Cornerstone University Magazine & Annual Report 2021

FALL 

2021 

Introducing 

the new president 

and first lady of 

Cornerstone University. 

STORY ON PAGE 05. 

CORNERSTONE UNIVERSITY MAGAZINE 

FALL 2021 01

CONTENTS 

05 

12 

28 

FAITH. VISION. LEADERSHIP. 

Cornerstone University’s 

12th President 

09 

ELLEN MORENO-RIAÑO 

A Heart for Understanding 

10 

INAUGURATION WEEKEND 

Highlights from 

Inaugural Events 

OUR VISION FOR CU 

Dr. Gerson Moreno-Riaño’s 

Inaugural Gala Speech 

20 

ANNUAL REPORT 

Faculty News and 

Campus Updates 

FINANCIAL REPORTS 

Cornerstone University and 

Grand Rapids Theological 

Seminary Financial Reports 

30 

THANKS TO OUR DONORS! 

Cornerstone University and 

GRTS are thankful for hundreds 

of friends who financially 

contribute to the school. 

ON THE COVER 

MAGAZINE & ANNUAL REPORT STAFF 

ON THE COVER: 

Dr. Gerson Moreno-Riaño and his 

wife, Ellen, enjoy a candid moment 

in downtown Rockford, Mich. 

RYAN PRINS PHOTOGRAPHY © 2021 

BOB SACK 

Vice President for University Advancement 

LAYNE FULLER 

Director of Marketing 

AUDREY WIERENGA (B.A. ’18) 

Copywriter 

CAROLINE CAHOON (B.A. ’03) 

Art Director 

KRISTINA GARVELINK (M.S. ’15) 

Website Manager and Content Coordinator 

PHOTOGRAPHY 

Bryan Esler Photography 

Ryan Prins Photography 

Shallom Kimanzi (B.A. ’22) 

Elijah Wallace (B.S. ’25) 

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS 

Bianca Jones (B.A. ’23) 

The Cornerstone University Magazine & 

Annual Report is produced annually by 

the Marketing & Communications Office 

at Cornerstone University. Permission to 

quote short portions of this publication is 

granted as long as content is preserved and 

proper credit is given to the Cornerstone 

University Magazine. 

Cornerstone University does not discriminate 

of the basis of race, national origin, sex, age 

or disability in its policies and programs. 

CONTACT US 

cornerstone.edu 

616.949.5300 

Cornerstone University 

1001 E Beltline Ave NE 

Grand Rapids, MI 49525 

©2021 Cornerstone University 

All rights reserved.

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FAITH. 

VISION. 

LEADERSHIP. 

CORNERSTONE 

UNIVERSITY’S 

12TH PRESIDENT 

The ideas that we offer to our 

students in the classroom have 

to be dead-on with who God 

is, with the Scriptures—what’s 

true, beautiful and good. 

— GERSON MORENO-RIAÑO, 

12th President of Cornerstone University 

THE BOOKS THAT LINE SHELF AFTER 

SHELF ARE STANDARD FARE FOR WHAT 

YOU MIGHT FIND IN THE OFFICE OF 

A UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT—leadership 

strategies, apologetics, higher education pedagogy, 

a handful of notable memoirs and autobiographies. 

But tucked in between those books on Dr. Gerson 

Moreno-Riaño’s shelves are ones that speak 

more about the man sitting in front of them and 

where his passions lie. Kant. Plato. Even a book 

on medieval kingship. One of his favorite books is 

“Hinds’ Feet on High Places” by Hannah Hurnard, 

a Christian allegory for the lesser prophets. Even 

more books still sit in U-Haul boxes in the corner, 

a casualty of moving an entire office from Virginia 

Beach to Grand Rapids in a matter of weeks. 

Moreno-Riaño isn’t only a leader—he’s a thinker. 

He’s someone who ponders what it means to be 

a Christ follower, a scholar and now a university 

president. He’s captivated by ideas and the power 

they hold. But most importantly, he is captivated 

by his Creator, who has given Moreno-Riaño a 

relentless passion for Christian higher education. 



PERSISTENCE IN PRAYER 

Moreno-Riaño—a disciple, husband, father, son and 

leader—seeks and discerns the LORD’s guidance 

and serves under His sovereignty. His new role of 

university president is the acceptance of a calling 

from the LORD and a decision marked by fervent 

prayer, a spiritual practice he inherited from his 

mother and shares with his wife, Ellen. 

For Moreno-Riaño, his mornings often begin in the 

pre-dawn hours. It is not uncommon for him to stir 

awake at 2:30 a.m. with an urge to pray. As a man 

driven by prayer and seeking the LORD’s guidance 

in every decision, he knows when the LORD is 

prompting him. 

He learned the power of prayer from 

his mother. Ruby Moreno became 

a Christian because she saw the 

work the LORD was doing in 

her son’s life. And her life 

had never been easy. She 

was only 15 when Moreno- 

Riaño was born. 

“She was a child,” 

Moreno-Riaño reflected. 

Tears welled in his eyes. 

“We grew up together. She 

has told me many times, ‘Not 

only are you my son, but you 

are my friend.’” 

If prayer was hereditary, it would run in 

Moreno-Riaño’s family. He says he would not have 

come to faith if his grandmother had never attended 

an underground Bible study at the age of 17. The 

most important thing he’s learned from his mother 

and grandmother, Moreno-Riaño said, was to be 

persistent in prayer. 

Moreno-Riaño does not make decisions without 

first consulting the LORD in prayer—including 

his decision to become president of Cornerstone 

University. He will tell you that the opportunity was 

a move of God. Even after his first meeting with the 

board of trustees, he knew in his heart that the LORD 

was bringing him here. He knew the LORD was 

moving, and He was calling Moreno-Riaño to be a 

part of His work at Cornerstone. 

There are things 

that God can 

do that human 

efforts cannot. 

— GERSON MORENO-RIAÑO 

SEIZING OPPORTUNITIES 

Moreno-Riaño’s journey to Christian higher education 

began long before his meeting with the board of 

trustees of Cornerstone. It’s a journey rooted in prayer 

and bolstered by bold requests and steps of faith. 

A journey, he says, that was entirely guided by 

God’s hand. 

Prayer led Moreno-Riaño to be called by God to 

full-time ministry. But one year of school at a Bible 

college left him feeling burnt out and distraught. In 

order to finance his education, he had to work full 

time at night. He remembers often falling asleep in 

class. His grades tanked. 

He returned to his home in Rochester, N.Y., 

wondering what was next for him. 

Through the mentorship of a good 

friend, Moreno-Riaño realized that 

he hadn’t surrendered his desires 

to God—he wasn’t allowing the 

LORD to use all of him. 

Moreno-Riaño began applying 

to other colleges, but there 

was a problem—he wasn’t in a 

financial situation to afford it. 

He knew the LORD wanted him 

to pursue ministry, but how could 

he do that with no way to pay for a 

college degree? 

“I prayed, ‘LORD, I want to go back to 

school and serve you, and you know exactly 

how much money I need. But please confirm to me 

your calling on my life to serve you and provide to me 

the needed monies to save for school. You know how 

much I need; please provide this amount,’” Moreno- 

Riaño said, “‘and that will be the confirmation of your 

calling on my life to serve in full-time ministry and go 

back to school.’” 

He interviewed for a job in Rochester, N.Y., making 

eyeglasses for a Bausch & Lomb subsidiary. The 

man who interviewed him, a man that Moreno-Riaño 

described as a “French Canadian who smoked 

cigarettes like a chimney,” offered Moreno-Riaño a 

wage that was over and above what he needed to 

save for the initial tuition needed to jump-start his 

college education. 

“There are things that God can do that human efforts 

cannot,” Moreno-Riaño said. 

“I almost started to cry,” he reflected. It was all the 

confirmation he needed. 

06 


FALL 2021

Moreno-Riaño then applied to two colleges, one of them 

Cedarville University. He showed up to his admittance interviews 

with the best—and only—suit he had. 

But there was another problem—after a year of Bible college 

burnout, his grades were less than ideal. He had a 1.2 GPA. “I 

was just glad it was above a 1.0,” Moreno-Riaño remembered. 

Cedarville gave him conditional acceptance—he needed to have 

a 3.0 GPA by the end of the semester, or he wouldn’t be allowed 

to continue. 

At the end of the semester, his GPA was 3.5. 

“I’ve learned that when there’s an opportunity, you take it and run 

with it,” Moreno-Riaño said. “Because they don’t come around 

that often.” 

While Moreno-Riaño does describe himself as “relentless,” every 

decision he makes is one that is guided by God’s will and a 

testimony of His goodness. 

THE POWER OF IDEAS 

Moreno-Riaño remained faithful in following his call to ministry, 

but he had other passions as well that began long before his 

acceptance to college. In ninth grade, Moreno-Riaño wrote an 

article for his school paper about his stance on a current global 

issue. A week later, his friend, whose name was—ironically— 

Patrick Henry, wrote a rebuttal to his essay. It made Moreno-Riaño 

realize that there was a war of ideas going on all around him. 

“I love ideas,” Moreno-Riaño said. “They represent something 

powerful about what’s right and wrong, good or bad.” 

Moreno-Riaño realized that he could marry his passion for ideas 

with his love for Jesus Christ and the gospel. Even in ninth grade, 

he was planting the seeds for what would become his career as 

a leader in Christian higher education. Later, at Cedarville, he 

majored in political science and pre-seminary Bible. 

“My academic adviser told me, ‘Don’t eliminate either of those 

passions. God gave both of them to you, and he’ll work it out,’” 

Moreno-Riaño said. 

He continued to pursue political science in graduate school. 

During a graduate seminar where his professor at the University 

of Cincinnati and almost all of his classmates were atheists, 

Moreno-Riaño realized that the LORD had created him to 

participate in the public square of ideas, just like he had in 

high school. 

“I had these two passions in me,” Moreno-Riaño said, “The 

centrality of Jesus Christ and the Word of God, and the 

importance of ideas as representative embodiments of what some 

consider to be beautiful, true and good.” 

A LINEAGE OF FAITH 

At the age of 17, Moreno-Riaño’s 

grandmother accepted Jesus Christ as 

her Savior in an underground Bible study 

in 1938. In Bogotá, Colombia, in the 1930s, 

a gathering like that could mean a death 

sentence. Little did she know that her 

decision would influence her family for 

years to come. 

Moreno-Riaño traces his faith journey back 

to her. His grandmother’s influence on his 

mother was what encouraged his parents 

to send him to an Assemblies of God school. 

That was where Moreno-Riaño first heard 

the voice of God in third grade. He heard 

God distinctly telling him to repent of 

his sins. 

“That day changed the trajectory of my life,” 

Moreno-Riaño remembered. 

He remembers hearing God’s voice again 

in Plaza Bolívar, the historic center of 

Bogotá, Colombia, while his father was 

buying shoes. In the plaza, an orchestra 

was playing Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5, 

and Moreno-Riaño recalls hearing God’s 

voice telling him, “You are hearing beauty.” 

It was a transformational experience for he 

realized that beauty carried great spiritual 

power, a power that transcends words. 

“I kept talking about it all day at the plaza,” 

Moreno-Riaño recalled, “so much so that 

my dad said we had to leave because I was 

embarrassing him!” 

If a 17-year-old girl hadn’t accepted Christ in 

secret in the 1930s, Moreno-Riaño might not 

be the man he is today. But, as in all things 

in Moreno-Riaño’s life, God’s perfect will 

played out. 



Moreno-Riaño’s ministry calling 

took him in an unexpected direction. 

God didn’t want him sharing the good 

news at the pulpit but in the classroom. 

“Places like Cornerstone are so important because 

the ideas that we offer to our students in the 

classroom have to be in complete concert with who 

God is, with His revelation of Himself and His ways 

in the Scriptures,” Moreno-Riaño said. “Because if 

they’re not, we could end up, God forbid, betraying 

the faith of the students who come here, which is 

something we should never, ever do.” 

THE POWER OF UNIVERSITIES 

For Moreno-Riaño, Christian higher education is 

the vineyard he is called to by the LORD. Being 

a university president was not his plan until God 

brought Cornerstone to him. But Moreno-Riaño’s 

deep understanding and passion for leading students 

came when he began teaching. 

After completing his doctorate, Moreno-Riaño 

returned to Cedarville as a tenured professor, 

knowing that the LORD wanted him to use both 

his faith and academic experience to teach young 

believers. The more he taught, the more he realized 

the unique opportunity he had as a professor at 

a Christian college. He had a classroom full of 

students who were hungry to learn from him and 

from each other. 

“This is it,” he remembered thinking. “This is what the 

LORD has given me to do.” 

After teaching at Cedarville for seven years, Moreno- 

Riaño went to Regent University to serve as chair 

of the Department of Government. In 2010, he was 

appointed dean of the School of Undergraduate 

Studies, and in 2014, he was appointed as executive 

vice president for academic affairs and chief 

academic officer at Regent. 

Because Moreno-Riaño believes in the power of 

ideas and the power of the gospel, he also believes 

in the power that Christian universities have to shape 

culture. After all, secular universities have been doing 

so for centuries. His journey in higher education and 

his faith in the LORD have now led him to be the 

president of a Christ-centered university. 

“One of the greatest and most enduring institutions 

that humans have created is the university,” noted 

Moreno-Riaño. “They outlast everything. And that’s 

because human beings have a passion for truth, 

wisdom and the task of bequeathing these to 

future generations.” 

When thinking about his role as university president 

and looking ahead to Cornerstone’s future years, 

Moreno-Riaño is humbled by the tremendous 

privilege to lead such a pivotal university as 

Cornerstone. He recalls the importance of being true 

to the founding ideals of Cornerstone—the gospel of 

and centrality to Jesus Christ. The importance of this 

founding vision and the role of university president 

in protecting and reminding the community of this 

founding vision cannot be overstated, according to 

Moreno-Riaño. He has said many times that serving 

in Christian higher education is one of the highest 

callings in which a person can serve—and he’s just 

getting started. 

“This is just the beginning, amen?” he said with 

a smile. 

And it is. A few U-Haul boxes are still unpacked. 

Some of the bookshelves in his office remain 

empty. Moreno-Riaño is still getting to know 

Cornerstone, and Cornerstone is getting to 

know him. Yet for such a time as this, 

Cornerstone couldn’t be in better hands. 

08 



“FROM THE 

MOMENT I MET 

MY HUSBAND, 

I KNEW 

IMMEDIATELY 

THAT I’D NEVER 

MET ANYONE LIKE 

HIM.” 

Ellen Moreno-Riaño has 

a soft voice with a slight 

Southern lilt, having grown 

up in Knoxville, Tenn. But when 

she speaks, it’s evident that she’s 

filled with 

the Spirit 

of God. 

Sometimes, 

tears will 

come to her 

eyes when 

she thinks about how God has blessed her family. 

She wipes tears away as she reflects on the day in 

January, over 30 years ago, when she met Moreno- 

Riaño for the first time. She had sat down at the same 

table with him and his friends in the dining commons 

at Cedarville University. 

The first thing Moreno-Riaño asked her was, “What 

do you want to do after graduation?” Ellen responded 

that she wanted to be a public school teacher. 

Moreno-Riaño happened to have cassette tapes (yes, 

cassette tapes) on Christian education and wondered 

if she would want to meet and listen to them. 

“But I said, ‘It’s not a date,’” Moreno-Riaño 

emphasizes as he looks at his wife with a smile. 

Moreno-Riaño 

proposed after three 

months of dating, 

and they were 

married the following 

December. This year 

marks 30 years of 

marriage for the happy 

pair, who are often seen 

holding hands or sharing 

adoring glances. 

“I tell my children, ‘Home isn’t 

a place. It’s wherever your mother 

is,’” said 

Moreno- 

Riaño. The 

ELLEN MORENO-RIAÑO: 

A HEART FOR UNDERSTANDING 

couple are 

parents 

to six 

children, 

ranging from age 14 to 28, who live all around the 

country. Their youngest son moved with them to 

Grand Rapids and attends high school in the area. 

Ellen is just as passionate about Christian higher 

education as her husband. She has a deep desire 

to help people understand what it means to be a 

Christian and that every beautiful, wonderful longing 

you have is a reflection of God Himself. 

She says that her husband has all the right qualities 

of a university president—a desire for excellence in 

everything he does and a humility and passion to 

serve the LORD. Ellen is still not sure what her role as 

first lady looks like yet, but she has spent many hours 

in prayer about it. 

The next time they met, they talked about their 

faith and love for God. At the time, Ellen was a 

junior at Cedarville. 

“I was coming to the end of my college life,” Ellen 

said, “and I prayed, ‘God, there isn’t anyone here for 

me. If you want me to meet someone, you’re going to 

have to drop someone right in front of me.’” 

“I spent a lot of time in prayer for Cornerstone and 

my husband,” Ellen said. “It’s a wonderful blessing 

to be here. I am so thankful to the LORD for giving 

us an opportunity to take part in the great work 

of Cornerstone. It’s the culmination of a lot of 

hard work.” 



INAUGURATION 

WEEKEND 

On Oct. 22-23, the Cornerstone University community 

celebrated the inauguration of Gerson Moreno-Riaño, Ph.D. 

The 12th president was officially sworn in on Friday during an 

inauguration ceremony, which included greetings from various 

community members. On Saturday, Cornerstone hosted an 

Inaugural Gala, where Moreno-Riaño was able to give further 

remarks on his vision for the university. Most importantly, the 

LORD was glorified and magnified in every ceremony and 

celebration and will continue to be in the days to come. 

10 



pictured 

Top left: Dr. Moreno-Riaño receiving the presidential 

medallion during the inauguration ceremony. 

Top right: The Moreno-Riaño family at the Inaugural Gala. 

Middle right: Dr. Moreno-Riaño speaking at the Inaugural 

Gala. 

Bottom right: Dr. Moreno-Riaño with board of trustee 

members Steve Hawks and Carole Bos. 

Bottom center: GRTS alumnus Terrance King delivering 

greetings to the president during the Inauguration 

ceremony. 

Center: CCCU president Shirley Hoogstra speaking at 

the Inaugural Gala. 

Bottom left: Dr. Moreno-Riaño with student body 

president Maddie Marks at the student breakfast. 



OUR VISION 

FOR THE 

FUTURE 

EDITOR’S NOTE: Below is the transcription of 

portions of Dr. Gerson Moreno-Riaño’s speech that 

was delivered at the Inaugural Gala on Saturday, 

Oct. 23 at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel. His speech 

addressed faculty, staff, alumni, board members, 

donors and other members of the Cornerstone 

University community who attended. The plans he 

shared in the speech were discussed and fervently 

prayed over by the board of trustees of Cornerstone 

and campus leadership. 

To watch the full speech, 

visit cornerstone.edu/inauguration. 

WHEN I FIRST ARRIVED AT THIS WONDERFUL 

UNIVERSITY I WAS ASKED, “WHAT WOULD 

HAPPEN TO THE WORLD IF CORNERSTONE 

UNIVERSITY WASN’T HERE?” 

That’s one of the most fundamental questions we can 

ask ourselves, amen? And that’s what I want to ask us 

to think about tonight. Why Cornerstone, among all the 

other universities that exist? What kind of university do 

we need to be as we continue to build off an incredible 

legacy of 80 years and the work that has been done 

over the last decade with Dr. Stowell, the incredible 

work of the board of trustees, the beautiful campus and 

the beautiful location? What kind of place do we need to 

be? The reason the world needs Cornerstone University 

is because Cornerstone University is an institution 

where Jesus Christ has been, is and will be central in 

all its doings. That’s why we speak about an institution 

where we graduate influencers for Jesus Christ. 

12 





And, ladies and 

gentlemen, may that 

always be the case. 

I always speak about 

Cornerstone in the last 

three months as being and 

becoming the destination 

of choice in Christian higher 

education. That’s a high goal, 

right? I want Cornerstone to be top 

of mind for every family in our country. My 

vision—our vision—for this wonderful, great university 

called Cornerstone University is a graduate in every 

household of America. That’s big. It’s bold, but we 

have a great big God for whom nothing is impossible. 

So what I want us to do is think through that together. 

Cornerstone is the destination of choice, the place 

that far outranks any other institution in the country. 

That when individuals think about Christian higher 

education, they’re thinking, “That’s the place we want 

to go.” That when the 35 million adults that have not 

completed their education look at this institution they 

say, “That’s where we want to go.” That those who are 

looking for a seminary education and for education in 

ministry think, “That’s the place we want to go.” 

What must we do to continue to build on our great 

legacy to arrive at that place? What kind of institution 

do we have to be to become that destination of 

choice? I want to lay out a number of things for us 

to think about. First, we have to be an institution 

of great moral courage, courage being the ability 

to discern what is right and wrong—what is true 

and what is not true—and defend it with our very 

life. That’s what courage is and the kind of institution 

that our country needs, that our churches need and 

that our homes need. It needs an institution like 

Cornerstone University that can educate men and 

women to have great courage. 

This is one of the things we must continue to be—to 

demonstrate great moral courage of the incredible 

faith that has been given to us. The faith of Jesus 

and the gospel. We must be fearless. Our culture 

right now is being torn apart by fear and anxiety 

everywhere you go. I’m sure you remember, during 

the first few weeks of the pandemic, how terrifying it 

We must also be a 

beautiful community that 

mirrors the kingdom of 

God ... a place of great 

hospitality, a place where 

everyone is welcome. 

was. I would drive the 

streets of our home in 

Chesapeake, Va., and it 

really literally looked like 

a zombie film. I remember 

sitting in my home literally 

for four weeks and feeling like 

the world was falling apart. It’s 

fearful and it’s anxious out there, 

is it not? And yet amidst this, we must 

remain completely fearless and have incredible 

courage and great faith and trust in God. I remember 

when my children were young, I would say to them, 

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not 

on your own understanding ... and He will direct your 

path” (Proverbs 3:5-6). It’s easy to say, is it not? It’s 

much more difficult to do. 

And for our university to be the destination of choice, 

to be the place where men and women come to 

acquire a world-class Christian education, we must 

be men and women of courage and not yield to fear 

and anxiety. Not because we have the strength in 

ourselves, but because God is our rock; He’s our 

refuge, a very present help in trouble. He is the 

one who covers us with favor as with a shield; it is 

He who makes His way straight for us where there 

seems to be no way. 

We must also be a beautiful community that 

mirrors the kingdom of God. This means 

Cornerstone must be known as a place of great 

hospitality, a place where everyone is welcome, a 

place where everyone wants to come and wants to 

remain and wants to graduate and wants to come 

back. A place where no one feels left out because 

of how they look or where they come from or their 

economic background. That’s what we must be 

because that is what the kingdom of God is and that’s 

what Jesus has done for us. He didn’t just die for 

some; He did not just love some. He died for all, and 

He loved all. 

And we must endeavor and labor daily to commit our 

hearts, to love God with all of our being and to love 

our neighbors. This is hard work by the way, ladies 

and gentlemen. I’ve realized that one of the virtues 

14 



of God that we seldom ever talk about is God’s 

great humility. The fact that God reaches down and 

continually pursues us nonstop every day. And yet, 

it’s so easy for us to forget that, to stiff arm God and 

to neglect the duties that His grace places on us. 

It’s hard work. God, help us. We have an incredible 

obligation and incredible opportunity for our 

university to be not just the destination of choice, but 

the place that everybody wants to come to. 

Oftentimes in the last few days, people have told me, 

“You’re the first minority president of Cornerstone 

University.” I sometimes say, “I’m just glad that I made 

it to be president.” And I’ve sensed a great outpouring 

of love from day one on this campus. But we can do 

more. I had the privilege of meeting with Dr. Julián 

Guzmán, president of the Urban Church Leadership 

Center, the other evening with a number of African 

American and Hispanic pastors in the community. By 

the way, I’ve used my Spanish more here in Michigan 

in the last three months than I have in 40 years in this 

country. And after that meeting, some pastors came 

to me and a number of them said to me, “Help us 

have our children in your school.” And we’re going to 

do it. We’re going to do it in great ways. 

I say that because as a minority, as a Hispanic, it 

has been God’s grace and goodness to me that has 

brought me to this point and the goodness of people 

of all walks of life who’ve invested in me. Next week, 

I celebrate 41 years in this country. Now, the LORD 

blesses me with the opportunity to serve as president 

of a wonderful university. It’s only by God’s grace and 

dozens of people—African American, black, brown, 

white, American, European American—you 

name it, whom the LORD brought into 

my life and influenced and poured 

into me and helped me. 

I’ve often stood back and 

said, “Only your grace, oh 

God.” And that’s what we 

need to be doing too. 

When I speak about a 

beautiful community 

that’s diverse and that 

represents every walk 

We will do more together 

to ensure this university 

continues to magnify 

the name of Jesus and 

represent the kingdom in 

all of its beauty. 

of life, I often equate it to living in a family. Life is 

beautiful, but family life requires work and humility. 

It requires that we roll up our sleeves and pray and 

listen. It’s hard work. It doesn’t come naturally to 

anybody. Cornerstone has a tremendous history of 

doing that. And yet, we can do more. And we will do 

more together to ensure this university continues 

to magnify the name of Jesus and represent the 

kingdom in all of its beauty, to continue to be the 

destination of choice. 

I think our university must also continue to ensure 

that we’re committed to truth and not ideologies. 

There’s a significant blurred line between those two 

things in today’s culture. What is ideological and true, 

and what do we, as Christians, pursue and give our 

lives to and defend? This dawned on me two years 

ago, working through Matthew 4 and the temptations 

of Christ. It dawned on me looking at the chapter that 

two of the three temptations that Jesus Christ faced 

were to misuse His identity as the Son of God for 

personal gain. 

I think that is the great temptation that we face in 

the church and in Christian universities today. I think 

there’s a great temptation that we face to misuse our 

identity in Jesus. In John 14, when Jesus speaks to 

the Samaritan woman at the well, it’s an incredible 

conversation where identity comes up in a central 

way. Who truly worships God: Jews or Samaritans? 

There were two central ideas—identity and worship. 

And what did Jesus say? The Father is looking for 

“the true worshipers who worship Him in spirit and 

in truth” (John 4:23-24). That’s what we must 

endeavor to do. The truth will set us free. 

It’s the truth that students come to 

our university for. Praise God 

that our university has stood 

over 80 years, committed 

to truth and committed 

to the centrality of 

the gospel. We must 

also be a university 

committed to what I 

call moral formation, 

spiritual formation and 

character formation. 


FALL 2021 

15

It’s wonderful to hear our speakers tonight speak about the beauty and power 

Christian education. I discovered that as a little boy in Bogotá, Colombia, where my 

mother and father enrolled me in Colicchio Berea. There was chapel every day. And 

I remember the importance of biblical education as a child because it was in third 

grade in that school that the principal preached a sermon that called for an invitation. 

As I bowed my head, the LORD spoke to me and said, “You do not know me.” I’ll never 

forget that day. 

I began to understand Christian schools are really good. Christian schools magnify the 

LORD. Christian schools teach and preach. Christian schools help you to think about 

what is good and what is bad and right and wrong. I understood that Christian schools 

are also a place that’s safe to learn, to be challenged, to be prepared. 

Then I went to Cedarville University and encountered the beauty and power of 

spiritual formation through the gospel—through Christ, through faith-learning 

integration—and realized the beauty and importance of coming to a Christian 

university where students are thinking about Christ in a community of learners and 

having their character and their hearts shaped by the LORD through the love of 

faculty and staff. 

pictured 

Top left: Campus pastor Shafter 

Roble during a recent chapel 

service. 

Right: Staff participating in a day 

of prayer before classes began. 

Bottom left: President Moreno- 

Riaño meeting with a group of 

Kingdom Scholars. 

I’ve had the privilege and blessing in the last three months to meet lots and lots of 

students. And I can share this with you, ladies and gentlemen, that almost every single 

question that I’ve been asked by these students has been a question about spiritual 

formation. They asked me about academics. They want to ask me about the latest 

theory in sociology or biology, or they want to know, “How do we live?” I had one 

student say, “I have five siblings, and we don’t get along. Can you help me? Can you 

give me advice on how to be a good sister?” I had another individual, a student in the 

Kingdom Scholars program ask, “What is your favorite attribute of God and why?” 

16 



That’s profound. 

These students 

come to Cornerstone 

for the wonderful 

education we provide 

to them. The wonderful 

degrees we offer, the incredible 

experiences. But I will tell you 

that at the end of the day, a lot of these 

students are wanting to know the answer to this 

question: How do we live? What does it mean to be 

a good human being—a good mom, a good dad, a 

good spouse, a good man, a good woman? Many 

years ago, Stanley Fish, a higher education scholar, 

wrote a book on this issue of formation. And he said 

that’s not the job of universities. That’s not right. 

For many years, the Pew Research Center has run 

studies on higher education and asked this question 

to parents and to adults. Do universities teach the 

most fundamental, important things about life? 

The answer is that a high percentage of Americans 

don’t believe they do. Ladies and gentlemen, praise 

God that for 82 years, our university has been doing 

spiritual formation, and my prayer is that it continues 

until the LORD returns. As we give students great 

academics, great faculty experience and great 

laboratory experiences, those individuals are going 

to leave, and they’re going to live their lives out as a 

particular kind of human being. 

A destination—the destination of choice—university 

is one that has great courage grounded in God, 

grounded in trust in our LORD, grounded in great 

humility, grounded in great love for one another 

and grounded in incredible commitment to truth 

and a humility to pursue it, to defend it, to share it 

with love and compassion but also with conviction. 

That destination of choice university is also one 

that believes and cares for the most important, 

fundamental questions of life that our students 

are asking and have nowhere else to go, but they 

come here seeking those answers. And, ladies and 

gentlemen, I pledge to you, that is who we’re going to 

continue to be. 

The task that is before us to 

build on a great foundation, 

to move forward to a great 

future—is going to require an 

incredible amount of prayer. 

But lastly, it is not 

something that I 

can do alone. It’s 

something that requires 

all of us to do together. 

It’s something that will 

require incredible amounts of 

collaboration, incredible amounts of 

prayer. There is no other way. It is going 

to require an incredible amount of prayer—deep 

prayer, serious prayer. When we call on God and ask 

God to pour His spirit on us, to transform our hearts 

and minds, to give us wisdom and to give us help. We 

don’t have it on our own. 

I’ll never forget one day being at a large church, 

which shall go nameless. I was sitting in the pews 

and the pastor came up and said, “Our church is so 

good, so well-organized and so well-planned that if 

the Holy Spirit went on vacation, we’d do just fine.” 

The temptation for us is to think that our planning 

and our organizing are going to lead the way to a 

great future. It’s not going to happen. God has to 

be central to us. That’s the beauty of this institution 

committed to the gospel of Jesus Christ. The task 

that is before us—to build on a great foundation, to 

move forward to a great future—is going to require an 

incredible amount of prayer. 

I call on all of us to pray like we’ve never prayed 

before for our wonderful university. That God will 

protect it. That God will guide it. That God will bring 

great resources to our university. That God will help 

us to remain humble and diligent, full of courage 

and full of love. And that’s why I want to ask our 

Cornerstone family, friends, alumni, faculty, staff and 

board members—let’s commit ourselves to prayer. 

Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for your support. 

Thank you for your prayers. Thank you for your love. 

Thank you for your hospitality to my family and to me. 

Thank you for your love for this wonderful university 

called Cornerstone University. More than anything, 

thank you for your faithful commitment to Jesus 

Christ. To Him belongs all honor and all glory and 

all praise forever and ever. Amen. 


FALL 2021 

17

75+ DEGREES 

ONLINE + IN-PERSON

YOUR SUPPORT. 

OUR COMMITMENT. 

Your support of Cornerstone University creates endless possibilities. When you give, 

even as little as $5 a month, your contribution can help fund a scholarship, start a new 

program or purchase new equipment. 

We are committed to our mission of preparing men and women to serve Jesus Christ in 

their vocation. We value your support in this endeavor. Your gift to Cornerstone is what 

makes that mission a reality. 

There are many ways to give to CU, including: 

+ Cash in Your Coffee: pledge $5 a month and receive a free coffee mug. 

+ Endowed scholarships. 

+ Legacy or gift planning. 

+ Non-cash gifts. 

And many more. 

Learn more about giving to CU by contacting 

the Advancement Office at 616.977.5439. 



ANNUAL 

REPORT 

MOVING FORWARD TOGETHER 

IN FAITH AND TRUST 

20 





FACULTY NEWS 

AWARDS 

In May 2020, Dr. Max Botner, assistant professor of 

New Testament at GRTS, received the prestigious 

Manfred Lautenschlaeger Award, which recognizes 

the written work of young theologians around the 

world. Botner received the award for his doctoral 

thesis titled “Jesus Christ as the Son of David in the 

Gospel of Mark.” 

Dr. Sérgio da Silva, professor of psychology, 

was awarded the TUG Faculty Excellence Award. 

His gracious and collegial spirit and his scholarly 

expertise impact so many on campus—faculty and 

students alike. 

FELLOWSHIPS AND APPOINTMENTS 

Dr. Laurie Burgess, associate professor of education 

and chair of the Teacher Education Division, was 

named an Impact Academy fellow in 2021 through 

Deans for Impact. Deans for Impact is an organization 

that is committed to equipping deans and directors of 

teacher education programs across the country. 

In July 2021, Professor Jeffery Degner, assistant 

professor of economics, accompanied three 

undergraduate students who attended Mises 

University at the Mises Institute in Auburn, Ala. 

Degner was a research fellow at the Mises Institute 

and wrote an article for Mises Brasil Interdisciplinary 

Journal of Philosophy, Law and Economy. His 

article was titled “The Biblical Ethic of Free Market 

Exchange.” 

GRANT-FUNDED RESEARCH PROJECTS 

Dr. Nola Carew, associate professor of social work 

and chair of the Social Science Division, obtained 

a grant from the Council for Christian Colleges and 

Universities to study Christian leadership in a multifaith 

world and support Cornerstone students in 

engaging with others who are different from them 

while deepening their own faith. 

PUBLICATIONS, PRESENTATIONS AND 

MUSICAL RELEASES 

Dr. Jim Blumenstock, dean of Asia Biblical 

Theological Seminary, co-authored a chapter in 

“Identifying as Christian in an Alien Public Arena.” 

Dr. Rachel Hammond, associate professor of 

business and chair of the Business Division, 

presented “Developing Social Presence: Teaching 

Relationally and Creating Community in the Hybrid/ 

Bimodal Classroom” at the ITLC Lilly Online 

Conference in May 2021 and a seminar titled 

“Professionalism in the Workplace” at the Acton 

Institute in June 2021. 

22 



Dr. Desmond Ikegwuonu, assistant professor of 

music and director of worship arts, released several 

worship songs in various languages in conjunction 

with PFC worship. 

Julia Petersen, M.F.A., assistant professor of 

creativity and innovation, presented “Reimagine: 

Using Design Thinking to Bring Innovation to Honors 

Programs” at the Mid-East Honors Association 

Renewal Conference in 2020 and “Using the 5 

Principles of Design Thinking to Increase Student 

Engagement in Disciplines Outside Their Major” 

at the Michigan Academy of Arts and Sciences 

Conference in 2021. 

Dr. Michael Pasquale, professor of linguistics and 

chair of the Humanities Division, was invited by LCC 

International University in Lithuania in December 

2020 to teach an online workshop on developing 

community in the classroom and was joined by over 

150 teachers from Africa, Europe and North America. 

He also co-edited the 2021 volume of the International 

Journal of Christianity and English Language 

Teaching. 

Dr. Nicole McDonald, professor of psychology, 

provided training to a local Christian school utilizing 

her expertise on students with disabilities and mental 

health challenges. 

Dr. James Sackett, assistant professor of kinesiology, 

presented twice for the virtual American College of 

Sports Medicine. He also published an article in the 

April 2021 edition of Frontiers in Neurology. 

Dr. Michael Wittmer, professor of systematic and 

historical theology at GRTS, published two books in 

2021: “The Bible Explainer” and “The 5-Minute Visual 

Guide to the Bible.” 

ACADEMIC DEGREES 

pictured 

Clockwise from top left: 

• Dr. Sérgio da Silva 

• Dr. Rachel Hammond 

• Dr. Desmond Ikegwuonu 

• Dr. Kim Hofstra 

• Dr. Max Botner 

Dr. Kim Hofstra, assistant professor of education, 

completed her Doctor of Education in organizational 

leadership and development through Cornerstone’s 

Professional & Graduate Studies. Her dissertation 

was titled “The Impact of Leadership Behaviors on 

Teacher Self-Efficacy During the Implementation of 

Scripted Curriculum.” 



CAMPUS NEWS 

HIGHER LEARNING COMMISSION 

VISITS CORNERSTONE 

During Sept. 20-22, Cornerstone University received a 

site visit from its regional accrediting body, the Higher 

Learning Commission (HLC). The three-day site visit 

was a component of the university’s reaccreditation 

process which happens once every 10 years. Five 

trained peer reviewers appointed by HLC evaluated 

the university on five criterion or best practices for 

higher education institutions, including university 

mission, ethical conduct, teaching quality, evaluation 

methods and institutional effectiveness. 

“For Cornerstone University to fully live into our 

identity, mission and vision, we must be growing 

and transforming on an ongoing basis,” said Dr. John 

VerBerkmoes, executive vice president for academics 

and dean of GRTS. “The reaccreditation process with 

the Higher Learning Commission, which includes 

a self-study and site visit, provides a wonderful 

opportunity for deep reflection on the uniqueness of 

our mission, critical evaluation of our operations and 

renewed commitment to quality improvement in all 

we do for the glory of Christ.” 

Cornerstone anticipates HLC’s final decision on its 

reaccreditation prior to the end of November. 

PGS UNVEILS NEW MASTER OF 

PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION PROGRAM 

Cornerstone University’s newest graduate program— 

the Master of Public Administration—was fully 

accredited by the Higher Learning Commission this 

spring. The Master of Public Administration empowers 

emerging and aspiring nonprofit leaders to make 

effective decisions that lead to sustainable change in 

their communities. The first student cohort launched 

in September. 

To request information about enrolling in the M.P.A. 

program, visit cornerstone.edu/mpa today. 

CORNERSTONE DEBUTS 

COMPUTER SCIENCE MAJOR 

Cornerstone launched a new Bachelor of Science 

in computer science program this fall with full 

enrollment. This major develops students’ skills in 

problem-solving, logic and creativity—skills that are 

imperative for the 21st century job market. 

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in 

the computer industry are expected to grow 16% by 

2028. CU faculty aim to help fill this growing industry 

sector with graduates who are prepared to influence 

their culture for Christ as skilled professionals 

in technical, analytical, consulting, teaching and 

research vocations. 

The computer science major is part of the newly 

established Computer Science, Engineering & 

Mathematics (CEM) Division. 

To request information about the computer science 

major and programs in the CEM Division, visit 

cornerstone.edu/cs. 

24 



CORNERSTONE UNIVERSITY 

INTRODUCES BACHELOR OF SCIENCE 

IN NURSING PROGRAM 

In January 2021, Cornerstone University unveiled plans for a Bachelor of Science in 

Nursing, a highly competitive program for students who are passionate about both 

health care and their faith. 

The BSN program has been an evolving project at Cornerstone for several years. With an 

urgent need for trained, qualified nurses in West Michigan and across the country, the 

program was developed to provide undergraduates with rigorous training informed and 

bolstered by a biblical worldview. Through both, Cornerstone seeks to cultivate nurses 

who are not only competent but also compassionate. 

pictured 

Top left: Nursing student Catherine 

Ouma (BSN ’24) learns on one of 

the nursing center’s dynamic AI 

mannequins. 

Top right: Mannequins in the adult 

ward of the Mary De Witt Center 

for Nursing. 

Bottom left: Misty Emmons, 

assistant professor of nursing, 

annoints Ashlyn Wilkinson’s 

(BSN ’24) hands with oil in the 

Nursing Division’s Blessing of 

the Hands Ceremony. 

“Nursing is a profession that requires both competence of skill and compassion of heart,” 

said Dr. Maria McCormick, chair of the Nursing Division. “Consistent with the culture of 

Cornerstone University, our BSN program offers a strong commitment to high academic 

performance as well as a seamless integration of the Christ-centered worldview. This will 

provide students with an education that will prepare them to be medically competent 

and culturally empathetic nurses.” 

The nursing program is housed in the Mary De Witt Center for Nursing on Cornerstone’s 

campus. This facility provides students access to innovative technology rarely 

found at other nursing schools, including robotic mannequins from world-renowned 

manufacturer CAE that respond in real time to nursing interventions, medication, 

injections and more. 

The BSN degree at Cornerstone was approved by the Michigan State Board of Nurses 

in January and the Higher Learning Commission in July 2021. The first cohort of nursing 

students began their program this fall. 

To request information about the BSN program, visit cornerstone.edu/nursing-major. 



CORNERSTONE SEES RECORD ENROLLMENT 

FOR INCOMING FRESHMAN CLASS 

On Saturday, Aug. 28, Cornerstone welcomed 

home 429 new students, its largest incoming 

class in the institution’s history. Coming from 

over 18 states and 17 countries, the incoming 

class included a record-breaking number of 

student-athletes and legacy students who 

have at least one parent who is a CU alum. 

“It was such a joy and privilege for our 

campus to welcome this year’s class and 

also see God’s faithfulness throughout 

this challenging year,” said Dave Emerson, 

executive director of admissions and 

international recruitment. 

At the annual Arrival Day worship service, 

university president Dr. Gerson Moreno-Riaño 

addressed the students and assured them 

of his commitment as university president to 

cultivate a love of Jesus as they study in CU’s 

Christ-centered and student-focused learning 

community. 

ALUMNI GATHER ON CAMPUS FOR 

HOMECOMING & FAMILY WEEKEND 2021 

On Oct. 22-23, alumni gathered for the first time in two years for Homecoming & 

Family Weekend. Festivities included pumpkin carving, the Alumni & Friends 5K, a 

pancake breakfast with the president and a slow-pitch softball game with alumni 

softball players. Over 450 guests visited campus throughout the weekend. Activities 

also included the inauguration ceremony of Dr. Gerson Moreno-Riaño and the 

dedication of the new Steven J. Cochlan Wrestling & Training Center. 

“The Alumni Association was so blessed to host Homecoming & Family Weekend 

once again in 2021,” said Dennis Graham, director of alumni relations at Cornerstone. 

“It was great to see so many new and familiar faces on campus having fun with their 

families and reconnecting with classmates and professors. The weekend is always 

a unique opportunity for alumni throughout Cornerstone’s 80-year history to come 

see everything that makes our university great.” 

26 



CU ATHLETICS LAUNCHES 

MEN’S WRESTLING PROGRAM 

Cornerstone University athletics added men’s wrestling to its roster beginning in the 2021-22 academic 

year. The wrestling program is Cornerstone’s 20th sport. 

The addition of the program included a new wrestling facility located near De Witt Field. The Steven J. 

Cochlan Wrestling & Training Center, named after former Cornerstone board member Steve Cochlan, was 

dedicated on Oct. 23 and is in use by the first men’s wrestling team. 

Inaugural men’s wrestling coach Chris Williamson is excited about his team and the opportunity to 

launch this program at Cornerstone. Williamson joins Cornerstone after six seasons as an assistant 

men’s wrestling coach at Liberty University in Virginia. 

“The opportunity to start a program at a school like Cornerstone University was exactly the right 

opportunity for me and my family,” Williamson said. “CU is positioned to be competitive in the WHAC 

and the NAIA right away. I am beyond excited to build a program that not only excels on the mats, but 

exalts Christ through the sport of wrestling. Wrestling has the unique capability of connecting the 

spiritual and the physical like almost nothing else can, which is why it makes perfect sense that a place 

like Cornerstone University would host such a profound sport here once again. My family and I are 

so grateful to Mr. Cochlan for his gift that will allow CU to build up men for Christ through the sport of 

wrestling in a beautiful new facility. It is my hope that this program will continue the high standard that 

CU has set for Christian athletics within the NAIA.” 

For more information about wrestling and the recruitment process, visit cornerstone.edu/wrestling. 

pictured 

Top left: Interior of the Steven J. Cochlan Wrestling 

& Training Center. 

Middle right: Steven Cochlan, CU president Dr. Gerson 

Moreno-Riaño and former president Dr. Joe Stowell cut the 

ribbon of the training center. 

Bottom left: Steve Cochlan with coach Chris Williamson, 

the Williamson family and members of the CU men’s 

wrestling team. 



FINANCIAL REPORTS 

Condensed Statement of Activities For the Year Ended May 31, 2021 

OPERATING REVENUE 

WITHOUT DONOR RESTRICTIONS 

WITH DONOR RESTRICTIONS 

Restricted by Restricted in 

University Radio Purpose or Time Perpetuity Total 

Net Student Tuition and Fees $ 22,246,796 $ — $ — $ — $ 22,246,796 

Contributions & 

Government Grants 2,876,938 3,377,006 5,348,419 213,570 11,815,933 

Investment return 

appropriated for operations 59,873 — 448,878 — 508,751 

Auxiliary Services 6,466,410 113,587 6,579,997 

Other Income 586,170 — (369,010) — 217,160 

Total Operating Revenue $ 32,236,187 $ 3,490,593 $ 5,428,287 $ 213,570 $ 41,368,637 

Non-capital Net Assets 

Released from Restrictions $ 4,088,985 $ — $ (4,088,985) $ — — 

OPERATING EXPENSES 

Academic & Student Services $ 20,478,215 $ — $ — $ — $ 20,478,215 

Management & General 4,306,976 — — — 4,306,976 

Physical Plant Operations 3,682,513 — — — 3,682,513 

Auxiliary Services 2,906,659 1,713,860 — — 4,620,519 

Fundraising 552,597 658,262 — — 1,210,859 

Total Operating Expenses $ 31,926,960 $ 2,372,122 $ — $ — $ 34,299,082 

Increase (Decrease) in Net 

Assets from Operations $ 4,398,212 $ 1,118,471 $ 1,339,302 $ 213,570 $ 7,069,555 

NON-OPERATING ACTIVITIES 

Depreciation Expense $ (3,104,386) $ — $ — $ — $ (3,104,386) 

Investment return net of 

appropriations for operations 216,731 — 1,887,403 — 2,104,134 

Contributions restricted for 

capital campaign — — 2,738,052 — 2,738,052 

Capital Net Assets Released 

from Restrictions 2,998,677 — (2,998,677) — — 

Total Increase (Decrease) in 

Net Assets $ 4,509,234 $ 1,118,471 $ 2,966,080 $ 213,570 $ 8,807,355 

Condensed Statement of Financial Position For the Year Ended May 31, 2021 

ASSETS 

University 

LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS 

University 

Cash $ 15,050,370 

Receivables, Inventories, & Prepaid Expenses 5,302,217 

Investments 17,310,138 

Fixed Assets, net 70,988,142 

Total Assets $ 108,650,867 

Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses $ 2,723,550 

Deferred Revenue and Deposits 2,173,777 

Notes Payable 631,825 

Long-term Debt 6,679,529 

Other Liabilities 322,300 

Net Assets 96,119,886 

Total Liabilities and Net Assets $ 108,650,867 

28 



UNIVERSITY 

OPERATING 

REVENUE 

20.1% 

Auxiliary 

Services 

8.9% 

Contributions & 

Government Grants 

2.0% 

Other Income 

69.0% 

Net Student 

Tuition and Fees 

1.7% 

Fundraising 

UNIVERSITY 

OPERATING 

EXPENSES 

9.1% 

Auxiliary 

Services 

11.5% 

Physical Plant 

Operations 

13.5% 

FINANCIAL 

AID 

Management 

& General 

64.1% 

$1,655,954 

Athletic 

Scholarships 

$818,338 

Incentive 

Scholarships 

Academic & 

Student Services 

$627,087 

$35,418 

Seminary 

Scholarships 

$8,928,483 

Academic & Needbased 

Grants 

$255,528 

PGS 

Scholarships 

$554,034 

Funded 

Scholarships 

Other Grants & Scholarships 

PHOTO CREDITS: RYAN PRINS PHOTOGRAPHY © 2021 



CORNERSTONE UNIVERSITY 

DONORS (June 2020 to May 2021) 

INDIVIDUAL DONORS 

Allison Abbott 

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30 



WE ARE DEDICATED. 

Devoting our full selves to the shared, steadfast purpose of 

life-changing education that leads students to reach their 

God-given potential. 

+ Ranked 12th among Top Performers 

on Social Mobility Among Midwest Colleges 

(U.S. News & World Report, 2020) 

+ $12.1 Million 

awarded in financial aid 

Jordan Grooters 

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Peter and Carol Kramer 

Cynthia Lyons 

Tim and Marilyn Harms 

Ben Huyser 

Jim and Kathie Kregel 

Jacob Lyons 

Catrina Harr 

Richard and Sharon Ibarra 

Mary Krieger 

Danny and JoAnn Atwood 

Denise Hart 

Anita Isenga 

Don and Mona Krise 

Tricia Magrames 

Arthur and Betsy Hasse 

Jonathan Jack 

Ronald and Marilyn Kronemeyer 

Kelly Malone 

James Haveman 

Brenda Jansen 

Benjamin Krueger 

Drew and Abby Martin 

Steve and Annie Hawks 

Gary and Nancy Jennings 

Stanley and Joann Lachowicz 

Ty and Katelyn Mason 

John and Linda Hayden 

Thomas and Carolyn Jesse 

James and Nancy Lacy 

John and Ruth Matazel 

Holly Hazekamp 

Lysle and Carma Johnson 

James Lagina 

Amanda May 

Dewey Heetderks 

Paul and Pam Johnson 

Dan and Laura LaMore 

Andrew and Brooke McClain 

Laura Helveston 

Sharlene Johnson 

Benjamin Lanning 

Dudley and Libby McCready 

Richard and Kathryn Hemenway 

Robert and Amy Kamphuis 

Matthew Larsen 

James McCrum 

Austin Hendrick 

Russell and Mary Kaufman 

Gentry and Elise Ledbetter 

Matthew and Nicole McDonald 

Mikayla Henke 

Kristin Keelean 

Noah and Paige Lehmann 

James McEwan 

Michael Herrema 

Phil and Carrie Keith 

Chris and Megan Lenhart 

David and Kay McFarlane 

Ralph and Connie Hetchler 

Bill and Juanita Kellaris Jr 

Sheila Lenhart 

Mark and Michaelene McGinnis 

Gregory and Sharon Hewitt 

Ned and Juliet Keller 

Agnes Lina 

Jim and Marcia McKinney 

Sarah Hiemstra 

Brad and Darcia Kelley 

Gordon Lindsay 

Dave Mehney 

Rick and Lynda Hoeksema 

William and Rosemary Keys 

Zoe Lindsay 

Kimberly Meiste 

Mark and Wendy Holtvluwer 

Brenda King 

James and Lisa Link 

Al and Kay Meredith 

Larry Hoover 

April Kirchen 

Doug and Judi Lipinski 

Philip and Mia Merrell 



Shari Meyering 

Wally and Midge Olsson 

Joe and Alice Rea 

Scott and Nora Sanders 

Karl and Jean Millard 

Bradley Orr 

Trey and Ellen Reed 

Daniel and Suzan Santos 

Daniel and Sabrasue Miller 

Desirae Ortiz 

Kedron and Amelia Rhodes 

Denny Sauers 

Dan and Anna Miller 

Rick and Lonnie Ostrander 

Bradley and Joy Richards 

William Schaefer 

Kelly and Debra Miller 

Dave Oswald Jr 

Jason and Marci Richardson 

Brian and Karen Schankat 

Mary Miller 

Barry and Jean Palmerton 

Steve and Beth Rider 

Jeremiah Schimp 

Joyce Moore 

David Park 

Donald and Beverly Riedel 

Dale and Jennifer Schmatz 

Julie Morehead 

Bruce and Jean Parsons 

Jane Riker 

Allan and Vicki Scholten 

Donald and Bette Morren 

Bryan and Lauren Pasciak 

Brent and Christine Ritsema 

Jane Scholtens 

George Morren 

David and Sharon Pasciak 

Randall and Mary Ellen Ritsema 

Norman and Elvira Schuen 

Michael and Nancy Morren 

David and Anne Pasquale 

Sidney and Carol Roberts 

Bill and Kristil Semrau 

Rick and Sandra Motz 

Michael and Monica Pasquale 

Brian and Grace Robinson 

Jessie Seven 

Mark and Joy Muha 

Curtis and Alyson Peterson 

Leona Robinson 

Deborah Shelley 

Martha Muir 

Amy Phillips 

Kathryn Rocha 

Leroy and Darlene Shively 

Dawn Mumford 

Mark and Regina Pierce 

Robert Rodenhouse 

Thomas Short 

Randy and Kelly Murphy 

Andre and Cheryl Pierre Jr 

Roger and Anne Roode 

Kevin and Julie Shuneson 

Kenneth and Kerisa Myers Jr 

Kevin and Janet Pike 

Carl and Marilyn Rosema 

Thomas and Wendy Siefert 

Kevin and Jamie Nast 

Bruce and Chelsie Pobocik 

Randall and Diane Rottschafer 

Brian and Bonnie Simmons 

Laurence and Christine Nelson Sr 

David Pohl 

Jason Roys 

Joe and Kathy Sindorf 

David and Deborah Nemitz 

Stephen and Lori Popp 

Richard and Susanne Royston 

Emily Skinner 

Peter and Shawn Newhouse 

Rich and Ruth Postma 

Robert and Christine Rozelle 

Christopher and Jennifer Slagter 

Kim Nguyen 

Shannon Pothoven 

Nathan and Tricia Ruffer 

Kimm and Tammy Slater 

Thomas and Amy Niergarth 

Justin and Cathi Powell 

Tracy Russell 

Joe and Sandra Slaughter 

Jim and Maartje Niewenhuis 

David and Mary Pray 

John and Cheri Ruzza 

Kevin Slowik 

Noel and Rhonda Nixon 

Michael and Valerie Probst 

Edward Ryzenga 

Andrew and Nancie Smith 

Kurt and Sandy Norgaard 

Gary Proos 

Bryce and Anna Sack 

Colleen Smith 

Lorraine Nyenhuis 

Gary and Bonnie Pyles 

Bob and Debbie Sack 

Megan Smith 

Jason and Amy O’Dell 

Austin Rakestraw 

Aaron and Allison Sagraves 

Steve and Nancy Smith 

Laura Ohman 

Nancy Ranger 

Kenneth and Kathryn Sampson 

Tyler Smith 

Carlton and Vicki Olson 

James and Jayne Rauwerda 

Brian and Chrissy Sandberg 

Josiah Sohlden 

WE ARE SUPPORTIVE. 

Generous in identifying and meeting the needs of 

diverse students that allow our students to thrive. 

+ 15:1 

+ 18:1 

TUG student-to-faculty ratio 

GRTS student-to-faculty ratio 

+ 14-22 

students per class offered at PGS 

32 



Roger and Jan Spoelman 

Douglas and Lauri Sporte 

Ross and Rojean Sprague 

John and Catherine Squires 

Arie and Mary Staal 

Judith Staats 

Brad and Tami Stamm 

Jonathan Stewart 

Scott and Sheila Stewart 

Alan Stock 

Richard and Rebecca Stone 

Joe and Martie Stowell 

Muriel Strickland 

Jonny Strube 

Emily Stump 

Howard and Sandra Suitor 

Robert and Kristie Summerfield 

Tom and Louanne Summerfield 

Danny Surgent 

Erin Swinger 

Douglas and Linda Taatjes 

Benjamin and Joanna Taylor 

Lois Taylor 

Matt and Kristy Taylor 

Marion and Susannah Ten Hoor 

Virginia Terrell 

George and Leah Tesar 

Stephen and Penny Tessler 

Josh and Alyssa Thayer 

Kori Thompson 

Adam Thornhill 

Samuel Tillema 

Brad and Thalia Tilma 

Chad and Jodi Timmer 

Mark and Leah Tremaine 

Linda Troxel 

Glenn and June Troyer 

Jerry and Marcy Tubergen 

Mya Udell 

Jeremy and Shannon Underwood 

Karen Underwood 

Ronald and Rebecca Underwood 

Carol Van Andel 

Nelda Van Horn 

Mike and Debra Van Kampen 

David and Mary Van Solkema 

Ronald and Joan Van Zee 

Ronald and Carol VanAntwerp 

Mike and Renae VanAst 

Benjamin and Chelsea Vanbiesbrouck 

Todd and Carole VandeGuchte 

Chester VandenBerg 

Roger and Susan VanderHeide 

Mark Vanderjagt 

Tyler VanderVen 

Steven Vanderwey 

James and Cherry VanderZee 

Gary and Anita Vanderziel 

Donald and Wilma VanDerZwaag 

David and Gracie Vandyke 

David and Nancy VanHouten 

Nate and April VanPutten 

Scott VanSingel 

Randy and Deb Veltkamp 

Andrew Venema 

Timothy Venema 

Dan and Megan Vos 

James and Jenni Vosburgh 

Kirk and Marie Vredevelt 

Eric Wagenmaker 

Mikayla Walker 

Matthew and Alissa Wallace 

Melissa Walters 

Seth Walters 

Samuel Wanner 

Alan Warner 

Bryan and Sandra Warner 

Wayne Watkins 

Anthony and Kim Weber 

Ted and Julie Weber 

Norman Weener 

Tom and Janet Wessels 

Bill and Margaret Wheeler 

Jack and Priscilla White 

Margaret Whitesel 

Lois Whittemore 

Steve and Katie Wideen 

Audrey Wierenga 

Doug and Dion Wierenga 

Matthew Williams 

Cynthia Willman 

Sam and Cynthia Wiltheiss 

Stefanie Wise 

Daniel and Stacey Woodall 

Michael and Dianne Workman 

Douglas and Rose Wrung 

Wade and Alicia Wyant 

Steve and Susan Wyse 

Andrew Yankee 

Keith Yates 

Jessica Yonkers 

Laura Yonkers 

Sandra Young 

Mark and Sarah Zichterman 

David Zondervan 

Lee and Karen Zuidema 

Glenn and Eileen Zwart 

Ryan Zwier 

Dave and Bea Zylstra 

David and Jennifer Zysk 

BUSINESSES 

4 Oaks Wealth Management, LLC 

All-Flo Plumbing LLC 

Applied Imaging 

B&V Mechanical Inc 

Bank of America Charitable Gift Fund 

Belden Brick & Supply 

Bouma Corporation 

C2AE 

Campus Labs 

Center for Physical Rehab Inc 

Champion Teamwear 

Chick-fil-A at Grand Rapids South FSU 

Compass Coach Inc 

Council for Christian Colleges & Universities 

Cousin’s Tasty Chicken 

Credo Communications LLC 

Culver CPA Group 

Dan Vos Construction Co 

Eckhoff & DeVries Painting and Wallcovering 

Engle Family Charitable Fund 

Farm Bureau Insurance Jeremy Underwood 

Fidelity Charitable 

Fieldstead & Company 

Financial Advisory Corp 

First Companies 

Gilson Graphics 

Growtrust Partners 

Guidestream Charitable Gift Fund 

Hurst Mechanical Inc. 

Independent Media Institute 

Integrity Business Solutions LLC 

ITS Partners, LLC 

JH Realty Partners 

Knibbe Investment Management LLC 

Kraft Business Systems 

Lake Michigan Credit Union 

Landscaping with Perfection 

Lubbers Painting LLC 

Lumbermen’s Inc 

Meijer Inc 

Miller and Miller Incorporated 

Modernistic Cleaning & Restoration 

Moss Telecommunications Services 

MYESCO 

North Cedar Attorney Holdings LLC 

Olsson Investment Group LLC 

Orthopaedic Associates of Michigan 

Paul Damon & Associates 

Pepsi Bottling Group LLC 

Plastic Mold Technology 

PNC Financial Services Group 

Red Wagon Advisors 

Request Foods Inc 

Richard E Wiggins CRUT #2 

Ridgefield Company LLC 

Ridgeview Industries 

River City Mechanical 

Rowe Professional Services Company 

Signworks of Michigan Inc 

Strategic Stewardship Partners LLC 

Team Gazelle 

The Christman Company 

United Way 

Vredevoogd-Brummel Insurance 

Weather Shield Roofing Systems 



WE ARE CREATIVE. 

Serving students through dynamic learning opportunities 

that are responsive to market demands and student needs. 

+ 12 

health care majors. 

+ Only University 

with an honors institute dedicated to creativity. 

+ 25 

+ 5 

Programs and 15+ individual courses offered online. 

new graduate and undergraduate programs started over the last 

two years to meet market demand. 

FOUNDATIONS 

Barnabas Foundation 

Bateson Charitable Lead Trust 

Beatrice A Idema Revocable Trust 

Darius D Nutt Trust 

David and Carol Van Andel Family Foundation 

Donald & Donna Ecklesdafer Charitable Remainder 

Trust 

H & A Edwards Trust 

Harold R & Clara Weaver Charitable Trust 

Jerry and Marcia Tubergen Foundation 

Mojo Foundation 

Monticello College Foundation 

National Christian Foundation 

National Christian Foundation Greater Chicago 

National Christian Foundation West Michigan 

Onequest Family Foundation 

Press On Foundation 

Raymond James Charitable Endowment Fund 

Renaissance Charitable Foundation, Inc. 

Samuel L Westerman Foundation 

Schwab Charitable Fund 

Sullivan Scholarship Fund Trust 

The Douglas and Maria DeVos Foundation 

The U.S. Charitable Gift Trust 

Zichterman Family Foundation 

MATCHING GIFT COMPANIES 

Thomson Reuters My Community Program 

CHURCHES 

Eastport Baptist Church 

Highland Hills Baptist Church 

Magnify Church 

34 



GRAND RAPIDS THEOLOGICAL 

SEMINARY DONORS (June 2020 to May 2021) 

INDIVIDUAL DONORS 

Ralph and Mary Abuhl 

Richard and Linda Antonini 

Gloria Baker 

Randall and Donna Bakker 

Tim and Cheri Beals 

John Bell 

Michael and Jeanne Belth 

Bruce and Lynn Bishop 

Tom and Arlene Bodtke 

Brian and Gina Bolger 

Bill and Nora Bolthouse 

John and Carol Boruta 

Khary and Jennifer Bridgewater 

George and Mary Brzezinski 

Everett and Ruth Burkey 

Doug and Crystal Busch 

William and Virginia Campbell III 

Scott and Heidi Campbell 

June Cassada 

Donald and Jan Chapman 

Christine Coggins 

Cecil and Bernita Colthorp 

William and Sharon Commons 

Joe Curtis 

Philip and Brenda David 

Thomas and Susan Day 

Mary De Witt 

Connie Dean 

Keith and Cheryl DeBoer 

Doug and Maria DeVos 

Luke and Kimberly Dickson 

Graydon and Jennie Dimkoff 

Madison Drew 

Carl and Karen Dufendach 

Paul and Karen Edwards 

Eric and Cheryl Elmer 

James and Nancy Engen 

Timothy Farley 

Dan and Joan Farnol 

Allen and Theresa Ferry 

Mark and Anne Fifer 

Linda Froehlich 

Daniel and Julie Gallivan 

Dan and Esther Gordon 

Gary and Cassandra Hankins 

Roger Harrison 

John and Charlotte Hilber 

Joel and Colleen Hill 

Joseph and Sharon Hilyard 

Robert and Esther Howder 

Richard and Sharon Ibarra 

Robert and Deborah Jeffers 

William and Michelle Jones 

Lee and Shirley June 

David and Coila Kennedy 

Brenda King 

Colette Kirby 

Mary Krieger 

Don and Mona Krise 

Wilfred and Darlene Kuhnell 

Richard and Amy Langton 

Arlyn and Marcia Lanting 

Dallas and Senita Lenear 

Robert and Shirley Lenz 

Tom Martin 

Dave Mehney 

Robert and Cheryl Mol 

Nathaniel Moody 

Michael and Debby Nelson 

David and Deborah Nemitz 

Peter and Shawn Newhouse 

Robert and Bette Jo Nienhuis 

Michael and Jean Oele 

Peter and Karen Osborn 

Bruce and Sue Osterink 

Rick and Lonnie Ostrander 

David and Sharon Pasciak 

Patrick and Nan Patterson 

Bill and Jillane Payne 

Peter and Patricia Pell Sr 

Paul Pennington 

Jean Perrini 

Mark and Regina Pierce 

Edward and Dona Powell 

Harold and Bonnie Price 

Donald and Beverly Riedel 

Leona Robinson 

Bill and Gloria Rudd 

James and Rene Salerno 

Eric and Connie Sattler 

Karl and Jill Schmidt 

Ken and Karen Schmidt 

Maurice Scruggs 

Michael and Imelda Shannon 

Martha Shrubsole 

Thomas and Wendy Siefert 

Ryan Simmons 

Andrew and Nancie Smith 

Colleen Smith 

Roger and Jan Spoelman 

Richard and Rebecca Stone 

George and Leah Tesar 

Daniel and Amy Treier 

Mark and Leah Tremaine 

Donald and Ruth Trott 

Jerry and Marcy Tubergen 

David and Beverly Turner 

Milton and Betty Ubbink 

Steve and Laura VandeLune 

Hank and Joyce VanderWerp 

Robert and Jan VanDyke 

John and Kelly VerBerkmoes 

Roger Wade 

Paul and Marilyn Ware 

Ted and Julie Weber 

Norman Weener 

Steven and Kayla Whitham 

Lois Whittemore 

Steve and Susan Wyse 

Darrell and Cindy Yoder 

BUSINESSES, MATCHING GIFTS AND FOUNDATIONS 

Barnabas Foundation 

The Douglas and Maria DeVos 

Foundation 

Fidelity Charitable 

Guidestream Charitable Gift Fund 

Jack and Wynnita Joy Westerbeek 

Family 

Foundation 

Jerry and Marcia Tubergen Foundation 

Lilly Endowment Inc 

National Christian Foundation 

National Christian Foundation West 

Michigan 

Onequest Family Foundation 

Raytheon 

Steelcase Foundation 

WaterStone 

CHURCHES 

Aboite Baptist Church 

Ada Bible Church 

Kent City Baptist Church 

South Church 



This year’s Arrival Day welcomed 429 new students to 

campus, complete with welcome signs and 90-degree heat. 

STORY ON PAGE 26. 

SHALLOM KIMANZI © 2021

Cornerstone University Magazine & Annual Report 2021

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