at tHe table. of course stuDents DiD not agree witH eVery Decision, but i was always able to speaK into tHe process on beHalf of stuDents. sHe really unDerstooD tHat tHe worK of Her anD Her colleagues was ultimately preparing stuDents for tHeir calling.”

DaViD VaZqueZ ’12 former sGA President 2010-12

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sports

CoaChes Roundtable:

AN INTERVIEw wITH THE VANguARD uNIVERSITY MEN’S BASKETBALL COACHES Rhett Soliday, BRian “BoomeR” RoBeRtS, and levi SeekinS Recently

him. But his identity now is: I’m a man of God, I’m a

Sat down with vanguaRd magazine to diScuSS theiR philoSophy

leader, I’m a servant. All the qualities that we teach.

on coaching, RelationShipS, and “inveSting in gold.”

He’s always asking, “What can I give to serve my team and serve Vanguard?” It’s been pretty awesome

VANGUARD MAGAZINE: First things frst: talk a

BOOMER: I think it starts with working really hard.

to see. I couldn’t be more proud of the guy.

little bit about how you came to Vanguard.

Our guys see how hard we work, and then they want

LEVI: And the cool thing about that is that we have a

RHETT SOLIDAY: I had been coaching for eight

to work hard for us.

different parameter for success, which is doing what

years when I decided to pursue this job. I met Bob

LEVI: Our players know who we are, and there are

God has called us to do. Taylor Kelly is one of our

Wilson, found out what this school’s all about, and I

clear expectations for what we want from them on

got really excited about the possibility of being here.

the court, off the court, in their classrooms, in their

It was a God thing.

relationships, in the type of people they are. We tell

young man’s life like this.”

them often how much we love having them around,

VM: What’s a lesson that you want to impart to your

and how much we actually like that they’re on our

players that will last beyond their time at Vanguard?

team. We love them, you know? They’re our guys.

RHETT: Our number one goal is that all of our players

VM: And Boomer and Levi were already here?

RHETT: I talked to Bob Wilson at length about both of these guys and he convinced me that I had to keep them both here.

This is a family.

real success stories. That’s when I’m proud to say ‘Thank you, God, for allowing me to help impact a

know Jesus. That alone is living out the mission of

VM: What is “Invest in Gold”?

the University. We always try to make sure our guys

before, but Levi and I turned them down.

BOOMER: Invest in Gold is specifcally designed to

look for opportunities to tell the people they love

LEVI SEEKINS: I went to school and played here at

we’re all about. It’s a way to speak to our alumni, the

BOOMER ROBERTS: Duke had called the week

Vanguard. Working here is a blessing because of how much this school changed my life. I wake up every single day and love coming to work.

show people outside of the athletics department what community, and parents. We are seeking corporate and individual sponsorships for fnancial donations towards athletics and towards specifc programs

that they love them and that they appreciate them.

We call that “put-ups.” After every game- win or loss- we circle up to give praise to one another about why we appreciate them and why we love them. It reaffrms what we’re doing and why we’re doing it, and it also lifts people up that need it. We look for

RHETT: Except when he’s on the scout team.

that allow us to do the things that build relationships.

LEVI: I’m getting older. Last time on the scout team, I

We don’t have the biggest budgets in the world, but

opportunities to do that.

we feel like the relationships we’re making, through

BOOMER: If our players can fnd their identity as a

athletics, are worth investing in.

man of God, as a husband and father of integrity,

VM: Can you give an example of a student-athlete

then we’ve done it. Or rather, God’s done it through

put up a poor performance. It was pretty embarrassing.

RHETT: Levi’s defnitely getting closer to 30 every time he’s on the scout team.

that you’re particularly proud of having invested in?

us. When they get here, they all think success is only what they do on the court, and we want to fip

VM: What do you like about coaching at Vanguard?

Someone who embodies your goals as coaches and

RHETT: The relationship aspect is why all of us are

men of God?

it and say, “Listen, you’ve been a basketball player

here. When guys leave the program we want to

RHETT: We have so many stories—

a husband and a man of society for ffty more.” We

send them off as men of God and men of character.

for this many years, you’re going to be a father and

BOOMER: … T.K. …

redefne a successful life for them.

games, but we understand that God’s put us here for

RHETT: Yeah, for sure, Taylor Kelly. He was our senior

RHETT: But just so we’re clear, we really like to

a bigger reason.

captain this year. Taylor Kelly transferred here from

win, too.

We’re very passionate about competing and winning

VM: Can you talk about the kind of impact that you want to have on your players and how you go about making sure that you have that impact?

Division I. God grabbed a hold of him and pointed him in our direction. His identity was completely tied up in being a basketball player, and it wasn’t fulflling

Follow Vanguard Athletics on twitter @VULions or with #GoldPride

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“Our players knOw whO we are, and there are clear expectatiOns fOr what we want frOm them On the cOurt, Off the cOurt, in their classrOOms, in their relatiOnships, in the type Of peOple they are. we tell them often how much we love having them around, and how much we actually like that they’re on our team. we love them, you know? they’re our guys. this is a family.” leVi seekins men’s Basketball assistant coach

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class notes

Class Notes 1950’s Patti and Don Hall ’59 continue to serve as lead pastors in Colfax, CA after 55 years of full-time ministry. Don is a jail chaplain in Sacramento and provides training for YWAM and Teen Challenge. They have served in 70 countries in evangelism and training ministries. As founders of Teen Challenge in Southern California and Hawaii, they look forward to participating in the 50th anniversary events for SoCal Teen Challenge this year. The frst center was started in LA in 1963 with the help of a 10 student team from Vanguard (SCC).

Don is deeply grateful for the positive infuence Vanguard had on forming his character and preparing him for a life of restoring broken lives.

1960’s Brenda (Tatham ’64) and Jerry English ’63 live in Fresno, CA. They teach a series, The Feasts of the Lord, a study in prophecy.

Sharon “Smitty” (Smith ’63) Saalinger lives in Bakersfeld. She retired in 2006 after 40+ years in the health feld.

Smitty is active in her ladies Bible study group at Bakersfeld First Assembly.

She has loved being a part of the SCC Decade of the 60’s Reunion Committee and is busily preparing for their third reunion this year. Her life is full with lots of activities and lunches with friends.

Melvin “Mel” Hurley ’68 just fnished serving as the director of Evangelical Christian Academy in Madrid, Spain. ECA is a school

primarily for missionary children but serves Spanish children who desire an American curriculum. He retired in 2000 after 30 years in education; the last 18 were as an elementary school principal. Mel now lives in Oregon.

1970’s Cheryl Freese ’74 and husband, Mike, live in Bend, OR. They founded Jesus Frees Ministries and are committed to following Jesus’ command to “preach the Gospel” around the world while ministering the love of God to the fatherless and impoverished. www.JesusFreesMinistries.org Dale Coad ’76 and wife, Patti, are the Caribbean Area Directors for Assemblies of God World Missions. They recently returned from the Dominican Republic, where they were able to help Matt and Carrie Love host 92 high school students from Fountain Life Church in New Jersey. Dale is currently preparing to spend two weeks teaching about Pentateuch in the Caicos and Turk Islands.

1980’s Tana (Aivaz ’83) Colburn and husband, Tom, live in Carmichael, CA and have two children, Taryn and Nathan. Tana is a licensed minister with the Evangelical Church Alliance. She continues to serve as Dean of Women and Chair for the General Education Department at EPIC Bible College in Sacramento.

Cathie (Quackenbush ’84) Wilson and husband, Larry, lived in Springfeld, MO for 13

years. They have two children ages 17 and 4. Their daughter is involved in church ministries, high school color guard, riding horses, and playing the guitar.

They are sure their son will grow up to be a pastor or involved in missions/music ministry. Larry works for the Assemblies of God headquarters as an Audio/ Video Producer and manages the department. Cathie and Larry have been married for 23 years.

Patrick Klein ’89 teaches English in Asia. His ministry, Vision Beyond Borders, helps to rescue women and children from sex-traffcking. Patrick was recently on TBN with Kirk Cameron sharing about his ministry. www.visionbeyondborders.org

1990’s Brian Conklin ’90, wife Dawn, and their daughters, Kaylee and Elysse, are fnishing a twoyear tour of duty in Washington, DC and moving to Ghana. Brian is a Foreign Service offcer with the U.S. Agency for International Development and Dawn works with grass-roots women’s organizations.

In Ghana, Brian will lead a multi-million dollar agriculture and food security program called Feed the Future.

Toni (Accardo ’94) and Steve Cuffari ’93 live in Foothill Ranch, CA. They are proud parents to their sons, Dylan, 12, and Logan, 10. Steve is an assistant professor of Psychology at his alma mater, Vanguard University.

Camie (Grasser ’99) and Kevin Doyle ’99 live in Henderson, NV with their two girls, Selah and Mercy, and son Ayin.

Camie and Kevin are worship pastors at Green Valley Christian Center.

Their second child, Mercy, has been battling a rare disease for almost two years. Through her illness,

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they have been receiving many acts of kindness, answers to prayers, and opportunities to touch other people’s lives through Mercy’s story. Follow her story at www.ethosministries.com Janna (Rush ’97) and Gregg Cochran ’98 live in Tualatin, OR. Gregg is the program manager at TechStars for the Nike+ Accelerator in Portland.

2000’s Benjamin Sos ’00 and wife, Melanie, live in Glendale, CA. They welcomed their second daughter, Chloe Nadine, on September 18, 2012.

Her bigger sister Jeanette Maries, loves her new little sister. Benjamin works for Disney ABC Networks Group at Walt Disney Studios where he manages the distribution of movies and TV series to all broadcast and cable networks, as well as the VOD/EST platforms for series.

Jenny (Daniels ’00) and Josh Steele ’00 live in Fairfax, VA with their four daughters. They moved cross-country from Seattle in 2006 to help plant The City Church in Washington, D.C. They have a passion for ministering to couples. In addition to being on the churches pastoral leadership team, Josh is a senior commercial loan offcer. Jenny was an elementary school teacher until having children of their own.

BELIEVERS IN HARMONY This past January, Assemblies of

preparing to attend the upcoming SCC/VUSC

God missionaries Wayne ’70

50’s-60’s Reunion. “It will be so wonderful to

and Sylvia (Pipkin) Turner ’64

see everyone, particularly those people who

retired after 40 years of ministering

have supported us with prayers and giving over

to the people of the Democratic

all these years,” says Sylvia. “It means a lot to

Republic of Congo. Wayne and Sylvia lived in

be able to share our lives with each other once

the capital city of Kinshasa, training men and

again.” Wayne concurs: “Now that we’re at

women for ministry. “We used to say that, in the

the end of our life’s work in the Congo, we’re

Congo, a new Christian today will become a

looking forward to fellowshipping with these

Sunday School teacher tomorrow, a deacon the

lifelong friends.”

next day, and a pastor of a new house church the following day,” says Wayne. “The Congolese

Mindy (Bruton ’01) and David Roseno ’00 live in Clovis, CA. Mindy recently returned from a trip to Arusha and Tanzania with a team from Northeast Assembly Church in Fresno. The mission trip helped to train teachers. Mindy’s daughter, Micarah, 12, also aspires to go to Africa and help school children.

Christians are very aggressive in spreading the

Corrina (Morris ’01) Castillo and husband, Roger, live in San Diego, CA. They have three daughters, Elianna, 9, Maleah 6, and Lily, 4.

After 11 years in pastoral ministry, Corrina is pursuing a second bachelor’s degree in Nursing. She is looking forward to seeing how God is going to combine her passions for medicine and ministry.

Gospel and we were always trying to catch up in ministerial training.”

The Turners have given their whole lives to the Congo, and it has given back to them a great deal in return. One thing they have received from Congolese Christians is a lesson in how to worship. “We have watched radiant believers,

Wayne and Sylvia met each other at Vanguard,

most of whom are desperately poor, worshipping

and found that their education at the school

the Lord with all of their hearts, souls, and

prepared them not just for pastoral ministry, but

bodies,” says Sylvia. “Their tribal rhythms are

also for teaching specifcally. “I always go back

varied and distinctive musically. Different cultures,

to the teaching,” says Wayne. “What I was

different rhythms, and different colors are all

doing in the Bible school in the Congo was a

joined together. It reminds us that the body of

refection of the teaching I experienced while at

Christ is beautiful in the Congo, just as it is at

Vanguard. It was integrally important.” Wayne

Vanguard.” Wayne and Sylvia Turner represent a

recalls how much professors like Dr. Gordon Fee,

very singular life, obeying the Lord in the mission

Dr. Dennis McNutt, Dr. O. Cope Budge, Dr.

feld in a country far away. When they return to

Calvin Holsinger—and many others—enjoyed

Vanguard for the 50’s-60’s Reunion, however,

their work, creating an atmosphere of learning

they’ll fnd themselves once again joining in

that inspired him.

worship with this unique community of alumni.

The couple will soon fnd themselves embraced by this atmosphere once more, as they are

Get more info about the 60’s reunion, June 21-23, 2013, at alumni.vanguard.edu

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class notes

Mindy (Otto ’01) and Kyle Newton ’01 live in Sacramento, CA with their two children: Myles, 6, and Emily, 4. Mindy has a part-time portrait photography business and is a stay-at-home mom.

Kyle teaches 6th grade for the Natomas Unifed School District and is the worship leader at Warehouse Christian Ministries in Elk Grove.

Dawn Richardson ’02 lives in Redding, CA and is a professor of Bible at Simpson University. She is engaged to Dr. Neel Bulchandani, a chiropractor. Their wedding is in August. They help lead Resurrection Life Team and the Children’s Prophetic Art Healing Rooms Team at Bethel Church in Redding. Dawn published her frst book, Driving Through Walls: My Supernatural Journey of Hope, in 2012. www.hopeiraq.com Meygan (Blagg ’03) and Casey Caston ’03 live in Irvine, CA. Casey is a fundraiser for Church Resource Ministries.

Meygan owns her own event planning company while staying at home with their kids, Kylie, 5, and Cordell, 1. Meygan and Casey are also staff members at Mariner’s Church in the Marriage ministry and are working on writing a book on marriage. They celebrate 10 years of marriage in June.

Meghan Reeve ’07 is serving in the World Race, a mission trip that will travel to 11 countries in 11 months. She has ministered in Peru and Ecuador so far. Follow her experiences at meghanreeve.theworldrace.org.

Mark Scott ’07 lives in Albuquerque, NM. Mark is an audio specialist at Faith Comes by Hearing and started the Virtual recording initiative in 2012. The initiative can now record anywhere in the world with internet access. www.virtualrecording.com Renee Bailey ’09 lives in Victorville, CA where she serves as a probation offcer for San Bernardino County. She also continues to produce commercials for local businesses in her spare time.

Whitney (Walker ’09) and Sonny Behrends ’09 live in Seattle, WA. Whitney is the offce manager of a property management company. Sonny graduated Regent University School of Law in 2012 and now works at a private law frm.

Both Whitney and Sonny loved their time at VU and miss it dearly.

2010’s Sybra (Alcorn ’10) and Jake Dacy ’11 married July 1, 2011.

Sybra received her teaching credential from VU and is a substitute teacher for the Newport-Mesa Unifed School District.

Jake works for Irvine Company Apartments.

Amber (Tarleton ’05) and Stephen Fussle ’05 live in Wailuku, HI, and are excited that their family of three will be growing. Amber and Stephen pastor The Awakening church in Kahului.

The Awakening now has 1,000 custom Bibles to give away to frst time guests, and people who gave their heart to Jesus. Their hope and prayer is to see the amount of baptisms double every year. www.awakeningonline.org/#/home

Jennifer (Reynolds ’10) Jahn and husband, Jason, are expecting their second child in July. Jason received his BA and MA from California Baptist University. Their daughter’s name will be Avery Georgia.

Mary (MacLean ’05) Vought and husband, Russ, live in Arlington, VA. They welcomed a daughter, Margaret Ella, on February 2, 2012. Mary is the senior communications advisor for U.S. Senator Ron Johnson of Wisconsin.

Laura Barstone ’11 lives in Costa Mesa, CA. She works as the assistant to the VU English department and has been able to teach a number of English courses. Laura is fnishing her thesis for her English MA from University of California, Irvine.

Jeffrey Campbell ’11 is moving to San Diego to be the new youth director at Mira Mesa Presbyterian.

He is recently engaged to Judy Smith and they are planning for a June wedding.

Michael Tavani ’11 lives in Cleveland, OH, where he is studying cello performance in pursuit of his master’s degree at Cleveland State University.

Michael studies cello with Alan Harrell of the Cleveland Orchestra and attends Gateway Church in Cleveland Heights.

Brianna Villines ’11 lives in Alexandria, VA. She works for Deloitte Consulting in the Federal Human Capital Marketplace. She leads worship at National Community Church in Washington, DC. and is currently dating, Michael Tavani ’11.

Ellie Kaiser ’12 lived in Northern Uganda for six months while working for Children of the Nations.

The orphanage consists of 61 children, and Ellie counseled 13 children through play therapy. She will return to Uganda this summer as the Intern Leader.

Just Married Laura (Daugherty ’06) Depin married David on October 7, 2013. Laura is the scheduling and event coordinator for the VU Event Relations offce. David is in the SPS program at Vanguard and expects to graduate in 2016.

Kristen (Meaders ’10) and Dustin Ginn ’11 married in 2012 and live in Costa Mesa, CA. Kristen is an administrative assistant to Rich Guerra at the SoCal Network in Irvine, and Dustin is on staff as the creative & worship arts director at His Place Church in Westminster.

Kaley (Partington ’11) and Travis Costello ’11 were married September 9, 2012. Kaley works as an offce manager at Chapman University. Travis is an account manager at a retail brokerage company. The newlyweds live in Irvine.

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Future Alumni Anna and Matt Sonnenberg ’98 welcomed their third child, Caleb Allen on April 22, 2012. When he was born, Caleb only weighed 14 oz. and now he weighs over 11 lbs.

He is their miracle baby. You can read their story at www.ocregister.com/news/caleb-381651sonnenberg-anna.html Dene (PerLee-Lange ’04) Carroll and husband, Sean, are thrilled with the gift of their frst child, Calvin James born September 27, 2012. Dene is a social worker with the County of Sonoma, Family, Youth & Children’s Services.

They live in Sebastopol, CA. Kelly (Channing ’04) and Ken Newell welcomed their frst son, Wyatt Kenneth, November 8, 2012.

They reside in Orange.

In Memory Sharilyn Klahn ’89 passed away in December 2012.

Glenn Kraiss, brother of Wayne Kraiss, passed away in January 2013.

Randy R. Mesquite ’13, passed away February 11, 2013.

Cyril Schwab ’67 passed away February 26, 2013.

SenD uS youR PhotoS! We would love to showcase pictures of your new baby, wedding or anniversary in Class Notes.

Email your photos to alumni@vanguard.edu or mail your prints to: Alumni Relations, 55 Fair Dr., Costa Mesa, CA 92626.

MISSION TO SERVE Compassion for others is not a foreign concept to Gabe Corona ’13. He spent eight years in the Marine Corps, where he was honor-bound to commit his body and mind to a life of service to our country. As a soldier, Gabe’s mindset was one of willing submission to the needs of the nation that it was his honor to protect. So it is no surprise that when he arrived at Vanguard, he quickly found himself ftting in with the spirit of generosity that pervades the campus.

Prior to his arrival, however, Gabe says his faith was struggling. “Spiritually, I was separated from God,” he recalls. Due to layoffs, he had just lost the job he had held for years after completing his service in the Marines, and when he frst began classes at Vanguard, he felt alone and isolated. He was older than his classmates, and he was infuenced by a completely different set of experiences. That’s when he met Brent Theobald, another Marine, who at the time was leading Vanguard’s outreach to military veterans through the Veterans Resource Center. “He showed me how Vanguard wanted to create a community for vets,” says Gabe. “And he enlisted my help.”

Gabe was soon the president of the Vanguard Veterans Club, leading meetings and soliciting other veterans on campus to join. “We want to create an awareness for vets. We want them to know that they’re welcome here, and cared for.” Gabe helped coordinate events like the Veterans Chapel Service, with the aim of introducing these newlywelcomed vets to Vanguard’s larger community.

The Veterans Club held Bible studies, and also organized a Christmas toy drive. All of these events helped fll Gabe with a new sense of purpose.

His feeling of separation from God also met its match at Vanguard. “God’s timing was perfect,” he says. “When I got to Vanguard and took, for example, Professor Gary Tyra’s Foundations of a Christian Life, I gained a completely new perspective on my faith. I was able to discover who Jesus was. I asked Professor Tyra for advice about a good church to attend, and he guided me to The Garden, a place where I felt a tremendous connection.” It’s diffcult for Gabe to identify just one professor who had an effect on him. “Every professor had an impact,” he insists with a smile.

Now Gabe’s vision for helping military veterans is expanding beyond Vanguard. He has just become the new commander of American Legion Post 455, a branch of the veterans organization that had lain virtually dormant for years. The American Legion has created ways for veterans to connect to one another since 1932, but its most active days were in the years when WWII vets began to retire. Gabe wants his revitalized branch of the American Legion to renew its commitment to uniting and supporting veterans, especially those returning from active duty in the Middle East.

However, Gabe won’t be content with simply meeting together to hang out and eat food. As a Kinesiology major at Vanguard, he is passionate about strength and conditioning, and one day plans to open his own personal ftness center. Until then, he intends to ensure that the veterans in Post 455 will beneft from the knowledge he’s been acquiring at Vanguard. His leadership in this area will particularly bless veterans who return from overseas with bodies that are injured or disabled.

Gabe sees his work with the Veterans Resource Center at Vanguard and the American Legion as a continuation of his military mission: to meet the needs of others with a servant’s heart.

Prints will not be returned.

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Delivery Boys & entouräGe reunion show For almost twenty years, one of Vanguard

Entouräge in order to attract ministry-minded individuals

were asked, and found that their duties might include

University’s most beloved institutions has

to apply for next year’s teams.”

kitchen work, cleaning, recreation, and even standing

been the camp teams Delivery Boys and Entouräge. So-called because they spent the summer traveling to youth camps all across the western United States, the teams were originally formed with three symbiotic objectives: to minister to young people in middle and high school, to promote the attributes of Vanguard University to potential students, and to do these things through the power of comedy. On April 22, after a brief hiatus to reassess how they might best serve the school and its mission, Delivery Boys and Entouräge were offcially relaunched with a rousing reunion show held in Newport Mesa Church (NMC).

“We created this event for two reasons,” says sybra

Dacy ’11, the Interim Coordinator for the Performing Arts Ministry Teams. “We wanted to entertain students, staff, alumni, and families, but we also wanted to introduce current students to Delivery Boys and

LV7878_Vanguard_CS6.indd 38

The evening featured performances, videos, and testimonies from among over 50 past camp team members who were in attendance. Former Delivery Boy ed Portillo ’05, who performed a comedy sketch with former Entouräge member Paige Murray

’08, was ecstatic about the opportunity to showcase the impact his summer with the D-Boys had on him, and to inspire a new generation of future camp team

in as counselors. Through this service, the members of Delivery Boys and Entouräge saw their real purpose made evident, and they soon realized that the humor was merely a tool by which God would use them to impact the lives of youth. The comedy sketches gave them a point of access into the campers’ lives and concerns, which in turn allowed them to connect to young people in profound ways.

members. “It’s important that they be funny,” he said,

Sybra Dacy has little doubt that the Camp Team

when describing the ideal member of Delivery Boys or

Reunion served its purpose. “The event was incredibly

Entouräge. “But it’s even more important that they are

successful,” she says. “In addition to the camp team

ready to be powerfully and creatively used by God!”

alumni, we had Vanguard alumni of all different years

Speaking with former Delivery Boys and Entouräge members reveals that, while on the team, most of them had an experience that surpassed their initial expectations. Even though the comedy took center stage at the beginning of the summer, the teams also

attending in support of the teams. NMC was completely full, everybody had a blast, and there’s a real excitement among current students who want to apply!”

View photos from the reunion show at facebook.com/VanguardAlumni

followed a directive to serve each camp however they

5/22/13 9:52 AM

Vanguard

erin donovan ’03

All over the world, Vanguard alumni join together in friendship and fellowship. Even when they are unable to return for annual alumni events like Homecoming, these friends stay connected to the legacy of Vanguard by nurturing the formative relationships that found their frst expression at the school. They are The Vanguard underground.

“I loVe my roomIes,” Is the fIrst thIng Erin

unique: “We train volunteers from churches in the area, and plug them into

(Bongiorno) Donovan ’03 says when she Is

HIV provider organizations, including clinics, enabling Christians to serve the

asked to reflect on the deep frIendshIps she forged whIle a student-athlete at Vanguard unIVersIty. She and her “roomies” were initially united by virtue of being placed in the same residence hall, but they soon established an abiding solidarity that has thrived for the past decade. “We are four sisters,” says Erin of the group that includes herself, Megan (godfrey ’02) Evers, Brittany (Braun ’02) Marinatos, and Jen (Bird ’02) Schoening. “And they are my dearest friends.”

people of the city in a smart way. Our model has been recognized as very unique and very effective by major HIV health organizations.” Indeed, Erin’s model is Christ’s model—she and her volunteers minister to the whole person, giving themselves completely to a merciful and unconditional benevolence.

Her work wouldn’t be possible if it weren’t for the support of her three Vanguard “roomies” over the years. “We’ve made it a priority to maintain our relationships,” says Erin. “We’ve been there for all the pivotal moments in each others’ lives, including new jobs, marriages, and kids.” In addition to creating new memories together, Erin, Megan, Jen, and Brittany also happily

The three other women were also student-athletes at Vanguard, and Erin

look back and enjoy the memories they made while at Vanguard. “We had

explains that the extra effort required to be successful at athletics and

a ‘quad journal’ when we lived together,” says Erin. “We still pull it out and

academics helped strengthen the bond they enjoyed. The four enlivened each

look at it and laugh.”

others’ faith and learning. Erin recalls a specifc time during her sophomore year when her three friends helped her through a diffcult season. “They challenged me to live my life completely for Christ,” she says “And their support helped turn me towards him. We all still live our lives that way.”

Erin hasn’t lost that commission. She is currently the Executive Director for the non-proft HopeSprings (www.hopesprings.org), which is located in Baltimore, MD, and seeks “to awaken, equip, and engage the church to respond to the HIV pandemic” in that city. Erin explains how HopeSprings is

And Erin understands that these relationships represent Vanguard’s greatest infuence on her story. “Being in relationships is part of the greater purpose of Christ’s love for us,” she says. “We are called to be in right relationships, and to carry one another’s burdens. At Vanguard, God wove my story together with these three amazing women, and I couldn’t be more grateful.”

Are you part of the Vanguard Underground?

Give us the scoop on your story. Email alumni@vanguard.edu

Above, left to right: Erin and friends from the 2001 women’s soccer team; Megan, Jen, Erin, and Brittany at Vanguard graduation; Megan, Brittany, Erin, and Jen remain close friends. vanguard magazine SPRING/SUMMER 2013

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Eat, Play, Stay GivEaway! a GivEaway ExcluSivEly for our vanGuard univErSity alumni eNTeR TO WIN A VIP WeekeND IN ORANGe COUNTy WITh ThIS GRAND PRIze GeTAWAy PACkAGe, INCLUDING: • • • • • •

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EntEr OnlinE nOw! vanguard.edu/EatPlayStay 40 vanguard magazine SPRING/SUMMER 2013

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learn of me

The lasT Thing my faTher said To me before I went off to college was “Look ‘em in the eye.” When I was young, he had taught me how to shake hands, with a frm grip. He was a blue-collar worker, and these lessons were about showing people respect, but also letting them know that you deserve respect, too.

One thing I’ve learned at Vanguard is that this is a place where you can grow and thrive professionally and personally.

Vanguard values expertise, training, and diligence, but as a Christian university, we also value the transforming work of the Holy Spirit, to help us become who we ought to become. my wife’s name is faiTh, and she really lives up to her name. We’ve been married 33 years. She has taught me about how to trust in the Lord, because she just does not worry. Faith really believes that the Lord is going to take care of us. She simply does not doubt that the Lord will keep his promises. when you idenTify Those friends who will be your friends for a lifetime, you realize that true friendship is about forgiveness. In ministry, I always used to say, “Life in community is messy, painful, and diffcult.” So are friendships. That’s why when the rub comes, you have to forgive each other.

Life Lessons from Vanguard uniVersity Luminaries

faiTh and i have learned in our marriage that we can’t meet each other half-way. We have found that all our needs are met as we seek to serve each other fully. We try to out-serve each other because selfshness is the poison you fght your whole life. We always work on our friendship.

JusT when i Think i undersTand my sweet wife, I realize that, in fact, she is a mystery to me. But I love the mystery of her, most especially after

Dr. Mike Beals is the Dean of Spiritual Formation at Vanguard University, and an alumnus. He’s spent over 30 years as a professor, theologian, and local church pastor ordained by the Assemblies of God. Here he shares some of the simple lessons that have served him well in his life, both at Vanguard and beyond.

33 years. dr. richard mouw, my menTor in Christian ethics at Fuller Theological Seminary, had an infuence on me beyond calculation. He taught me to think clearly and charitably about the things I believe in deeply and the things I believe to be untrue. one of counTless Things i’ve learned in my Christian faith is that there is no place too dark or to deep that the love of Christ can’t reach it.

you eiTher work To live, or you live To work. You have to integrate your life and your work well, so that you can be proud of both. I’ve been fortunate enough for most of my life to look forward to going to work in the morning and going home to my family in the evening. I love both.

I found that out when I was young, because I was in that place. I knew of God, but didn’t know him. The frst day I walked into a Pentecostal church, it was like a light went on. I received Christ that day. God loved me, then met me with his Son.

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NON-PROFIT U.S. POSTAGE

PAID 55 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, Ca 92626

VANGUARD UNIVERSITY

Change serviCe requesteD

GlObAl CENTER for WOmEN AND JUSTICE

1O

Th

ANNIVERSARY

FOR TEN YEARS, ThE CENTER hAS WORkED TO COmbAT hUmAN TRAFFICkING AND VIOlENCE AGAINST WOmEN IN ORANGE COUNTY AND AROUND ThE WORlD.

save the dates:

September 19-21, 2013 Celebration will include: flm screening • exhibit opening • chapel More Priceless Than Diamonds Luncheon VISIT gcwj.vanguard.edu/10th

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