2012 Alumni Journal: Spring & Summer Issue

aving fans 

cornerstone university alumni journal • spring/summer 2012

what’s inside 

3 Letter from your Director of 

Alumni Relations 

4 President’s Corner 

Dr. Joseph Stowell, president of Cornerstone University 

5 News & Events 

• University News: Update on financial gifts to CU, 

the new baseball stadium and commencement. 

• Academic News: New academic initiative with Kuyper 

College and the latest info from our faculty and staff. 

• Alumni Events: Upcoming opportunities, including a 

CU alum Whitecaps game for you and your family this 

summer. 

• Homecoming 2012 – Celebrating 70 years of Loyalty 

Remember the best of fall and winter combined into 

one celebratory week! 

10 Raving Fans 

Cornerstone Alumni Association celebrated Kate DeGraaf 

(B.A. ’08) and Penny Patterson (attended ’66-’68) and their 

contributions to the university as raving fans. 

12 Feature Stories 

The Alumni Association honored alumni from each entity 

of the university during the first Winter Homecoming Gala 

in February. Read about these outstanding individuals and 

what they are doing today. 

15 Alumni News 

See what your former classmates are doing. 

17 Alumni Involvement 

Ways for you to participate in what’s happening at your 

alma mater! 

on the cover: 

Cornerstone University raving fans can be 

found at several events throughout the year. 

Check out upcoming events in this issue 

where you can show your pride. 

CORNERSTONE UNIVERSITY 

ALUMNI JOURNAL STAFF 

Director of Alumni Relations: 

Darci Irwin (M.S. ’09) 

Alumni Communications Specialist: 

Amanda (Kusneske) Lawrence (B.A. ’12) 

Alumni Events & Programs Specialist: 

Josh Thayer (B.A. ‘11) 

2011-2012 Alumni Relations Student Staff: 

Karissa Ryan (B.A. ’12) 

Executive Director of Marketing 

& Communications: 

Bob Sack 

Assistant Marketing Director: 

Katherine Felber 

Art Director: 

Caroline Cahoon (B.A. ’03) 

University Writer/Editor: 

Kelli Cottrell 

Contributing Writer: 

Alyssa Helm 

Contributing Photographers: 

Leah (Bailey) Furness (attended 

’06-’10), Coastline Studios, Ryan Prins 

Photography, Lyzenga Photography 

Alumni Board Leadership Team: 

Chairman: Rick Koole (B.R.E. ’70) 

Secretary: Terri (Burns) Fowler (B.A. ’81) 

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 

The Cornerstone University Alumni 

Journal is produced three times annually 

through a partnership between the 

Alumni Relations and Marketing & 

Communications offices at Cornerstone 

University. 

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. 

CONTACT US: 

When you e-mail us with updated contact 

information for the database, we will mail 

you a CU or GRTS Alumni window decal 

as a thank you gift. Visit www.cornerstone. 

edu/alumni; click on “Alumni Office” and 

then “Update Your Information.” Or simply 

e-mail us at alumni@cornerstone.edu. 

If no internet access is available to you, 

please mail us at: 

Cornerstone University 

Office of Alumni Relations 

1001 E Beltline Ave NE 

Grand Rapids, MI 49525-5897 

Call us at 616.222.1669. 

Cornerstone University does not 

discriminate on the basis of race, 

national origin, sex, age or disability 

in its policies and programs. 

© 2012 Cornerstone University. 

All rights reserved.

Dear Alumni Family, 

As an alumni association, we love celebrating our alma mater with raving fans of Cornerstone University. Plus, 

we enjoy providing opportunities to connect with each other and show pride in our school. 

Our vision is to continue to seek more raving fans of Cornerstone and, through events and communication, provide ways for those 

fans to express their loyalty. 

We have watched how our raving fans produce a ripple effect of motivation and passion that positively affects the forward 

movement of CU/GRTS. In this issue of the Alumni Journal, we highlight some of those fans that were honored during Winter 

Homecoming and showcase some of the events our fans attended. 

So what exactly is a raving fan? 

Amanda (Kusneske) Lawrence, alumni communications specialist, can pick out a raving fan by their passion, zeal and how 

completely sold-out they are to Cornerstone. At Cornerstone, she recognizes our raving fans when they graduate and grasp 

Cornerstone’s central mission: to influence others for Christ. When an alum is committed to this and thrilled to share this with 

others, our vision becomes a reality. As a raving fan, Amanda hopes to play a vital role in helping to further not only the mission of 

Cornerstone, but the gospel of Christ as well. 

Josh Thayer, alumni events and programs specialist, spots a raving fan by their commitment and how invested they are in 

something. 

As a sports fan he follows current news and headlines, provides insights and gets involved in the endeavors that a specific team 

has set to accomplish – cheering them on the whole way! This is how he envisions a raving fan of Cornerstone University - one 

who is fired up about the mission of the institution; who seeks to carry out the mission; and is willing to assist with their talents, 

time and resources. Ultimately cheering on the university – the whole way! 

We invite you to cheer loudly for CU and GRTS, and get involved in the life of your alma mater! 

Celebrating our Raving Fans, 

Darci Irwin (M.S. ’09) 

Director of Alumni Relations 

3 

Raving Fans • Spring/Summer 2012

Dear Alumni Family, 

The alumni of cornerstone university know how to 

celebrate! As we said goodbye to the year 2011, the CU Alumni Association was finalizing 

plans for Homecoming Week 2012. February 12-18 was a week of reunions, memories, new 

friends, basketball, worship, and more. 

One of my favorite events of the week was our first Winter Homecoming Gala at Frederik 

Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park. The Alumni team did a marvelous job planning this 

elegant event, and it was a full house! We were able to share the continuing story of 

God’s grace and blessings at Cornerstone, and together look forward to the exciting 

possibilities that lie ahead. 

We are incredibly encouraged by the support and enthusiasm shown by our alumni and 

friends. What a blessing it is to have raving fans by our side! At Cornerstone University, 

we desire to always be deserving of your partnership, which is why we continue to work 

diligently toward our goals of discipling and equipping the next generation of Christ’s 

followers. We could not do this without you, so thank you! 

Joe Stowell, president 

Cornerstone University Alumni Journal 4

University News 

Beyond Baseball Update 

bulldozers will begin construction on the 

new stadium in May as coaches wrap up their recruiting 

phase. A junior varsity team has been added due to the 

overwhelming interest from athletes wanting to play at 

Cornerstone. 

“We’ve had athletes apply from every state and Canada,” 

said Head Coach Dave Mitroff. 

Teams will be ready for the stadium Grand Opening in 

August. For more details, visit www.cugoldeneagles.com. 

Grand Rapids 

Theological Seminary 

grts says farewell to two Old 

Testament professors retiring this spring. Dr. David 

Kennedy, associate professor of Old Testament, 

and Dr. John Lawlor, professor of Old Testament, 

have impacted the lives of countless students. 

Dr. Kennedy, a former Army chaplain, has taught 

classes in O.T. exegesis and interpretation at GRTS 

since 1980. Dr. Lawlor has significant experience 

in middle eastern archaeological excavation and 

taught Hebrew and O.T. exegesis classes at GRTS 

since 1999. The GRTS community wishes them both 

a wonderful retirement after many years of faithful 

and fruitful service to the seminary. 

Spring Phonathon 

Thank youfor participating in the Spring Student 

Phonathon and supporting our students through the 

Cornerstone Student Fund and Seminary Fund! Your gifts help 

offset tuition for 100 percent of our students and allow them 

to invest in a thriving community and build a life that matters 

If you did not have a chance to give, or the student phonathon 

team missed you on the phone, please share your contribution 

at www.cornerstone.edu/give. 

Professional & 

Graduate Studies 

Cornerstone’s 

Professional & 

Graduate Studies 

Division hosted the ACG Cup 

Round 2 Competition on Feb. 25 on 

campus. 

The Association for Corporate Growth 

(ACG) strives to empower and connect 

business students and members in 

the local community. The ACG Cup is a 

regional competition that encourages 

graduate business students to gain not 

only an understanding of acquisitions 

and mergers but also allows students to 

gain valuable experience in the field while 

networking with local business leaders. 

Cornerstone’s M.B.A. students 

Stephanie Brooks, Ben Lampen 

and David VanDyke combined 

their efforts to represent CU in 

the competition. We are proud of 

their accomplishments and hope 

you join us in congratulating them. 

For more information about 

the M.B.A. program, visit 

pgs.cornerstone.edu. 

News & 

Events 

5 


Academic News 

News & 

Events 

New 

Academic 

Initiative 

with 

Kuyper 

Help Create 

Scholarships 

GRTS established a consortium 

agreement with Kuyper College, 

allowing Kuyper’s pre-seminary 

students to complete a course 

of study at both institutions. The 

successful student will achieve two 

degrees, a bachelor of science from 

Kuyper and a master of divinity from 

GRTS. For more information on the 

program, visit grts.cornerstone.edu. 

At Cornerstone, we 

aspire to create a thriving community of 

fully devoted followers of Jesus in a spiritually 

contagious, academically excellent, richly resourced 

and culturally diverse learning environment that attracts 

outstanding students, faculty and staff who influence our 

world for Christ, His Church and His Kingdom. 

You can be part of this vision by establishing or 

supporting scholarships that help to advance knowledge 

and transform the lives of our students... 

our heritage! 

We would love to help you create a scholarship. For more 

information, please call Robin Halsted at 616.254.1668. 

Dr. Matt Bonzo, professor of philosophy, 

presented a paper on culture and identity at 

an annual academic conference at Lithuania 

Christian College, March 22-24. 

Dr. Kerisa Myers wrote an article entitled 

“Child Care on Higher Education Campuses: 

Director Perceptions of Internal and External 

Roles and Director of Leadership.” This article, 

based on Dr. Myers dissertation, was published in the 

NCCC (National Coalition for Campus Children’s Centers) 

Journal: The Voice for Children on Campus in July 2011. 

Dr. Rick Ostrander, provost, presented a 

paper entitled “Educating Students for Service 

and Ministry,” at the “Educating for Vocation: 

From the Academy to the Church” conference 

in Georgetown College, Georgetown. 

Dr. Ostrander also visited the Asia Biblical Theological 

Seminary (ABTS) in Chiang Mai, Thailand in January. 

ABTS is a subsidiary of Cornerstone University 

that extends our educational mission to prepare 

graduates to influence the cultures of the world for 

Christ. Dr. Ostrander met with the faculty and staff of 

ABTS, attended classes with students, and engaged 

in strategic planning with the ABTS dean, Mr. Jim 

Blumenstock, concerning the future expansion of the 

seminary. 

Faculty & Staff News 

Dr. Michael Pasquale, associate 

professor of linguistics, gave 

the plenary address at a Christian 

TESOL Conference in Philadelphia in March. 

Dr. Brad Stamm, division chair of business, 

appeared on WOOD TV 8 and FOX TV Feb. 

6, 7 regarding the university’s new non-profit 

administration major. He has also conducted 

many interviews on Wood radio and Wood TV relating 

to gas prices and the economy. Dr. Stamm is scheduled 

to release a book, “Faithonomics,” in April 2012. 

Peter Van Dessel, associate 

professor of music, will perform 

the first movement of Stravinsky’s 

Concerto for Piano and Wind 

Instruments on April 18 at St. Cecilia Music Society, with 

the Cornerstone University Symphonic Winds under the 

direction of Dr. Joan Van Dessel, assistant professor of 

music. 


Alumni Events 

PRC LifeWalk 

cornerstone university 

will hostthe Pregnancy Resource 

Center (PRC) annual LifeWalk this year on 

June 16. In recognition of the incredible 

ministry of PRC, as well as the number of 

alumni who have given time and resources 

through the years, the Alumni Relations 

Office invites you to participate in the walk 

and attend a free brunch following the 

event. Celebrate the work God is doing 

through this organization and enjoy a time of 

fellowship together. Register and find more information about 

the LifeWalk at www.cornerstone.edu/lifewalk. 

Athletics 

Want to keep up-to-date on all things athletics here 

at CU? Subscribe to The Talon, a monthly eNewsletter 

sent out by our athletics department. You can also view 

recent issues online! 

cugoldeneagles.com/f/Talon.php 

Twitter: @CUathletics 

Facebook: Cornerstone University Athletics 

Big Ticket Festival 

Commencement 

the alumni association is pleased to welcome 

new alumni into the graduating class of 2012 during this year’s 

commencement ceremonies, May 4-6! Alumni are invited to 

attend the ceremonies in the Hansen Athletic Center: Friday, May 

4 at 7 p.m. (GRTS Commencement); Saturday, May 5 at 10 a.m. 

(Traditional Undergraduate Commencement); and Saturday, May 

5 at 3 p.m. (PGS Commencement). For more information, please 

visit www.cornerstone.edu/commencement. 

join us at this year’s Big Ticket Festival, June 14-16 in Allegan, Mich! 

Cornerstone University and your Alumni Association has once again partnered with the Big Ticket 

Festival to provide alumni and friends with a special VIP experience. Alumni receive a discounted 

ticket price, reunion opportunities and daily drawings for some awesome prizes. Please visit, 

www.cornerstone.edu/btf for more information. 

Whitecaps Game 

How would you like to enjoy some West Michigan baseball – some popcorn, a soda, 

ball park food – all on a warm summer evening? We would like to take you, and your family, out to the 

ballgame. Join your Alumni Association in July at Fifth Third Ball Park for an evening full of family fun 

as we cheer on the West Michigan Whitecaps. Keep watch for information to come on the website as 

well as the eNewsletter. Play ball! 

7 


alumna 

involvement: 

Penny Patterson 

(attended ’66-’68) 

News & 

Events 

Penny Patterson is best known at Cornerstone University as “Campus 

Mom.” She attended CU from 1966-1968, but left to get married in December 1968 to 

allow her husband to continue his education. 

She has been a constant presence around Cornerstone since 2005 when she joined 

a student trip as a mentor. Since that trip she has participated in four trips to Greece, 

three trips to India, has been a CU facilitator for Terra Firma, mentors students one-onone, 

and has developed a ministry to the resident assistants and directors on campus. 

She received the first Alumna Involvement Award this year at the Winter Homecoming 

Gala. 

She believes God has blessed her by giving her the opportunity to be on campus, travel 

with students, and build lasting, meaningful relationships. 

“I just obeyed His call knowing He wanted me here,” she said. “He has given me a love 

and passion for college students.” 


YOung Alumna: 

Kate DeGraaf 

(B.A. ’08) 

Kate DeGraaf received the Young Alumna of the Year Award 

from Cornerstone University at the Homecoming Gala Feb. 17. 

The 2008 graduate holds a degree in elementary education with an 

emphasis in language arts and reading. 

She currently works at Grand Valley State University as the graduate 

assistant of leadership and service. Through workshops, statewide 

leadership conferences and other leadership events, she has had the 

opportunity to minister to students of various backgrounds and reflect 

the love of Christ. 

“Cornerstone helped me grow not only intellectually, but spiritually,” 

DeGraaf said of her time at CU. “I made life-long friends and connected 

with mentors who have continued to support, encourage, challenge and 

pray for me.” 

9 


Sarah Keith (B.A. ’06) greets students at her mentoring 

table during the event. 

Cornerstone hosted our annual Winter 

Homecoming the second week of February. It was 

a blessing to see God at work and exemplified in 

all those involved – from our alumni volunteers 

and attendees, to our faculty, staff and students. 

Building upon homecoming history, traditions were 

strengthened while new ones were established. 

Alumni, current students, staff and faculty presented 

many opportunities for involvement in this year’s 

Homecoming week. Events included a Homecoming 

Kick-off party, our first annual From Class to Calling 

(an event connecting students and alumni), chapels, 

lunches, Battle of the Bands, basketball games and 

the first Winter Homecoming Gala at Frederik Meijer 

Gardens & Sculpture Park. 

From Class to Calling 

From Class to Calling 

Our first From Class to Calling, hosted by 

Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE), Spiritual 

Formation and Alumni Relations, was a hit. 

Students had the opportunity to interact and 

network with alumni who have gone before 

them in their respective fields of study and 

glean insights and advice as they pursue their 

preferred vocations. 

Battle of the Bands 

The 3rd Annual Battle of the Bands drew 

a crowd. Four bands including CU alumna 

Kelsey (Rottiers) Pray (B.Mus. ‘08) showcased 

their skills. 

< Paul Doane (B.R.E. ’74), in front, and Katie Rose (B.A. ’06), 

in center, take time to listen and mentor current students. 


Winter 

Homecoming Gala 

Fellowship, great conversation, worship 

and recognition of some outstanding 

alumni were a few highlights of the first 

Winter Homecoming Gala. 

Athletics Hall of Honor 

Cornerstone University honored some of its outstanding 

athletes at the Hall of Honor Inductee Banquet at Thousand 

Oaks Country Club. The following Golden Eagles were 

inducted Feb. 16: Erin (Courtright) Clason (B.S. ’01) – Cross 

Country/Track & Field; Melissa (Strohmaier) Hyder (B.A. ’05) – 

Women’s Soccer; Charlie Selmon (B.R.E. ’74) – Men’s Basketball; 

and Wayne (M.Div. ’78) and Diane Dalman – Golden Eagle Club 

Members. 

CU Basketball 

Students, staff, faculty and alumni had the opportunity to 

cheer on the Golden Eagles during homecoming basketball 

games. The men’s team walked away with a win against No. 3 

ranked Davenport University. It was a great day to be a Golden 

Eagle! 

Pictured above (bottom left to top right): Athletics Hall of Honor inductees 

Wayne and Diane Dalman, Erin Clason, Melissa Hyder, and Charlie Selmon. 

11 


Feature 

Stories 

GRTS Spotlight: 

Daniel Treir (Th.M. ’98) 

Dr. daniel Treir, received the Grand Rapids Theological Seminary Alumnus of the Year 

Award at the Winter Homecoming Gala Feb. 17 at Frederik Meijer Gardens. 

He currently serves as associate professor of theology at Wheaton College in Illinois, where he has taught 

since 2001. He received both his master of divinity and master of theology from Grand Rapids Theological 

Seminary. 

He has authored two books: “Introducing Theological Interpretation of Scripture: Rediscovering a Christian 

Practice” and “Virtue and the Voice of God: Toward Theology as Wisdom.” He has also authored numerous 

articles and served as associate editor and co-editor on several other projects. 

“I’m grateful for encouragement and respect from my alma mater, for which I care deeply,” he said. “I’m 

committed afresh to finishing a lifetime of faithful ministry rather than starting well and ending poorly.” 

Treier currently resides in the Wheaton area with his wife, Amy, and daughter, Anna Rene. 


PGS Spotlight: 

Leslie Mosher 

(A.S. ’00, B.s. ’02, M.S. ’04) 

Dr. Leslie Mosher, founder of a nonprofit organization called Surprised by Hope, received the 

Professional and Graduate Studies Program Alumnus of the Year Award in February during the Winter 

Homecoming Gala. 

The organization she founded provides biblically-based business training and education, organizational development 

and spiritual ministry to East Africans and the ministries that serve them. She spends half the year in Uganda and 

half the year in Grand Rapids. 

This accomplishment was made possible by her late husband, she said. After almost 20 years of marriage, Mosher’s 

husband died unexpectedly, which forced her to re-imagine her future and passionately pursue God’s plan for her 

new life. The result was a series of short-term mission trips that led to a full-time commitment to missions. 

“The truth is that without him, or without his death, I would not be doing what I’m doing today,” she said. “Even in 

death he continues to leave this legacy in my life, which is bittersweet.” 

Mosher earned an associates degree, a bachelors degree and a masters degrees from Cornerstone University. 

For more about her ministry, visit www.surpisedbyhope.org. 

13 


Feature 

Stories 

Undergrad Spotlight: 

Ryan Davis (B.A. ’04) 

Ryan Davis graduated from Cornerstone University in 2004 and served on staff as director of community life 

before he died unexpectedly in May 2011. 

He was known around campus as a man of God, filled with passion, humor and a genuine concern for everyone around 

him. 

He loved history, philosophy, good movies, video games, motorcycles, his hundreds of friends, and family, especially his 

wife Emilie. The influence he had on Cornerstone University students is extraordinary, and his impact continues to echo 

across CU’s campus. 

This year, on his behalf, his wife accepted the Traditional Undergraduate Alumnus of the Year Award for him. 

“I’m so pleased that the Alumni Committee picked my Ryan to honor this year,” she said. “He loved students and was 

hungry to learn and share with them. He had a passion to reach people.” 

Ryan Davis (B.A. ’04) is pictured in the center. 


ogether as alumni, you are influencing the lives of people for Jesus Christ all over the globe. Thank 

you for sharing the ways in which you are doing this and for keeping us up to date on the happenings in your life. 

Unions 

New Events & 

Programs Specialist 

We’re pleased to introduce our new Alumni 

Events & Programs Specialist, alumnus Josh 

Thayer (B.S. ’11)! In this role, Josh will provide 

leadership to all aspects of alumni events 

and programs that attract, serve, reunite 

and motivate alumni to become involved in 

their alma mater. Josh is an avid sports fan 

and loves spending time with his wife, Alyssa 

(Morrow, B.A. ’11). 

2000s 

Zachary and Jodi (Borden; attended ’07- 

’08) Mayne were married Nov. 19, 2011. 

Philip and Terri (Miedema; B.A. ’10) Miller 

were married Dec. 22, 2010. 

When you share 

your union, we 

will send you two 

metal alumni 

association 

luggage tags to 

celebrate your 

future travels 

together. 

Arrivals 

1990s 

Pete (B.A. ’95) and Jill (Moes) Wilson (attended ’93-’95) 

welcomed their ninth child, Louisa Renae Wilson, into 

their family on Nov. 24, 2011. 

Keith (B.A. ’95) and Bethany Kirkman welcomed their first 

child, Keith Connor into their family on Jan. 13, 2011. 

Jason (B.A. ’98) and Terra (Knoop) Wesseldyk (B.A. ’98) 

welcomed their third child, McKenna Leigh, into their 

family on April 20, 2011. 

2000s 

Andrew and Bridgette (Zerfas) Bassford (B.A. ’03) 

welcomed their first child, Violet Patricia, into their family 

on Jan. 20, 2012. 

Joe (B.A. ’04) and Jessica (Waskiewicz) Bigley (B.A. 

’04) welcomed their first child, Jordan Thomas, into their 

family on Sept. 9, 2011. 

Aaron and Danae (Nelson; B.Mus. ’04) Bouwman 

welcomed their first child, Grace Lorraine, into their 

family on April 27, 2011. Lorraine was chosen in memory 

of Aaron’s grandma who passed away two weeks before 

Grace was born. 

Frank and Monika (Berger) Owsley (B.A. ’04) welcomed 

their fourth child, Paul Logan, into their family on April 5, 

2011. 

Noah (B.S. ’04; M.A. ’09) and Jennifer (Good; B.Mus. ’05) 

Filipiak welcomed their first child, Lexi Hope, into their 

family on Nov. 21, 2011. 

Ryan (B.A. ’06) and Katie (Casault; B.A. ’07) Bibb 

welcomed their third child, Gabriella Kate, into their family 

on Dec. 15, 2011. 

Luke (B.S. ’06) and Paige Miller welcomed their first child, 

Eason Charles, into their family on Dec. 15, 2011. 

Jim (B.S. ’06) and Melissa (Wahl; B.A. ’06) Van Stensel 

welcomed their first child, Liam James, into their family 

on Jan. 7, 2012. 

Dan and Melissa Finkbeiner (M.S. ’08) welcomed their 

second child, Adelyn Hope, into their family on Jan. 11, 

2012. 

Jared (B.S. ’10) and Calista (Sherwood; B.A. ’10) Doty 

welcomed their first child, Nora Joy, into their family on 

Feb. 25, 2012. 

Stephen (B.A. ’10) and Nancy Winkelman welcomed their 

first child, Esme Sophia, into their family on Feb. 26, 2012. 

When you share new arrivals to 

your family, we will send you a 

“Future CU Alum” baby bib. 

Alumni 

News 

15 


honor 

Alumni 

News 

1950s 

Dr. J. Edward Hakes, former 

president of Cornerstone 

University from 1954-1958, 

went to be with the Lord 

on Feb. 23, 2012. Dr. Hakes 

was a champion for high 

academic standards for 

Christian colleges and 

universities before it was a 

popular notion. He believed 

that academic rigor and 

inquiry should be applied to 

matters of faith and social 

responsibility for Christians. 

He influenced many notable 

faculty members and 

students during his career. 

1960s 

Glen Ozinga (B.R.E. ’66) went 

to be with the Lord on Jan. 

21, 2012. Glen served as a 

missionary in Liberia from 

1957-1965; while there he 

organized a Liberian church, 

spearheaded agricultural 

programs to help Liberians 

become self-sufficient, 

and taught and served as 

superintendent of the day 

school in Suakoko. 

Milestones 

1970s 

Robert Davies (B.R.E. ’73; M.Div. ’77) 

completed 30 years of ministry as pastor 

of Immanuel Baptist Church in Greencastle, 

Indiana. He and his wife, Diane (Ecklesdafer) 

Davies (attended ’72-’74), plan to serve 

as pulpit supply and interim pastoring 

in retirement along with enjoying two 

grandchildren and some fishing. 

Ron Sheveland (B.A. ’76) authored “The 

Potluck People.” Full of humor and 

inspiration, it is a novel about quirky church 

life in the small town of Meanwhile, Mich. You 

can learn more at www.potluckpeople.com. 

1980s 

Andy Grenier (B.R.E. ’81) is currently pursuing 

a doctor of ministry degree from Corban 

University School of Ministry in Tacoma, 

Wash. He currently serves as pastor of First 

Baptist Church of Moses Lake, Wash. 

1990s 

Steven DeWitt (B.R.E. ’90; M.T.S. ’92) recently 

authored a book titled “Eyes Wide Open: 

Enjoying God in Everything.” In this book, 

DeWitt guides the reader on a personal 

journey to understanding God’s purposes for 

our joy and wonder. You can learn more at 

www.thejourney.fm/products. 

2000s 

Jessica (Waskiewicz) Bigley (B.A. ’04) 

earned a master’s degree in educational 

leadership with an emphasis in higher 

education. She is employed as an advisor in 

the Lee Honors College at Western Michigan 

University. 

Ryan Bibb (B.A. ’06) earned a master of arts 

in pastoral counseling from Liberty Baptist 

Theological Seminary in May 2011. 

Jessica Kast-Keat (B.S. ’06) was ordained on 

Jan. 29, 2012 to the office of Minister of Word 

and Sacrament in the Reformed Church in 

America. 

Crystal (Richards) Kitten (B.A. ’07) recently 

was hired as director of Collins Residence 

Hall at Baylor University. 

Kory Chesser (B.S. ’11) serves as the youth 

director at Highland Hope UMC in Illinois. 

When you share a 

milestone, we will 

send you a CU alumni 

association cell phone 

holder. 

share 

Your 

News 

We are eager to hear from the 

rest of you! Share events in 

your life, including answers 

to prayer; professional 

accomplishments – none are 

too small; books authored; 

albums released; graduate 

degrees or awards; honors 

received; additions to your 

family; alumni to honor. 

www.cornerstone.edu/ 

shareyournews 


Alumni Involvement 

one of the ways we love to celebrate our 

alumni is by sharing their stories with other alum! Do 

you have a favorite memory, a major theme, or a specific 

experience you remember from your college days? Take 

a minute to share your story with us. We’ll send you a 

special-edition “Your Story” bookmark in response! 

Visit www.cornerstone.edu/sharestory today! 

Share your story to 

receive one of these 

bookmarks from the 

Alumni Association! 

Alumni Award Nominations 

& Faculty Hall of Honor 

“Outdo one another in showing honor.” (Romans 12:10b) 

coming in june, a NEW giving program is 

being launched specifically for alumni! 

We are encouraging all alumni to financially invest in 

the institution that empowered them to be influencers 

in our world for Christ by contributing the dollars 

and cents that represent their graduation year. For 

example, if you graduated in 2001, we invite you 

to give $20.01, or move the decimal point and give 

$200.10 or $2,001. You can give a one-time, monthly or 

annual gift. 

Cornerstone University and Grand Rapids Theological 

Seminary has a rich heritage of equipping students 

with biblical truths to influence the world for Christ. 

As alumni, no one knows this better than you! Your 

financial gift shapes the future of your institution, 

helps us enroll top students and supports the highest 

quality of faculty and staff. Look for more information 

about this program in the next Alumni Journal! 

Early Enrollment 

Know a student looking for 

a college to attend? Let him or her know 

Cornerstone is the place to get a JUMP 

START on college. Juniors and seniors in 

high school can take early enroll classes 

before they graduate. Courses are offered 

in the fall and spring. 

By getting a couple of college courses 

completed early, students will get a feel for 

life at CU – and be better prepared to enter 

the college world. 

Contact: 

admissions@cornerstone.edu 

800.787.9778 

Refer a student online and receive a free 

CU pennant! 

we are thrilled to celebrate each of the 

alumni award recipients featured in this Alumni Journal. 

As we look ahead to Homecoming 2013, we invite you to 

nominate alumni who fit the criteria of the seven alumni 

awards and your most admired faculty for the Hall of 

Honor. View the criteria for our awards on our nomination 

form at www.cornerstone.edu/alumniawards. 

give your 

17 


Evangelical Choral Society 

Attention singers! Have you ever wanted 

to sing great choral masterworks accompanied by a 

professional orchestra? Do you miss the old college 

days when September meant the start of another run 

of Choral Society rehearsals? The Evangelical Choral 

Society is looking for singers to join them for a Fall 

Concert scheduled for Nov. 18, 2012. Rehearsals run 

every Tuesday evening from 7 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. 

beginning Sept. 4. 

Founded over 30 years ago by Dr. Richard Stewart, the 

Evangelical Choral Society presents outstanding choral 

concerts as a free gift to the Grand Rapids community. If 

you are interested in joining the Choral Society family, please 

contact the director at randallburghart@gmail.com to arrange 

an audition. For more details about the ensemble, and for 

opportunities to contribute financially to this music ministry, 

please visit www.ecs-gr.org. 

Attention GRTS 

Alumni! 

No one knows the value of a 

great seminary education better than you. 

Do you know anyone who might be 

interested in attending GRTS? Submit 

their names and contact info at 

www.cornerstone.edu/refer-GRTS-student 

and we’ll send you an exclusive GRTS alumni 

gift as a thank you! 

CU Online 

Cornerstone 

University offers more 

than just an onsite, classroom learning 

environment. You can earn a variety of 

degrees online. Find out how, at 

www.online.cornerstone.edu. 

Get Involved Form 

Our alumni have made our 

campus what it is today. We’d love to invite you 

back to get involved here at CU – fill out our 

online “Get Involved” form and your name will 

be entered in a monthly drawing to receive a 

free CU or GRTS sweatshirt! 

www.cornerstone.edu/alumni/contribute/get_ 

involved_form/get_involved 


visit us at 

www.CUBooksOnline.com

Special news 

for the Undergraduate 

classes of 2011, 2007 

& 2002! 

A key to any quality Alumni Association is listening. So in an effort to listen and 

evaluate Cornerstone’s effectiveness in preparing you for the marketplace and 

ministry, three surveys are being administered next month for alumni who graduated 

one, five and 10 years ago. The survey will seek to determine if your education 

adequately prepared you for your chosen field, prepared you for service in local 

church community and prepared you for a path of life-long learning. It also invites 

you to suggest modifications for the curriculum or co-curriculum and asks how we 

can better serve you during your current involvement with CU. This survey will be 

administered annually in May to allow all alumni an opportunity to respond.

2012 Alumni Journal: Spring & Summer Issue

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