Cornerstone University Alumni Journal 2018

CORNERSTONE 

UNIVERSITY 

ALUMNI 

JOURNAL

HELP FINISH THE 

RAYMOND GATES 

LABORATORY 

Cornerstone University’s new Jack and Mary De Witt Center 

for Science and Technology will open its doors in spring 2019. 

This new addition to campus will contain the Raymond Gates 

Laboratory. The lab will honor Professor Raymond “Gator” 

Gates’ legacy and his commitment to communicating a 

Christian perspective on science. 

We need your support to complete this project. 

To learn more, visit cornerstone.edu/Gator. 

Shop these items and more 

at CornerstoneGear.com 

Shop 

NOW 

2 | CORNERSTONE UNIVERSITY ALUMNI JOURNAL 2018

IN THIS ISSUE 

4 — From the Alumni Relations Office 

5 — 2018 Alumni Award Recipients 

GRTS, TUG and PGS Alumnus of 

the Year awardees and Athletic, Staff 

and Faculty Hall of Honor inductees 

6 — Alumni Stories: 1960s 

7 — The Clums: It’s A Family Thing 

Five generations of CU alumni 

9 — Alumni Stories: 1970-80s 

11 — Kevin Cummings (B.A. ’87, 

M.Div. ’91): In the Business of Wellness 

Sharing Christ’s love through business 

13 — Alumni Stories: 1990-2000s 

14 — Aaron Lovely (B.Mus. ’92): 

Sousaphone Soldier 

Coordinating the military’s involvement 

in the presidential inauguration 

17 — Brad Richards (B.A. ’93): 

A Mid-life Adventure 

Searching for Civil War gold 

18 — Robyn Afrik (B.S. ’05): 

Living Into Our Stories 

Featured on the cover 

CU alumna and Korean adoptee 

works to advance racial equity. 

19 — Alumni Stories: 2010s 

20 — Ron Frelix (M.B.A. ’12): 

M.B.A. to YMCA 

A PGS graduate leads wellness efforts 

out of his love for the community. 

22 — Year in Review 

The class of 2021 recently 

completed their first year on 

campus. Check out what they 

have experienced so far! 

24 — Class of 2018 

Meet the new members 

of the Alumni Association. 

SUMMER 2018 ALUMNI JOURNAL STAFF 

CAROLINE CAHOON (B.A. ’03) 

Art Director 

LAYNE FULLER 

Director of Marketing 

KRISTINA GARVELINK (M.S. ’15) 

Website Manager and Content 

Coordinator 

DENNIS GRAHAM (B.A. ’05, 

M.A. ’12) 

Director of Alumni Relations 

JORDAN GROOTERS (B.S. ’17) 

Communications Coordinator for 

Marketing and Advancement 

BOB SACK 

Vice President for University 

Advancement 

PHOTOGRAPHY: 

Sabrina Antcliff 

Benjamin DeYoung (Dec. ’18) 

Caleb Joyce (Dec. ’18) 

Color Splash Studio 

Joe Lane (M.A. ’14) 

Ryan Prins Photography 

Andy Visockis 

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: 

Micah Crittenden (B.A. ’14) 

Beth Stolicker (B.A. ’17) 

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. 

CONTACT US 

www.cornerstone.edu/alumni 

alumni@cornerstone.edu 

616.222.1439 

Cornerstone University 

Office of Alumni Relations 

1001 E Beltline Ave NE 

Grand Rapids, MI 49525 

© 2018 Cornerstone University. 

All rights reserved. 

GRATEFUL! 

Recently I attended the memorial service of Rev. Dr. Clifton Rhodes, Jr., the long-term 

pastor of Messiah Missionary Baptist Church here in Grand Rapids. The two-and-a-half-hour 

service began with a moving rendition of the old hymn “Pass Me Not, O Gentle Savior.” The 

remaining time was filled with hymns of rejoicing and testimonies of the amazing influence that 

he had through the years of his ministry for Christ and His Kingdom. The depth of Pastor Rhodes’ 

life and character marked him as the dean of urban church pastors and placed him in leadership roles 

both civically and denominationally. His passion to reach people for Christ and to bring healing and 

help to his neighborhood was unparalleled. 

Whatever the Biblical equivalent of pride is, that’s how I feel about the fact that Pastor Rhodes was a 

three-time graduate of Cornerstone. He did his bachelor’s work here and then went on to a master’s degree 

from our seminary where he also earned a doctorate. To have played a significant role in his formation as a 

person and a pastor is a great honor! 

And, I should mention that another graduate, Pastor Artie Lindsay, gave the eulogy sermon at the memorial 

service. His clarity with the text and compelling application was a tribute to his own training here at our Grand 

Rapids Theological Seminary. 

On my way home, I was reminded of how many of our graduates have stories of significant influence in our world for 

Christ. Some in the ministry, some in missions and many in the marketplace where the testimony of their lives draws 

attention to the gospel lived out through them. 

All of this makes me grateful that God has called me to serve in an enterprise that is busy raising a new generation of cultural 

influencers for Christ and His Kingdom. 

Joe Stowell, President 

Photo credit: Ryan Prins Photography © 2013

From the Alumni 

Relations Office 

As my first year of service at Cornerstone University draws to 

a close, I cannot help but reflect on how appreciative I am for 

the opportunity to serve the great alumni of this institution. 

I’m thankful for those who have served in this role before me, 

as they have laid a wonderful foundation for me as I continue 

to take the Cornerstone Alumni Association in new and 

exciting directions and build upon existing programs already in 

place. More importantly, I am honored to serve a loving God in 

a job that allows me to play my role in HIS story! He is good. 

I value and cherish every opportunity I have to interact with 

Cornerstone alumni. Over the past few months, I have had 

the pleasure of meeting with alumni from every decade. I have 

heard stories of success and stories of struggle. I have prayed 

with alumni who are at a crossroads in their careers. I have 

encouraged others to stay the course. And I have reminisced 

with many about their experiences while attending CU, 

recalling similar events from my time as a student. As an 

alum, it has been a pleasure to watch alumni pour into the 

lives of our students; I am appreciative of those who have 

volunteered their time much like many alumni did during my 

time at Cornerstone. 

As we look to the future, there are several key events and 

initiatives that I am excited to share. Mark your calendar 

for Homecoming and Family Weekend on Sept. 21 and 22. 

The weekend kicks off with a concert performance by Cory 

Asbury, continues with the Night of Nets soccer game and 

concludes with an improv performance by Pop Scholars. The 

entire weekend will provide opportunities to connect with 

other alumni who have returned to campus, take in a meal 

with current and former faculty and staff members and tour 

the campus to explore changes and conjure up memories of 

your time as a student at CU. We have also launched several 

regional alumni chapters and hope to launch more. The goal of 

these alumni chapters is for you to stay involved in the life of 

the university and have opportunities to participate in cultural 

experiences, professional networking opportunities and social 

events. I am also pleased to announce the formation of a Young 

Alumni Council. We are still looking for members. If you are 

interested (and are under the age of 30), please contact the 

Cornerstone Alumni Association for details. 

I’m humbled and appreciative of the ways that you share in 

the lives of our students, faculty and other alumni. Many 

alumni have returned to campus to mentor, teach and provide 

internship and job possibilities to our current students. Others 

have offered valuable insights from their professions. We 

also appreciate those who contributed financially to various 

scholarships. The significance of your contribution is invaluable. 

Please know that you are making a difference! 

It’s truly an exciting time to be a Cornerstone and Grand Rapids 

Theological Seminary alumnus. Please visit cornerstone.edu to 

see how you can get involved, show your Golden Eagle pride, 

update your contact information and find alumni events in 

your area. 

Dennis Graham (B.A. ’05, M.A. ’12), 

Director of Alumni Relations 

Pictured (l-r): Matthew Haskins (B.A. ’09), Dennis Graham and Jeremiah Schimp (B.A. 

’02) recently connected in the Minneapolis-Saint Paul area. 


2018 Alumni 

Award Recipients 

Cassandra Hankins (M.A. ’01) 

GRTS Alumna of the Year 

Dr. Scott Korpak (B.A. ’93) 

TUG Alumnus of the Year 

Kim Hiltunen 

(B.A. ’79, M.R.E. ’83, M.B.A. ’09) 

PGS Alumnus of the Year 

Stephanie (Allers) Hare 

(B.A. ’07, M.A. ’14) 

Athletic Hall of Honor Inductee 

Dr. John Bratcher 

Men’s Soccer Coach (1980-89) 

Athletic Hall of Honor Inductee 

Gail Duhon (B.S. ’98, M.B.A. ’08) 

Registrar 

Staff Hall of Honor Inductee 

The annual alumni, staff and faculty awards of Cornerstone University 

and Grand Rapids Theological Seminary recognize outstanding members 

of our community who have achieved success in their personal and 

professional lives and who have distinguished themselves through service 

to the university. 

Read more about this year’s award recipients at 

cornerstone.edu/alumni-awards. 

Dr. Daniel Ehnis 

Professor of Psychology and Family 

Studies (1978-2017) 

Faculty Hall of Honor Inductee 

Alumni of the Year photo credits: Benjamin DeYoung © 2017 

Athletic Hall of Honor Inductee photos courtesy of CU althletics 

Inductees are pictured with Director of Athletics Chip Huber. 

Staff and Faculty Hall of Honor photos: Ryan Prins Photography © 2018 

CORNERSTONE UNIVERSITY ALUMNI JOURNAL 2018 | 5

Alumni Stories 

1960s 

PATRICIA (BEUKEMA, ’60) WIMER retired after serving as a missionary 

with Baptist Mid-Missions. She currently lives in Charlotte, N.C. 

REV. VERNON L. MACY (B.DIV. ’61) passed away on Aug. 3, 2017. 

Throughout his life, Rev. Macy served faithfully as a missionary in Honduras 

and a pastor in Michigan (Grand Rapids, Maple Hill, West Windsor, Charlotte 

and Housel). 

Patricia Wimer with 

friend Lynn Ventura 

Rev. Vernon L. Macy 

1968-72 REUNION 

On Saturday, June 30, 2018, the Alumni 

Association will hold an alumni reunion 

for anyone that attended from 1968-72. 

Rick Koole (B.R.E. ’70), Al Meredith 

(B.R.E. ’68), Dan Wielhouwer (B.R.E. 

’68), Joe Slaughter (B.R.E. ’69), Carolyn 

Koole (B.S. ’99) and Kathy (Timmer, ’72) 

Durling are spearheading the event. The 

reunion will include a luncheon, campus 

tours and a time to join together in worship. 

Complete details for the event are available 

at cornerstone.edu/alumni-reunion. We’re 

expecting a large crowd for the event as 

many have already sent their RSVP. 

Photo credit: Color Splash Studios © 2017 


Jerry Clum first visited Cornerstone University, which 

he knew as Grand Rapids Baptist Bible College, in the 

1960s when his grandfather would let him tag along 

to evening classes. Jerry’s grandfather, Victor Clum, 

attended Wealthy Street Baptist College when it was 

just a Bible institute with a few classrooms in downtown 

Grand Rapids. 

“I know he attended classes there and was instrumental in 

getting the school started,” says Jerry. “A few years later, 

I think between 1949 to 1951, his daughter—my aunt 

Marjorie Clum—also attended there.” 

After returning from Vietnam, Jerry enrolled at CU 

during August 1969, making him the third generation to 

attend the school. During his time there, he met his wife, 

Nancy (Cobb), who was also studying at the college. Not 

long after, the young couple married. But, the family 

legacy of attending CU didn’t end with them. 

Almost 50 years later, not only did Jerry’s son, Shane 

Clum (B.A. ’00), receive his Bachelor of Arts in Business 

Administration from CU, but his granddaughter, Makayla 

Clum (B.A. ’19), is currently in her third year, studying 

elementary education and running for the school’s 

track team. 

The Clums: 

It’s a Family 

Thing 

Makayla didn’t discover the extent of her family’s 

relationship to the school until after she signed with 

the track team. Signing made her not only the fifth 

generation on the Clum’s side to attend the college, 

but also the fourth generation on her mother Angela 

(Phebus) Clum’s side. 

“It’s really cool to know that my great-great grandpa 

could’ve been someone who helped start this school. I 

love it here,” says Makayla. 

Looking back at how God’s brought his family to CU, 

Jerry says the school has influenced them to live for God 

and to serve Him. It makes him proud to have watched 

so many generations of his family attend the same 

Christian college. 

ABOUT THE CLUMS 

Jerry Clum (CU ’69-71) is a third-generation Cornerstone 

student who attended for two years. The 70-year-old resides 

in McBain, Mich., with his wife, Nancy, where he’s currently 

enjoying partial retirement. 

Makayla Clum (B.A. ’19), granddaughter of Jerry Clum, is a 

fifth-generation Cornerstone student. She runs track and is 

currently studying elementary education. 

Shane Clum (B.A. ’00), son of Jerry Clum, is a fourthgeneration 

Cornerstone student. He studied business 

administration, works with Tree-Lok, LLC and resides in 

Rockford, Mich., with his family. 

Photo credit: Ryan Prins Photography © 2018 


EQUIPPED 

FOR A 

LIFETIME OF 

MINISTRY 

The Master of Divinity program at Grand Rapids Theological Seminary 

helps refine and clarify a call to ministry by engaging students in multiple 

disciplines within ministry and inviting exploration of a broad range of ministry 

opportunities. Through active engagement in spiritual disciplines and rigorous 

training in theology, church history, biblical languages and interpretation of 

Scripture, GRTS prepares students for a lifetime of ministry. Graduates work 

as pastors, youth leaders, writers, scholars, worship leaders, small group 

ministers, Christian educators and much more! 

To learn more about the M.Div. program at GRTS 

or to schedule a visit, call 800.697.1133 or visit 

cornerstone.edu/GRTS.

1970-80s 

Devotional book by Donna (Feddick) Fagerstrom 

Paul Doane 

DANIEL MEAD (B.A. ’71, M.R.E. ’80) currently serves as the prayer and 

spiritual formation pastor at Calvary Baptist Church located in Greenville, 

Mich. He has been in ministry for 40 years. 

KATHY (TIMMER, ’72) DURLING currently serves as a caseworker at 

City Rescue Missions in Lansing, Mich., assisting homeless families with food, 

shelter and hope. 

DONNA (FEDDICK, ’73) FAGERSTROM recently released her first 

published book entitled “Every Mourning” (MPACT Communications, 2017). 

“Every Mourning” is a devotional book for people who have experienced any 

type of loss in their lives, granting permission to grieve and grow as God sets 

the path for each and every day. Based on Scripture, quotable insights and 

heartfelt prayers, the book has achieved high commendations from national 

grief counselors and a growing readership, experiencing new peace, hope and 

grace in the midst of great pain. It has already gone into a second printing, 

now releasing 8,000 copies in less than three months. 

PAUL DOANE (B.R.E. ’74) was honored by the Michigan Student Financial 

Aid Association (MSFAA) at their 50th Anniversary Celebration on Jan. 

29, 2018, in Dearborn, Mich., with a Lifetime Achievement Award. This 

award was given in recognition of his distinguished service to MSFAA and the 

financial aid profession during his 35 year career in higher education. 

JEAN (BAKER, B.R.E. ’74) KARLOSKI currently works for Spectrum 

Health as an RN labor and delivery nurse as well as a parish nurse at Rockford 

Baptist Church. 

DOUGLAS FAGERSTROM (B.R.E. ’74) serves as the president and CEO 

of Marketplace Ministries. Marketplace Ministries has over 1,500 chaplains 

and serves over 800 corporations in nearly 3,800 company work sites in 48 

states, Canada and Mexico. More than 1,000 people come to Christ every 

year and 3,000 employees of these companies are directed to a local church 

for the very first time. Currently, Marketplace Ministries reaches over 

700,000 employees and family members in corporate North America. 

JOHN THOMPSON (B.R.E. ’72, M.R.E. ’74) recently published two 

books: “Urban Impact: Reaching the World through Effective Urban 

Ministry” and “Changing the Landscape of Eternity: Transforming Believers 

into Disciples.” John currently serves at Navigator Church Ministry and 

resides in Chicago, Ill. 

MIKAL KILDAL (B.R.E. ’82) was named the 2018 Cancer Survivor of the 

Year for Douglas County by the ACS. He is also the board president for 

Hope Clinic for Women, located in Roseburg, Ore. 

ANDREW KALLMAN (B.A. ’83) recently released a co-authored book 

entitled “Flow: Getting Everyone Moving in the Right Direction...And Loving 

It.” Andrew and his wife, Gunilla, currently live in Stockholm, Sweden. 

LORI (REICHELT, B.A. ’84) BEASON is the vocal director for West 

Michigan Homeschool Fine Arts. Lori and her husband, TIM (B.M. ’83, 

M.R.E. ’02), currently reside in Otsego, Mich. 

WARREN GENE CAMPBELL (M.R.E. ’84) retired as a Presbyterian 

pastor. Currently, he is doing short interims and pulpit supply. Warren and his 

wife, Elizabeth, live in Springfield, Mo. 


DANIEL SANTOS (B.A. ’84) completed a Master of Education in Teacher 

Leadership at The American College of Education in December 2014. 

ALTON LUDER (M.DIV. ’85) received his Doctor of Education 

from Northcentral University. Alton’s dissertation was entitled “A 

Phenomenological Study of the Call, Theological Education, and Lived 

Experiences of Pastors Who Left the Ministry.” Alton is a retired military 

and hospice chaplain and is currently a part-time pastor at St. John United 

Church of Christ in Ft. Madison, Iowa. 

Tamara Walczak 

ROBIN (SMITH, B.A. ’86) MCBRIDE recently accepted the position of 

principal for Grace Christian School in Watervliet, Mich. Previously, Robin 

taught band, choir and elementary music for 19 years. 

TAMARA (WITTE, B.R.E. ’86) WALCZAK is currently the director of 

pastoral care at Bon Secours Health System in Baltimore, Md. She is also the 

associate chaplain for the University of Maryland Medical Center. Tamara 

and her husband, Gregory, currently reside in Glen Burnie, Md. 

CAROL (SIMON, B.M. ’88) KRAGT is a registered representative for 

New York Life. 

Deb Crater 

DEB (ROSS, B.A. ’89, M.A. ’05) CRATER recently returned to the 

counseling field, joining Centennial Park after taking a six year break to 

work with college students. She has combined her training and experience 

to provide professional counseling from a biblical framework while striving to 

create a compassionate and safe environment where clients can experience 

lasting change and growth in their lives. Deb also serves on the Executive 

Committee of the Association for Christians in Student Development 

(ACSD). She continues to serve as the webmaster and has taken on some 

additional administrative roles within the organization this year. Deb enjoys 

the flexibility of these two roles that allows her to serve in her areas of 

expertise and passion while spending more quality time with her husband Vic, 

who retired from Cornerstone in 2016. 

AMY RICHEY (B.A. ’89, M.A. ’08) is currently the director of global 

equipping at ReachGlobal of the Evangelical Free Church of America 

(EFCA). 

1980s CLASS 

REUNION 

A reunion was held on Sept. 23, 

2017, for students and graduates 

of Grand Rapids Baptist College 

that attended during the 1980s. 

Reunion co-chairs Dr. Kerisa Myers 

(B.A. ’85), Scott Stewart (B.A. 

’87) and Carol Kragt (B.M. ’88) 

welcomed back 30 alumni that 

day to tour campus, share a meal 

and reminisce about their time on 

campus. The highlight of the day was 

an unplanned playing of the chapel 

organ by former Associate Professor 

of Music Peter VanDessel. 


Kevin Cumings (B.A. ’87, M.Div. ’91) has always 

been a people person. Fascinated by the study 

of human behavior and relationships, he chose to 

study psychology as his undergraduate major. After 

graduation, he continued on to receive his M.Div. in 

Theology, a degree that helped him grow a deeper 

understanding of God and His interaction with the 

world and humankind. 

It was at Grand Rapids Theological Seminary that 

Cumings also developed a more “holistic” Christian 

life and worldview, something that would take shape 

throughout his life and come full circle in his career 

in insurance. 

“God is in the business of redeeming all of creation, 

not just my ‘soul,’” he says. This revelation would 

jump start a lifelong passion for stewarding God’s 

creation, including the wellness of his mind, spirit 

and body. This worldview coincides with the career 

Cumings now has as vice president of group benefits 

at Buiten & Associates Insurance in Grand Rapids. 

In the business of employee wellness, he applies this 

holistic worldview directly in his day-to-day work. 

Kevin Cumings: 

In the 

Business of 

Wellness 

“A lot of what I do is identifying what people need, 

what they value, what they think is important. I’m 

matching up what services or products I have to 

meet their needs,” he says about helping employers 

develop benefits packages. The financial support he 

helps his clients provide in turn allows their employees 

to be productive in their workforce and throughout 

their lives. This is one of the most fulfilling parts 

of his job, and he loves the opportunity his work 

provides him to foster both the physical and 

emotional wholeness of these employees. 

Through the specific benefits programs he helps 

create, Cumings provides the support structure 

that allows employees to thrive in all areas of life, 

including their jobs, relationships, families and 

health. From benefits fairs for employers to on-site 

employee meetings, he takes the opportunity to 

present benefits others can use to achieve wellness 

in every aspect of their lives—physical, emotional, 

spiritual and mental. This is the part Cumings most 

loves about his work: “To see people live well in their 

relationships, health and jobs—I really strive for that, 

and I enjoy watching wholeness in people’s lives.” 

ABOUT KEVIN 

Kevin Cumings (B.A. ’87, M.Div. ’91) is partner and 

vice president of group benefits at Buiten & Associates 

Insurance. After earning his Ph.D. in Educational 

Leadership, he worked in higher education before 

transferring to a career in insurance. 



EXPERTISE 

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Visit cornerstone.edu and 

search MBA 4+1 to learn more!

1990-2000s 

Shawn and Tina Haynie 

MARK SIGMON (M.DIV. ’90) is the director of Global Impact Services 

and the West Michigan Friendship Center for refugees. He has just released 

“Journey to the Nations,” a practical six-lesson study and leader’s guide of 

God’s global cause and our part in it. 

MELISSA (MEYER, B.A. ’90) SYTSEMA currently serves as the 

accounting manager at Van Haren Electric located in Byron Center, Mich. 

JEFF LOTHAMER (B.A. ’95) and his wife, Christie, currently reside 

in Bicester, Oxfordshire, in the United Kingdom. They both serve at Fltr 

Coffee, an incorporated business owned by a group of families who make up 

one of the churches in Bicester. 

JULIE (LOURENS, B.A. ’97) JOHNS currently serves as the 

administrative coordinator at Gracespring Bible Church located in Richland, 

Mich. 

MICHAEL LOTHAMER (B.A. ’99) is currently a senior systems analyst for 

the Atlanta Braves, a major league baseball team in Atlanta, Ga. 

JEREMY WHITMAN (B.A. ’01) is currently the head of the legal 

department at Sterling S.P.A. located in Magione, Italy. He and his wife, 

Francesca, have two children: Sofia and Giacomo. 

SHAWN HAYNIE (M.R.E. ’02) is currently serving as the first general 

director at Adelphos USA. Shawn is married to Tina Haynie, and they live in 

Pekin, Ill. 

MARCI (USSERY, B.A. ’02) RICHARDSON is currently the TRST for 

the Office of Acceleration & Innovation at Polk County School System in 

Bartow, Fla. Marci and her husband, Jason, reside in Lakeland, Fla. 

MEL TROTTER 

MINISTRIES 

PARTNERSHIP 

Cornerstone University’s Professional & 

Graduate Studies (PGS) division announced 

a new partnership with Mel Trotter Ministries. 

This partnership provides a tuition discount for 

both Mel Trotter staff members and program 

graduates. It also incorporates hosting a degree 

program on-site at Mel Trotter for staff, 

graduates and members of the community. By 

incorporating both a tuition discount and hosting 

a program on location at Mel Trotter, PGS hopes 

to make education even more accessible to all. 

Photo courtesy of Mel Trotter Ministries 


Aaron Lovely: 

Sousaphone 

Soldier 

When Aaron Lovely (B.Mus. ’92) won the audition to serve as 

tuba player in The United States Army Band “Pershing’s Own,” 

he had no idea the journey he was about to embark on. 

In 2001, he arrived in Washington, D.C., where he’d be 

permanently stationed to serve in this role, just prior to the 

events of 9-11. When the attack on the Pentagon happened, 

he served with his unit in support of the search and recovery 

efforts, something he never expected to be part of in his 

first year. 

Since settling into his role as tuba player in the U.S. Army’s 

premier musical organization, he’s taken part in ceremonies 

and performances of national and international significance, 

including full honor funeral services at Arlington National 

Cemetery. He’s also marched in the state funeral ceremonies 

for former Presidents Reagan and Ford and in three presidential 

inauguration parades: one for President George W. Bush and 

two for President Barack Obama. 

In 2007, he was appointed to the additional position of assistant 

drum major, which helped to season his experience to the 

standards and protocol of military ceremonies. This eventually 

led to travel opportunities around the U.S. as a subject matter 

expert, training other joint service military organizations on 

proper protocol for events. This training role led to his current 

appointment as senior enlisted national events planner, Joint 

Force Headquarters–National Capital Region. 

As part of this role, one of Lovely’s first assignments was 

overseeing the planning and coordination of the 2017 

Presidential Inauguration Day. 

“It’s been an amazing opportunity,” he says, explaining that a 

large part of his role includes providing operational guidance 

leading up to and during the event. “I get to help connect the 

dots. I make sure everyone works together to ensure everything 

happens as it’s supposed to.” 

The military’s involvement in the presidential inauguration dates 

back to President George Washington in celebration of the 

peaceful transition of power. Using history as their guide, the 

military crafts templates and set protocols for the event, and 

the planning begins years before the actual inauguration—well 

before a president is ever elected. 

Lovely’s favorite memory of inauguration is standing in the 

control room behind the swearing in ceremony, and after three 

days of no sleep leading up to the event, seeing his family seated 

on the platform behind the podium. “It was then, in the bustle 

behind the scenes,” he says, “that I forced myself to pause and 

reflect. I could see everything happening right in front of and all 

around me, and say, ‘Wow, I’m here.’” 

ABOUT AARON 

Master Sergeant Aaron Lovely (B.Mus. ’92) has a Bachelor 

of Music in Performance from CU and a Master of Music 

Performance in Tuba from Indiana University School of Music. 

Early in his career, he was a band director while also playing tuba 

and serving as conductor in the Midland-Odessa Symphony and 

Chorale in West Texas. Today he serves as tuba player in The United 

States Army Band “Pershing’s Own” and is assigned to the Joint 

Force Headquarters–National Capital Region as senior enlisted 

national events planner. He lives in Washington, D.C., with his wife 

Megan and two sons: Graham and Keaton. 


Jennifer (Good) and Noah Filipiak’s daughters 

Jonathan Tobar 

Scott, Stefanie and Cecelia Norlin 

MELISSA SPINO (B.S. ’02) is currently working at Life Transitions 

Therapy LLC in Lowell, Mich., as a mental health therapist and vocational 

rehabilitation consultant. Melissa has started a new program at Life 

Transitions Therapy which provides one hour of free mental health services to 

a veteran. Melissa feels this a small way to give back to those who who fight 

for our freedoms. She plans on expanding the program in the near future. 

TERRENCE YODER (B.S. ’02) is currently the president/CEO at School 

of Missionary Aviation Technology in Ionia, Mich. 

BEN HABECK (B.A. ’03) is currently the CEO of Dime. He and his wife, 

Audrey, live in Cumming, Ga. 

SCOTT NORLIN (B.S. ’03) and his wife, Stefanie, announce the birth of 

their daughter, Cecelia Rose Norlin, born on June 13, 2017. Scott is currently 

the student ministries pastor at Renewal Church in Warren, Mich. 

JENNIFER (PIERIE, B.A. ’04) FAUSKEE and her husband, Chadwick, 

are proud to announce the birth of their son, Jame Chadwick Fauskee, born 

on May 3, 2017. 

KATIE (BRINKS, B.A. ’04) MACBRIEN and her husband, Tim, announce 

the birth of their son, Micah Robert MacBrien, born on Aug. 18, 2017. 

JONATHAN TOBAR (B.A. ’04) was elected to the General Education 

Leadership Network (GELN) Executive Board in June 2017. In July 2017, he 

was re-elected as the executive board president for the Michigan Association 

for Bilingual Education (MABE) and was hired as the director of instructional 

services for Hillsdale County ISD. 

KEVIN ARNETT (M.S. ’05) is currently the senior project engineer at 

Intertek. 

JENNIFER (GOOD, B.M. ’05) FILIPIAK and her husband, NOAH 

(B.S. ’04, M.A. ’09), announce the birth of their daughter, Brooklyn Taylor 

Filipiak, born on June 28, 2017. 

ERIC MCCLURE (B.S. ’05) is currently the principal designer at GHSP in 

Grand Rapids, Mich., where he lives with his wife, Ruth. 

CHARLES SCHOTT (B.S. ’05) works currently in Automotive Sales at 

The Woodbridge Group. 

KRISTIN (PARMENTER, B.M. ’05) SELZLER and her husband, 

Stephen, celebrate the birth of their daughter, Maggie JoAnn Selzler, born 

on Feb. 23, 2017. 

CU TEAM PARTICIPATES 

IN DRESSEMBER 

Several female staff, faculty and students committed 

to wearing dresses every day during the month 

of December, braving the cold to participate in 

Dressember, a month-long campaign to raise 

awareness and funds for several anti-human 

trafficking organizations. The team raised $2,719.36. 

In total, the Dressember campaign raised over 

$1,000,000 for partner organizations International 

Justice Mission, A21 and McMahon Ryan. 


Jason, Stephanie, Jordan and Tatum Allaire 

Elizabeth (McDaniel), Thomas, Hope and Faith Stuart 

Rachel Watson 

Darci (Fagerstrom) Irwin’s 

daughter Arlie 

KARIS CRAWFORD (B.M. ’06) completed her Master in Music 

Education from Boston University in 2017. Currently, she lives in Berlin, 

Germany, where she teaches violin, viola and cello using the Suzuki Method 

and performs in chamber music groups. 

BRAD MUNSON (B.S. ’06) and his wife, Alicia, celebrate the birth of their 

son, Louie David, born on March 9, 2018. 

THOMAS PARKER (B.S. ’06, M.B.A. ’08) is currently the director of 

sales at Johnston Boiler Company, in Ferrysburg, Mich. 

ANDY BRONKEMA (B.A. ’07) is currently the head men’s basketball 

coach at Ferris State University. He led his team to the 2018 NCAA Division 

II Men’s Basketball National Championship. 

JASON ALLAIRE (B.S. ’08, M.S. ’14) is currently the director of 

community development at Cornerstone University. Jason and his wife, 

Stephanie, currently reside in Zeeland with their two boys, Jordan and Tatum. 

DORAN EICHENBERG (B.S. ’08) is the founder of Radar Talent Agency 

which has launched the careers of professional music artists such as NF and 

We Are Messengers. 

SARAH (LAMB, B.M. ’08) MURPHY is currently an executive assistant at 

Every Nations Churches & Ministries. Sarah and her husband, Jordan, will be 

celebrating their two-year anniversary in September. 

TONY PALADINO (B.S. ’08) is currently the concessions management 

specialist for the National Park Service. Recently, Tony moved from 

Charleston, S.C., where he previously worked at Fort Sumter 

National Monument. 

ELIZABETH (MCDANIEL, B.M. ’08) STUART and her husband, Thomas, 

announce the birth of their daughters, Hope Arabella Joy, born on Oct. 6, 

2014, and, Faith Abigail Elizabeth, born on Dec. 1, 2016. 

DANIELLE (DEYOUNG, B.A. ’08) TENNANT was awarded one of four 

Educator Innovation Awards from Western Michigan University for making 

a unique contribution to education. She received this award for grant writing 

and getting over 700 fiction and nonfiction books into the hands of her 

students to encourage lifelong learners and lovers of reading. 

MICHELLE (CARY, B.A. ’09) and Jameson Cline were married on Jan. 1, 

2016. They currently reside in St. Johns, Mich., where Michelle is an English 

Language Learner teacher. 

HANNAH (EVANS, B.S. ’09) COUSINO currently works as a specialist 

for QKA Nationwide Insurance. Hannah and her husband, Tim, live in 

Columbus, Ohio. 

RACHEL (REED, B.A. ’09, M.B.A. ’11) HUNT and her husband, Josh, 

celebrate the birth of their son, Maverick Eli, born on April 7, 2017. 

DARCI (FAGERSTROM, M.S. ’09) IRWIN and her husband, Jay, 

announce the birth of their daughter, Arlie Mave, born on Aug. 15, 2017. 

LEIA (DUNCAN, B.S. ’09) and Brian Koryto were married on Jan. 14, 2017. 

BETHANY (SCHALOW, B.A. ’09) and Brian Richards were married on 

May 27, 2017. 

RACHEL WATSON (B.A. ’09) was promoted to the role of senior reporter 

at the Grand Rapids Business Journal in October 2017, where she writes 

stories on food, manufacturing, small business, banking and finance, human 

resources and diversity. 


For the past few years, Brad Richards (B.A. ’93) 

has been experiencing what he describes as a “midlife 

adventure.” The high school history teacher 

and coach has been on a present-day treasure hunt 

for gold dating back to the Civil War. 

It all began with the confession of a lighthouse 

keeper who, on his deathbed, told the story of how 

Civil War gold is hidden in a boxcar somewhere at 

the bottom of Lake Michigan. The theory is that 

members of the Union Army’s Fourth Michigan 

Cavalry stole millions in treasury gold from the 

Confederate President Jefferson Davis back 

in 1865. The gold was then smuggled by train 

from the scene of the crime in Irwinville, Ga., 

to Muskegon, Mich., where Richards and fellow 

searcher, Kevin Dykstra, believe it was used by 

philanthropist Charles Hackley to fund many 

establishments in the city. 

Brad Richards: 

A Mid-Life 

Adventure 

When Richards first heard the story from Dykstra, 

he was immediately intrigued, especially since 

many aspects of the story revolved around his 

hometown of Muskegon. A life-long lover of 

history, Richards joined the search for the lost 

treasure. Not long after, he, Dykstra and others 

began filming a six-episode series titled “The 

Curse of Civil War Gold” that premiered on the 

History Channel on March 6. Since coming 

on board, Richards has been actively involved, 

helping to uncover clues that would take them to 

Georgia, Utah and eventually below the surface of 

Lake Michigan. 

“I tried to be as helpful as I could with the project,” 

he said about the logistical and research assistance 

he offered, in addition to transporting Dykstra and 

others across states in his motorhome for more 

hands-on treasure hunting. 

From small-town high school teacher and 

basketball coach to being part of a team of treasure 

hunters on a History Channel special, Richards has 

been trusting God’s will for his life. “This project 

came along, and Divine Providence played a part in 

me being a part of this. I am grateful to be a part of 

this project. I’ve been blessed by the Lord through 

this mid-life adventure!” 

ABOUT BRAD 

Brad Richards (B.A. ’93) is a family man, history 

buff, educator, coach and now treasure hunter. 

He currently teaches history at Ravenna High 

School and coaches girls basketball at Fruitport 

Calvary Christian. 

Photo courtesy of Prometheus Entertainment 


If you ask Robyn Afrik (B.S. ’05) why she does the work 

that she does, she’ll be the first to tell you she didn’t go 

looking for it. Instead, her work was born out of a story of 

loss, pain, redemption and a journey toward reconciling it all. 

Abandoned at birth, adopted into a Dutch West Michigan 

family and raised as a Korean adoptee, she wrestled early with 

her own sense of “self,” a culture she represented but wasn’t 

sure how to express, and a worldview that told her God was 

color blind. 

The twists and turns of her journey led to a career speaking 

at local and national conferences, conducting workshops 

and consulting with organizations on diversity, inclusion, 

international adoption and the nuances of multicultural 

families. She’s been recognized for advancing the cause of 

racial equity by the City of Holland and presented at the 

National Prayer Breakfast on reconciliation. She’s co-founder 

of Women of Color Who Give, a philanthropic circle for 

women of color by women of color, and she supports Be the 

Bridge, which focuses on inspiring Christians to be a bridge 

toward healing and transformation across racial divides. She 

is also a contributing author to the book “Becoming Like 

Creoles: Theology and the Intersections of Injustice, Culture 

and Religion” by Dr. Rev. Curtiss Paul DeYoung. 

Robyn Afrik: 

Living Into 

Our Stories 

“In this season of life,” says Afrik, “I feel called to work 

in areas that promote sustainable change, encourage 

transformation and leave a legacy in our communities and 

beyond. It leads me to places least expected, but to ones my 

story has uniquely positioned me to address.” 

To Afrik, this work is personal, but it’s also bigger than her. It’s 

important for all of us to recognize that we’re made in God’s 

image and called “good” by Him. 

“For me, I am a woman, a daughter, a Korean, an adoptee, a 

mother and beyond,” says Afrik. “So how do I then celebrate, 

live into and share these elements of myself?” And when she 

recognizes times and seasons when some “images” don’t feel 

validated, she leans into the importance of reconciling those 

messages with what God has already established as good. Her 

work encourages others to do the same. 

“This understanding is the key to healing our world, building 

bridges and loving others as we love ourselves. If we can’t love 

ourselves, how can we learn to love anyone else? It’s all part 

of the greater love story—the witness of who God is in the 

world today.” 

ABOUT ROBYN 

Robyn Afrik (B.S. ’05) holds a Master of Science in 

Management, Strategy and Leadership from Michigan State 

University and is a certified cultural intelligence (CQ) facilitator. 

She’s founder and president of Afrik Advantage, specializing in 

helping businesses and institutions working in diverse spaces. 

She’s married to a native West African, has three biracial 

children and lives in Holland, Mich. 

Read Robyn’s full bio at cornerstone.edu/robyn-afrik. 



2010s 

Matt and Caitlin 

(Whitman) Haller’s 

daughter Phoebe 

Nicole (Erler), Kyle and 

Avery Kantz 

Kory Chesser and family 

Alyssa (Morrow), Josh, 

Madison and Mackenzie 

Thayer 

MATT (B.A ’10, M.S. ’13) and CAITLIN (WHITMAN, B.A. ’12) HALLER 

celebrate the birth of their daughter, Phoebe Elise, born on Dec. 29, 2017. 

NATHAN PIERCE (B.A. ’10, M.B.A ’15) is currently working as an account 

executive for CSI Medical, located in Gallatin, Tenn. 

AMY (VANDER BENT, B.S. ’10) RACHAC and her husband John 

celebrate the birth of their children, Chase David, born on March 9, 2016, 

and Graham Cristopher, born on Dec. 18, 2017. 

L.A. (LYLES, B.A. ’11) and Mark Carr were married on Aug. 17, 2017. 

KORY CHESSER (B.S. ’11) assumed the duties of lead pastor at Faith 

Wesleyan Church in Midland, Mich. He and his wife, Linda, currently live in 

Midland, Mich. 

ANNE (VELTEMA, M.S. ’11) GAERTNER and her husband Eric announce 

the birth of their son, Keegan Neal, born on Nov. 9, 2016. 

NICOLE (ERLER, B.A. ’11) KANTZ and her husband, Kyle, celebrate the 

birth of their daughter, Avery Mae, born on April 25, 2017. 

LORALETT (HERBERT, M.A. ’11) LYONS currently serves as a customer 

contact representative at the Potters House of Dallas. Loralett is a member 

of the Potters House Choir, sings with the gospel group CM3 and is an 

alternative singer with the Dallas House of Blues Gospel Brunch. 

SHARON (STEVENS, B.A. ’11, M.A. ’14) NEWHOUSE and her husband, 

Tucker, celebrate the birth of their son, Reagan J., born on Dec. 18, 2016. 

JOSH (B.S. ’11) and ALYSSA (MORROW, B.S. ’11) THAYER announce 

the birth of their twin daughters, Madison Nicole and Mackenzie Lynn, born 

on May 28, 2017. 

STEPHANIE (ROSE, B.A. ’12) and Zachary Chapman were married on 

Nov. 5, 2016. 

Stephanie (Rose) and 

Zachary Chapman 

KYLE STEIGENGA’S 

SCORING RECORD 

Cornerstone men’s basketball senior Kyle 

Steigenga surpassed Jared Crandell (B.A. ’96) 

to become the all-time leading scorer in the 

history of Cornerstone University. Steigenga also 

shattered the state of Michigan all-time scoring 

record for a career. He finished his career with 

3,023 points. Steigenga garnered numerous 

accolades in his illustrious career, most notably 

becoming the first player in NAIA history to be a 

four-time All-American. 

Pictured: Men’s basketball Head Coach Kim Elders, Kyle 

Steigenga and CU President Joe Stowell. 

Andy Visockis © 2018 


Ron Frelix: 

MBA 

to YMCA 

When Ron Frelix (M.B.A. ’12) graduated from Cornerstone 

University’s Professional & Graduate Studies program with a 

Master of Business Administration in 2012, his plan was to find 

a job that combined his passion for health and wellness with 

his new degree. He did just that when he earned an entry-level 

position with the YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids. Since then, 

he’s worked his way up to become the community wellness lead. 

In this position, Ron uses his business skills for budget planning, 

events and fundraising planning, as well as handling sales and 

marketing responsibilities. On the flip side, he also provides 

community advocacy and works with the executive team and 

corporate communications to keep raising awareness regarding 

living a healthier lifestyle. 

Ron’s desire to merge his two passions does not end with 

his position at YMCA, though. The marriage between his 

knowledge of health along with his experience and his business 

skill set from PGS has opened opportunities to not just work 

but to serve as well. 

Ron’s heart for serving was instilled by his parents and 

grandparents. Growing up, he was taught to serve others in 

the church and his community. As for developing a passion for 

health and wellness, that came from playing sports. Through 

sports, Ron learned the benefits of focusing on health and 

growing to become a more capable person. For Ron, it’s a joy to 

pass what he has learned on to others. 

“I see health and wellness as my ministry where I serve as a 

teacher, coach and oftentimes a friend. My hope is that people 

will pass the good things forward and be seeds for change in 

their own homes and communities, particularly in the way they 

make decisions, see the world and treat others,” Ron says. 

Today, Ron intentionally tries to create positive experiences for 

the people he encounters while working and serving. He wants 

to promote healthy habits, education, inclusiveness, discipline, 

perseverance, self-love, optimism and service with the people 

he has the joy of meeting. He hopes his work influences the 

lives of everyone he encounters. 

ABOUT RON 

Ron Frelix (M.B.A. ’12) currently works as the community wellness 

lead for the YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids. He resides in Grand 

Rapids, Mich., with his wife, Natalie, their two children, and his 

niece and nephew. 


Faith (Hepler), Randell and Zebedee Ganchua 

Jordan (Van Dyke) and Matthew Grooters 

FAITH (HEPLER, B.A. ’12) GANCHUA and her husband, Randell, 

celebrate the birth of their son, Zebedee Aaron, born on April 8, 2017. 

SCOTT MASON (B.S. ’12) received his Master of Organizational 

Leadership (Organizational Development and Consulting) from Regent 

University in 2014. 

CHRISTINA WOOLARD (B.A. ’12) received her Master of Fine Arts in 

Stage Management from Rutgers University in 2017. 

CHUCK GAIDICA (M.A. ’13) currently serves as the executive director of 

Hilltop Church of the Nazarene in Northville, Mich. 

JOSH MCKENNA (B.S. ’13) works as an application sales engineer for 

Align Production Systems in Detroit, Mich. 

ASHLEY (VANDERGELD, B.S. ’14) GIOVANNUCCI currently serves as 

the local program producer for the Maranda Show at WOOD TV8 in Grand 

Rapids, Mich. 

RUSSELL GEHRLEIN (M.A. ’15) published his first book entitled 

“Immanuel Labor—God’s Presence in Our Profession: A Biblical, Theological, 

and Practical Approach to the Doctrine of Work” on Feb. 28, 2018. Russ has 

spent the last ten years working as a Department of the Army civilian at Fort 

Leonard Wood. He and his wife Linda live in Rolla, Mo. 

KORI (KAUFFMAN, B.A. ’15, M.B.A. ’17) THOMPSON received her 

Master in Business Administration in 2017 from Cornerstone University. 

JOHN KOEHLER (B.S. ’16) and Michaela Kella were married on 

June 3, 2016. 

MAX SPOELSTRA (B.S. ’16) currently serves as the student ministries 

pastor at CrossPointe Community Church in Hudsonville, Mich. 

JORDAN (VAN DYKE, B.S. ’17) and Matthew Grooters were married on 

June 2, 2017. 

Russell Gehrlein 

TALKING POINTS 

LAUNCHES 

CONFERENCE SERIES 

ON JUSTICE AND UNITY 

In collaboration with CityFest, One West Michigan and 

the Urban Church Leadership Center, Talking Points’ 

spring conference marked the first of three gatherings 

in its 2018-19 series entitled “Justice + Unity: Toward 

the Healing of a Fractured Church.” Conference foci 

intend to highlight both historic and contemporary 

voices discussing the Black/African-American 

experience, Hispanic/Latino(a) experience and women 

in the church. 

Pictured: Pastor Denise Evans (B.S. ’13, M.A. ’13) 

Joe Lane © 2018 


JUST GETTING 

STARTED 

The CU class of 2021 officially 

began their college journey 

on Sept. 1, 2017. This class of 

321 students has an average 

high school G.P.A. of 3.55 and 

includes 16 international students 

from 14 different countries. They 

will officially join the Alumni 

Association in May 2021. 

Pictured: Traditional undergraduate class of 

2021 with Terra Firma leaders. 

Benjamin DeYoung © 2017 

UNIVERSITY BOARD 

OF TRUSTEES EXTEND 

STOWELL’S TERM AS 

PRESIDENT 

As a result of prayer and a unanimous 

vote, the board of trustees of 

Cornerstone University invited Dr. Joe 

Stowell to extend his service as president 

through May 2020. The continuation of 

Stowell’s presidency enables Cornerstone 

to continue the development of its 

long-term strategic plan, accelerate 

its emergence as a destination for 

strong academics and holistic student 

development, expand its major donor 

base and champion new initiatives. 

Pictured: Dr. Joe Stowell 

Benjamin DeYoung © 2018 

CELEBRATION OF 

SCHOLARSHIP HIGHLIGHTS 

STUDENT-LED RESEARCH 

In lieu of traditional undergraduate classes 

on April 12, Cornerstone hosted its inaugural 

Celebration of Scholarship, a conferencestyle 

event designed to showcase students’ 

academic research. The schedule included 

28 student paper presentations, 36 poster 

sessions and three musical performances. 

Selected via an application process, student 

presenters were required to submit a 

proposal and secure a faculty sponsor for 

their project. 

Pictured: Elizabeth Goff Sterbroock 

Caleb Joyce © 2018 


Year in Review 

2017-18 

SCIENCE BUILDING 

LABORATORY TO 

HONOR PROFESSOR 

RAYMOND GATES 

In April 2018, Cornerstone announced 

the inclusion of the Raymond Gates 

“Gator” Laboratory in the new Jack 

and Mary De Witt Center for Science 

and Technology. Scheduled to open 

with the building’s completion in 

spring 2019, the lab will honor the 

legacy of Professor Gates and his 

commitment to communicating a 

Christian perspective on science. 

To learn more and give a gift, visit 

cornerstone.edu/gator. 

Pictured: Raymond Gates, Associate Professor 

of Biology 

Benjamin DeYoung © 2018 

CORNERSTONE 

ESTABLISHES 

PARTNERSHIP WITH THE 

RON BLUECO INSTITUTE 

On April 17, 2018, Cornerstone 

announced the establishment of a 

new Ron Blue Institute Center at 

Cornerstone University. As home to 

the only Ron Blue Institute Center in 

Michigan, Cornerstone aims to give 

traditional undergraduate, seminary and 

adult learners financial management 

principles through the lens of a Christian 

worldview. Primary funding for the 

institute’s partnership with Cornerstone 

is provided by Eastbrook Homes. 

Pictured: Ron Blue 

Photo courtesy Ron Blue Institute 

CORNERSTONE UNIVERSITY ALUMNI JOURNAL 2018 | 23 

CU THEATRE PRESENTS TWO 

CLASSIC PRODUCTIONS 

CU Theatre partnered with stageGR to 

present the musical “Joseph and the Amazing 

Technicolor Dreamcoat” in November 2017. 

The classic comedy “You Can’t Take It With 

You” was performed in March 2018. Current 

students were joined both on and off stage by 

community members, including CU alums Ella 

(Cooper) Morgan (B.Mus. ’04), Daniel Morgan 

(B.A. ’06), Bethany (Heddens) Schutter 

(B.Mus. ’03), Buddy Haskill (B.A. ’05), Ian 

Grell (B.A. ’13), Khari Neal (B.Mus. ’17), Bram 

Groat (B.A. ’14), Audrey Moore (B.A. ’14), 

Mark Stoll (B.A. ’12), Rachel (Steeves) Turner 

(B.A. ’10), Kristen (Benson) Roberts (B.A. ’95) 

and Holly Newcomer (B.A. ’08) 

Pictured: Anna Swanson (B.A. ’18) and Ian Grell. 

Benjamin DeYoung © 2018

Class of 2018 

* Cornerstone University Graduates | ** PGS Graduates | ^ GRTS Graduates | § ABTS Graduates 

Marteshia Adams* 

Andrew Adkins** 

DeMarco Adkins** 

Jeremy Ahtila** 

Elizabeth Albaugh* 

Cori Albert** 

Melissa Albury** 

David Alcook^ 

Melissa Alexander** 

Kerri Alley* 

Elijah Anderson* 

Joseph Apolo** 

Brittany Applegate** 

Carol Armstrong** 

Ron Ashley^ 

Melanie Badyna^ 

Heather Bagge** 

David Bahinga* 

Lucien Bahinga* 

Racheal Bahr** 

Gabriel Bain** 

Katherine Bajema* 

Caryn Baker* 

Lisa Baldwin** 

Shayne Balfour* 

Mary Beth Banning § 

Stacey Barnett* 

Victor Barrera-Miranda** 

Nadine Battles^ 

Kimmberly Baxter** 

Manuel Bayer* 

Mary Beach** 

Erik Bean* 

Charity Bean** 

Brandon Beck** 

Trevor Beilby** 

Jacqueline Bell* 

Jacob Benson* 

Jeremiah Berger** 

Daniel Bergquist* 

James Bivins** 

Allison Blair* 

Joseph Blauwkamp* 

Denise Boldt^ 

Daniel Bolkema** 

Molly Bontrager* 

Nickalas Bontrager* 

Matthew Boon** 

Thomas Bowes* 

Fred Boyer** 

Michael Bradshaw* 

Emi Brand^ 

Aubree Brewster** 

Heidi Brower** 

Julie Brown* 

Melissa Brown** 

Jared Brusca* 

Mary Buchanan** 

Peter Lee Buck Khoon § 

Amanda Buffum* 

Stacey Burdette^ 

Renee Burget** 

Kerry Burkhart** 

Chandra Burris** 

Sheila Burse** 

Micah Butler* 

Amanda Butler** 

Chris Bynum** 

Walter Caballero* 

Eunice Cabrera** 

Amanda Cadle** 

Rebecca Cahall** 

Kelly Caldwell* 

Fernanda Calzada Muñoz* 

Kendahl Cambridge^ 

Jessica Campbell** 

Ingrid Campos* 

Joseph Cardoza* 

Renee Carigon** 

Gabriele Carlson* 

Heather Carlson* 

Stephanie Carrier** 

Elbin Castillo^ 

Tammy Caston** 

Kegan Centala** 

Christina Chambers** 

Melanie Champnoise** 

Sarena Chandler* 

Ilena Cheatom** 

Thelma Cheeks** 

Theodore Chmurynski III* 

Ashley Clapp** 

Beotis Clark** 

William Clarke* 

Alexandra Clausing* 

John Clawson** 

WELCOME TO 

THE ALUMNI 

ASSOCIATION! 

On May 4-5, 683 men and women 

graduated from Cornerstone University, 

Cornerstone University Professional 

& Graduate Studies, Grand Rapids 

Theological Seminary and Asia Biblical 

Theological Seminary. Congratulations 

to all of our 2018 graduates! 

Photo credit: Benjamin DeYoung © 2018 


Tracy Clawson** 

Kathryn Clifton** 

Matthew Cobb** 

Caleb Colp* 

Matthew Constant** 

Abigail Cool** 

Aaron Cope** 

Christopher Cornell^ 

Nicole Coughlin* 

Zachary Cousino** 

Margaret Cragel* 

Shanna Craig* 

Leslie Crawley** 

Audrey Creasey** 

Curtis Crenshaw-Calvert** 

John Crossley** 

Maylen Cruz** 

Paetyn Cummings* 

Erin Cunningham** 

Amanda Currier** 

Alexander Dang* 

Adam Daniels* 

Samantha Dann** 

Heather Darby* 

Christine Davenport** 

Michael Davis-Arnold* 

Penny Deming** 

Nicholas Dennison** 

Whitney Denton* 

Richard DeOliveira* 

Kristin Deritis** 

Kasaundra DeRoo* 

Dana Derosier* 

Laureen Devens** 

Ashley DeVries** 

Scott DeVries** 

Dary DeWalt* 

Savanna DeWolf* 

Caleb Dierolf* 

Philip DiMusto § 

Delaini Disher* 

Jenelle Dixon** 

Demetrio Dockery^ 

Lynnae Doll* 

Kevin Doornbos* 

Kyle Doornbos* 

Brandon Douglas* 

Jason Douglas^ 

Maggie Dryer* 

Allison DuBois* 

Jared Dunahee** 

Trenton Dunn* 

Jennifer Dyer** 

Michael Eisenberg** 

Benjamin Elliott* 

Suzette Elliott** 

Brenda Elliott^ 

Magdalene Elwell* 

Lynn Emery** 

Clyde Emmanuel** 

Holly Engelberg** 

Larissa Espinosa* 

Anita Faber** 

Louis Falland** 

Zachry Feldpausch* 

Alexandria Fennema* 

Kallista Fernanders** 

Bonnie Fernandez* 

Alex Fernandez** 

Alex Fernandez^ 

Jamie Ferrell** 

David Fielder** 

Cindy Figueroa** 

Anne Fila* 

Shylia Fletcher* 

Patricia Florida* 

Trevor Florida* 

Murrell Francis § 

Alexiana Fry^ 

Justin Gabert* 

Rachel Gajjar** 

Julie Gallivan^ 

Saul Gamboa** 

Alexa Garcia** 

Damaris Garcia^ 

Tonya Gardner** 

Tonyai Garrison** 

Alyssa Geerts** 

Kelsey Gensler* 

Gregory Gentry^ 

Kadin Gerig* 

Benjamin Gerth^ 

Michelle Getchell** 

Ian Gibson* 

Catherine Gilman* 

Zachary Gilna** 

Elaine Gipson Herron** 

Camilo Glas* 

Joseph Golden* 

Melquiades Gomez^ 

Jose Gonzalez** 

Shalini Gordon § 

Phillip Gorton** 

Tammy Gould** 

Camrin Grawburg* 

Nicholas Greear^ 

Evan Green** 

Amanda Greene* 

Sara Grissom** 

Mirna Guevara** 

Shiloh Guevara** 

Nicole Guilford** 

Angie Gutierrez** 

Morgan Haddad* 

Rachel Hafler** 

Anne Hagedorn** 

Grace Hamilton* 

Charity Hamme* 

Caleb Hannah* 

Ashley Hansma** 

Amber Hardesty* 

Aubrielle Hardman* 

Moleigh Hardy** 

Kimyatta Harper** 

Montae Harris* 

Mary Hart** 

Daniesha Harts** 

Adam Harvey* 

Carter Hastings* 

Brandon Hatch^ 

Joshua Haywood** 

Shane Heddy* 

Austin Hendrick* 

Bradley Hendrick* 

Lauretta Henry** 

Kirstin Herbruck* 

Betsy Herdsman** 

Michael Herrema** 

Kyle Herrick* 

David Hess* 

Nicholas Hill* 

Bobbi Ann Hill^ 

Carl Hilton** 

Alexandra Hobson* 

Debra Hobson** 

David Hoekstra** 

Sara Hoekstra^ 

Elizabeth Holden** 

Mark Holloway^ 

Nicholas Hopkins* 

William Hopper** 

Hannah Howe* 

Carolyn Hubel* 

Nicole Huizenga* 

Patrick Hunt** 

Stacy Hyska** 

Grace Ige* 

Janvier Irafasha* 

Khandaker Islam** 

Rachel Jacko** 

Mary Jackson^ 

Kenneth Jacobs** 

Cassandra Jager* 

Jibria James** 

Christopher Jamieson** 

Victoria Johns* 

Sheila Johnson-Hardin** 

Michael Johnson* 

Eric Johnson** 

Jennifer Johnson** 

Jessica Johnson** 

Amy Jones* 

Dexter Jones** 

Samuel Jones^ 

Carla Jordan** 

Karla Juarez-Gonzalez** 

Dawn Kaltenberg-VanHorn** 

Faith Karsies* 

Cassandra Kawka-Vlahos** 

Mark Kearis** 

Gwendolyn Kellogg** 

Rachael Kelly* 

Nathan Kelp^ 

Brandon Kennedy* 

Dana Kennedy* 

Kathleen Kenyon** 

Kaytlynne Kerwin* 

Aaron Keyser** 

Elizabeth Kheder* 

Kaley Kiewiet** 

Caleb Kigar* 

Nicole Kill** 

Terrence King^ 

Andrew Kischner^ 

Sean Kittle* 

Joshua Kliewer* 

Taylor Kline^ 

Danisue Klomparens* 

Rebecca Klompstra** 

David Klooster** 

Mark Knight** 

Kylee Knox* 

Shania Koehler* 

Rachel Kono* 

Daniel Koons* 

Karah Kornoelje* 

Noah Kosak* 

Laura Kotschi* 

Summer Koubaitary** 

Amy Kramer** 

Linda LaFountain** 

Chelsea Lake** 

Kerry Lama** 

Matthew Larsen* 

Janine Lau** 

Anna Lavery* 

Melissa Leach** 

Katrina Lee* 

Jason Lee** 

Justin Lehman** 

Noah Lehmann* 

Kristin Lenoir* 

Brooke Leonard* 

Hope Leppink* 

Sylvia Leverett** 

Alyssa Leys** 

Kimberly Lijewski** 

Audrey Linebaugh** 

Stephany Long** 

Michelle Lorenz** 

Drew Losee* 

Denise Louck** 


Danielle Loughin** 

Lina Rebekah Low § 

Collin Ludy* 

Joy Lyle^ 

Jennifer Lynch** 

Maria Ma* 

Joshua Maas* 

Chantell Maasdorp* 

Rachel MacKay* 

Alicia Macklin** 

David Mangin* 

Travis Mangione* 

Kara Marcusse** 

Eloise Mariner** 

Lance Martin* 

Miracales Martin* 

Leonardo Martinez** 

Alex Marzolino** 

Ellery Mast* 

Lisa Mathias** 

Jessica Matthews^ 

Jeanna May^ 

Brandan McBride** 

Polly McCaul^ 

Katelyn McDaid* 

Tasha McGruder** 

Meghan McGuire** 

Michelle McKenney* 

Nicole McKeown* 

Tonia McLeod** 

Sarah McNees^ 

Barbara McPhall** 

Chase Mead** 

Sophie Meadowcroft* 

Jessica Mehl* 

Robert Melugin^ 

Sharon Joo Meng Tan § 

Rachel Mennenga* 

Dereck Merlos** 

Katelyn Mesbergen* 

Zack Meyer* 

Gabriel Meyer** 

Antoinette Miller-Hobson^ 

Jack Miller** 

Nicole Miller** 

Sarah Miller** 

Jonathan Mingerink** 

Tyler Mink^ 

TJ Mitchell* 

Linnea Mobley** 

Timothy Modert** 

Faith Moerdyk* 

Myralyn Mohney** 

Alexander Moneta** 

Shantheis Moody** 

Andrew Moore^ 

Tanaya Morgan-Douglas** 

Josh Morren* 

Brian Morris** 

Shannon Morse* 

Megan Moss** 

Jeffery Mudget** 

Karen Mulki** 

Jill Mullaney** 

Moriah Mullins* 

April Murawa** 

Molly Murphy* 

Miles Murray* 

Carolyn Murray** 

James Murray^ 

Shaniqua Murrell** 

Mark Nakayama** 

Salena Napier** 

Levon Nauta** 

Thomas Neering** 

Danielle Nelson* 

Amanda Nelson** 

Aundrea Newman* 

Brenda Nguyen* 

Patricia Nichol** 

Travis Nichol** 

Diane Nienhuis** 

Claire Niergarth* 

Kevin Nimmo* 

Josiah Nixon* 

Alisha Noble** 

Elizabeth Norgaard* 

Alissa Noriega** 

Elizabeth Norris* 

Andrew Noto** 

Ashley Nowland* 

Josiah O’Brien** 

Gretchen O’Dell** 

Jennifer Oosterhouse** 

Matt Ordiway** 

Naxhiely Orozco* 

Elizabeth Otten* 

Chelsea Otten** 

Samuel Ottosen* 

Mallory Ouillette** 

Emily Painter* 

Joshua Panaggio* 

Andrew Panaggio^ 

Matthew Parrish** 

Lindsay Pate** 

Avinash Patil** 

Jessica Patterson** 

Christine Paulen** 

Kimberley Peake* 

Heather Pendock** 

Jessica Perry^ 

Karis Petrak* 

Denise Phill** 

Lauren Piccard** 

Julie Pike** 

Valerie Pike** 

Tim Pike^ 

Carmen Pirtle** 

Kent Pitsenberger* 

Henrietta Place* 

Alexander Pominville* 

Ryan Possehn** 

Daniel Potocki* 

Jason Powers^ 

Shane Pringle** 

Benjamin Puckett^ 

Stuart Quackenbush^ 

Gabriel Quakkelaar* 

Megan Quick* 

Christina Quimby** 

Karrie Quintino^ 

Allyson Rabe* 

Jason Rabie* 

Jessica Radmacher* 

Christopher Rapes** 

Sherri Rasmussen** 

Eric Readman* 

Tehla Reece** 

Kara Reed* 

Ashlie Reed** 

Chanel Reed** 

Judy Reed** 

Tiffany Rees** 

Keith Reid** 

Joy Reist* 

Madison Render* 

Sarah Rexford* 

Ryan Reynolds* 

Tara Richter** 

Jordyn Rietveld* 

Charlotte Rinderknecht** 

William Rinderknecht** 

Seth Ritsema* 

Cullen Rittersdorf* 

Cassidy Robertson* 

Corene Rodriguez** 

Ruben Rodriguez** 

Douglas Roede^ 

Michaele Rogers** 

Neil Rogers** 

Anthony Rondy* 

Carrie Roper** 

John Rose** 

Lydia Rosses** 

Rachel Rounds* 

Amber Rowley-Hiler* 

Kelly Royster** 

Vitaliy Rozhanskyy** 

Kerie Rudd** 

Anthony Ruetz* 

Kaisa Ruiz** 

Marx Ruiz** 

Taryn Sack* 

Paul Sanford* 

Robert Sarker* 

Kendrick Satterfield* 

Eric Sattler** 

Courtney Saucier** 

Kelsi Sawdy** 

Brenda Schaberg** 

Christa Schout** 

Benjamin Schulke^ 

Linda Schuring** 

Stephen Schwartz** 

Stella Scott** 

Devon Scott^ 

Emily Sedlock* 

Philip Severn^ 

Benjamin Seward* 

Sherilyn Shaffer^ 

Matthew Sharpe^ 

Stephanie Shea** 

Victoria Sheckler* 

Matthew Shepard* 

Jesse Sheridan* 

Soeyeon Shin** 

Rebecca Shore** 

Carson Silverstein** 

Delicia Simmons* 

Joshua Skinner* 

Rachel Sladek** 

Isabelle Smit* 

Caleb Smith* 

Rachel Smith* 

Tyler Smith* 

Denise Smith** 

Katie Smith** 

Tyler Smith** 

Nathan Smith^ 

Sarah Smitter** 

Erinn Snoeyink** 

Sara Sogoba** 

Erick Solomon^ 

Alexander Soultz^ 

Madalyn Southards* 

Kelsey Spagnuolo** 

Daniel Spangler* 

Kelli Spedden* 

Jeffrey Sporte** 

Cynthia Spotts** 

Leniya Stafford** 

Clarence Stamps II^ 

Tashara Stanley** 

Jillian Steenwyk* 

Tyler Steffen* 

Jonathan Stewart* 

Tim Stoner^ 

Deborah Stowie** 

Dakota Straub* 

Chase Sumner* 

Corey Svrcina* 

Anna Swanson* 


Kara Tacoma** 

Kaci Tallman* 

Michol Tanner** 

Hannah Taplin* 

Hannah Taylor* 

Alyisha Taylor** 

Scott Thelen** 

Alexander Thies* 

Everage Thomas, III^ 

Kori Thompson** 

Chris Thompson^ 

Zachary Thornburg* 

Aleka Thrash* 

Brenna Threatt* 

Stephanie Tobaison** 

Allison Todd* 

Michael Toonstra** 

Stephen Tremaine* 

Hannah Truax* 

Joshua Twiest^ 

Josue Uquillas* 

Gershom Uredi* 

Allison Van Kampen* 

Alyssa Van Ham* 

Benjamin Van Til* 

Ellie Van Laar* 

Leta Van Klompenberg^ 

Michaela Van Koevering* 

Seth Van Ast* 

Zachary Van Loo* 

Robert Vander Ploeg* 

Schroeder Vanderhoof* 

Kirsten VanDerMeulen** 

Benjamin VanDyke* 

Hannah VanKampen* 

Zachary VanPutten** 

Daniel VanSledright* 

Kaylee Veeneman (Bott)** 

Bryan Veenstra** 

Ann Veltkamp** 

Grant Verhagen* 

Glenice Verhoeff § 

Francisco Vides** 

Jacqueline Villegas** 

Nathan Visser^ 

Brady Volmering* 

Kevin Vroegh* 

Josephene Vultaggio* 

Lynn Wade** 

Zachary Wagner* 

Hope Wahl** 

Mary Waire^ 

Steven Wakefield^ 

Jennifer Walden** 

Michael Walkup* 

Idella Walton** 

Nicholas Wang* 

Ashley Warner** 

Deborah Watters** 

AJ Weber* 

Tiffany Wells-Alexander** 

Hanna Werner* 

Chad Westmaas^ 

Christina Whalen** 

Sandra White** 

Alexandra Whitley* 

Chrystal Whitlock** 

Michelle Whitmarsh** 

Mary Wichman^ 

Audrey Wierenga* 

John Wiersema* 

Shelbie Williams* 

Breona Wilson* 

David Wilson** 

Dantinequa Windmon** 

Andrew Winter^ 

John Wisener** 

Julie Witcher^ 

Gayle Witkowski** 

Gabriela Wittenbach* 

Brienna Wolffis* 

Katrina Wood** 

Rachel Wood** 

Jessica Woodson** 

Jessica Wright* 

Corinne Wychers* 

Sarah Wyse* 

Alec Wysocki* 

Collin Young* 

Latum Zaung Khao § 

Grace Elizabeth Zeigler* 

Charles Ziny** 

Photo credit: Benjamin DeYoung © 2018 


HOMECOMING 

& FAMILY WEEKEND 

Save the Date: 

Sept. 21—Sept. 22 

We’ve resurrected Homecoming in 

partnership with Family Weekend. 

Come celebrate Cornerstone University 

and Grand Rapids Theological Seminary’s 

past, present and future. 

For a schedule of events, 

visit cornerstone.edu/alumni.

Cornerstone University Alumni Journal 2018

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