of CCU - Cincinnati Christian University

Do you currently work outside the home?I am a Registered Nurse. I work part-time at HealthyBeginnings, a Christian organization that worksin partnership with the Pregnancy Care Centers inCincinnati.Tell us a little about your family and hobbies.Dave and I have three grown children: Matthew,28, Michelle, 27, and Melinda, 23, and a son-in-law,Charles, who is a medical doctor. We also have twoprecious granddaughters, Abbie, 4 and Kayla, 2. I loveto take walks, play the piano, and spend time with myfamily.What is your favorite Bible verse?I have many, but Micah 6:8 says it all—it reminds meto simply “walk humbly with my God.”What is your background?I was raised in a Christian home, for which I am trulythankful. I grew up in New York where my father was aminister, and our family worked with a church-plantingorganization called the “Go Ye” Chapel Mission, whichtoday is called “Orchard Group.” I am the third of fourdaughters. I have been involved in ministry all my life.My family worked together to help plant churches inthe Northeast. Each of my sisters married ministers,and all of them have been heavily involved in ministry.Did you go to college?I attended Bible college for two years in upstate NewYork at New York Christian Institute. I attendedNursing School at Good Samaritan Hospital Schoolof Nursing in Cincinnati and received my nursingdiploma.How did you meet Dave?I met Dave at a wedding when I was 15 and he was16. When I first met Dave, I was interested in himright from the start. I could tell he was a quality guyand I wanted to get to know him better. We ended upattending New York Christian Institute together, andthe rest is history! We’ve been happily married for 31years.Did you ever want to be or dream you would be aminister’s wife? The wife of a university president?I wanted to marry a minister from the time I was alittle girl. Growing up, I watched my parents workwell together as partners in ministry, and I desired thatfor my life someday. My mother has been a wonderfulrole model. She taught me by example about being agracious, hospitable, generous, encouraging woman.I never thought that I would be the wife of a universitypresident. That was never in my plans. But I havelearned through the years that God’s plans aresometimes different than my own.When Dave was called to be CCU’s president, whatwere your thoughts?Quite honestly, my first thought was “No! Dave isa preacher.” I wasn’t sure he would be happy beingan administrator. However, we couldn’t ignore theinternal, persistent “nudge.” We prayed earnestlyabout the decision to accept the call to CCU; webelieve God was opening a door He wanted us to walkthrough. So, in faith, we accepted the call.How do you support Dave in his role as president?And what’s your favorite thing about being CCU’sfirst lady?I love supporting and encouraging Dave. We havealways been a team, and it’s still that way now. I enjoytraveling with Dave, meeting old friends of the school,and making new ones. I also love to encourage andmentor the students. I lead a D-group (discipleshipgroup) of girls every school year. I enjoy going to thewomens’ residence halls occasionally and sharing intheir devotions.Dave and you recently purchased property andbuilt a new home at the edge of campus. Whymake such a big commitment?Simple. We want to fully invest our lives in our ministryat CCU. We believe that by living on campus, ourministry can be enhanced. We look forward to usingour home to share hospitality with students, faculty,staff, neighbors and friends.Dave and I believe wholeheartedly in the mission ofCCU. I look at our students and I see so much potentialin them! We have an awesome responsibility andprivilege to shape and mold, inspire and challenge,teach and encourage our students for ministry. God hasplans for them. I feel honored to have a small part inhelping them seek God and know Him more fully asthey prepare for their futures.SUMMER 2007 | CCU514 7