winter 2013 judson today
DESCRIPTION
Winter 2013 Issue of Judson TodayTRANSCRIPT
WINTER 2013 1
JUDSON todayJUDSON todayA Magazine for Friends and Alumni of Judson University
Winter 2013
Judson Gives Historic Mural a New Dwelling
Judson Welcomes New PresidentArchitecture Program Celebrates 15th AnniversaryNew Center Unifies Worship and Music Programs
CENTENNIAL
GOL DEN
JUD
SON UNIVERSITY
1913 · ELGIN 1963 · 2013
2 JUDSON today
Dear Judson Community,
The academic year began with many new opportunities and exciting changes, as well as
some challenges. Homecoming marked the return of many alumni and their families
as Judson honored the legacy of several fine graduates who have accomplished much
in their careers. The Alumni Board and Judson University were thrilled to recognize
the contributions of Kevin Noe ’79 as Alumnus of the Year, Merrie Derderian ’09 as
Distinguished Alumna, and Patrick Gilliam ’91 as Distinguished Alumnus. At Founders
Day, we celebrated our past and honored Dr. Robert Erickson with the Golden
Eagle award in recognition for his 51 years of teaching at Judson University. We also
reintroduced the idea of a Presidents Club to recognize the many friends who give so
generously to benefit our university.
During the Founders Day weekend, trustees held their Fall Board Meeting and made key decisions to secure the
future stability of Judson University. Higher Education today is facing unprecedented challenges as the federal
government deals with huge deficits, states slash their budgets, and parents struggle to pay rising tuition costs.
Like most higher education institutions, Judson also needed to make budget corrections to remain competitive
and financially healthy.
At its Winter Board Retreat in February, Judson’s Board of Trustees elected the sixth president, Dr. Gene C.
Crume, Jr. to serve the university beginning in May. I am excited that Dr. Crume has accepted the role, and am
certain that his unique skills and experience are what Judson needs to build a strong future. I am also pleased
that Dr. Wilbert Friesen agreed to continue in his service as Provost after serving as interim. These two leaders’
professional gifts complement each other so well that they will be an outstanding team exercising leadership and
building a strong institution for the future.
Although Judson has been in the midst of leadership transition, Judson’s community has spent this time
continuing Adoniram Judson’s call to offer the best educational opportunities to its students. Today, we define
that same mission with the theme “Judson University is shaping lives to shape the world.” In fact, we have
initiated a bold new commitment to market this message for our traditional undergraduate programs. As you
travel I-90 outside Judson, you can see evidence of our efforts with two new billboards letting others know about
our institution. Billboards are being placed in other strategic locations.
This spring we are thrilled to bring another world leader to Elgin’s doorstep as we welcome Former British Prime
Minister Tony Blair to be the keynote speaker at the next World Leaders Forum on April 12. We hope you will
take advantage of this unique opportunity to hear from and ask questions of a man who has certainly shaped the
world through his leadership. Visit the Judson University website to find out more about how you can take part
in our World Leaders Forum or make it possible for our students to attend.
Thank you for your continued support as Judson begins its Golden Centennial Anniversary in 2013.
Celebrations will begin in earnest with next year’s Homecoming and Founders Day events. We are grateful for
the many ways that you have been involved with Judson University and eagerly anticipate further success in the
next 50 years.
Christus Lux Mundi,
William Crothers,
Interim President
From the Desk of the Interim President
WINTER 2013 3
JUDSON TODAY EDITORIAL STAFF
EDITORMary DulabaumDirector of Communications & Marketing
ASSOCIATE EDITORBethany Suckrow ’09
LAYOUT AND PRODUCTIONCeleste Torres
PHOTOGRAPHYChristina MalikAllison ShuflinEric Secker
ALUMNOTES EDITORBonnie BienertDirector of Alumni Relations
JUDSON UNIVERSITY ADMINISTRATION
INTERIM PRESIDENTWilliam Crothers
PROVOST & CHIEF ACADEMIC OFFICERWilbert Friesen
INTERIM VICE PRESIDENT FOR BUSINESS AFFAIRSJohn Potter
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF ENROLLMENT SERVICESNancy Binger
VICE PRESIDENT FOR ADVANCEMENTTory Gum
Judson Today is a bi-annual magazine published by the Advancement Office at Judson University. Please send address changes and correspondence to Judson Today c/o Advancement Office, 1151 North State St., Elgin, IL 60123 or email [email protected].
C O V E R P H O T O
Judson art students, Victor Pinedo and Emily Brosious, clean 1940s era mural by John M. Cadel. Story on page 10.
F E A T U R E S
Judson Announces New President ............................................................ 4Dr. Gene C. Crume, Jr. to become the sixth president of Judson University.
Jerry’s Café Perks Up Campus Life ............................................................. 8Two Judson alumni establish new coffee shop on our Elgin campus.
Citizen Way Calls JudsonU Home .............................................................11Upcoming Christian band makes its home base at Judson.
New Center for Worship in the Performing Arts ...............................12The newly established center unites departments.
Architecture Department Celebrates 15th Anniversary ...............14Judson’s strongest and most unique program celebrates growth, looks ahead.
Judson Introduces New Major ...................................................................17Interior Design program is now open for fall 2013 enrollment.
Alumni Collaborate to Produce Feature Film .....................................24Alumni celebrate a dream come to fruition in the newly released “A Shallow Grave.”
I N E V E R Y I S S U E
Faculty Accomplishments ............................................................................20
AlumNotes ...........................................................................................................22
Athletics ................................................................................................................26
Winter 2013
84 11
1712 24
JUDSON today
CONNECT WITH US ONLINE!
JudsonU.edu
4 JUDSON today
“We are so fortunate to have Dr. Crume accept the role as President. I am certain that his unique skills and
experiences are exactly what Judson needs to continue to
build a strong future,” — Dr. William Crothers,
Interim President
Judson University’s Board of Trustees is pleased to welcome Dr. Gene
C. Crume, Jr. as the institution’s sixth university president. Dr. Crume’s tenure will begin April 7 as President-elect, followed by a brief transition time before he assumes the role of President on May 10.
Before coming to Judson, Dr. Crume served as an independent consultant working with institutions such as Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota and the Peru State College Foundation (Nebraska) on issues related to external relations and strategic planning. Dr. Crume spent a significant portion of his career at his alma mater, Western Kentucky University (WKU), where he served as the Executive Director of the WKU Alumni Association and taught as an adjunct instructor. His career also includes serving as Executive Vice President and Assistant Professor at Midland Lutheran College (now Midland University) and President of the Indiana State University Foundation.
“We are excited by the diverse leadership experiences, exceptional organizational gifts and vital Christian commitment that Dr. Crume will bring to the Judson community,” says Carol Thompson, Board Chair and a 1977 Judson graduate.
Thompson has led Judson’s Presidential Search Committee for the last 18 months since Judson’s Chancellor Dr. Jerry B. Cain
first announced plans to retire. Following Dr. Cain’s retirement in June 2012, the University has been led by Interim President Dr. William Crothers.
Judson has implemented several positive initiatives over the past 18 months. The university has initiated a new marketing campaign for traditional enrollment, launched a new Interior Design major, created the Center for Worship in the Performing Arts, renovated portions of the University Center with more student study and administrative office space, and corrected erosion concerns along the banks of Tyler Creek, which flows through the Elgin campus. Early in February the Board approved a partnership with the Institute for Professional Development to launch a major commitment to online and adult education.
“Judson is in a very healthy place today and is well positioned for future growth,” says Dr. Crume. “The university’s success and future is founded on a community of committed alumni, faculty, students, staff and friends, and it has been for 50 years. I am looking forward to joining this vibrant community as we work to shape the lives of our students so that they, in turn, can shape the world around them.”
“We are so fortunate to have Dr. Crume accept the role as President. I am certain that his unique skills and experiences are exactly what Judson needs to continue to
JUDSON UNIVERSITY WELCOMES
Dr. Gene C. Crume, Jr.
WINTER 2013 5
build a strong future,” comments Dr. William Crothers, current president of the University.
While at Midland Lutheran College, Dr. Crume served on the President’s Cabinet and was operationally responsible for admissions, athletics, constituent relations, development, financial aid and marketing. He served as chief development officer and led efforts that resulted in a 13 percent increase in annual gift revenue during his tenure. He oversaw student recruitment and admissions and successfully created strategies for targeted communications, opening new markets, embracing new technologies and creating a recruiting approach that involved the entire campus community. A few of his accomplishments while in this role include the establishment of an educational partnership with Mwika Lutheran Bible College in Tanzania, Africa; service as co-advisor of the Anderson Leader Scholars, the highest scholarship award; and leadership of the college-wide Strategic Planning Committee.
“Dr. Crume’s expertise in multiple facets of higher education will ensure that our students continue to enjoy the very best educational opportunities as well as the close-knit, Christian community that is so unique to Judson,” comments Thompson.
Dr. Crume grew up in Owensboro, Ky., and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Relations and his Master’s degree in Communications from Western Kentucky University. He went on to earn his Ph.D. in Education with a minor concentration in Organizational Leadership from the University of Virginia. Throughout his career he has been committed to passing on his experience and knowledge by serving as assistant professor or adjunct instructor for classes in business, public relations and communications at several institutions, including Western Kentucky University, Indiana State University, Midland Lutheran College, Mars Hill College and the University of Virginia. He has also served as a keynote speaker at college commencements, leadership seminars and association meetings. Dr. Crume has authored articles for national magazines, newspapers and academic journals.
His heart for ministry, missions, and service has been demonstrated through his volunteer work as an Ambassador for the United States for the Eric Liddell Centre of Edinburgh, Scotland. In this role, he represents the Centre at meetings and functions in the United States to assist with the development of an e-learning platform and philanthropy opportunities for the Centre. He also served as an adult leader
for the World Gospel Church Youth Mission Trip to San Antonio Rio Hondo in Belize.
Dr. Crume is married to Cindy Smith Crume of Bowling Green, Ky., also a Western Kentucky University graduate with a degree in Public Relations, and they reside in Terre Haute, Ind. Gene and Cindy’s daughter, Alexandra, will graduate high school this spring as a National Merit Finalist. Their son, Gene III, is a seventh grader. The family has been active in World Gospel Church, a nondenominational, missionary church in Terre Haute. Dr. Crume has just completed his service as chair of the Elder Council for the church.
Dr. Gene C. Crume, Jr.
6 JUDSON today
Del Camino Network
Where: Costa RicaWhen: Spring Break 2013Leaders: Diego Cevallos ’04Cost: $1,450What: Students will work with two different churches in their soccer ministries and learn about serving local ministries that reach the homeless, elderly and abused.
www.delcaminoconnection.org/en
Del Camino Network
Where: Dominican RepublicWhen: Spring Break 2013Leaders: Bethany Suckrow ’09, Ian Simkins ’06Cost: $1,450What: Students will work alongside and con-tinue friendships with a network of churches as they serve their local communities through different ministries.
www.delcaminoconnection.org/en
University Ministries is a team of ministry minded students from Judson University who work alongside their advisers to create spiri-tual growth opportunities for students encom-passing chapel, small groups, and local and global outreach. This team drives the spiritual life programming for the entire campus.
Take a look at the places University Ministries is sending students for service learning projects this year! Some trips have already happened, while others are just getting started. To find out more information on our mission trips, visit www.judsonU.edu/UM
Students Embark on 2012-13
C AMPUS L I FE IN PHO T OS
Homecoming King Mark Jacobi and Queen Stephanie Belokon greet parade onlookers with Student Body President Adam Westhauser.
Freshman girls gather for Homecoming festivities. Pictured left to right : Alexis Buechler, Tori Brunet, Erin Saflarski, Elizabeth Gaffney and Kelly Sommers.
WINTER 2013 7
John M. Perkins Foundation
Where: Jackson, MississippiWhen: Spring Break 2013Leaders: Ellison Cooper ’05, Ronnie Follett ’05Cost: $650What: Students will learn about the history of racial injustice in the United States and serve the Perkins Foundation in practical ways while the Foundation serves their community.
www.jmpf.org
John D. Shoop Academy of Math, Science and Technology
Where: Chicago, ILWhen: January 6-12, 2013Leaders: Dr. Kathy Miller and Zoe WorstCost: $150What: Students gained experience in the Chicago Public School Systems through serving the classrooms of Shoop Academy.
www.cps.edu/Schools
Christian Activity Center
Where: East St. Louis, MissouriWhen: May Term 2013Leaders: Margaret Street, Jessica Bunn, Scott BunnCost: $400What: Students will serve alongside this orga-nization as they serve the youth in their city. The CAC strives to provide growth opportunities to the youth in their neighborhood.
www.cacesl.org
Biblical Studies Professor of 51 years, Dr. Robert D. Erickson received the Golden Eagle Award at Founders Day. (Pictured with wife Gladys.)
Sheryl (Jedd) Bianchin ‘02, Jodie (Baker) Sutton ‘02, Marcus Lauria ‘01, Michelle (Yubeta) Swidrak ‘03, and Cathey (Reardon) Liebenow ‘94 are inducted into Judson’s Athletic Hall of Fame at the February ceremony.
Service Learning Projects
8 JUDSON today
by Bethany Suckrow ‘09
Upon entering the lobby of the Harm A. Weber
Academic Center, the scent of brewed coffee and the whir of an espresso machine are welcome signs of a new presence in its quarters: Jerry’s Café. The campus coffee shop, established this fall by alumni Benjamin Glunz ’10 and Kyle Pearson ’11, (see center photo, page 9) is tucked into a corner of the main floor lobby across from the Architecture of-
fices and the Draewell Gal-lery, just down the hall
from the doors of the Benjamin P. Browne Library.
For a brief period of time there was
another café in that same location while
Glunz and Pearson were students. Sadly, it closed within
the same academic year and the void has been felt ever since.
“We were disheartened to see the other café close because we knew it was needed on campus, but we learned a lot of do’s and don’ts from it. We hoped that one day, we could bring it back somehow,” says Glunz.
Now, less than three years after Glunz and Pearson earned their undergraduate degrees, they have returned to campus to bring that dream to life. More than 300
people attended the Grand Opening on August 26, just in time for the fall 2012 semester, and it has thrived ever since.
“Our dreams started here. It’s a great opportunity to come back and implement them and have people share them with us,” says Glunz.
Glunz, an alumnus of the undergradu-ate and master’s of architecture programs, and Pearson, a business alumnus, put a lot of thought and research into creating a suc-cessful business model for Jerry’s Café. They wanted it to be a gift to the university by establishing and managing the shop through their own means.
“We didn’t want a café on Judson’s cam-pus to be run by a third party that doesn’t understand campus culture, and we didn’t want it to be the school’s sole responsibility, either,” explains Pearson.
Glunz says they focused on four compo-nents that they knew were necessary to keep the venture afloat.
“We felt that the café’s success really came down to sustainability, quality, and credibil-ity,” says Glunz, “but even more than that, we wanted it to be a catalyst for the com-munity.”
One of the primary goals with Jerry’s was to create a café that was easily accessible to students, one that was located at the heart of campus and open for long hours to coincide with students’ diverse schedules. They’ve even made it possible for students to add money to their student accounts so that
Jerry’s Café Perks Up Campus Life
by Bethany Suckrow ‘09
8 JUDSON today
Café Photos by Stephen and Laura Drew
Did you know?Grab a “Box O’ Jerry’s” for coffee on-the-go! Ideal for groups of up to 10 for meetings and conferences.
Contact Jerry’s Café for more information.
WINTER 2013 9
Jerry’s Café Perks Up Campus Life
On the Menu:• Vanilla Latte• Cafe Mocha• Cafe Latte• Chai Latte• Steamer• Hot Chocolate• Americano• Cappuccino
• Traditional Macchiato
• Brewed Coffee• Brewed Tea• Espresso
Expect to enjoy any of these delicious treats when you stop by Jerry’s Cafe.
Hot Beverages Frozen Beverages Iced Beverages Shaken Iced Tea
Smoothies
Frappe – Coffee• Mocha• Raspberry Mocha• Caramel
• Iced Coffee• Iced Latte• Iced Mocha• Iced Chai• Iced Caramel Latte• Cappuccino
• Green• Black• Fruit Infused
• Peach• Strawberry• Mango• Wildberry
their school IDs function as debit cards. Parents, staff and faculty can add funds to students’ accounts as gifts, too.
Jerry’s convenient on-campus location
also provides jobs for students, and once word spread about its coming, Glunz and Pearson say students were lined up for the opportunity to work as baristas. In fact, Glunz says, they still have a waiting list of students willing to work. Pearson says he loves that they have the opportunity to work alongside students in this manner.
“The spirit, faith and value of know-ing people and being a part of the Judson community nurtured the importance of developing and treating employees so that
they feel valued,” says Pearson. “People are more important than an idea. Judson taught us that.”
Pearson says that this spirit of entrepre-neurship was inspired by an-other alumnus, Kevin Noe ’79, who became a mentor to him. When Noe, also a
member of Judson’s Board of Trustees, established the World Leaders Forum in 2011, Pearson was brought on as a student representative for the event’s planning com-mittee. Pearson says that Noe encouraged him and exemplified a way of giving to the university that was more powerful than simply writing a check.
“Kevin’s mentorship really created a chain effect because I was able to share his ideas with Ben, who was my roommate and clos-est friend while we were students,” recalls
Pearson. “The two of us really caught on to his spirit of mentorship and entrepreneur-ship.”
Glunz and Pearson remain close friends and say that through their time at Judson, they realized how compatible their gifts were. Their roles on the Judson Student Or-ganization gave them a lot of leadership and managerial experience, says Glunz. Those roles are closely reflected in how they man-age the café today, because Pearson served as the JSO treasurer while Glunz served as the JSO event planner. They hope that in the same way Noe showed them their potential to be a catalyst for positive change, they can influence their peers and future students to realize their potential.
“We’d love to see a cultivation of entrepre-neurial culture in and through Judson’s cam-pus,” says Glunz. “We believe Jerry’s serves as a live lab for this spirit and look forward to watching it grow in the years to come.”
Frappe – Non- Coffee• Frozen Hot Chocolate• Vanilla Blender• Chai Blender
“Our dreams started here. It’s a great opportunity to come back and implement them and have people share them with us.” — Benjamin Glunz ’10, Co-founder, Jerry’s Cafe
10 JUDSON today
More than 50 people gathered on November 15 to welcome an Elgin cultural landmark to its new home in Judson’s
Harm A. Weber Academic Center. The 1940s era mural, painted by Chicago-based Italian artist John M. Cadel (1905-1970), once hung in the lobby of the Simpson Electric Company in Elgin.
Measuring at 13-by-11 feet and divided into five panels, the piece depicts a factory workman overseeing the production of empty mor-tar shells, commemorating a moment in our nation’s history when luxuries like watch cases and women’s cosmetic compacts (produced by the Illinois Watch Case Company, which once thrived in the Simpson building) were abandoned in order to produce combat resources for World War II.
The Elgin Area Historical Society Museum (EAHS) received the painting two years ago from the Lac Du Flambeau Indian tribe when the Simpson building was scheduled for demolition. In 2011, the museum approached Judson University about the possibility of displaying the mural on Judson’s campus.
“We could have put it up at our (Old Main) museum, but it would have taken up a whole wall and we wanted it to be somewhere out in the public,” explains EAHS Director Liz Marston. “We hoped it could be displayed at Elgin Community College, but they couldn’t figure out a good place. One of our members knew (then-Judson President) Jerry Cain and asked whether Judson would like to showcase it, and Dr. Cain agreed.”
After being stored on a roller at Gemini Molding in Elgin for a year, the canvas was delivered to Judson in July. This fall, art student volunteers have been cleaning and preparing the mural for display under the guidance of Assistant Art and Design Professor Joseph Cory. The students set to work removing 70 years of factory dust and grime in an arduous solvent-and-cotton-balls process to bring the painting’s blue and green hues back to life.
“It is a real honor to be able to display an item with such a strong connection to Elgin’s history. This is also another great opportunity to give our art students real-world experience and introduce to them a few of the many possibilities that careers in art have to offer,” Cory said.
The painting will hang in the Harm A. Weber Academic Center on a three-year renewable loan from the museum.
Judson Gives Historic Mural a New Dwelling by Bethany Suckrow ‘09
WINTER 2013 11
by Bethany Suckrow ‘09
CITIZEN WAYCalls JudsonU Home
Citizen Way is a new listen for the general public, but band members Ben Calhoun ’03, Josh Calhoun ’09, Ben Blascoe
and David Blascoe, have been blessing the Judson community with their musical gifts for more than a decade. Frontman Ben Calhoun began attending Judson in 1999. After he graduated in 2003 with a degree in Music Education, he produced his own solo record. Ben Blascoe met Ben Calhoun while they were students at Judson and played bass on Calhoun’s solo album. In the spring 2004, while Josh was attending Judson as a visual arts and education student, the three of them produced their first full-length album under the band name “The Least of These.”
The group’s reputation and success grew through a steady schedule of concerts for church camps and youth groups, what Ben fondly recalls as their “bread and butter” during their early years as a band. In 2010, Ben Blascoe’s brother joined the band as drummer and the foursome worked on more songs and a new album. In 2011, they signed with Fair Trade Services, and in 2012, the band has enjoyed growing success on the Christian radio circuit for their single “Should’ve Been Me,” which explores Christ’s loving sacrifice on the cross and the freedom His followers enjoy because of that sacrifice.
“‘Should’ve Been Me’ is one of those songs that was already written before I wrote it,” explained Ben Calhoun in an interview for KLOVE Radio. “I was leading worship at a summer camp and the leader
asked the students to sum up what they learned that week. One of the students said ‘Well, basically I learned that... it should’ve been me.’ A melody and lyrics hit me like a freight train and I sang this song for everyone 20 minutes later. It’s a reminder of what the Lord has done, and what He is doing in all of us whether we recognize it or not. It still humbles me and continues to change my heart.”
The band’s identity is rooted in this understanding of God’s love. In their interview with KLOVE, bassist Ben Blascoe said the band’s new name “Citizen Way,” adopted when they signed with Fair Trade, is
meant to remind Christians that “following Jesus grants us citizenship into something bigger — God’s kingdom — where true worth is found.”
The band is set to release a new record in spring 2013. When they’re
not on the road to shows and recording sessions in Nashville, Ben Calhoun serves as an instructor of Worship Arts and Music Business and Entrepreneurship on Judson’s campus. In 2011, he established Darkroom Studios in the basement of the Thompson Center, for Judson students and local artists to record music.
“We are continually humbled by the grace of God and the way He has poured into us,” says Ben Calhoun. “And my story with Judson has been deeply important to my life. Three of our four band members were educated here, my brother and I found our wives here, and we still get to call Judson home. That means the world to us.”
“Three of our four band members were educated here, my brother and I found our wives here, and we still get to call Judson home. That means the world to us.” — Ben Calhoun ’03 Musician, Citizen Way
12 JUDSON today
Amidst a host of cosmetic changes that have been made to the Alice and Edward Thompson Center over the last few years,
a new kind of change is taking place within the building. Recently, the building has welcomed new flooring, new seating and new technical amenities to the Marjorie Thulin Performance Hall, and cozier decor to the sitting room near the building’s entrance. With these things in place, the Thompson Center now welcomes a new function as the Center for Worship in the Performing Arts, an effort designed to gather the programs of Music and Worship Arts under one administrative umbrella.
“We’re bringing worship arts and music together to make them more collaborative,” explains Director of the Center for Worship in the Performing Arts Warren Anderson ’86.
In the past, the Worship Arts program was more closely associated with the Department of Communication Arts, while the Music program was autonomous. Yet the two programs offered similar majors for students interested in using their musical talent in a ministry setting. With the new structure, Anderson says that the two departments will now work in tandem to educate students on the ministry of performing arts. The new structure will better equip and
energize worshippers, instruct and inspire performers, and serve and supply the church with trained musicians and worship leaders, says Anderson.
“We believe that worship and music are so closely related that this change is only natural,” says Anderson. “We understand that the
church needs both trained church musicians and trained worship leaders. While those roles are distinctly different, they are also deeply collaborative. Our area of the university should reflect that.”
by Bethany Suckrow ‘09
“The Thompsons were incredible mentors to me. It only makes sense that the Center for Worship in the Performing Arts be housed in the building that bears their namesake. Ed and Alice would smile on the activity that is happening here.” —Dr. Warren Anderson, Director, Center for Worship in the Performing Arts
NEW CENTER UNIFIES WORSHIP AND MUSIC
PROGRAMS
WINTER 2013 13
Logistically, the advent of the Center for Worship in the Perform-ing Arts means changes of practice venue for music ensembles, as well as shifting roles between worship arts and music faculty. The choir and other music ensembles are now practicing within the Thompson Center rather than the basement of Herrick Chapel.
“With all the ensembles moved into the Center for Worship in the Performing Arts, the building is always filled with music and has created a very tight community amongst the students that attend classes there,” says Scott Bunn, a junior worship arts major. “Now that choir rehearsals take place in the Thulin Preformance Hall, I think we are more prepared for our tours because we are encouraged by the surroundings and the care that has been taken by the faculty and staff to make this a better experience for all those involved.”
Anderson has also taken on the role of directing the choir as Dr. Dale Voelker, Judson’s choir director since 1996, retired at the end of the 2011-12 academic year.
For Anderson, the chance to lead the choir is a true honor, he says, being an alumnus of the program himself.
Anderson has served as Judson’s Dean of Chapel for nearly 20 years, and a Communications professor for even longer, but his journey with Judson began in the fall of 1984 when he transferred here to finish his undergraduate studies in Communications and English. As a Judson student, Anderson was a member of the choir, then directed by the late Dr. Ed Thompson.
“The Thompsons were incredible mentors to me. It only makes sense that the Center for Worship in the Performing Arts be housed in the building that bears their names. Ed and Alice would smile on the activity that is happening here,” says Anderson.
14 JUDSON today
ARCHITECTURE DEPARTMENT
CELEBRATES 15TH ANNIVERSARY
by Bethany Suckrow ‘09
WINTER 2013 15
This year, Judson’s Department of Architecture celebrates 15 years of successful architecture education. The
program, established in 1997 under the guidance of Judson’s fourth President Dr. James Didier, is widely acknowledged for its innovative approach to architectural education including a one-year preceptorship (internship) and its context within an evangelical Christian institution.
At the time that Judson’s architecture program was established, the field of architectural education lacked a Christian context. Didier and the advisory committee saw in that need the opportunity for a niche market, and they seized it. Professor Keelan Kaiser, current chair of the Department of Architecture, says that it was Judson’s core as a Christian liberal arts and sciences college that laid the foundation for the program’s success.
“The balance between Judson’s liberal arts core and our program’s emphasis on professional practice has helped students find jobs soon after graduating,” explains Kaiser. “While the average employment rate for most young architecture graduates is around 85 percent,
Judson’s rates are much higher, between 95 and 97 percent.” Kaiser has served as department chair for four years, and he was
the first full-time faculty member to join the program after Professor John Hopkins. He also serves as the campus planner, overseeing the development of Judson’s facilities and campus grounds.
During the early years, Kaiser says the program faced many challenges, chief among them were finding the right faculty.
“God was faithful and provided the right faculty at the right time,” says Kaiser. “As Jack Kremers always says, one of the best testimonies to the strength of our program now is the effective faculty searches. There is no shortage of qualified applicants, which is rare among programs of our size and age.”
The program also faced another challenge in providing the right facilities for its students.
“The first three years or so, we were spread across campus,” recalls Kaiser. “Some very generous trustees and donors stepped in and provided the means to build Creekside South in 2001, and later the Harm A. Weber Academic Center, which opened in 2007.”
16 JUDSON today
ARCHITECTURE FACULT Y ROLL CALLKEELAN KAISERProfessor, Department Chair15 years
CURTIS SARTOR, JR., PH.D.Dean of the School of Art, Design and Architecture7 years
SEAN M. GALLAGHERAssistant Professor4 years
CHRISTOPHER C. MILLER , PH.D.Professor, Assistant Chair for Graduate Programs14 years
R. THOMAS JAEGERSenior Lecturer16 years
JHENNIFER A. AMUNDSON, PH.D.Professor12 years
DAVID OGOLI, PH.D.Professor 12 years
STACIE BURTELSONAssociate Professor9 years
JEREMY P. LINDSEYAssistant Professor5 years
NOT P ICTU R ED : JAE CHA, Assistant Professor, 4 years
IAN HOFFMAN Assistant Chair for Undergraduate Programs5 years
SUSAN HARRISAssistant Professor4 years
The Weber Center is a LEED-Gold Certified building that was designed by international architect and Cambridge University professor C. Alan Short. It is one of the greenest buildings dedicated to the study of art, design and architecture in the United States.
The program faced these challenges with a strong advisory council to sustain them through these transitions, says Kaiser. The initial fundraising for the program began with Del Rey Loven, then the chair of the Art and Design division. The program also owes a magnitude of thanks to architecture advisory council members Tom Jaeger, who still teaches in the program; David Schultz of David Shultz Architects, Owner; Mary Serena of Serena Sturm Architects, Partner; Linda Grubb; and Charles Burnidge of PSA/Dewberry.
The architecture program began as a bachelor of architecture program, but in 2001 it met another major challenge. The National Architecture Accrediting Board (NAAB), the sole agency authorized to accredit U.S. professional degree programs in architecture, announced that it would no longer accredit undergraduate architecture programs. Judson was faced with a choice: either close the program that so many had worked so hard to establish, or take the program in a new direction and offer a masters program to earn an NAAB accreditation.
The advisory council, faculty and school administrators quickly developed a masters program that would offer something students could not find elsewhere. A traditional master of architecture education offers a four-year bachelor of arts degree in architecture (B.A.A.S.) with a two-year master degree in architecture (M.Arch.). Judson’s program created a “hybrid 4+2” format for students to complete their M.Arch. with an expanded traditional undergraduate degree, a one-year preceptorship as the first year of the M.Arch. experience, and a three-term calendar year for graduate coursework.
The program format creates significantly more opportunity for students to gain professional practice experience even as they earn a competitive 178 university credits. The M.Arch. was accredited by the NAAB in 2004.
At that time, Judson only offered baccalaureate degrees, so the advent of a masters program for architecture meant an expanded direction for the whole institution.
“It not only took our program to the next level, it took the university to the next level,” says Kaiser. “Ultimately, it really grew our campus culture. I think the advent of the masters program and the addition of the Weber Center were our major contributions to the institution.”
After overcoming its initial obstacles, the program gained recognition through hosting lectures and symposia to invite highly respected architects to connect with Judson’s students. This, Kaiser says, has been a major highlight of the program in recent years.
“I am humbled and encouraged by the fact that we have welcomed Christian architects from other institutions who have called Judson a sanctuary for architectural education with a Christian context, a place of worship for those who cannot express their faith at their home institutions,” says Kaiser.
As the department looks ahead to the next 15 years, Kaiser says he hopes that this distinct reputation will continue to influence the broader culture of architectural education.
The program already works with outreach organizations like World Vision and Hundred Fold, but the leaders hope to increase missions and humanitarian efforts.
“Going forward we want to do more of those things to help our students understand how they can use their gifts and education to benefit others,” explains Kaiser.
SoADA MARCH 22 Second Annual James Didier Symposium: On Christ and ArchitectureHerrick Chapel at 9 AM
CYNDI ZARRISAdministrative Assistant16 years
WINTER 2013 17
INTERIOR DESIGN PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS JUDSON’S ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN STRENGTHS
This fall, Judson University launched an Interior Design program, which is now open for enrollment in the
2013-14 academic year.The program, which is housed in Judson’s School of Art,
Design and Architecture, builds on a very successful architecture curriculum. Interior Design students will earn a minor in architectural studies, while completing the professional Interior Design curriculum in the third and fourth year of study. Students will develop skills in traditional and digital design and will explore both commercial and residential interiors. Graduates will enter their careers with a global understanding of the interior design industry and will be able to make design decisions relative to ecological, socio-economic and cultural contexts. The program’s context of an evangelical Christian institution and emphasis on environmental stewardship make it unique in the Chicago area.
“Design is one of the most forceful factors on human behavior, and is a part of every experience that we have,” says Dr. Curtis Sartor, Dean of the School of Art, Design and Architecture. “We must therefore create conducive interior environments that are pleasant and allow the maximum enjoyment of spatial experiences. Judson University is also the only evangelical Christian college to offer an Interior Design degree as part of a School of Art, Design and Architecture. With these associated disciplines in our school, the interior design graduate will have a deeper understanding of the design of interior environments and the relationship to a Christian worldview.”
Keelan Kaiser, chair of Judson’s Department of Architecture and
facilitator for the new program, says faculty are excited about adding Interior Design to the Department of Architecture offerings.
“The career opportunities are fantastic for all of the design disciplines, and interior design is no different,” says Kaiser.
Graduates of Judson’s architecture program have enjoyed ample career opportunities at a time when many other college graduates struggle to find employment. While the average unemployment rate for most young architecture graduates is around 20 percent, Judson’s rates are much lower, between three to five percent. Kaiser anticipates that the unique model created for the Interior Design program will reap similar results.
According to careerplanner.com, the projected market for interior designers is experiencing unprecedented growth this decade, at 19 percent from 2006 to 2016, faster than average for all occupations. Economic expansion, growing homeowner wealth, and an increasing interest in interior design will increase demand for designers. Postsecondary education in interior design is necessary for licensure, which is required in 23 states, including Illinois.
“With a collegiate experience that is both small scale college and large scale cosmopolitan city, students at Judson have the best of both worlds,” explains Kaiser. “We expect graduates of the Interior Design Program to be competitive with other regional programs, with an edge in terms of personal relationships, ethical judgment, and concern for the natural and built environment. Our professional programs are respected in the Chicago design environment and our graduates experience great leadership opportunities through the design practices in which they participate.”
by Bethany Suckrow ‘09
18 JUDSON today
Presidents Club
Judson University has had five past presidents in its 50 years of existence, and all have left their indelible mark on the school.
Drs. Benjamin Browne and Amos Barton established the vision for Judson. Dr. Harm Weber came at a desperate time in the school’s history and righted the ship. Twenty-two years later he was able to say, “I look back at that experience as a crucial turning point in Judson’s history. There was a great confidence that God’s hand was upon the school in a miraculous way.” Dr. James Didier led the
school during unprecedented economic boom times and Dr. Jerry Cain was president when Judson and the rest of the country were hit with one of the worst recessions in history.
This year, Judson finds itself at a crossroads again, but the school is not alone in this struggle. Many schools have been limping through in these tough economic times and trying simultaneously to increase enrollment, secure financial aid for current students, remain competitive in academics, athletics and the arts, and carve out that special niche that will not only attract students, but keep
them coming back. Of course, each of these efforts require funding.Judson has been blessed with many generous donors who remain
loyal in their giving year after year. It is thanks to these faithful friends that Judson continues to grow.
But in order for Judson to remain healthy, its operating fund needs to grow at a much faster rate. The university is fortunate to have had interim president Dr. William Crothers as its leader this year. He brings extensive experience in taking charge of higher
education institutions that are stalled, and turning them into thriving, God-centered schools with growing enrollment and healthy bottom lines.
Dr. Crothers has challenged Judson’s Advancement Department to revive The Presidents Club. Judson had a Presidents Club many years ago, but this new giving membership requires that gifts be made to Judson’s annual fund. Members will also be reminded each year that they can increase their gift to attain a higher level within the club.
There are so many friends of Judson who give faithfully each year, but as Presidents Club members, they are pledging to share their gifts on an ongoing basis, with the goal of helping Judson continue to fulfill its mission. Funds from the Presidents Club are dollars
we can count on because the club’s model is sustainable, and will be the mechanism for building the Annual Fund at Judson.
“Like all Christian colleges these days, Judson is not without challenges, but I am confident that this University will continue to grow and develop in the years ahead,” says Dr. Crothers. “The Board of Trustees and the faculty are engaged in some exciting new projects that will help advance the services of our school. One of our plans for funding excellence at Judson is to invite our friends to join the Presidents Club. For less than $50 per month, members are
“My daughter is in her junior year at Judson. The past three years have been life changing for her spiritually, academically and socially. As parents, my husband and I have been blessed eternally by the transformation in her life through the Judson community. By joining the Presidents Club, we are honored to support the place that has made such a difference in our family.”
—Tricia GardAssistant to the Vice President for Business Affairs
Join a unique legacy.
Dr. Benjamin P. Browne 1963-1967
Dr. Amos B. Barton1967-1969
WINTER 2013 19
Dr. Amos B. Barton1967-1969
investing in the mission of Judson University.”The different levels of giving in the Presidents Club are designed
to accommodate everyone’s budget. Large donors can join at the President’s Society level with gifts over $10,000, but for a pledge of less than $50 per month, individuals can also become a member at the Sarah Judson Society level. The university also welcomes gifts of every size in between.
The Presidents Club was introduced in October and since then has attracted more than 100 members. These members are committed to giving, and the institution can count on their generosity this year, next year, and the year after that. It is truly a sustainable plan for the future of the school.
Each new member is given a special Presidents Club pin, which features the Judson torch and is color-coded to their level of giving. In addition, everyone who joins during Judson’s Golden Centennial celebration (through May 2014) will receive special recognition as a charter member.
For more information on the Presidents Club, please call the Judson University Office of Advancement at (847) 628-2080, or visit JudsonU.edu/presidentsclub.
“When I came to work at Judson, I felt sure that God had put me right where I needed to be. Six weeks later my husband lost his job. Had I not been at Judson then, I don’t know what we would have done financially. And even though my husband is still unemployed
over a year later, when we learned of the Presidents Club we knew God was nudging us to join as a sign of obedience and thanks to Him. Fifty dollars a month seems like so
much until you surrender it to a Higher Power, and I can tell you, we don’t miss it. We don’t dwell on this money, except to continue to thank God for Judson and to know that
we have invested in a place with a mission to further His kingdom.” —Jean Bednar
Director of Advancement Operations, Judson
Dr. Harm A. Weber1969-1992
Dr. James W. Didier1992-1998
Dr. Jerry B. Cain1998-2012
2012 ANNUAL GIVING REPORT
CHRISTUS LUX MUNDI
NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE
JudsonU.edu/annualreport
WOULD YOU LIKE A PRINTED COPY?
Call us at 847.628.2080
20 JUDSON today
Faculty AccomplishmentsIan Hoffman, Assist. Professor of Architecture, gave a lecture titled “Rooms for Music: Origins, Anatomy and Trajectories,” to the College of Architecture Graduate Studios in the historic Crown Hall of the Illinois Institute of Technology on August 27.
Sharon Kim, Ph.D., Professor, Communication Arts, authored the book, “Literary Epiphany in the Novel, 1850-1950: Constellations of the Soul,” published by Palgrave Macmillan in October. Kim also delivered
eight lectures on American literature at Renmin University of China in Beijing during the month of July, and presented her paper, “Italy and the Saturation of Being,” at the International Edith Wharton Society Conference, held June 6-8 in Florence, Italy.
Eric Mason, Ph.D., Assoc. Professor, Biblical and Theological Studies, was elected in April as vice president of the Midwest Region Society of Biblical Literature. As vice president, Mason will serve a two-
year term, followed by an automatic two-year term as president for the society. Mason also authored a review of Hindy Najman’s book, “Interpretative Authority, Renewed Revelation and the Quest for Perfection in Jewish Antiquity” (Brill, 2010), which appeared in Henoch 33/2 (2011): 364-67. Mason also wrote a chapter for the book, “New Perspectives on 2 Enoch,” titled “Melchizedek Traditions in Second Temple Judaism,” Ed. Andrei A. Orlov and Gabriele Boccaccini Brill (2012): 344-60.
David Sanders, Ph.D., Assist. Professor of Christian Ministries, authored an article for Christian Counseling Today, the special edition on military care and counsel, Vol. 19, No. 2, titled “Fostering Resiliency for Military
Children and Teens.” Sanders also taught two seminars, the first for the Military Youth Ministry Institute’s Community Director School, titled “Ecumenical Ministry in the Military Environment” and the second for the Seasoned Saints Luncheon held at Elgin Evangelical Free Church of Elgin, Ill., on September 12, titled “Connecting with Your Grandkids; A Look at Culture, Technology and Generations.”
Curtis Sartor, Ph.D., Dean of Art, Design and Architecture, made a presentation, titled “Diversity in the Academy,” at the 2012 American Institute of Architects National Multi-Cultural Conference in Dallas,
for which he also served as co-organizer.
Christine Starzynski, Assist. Professor of Education, was named “Person of the Year” by the League of United Latin American Citizens Institute, Inc. Council #5236 at their meeting and awards ceremony on September 10.
Terrance Wandtke, Ph.D., Professor, Communication Arts, authored the book, “The Meaning of Superhero Comic Books,” published by McFarland and Company Publishers in June. Wandtke was also appointed to serve as an area chair for the national Popular
Culture Association Conference in the subject area of “Comics and Comic Art.”
Darren Wilson, Artist in Residence, released his new film, “Father of Lights,” on DVD on October 16 after an international tour from July to October. Those wishing to purchase “Father of Lights” on DVD can go to
www.wpfilm.com. Wilson also spoke to a crowd of more than 30,000 at the National Solemn Assembly in Philadelphia, Pa., in September.
Judson University President William Crothers announced the appointment of Wilbert J. Friesen as the permanent Provost and Chief Academic Officer effective Dec. 1, 2012. Dr. Friesen served as Acting
Provost beginning July 1, 2012. The appointment garnered unani-mous support of the President’s Advisory Committee, a faculty elected committee to advise the President, the four school Deans, and the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees.
Dr. Friesen provides executive leadership for academic affairs, student development, and athletics and has provided exceptional service leading much of the transformation of Judson University in recent months.
Dr. Friesen has extensive experience in higher education leader-ship as well as teaching. He was on the faculty and in various academic leadership positions at Fresno Pacific University in California for more than 16 years followed by service at Malone University in Ohio as Provost and Interim President. He has had numerous articles in professional publications and has been on the Editorial Committee and served as Peer Review Editor of two journals.
“Judson’s Board of Trustees is delighted by Dr. Friesen’s willing-ness to serve at Judson long term,” said Carol Thompson, Chair of the Board of Trustees. “We have appreciated his exceptional work and look forward to the ongoing impact of his outstanding academic leadership.”
Dr. Robert Wallace, Faculty Moderator for Judson University, said, “Dr. Friesen is a man of integrity and spiritual sensitivity. His knowledge of higher education is impressive, and I am certain his leadership will strengthen Judson’s academic identity.”
Dr. Wilbert J. Friesen Appointed As Permanent Provost
WINTER 2013 21
Stacie Burtelson Professor of Architecture
Judson University
Faculty Voiceby Stacie Burtelson
Sometimes the bad things in our lives put us directly on the path to the best things that will ever happen to us. I was nine years old and had just been
diagnosed with Acute Lymphatic Leukemia when one of the nurses at Children’s Memorial Hospital in Chicago told me this. Her words didn’t resonate until after God had walked me through the next six years of treatments and recovery. God showed me that her words were right; He alone can transform pain and uncertainty into some-thing meaningful. This became the inspiration for my interest in architecture. I spent much of my childhood in a hospital that created a healing environment for me as a cancer patient, and it transformed how I understood the purpose of architecture and the built environment.
Scripture suggests that Christians can use their skills in architecture to impact social justice and engage in opportunities of public need. As believers, we are responsible to do something for those in need. Jesus’s very words command it when He says, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” (Matthew 22:37-39)
Our love for others demonstrates God’s presence in our lives. Our roles in life are a personal response to God’s invitation through his son Jesus Christ. The call for Christian academics, then, is to educate students and connect them with God’s purpose.
As an architecture professor, I see an opportunity to nurture and cultivate lessons in matters of Christian justice and social concern for eternal purposes. My purpose is to teach architecture in a way that helps students see the world through God’s eyes. It is an awakening of the spirit and a passion for beauty, dignity and justice in life.
We explore this through a myriad of opportunities, like the annual Bahamas missions project, where students put their skills and faith to work serving various local building and development needs of impoverished communities and families of Nassau, Bahamas. We have also participated in the World Vision Shelter Project, where sophomore studio students design shelters to be used for disaster relief efforts around the world. It puts them in the frame of mind to use their gifts and skills for the com-mon good and for the Kingdom of God, rather than personal fulfillment. Through this, we inspire our students to advocate for those who cannot help themselves as an application of their faith.
Architecture is built on faith, as described in Hebrews 11:1, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen,” and in Hebrews 11:6, “without faith, it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those that earnestly seek him.” For Christians in architecture these words are profound. We put our faith in things unseen each day. Some designs may never be built, but we try to capture and quantify the needs of these communities and provide tangible solutions. Through the creative pro-cess, we bring our faith to life. When we design well, we have the ability to illuminate, heal and bring dignity to those in need. That is the power of architecture for making an eternal difference today.
22 JUDSON today
ALUMNI WEDDINGS & BIRTHS ALUMNI NEWS & ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Janece (Ledbetter ’81) Lowe married David Schreier on June 26, 2010. David is the Nursery Buyer for Aawalt Lumber and Janece has worked for 32 years at Culver Community Church and Culver City Christian School. Janece and David currently reside in Culver City, Calif.
On Nov. 8, 2010, Faith Finlee was born to Brian ’98 and Rhonda (Devenport ’99) Gamlin. She joins a very active household with Rebecca (7), Jonathan (5) and Nash (2). Brian is the Division Coordinator of the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics at Batavia High School and Rhonda is the Physi-cal Education teacher at JB Nelson Elementary School in Batavia, Ill. The Gamlin family resides in Geneva, Ill.
Craig ’98 and Miriah (Wilger ’99) Pfile welcomed Megan Lynn born Aug. 5, 2012, weighing 8 lbs. 21 oz. Megan joined her big sister Gwendolyn (6 years), and brothers Benjamin (4), and Jonathan (2). The Pfile family resides in Cort-land, Ill.
Callie Marie Patience Gruening was born to Deanna (Thomas-Burks ’02) and Dennis Gruening ’08 on Sept. 17, 2012. Callie weighed in at 6 lbs. 6 oz., and measured 19.5” long. Callie was welcomed home by big sisters Lorelei (6) and Leyna (2). The Gruening family resides in Elgin, Ill.
Sara Christensen ’02 married Troyvoi Hicks in Compton, Calif., on Sept. 22, 2012. In 2012 Sara also received her Master’s Degree in Art Education from California State University, Long Beach, Calif. She is the Director of Creative Arts for Emmanuel Church in Paramount, Calif., where she and Troyvoi reside.
Timothy Steel ’04 married Caitlin Elizabeth Custer on June 11, 2011. Judson alumni included in the wedding party were Scott Sevey ’04, Jacob Fehr ’04 and Daniel Teachout ’04. Timothy owns a Crossfit Gym in Hershey, Pa. The happy couple resides in Palmyra, Pa.
Stephanie (Vaughn ’05) Fidlin and her husband Paul welcomed their first child Grace Mariella on May 16, 2012. The beautiful baby girl weighed 7 lbs. 4 oz. and measured 19.5”. The Fidlin family resides in Milwaukee.
Elizabeth Ann (Steel ’08) Brunsting and her husband Adam are the proud parents of their first daughter, Caroline Elizabeth, born on Feb. 24, 2011 and weighing 6 lbs. Grandparents Ann and Paul Steel ’71 are happy first-time grandparents. Elizabeth works part-time as the Executive Administrative Assistant to the President of Evangelical Seminary, and the Brunsting family resides in Myerstown, Pa.
Federico Salazar ’08 and his wife Amy (Reilly ’08) Salazar welcomed their first son Josiah Federico Salazar on June 28, 2012. Amy graduated from Au-rora University with a Master's of Social Work on May 6, 2012. She recently accepted a position as a social worker at Troy Elementary school in Joliet, Ill. Federico works with Central States Pension Fund and the Salazar family currently resides in Plainfield, Ill.
On June 22, 2012, Dean Gudeman '09 married Lauren at Victoria in the Park in Mount Prospect, Ill. Dean is an estimator at Quint G, Inc. and the Gudemans reside in Elgin, Ill.
On August 11, 2012, Nicole Dimiceli ‘11 married Zac Phillips ’11. Zac is a behavioral counselor at Youth Villages, a group home in Nashville, and Nicole is a high school PE/Wellness teacher at Sycamore High School in Pleasant View, Tenn. Nicole is also an assistant coach for boys and girls basketball and is the head softball coach. Zac and Nicole reside in Antioch, Tenn.
Rev. Bob Coats ’65 announced his retirement from Parkesburg Baptist Church beginning June 30, 2012, exactly 44 years after he was ordained in his home church, First Baptist Church of Sterling, Ill., on June 30, 1968. Bob and his wife Donna celebrated their 43rd wedding anniversary on June 7, 2012, and reside in Norristown, Pa.
Tom Randall ’76 joined a group of 18 men riding bicycles 420 miles across Ohio in five days to raise almost $1,000,000 to help rescue children for Christ in Africa, Thailand, the United States and the Philippines. Tom followed the adventure with a total hip replacement surgery in August 2012.
On Oct. 5, 2012, Jonathan Tun ’86 represented Judson University at the inau-guration of Dr. J. Derek Halvorson as the sixth President of Covenant College in Lookout Mountain, Ga. Jon is the Integration Technical Lead at Tennessee Valley Authority and resides with his family in Chattanooga, Tenn.
Sharon Heldman ’96 serves in nursing homes and retirement centers with concerts and devotional services through the ministry of Shining Light 2 Seniors. Sharon resides in Belvidere, Ill.
Ellis Hurd ’98 has been an assistant professor at Illinois State University since 2008 and lives with his wife, Mandy (Billman ’99) Hurd and two children, Lucas and Emalee, in Lexington, Ill. He recently published several new articles, including: “A Framework for Understanding Multicultural Identities: An Inves-tigation of a Middle Level Student’s French-Canadian Honduran-American (Mestizo) Identity,” “The Reflexivity of Pain and Privilege” and “Confessions of Belonging: My Emotional Journey as a Medical Translator.”
Laurie Culshaw ’01 was one of only six students admitted to the Virginia Commonwealth University MFA program in Visual Communications. She was awarded a graduate assistantship and is working for the graphics department. Laurie resides in Richmond, Va.
Angela Valentino ’04 was recently accepted in the prestigious ranks of Stan-ford “Who’s Who” registry as a result of her remarkable work in the healthcare industry. Angela is owner and administrator of Advocate Home Healthcare Agency, LLC. With over 17 years of industry experience, Angela is responsible for managing all major aspects of the business and overseeing the daily opera-tions. Angela resides in Elgin, Ill.
Kyle Hetrick ’05 received a Doctor of Philosophy degree with a major in Microbiology from Indiana University on May 4, 2012. His dissertation was titled “Microbial Strategies for Maintaining Genomic Integrity in Response to Environmental Stress.” Kyle resides in Bloomington, Ind.
Anthony Tislau ’06 joined the Bray Architects’ Sheboygan team as a Project Team Leader in May 2012. He is working with Larry and Geoffrey Bray on the Beloit School District Project.
In May 2012, Kathleen Clyburn ’06 was inducted into the Phi Alpha Honor Society and earned her second master’s degree, a Master of Social Work from Dominican University. Kathleen also recently became a Human Services – Board Certified Practitioner with the National Organization of Human Services and the Council for Standards in Human Services Education. She became a Certified Care Coordinator with the State of Illinois Department of Aging. On Nov. 15, 2012, Kathy began her new position as Assistant Dean of the Graduate School of Social Work at Dominican University in River Forest, Ill.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
10
9
ALUMnotes Please submit news and photos for inclusion by April 1, 2013. Digital photos may be submitted in JPG format and should not exceed 5MB in size. If you would like fellow alumni to be able to contact you, please submit your email address with your alumnote. Please send your alumnote to: Judson University Alumni Office, 1151 N. State St., Elgin, IL 60123, or [email protected]
WINTER 2013 23
In May 2012, Jessica Hart ’07 was hired as the Recreation Supervisor for Clarendon Hills Park District. She is involved with camp programs, special events and supervisory activities at the Community Center. Jessica resides in Palatine, IL.
Matt Sommerfield ’08 produced, directed and wrote his first feature‐length film, “A Shallow Grave,” which premiered at Classic Cinemas in Carpentersville, Ill. Matt starred in the film along with Randy Peterkort ’80, Joe Quinn ’81, Len Nicosia ’99, Ben Piershale ’04, Jimmy Albright ’07, Robb Davidson ’08, Madison (Gleason ’08) Sommerfield, Greg Hanson ’09 and Mike Nicosia (att. ’09-’11).
Matthew Kistler ’09 was recently promoted to the position of Business Consulting Specialist at Northwestern Mutual. Matt also recently started a side company, working with Ryan Browne ’09 producing motorsports media. Matt’s wife, Diane (Roberson ’09) Kistler, is a Marketing Intern at Eppstein Uhen Architects in Milwaukee. The Kistlers reside in Cudahy, Wisc.
2
35 7
1
4
98
10 11
6
12
Abbey Goscinski ’12 recently authored two children’s books, “Carley Does a Cartwheel” and “Princess Petal and the Royal Potty.” Abbey’s books are available on Amazon.
Dan McCoy ’70: December 23, 1949 – May 5, 2012
Ruth (Halverson ’99) Noe: April 10, 1977 – June 16, 2012
Mike Strahl ’86: April 29, 1962 – July 7, 2012
Barry Pohl ’09: August 21, 1969 – August 18, 2012
James Cole ’72: May 4, 1949 – September 9, 2012
Duane Clouse ’82: July 14, 1961 – October 15, 2012
Peter Borzeka ’79: May 23, 1956 – November 1, 2012
IN MEMORIAM11
12
24 JUDSON today
Matt Sommerfield ’08 was a man on a mission, not unlike
the main character in his new full-length feature film, “A Shallow Grave.” The film’s story follows a man who receives a letter that his long lost father is alive, sparking a chase for truth against impossible odds. The movie’s production faced its own impossible odds, but that didn’t stop Sommerfield from pursuing his longtime dream of producing a feature film.
Sommerfield grew up with a love for acting and cinema, but when he began college at Judson in 2004, he chose to pursue a degree in Graphic Design. While there, he took classes in video production and used his senior project to explore the relationship between the film and graphic design industries.
“Judson’s creative environment provided resources to pursue my growing interest in cinema, even though it wasn’t my major,” explains Sommerfield. “But even more than that, the people I was around really influenced me and encouraged my dreams.”
Even while he earned his degree, Sommerfield was building a reputation in the Chicago area for his interest in theater and film. After he graduated college and found employment as a facilities and technology manager for Christian Fellowship Church in Crystal Lake, Ill., Sommerfield continued to pursue small film projects and comedy work, although his idea of creating a feature film still intrigued him.
Coordinating every resource needed for a successful feature film is a challenge and a risk, even for the most experienced filmmakers. Sommerfield attempted the project several times, but something always fell through, whether it was the story itself or the manpower behind it.
“It’s interesting to see what God has and hasn’t allowed with this dream of mine,” he says. “I just had to be patient for Him to provide
materials, resources and people. I think I needed to get to a place spiritually where I would be okay if my dream never happened.”
Still, even if the film never came to fruition, Sommerfield felt that he needed to keep trying. He was compelled by the concept of a film that offered Christian themes, even if this wasn’t expressed directly.
“Christian films are good for Christian audiences, but the overwhelming perception is that they’re cheesy and not relevant to the wider culture,” Sommerfield explains. “I like the stories in these films, but the execution is consistently lacking. I wanted to create a film that offered faith-based themes and delivered the same redemptive qualities, without sacrificing quality. It allowed me to have a more relatable transformation of the characters at the end.”
Sommerfield knew that in order to achieve that goal, he would need people with collaborative talents and similar desires for creating a faith-based film. He also wanted to provide a safe place for Christian actors to share their skills where they didn’t
have to compromise their beliefs.
Despite the limitations inherent to a film of this type, Sommerfield found a crew of people that believed in his dream. As it turns out, several of those were fellow Judson alumni. Among those that Sommerfield collaborated with was James Albright ’07, who helped develop the plot and script. Albright describes “A Shallow Grave” as “a story about the relationship between justice and forgiveness.”
Albright and Sommerfield met as Judson students, and their friendship flourished through their mutual love for film and creative writing. Albright earned his degree in psychology, intending to be a social worker, but during his undergraduate internship at a nearby homeless shelter, he realized a different calling.
Through Friends and Faith, Alumnus’ Dream of Creating a Feature Film is Fulfilled by Bethany Suckrow ‘09
“Judson’s creative environment provided resources to pursue my growing interest in cinema, even though it wasn’t my major. But even more than that, the people I was around really influenced me and encouraged my dreams.”
— Matt Sommerfield ’08Screenwriter, “A Shallow Grave”
WINTER 2013 25
ARE YOU A JUDSON UNIVERSITY ALUM? JOIN THE REST OF YOUR PEERS AND TELL US WHAT YOU’RE UP TO! SHARE YOUR STORY WITH US BY FILLING OUT THIS SURVEY AT JUDSONU.EDU/ALUMNI/ALUMNI_SPOTLIGHT_SURVEY/ALUMNI STORIES ARE POSTED AT JUDSONU.EDU/ALUMNI/ALUMNISTORIES
Through Friends and Faith, Alumnus’ Dream of Creating a Feature Film is Fulfilled
“[The internship] was an emotionally difficult experience, and I realized that my passions and skills were more suited to telling people’s stories than anything else!” he recalls.
Albright went on to pursue an MFA in Screenwriting at Regent University and completed his degree at University of Miami. Though he worked with several other filmmakers during his studies, Albright says his experience with “A Shallow Grave” has been the most valuable.
“It normally takes a film crew of several people — 10 at an absolute minimum — to effectively carry out a feature production workload,” explains Albright, adding that even short films (15 to 20 minutes in length) generally have a crew of at least four or five people. Comparatively, “A Shallow Grave” was created with a crew of three or four people at most.
“Matt worked tirelessly, sometimes alone, sometimes along with a couple of others, never certain of what kind of crew support he would have that day, if any,” says Albright. “Still, he managed to produce a feature film by his own remarkable perseverance and by his faith in God. He accomplished a mighty thing.”
Joe Quinn ’81, cast as Chambers, shares Albright’s wonderment that “A Shallow Grave” actually came to fruition. After earning his theater degree, Quinn pursued an acting career for several years, but the opportunities yielded disappointment more often than not. These occurrences are endemic of the industry, making “A Shallow Grave” a Herculean feat, according to Quinn.
“To produce a film such as this, in the manner Matt did, borders on the absurd,” says Quinn. “This was no small task.”
On Sommerfield’s small but faithful crew were other alumni like Robb Davidson ’08, a photographer who lent his skills with the camera to create nearly half of the film’s cinematography, and Dave Hunter ’02, who worked as the film’s executive producer.
Sommerfield’s wife, Madison (Gleason) ’08, provided moral support and extraneous assistance. Ben Piershale, who also attended Judson, played the character Matthew Donovan. Randy Peterkort ’80 lent
his acting talents as Wick. Sommerfield also thanks Judson’s Campus Safety for allowing a good portion of the film to be shot on Judson’s Elgin campus.
“A Shallow Grave” took eight months to film, from October 2011 to June 2012, with three months of post-production work. Sommerfield recalls all sorts of other obstacles, from inclement weather to his computer hard drive crashing twice. With each obstacle, Sommerfield and his “little crew that could” met those challenges, even if it meant coordinating the logistics for 15-year-old Rachel McGinley, cast as Annabel, to drive the car in a pivotal chase scene. Her father held an extra camera or sat in the backseat so that filming the scene was legal.
“A Shallow Grave” was released on Oct. 11, 2012, complete with a red carpet premier at Classic Cinemas in Carpentersville, Ill. Over 260 viewers packed the 300-seat theater, selling more pre-sale tickets than any other premier at that theater, including midnight showings for mainstream productions.
“It’s been an amazing ride,” says Sommerfield. “Throughout the process I just learned to trust God with my dream, and it’s been incredible to see how He has provided.”
“He made a feature film by his own remarkable perseverance and by his faith in God.
He accomplished a mighty thing.” —James Albright ’07
Screenwriter, “A Shallow Grave”
26 JUDSON today
ATHLETIC HIGHLIGHTSWOMEN’S SOCCER
The Judson women’s soccer team had an outstanding season this fall. After being ranked as high as
No. 13 in the NAIA National poll, the Lady Eagles finished at No. 26 in the rankings. The team finished 17-5 overall and 10-2 in conference play. After a semifinal loss in the CCAC Tournament, the squad went on to the NCCAA National Tournament as the No. 1 seed. An unfortunate first-round loss put them out of national championship contention, but the Lady Eagles finished strong with two tournament wins to earn fifth place at the tourney. Angela Bianchi and Jenna Schiller both earned NAIA Honorable Mention All-American and NCCAA All-Region honors. Jenna Steffensen and Sara Hoffman were also
on the NCCAA All-Region team, while Steffensen represented Judson on the NCCAA All-Tournament team.
MEN’S SOCCER It wasn’t a typical Judson men’s soccer season this fall as the Eagles earned an 8-8-3 record after a season full of injuries
and a very tough schedule. Despite the average season, a few players received notable accolades. Jason Mok was selected to the 2012 NSCAA/Continental Tire NCCAA Division I Men’s All-America Team by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America as well as the NCCAA All-Region Team. Joining Mok on the All-Region team was Santiago Munoz, while senior Joe Monahan earned the honor of NCCAA Scholar Athlete.
WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALLMaking great strides this season, the Judson volleyball team recorded its first 20 win season in a few years. Senior
Carissa Oelke made history by breaking the program’s single-season and career kills records. She was named a NCCAA First Team All-American and a CCAC All-Conference selection.
WOMEN’S CROSS COUNTRYThe 2012 Women’s Cross Country season was one of the best in program history. Competing in the NCCAA Cross Country Championships, the women finished 14th in the country out of 47 colleges competing. At the Sauk Valley Invitational,
the Women won the Championship, which was the second title in program history. They were led by junior Meaghan (Gard) Ciochon who took the individual title. She was closely followed by Sarah Miller (third) and Gabby Nystrom (fourth). These three women were consistently Judson’s top finishers each race. At the CCAC Conference Championships, Ciochon and Nystrom capped off a great season with each qualifying for the NAIA National Cross Country Championships. Their respective times were the top two 5,000 meter times in school history. These three Judson athletes helped lead the women’s team to one of their highest finishes in the Conference (sixth place of 12 teams).
MEN’S CROSS COUNTRYThe Men’s Cross Country team high mark was their second place finish at the Sauk Valley Invitational Championships. Leading the Eagles throughout the season was senior Nate Nevius. The history book closed on Nate’s career as one of the most decorated athletes in program history. Nate’s best time (25:46) came at the Illinois Intercollegiate Championships against athletes from nationally ranked NCAA, NAIA and JUCO teams throughout Illinois. He holds nine of the top 10 8k times and is a NAIA National qualifier. At the NCCAA Championships, Nate was awarded the highest honor bestowed on a Christian athlete by naming him the recipient of the Wheeler Award. His team finished 22nd out of 50 universities represented. The season also included an eighth place finish at the CCAC Conference Championships running the second best team time in program history. This result is indeed impressive considering that the CCAC is one of the toughest conferences in the country (five teams were nationally ranked with CCAC Champion St. Francis ranked No. 2). Showing the greatest improvement from last season was senior Tim Ciochon who improved in both time and position on the team (from No. 7 to No. 2).
Celebrate a Moment in Judson History
AVAILABLE NOW!Read all about Judson’s history, including the people and events that have made Judson a wonderful community, in a coffee-table edition of Judson’s Golden Centennial Anniversary Book.
CENTENNIAL
GOL DEN
JUD
SON UNIVERSITY
1913 · ELGIN 1963 · 2013
For more information contact Bonnie Bienert at [email protected] or 847.628.2083
WINTER 2013 27
As a four-year Christian Liberal Arts and sciences University,
Judson University prepares students to shape their world, living out their gifts, talents and passions for God’s glory. Visit Judson and discover:
• Academic Excellence. Choose from more than 50 majors, minors and concentrations, plus 10 pre-professional programs.
• Real World Learning. 90% of recent graduates get real-world experience while still in school, through practicums, internships, and student teaching.
• An ideal setting. The Judson campus, located on the banks of the Fox River, provides a close-knit community, while Chicago is only 40 minutes away.
call. 847.628.2510 web. VisitJudson.com/JT | 1151 N. State Street | Elgin, IL 60123
a good fit?Is Judson
shapeWo R L d
*Judson is Ranked in the Top Tier, Midwest Best Colleges, U.S. News and World Report Best Colleges Survey
Visit us for Preview Days and find out!
April 12, 2013September 2, 2013October 13-14, 2013November 10-11, 2013
s h a p e y o u r
l i f e t o s h a p e
t h e w o r l d
SOMEONE’S GOING TO
ThE
28 JUDSON today
Non-ProfitOrganization
U.S. Postage PAIDElgin, IL
Permit No. 649
1151 North State StreetElgin, Illinois | 60123
W RLDLEADERSFORUM
2013
TONY BLAIRTony Blair, former Prime Minister of Great Britain and Northern Ireland from May 1997 to June 2007, is the featured speaker for Judson University’s third annual World Leaders Forum. During his 10 years as Prime Minister, Blair transformed Britain’s public services through a program of investment and reform in schools and hospitals. He also has launched the Tony Blair Faith Foundation to promote respect and understanding of and between the major religions and to make the case for faith as a force for good in the modern world.
Order Tickets Today! www.WorldLeadersForum.info 847.628.2076
HEAR TONY BLAIR SPEAK ON APRIL 12vip reception and keynote address Doors open at 3:00 p.m. Faith, power and the post Modern World Featuring Tony Blair's Private Keynote Address and a Q&A. Attendees will receive a signed book and photo opportunity with Tony Blair.
coMMunity event Doors open at 4:30 p.m. presentation and Q&aIn an effort to train and inspire future world leaders, Judson's community event will be open to Judson students, faculty, staff, alumni and the community.
We encourage companies and organizations to check out the various benefits associated with becoming a Sponsoring Partner, including participating in all the VIP event activities.