Cornerstone University Alumni Journal 2020

CORNERSTONE 

UNIVERSITY 

ALUMNI 

JOURNAL

IN THIS ISSUE 

3 — From the Alumni 

Relations Office 

4 — 2020 Alumna of the Year Honorees 

5 — Serving One Another: 

Cornerstone’s Response 

to COVID-19 

ON THE COVER: Keoni Hughes 

(M.Div. ’17), Pastor at Grace 

Community Church 

6 — Alumni Stories: 1940s-60s 

7 — Feature: Dr. Albert Meredith 

(B.R.E. ’68) 

Great Tragedy and 

Compassionate Faith 

8 — Alumni Stories: 1970-80s 

9 — Feature: Jim Sprague (B.S. ’84) 

Cultivating Better Lives and Brighter 

Ways Forward 



15 — Feature: John F. Hendershot 

(M.S. ’09, M.B.A. ’15) 

Providing Unconventional Hope 

Through Socks 

16 — Feature: Tasha Blackmon 

(M.B.A. ’09) 

The Tenacity to Make a Difference 

19 — Feature: Anne Parpas (M.A. ’13) 

Counseling Informed by Experience 

20 — Feature: Brittany Jacobson 

(B.S. ’16) 

Wholeheartedly Serving the Least of 

These 

24 — Then and Now: 1944-2020 

25 — Class of 2020 

Meet the newest members 

of the Alumni Association. 

2020 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.B.A. ’12) 

Director of Alumni Relations 

JORDAN GROOTERS (B.S. ’17; 

M.B.A. ’19) 

Communications Manager 

AUDREY WIERENGA (B.A. ’18) 

Copywriter 

BOB SACK 

Vice President for University 

Advancement 

PHOTOGRAPHY: 

Stephen Norregaard 

Benjamin DeYoung (B.A. ’19) 

Ryan Prins Photography 

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: 

Simone Dekryger (B.A. ’22) 

Elizabeth Boock (B.A. ’21) 

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 

cornerstone.edu/alumni 

alumni@cornerstone.edu 

616.222.1439 

Cornerstone University 

Office of Alumni Relations 

1001 E Beltline Ave NE 

Grand Rapids, MI 49525 

© 2020 Cornerstone University. 

All rights reserved. 

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT 

What is love? Across the centuries, this question has been asked by hundreds of 

philosophers, poets and musicians. Love is something that is constantly talked, 

written and sung about. But has anyone really ever answered the question? For 

some, love seems to be a feeling; for others, an attitude. It’s something to chase 

after or something that gives you meaning. 

As Christ-followers, we have a unique perspective on what love is. 1 John 3:16 tells 

us, “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.” 

True love is sacrificial. We must be willing to give up our all to those who need it. We can show the true love of God by having a servant’s heart. 

What does that look like in the 21st century, when we’re told to stay true to ourselves or to be the master of our own destinies? I look at our 

compassionate alumni who serve the needs of their communities through generous, skillful and faithful work to see examples of sacrificial love. 

Our alumni are dedicated to whole-person care just as Jesus was. Jesus was in the business of changing not only hearts but minds and spirits. 

He was in the business of taking care of people’s physical needs as well as their spiritual ones. By setting this example, He is demonstrating for 

us to do the same, that which is at the core of our beliefs: Love God, and love people. 

In this journal, you’ll find stories of alumni who are not after personal gain or acclaim but who have taken Jesus’ charge for them seriously. 

You’ll find stories of creative people who defied the odds to bring holistic care to the less fortunate, stories of compassion toward men and 

women who have made life-altering decisions, stories of leaving a promising corporate career to raise awareness for diseases and disorders. 

These alumni have devoted their full selves to the calling of loving God and loving people by being the tangible hands and feet of Christ. 

If you asked these alumni what love is, they would probably quote the verse from 1 John: Love is sacrifice. There is no greater love than that of 

Jesus Christ. 

Joe Stowell, President 

Photo credit: Ryan Prins Photography © 2019

From the Alumni 

Relations Office 

REMAINING RESILIENT 

This academic year certainly hasn’t been a typical one 

for students at Cornerstone University. We had great 

success this past fall with Homecoming & Family 

Weekend, a time when we invited our alumni back to 

campus for athletic events, theatrical performances and 

reunions. We celebrated the birth of Christ at CU with 

our annual Christmas concert and other events. 

The normalcy ended there. Within the course of a 

few short weeks, the trajectory of the spring semester 

changed with the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

It caused a lot of uncertainty and, at times, fear on 

campus and in the community. Academic courses 

transitioned to 100% online and most residential 

traditional undergraduate students had to leave the 

dorms—some of them for the last time. 

In the midst of uncertainty and difficult decisions, 

CU stood strong. Our students were able to finish 

the semester with success and grace, and our tireless 

faculty worked to support students in new ways through 

the online format. We saw hundreds of success stories 

across the community and throughout the country of 

our alumni providing hope to those who felt hopeless. 

You stepped up in amazing ways, and we can’t thank you 

enough for that! 

Our virtual Commencement celebrated this year’s 

courageous class. While it was disappointing to not be 

together physically, I was overjoyed to celebrate the 

accomplishments of these grads. You can watch the 

presentations online at cornerstone.edu/class-of-2020. 

Despite the odds, we’re still looking ahead to next year. 

We’re excited to see our students on campus again, as 

well as find new ways to connect with our alumni across 

the country. The CU Alumni Association continues to 

grow and thrive with each passing year—so much so that 

we anticipate setting up new alumni chapters in Ohio, 

Texas, Florida and California in 2020 and 2021. 

Now, we’re looking ahead to next year. This year might 

have looked different than years past, but Cornerstone 

has remained resilient in these trying times. We credit 

all our success and strength to the One who guides our 

future and shelters us through the storm. We’ve learned 

that we are at our strongest when we work together and 

rely on our truest source of strength, our Lord and Savior 

Jesus Christ. 

Dennis Graham (B.A. ’05, M.B.A. ’12) 

Director of Alumni Relations 

CORNERSTONE UNIVERSITY ALUMNI JOURNAL 2020 | 3

2020 Alumna of 

the Year Honorees 

TRADITIONAL UNDERGRADUATE: 

DR. STEFANIE WISE (B.S. ’06) 

Stefanie Wise is an emergency physician and the EMS medical director at Detroit 

Receiving Hospital in Detroit, Mich. In her position as EMS medical director, 

Stephanie oversees the local EMS systems, leads the Emergency Management 

Committee and trains emergency medicine residents. After completing her Bachelor 

of Science from Cornerstone, Stefanie completed medical school at Wayne State 

University. Her emergency medicine residency training was conducted at Detroit 

Receiving Hospital where she was then appointed the EMS medical director. Apart 

from her work, Stefanie assists in providing medical care at various community events 

in the greater Detroit area. She lives in Detroit with her two dogs and two cats. 

PROFESSIONAL & GRADUATE STUDIES: 

SHANA LEWIS (B.S. ’12) 

Shana Lewis currently serves as executive director of talent acquisition and workforce 

programs for Trinity Health. She has implemented several innovative recruitment and 

talent strategies, including the Mercy Health Career Development Center, the first 

of its kind for Trinity Health. Shana has frequently been invited to speak at national 

conferences, including invitations by the Obama and the Trump administrations 

to participate in Employer Healthcare Workforce Roundtable discussions. She is 

an active member of Business Leaders United. Most recently, she was elected as a 

trustee for Michigan’s Workforce Board and was also named as one of the 50 Most 

Influential Women in West Michigan. 

GRAND RAPIDS THEOLOGICAL 

SEMINARY: 

ANNE PARPAS (M.A. ’13) 

Anne Parpas is the owner and part of the team of therapists at Integrative Health 

Consultants of West Michigan. As the owner of Integrative Health Consultants, 

Anne is responsible for the day-to-day business operations as well as overseeing 

administrative responsibilities for 23 clinicians. Anne experienced a reassembling of 

her faith that resulted in a new and refreshed understanding of the Bible. This focus 

has played a crucial role as to how she leads her practice and the encouragement she 

passes on to clinicians. She lives in Grand Rapids with her husband and two children. 

4 | CORNERSTONE UNIVERSITY ALUMNI JOURNAL 2020

Serving One 

Another: 

Cornerstone’s 

Response to 

COVID-19 

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted every member and 

area of operations at Cornerstone University. On-ground 

classes were transitioned to fully online, and except for a 

limited number of essential workers, the campus was eerily 

quiet. Although the educational, operational, personal and 

financial challenges have been significant for students, staff 

and faculty, I also heard many great stories of people stepping 

up above and beyond to care for and bless one another. 

Cornerstone is so much more than an educational organization. 

At its very heart and core, it is a compassionate community. 

In the New Testament, we see over 100 “one another” 

statements. During this season, I have personally seen the 

following one another commands beautifully lived out: Honor 

one another. Build up one another. Care for one another. 

Serve one another. Be patient with one another. Teach one 

another. Comfort one another. Pray for one another. 

Dedicated to providing a safe learning community, the 

CU Coronavirus Task Force continues to meet; follow 

the recommendations of the CDC, Kent Country Health 

Department and State of Michigan Health Department; 

and determine how to thoughtfully and carefully allow the 

university to fulfill our mission to offer a student-focused 

learning community where Jesus Christ is central. 

Thank you for your prayers and words of support and 

encouragement. We also give thanks for the perseverance of 

our CU alumni who are serving on the front lines as essential 

workers or health care providers. We’re proud of your 

commitment to be salt and light in the world for Christ. 

Please continue to keep our community in your prayers as you 

will be in ours. 

Sincerely, 

Peter Osborn, Ph.D. 

Executive Vice President, Chief Operations Officer 

ON THE COVER: 

KEONI HUGHES 

Keoni Hughes (M.Div. ’17) has faithfully served as lead teaching 

pastor at Grace Community Church since May 2019. During 

COVID-19 and the trials that West Michigan faced because of it, 

Hughes and his congregation collaborated with other area churches 

in the Be the Church movement, a community-wide effort to be 

the hands and feet of Christ during a trying time. Hughes’ church 

hosted weekly food banks for area families. Every day at noon, 

Hughes and other West Michigan pastors gave updates as to what 

their churches were doing to make a difference in the community 

in the midst of strife. 

Hughes lives in Grand Rapids with his wife and their four children. 

Photo by: Stephen Norregaard © 2019 


Alumni Stories 

1940-60s 

THOMAS DOLPH (CU ’60) passed away on Feb. 14, 2018. Dolph 

served as the director of alumni and church relations at Grand Rapids 

Baptist College. Dolph and his wife, Jean, served as house parents in 

Quincer Hall. He is survived by his wife, Jean; his daughters, Cathy 

Harrison and Sandy Winell; and his six great-grandchildren. 

ALBERT MEREDITH (B.R.E. ’68) published a book entitled “Surviving 

Catastrophe: Lessons Learned from the Wedgwood Shooting.” 

CU INTRODUCES WELCH HERITAGE INSTITUTE 

FOR LIFELONG LEARNING 

Launched in summer 2019, the Welch Heritage Institute for Lifelong Learning (WHILL) is dedicated to growing community 

among donors, local residents and the university. Coordinated by Mark Tremaine, advancement advisor, and Dr. Martin Spence, 

associate professor of history, WHILL offers homework-free courses to alumni, donors and others. Classes are offered January 

to November, and each session is taught by one of CU’s inspiring professors from the traditional undergraduate program. For a 

list of upcoming courses and to register, visit cornerstone.edu/whill-classes-2020. 


Al Meredith: 

Great Tragedy and 

Compassionate Faith 

It was the early morning hours of Sept. 15, 1999, when Dr. Al 

Meredith (B.R.E. ’68) returned to Wedgwood Baptist Church 

in Fort Worth, Texas. Hours before, a gunman had entered 

Meredith’s church during a prayer meeting and opened fire. He 

killed seven people and wounded seven more before turning the 

gun on himself. 

After an emotionally taxing night, Meredith stood on a street 

corner by his church and gave a press conference in the wake of 

the tragedy. The very first question posed to him was one that 

often surfaces when a catastrophe occurs: “Where was God in 

all of this?” 

“God is exactly where He has 

always been—on His throne,” 

Meredith responded to the 

reporter. “He is the sovereign Lord 

of the universe, and He is not 

up for reelection. He was not on 

vacation. He is in control, and He 

cares deeply for each one of us.” 

On Sept. 14, 2019, Meredith published “Surviving Catastrophe: 

Lessons Learned from the Wedgwood Shooting.” The book 

covers everything from forgiveness to Christian counseling 

to survivor’s guilt. Meredith wrote the book as a guide 

for pastors, church leaders and Christians to survive their 

own “catastrophes.” 

“Your tragedy might not be a shooting in a church,” Meredith 

said. “It could be a marriage falling apart, a death in the family. 

The emotions are universal: the shock, deep grief and anger.” 

In his book, Meredith talks about the importance of Christian 

counseling. Some pastors write off the idea of faith-based 

counseling and medication, but Meredith sees it as a necessity, 

especially for pastors ministering to those in crisis. 

“The whole man needs healing,” Meredith said. “I tell the 

seminary students that I mentor, ‘Don’t let your body write 

checks that your soul can’t cash in later.’” 

Meredith is now retired from Wedgwood, a congregation that 

grew by 50% in the years following the shooting in 1999, and is 

still approached by the media when a tragedy occurs. 

“If God wanted to do things differently, He would,” Meredith 

said, “but I need to resign my position as general manager of 

the universe and let God be God. I will understand someday, in 

this life or the next, why some of my prayers weren’t answered. 

That’s what faith is. And nothing makes the devil more upset 

and God more pleased.” 

ABOUT AL 

Al Meredith (B.R.E. ’68) was pastor at Wedgwood Baptist Church 

for almost 27 years and retired in 2015. He is regarded as one of 

the experts on congregations navigating tragedy with grace and 

purpose. A native of Michigan, he now lives in Fort Worth, Texas, 

with his wife, Kay. 


1970-80s 

KEITH CLARK (B.R.E. ’70) passed away on July 13, 2019. He is survived by his 

wife, ROSALIE (MOORE, CU ’73) CLARK. 

LEE LANCASTER (CU ’71) serves as an agent of insurance and financial 

planning at State Farm Insurance Company. 

LINDA (LOGAN, B.R.E. ’72) TROXEL retired from her position as a social 

worker at North Carolina’s Work First Employment Services. 

MARILYN SCRAVER (CU ’72) retired on Jan. 1, 2020, after serving at the 

Association of Baptists for World Evangelism. 

EDWARD WOODARD (B.A. ’77) received his doctorate in biblical studies 

in 2018. 

Jerry Jennex (B.A. ’77) 

After having a career as a superintendent of the Globe Unified School District 

in Arizona, JERRY JENNEX (B.A. ’77) was named the Arizona School 

Administrators Mid-Size Superintendent of the Year for the 2017-18 school 

year. Jennex is now pursuing a graduate degree through the American College 

of Education. 

CORNERSTONE 

STUDENTS AND STAFF 

ATTEND MICHIGAN 

TUITION GRANT RALLY 

In October 2019, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer vetoed funds 

allocated to the Michigan Tuition Grant which provides 

aid to private college students statewide and to roughly 

half of the CU students receiving tuition assistance. On 

behalf of the CU community, three students and one staff 

member attended the Michigan Tuition Grant rally along 

with 26 other schools. While in Lansing, Mich., they had the 

opportunity to meet with various legislators. Soon after the 

rally, the Michigan Tuition Grant was reinstated thanks to the 

efforts of many. 


Jim Sprague: 

Cultivating 

Better Lives 

and Brighter 

Ways Forward 

Jim Sprague (B.A. ’84) and his wife, Jody, are the parents 

of three “gifts”: Jacob, Madison and Kevin. All three of their 

children are adopted from birth mothers who had the choice to 

abort their children. 

Organizations like Pregnancy Resource Center, the largest 

center of its kind in Michigan and one of the largest in the 

country, provide a better way forward for women who find 

themselves with a crisis pregnancy. During his 20 years as CEO 

of Pregnancy Resource Center (PRC), Sprague has cultivated 

judgment-free, life-giving resources for those who have had 

abortions, are struggling with sexual health or are pregnant and 

do not have the financial means to provide for a child. 

Sprague describes PRC as having three “buckets” of care: 

proactive education, responsive medical care and compassionate 

support services. PRC staff are involved in preventative care by 

educating churches and schools about optimal health in sexual 

relationships, and Sprague and his team—including dedicated 

board members such as Joe and Martie Stowell—are committed 

to giving women the health care and counseling assistance they 

need to make a choice. 

“It’s irresponsible to simply say, ‘You should choose life,’” 

Sprague said, which is why PRC also offers passionate support 

services for women who may not be able to afford raising a 

child. PRC has a 5,000-square-foot space in Wyoming, Mich., 

that is dedicated to clothes and food for families to access. 

“We want to come alongside these moms,” Sprague said. “We 

want to communicate to them that God is not mad at them. 

Recently, a woman came to Christ over the phone, which I’ve 

never witnessed before.” 

One of the most alarming statistics Sprague has learned is the 

number of abortions that occur in churched families. According 

to a study by LifeWay Research, 40% of abortions are from 

Protestant or Evangelical women who have attended church at 

least two Sundays in the past month. 

“That’s my church,” Sprague said simply. “Those are our kids.” 

PRC does not exist only to support the unchurched who feel 

they have no other option but also women in the church who 

feel they might be judged by an unplanned pregnancy. Sprague 

says that in the past five years this has become the main pillar 

for what PRC stands for—to serve the bride of Christ. 

“We want our community to have a life-giving response to crisis 

pregnancy,” Sprague said. 

“We are here for the church and 

community. We want this to be 

seen as a spiritual issue. Every 

life has been made in the image 

of God.” 

ABOUT JIM 

Jim Sprague (B.A. ’84) has been CEO of Pregnancy Resource 

Center since 2001. He and his wife, Jody, live in West Michigan 

with their three children. 


Jim Ellis (B.A. ’81, M.Div. ’84) 

PAULA (EARLY, B.A. ’81) DANNENBERG and her husband, JOHN 

DANNENBERG (M.DIV. ’85), celebrated 30 years of serving at Baptist 

Mid-Missions in the Central African Republic and five years at Moncton, New 

Brunswick, Canada. 

LEAH (TEISAN, B.A. ’82) WENDT and her husband, Roy, celebrated their 

35th wedding anniversary. Wendt also recently published a book titled “What Is 

in Your Hand?: A Journey Toward Shalom.” 

JIM ELLIS (B.A. ’81, M.DIV. ’84) recently started working at Operation Heal 

Our Patriots, a ministry of Samaritan’s Purse. 

RANDY SMYTH (CU ’85) serves as a missionary bush pilot to church planters. 

Lois (Bergh, CU ’87) Waldron 

LOIS (BERGH, CU ’87) WALDRON moved to the Sand Lake area and began 

selling real estate. 

GRAND RAPIDS THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY 

OFFERS MASTER OF ARTS IN BIBLICAL EXEGESIS 

A program designed for individuals who want a deeper understanding of the Bible’s original context and its languages, the seminary’s 

new Master of Arts in Biblical Exegesis places emphasis on biblical exegesis rather than spiritual formation or ministry leadership. 

In addition, this graduate program requires half the time of a typical Master of Divinity program to complete. Tailored for those 

currently involved in or planning to be involved in ministry, the M.A. Biblical Exegesis program equips participants with a greater 

understanding of how to interpret the Bible in its original context and communicate its longstanding applications through courses in 

biblical languages, history and background cultural studies. 

An M.A. in Biblical Exegesis prepares you to learn, serve and lead in your career and life with influence and wisdom. Visit 

cornerstone.edu/biblical-exegesis-program to request information. 


LET US 

ROLL OUT 

THE 

WELCOME MAT 

Nearly every Friday during the semester, high school students have the opportunity 

to engage with the Cornerstone University community and learn what it’s like to be a 

college student. Through unique experiences like worshiping in chapel, having lunch 

with current students in the cafeteria and attending a class, students get an in-depth 

look into what it means to be a Golden Eagle. 

Register today at cornerstone.edu/friday-visit. 

The CU campus is always available to tour online from the comfort of your home. Take 

a look at why so many students call this campus home and live every day with intention 

and purpose. Visit campustour.cornerstone.edu to take a self-guided tour. 


1990-2000s 

DENNIS DUDLEY (TH.M. ’93) retired from his role at InterVarsity Christian 

Fellowship in February 2020. He will continue his missions at Miami University 

in Ohio as an emeritus staff member. 

TIMOTHY FEKETE (A.R.E. ’95) was named to the board of trustees of the 

Michigan Association of Insurance Agents in September 2019. 

Dennis Dudley 

(Th.M. ’93) 

Timothy Fekete 

(A.R.E. ’95) 

TIM DECKER (B.A. ’97, M.DIV. ’08) became the administrative pastor at 

Word of Life Baptist Church in October 2019. 

EDWIN COLLAZO (B.A. ’99) opened his own business called City Built 

Brewing Company. 

AMBER (RITER, B.A. ’99) KOSTER accepted the position of executive 

director at King’s Table Ministry, a nonprofit in Grand Rapids that serves families 

and individuals impacted by developmental and intellectual disabilities. 

Tim Decker (B.A. ’97, M.Div. ’08) 

After traveling the United States with his family for a year, MIKE BAZZLE (CU 

’00) accepted the position of assistant director at The Springs Ministries, a camp 

where he works with his wife, AMYJO BAZZLE (B.A. ’02). 

ERIC ROGERS (B.A. ’00) is the owner of Freedom Products LLC located in 

Colorado Springs, Colo. 

Eric Rogers 

(B.A. ’00) 

Children of Susie (Doctor, 

B.A. ’01) Swab 

SUSIE (DOCTOR, B.A. ’01) SWAB and her husband welcomed their fourth 

child, Sawyer Boone Swab, on July 5, 2019. 

HEATHER (BARTAWAY, B.A. ’02) MAURIELLO started a new role as a 

pharmacy technician at Keystone Pharmacy. Her husband, Tim, works as the 

executive pastor of Encounter Church in Kentwood. 

ELIZABETH BOLTHOUSE (M.A. ’03) graduated from Marion University 

with a Master of Science degree in thanatology. 

PGS PROGRAMS RANK IN U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT’S 

2020 BEST ONLINE PROGRAMS 

In January 2020, Cornerstone received recognition for its commitment to serve online students through innovative, flexible programs 

and dynamic learning support. Named among U.S. News & World Report’s 2020 Best Online Programs, CU ranked No. 2 for best online 

bachelor’s program in Michigan and No. 66 among the over 1,600 programs assessed nationwide. Specifically, the Master of Business 

Administration ranked No. 5 among Michigan schools. 

To discover more about Cornerstone’s trusted and inventive non-traditional programs, visit cornerstone.edu/best-online-programs. 


JONATHAN TOBAR (B.A. ’04) and his wife, Irena, celebrated the birth of 

their second child, Santiago Salomon Tobar, on May 9, 2019. Jonathan works 

for Livingston Educational Service Agency as an assistant superintendent for 

secondary learning. 

MATTHEW (B.S. ’04) and STACEY (HUESBY, B.A. ’05) JENKINS 

announce the adoption of Tabitha Joy Mabintee Jenkins, finalized in 

March 2019. 

Matthew (B.S. ’04) and Stacey (Huesby, 

B.A. ’05) Jenkins and family 

RACHEL LUCE (B.A. ’04) recently accepted a new role with the Action In 

Churches Together Alliance as the regional representative in the MENA region 

and is based in Amman, Jordan. 

GARY GERDS (M.B.A. ’08) retired from Kobayashi Consumer Products LLC. 

JOHN HENDERSHOT (M.S. ’09, M.B.A. ’14) and ATTAH OBANDE 

(M.B.A. ’11) are the owners of iNFable Socks, an organization that is bringing 

people together to support a common cause by creating bold, fun and quality 

socks. Learn more on page 15. 

Brody Carter and Sarah Grimmer of FOX 17 

with John Hendershot (M.S. ’09, M.B.A. ’14) 

and Attah Obande (M.B.A. ’11) 

ABTS PARTNERS 

WITH PHNOM PENH 

BIBLE SCHOOL 

To support Cambodia’s rapidly growing church, Asia Biblical Theological Seminary (ABTS) partnered with Phnom Penh 

Bible School. The partnership provides theological training and ABTS graduate courses, encouraging believers in their 

uncompromising commitment to Christian teaching and scholarship. The nondenominational theology and biblical concepts 

classes aim to reinforce the core beliefs of Christianity and assist church leaders in interpreting the Bible so that they can deal 

with issues specific to Asia. 

ABTS is dedicated to life-changing education that leads students to reach their God-given potential. Read more about their 

new partnership with Phnom Penh Bible School at cornerstone.edu/abts-cambodia. 


2010-20s 

CHRIS PEOPLES (B.M. ’10) became the associate pastor of Faith Baptist 

Church in Adrian, Mich., in October 2018. 

HEATHER (DERRICK, B.A. ’10) WIN and Chit Zin Win celebrated their 

marriage in May 2019. 

TYEISHA BANKS-GARDNER (B.S. ’10) accepted a position at Florida Blue 

as an operations consultant. 

Heather (Derrick, B.A. ’10) Win 

DAVE GEROUX (B.S. ’11) became the small groups pastor at Ada Bible 

Church. 

Tyeisha Banks-Garner 

(B.S. ’10) 

Stephanie Mills 

(B.A. ’12) 

JOHN CLEAVER (B.S. ’11) accepted a position as a workday integration 

consultant at Accenture. 

FAITH (HELPER, B.A. ’12) GANCHUA and her husband celebrated the birth 

of their second son, Jonathon Arrow Ganchua, on Dec. 7, 2018. 

MARK STOLL (B.A. ’12) married Lindsey (Groendyk) Stoll in December 2018. 

STEPHANIE MILLS (B.A. ’12) recently started as the marketing and business 

development director at Arcarithm Inc. 

CU INTRODUCES 

MEN’S VOLLEYBALL 

In November 2019, Cornerstone University 

announced the formation of a varsity men’s 

volleyball team which is slated to begin competing 

in the 2020-21 athletic year. CU will join seven 

other teams in the Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic 

Conference. The team will also benefit from 

ongoing renovations in Bernice Hansen Athletic 

Center. While numerous current students have 

already expressed interest, prospective talent 

will be recruited, giving even more traditional 

undergraduate students the opportunity to pursue 

spiritual growth as well as athletic advancement. 

Pictured: Inaugural Head Coach of the Cornerstone Men’s 

Volleyball program Alex Bahn with his wife, Olivia, and their 

children, Cassidy and Judson. 


John Hendershot: 

Providing 

Unconventional 

Hope Through 

Socks 

When we think about raising awareness for social issues like 

racial injustice for health conditions like cystic fibrosis, we 

usually don’t think about socks. But John Hendershot (M.S. 

’09, M.B.A. ’14) is not one to think inside the box. 

Prior to 2018, Hendershot spent most of his career in finance. 

After being CEO of DIG-IT Inc. in Hastings, Mich., and then 

vice president of finance at Partners Relief and Development, 

Hendershot felt God was calling him to something greater. 

“This was a period in my life that I began an inward journey 

to hone what I wanted my life to say on several fronts,” 

Hendershot said, reflecting on the divisive 2016 election in the 

United States. “I felt convicted that we as a world—especially 

Christians—were focusing on the wrong things. Our allegiance 

should be for God alone.” 

In May 2018, Hendershot, along with business partners 

Attah Obande (M.B.A. ’11) and Sean DenHerder, launched 

iNFable Socks. Their company was founded to create a sense 

of unification among Christians and raise awareness for 

social issues. The name came from the word “ineffable” and 

communicates the impact Hendershot wants to make. 

In 2018, Hendershot donated $2,700 to local and national 

charities and gave away over 1,000 pairs of socks to help spread 

iNFable’s message of hope, love and gratitude. Hendershot’s 

college-aged son, Courtland, created the first 

two designs to hit the market, one to raise awareness for foster 

care and the other for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, two 

causes that are close to Hendershot’s heart. 

“Socks are not the message,” Hendershot said. “Our message 

is that God created you just as you are—with gifts, talents and 

distinct purpose. Socks show that there are not many degrees 

of separation between humans, regardless of the labels we try 

to fit people into. The whole point in tying socks to medical 

and social justice causes is to prove that these issues transcend 

socioeconomics.” 

In alignment with its mission, iNFable sells unique, colorfullydesigned 

socks specific to charities, medical conditions and 

social justice movements. Each pair is meant to be a tangible 

reminder of what people around us may be quietly struggling 

with and what brings us together. 

“To me, everything we do is a mission,” Hendershot said. 

“As Christians, we have to ensure 

we are representing Jesus with 

our whole life, not just our lives 

outside of work.” 

ABOUT JOHN 

John Hendershot (M.S. ’09, M.B.A. ’14) launched iNFable socks 

in 2016. He is also a freelance business coach and is a business 

development director at Rende Progress Capital. He and his wife, 

Rachel, live in Holland, Mich., with their two young daughters. 


Tasha Blackmon: 

The Tenacity 

to Make a 

Difference 

A decades-long career in health care takes grit and determination. 

What takes even more determination is making lasting changes to 

reach the underserved in the community. 

Tasha Blackmon (M.B.A. ’09) has worked at Cherry Health for 

15 years in six different roles. She began as a facility manager 

in 2005 and climbed quickly from there. Now, she has served 

as CEO for two years. When Blackmon started, Cherry Health 

only had one location. It now has 23 and a presence in seven 

counties in Michigan. 

“We are Michigan’s largest Federally Qualified Health Center,” 

Blackmon said. “We bring health care to 80% of low-income 

families in Grand Rapids.” 

Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC) are communitybased 

health services that specifically target underserved 

areas. Throughout her career, Blackmon has felt called to 

serve the underserved. 

She has the tenacity and drive of a fearless leader and has 

never let any roadblock stand in her way for long. The day 

she started her cohort program with Cornerstone University’s 

Professional & Graduate Studies was the same day she learned 

she was getting a divorce. 

“On the first day of class, our professor asked for private prayer 

requests,” Blackmon said. 

“People were praying for me from 

day one and didn’t even know it 

was me. To experience that level of 

spiritual support was a blessing.” 

Blackmon graduated summa cum laude in 2010 while also 

completing a fellowship with the University of Kansas. One 

month later, she was offered a new position at Cherry Health. 

During her time as CEO, she has focused a lot of her attention 

toward chronic diseases, including hypertension and diabetes. 

In two years, Cherry Health has improved blood pressure 

stabilization by 20%—an awe-inspiring statistic, especially 

considering that a 1% improvement is a huge undertaking. 

Cherry Health also launched successful breastfeeding and 

substance abuse initiatives under Blackmon’s leadership. 

The organization has increased breastfeeding by 66% in 

underprivileged communities and increased patients receiving 

substance abuse care by 53%. 

In the midst of the COVID-19 crisis in spring 2020, Cherry 

Health, like many health centers in the country, faced 

unprecedented challenges. However, they were able to offer 

testing to low-income families at their health centers as well as 

crucial medical care for those diagnosed with the virus. 

Blackmon owes all of her success to her team. “The true magic 

behind what we do at Cherry Health is our amazing team,” 

Blackmon said. “I have been blessed and purposed with the 

ability to identify raw talent in people. Our team is dedicated to 

quality, so our patients receive the best care available. We will 

put our patient outcomes against anyone else’s.” 

ABOUT TASHA 

Tasha Blackmon (M.B.A. ’09) has been CEO of Cherry Health 

since 2018 and has been with the organization since 2005. 

Cherry Health is the largest Federally Qualified Health Center 

in Michigan. Blackmon lives in West Michigan with her husband 

and six children. 


APRIL (HARVEY, M.B.A. ’13) RUIZ owns Mosaic Masterminds, an 

educational support services network that works with students, families and 

school districts in Greater Grand Rapids. 

CHRISTOPHER WOY (B.S. ’13) accepted the position of account manager at 

Keurig Dr. Pepper. 

Brian DeVries (B.A. ’15) 

NATHAN KELP (B.S. ’13) accepted the position of corporate chaplain through 

Corporate Chaplains of America where he builds relationships within different 

corporations and shares the Gospel. 

Daughter of Paige 

(Knott, B.A. ’13) 

and Jared Courtright 

(B.S. ’14) 

Jonathan Paasch 

(B.S. ’14) 

Son of Kate Wierenga 

(B.A. ‘13) 

Laurenn (Broihan, 

B.A. ’14) Yearego 

PAIGE (KNOTT, B.A. ’13) and JARED COURTRIGHT (B.S. ’14) welcomed 

their first child, Elise Jane, on Oct. 6, 2019. Jared received his master’s degree in 

physician assistant studies from Idaho State University in August 2019. 

KATE WIERENGA (B.A. ’13) and her husband announce the birth of their first 

born, Brody James Wierenga, born on April 7, 2019. 

BLAKE WISZ (B.S. ’14) works in marketing and engagement at the Tim Tebow 

Foundation. 

JESSICA SLATER (B.S. ’14) celebrated working for five years at Steel 21. 

JONATHAN PAASCH (B.S. ’14) was hired at Smith Haughet Rice & Roegge 

Law Firm. 

LAURENN (BROIHAN, B.A. ’14) YEAREGO received her counseling license 

and trauma certification. With those, Yearego opened Yearego Professional 

Counseling, a private practice. 

CORNERSTONE UNIVERSITY’S TEACHER EDUCATION 

DIVISION RECEIVES ACCOLADE FROM THE NATIONAL 

COUNCIL ON TEACHER QUALITY 

The National Council on Teacher Quality placed Cornerstone’s curriculum for early reading education among the top three 

colleges studied in Michigan. Only 26% of colleges in the study qualified for an A grade, which Cornerstone received. Dr. 

Laurie Burgess, division chair of the Teacher Education Division, credits this accolade to the division’s outstanding professors 

as well as assignments and field experiences. 


Mark Szatkowski 

(M.B.A. ’14) 

Zachary Yeo (B.S. ’14) 

MARK SZATKOWSKI (M.B.A. ’14) is working to redefine success among 

Christian business leaders through The Movement Leadership Summit. 

MELISSA (DUNN, B.A. ’14) LUYK and Jarrett Luyk celebrated their wedding 

on June 2, 2018 

ZACHARY YEO (B.S. ’14) is engaged to be married to Ashley Bedker. 

BRIAN DEVRIES (B.A. ’15) began his new position as the director of lean and 

industrial engineering at SpartanNash Inc. 

CASSIE DASZKO (B.S. ’15) was chosen as the 2018 Sports Designer of the 

Year for GateHouse Media. Daszko was also named for Best Headline Writing by 

the Michigan Associated Press Conference. 

CHRISTOPHER KUIPER (M.S. ’05, M.B.A. ’15) defended his dissertation 

earning a Doctor of Business Administration degree in leadership from Liberty 

University. 

Ashley (Dixon, B.A. ’15) Grey 

ASHLEY (DIXON, B.A. ’15) GREY works as an admissions representative at 

Judson University. 

JOCI (KRUGER, B.A. ’15) and JORDAN SAILSBURY (B.S. ’15) were 

married in October 2017. Currently, they are raising support for the mission 

field and will be going to the Philippines to continue their work. 

URBAN COHORT STUDENTS TRAVEL TO ISRAEL 

During January, Grand Rapids Theological Seminary students—including a record 15 seminarians enrolled in the Urban Cohort 

program—and faculty traveled to Israel and Jordan to gain a better understanding of the Bible and the life of Jesus. Led by 

Dr. Jonathan Greer, associate professor of Old Testament, and Professor Jennifer Greer, adjunct professor of Bible, the 

two-week study trip was made possible thanks to the ongoing support from our generous partners and additional funding 

grants, such as a recent gift from the Zondervan Foundation. To explore the opportunity to attend a future study tour as a 

friend of GRTS, visit cornerstone.edu/israel-tour. 


Anne Parpas: 

Counseling 

Informed by 

Experience 

Anne Parpas understood the need for counseling after she 

experienced trauma at a young age. At 18, she married a boy 

from her youth group, and the next 10 years were marked by 

marital abuse, shame and suffering. With the help of a local 

ministry, Parpas was able to get out of that situation. Years 

later, she gave back to the ministry by serving on the board 

of directors. 

“I did a lot of community education and shared my testimony,” 

Parpas said. “With this came questions such as ‘Are you a 

counselor?’ Knowing I was not, I researched master’s programs 

and found that GRTS was the best fit for me.” 

A registered nurse for over 20 years, Parpas has worked in 

emergency rooms, operating rooms and cardiac intervention 

and taught licensed practical nurses. Her nursing background, in 

turn, informed her counseling career. 

As a result, Parpas founded Integrative Health Consultants 

(IHC), which launched in September 2013. The behavioral 

and mental health private practice has 23 clinicians, including 

licensed psychologists, social workers and licensed professional 

counselors. The goal of IHC is to “bridge the gap between 

the physical and behavioral health of all our clients,” according 

to Parpas. 

In the last four years, Parpas has also created a treatment 

center for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) at IHC. IHC 

has five providers in the OCD Treatment Center at IHC. “We 

work with the International OCD Foundation and a few OCD 

specialists in Michigan to direct people in the community 

suffering with OCD to get the help they deserve,” Parpas said. 

Parpas approaches her innovative work in behavioral and mental 

health with humility. As a business owner, Parpas has seen 

difficult challenges and navigated them faithfully. During the 

COVID-19 crisis, IHC transitioned to telehealth operations, 

which in some ways gave Parpas more opportunities to see her 

clients, especially if they lived outside of West Michigan. 

“God has given me the skills and 

abilities to effect change in our 

community, and I can’t take that 

lightly,” Parpas said. 

“Without His strength and power, I would not be able to do 

what I do. The decisions I make from day to day have to be 

intentional and guided by my ability to take what God has called 

me to do, as well as the knowledge that God works through 

others to inform my decisions.” 

ABOUT ANNE 

Anne Parpas (M.A. ’13) founded Integrative Health Consultants in 

2013. She is qualified in clinical counseling by the National Board 

for Certified Counselors (NBCC). Parpas lives in Grand Rapids 

with her husband and two children. 


Brittany Jacobson: 

Wholeheartedly 

Serving the 

Least of These 

God calls His followers to unexpected places through 

unexpected means. For Brittany Jacobson (B.S. ’16), God 

called her to minister in strip clubs, and His pathway for her 

was through baking. 

During her time as a student at Cornerstone, Jacobson 

attended a conference on ending human trafficking. She 

heard a woman speak about strip club outreach and knew 

God was prompting her to serve in that capacity as well. 

Bringing cupcakes to strip clubs was an avenue for Jacobson 

and her volunteers to share the gospel with women in the sex 

industry. Jacobson baked as many as 300 cupcakes at a time 

out of her small kitchen and founded New Creation Cupcakes 

which later became Created Free. 

“We want to preach the gospel to women in the sex industry 

and solidify that we’re there for them in their lives,” 

Jacobson said. “They’re appreciative of it and often ask for 

prayer requests.” 

Created Free provides spiritual guidance and whole-person 

care for women. In addition to an online storefront, Jacobson’s 

outreach includes backpacks filled with clothing, hygiene 

products and encouraging notes for women coming off 

the streets. 

Jacobson plans to convert a vintage camper into a mobile 

outreach center. The center will have resources for homeless 

women or those working in the sex industry. What will always be 

available to women at this pop-up shelter is prayer. 

Jacobson has seen nine women leave the sex industry since 

2013. Every girl that Jacobson has encountered has needed 

something different, from dental work to pro bono lawyers. She 

and her volunteers always focus on safety first; they have had to 

call the human trafficking hotline several times in the past. 

“This has changed all of me,” 

Jacobson said. 

After finding out the strong ties between foster children and 

the sex industry, her and her husband Joel (B.A. ’16) became 

foster parents and are in the process of adopting their foster 

child. “I had to be willing to change how I live inside my home 

to reflect how I’m living outside my home. I’ve had to learn 

how to explain the gospel in five minutes. These girls ask tough 

questions—many of them have read the Bible.” 

Jacobson answered God’s call in her life to be part of the 

solution to the problem of human trafficking and exploitation. 

“My reliance on Him has had to grow,” Jacobson said. “I 

attribute our success to how God has changed their hearts.” 

ABOUT BRITTANY 

Brittany Jacobson (B.S. ’16) founded New Creation Cupcakes, 

now Created Free, in November 2013. She has also worked at Kids 

Food Basket and Women at Risk, International. Jacobson and her 

husband, Joel, live in Grand Rapids and are foster parents. 


ABBIGAIL (STEFANEK, B.A. ’16) RENNES and her husband, Kevin, 

celebrated the birth of their baby girl, Charlotte Ione Rennes, on Aug. 30, 2019. 

KYLE MILLS (B.S. ’16) graduated from his master’s program in sport 

administration from Central Michigan University. He recently started a position 

as a coordinator of performing arts and sports with the National Federation of 

State High School Associations. He married Lindsey (Donelson) Mills on June 8, 

2019. 

Daughter of Abbigail (Steganek, B.A. ’16) Rennes 

NATE GLASPER (B.S. ’16) began teaching as an adjunct professor and the 

Gospel Choir director at Calvin University. 

REBECCA (DALRYMPLE, B.S. ’16) SIPEK celebrated getting married in 

November 2019. Sipek also began a new position at the Bridge Teen Center in 

November 2019. 

SAMUEL SPOELSTRA (B.A. ’16) and fiancée, Tobi Jo Gustafson, will 

celebrate their marriage on Oct. 10, 2020. 

Kyle Mills (B.S. ’16) Nate Glasper (B.S. ’16) 

SARAH (ORTQUIST, B.A. ’16) VISSER switched her role in teaching from a 

traditional setting to an online platform at K12 Inc. 

HANNA (WERNER, B.S. ’17) GIBSON and IAN GIBSON (B.A. ’18) were 

married in October 2019. 

Rebecca (Dalrymple, 

B.S. ’16) Sipek 

Jori (Krygsheld, 

B.A. ’17) & Brad Orr 

(B.S. ’15) 

HANNAH MOORE (B.A. ’17) works as a client concierge at Tiger 

Neuroscience. 

JORI (KRYGSHELD, B.A. ’17) ORR and BRAD ORR (B.S. ’15) were married 

on June 15, 2019. Jori works for The Potter’s House High School, and Brad 

works at Kendall Electric as an account manager. 

JULIE SCHWAB (B.A. ’17) is currently the content marketing coordinator 

and assistant trade book buyer at Baker Book House. She also started Prologue 

Writer Nights where she helps educate writers. 

PGS INTRODUCES NEW STAND-ALONE PROJECT 

MANAGEMENT TRAINING TRACK 

In response to market demands for employees certified in project management, PGS now offers a three-course 

project management training track to CU students and the community. Each six-week course of the non-degree 

program is offered online, making the flexible program feasible for individuals seeking professional development while 

in a career or taking other courses. More than just meeting requirements, this program gives students practical, 

hands-on experience that can drastically improve how they perform at work and what opportunities they may be 

interested in seeking and pursuing. 


LYNNAE (DOLL, B.A. ’17) MURRAY and her husband, Allan, were married 

on Feb. 15, 2019. Lynnae works for IRBC and teaches part-time at GRACE 

Homeschool Association. 

ALEKA THRASH (B.S. ’18) was the winner of Start Garden’s 100 Ideas and a 

finalist in the 2019 Demo Day. 

DELICIA SIMMONS (B.S. ’18) began as a recreational therapist at Wedgwood 

Christian Services. 

Lynnae (Doll, B.A. ’17) Murray 

JOHN CLAWSON (M.B.A. ’18) launched Performance Linear LLC, a 

manufacture representative firm that provides consultative sales services. 

Clawson also recently joined the board of directors for Bowed Hearts, an 

organization that works with My Father’s House Haiti Orphanage. 

Aleka Thrash (B.S. ’18) 

Jonathan Dorband 

(M.Div. ’19) 

Hannah Haviland 

(B.A. ‘19) 

Mya Udell 

(B.A. ’19) 

KAYLA (MCCORMACK, B.S. ’18) AJINI celebrated getting married. 

BENJAMIN BARTELS (B.S. ’19) accepted the position of director at SON- 

Life Camp. 

HANNAH HAVILAND (B.A. ’19) accepted a position at High Caliber Karting 

& Entertainment as the event coordinator. 

JONATHAN DORBAND (M.DIV. ’19) started as the children’s director at 

Ridgeway Church in Wisconsin. 

MYA UDELL (B.A. ’19) started as the physical and health education teacher at 

Jenison Senior High School. 

WILL HEMPEL (B.S. ’19) accepted the position of interpretive naturalist at the 

Pacific Whale Foundation. 

GRAND RAPIDS THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY AND THE 

URBAN CHURCH LEADERSHIP CENTER AWARDED 

$1 MILLION GRANT FROM LILLY ENDOWMENT INC. 

Grand Rapids Theological Seminary (GRTS) announced that the Urban Church Leadership Center (UCLC) 

received a $1 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. for the UCLC’s new Thriving Congregations project. 

The UCLC is located on the GRTS campus and is led by Rev. Julián Guzmán. It is a personal and professional 

development center that trains, supports and provides urban church leaders with resources and renewal. In light 

of the COVID-19 pandemic, the project will help churches in Kent County face new challenges. Short-term 

funding will be provided to ensure that congregations keep their members safe while mobilizing to serve the 

community. More specifically, grant funding will help congregations digitally conduct video streaming, online 

meetings and virtual volunteering. 


INVEST IN WHAT MATTERS 

CASH IN YOUR COFFEE 

“As a CU women’s basketball alum, I chose to donate $5 a month 

to the CU WBB program. I love being able to stay connected with 

the team even if I am no longer on the court. Go Golden Eagles!” 

TARYN (SACK, B.S. ’18) HULST 

Many colleges including Cornerstone have endured financial hardship as a result 

of the COVID-19 crisis. Any gift amount is crucial to supporting the future of our 

university and providing compassionate, Christ-centered education for years to come. 

With Cash In Your Coffee, simply set up a monthly recurring 

gift to Cornerstone University and receive a free CU mug. Customize 

your gift by choosing your amount and what fund your gift supports. 

GET STARTED AT 

CORNERSTONE.EDU/COFFEE. 


Then and Now: 

1941-2020 

CLASS OF 1944 

The class of 1944 was the first class to 

graduate from The Baptist Bible Institute 

of Grand Rapids, which is now Cornerstone 

University. A verse that was special to 

them was 2 Timothy 2:15, “Study to show 

thyself approved unto God, a workman that 

needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing 

the word of truth.” 

JAN. 7, 

1941 

THE UNIVERSITY 

BEGAN AS AN EVENING 

BIBLE INSTITUTE. 

211 

STUDENTS ENROLLED 

IN BIBLE COURSES 

DESIGNED TO MAKE 

THEM MORE EFFECTIVE 

LAY WORKERS IN 

LOCAL CHURCHES. 

2 

EVENINGS PER WEEK. 

CLASSES MET IN THE 

EDUCATIONAL WING 

OF WEALTHY STREET 

BAPTIST CHURCH OF 

GRAND RAPIDS, MICH. 

$2 

FEES PER TERM 

FOR REGULARLY 

ENROLLED STUDENTS. 


CLASS OF 2020 

The class of 2020 has come a long way 

since their first day on campus in 2016 

(pictured). This group worked tirelessly 

toward earning degrees and developing 

lifelong friendships, all while learning to 

be more faithful followers of Christ. 

233 

TRADITIONAL 

UNDERGRADUATE 

GRADUATES 

67% 

OF PGS STUDENTS 

ARE ONLINE; 

33% ARE ON 

CAMPUS 

46 

GRTS STUDENTS 

IN THE URBAN 

COHORT 

13 

INTERNATIONAL 

UNDERGRADUATE 

GRADUATES 

750 

COHORTS 

GRADUATED FROM 

PGS SINCE 1993 

324 

TOTAL GRTS STUDENTS: 

156—MEN 

168—WOMEN 


Class of 2020 

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

Daniel Abbgy* 

Hannah Abraham* 

Jephunneh Acosta§ 

Matthew Aho** 

Samah Al-zayadi** 

Christopher Alder** 

Jason Allaire** 

Maegan Allison^ 

Vanessa Alvarez** 

Lynn Amari** 

Amanda Anaya** 

Olivia Anderson** 

Melissa Andrews** 

Brooks Angell* 

Amy Anyangu** 

Hope Applebee* 

Camilo Aquino§ 

Preeti Arora§ 

Sarah Asprec* 

Delbrin Asuncion§ 

Dalal Atris** 

Ursula Austin** 

Amanda Avery** 

David Babineaux** 

Mahmoud Bader** 

Heather Baez** 

Andrea Bailey** 

Kenna Baker* 

Jacqueline Bangert* 

Annalisa Bankes* 

Norma Barajas** 

Sarah Barber* 

Shiela Barcelon§ 

Chelsea Barker** 

Dustin Barnebee** 

Natasha Barnes-Word** 

Keyton Barrone** 

Annaliese Bartels* 

Michelle Bates-Phipps** 

Jamison Bebiak** 

LaToya Benson** 

Jennifer Berns** 

Tanesha Berry** 

Dana Beute** 

Kerri Beyer* 

Everlyne Biboko^ 

Bethany Bingham* 

Becky Blaine** 

Christian Blanchard* 

Steven Blaser** 

Meghan Bodenmiller* 

Hannah Boes** 

Amber Boetsma* 

Jeshua Boggs* 

Anita Bohm** 

Hunter Bollinger* 

Dorla Bonner^ 

Ernie Boone^ 

Veerapa Boonmuen§ 

Riley Borrink* 

Isabelle Bourque* 

Natalie Boykins** 

Zachary Brand^ 

Lauren Brendel* 

Jasmine Brewster^ 

Jacob Brinks* 

Zach Brog* 

Porche’ Brott* 

Misty Brouwer* 

Madilyn Brown* 

Mary Bunge** 

Erin Bunker* 

Kaitlyn Burbridge* 

Melvin Burns II^ 

Crystal Burns** 

Breanna Burrows* 

Michelle Burt** 

Josh Busscher* 

Christine Busscher** 

Regalado Cairo§ 

Emily Calhoon** 

Cecilia Calzada Muñoz* 

Shannon Camodeca** 

Simone Campbell** 

Wallace Campbell^ 

Melissa Canup** 

Lyndsay Carey** 

Renee Carigon** 

Michele Carr** 

Travis Carter** 

Avalon Cassel* 

Alena Chalmers** 

2O2O VIRTUAL 

COMMENCEMENT 

This May, we made available an on-demand 

virtual Cornerstone University Commencement! 

These webpages feature every graduate’s name, 

graduate status, honors and program. In addition 

to these elements, we’ve highlighted annual 

awards, messages from faculty, comments from 

graduates, remarks from CU President Dr. Joe 

Stowell and more. Later this year, when it is safe 

to do so, we hope to hold a ceremony in Christ 

Chapel to celebrate our 2020 grads. 

Celebrate the class of 2020 by visiting 

cornerstone.edu/commencement-2020! 


Eam Channy§ 

Nathaniel Chitwood* 

Mervin Chong§ 

Abigail Christian* 

Sheila Chua§ 

Anthony Ciriello** 

Brian Claerbaut** 

Paige Clark* 

Sharayah Clevenger** 

David Clinton** 

Janice Cloud** 

Makayla Clum* 

Clayton Coatney* 

Seth Coffing** 

Matthew Cok** 

Benjamin Collins* 

Guthrie Collins^ 

Nicholas Comeau* 

Marcella Compeau* 

Karen Conover** 

Rachel Corley* 

Kimberly Cornue** 

Amanda Corsten* 

Austin Cottle** 

Silas Courey* 

Kerry Cox** 

Michael Cox** 

Tiffany Cramer** 

Jeremiah Crawford* 

Emma Critchfield* 

Stephen Crompton** 

Jamie Curtis^ 

Joshua Dame* 

Erika Danias-Whitford** 

Comonique Dannah** 

Stephen Darden** 

Kristin Darga** 

Joshua Davis* 

Grace Davis** 

Bessie Davis** 

Ryan Dayne** 

Leticia de laPaz^ 

Liza De Guzman§ 

Connie Dean** 

Alyssa Dean** 

Darren DeJong** 

Charli DeKam** 

Lisa DeKryger^ 

Daniel DeLaRosa** 

Mark Den Herder** 

Shaina DenBesten* 

Kyle DeSchryver* 

Danielle DeTorres** 

Isaac DeVries* 

Elizabeth DeYoung* 

Rojomark Diadid§ 

Caleb Dibble** 

Seth Dibble** 

Jena Dietz* 

Samuel Dietz** 

Carina Diggins* 

Rileigh Disher* 

Brooke Dobbin* 

Monea Dodd** 

Bethany Doorlag** 

Kelli Dornan* 

Nizigimana Dorokasi* 

Austin Douglas* 

Baylee Draper* 

Kayla Droscha^ 

Joel Duemler* 

Anthony Dumas** 

Katherine Dunnett* 

Karl Dykstra** 

Jacob Elder* 

Samantha Elliott** 

Samuel Elmi* 

Olivia Emperador§ 

Deanna Endlein* 

Brittany Engle^ 

Nycki Eschenburg* 

Toni Evans* 

Avery Faber* 

Kara Fankhauser* 

Claire Farrell* 

Larissa Fifer 

Robert Fisher** 

Brad Fles** 

Guy Flom** 

Dan Formento§ 

Patricia Forney* 

Alise Forward* 

Emily Fox* 

Jessica Fox** 

Eric Frandsen** 

Mercedes Frias** 

Edwin Fuentes** 

Rebecca Fylstra* 

Broghan Gamble* 

Sarah Garlanger** 

Dawn Garritano** 

Jessica Garza** 

Mark Gaskins* 

Benjamin Gehrke* 

Leah George* 

Justina Gilbert** 

Lakeshia Gilbert** 

Ella Gilson* 

Joshua Givhan** 

Jacinta Glashower^ 

Rachel Gohn* 

Joanna Gordon^ 

Robin Gould* 

Kristen Gowan** 

Michelle Gravlin** 

Donald Griffin^ 

Sierra Griffith* 

Rebekah Griffith* 

Peter Groom* 

Madeline Grose* 

Elizabeth Grotenhuis** 

Hannah Gubala* 

Audrey Guerne** 

Josue Guillen** 

Zion Guinmapang§ 

Donald Haff Jr. ^ 

Jacob Hafler^ 

Kary Hall** 

Melissa Hall** 

Mykel Hall^ 

Benjamin Hannah* 

Kimberly Hanson-Zeigler** 

Stephanie Hardie** 

Tranae Harris* 

Keyon Harrison** 

Da’Niesha Harts (Diaz)** 

Zryan Hassan** 

Katie Hauge^ 

Hannah Haviland* 

Kyle Hayes* 

Elizabeth Hazel Goff Sterbroock* 

Jessica Heater** 

Artasia Heath** 

Christian Hefner* 

Brooke Heintz** 

Kassandra Heinz** 

Luciana Henderson** 

Austin Hendrick** 

Gregory Hendricks** 

Margaret Henrikson* 

Timothy Her* 

Chad Herman^ 

Jamar Herron** 

Colby Hetcel^ 

John Hicks^ 

Ellen Higgins** 

Wayne Hill** 

Ashley Hoekman** 

Makenna Hoekstra* 

Tyler Hoekwater* 

Abram Hoekwater** 

Ana Hoezee* 

Timmer Hoffmeister* 

Benjamin Hoffmeister* 

Teske Hoffmeister** 

Adam Holeman* 

Hannah Holiday* 

Ryan Holley** 

Ryan Holmes** 

Andrew Honeycutt^ 

Ashtin Hoogerheide* 

Karen Hook** 

Doris Hope** 

Benita Hopkins** 

Bernard Horiondo§ 

Mackenzie Horton** 

Alida Hoskins* 

Jeremy Houseman** 

Saw Htoo Gay§ 

Autumn Hubbard** 

Lizabeth Huber^ 

Whitney Huettemann* 

Rachel Huizinga* 

Trevor Hunt^ 

Katherine Hunter* 

Jennifer Hunter^ 

Jamie Hushower** 

Amanda Huston** 

Kala Hutchinson^ 

Sasha Iadevaia** 

Luke Iris** 

Timothy Irvine** 

Melody Jacobs* 

Ragette Jawad** 

Saiko Jawo-Smalla* 

Tiffany Jefferson** 

Ronda Johns** 

Madison Johnson* 

Jennifer Johnson** 

Patrice Johnson** 

Brennan Joseph* 

Renee Jourdan** 

Dawn Kaltenberg-VanHorn** 

Cody Kammeraad* 

Erin Kamphuis** 

Natasa Karic** 

Tamara Karston** 

Mary Kasten* 

Michael Kasten** 

Ian Kauffman* 

William Kauffman^ 

Aubrey Keith* 

Eryn Kendra* 

Dylan Kern^ 

Priyata Khyang* 

Donna Kidner Smith^ 

Nathan Killion§ 

Yahroy Kim** 

Kallahan Kirkland* 

Jared Klepal* 

Allison Klooster* 

Calen Klopfenstein* 

Sarah Knapp* 

Jeffrey Kosiorowski** 

Cayden Kregel* 

Benjamin Krueger* 

John Kryger** 

Raelin Kuipers* 

Gabriel Kuperus* 

Lance Kyser** 

Joshua Laaksonen** 

Anna Ladzinski* 


Holly Lake** 

Tessa Langeland** 

Owen LaVigne* 

Jordan Leaman* 

Courtney Lemoine* 

Dale Lempa** 

Tyler Lewis* 

Lexi Lieske* 

Shelby Lile* 

Malony Limoso§ 

Alex Lincoln** 

Andrew Lincoln** 

Jaydon Lindeman* 

Anna Locklear* 

Michael Lopez-Jeng^ 

Edna Lopez** 

Wendy Love** 

Nicholas Lovejoy* 

Alexis Lucarelli* 

Chantell Maasdorp** 

Alicia Macklin** 

Patricia MacMillen** 

Welamaza Magwentshu* 

Anna Mallard** 

Marifi Mangaba§ 

Christine Marcon§ 

Ana Mariely Meza* 

Erika Mariglia^ 

Wayne Marren** 

Sarah Marsh* 

Samantha Martin** 

Justin Marvin** 

Connor Mason* 

Trentyn Mattson* 

Alex Maurice* 

Hannah May* 

Rebecca May^ 

CarolAnn McConnell^ 

Jennifer McCormick-Bridgewater^ 

Rick McGarry^ 

Selena McGrew* 

John McKenney* 

Abigail McKenzie* 

Tonia McLeod** 

Tim McTighe* 

Saw Me§ 

Adriana Meekhof** 

Shannon Melvin** 

Marissa Menichini* 

Dominic Midkiff** 

Matthew Militzer** 

Jennifer Miller* 

Noah Miller* 

Diane Miller** 

Senada Miller** 

Rachel Mills^ 

Joshua Mitchell* 

Mike Modert* 

Karen Monroy§ 

Bethany Montalban§ 

Anna Montgomery** 

Caitlin Moody* 

JuChan Moon* 

Jocelyn Morales* 

Silvia Morales** 

Nathaniel Morris* 

Mark Morris^ 

Erika Morrison** 

Chad Morton** 

Alicia Mortz** 

Karen Mulki** 

Jacquelyn Murray** 

Carolyn Murray** 

Melissa Myers* 

Michelle Nauta** 

Patrick Nelson^ 

Patrick Nelson^ 

Ian Newberry^ 

Alyssa Newell* 

Holly Newhof** 

Maxwell Newsome* 

Jamie Newsome* 

Nathan Nichols* 

Nancy Nickerson** 

Grant Nink* 

Joanna Nix* 

Mordecai Njoroge* 

Katlyn Nordmeyer* 

Kalizya Nseluka** 

Justin Numerick* 

Nomsa Nyambe* 

Brittni O’Marr** 

Elizabeth Okma* 

Mariah Omness** 

Paige Oselka* 

Hannah Ottosen* 

Mallory Ouillette** 

Zachary Paavola* 

Elyse Palmer** 

Adrianna Pantano* 

Rose Paredes-Estrella§ 

Jake Partridge^ 

Sharon Pasciak^ 

Liza Pascubillo§ 

Danielle Pattee** 

David Peerboom** 

Dhania Peña** 

Lazaro Perez** 

Kailee Petersen* 

Nicholas Petrovich** 

Kaylee Phillips* 

Nicholette Pike** 

Andrew Pimpo* 

Sabrina Piper^ 

Jeremy Pisciotta** 

Brittany Pittman** 

Janice Pleasant-Proctor^ 

Rialou Porras§ 

Ryan Possehn** 

Joseph Potts** 

Jeremy Praski* 

Lori Pratt** 

Leo Preston^ 

Hannah Price* 

Kiara Price** 

Danielle Proctor** 

Andrea Proper** 

Leong Pui Fun§ 

Andrew Punches* 

Alyssa Putnam** 

Magdelyn Quakkelaar* 

Michael Raad** 

Brian Rabourn** 

Gail Ramesh^ 

McKena Razenberg* 

Ryan Rearick* 

Brian Recker** 

Janee Reed^ 

Molly Rhodes** 

Jake Rhodes** 

Lucas Ribeiro* 

Taylor Richards* 

MaryAnn Richmond** 

Lisa Rider** 

Kourtney Rigterink* 

Alexys Riksen* 

Norman Rios§ 

Isaac Roberts* 

Patricia Robinson** 

William Robinson^ 

Alec Roerig** 

Ny’Ahmby Romaine** 

Kelsey Rondeau^ 

Robert Rosignol** 

Rochelle Roskam** 

Bailie Rouse^ 

Jessica Rowland^ 

Joan Rozeboom** 

Frederick Ruffer** 

Cain Ruiz* 

Scott Rumley** 

Eric Rupp^ 

Lyndsey Rupp^ 

Emily Russcher* 

Pamela Russell** 

Barbee Ryan* 

Stephanie Ryan** 

Peter Sabiiti^ 

Sarah Sabri* 

Catherine Salandanan§ 

Joyce Sanders** 

Richard Sanford^ 

Tuan Sang§ 

Kelsi Sawdy** 

Cherryl Sawyer** 

Allison Saxton** 

Laura Schadoux* 

Nick Schaldenbrand* 

Patrick Schorsch** 

Morgan Schuler** 

Mitchell Schultz** 

Timothy Schultz** 

Kayla Schumaker* 

Stephen Schwartz** 

Elizabeth Scott* 

Jenna Scott** 

Maurice Scruggs^ 

Gabriel Seif** 

Hannah Seven* 

Teresa Sharkey** 

Cassie Shattuck** 

Tessa Shaw* 

Mikeisha Shaw** 

Morgan Shepard* 

Meagan Shihadeh** 

Stephanie Shoemaker** 

Courtney Shook** 

Brandy Shooks** 

Sara Simon** 

Ben Simonis* 

Joshua Slater* 

Mark Slotman** 

Kevin Slowik* 

Kelli Smith* 

Danielle Smith** 

Sawyer Smith** 

Aaron Smith^ 

Khanyisa Socikwa* 

Hope Somadlangati* 

Barron Spearman** 

Kacey Spencer** 

Nicholas Splan** 

Kenneth Springett* 

Karl Stamm** 

Nicole Stapleton-Coleman^ 

Hannah Stearns* 

Brianne Stephens** 

Ethan Stevens* 

Crystal Stewart^ 

John Stokes** 

Christopher Strang** 

Amanda Strigel** 

Jeremy Stringer^ 

Spencer Stubblefield* 

Ben Stump* 

Korin Suggitt* 

Molly Swartzlander** 

Mackenzie Swendrowski* 

Deborah Sybil§ 

Joseph Tha§ 

Harry Thelusma** 

Babalo Thiyane* 


Camille Thomas** 

Nekesha Thompson** 

Breanna Thomsen** 

Haley Threatt* 

Sajan Titus§ 

Alexandra Tolar-Key* 

Freda Tolbert** 

Sheryl Toledo§ 

Amanda Trilla** 

Emma Trobeck^ 

Timothy Tufts** 

Ramkhaning Tungshangnao§ 

Kelly Turner** 

Ryan Twiest** 

Molly Underhill** 

Omer Usmani* 

Tyce Van Koevering* 

Tyler Van Loo* 

Melanie Van Sloten* 

Angela Van Dam** 

Michael Van Dorp** 

Jane Van Niekerk** 

Jessica Vanden Berg* 

Carlie VandenBerg* 

Dylan Vander Zwaag* 

Audrey Vander Wal^ 

Julianne Vander Woude** 

Emma Vander Ziel** 

Olivia Vanderhoof* 

Christina VanderWeele** 

Mackenzie VanderWolde* 

Joel VanNorman** 

Mara VanOrder* 

Holly VanVolkinburg** 

Nick VanZalen^ 

Rex Vasallo§ 

Revin Vasallo§ 

Graciela Velazquez** 

Blesswin Victor§ 

Jocelyn Viernes§ 

Christopher Vilag** 

Adriana Vilca** 

Alyssa Vitzthum** 

Josko Vukusic** 

Ellie Walburg** 

Mikayla Walker* 

Joshua Walker** 

Anna Walsworth* 

McKenna Walter* 

Nicole Walters* 

Nathan Wangler* 

Lindsay Ware^ 

Sandra Warren** 

Carmen Warren^ 

Ericka Washington** 

Scott Watson^ 

Nicole Weddington** 

Leonard Wei Leng§ 

Kayla Welch^ 

Sarah Welcher** 

Micah Wetters* 

Centearious White** 

Nichole Whitfield** 

Michelle Whitmarsh** 

Kimberly Wiersema** 

Zachary Wilber* 

Sarah Wilkins** 

Chaz Williams** 

Cynthia Wiltheiss** 

Corbin Wisniewski^ 

Ian Wood** 

Christopher Wright* 

Curtis Wright^ 

Natalie Wynalda* 

Tomas Yacuzio* 

Anne Young* 

Collin Young** 

Matthew Zimmerman** 

Kendra Zmudka** 

GRADUATION HONORS 

This year, we saw our students rise up and face challenges with creativity and ingenuity, all while 

ceaselessly pursuing their relationship with Christ. We honor the students who have stood out in 

their course work, community involvement and commitment to the mission and vision of 

Cornerstone University. 

TRADITIONAL UNDERGRADUATE 

Valedictorian: Jared Klepal — Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies, specializing in specialized 

communication and leadership for ministry 

President’s Award: Cecilia Calzada-Muñoz — Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, with minors in 

management and creativity and innovation 

President’s Award: Kevin Slowik — Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science: Pre-Physical Therapy 

PROFESSIONAL & GRADUATE STUDIES 

The following graduates earned the Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership and 

Development degree: 

Patrice Johnson (student speaker) — Thesis: The Color of Emergency: A Critical Narrative Analysis of 

Leadership During State Takeovers of Urban Schools in Michigan 

Brandy Shooks — Thesis: The Impact of Trauma-Informed Pedagogical Practices on Teacher Self-Efficacy 

Kelly Turner — Thesis: Sense of Community Causal Relationship with Volunteer Engagement as Moderated 

by Community Size 

Michelle Gravlin — Thesis: Assessing Patient Experience and Hospital Culture Within a Healthcare System 

GRAND RAPIDS THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY 

Highest Honor Graduate: Jennifer McCormick-Bridgewater — Master of Divinity degree 


SUPPORT 

FELLOW GOLDEN 

EAGLES ACROSS 

GENERATIONS. 

Welcome Day is a mixture of emotions— 

excitement, exhilaration and sometimes 

anxiety. Last year, we launched the 

Alumni Letter Project, an opportunity for 

alumni across the country to write a letter 

to students moving into residence halls. 

Help us create a network of support 

for Golden Eagles. Learn more at 

cornerstone.edu/letter-project. 


HOMECOMING & 

FAMILY WEEKEND 

OCT. 30-31 

Join us on campus this fall for Homecoming & Family Weekend, 

a time for all of our alumni to reunite with faculty and friends from 

their time at Cornerstone. We can’t wait to see you back on campus! 

Find out more information at cornerstone.edu/alumni. 


CELEBRATING 

TOGETHER 

Following the governor’s stay-at-home orders 

in March 2020, a select number of students 

were allowed to stay on campus due to travel 

restrictions or other extenuating circumstances. 

Among these students were several international 

students who were able to celebrate their 

graduation together. These students represent 

five countries—South Africa, Kenya, Honduras, 

Australia and Bangladesh. 

Pictured (l-r): Ana Mariely Meza, Priyata Khyang and Hannah Ottosen

Cornerstone University Alumni Journal 2020

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