2010 Alumni Journal: Issue 3

Cornerstone University 

Alumni Journal 

Connect | Celebrate | Contribute 

• Gratitude •

what’s 

inside 

4 Letter from the Alumni Director 

Darci Irwin, Director of Alumni Relations, discusses gratitude for alumni. 

Build A Life That Matters 

2 • Cornerstone University Alumni Journal • 

5 Contributing to Lives that Matter 

Invest in student lives through the Sojourners mentoring program and the 

Cornerstone Student Fund. 

6 Connecting to Lives that Matter 

Review of Homecoming 2010, alumni reunion opportunities, information on 

Winter Homecoming 2011 and find us on Facebook. 

13 Celebrating Lives that Matter 

Your Story Campaign – We want to hear from you! 

Featured Alumni Stories – Andrew Kallman (B.A. ’83), Chad Wight (B.A. ’92; M.A. 

’99) and Sandra Gaddy (B.A. ’99) 

Alumni News – See what your former classmates are up to. 

19 Memory Lane 

The Cornerstone University Alumni journal is produced three times annually through a partnership 

between the Alumni Relations and Marketing & Communications Offices at Cornerstone University. 

On the cover: 

Freshman Kassidy Buchanan and Kathy Sindorf (B.A. ’75), associate professor of communication and 

media studies. “I love the feeling I get at CU that I am cared about. My professors really want me to 

succeed; they’re here for each student.” - Kassidy Buchanan (Photo: Ryan Prins Photography © 2010) 

When you e-mail us with updated contact information for the database, you will receive a CU Alumni 

window decal as a thank you gift. Go to www.cornerstone.edu/alumni; click on “Alumni Office” and then 

“Update Your Information.” You can also send e-mail to alumni@cornerstone.edu 

if no internet access is available to you, please write to: 

Office of Alumni Relations | Cornerstone University | 1001 E. Beltline Ave. NE | Grand Rapids, MI 49525 

Alumni Association Mission: 

The CU Alumni Association exists to serve alumni in their roles as influencers for Christ by developing 

connections, facilitating celebrations and encouraging contributions. 

Founded in 1941, Cornerstone University is a Christ-centered institution of higher learning located in 

Grand Rapids, Mich. More than 2,700 students attend Cornerstone’s undergraduate and graduate 

programs. 

www.cornerstone.edu/alumni

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15 

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3 • Cornerstone University Alumni Journal • www.cornerstone.edu 

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3 

Cornerstone University Alumni Journal Staff 

Director of Alumni Relations: Darci Irwin (M.S. ’09) 

Assistant to Alumni Relations: Karissah (Gersch) 

Holmes (B.S. ’09) 

2010-2011 Alumni Relations Student Staff: Karissa 

Ryan (B.A. ’12); Thomas Bos (B.S. ’11); Victoria 

Rosales (B.A. ’12) 

Executive Vice President of Marketing & 

Communication: Bob Sack 

Marketing Project Manager: Katherine Felber 

Art Director: Caroline Cahoon (B.A. ’03) 

University Writer/Editor: Kelli Cottrell 

Contributing Photographers: Jay Irwin, Mindy 

Peterson © 2007 

Permission to quote short portions of this 

publication is granted as long as content is 

preserved and proper credit is given to the alumni 

journal. 

Cornerstone University does not discriminate on the 

basis of race, national origin, sex, age or disability 

in its policies and programs. 

© 2010 Cornerstone University. All rights reserved.

Dear friend, 



During this season of gratitude it’s 

an honor to represent the faculty, staff 

and students to tell you, dear alumnus, 

how exceptionally thankful we are for 

you. We are grateful you’re part of this 

community, are representing Christ 

in this world and for your sensational 

adventures ahead. 

I am a student of gratitude. Ever since I 

was a little girl my parents taught me the 

importance of writing “thank you” notes. 

At the time I didn’t fully appreciate the 

discipline, but throughout the years I’ve 

learned more about gratitude and am 

now quite thankful for their teaching. 

Two researchers, Dr. Michael McCollough 

of Southern Methodist University in 

Dallas and Dr. Robert Emmons, of the 

University of California, were curious 

about the effects of gratitude and 

performed the Research Project on 

Gratitude and Thanksgiving. Their 

study signified that gratitude increases 

alertness, enthusiasm, determination, 

optimism, energy, decreases depression 

and stress and makes more progress 

toward goals, just to name a few! If 

gratitude has this much power over us 

individually, think of its ability to impact 

others to whom gratitude is expressed! 

I can’t help but wonder: what if 

Cornerstone was well known for its 

gratitude? How could it percolate 

and spread through all alumni? What 

would it look like? I can only imagine 

the effects when thousands of hearts, 

minds, tongues and actions turn towards 

gratitude. 

Join us in these next pages as together 

we explore and open our hearts to the 

countless reasons we can be thankful 

for our university and what it represents 

in our lives, and even more, whom it 

represents. 

Gratefully Yours, 

Darci Irwin (M.S. ’09) 

Your Friend and Director of Alumni Relations 

Marilyn (attended ’55-’58) and Gaylord (B.Mus. ‘66) Shaffer

ecome a 

contributing to lives that matter 

mentor 

How did you become the person you are today? Whether you graduated 

one, five, 10 or 25-plus years ago, you are a different person today than you 

were in college. And most likely your growth directly correlates to the people 

and experiences in your life, with one or more of those people having a heavy 

influence on you during your college years. Just like you, the longings and 

hunger of current CU students have not changed in that another person’s 

presence and life experience can greatly encourage them. 

A new Sojourners mentoring initiative is designed to partner alumni 

with current CU students interested in having a fellow sojourner walk 

through the school year with them. Ideally you’d meet on campus every 

other week for an hour at a mutually agreeable time. We’ll connect 

you with training and resources to help make your relationship a 

success. Contact Christine Mutch, associate dean of discipleship, at 

christine.mutch@cornerstone.edu to complete a Mentor Profile. 

Cornerstone University has a rich 

heritage of equipping students with biblical 

truths to influence their world for Christ. We 

continue training thousands of students 

every year and remain dedicated to growing 

in our abilities to ensure they experience the 

very best. The Cornerstone Student Fund 

provides a fundamental means of support 

for the University. 

These unrestricted funds help offset the cost of tuition for students through: 

• Student Scholarships 

• Faculty Excellence 

• Classroom Enhancements 

• Technology Improvements 

In October our students spent time praying and asking for your support during our 

fall Student Phonation. Our students were blessed by every conversation and we 

praise God for your generosity! If you were not able to give during the Phonation, 

please consider partnering with us this year by pledging your support! 

To give, please go to www.cornerstone.edu/give. Or mail a check to the Cornerstone 

Student Fund. Thank you! 

5 • Cornerstone University Alumni Journal • www.cornerstone.edu

connecting to lives that matter 



Homecoming 2010 

Cornerstone hosted its annual fall 

homecoming during the last week of 

September. It was a blessing to all who 

attended as traditions were expanded 

and built throughout the week. 

The week-long series of events included 

gatherings for Cornerstone alumni 

to stay connected. Intentional events 

celebrated the lives and memories of 

alumni and their families, including: 

• three chapel and luncheons 

dedicated to various decades 

• women’s alumnae volleyball game 

& reunion 

• inaugural alumni VIP tent at the 16 th 

Annual Mudbowl 

• an alumnae spa afternoon 

• a reunion dessert with Dr. Stowell in 

the Hansen Athletic Center 

• inaugural Royalty Breakfast to honor 

former homecoming Kings and 

Queens 

• 16 th Annual Alumni and Friends 5K 

run and walk 

• Men’s and Women’s soccer 

games (we won both!) 

• …and the festival and finale 

on Saturday, with the finishing 

touch of the first-ever fireworks 

on CU’s campus! 

It was definitely a time given by God as 

alumni returned and were able to help 

Cornerstone see how far the university 

has come and the school’s direction for 

the future. 

Additionally, our hope is that current 

students will desire to return to CU as 

alumni. As such, we partnered closely 

with the Student Activities Office to 

ensure students had a phenomenal 

week! Current students attended events 

including: a homecoming kickoff on 

Sunday evening with Evensong, Monday 

movie night, Disco at Dinner, ‘80s night 

with the volleyball team, the 16 th Annual 

Mudbowl, Midnight Madness and more! 

Our eyes are wide with anticipation as we 

envision how God will continue to work 

on Cornerstone’s campus this year and 

celebrate it with you in October. Don’t 

forget to mark your calendars for next 

year’s celebration when we celebrate 

Cornerstone’s 70 th year – Homecoming 

2011 Oct. 2 -8!

Alumni Reunion 

opportunities 

1 

2 

3 

Reunion Toolkit 

How do I reconnect with my former roommate? How might I go 

beyond Facebook to catch up with friends from my college days? 

Look no further! In the next Alumni Journal (April 2011) we will reveal 

CU’s official “Reunion Toolkit,” including all the tools necessary to 

plan and execute a successful reunion with you and your classmates. 

We’ll include planning tips, ways our office can assist you and offer 

suggested pre-existing events to partner with. As the toolkit is 

developed, your feedback and questions are appreciated. 

alumni chapel & lunches 

Alumni Relations and Dr. Stowell invite you to enjoy chapel on 

campus with Cornerstone students and a complimentary lunch with 

the president. Reminisce with alumni, meet future alumni and take 

part in an event that unites our campus each week: chapel. Spring 

semester dates: March 23, March 30, April 6, and April 27. We’re 

excited to have you back! 

White Christmas: The musical 

What does your Christmas tradition look like? If it includes watching 

the classic musical, White Christmas, consider watching it live at 

Cornerstone University this winter with your alumni friends! Show 

dates include Dec. 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11 at 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 4, 5, 11, 12 at 2:30 

p.m. The Dec. 3 performance includes a dessert reception hosted by 

our presenting sponsor, D&W Fresh Market. Tickets are going fast! 


4 

2011 Winter Homecoming 

Details on the next page! 

To get your “Reunion Kit” or for more information on making a Chapel 

& Lunch event, White Christmas or Winter Homecoming a reunion for 

you and your classmates, contact Karissa Ryan, coordinator of alumni 

reunions, at karissa.ryan@cornerstone.edu.

connect 



Save 

~ the ~ 

Date 

Feb. 10-12, 2011

Be there on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Feb. 10-12, as alumni, faculty, staff and 

students come together for Cornerstone University’s 8 th Annual Winter Homecoming. 

Call your friends and plan to attend this event during our Michigan winter weekend 

filled with energizing events for alumni, students, faculty, staff and all Golden Eagle 

fans! 

Thursday, Feb. 10 

6:30 p.m. Winter Homecoming Banquet (Mol Arena) 

Celebrating Coach Elders’ 20 th year at CU, Hall of Honor 

Inductees, Golden Eagle Club Recognition, Athletics 

Alumni Awards and service honors 

9 p.m. Snow Bowl 

Winter Homecoming Class-to-Class Competition 

Friday, Feb. 11 

2 nd Annual Winter Blast 

Watch for details after the holidays! 

Saturday, Feb. 12 

9:30 a.m. Women’s Alumni Basketball Game (Mol Arena) 

10:15 a.m. Men’s Over 30 Alumni Basketball Game (Mol Arena) 

11 a.m. Men’s Under 30 Alumni Basketball Game (Mol Arena) 

Noon 

Indoor Tailgate (Fieldhouse) 


1 p.m. Women’s Varsity Game vs. Siena Heights 

Fans WHITE-OUT the stands!* 

3 p.m. Men’s Varsity Game 

Fans WHITE-OUT the stands!* 

* “WHITE-OUT” is a term used to show your school spirit by wearing white.

Alumni 

Gratitude 

Alumni share thanks for Cornerstone University 



“I would not be where I am today 

without Matt Bonzo, Michael 

Stevens and Randy Burghart. 

They were my professors, and 

now they are my friends.” 

– Chris Allers (B.A. ’05) 

“Dr. King was the BEST! She’s 

tough, but an amazing lady. I truly 

appreciated the way Dr. Ehnis, Dr. 

Abuhl and Gator taught me what 

I need to know for my field while 

interweaving the Christian World & 

Life view throughout.” 

– Melissa (Daniels) Wade (B.A. ’90) 

“I am very grateful to 

God and the wonderful 

staff and professors at 

GRTS for the privilege of 

working at my dream job: 

serving God and Jesus 

Christ.” 

– Shane VandeVrede 

(B.A. ’04; M.Div. ’07) 

“As a graduate of 

Cornerstone’s PGS 

program I’ve learned the 

value of diversity and 

have sought to serve 

others in a unique way.” 

– Shawn Beene 

(M.B.A. ’08) 

“Dr. Crawford instilled 

a love for the Old 

Testament in me that 

remains to this day.” 

– Doug Smith 

(B.A. ’78) 

“At CU we were equipped by 

Bible profs, especially Dr. John 

Wilson, and missions profs, 

Dr. Osborn and Dr. Beals. We 

became even more certain 

that every answer for the world 

is met in the Word of God. 

Aside from family, no other 

experience has impacted us 

more than our time at CU.” 

– Jeff (B.A. ’80) & Debbie 

(B.A. ’82) Davis

“Professors like Carl Hoch, who taught New Testament, and 

Leon Rowland, who taught Old Testament, passed on a deep 

love, respect and appreciation for the biblical text and its 

role in Christian ministry. Victor Matthews, who taught my 

systematic theology class, helped me to see that theology is 

not just a collection of facts to be memorized, but a dynamic, 

living discipline that must be expressed and lived out in 

a Christian’s personal daily walk with the Lord. I suspect I 

speak for most of my seminary classmates when I say that I 

will be forever grateful for the role that these committed and 

dedicated servants have made in my life.” 

– John Lillis (M.R.E. ’80) 

“Ron Mayers 

helped me define 

my theology in 

major ways and 

has continued to 

be a friend and 

mentor to me 

since college.” 

– Zachary Bartels 

(B.A. ’00; M.Div. ’05) 

“Dr. Atwood, Dr. Sprague, 

Dr. Fryling and Dr. Keller 

were great men to study 

and work under. They were 

great role models and 

examples of Christ.” 

– Christopher Segroves 

(B.A. ’07) 

See the back cover of the Alumni 

Journal for an opportunity to 

express your gratitude to your 

favorite professors. 

“Through the honesty and 

expertise of my professors, I 

learned valuable lessons that 

have helped me each and every 

day. CU taught me that being an 

educator goes hand in hand with 

being a lifelong learner. It’s simply 

impossible to separate the two.” 

– Danielle DeLuca (M.A. ’09) 


“I am thankful for the rich 

leadership experiences and the 

excellent education I received 

at both Cornerstone and GRTS! 

Thanks for providing me with 

an excellent foundation and an 

insightful world and life view. 

Thanks for continuing to be 

authentic! 

– Stan Jensen, (B.A. ’75; M.Div. ’79)



YOur friend in 

person and online: 

Connect with 

Cornerstone University 

Alumni on Facebook 

1 

2 

1,107 fans of the Cornerstone University 

Alumni Association Page 

Reconnect with your long lost suitemate or lab partner, “like” or 

comment on our posts, share the page and encourage friends to 

get involved or start your own discussion! 

view video & photos of HOmecoming 2010 

Take a glance at this year’s event to see what you have to look 

forward to during fall and winter homecomings in 2011. 

3 

Share your photos 

Upload your favorite photos from your days as a student or of you 

and your family sporting CU apparel.

celebrating lives that matter 


When a student enters Cornerstone they enter our story. Your 

chapter as a student has closed but alumni chapters never do. Your 

story is our story. You are the story of Cornerstone. You are a life 

that matters. 

We believe we can compile 100 stories by the end of the calendar 

year to share online in future Alumni Journals, e-Newsletters and 

more. Would you take 15-30 minutes to share yours? To share your 

story go to www.cornerstone.edu/sharestory. All alumni who share 

their story will receive a unique thank you gift from the Alumni Office. 

Look forward to experiencing stories that matter.

celebrate 

undergrad Alumnus Spotlight: 

Andrew Kallman (B.A. ’83) 

For the past 11 years, Andrew Kallman (B.A.’83) has called Finland 

home with his wife and four children while owning his own consulting 

business that has taken him around the world. 

After receiving his bachelor of 

arts in business administration from 

Cornerstone he earned an M.B.A from 

Grand Valley State University in 1993, 

graduating in one year in the top 5 

percent of his class. 

He has traveled to Moscow, Singapore, 

Dubai, Cairo, Germany, Finland and 

Estonia training major companies all over 

the world about project management. 

He recently worked with Unified Vision 

Group in Grandville, Mich., delivering 

Project Management Professional (PMP) 

certification preparation training in a 

5-day bootcamp format and Project 

Management Fundamentals (PMF) in a 

1-day seminar format. Both courses are 

based on a Biblically-based leadership 

framework and were offered to nonprofit 

groups. 

But, most rewarding to him has been 

influencing lives. 

“What has been most rewarding in 

my life was teaching Sunday School 

for teenagers over an 8-year period 

in Finland and watching those young 

people grow up and mature in their walk 

with Jesus,” said Kallman who speaks 

Swedish fluently. “Many have gone on 

to work in short-term missions projects 

in Uganda, Ukraine, Thailand, Finland, 

Sweden, Russia, Tajikistan, etc. with 

various mission boards and churches.” 

He feels immensely blessed. 

“I hope for all of my fellow alumni that 

the Lord has blessed them the way 

that I have been blessed,” he said. “It’s 

been an amazing ride thus far. It’s been 

awesome. Continue to grow in God’s 

grace and keep the grace. God’s been 

good.” 

Kallman met his wife, Gunilla, a native of 

Finland, in Grand Rapids when her family 

came to visit the United States. They 

have four children: Mikael, 24, Anna, 24, 

Mattias, 23, and Thomas, 18. 

To contact Kallman, visit his Web site at www.AndrewKallman.com.

GRTS Alumnus Spotlight: 

Chad Wight (B.A. ’92; M.A. ’99) 

Chad Wight (B.A. ’92; M.A. ’99), church planter and senior pastor 

of The Journey, is a coach. Not only does he coach students on the 

football and girls basketball teams at Cedar Springs High School in 

Cedar Springs, Mich., but he also coaches church members. 

“In all my experience, coaching is the 

relationship best suited to helping 

people follow Jesus,” said Wight, who 

planted a church eight years ago. 

“The church desperately needs a way 

whereby disciples come alongside one 

another as they step onto the ‘playing 

field’ of daily life in community, living out 

the life of Christ together. For example, 

coaching helps the Body to better 

practice the “one-another” commands 

of the New Testament.” 

At Grand Rapids Theological Seminary, 

Wight found coaches in the form of 

“educational mentors that live their lives 

in a manner worthy to be modeled, just 

as Paul in the Bible calls others to imitate 

him,” he said. 

And that is what he hopes to accomplish 

as he builds into the lives of others, 

modeling behavior and attitudes for his 

students and church members even as 

he is growing in his understanding of 

what the church should be. 

“While we have also coached others 

to start new churches,” he says. “Our 

understanding of the life of the Body 

of Christ has grown dramatically, and 

we have abandoned the conventional 

methods of attractional-church growth.” 

The church meets in restaurants, coffee 

shops, homes and a community park. 

“We are committed to freeing-up the 

resources of Christ’s body for the needs 

of people and the community, not 

buildings and mortgages and rent and 

capital expenditures,” he explained. 

During Wights tenure at GRTS he came 

across unexpected experiences that he 

hopes to pass on. 

“For me the great surprise about GRTS 

was the active willingness on the part 

of its faculty to think outside the lines,” 

said the father of two, who also teaches 

philosophy and ancient literature classes 

for the Professional and Graduate Studies 

program at Cornerstone University. “They 

were masterful at framing unanswered 

questions and pressing unquestioned 

answers. As a result, learning became a 

lifelong desire of mine.” 

Wight recommends all disciples find a 

“coach” or mentor. 

“My recommendation to others would be 

to find educational mentors that live their 

lives in a manner worthy to be modeled,” 

said Wight who received a masters in 

New Testament from GRTS. “The best 

teachers are blended as practitioners 

and theorists. Under the direction of my 

seminary professors at the time, some 

of the best GRTS has ever known, I was 

taught to enjoy God, to love the ‘art’ of 

critical thinking, and to shepherd others 

courageously in order that the church 

may become the ‘fullness of Christ.’” 

15 • Cornerstone University Alumni Journal • www.cornerstone.edu

celebrate 



PGS Alumna Spotlight: 

Sandra Gaddy (B.A. ’99) 

This winter more than 300 men, women and children will receive 

warm shelter for the night, each day 511 meals will be served and 

thousands will hear the Gospel at Mel Trotter Ministries in Grand 

Rapids, Mich. 

Sandra Gaddy (B.A.’99), a graduate of the 

Cornerstone Professional and Graduate 

Studies program, has spent the past two 

years sharing what the organization is 

doing through her role as vice president 

of marketing and communications for 

the non-profit ministry. 

Everyday Gaddy, a wife and mother of 

two, spreads the word how others “can 

help God’s people.” 

“It is a blessing that I am able to work 

with a mission-minded, focused group 

of people who are about saving the lost 

and helping those in need,” said Gaddy, 

who formerly worked as a director at 

Chase bank. 

She originally started her college career 

at Ferris State University but chose the 

PGS program because it met her needs 

to finish her education quickly and limit 

time away from her family. 

“I loved the hours and the cohorts - but 

more importantly, I loved the Christcentered 

program and the professors,” 

said Gaddy. “One professor and his wife 

saw me in the hallway crying after I had 

just learned my son and husband were 

in a car accident. They asked if they 

could pray with me. They really showed 

the love of Christ to me.” 

Gaddy admitted she was able to use 

her education immediately on the job to 

build into her employees. 

“One of our assignments was to come up 

with a mission and vision statement and I 

was able to do that with my department 

at the bank,” she said. “Now I’m using the 

things I learned at PGS to teach a junior 

leadership class at South Christian High 

School. My goal is to have the students 

create their own mission and vision 

statement.” 

And now, Gaddy is able to work with 

Cornerstone undergrad students who 

volunteer at Mel Trotter. She also recently 

partnered with the Cornerstone women’s 

volleyball team to collect food for the 

ministry and hopes to work with CU on 

future projects. 

“We’ve had really cool opportunities to 

work with Cornerstone students and 

I get to see their love for Mel Trotter,” 

she said. “I always hope to work with CU 

students.”

Alumni News 

Together as alumni you are influencing the lives of people for Jesus Christ all 

over the globe. Thank you for sharing the ways you are doing this and for keeping us 

up to date on the happenings in your life. 

1990s 

arrivals 

When you share arrivals to your family, we will send you a “I’m a Cornerstone Kid” baby bib. 

Mark and Beth (Hasty, B.A. ’96) Baas 

welcomed Grace Elizabeth on March 3, 2010. 

Grace joins siblings Dakota James, 8, and 

Kara Lynne, 4. 

Joseph (B.A. ’96) and Eunice Benedetti 

welcomed Victor Justus into their family 

Sept. 7, 2010, just four days after his mother 

and siblings, Madalyn, 9, and Nic, 8, were the 

middle vehicle in a three car accident that 

totaled all three cars. He is a true miracle 

baby. 

Dale Hice Jr. and Julie (Van Volkinburg, B.A. 

’99) Hice are proud to announce the arrival of 

Dale Robert III, born Dec. 12, 2009. 

2000s 

Don and Tara (Wells, B.A. ’00) Walker 

welcomed Emerson James Walker Stevenson 

May 27, 2010. He joins three-year-old brother, 

Ian Patrick. 

honor 

Paul (B.A. ’01) and Jody Koutz are proud to 

announce the birth of their first child, Finley 

Joy Koutz, born Aug. 19, 2010. 

John and Sara (Lawrence, B.A. ’02) 

Lemenager welcomed Kate Bella Grace into 

their family on May 3, 2010 at Womack Army 

Medical Center in Fort Bragg, N.C. She was 

born while her father was on active duty in 

Iraq. 

Branson (B.A. ’02) and Sarah (Nienhouse, 

B.A. ’03) Parler announce the birth of Ruby, 

born September 2010. She joins big sister 

Eliana Elizabeth, born Dec. 31, 2008. 

Dan and Melissa (Wiest, B.A. ’04) Donovan 

welcomed Joshua David to their family on 

March 17, 2010. 

Daniel and Amanda (Stiver, B.A. ’06) Bowman 

announce the birth of their second child, 

Anna, born July 22, 2010. She joins her brother, 

John, 3. 


Please celebrate and honor the life of our 

dear professor, mentor and friend, Joyce Horn 

(B.A. ’69). The mark she left on Cornerstone 

University after teaching for more than 40 

years as professor of music will never be 

forgotten. She went home to be with the Lord 

on Sept. 17, 2010 after a full 83 years of life. 

Her life was celebrated at Metcalf & Jonkhoff 

funeral home on Sept. 21, and the burial took 

place Sept. 22 at the Cascade Township 

Cemetery. 

Michael Ballast (M.Div. ’74) would like to honor 

his father-in-law, Jerome Casner, a beloved 

Professor of Bible at Grand Rapids Bible 

College, who passed away April 25, 2010. He 

is remembered by both of his daughters, their 

families, along with many friends and loved 

ones. May we honor his memory. 

Honor with us a woman who brought a 

fresh breath of spring air to so many lives, 

someone who throughout her life was 

an inspiration of faith and joy. Dr. Maxine 

Margesson, former teacher education 

division chair and associate professor of 

education at Cornerstone University, passed 

away Thursday, Oct. 7, 2010. She taught at 

Cornerstone University for seven years, 

from 1998-2005. If you would like to pay your 

respects to Professor Maxine Margesson, she 

is resting in Oakwood Cemetery in Lowell, MI.

celebrate 

milestones 



1980s 

Alton Luder (B.A. ’85) received his 20 year 

letter from the Iowa Army National Guard on 

Oct. 15, 2009, recognizing his 20 years as a 

military chaplain. A veteran of Operation Iraqi 

Freedom, he is currently the State Chaplain 

of the Iowa National Guard holding the rank 

of Colonel. 

2000s 

Hannah Roberts (B.A. ’02) completed her 

doctoral degree in psychology (Psy.D.) at the 

Michigan School of Professional Psychology. 

1990s 

Susan (Czarnecki, B.A. ’91) and John Burton 

were married July 31, 2010, and now reside in 

Boerne, TX. 

2000s 

unions 

Andrew Reid (B.A. ’07) and Sarah (Voorhost, 

B.A. ’08) were married June 28, 2009. 

Mark Sooy (M.A. ’03) was named contributing 

writer, researcher and content manager in 

the area of Worship for the Worldview Church, 

a resource Web site for pastors and church 

leaders. (www.worldviewchurch.org) 

Emily (Faletti, B.A. ’10) Rolls began serving 

as Cornerstone Student Fund Coordinator at 

Cornerstone University June, 2010. 

Sarah Mankey (B.Mus. ’10) received a 

permanent teaching position as music 

teacher at Island City Academy in Eaton 

Rapids, Mich. 

Elizabeth Wing (B.A. ’10) was hired as the 

programmer at Springhill Camps in Michigan. 

When you share your union, we will send you a pair of CU luggage 

tags for your future travels together. 

Grace (Smitter, B.A. ’07) and Matthew Fenech 

were married June 25, 2010 and now reside in 

Grand Rapids. 

Bethany (Cramblet, B.A. ’08) and Michael 

Lamb were married on Aug. 1, 2009. 

Alex (B.A. ’08) and Melanie Marzolino were 

married on Nov. 11, 2008. They now live and 

work in South Haven at Kibbie CRC. 

Rachel (Doll, B.A. ’09) and Christopher (CJ, 

attended ’05-’07) Hess were married on Oct. 

3, 2009. 

Share YOUR News! 

We can’t wait to hear from the rest of you! Share events in your life (professional 

accomplishments, graduate degrees or awards, honors received, additions to your 

family, alumni who have left us that we can honor). Please include a photo 

to post on the Web site version of your story. (* denotes photos on our Web site) 

Visit www.cornerstone.edu/alumni to read more alumni news with supplemental photos.

Memory Lane 

Every year, the Human Resources Office honors 

faculty and staff, thanking them for their years of 

service to the university. This year we invite you 

to celebrate with us and possibly take a moment 

to send an e-mail of thanks to a staff person or 

professor who made a difference in your life. 

celebrating 

5 

years of service 

Erik Benson, Associate Professor of History 

Brandan Bishop, Supervisor of Campus Safety 

Nate Clason (B.A. ’01; M.Div. ’06), 

Associate Dean of Students 

Lisa Culp (B.A. ’05), Supervisor of Housekeeping 

Amy Dauer, Assistant Registrar – Traditional Undergrad 

Dave Emerson (M.B.A. ’08), 

Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admissions 

Melissa Finkbeiner (M.S. ’08), 

Web Content Manager 

Laura Keys (B.A. ‘85), Faculty Secretary 

Alan Blanchard, Associate Professor of Journalism 

Mark Blocher(B.A. ‘76), 

Associate Professor of Interdisciplinary Studies 

Marc Fowler, 

Executive Vice President & Chief Operations Officer 

Dave Gale, Staff Engineer – CU Radio 

Jennifer Hunter, Associate Professor of Theatre 

Bryan Johnston, (B.A. ‘01), 

Director of Information Systems 

Lee Hageman, 

Customer Service Coordinator – CU Radio 

Molly Heemstra, Assistant Director of Community Life 

Paula Helbert, Financial Aid Counselor 

Marty Marra (B.A. ’86), 

Assistant Professor of Kinesiology 

Tama Miller, Gift Processor 

Kathy Sindorf (B.A. ‘75), 

Associate Professor of Communications 

celebrating 10 years of service 

celebrating 15 years of service celebrating 

Tom Bosscher (A.S. ‘08), 

Director of Broadcast Engineering Services 

Joel Hill (B.A. ’90; B.S. ’06), WCSG News Director 

Gary Meadors, Professor of New Testament 

Greg Yoder, (B.A. ‘87), 

Executive Director of Mission Network News 

Michael Young, Professor of Business 


Bill Riter. Associate Professor of Business 

Andy Smith (B.A. ’77; M.Div. ’81), 

Associate Professor of Bible 

Phil Keith, Head Athletic Trainer 

Ron Lane, Senior Assessment Advisor 

John Miedema, Director of Mail and Print Services 

Michael Pasquale, 

Division Chair, Assoc Prof of Linguistics 

Valerie Ross (B.A. ‘04), 

Second Shift Production Supervisor – Food Service 

Randy Strawser, Women’s Soccer Coach 

Fred Sweet, Director of Miller Library 

Jeffrey Vance, WCSG Producer 

20 


Coach Kim Elders, Men’s Basketball Coach 

Cindy Wiltheiss (A.S. ‘07), Director of Food Service 

Kim Zainea, Assistant Professor of Kinesiology 


Dr. David Kennedy, 

Associate Professor of Old Testament 


celebrating 35 years of service celebrating 

Peter Atwood, Professor of Mathematics 

40 


Larry Bos, 

Associate Professor of Business Administration 

(pictured above)

As we focus on gratitude, we invite every alumnus to 

“Props to Profs,” an opportunity to tell your favorite 

professors what their investment in your life meant 

during your days at CU or GRTS and how that investment 

continues to shape you today. 

Your part: E-mail us by Dec. 1, 2010 at 

alumni@cornerstone.edu with three simple things: 

The name of your professor 

Your message 

Your updated information (e-mail address, address, 

phone number). 

Our part: We will collect, print and distribute all the 

“Props to Profs” messages to the faculty during finals 

week, before Christmas break. 

Let’s amaze the professors with the amount of gratitude 

and love displayed. 

props 

toProfs

2010 Alumni Journal: Issue 3

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