University of Valley Forge 2014 Annual Magazine

2014 MAGAZINE

4 PRESIDENT’S REPORT8 NEW MAJORS AT VALLEY FORGE14 ALWAYS A PATRIOT18 A GANG OF HIS OWN20 MISSIONS TRIPS STUDENT EXPERIENCES22 EXPANDING OUR MISSION27 HONOR ROLL CALL28 ON AND OFF THE STAGE30 CAMPUS RENOVATIONS & IMPROVEMENTS31 PATRIOTS ATHLETICS 36 FACULTY HIGHLIGHTS37 NEW EMPLOYEES & PROMOTIONS39 STUDENT PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST40 ALUMNI UPDATES 46 YEAR IN REVIEW48 BILLION SOUL NETWORK49 DONOR HIGHLIGHTS50 FINANCIAL REPORT

2014 MAGAZINE

PRESIDENT’S CABINET

CONTENTS

PRESIDENT DON MEYER, PH.D.

EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT & VICE PRESIDENT OF DEVELOPMENT

DANIEL MORTENSEN, PH.D.

VICE PRESIDENT OF ACADEMIC AFFAIRS KEVIN BEERY, D.S.L.

VICE PRESIDENT OF FINANCE JONATHAN CAPECI

VICE PRESIDENT OF STUDENT LIFE REV. JENNIFER GALE

EDITOR MICHELLE MALONEY

PRODUCTION MANAGER JEANNE LOCKNER

CONTRIBUTORS SARAH CUSHING

AMANDA GAUTHIER ’09 JEANNE LOCKNER

MICHELLE MALONEY NICCO MUSACCHIO NICHOLAS SEDERS STEVE THURSTON

DESIGN & LAYOUT CHRIS JONES ’14 DOUG SMITH ’12

PHOTOGRAPHERS AUTUMN (GRANGER) AGUIAR ‘14

DENNY ARCHER DERRICK HARVEY

HOFFER PHOTOGRAPHY MATTIS POTTIGER DOUG SMITH ‘12

STEVE THURSTON JENESSA TOMASSACCI

CALEB WEIDMAN

THE UNIVERSITY OF VALLEY FORGE WELCOMES ARTICLES, ALUMNI ART

OR PHOTOGRAPHS FOR INCLUSION IN THE YEARLY MAGAZINE. ALL

ARE SUBJECT TO EDITING FOR CONTENT AND LENGTH. SEND THESE IN

CARE OF THE EDITOR TO THE UNIVERSITY, OR EMAIL: UVFMARKETING@

VALLEYFORGE.EDU. THE YEARLY MAGAZINE IS A PUBLICATION OF THE

UNIVERSITY OF VALLEY FORGE. WRITTEN PERMISSION IS REQUIRED

TO REPRODUCE THE YEARLY MAGAZINE IN WHOLE OR IN PART.

POSTMASTER: ADDRESS CORRECTIONS SHOULD BE SENT

TO 1401 CHARLESTOWN RD, PHOENIXVILLE, PA 19460.

COPYRIGHT © 2014 UNIVERSITY OF VALLEY FORGE.

mailto:[email protected]


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UNIVERSITY OF VALLEY FORGE (FORMERLY VALLEY FORGE CHRISTIAN COLLEGE) RECENTLY CONCLUDED ITS 75TH ANNIVERSARY YEAR (1939–2014). AS PART OF THE CELEBRATION, A NUMBER OF INTERESTING AND FUN FACTS

WERE PUBLISHED OVER THE COURSE OF THE YEAR. PRESENTED THROUGHOUT THE PAGES OF THIS PUBLICATION ARE SOME FAVORITES.

DID YOU KNOW?

FEATURED STORIES

NEW NAME SAME MISSION

75TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

THE CONFERENCE CENTER AT VALLEY FORGE

UVF LIVE AT CREATION FESTIVALS

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2014 MAGAZINE

I love watching things grow. I always have. I suppose that love goes back

to my childhood days on the farm. From the animals in the barnyard

to the crops in the field, and from the vegetables in the garden to the

flowers along the sidewalks, farmers are always facilitating growth. And

once that gets in your soul, it never leaves you.

Farmers must work hard. Farmers must exercise great wisdom and care.

Farmers must use the right tools. Farmers must know when to plant and

when to harvest. Farmers must do their part, but they must also rely on

God to do His part. Farmers love to see growth. College presidents do

too.

Throughout this publication you will see ample evidence of the ongoing

growth during the 2013–2014 academic year. And what a year it has

been. In the history of any organization there is only one 75th year and

this one was ours. What a joy it has been to welcome back to campus

alumni leaders who have been literally changing the world since they

graduated.

Perhaps the most exciting growth this year is the transformation of Valley

Forge Christian College to the University of Valley Forge (UVF). Our

mission will not change, but this advancement will poise this ministry to

progress into the 21st century and beyond. Our next year will be a year of

celebration as we move into a future which is, as Dr. H. Robert Rhoden

says, “as bright as the promises of God.”

A highlight of the year took place during our 75th Anniversary

Celebration event on April 9, 2014, when former U.S. Attorney General

John Ashcroft spoke. His father, Dr. J. Robert Ashcroft, served without

salary as president of UVF from 1982–1985. Few of us who attended

the celebration that evening in the Flower Chapel will ever forget the

transformation of our buildings made by decorations and the creation of

historical sets — or General Ashcroft’s powerful message.

This has also been a year of campus growth made possible by the gift of

the 47-acre National Christian Conference Center, the largest gift UVF

has ever received (valued at $15 million). This beautiful property, now

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

WITH DON MEYER, PH.D.

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UNIVERSITY OF VALLEY FORGE

named The Conference Center at Valley Forge, is located four miles from

our campus, just outside of Valley Forge National Historical Park. It

will now be possible for the university to host graduate classes, ministry

and leadership seminars, and retreats on this lovely property in northern

Chester County. Our church and district constituencies are invited to

access this beautiful conference center for their retreats, conferences and

workshops, as well as any visitors or friends of the university who need

overnight accommodations for any purpose.

Seven new undergraduate academic programs and one new graduate

program were prepared this year for launch in the fall of 2014, bringing

our total to 67 undergraduate majors and seven graduate majors. One of

the eight new programs is criminal justice, one of the top ten programs

in demand in the country today. Leading the criminal justice program is

Kenneth Lang, a 24-year veteran of the Baltimore Police force who holds

a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice Administration and a

Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice Administration.

While on the topic of growth in the academic arena, the Pennsylvania

Department of Education granted accreditation to one of our newest

programs — Middle Level (4–8) English Education. This year also

marked a new partnership between UVF and Billion Soul Network

(BSN), an organization that seeks to train between 50,000 to 70,000

pastors — representing more than 1,300 denominations — who will

in turn each plant at least 50 house churches around the world. The

partnership with UVF connects BSN’s global network of Christian

leaders with our online educational programs in order to provide

international and domestic students a chance to earn an accredited

undergraduate or graduate degree.

Great ministry growth has taken place on each of the nine missions trips

taken by our students. During spring break, teams traveled to Eurasia,

Romania and Nicaragua, and the Concert Choir performed in Italy.

Other teams traveled over the summer to Asia, Greece and Northern

Ireland. Over $230,000 was raised for these trips and for other UVF

missions initiatives. Christie Hollenberg wrote of her time in Nicaragua,

“This process taught me that no matter what the language barrier, or

horrible situation, God loves all his people and through it all, He is on

the throne in every circumstance. Above all physical needs, the

greatest need of all is the love of Jesus Christ.”

We also added five new flags in the Flower Chapel to represent places

where alumni are serving around the world. Four of them were added to

represent the four branches of the military: Army, Air Force, Navy and

the Marines. Chaplain Angel Perez ’96 spoke in Chapel and made the

presentation.

Rachel DiTrolio ’10 presented the 53rd flag via Skype from the

Democratic Republic of the Congo. During her presentation she said,

“When I was a VFCC [UVF] student sitting there where you are, I

dreamed of the day I could present another flag representing a place

where no VFCC [UVF] alum had ever been.” Whether here or abroad,

our students are growing and becoming salt and light wherever they

serve.

Only eternity will record the spiritual growth that has occurred in the

lives of our precious students in the daily chapel services as well as in

the classrooms, residence halls, dining commons, athletic fields and

everywhere else on campus.

This has indeed been a year of wonderful growth. As you read these

articles, rejoice with us for God’s faithfulness and pray with us that the

days ahead will also be filled with unprecedented growth!

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2014 MAGAZINE

NEW NAME, SAME MISSIONA CONVERSATION WITH PRESIDENT DON MEYER, PH.D.

HOW DID VFCC ARRIVE AT THE DECISION TO CHANGE ITS NAME?

As you probably know, many names have been a part of the history of

VFCC. When my wife Evie and I came here nearly 18 years ago we

encountered a rich heritage of leadership training which grew out of the

numerous Bible institutes that had merged over the years. The oldest one,

Beulah Heights, began in 1912. This past academic year we celebrated 75

years since the founding in 1939 of Eastern Bible Institute (EBI), which

was the first official consolidation of some of those schools.

As EBI grew in its geographic and leadership influence, the name

was changed to Northeast Bible Institute, and when a fourth year was

added to the curriculum, it became Northeast Bible College (NBC).

When NBC moved to the former Valley Forge General Hospital site

here in Phoenixville, Pa., in 1976, the name was changed to Valley Forge

Christian College to reflect, in part, the name of this location.

For some years since then, VFCC’s key leaders and various stakeholder

groups have been talking about changing the name to university in

order to more accurately capture what VFCC was becoming, a robust

and growing institution. This fall 67 undergraduate and seven graduate

programs are offered. More and more online options are being added.

For the past several years that conversation became more formalized to

accurately capture the essence of how VFCC has evolved. All of these

developments resulted in the decision by the VFCC Board of Trustees in

the spring of 2013 to change the name.

WHY WAS THE NAME UNIVERSITY OF VALLEY FORGE CHOSEN?

When the discussions began, just about everyone preferred to keep

the geographic name of Valley Forge. Valley Forge has deep meaning

in American history and is immediately recognized in southeastern

Pennsylvania (in particular) and in the United States (in general) as well

as around the world. VFCC’s name was already integrally linked with

this rich meaning, and any future use would enhance it even more.

Other names were discussed including Valley Forge Christian University.

Unfortunately, the name Christian is not welcomed in some places in

the world and, even now, we have some alumni requesting their degrees

without that name.

Additionally, the word college is often perceived outside the United

States as high school. The university designation more accurately

describes the level of academic quality students receive here. Even in the

United States, more people perceive the name university as meaning an

educational experience that is advanced beyond that of a college. We feel

this will enhance even more the prestige and academic rigor for which

VFCC is known.

On Sept. 16, 2014 Valley Forge Christian College (VFCC) met the criteria of the Pennsylvania Department of Education to become the University of

Valley Forge (UVF). President Don Meyer, Ph.D., shares his perspectives on how this change took place and what effects it will have on the mission

and ministries of this wonderful institution.

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WHAT EFFECT WILL THIS HAVE ON THE EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE A STUDENT RECEIVES WHEN HE OR SHE COMES TO UVF?

Perhaps the most important perspective I could share with you is that

the mission and ministries of this institution will remain the same:

To prepare individuals for a life of service and leadership in the church

and in the world. Though our name has changed, our mission has not.

UVF will continue to have daily chapel services; UVF will remain an

Assemblies of God institution of higher learning; UVF will have the

same vision and values; UVF classes will continue to have a biblical/

theological core and will always open with prayer; the UVF ethos that

you feel when you arrive on campus will remain the same; UVF will

continue to add flags in the Flower Chapel that represent alumni who are

serving in more places around the world.

WILL THE CHANGE AFFECT ACCREDITATION?

The university will continue to be regionally accredited by the Middle

States Commission on Higher Education (3624 Market St. 2nd Floor

West, Philadelphia, PA 19104). In addition, the Social Work Program of

UVF is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)

and the Education Program of UVF is aligned to meet the requirements

of the Pennsylvania Department of Education. The university is

endorsed by the Alliance for Assemblies of Higher Education, a group

of 16 institutions serving approximately 3 million Assemblies of God

adherents in the United States.

ARE THERE ANY FINAL REFLECTIONS YOU MIGHT HAVE ON THIS HISTORIC MOMENT?

All of us here at UVF feel as though we are walking through a

transformational doorway into the greatest years we have ever had. We

are profoundly grateful for God’s faithfulness in our 75-year history.

I am often asked the question, “What is the best year VFCC [UVF] has

ever had?” I love to answer, “The next one.” With this exciting change, I

sense that more than ever.

With a new name comes a new look. The Office of Marketing

set out to design a symbol that would capture its new identity.

Dozens of design concepts created by internal designers were

brainstormed, conceptualized, modified and evaluated. Faculty,

staff and students of the university, alumni and other community

members provided insightful feedback through focus group testing.

After hundreds of hours of design time, one design stood out as the

new logo of University of Valley Forge (see below).

To read more on this topic, please visit valleyforge.edu/university.

UNIVERSITY LOGO

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2014 MAGAZINE

valleyforge.edu/university

Criminal justice programs have been especially sought after across the

nation. Therefore, UVF has established its own undergraduate program,

led by veteran Baltimore police officer Kenneth Lang. He is putting 24

years of law enforcement experience to good use — teaching students

criminal law, legal procedures, criminal evidence and criminology with

practical experience in mock crime scenes and trials. The program is

ideal for students interested in developing proficiency in deduction,

investigation and technology, in order to become effective detectives,

crime scene investigators and technicians. Lang is also an award-winning

author. More information can be found at valleyforge.edu/kenlang.

The addition of a sports management major is another exciting response

to increasing professional demand. This degree program prepares those

interested in representing celebrity athletes, and also those who would

like to pursue careers as talent recruiters, public relations executives, event

managers and franchise officers.

Incoming students will also have an opportunity to examine the corporate

world in a new way through the Department of Business Administration,

which now offers two new degrees. The online undergraduate program

in business administration allows students to conveniently acquire a

comprehensive foundation and develop essential business knowledge

and abilities. Similarly, the Master of Organizational Leadership is

comprised of online coursework and four one-week residential cohort

experiences. This graduate program will allow professionals to grow

as corporate and ministry leaders, as they learn about effective team

building, organizational psychology, biblical values of business, creative

thinking, conflict resolution and financial management.

NEW MAJORS AT VALLEY FORGE

With the arrival of fall and the upcoming 2014–2015 academic year, the anticipation in the air is palpable as University of Valley Forge (UVF) begins a

new chapter of unprecedented academic growth with the addition of eight new programs. “We are constantly looking for new ways to create additional

opportunities for our current and future students,” said Vice President of Academic Affairs Kevin Beery, D.S.L. “There is tremendous demand for

professionals in these fields. Students were asking for these majors, and we listened.”

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valleyforge.edu/kenlang

Another new bachelor’s degree is Deaf culture studies. Hearing

students are able to train as cross-cultural communicators for the

purpose of ministry, in order to act as a bridge between hearing and

Deaf communities around the world. The program also provides an

opportunity to pursue professional interpretation licenses for American

Sign Language.

An additional program this fall is Middle Level (4–8): English/

Language Arts and Reading (public and private certification). Students

will be prepared to teach the adolescent learner using curriculum that is

aligned with Pennsylvania academic standards, focused on current theory

and best practices, and supported by a Christian worldview. Students will

be prepared to teach in both elementary and middle school classrooms as

both general educators and specialists. Students who display proficiency

in particular fields will be able to pursue their respective specialized

teaching certifications through the Pennsylvania Department of

Education. According to Marianne Modica, Ph.D., associate professor

of education, students will “come out with more certification areas … and

that makes them more marketable for jobs.”

The Department of Digital Media offers some of UVF’s most

popular programs. The addition of two new undergraduate

programs strengthens this impressive department. Programs in graphic

design and web design and development allow students to focus more

intensively on their interests, as they work with faculty members to hone

creative skills for advertising, publishing and interactive media.

These eight programs provide new opportunities for students to pursue

varied careers, while maintaining a biblical worldview and receiving

excellent academic instruction. “With an increase from seven majors in

1996 to 67 in the fall of 2014,” says President Don Meyer, “we have seen

a genuine growth that is furthering our mission to prepare individuals

for a life of service and leadership in the church and in the world.”

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2014 MAGAZINE

75th ANNIVERSARYRECAP OF YEAR-LONG EVENTS AND CELEBRATION

University of Valley Forge (UVF), formerly Valley Forge Christian

College (VFCC), celebrated its 75th anniversary with a year full of

momentous events and a roster of alumni chapel speakers. This year

focused on the growth of UVF from its inception as Eastern Bible

Institute through to its new university status. In honor of this milestone

year, a specially designed 75 years pin was created, a pin that President

Don Meyer donned on the lapel of his suit jacket each day of the 2013–

2014 academic year.

UVF officially announced its 75th anniversary year of celebration at the

August 2013 General Council of the Assemblies of God (AG). The

celebration continued into October with homecoming, when more than

250 alumni reunited with their classmates and attended events such as

chapel services, the traditional alumni vs. Patriots basketball game and

the addition of a 5K run/walk fundraiser for the General Scholarship

Fund.

The most highly anticipated event came in April, when UVF hosted the

official 75th Anniversary Celebration. Alumni, students, faculty, staff and

community members gathered at UVF for a reception during which

guests were invited to step back in time to view displays and university

memorabilia from days past. The university was honored to welcome

guest speaker General John Ashcroft, who served as U.S. attorney

general and is the founder and chairman of The Ashcroft Group and

The Ashcroft Law Firm. His father, Dr. J. Robert Ashcroft, served as

president of VFCC from 1982–1985. He took no salary during his

leadership, a move that helped save the university during difficult years.

The event also featured a touching video about the history and legacy of

UVF and its dreams for the future.

The next day, UVF celebrated the grand opening of its largest gift to date:

The Conference Center at Valley Forge. This gift expands the university’s

educational services and offers a multitude of opportunities for meeting

and social functions, as well as overnight accommodations.

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UVF concluded its 75th anniversary celebrations with commencement on

May 9 with 132 graduates. Family and friends gathered on campus as

guest speaker the Rev. Philip Bongiorno ’55 addressed the graduating

class.

Bongiorno served on the UVF Board of Trustees and is the chairman

and president of Heritage Investment Services Funds, Inc. He addressed

the Class of 2014, saying, “Every end should mark another beginning ... .

Every success, the setting of a new goal and every defeat an opportunity

for a new start.” He asked three questions: “What will you do with your

life? Why will you do it? How will you do it?” Bongiorno expressed that

no matter what the answers are, one should live for God and others and

not for self.

Meyer delivered a traditional farewell address to the graduates. He

quoted a metaphorical poem about reluctant individuals who were called

to a cliff ’s edge, pushed and then flew. “It’s time for you to fly,” he said.

In the days following commencement, Meyer removed the 75th

anniversary pin from his lapel, symbolically closing this chapter of UVF’s

history and looking forward to the years ahead.

To purchase the video presented during the 75th Anniversary Celebration

contact: [email protected].

View photos of the 75th anniversary events at: valleyforge.edu/75.

Ashcroft addresses audience during the 75th Anniversary Celebration

Bongiorno speaks at the 75th commencement

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2014 MAGAZINE


valleyforge.edu

CONFERENCE CENTER AT VALLEY FORGE

BACKGROUND STORY AND GRAND OPENING

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University of Valley Forge (UVF), formerly Valley Forge

Christian College, received the largest gift in its history

on December 31, 2013, when it accepted the National

Christian Conference Center from anonymous donors.

Renamed The Conference Center at Valley Forge, the

generous gift came free and clear of any financial debt

and puts the university in a position to provide expanded

educational services.

The university now uses this site as an additional campus

location for educational programs, and is the perfect

setting for church retreats, leadership training, relaxation

and renewal. The grounds and facilities provide an ideal

setting to meet, learn and collaborate in its nine meeting

rooms. The property and its ballroom also serve as a scenic

backdrop for weddings and other social functions. All

catering and audio visual resources are available onsite.

In addition, the conference center is available to churches

and other organizations for meetings, retreats and other

activities.

The 47-acre site is located approximately one mile from

Valley Forge National Historical Park, four miles from

UVF and is bordered by the Schuylkill River. The property

includes the original Inhill Farm (1731), two main

buildings that house the meeting and conference rooms,

the dining room and all overnight accommodations.

The site also offers a number of outdoor amenities ideal

for team-building that include a swimming pool, ropes

course, zip line and campfire hearth, as well as hiking

trails.

Mike Andriano serves as executive director of the

conference center. Andriano is focused on developing and

growing conference center programs, as well as managing

everyday operations.

President Don Meyer, Ph.D., stated, “Words

cannot express the depth of gratitude we feel

toward the donors who made this gift possible. God has

truly blessed the college [university] with this gift, and

we are excited to see how this additional campus site

will further enhance the mission and ministries of Valley

Forge Christian College [University of Valley Forge].”

On April 10, 2014, The Conference Center at Valley

Forge officially opened. Meyer and the Rev. Carl Colletti

(Board of Trustees chairman and superintendent of the

New Jersey District of the Assemblies of God) cut the

ribbon, accompanied by the President’s Cabinet (Dan

Mortensen, Ph.D., Jonathan Capeci, Kevin Beery, D.S.L.,

and the Rev. Jennifer Gale). Members of the Schuylkill

Township Board of Supervisors and Phoenixville

Chamber of Commerce also joined the ceremony. Later

that evening, UVF students congregated at the property

to celebrate the acquisition of the conference center and

to commemorate UVF’s 75th anniversary.

“For our 75th anniversary,” said Mortensen, “it is almost

as if God has given this place to us as a birthday present.”

The university is blessed to have received this property

and is looking forward to God’s provision for its use in

the future.

To learn more, go to valleyforge.edu/conferencecenter.

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2014 MAGAZINE

valleyforge.edu/conferencecenter

ALWAYS A PATRIOT

GAYLE BROSTOWSKI ’85

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A REMARKABLE WOMAN CREATING A PATH FOR STUDENTS TO FOLLOW GOD'S CALLING, AS SHE BRAVELY FIGHTS FOR TOMORROW.

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2014 MAGAZINE

The Rev. Gayle Brostowski ’85 exemplifies a true University of

Valley Forge (UVF) Patriot. She was awarded the Distinguished Alumni

Service Award at Homecoming 2013 for her significant contributions

to furthering UVF’s mission through her community involvement and

vocation. She advocates the university at every opportunity, is a strong

supporter of the women’s basketball team and continues to be a role

model, despite her fight with cancer.

After receiving a degree in pastoral ministry at UVF, she served as a

youth pastor in Massachusetts, New York and Pennsylvania until 1994.

Then, she became a full-time evangelist and a staff evangelist at Green

Ridge Assembly of God in Scranton, Pa., where she currently serves.

She has served as a traveling evangelist for 20 years, ministering to and

encouraging churches and Christians throughout the northeast and mid-

Atlantic region. In 2007, she was invited by the Executive Presbytery

of the General Council of the Assemblies of God to join the National

Evangelists Committee.

In her travels and leadership positions, Brostowski advocates the

university by recommending prospective students to visit and apply. “I

feel that VFCC [UVF] offers so much from a Christian perspective that

it’s wise of me to point young students in the direction of the college

[university].” She continually asks how she can contribute to the efforts

of the Alumni Association and the university and mentors students

through conversations that discuss academics, friendships, faith and

ministry. Brostowski reaches UVF students who also attend her church

by sending them encouraging notes through social media. She invests her

time in the players of the UVF women’s basketball team, of which she

was once a member, by attending games and reminding them that the

lessons learned on the court also apply off the court.

Brostowski remembers her time as a student with great fondness — from

professors and staff who poured into her life, her discipleship experiences

and leadership positions to the lifelong friendships she still holds today

— these experiences have left a lasting imprint on her life. Now, she says

it is her turn to pour into the next generation, and in so doing, all she has

learned has come full circle by gathering what she received and passing it

on to future servant leaders.

Brostowski often speaks at retreats for women and young girls. She hopes

to encourage them by sharing her journey and affirming their calling.

“That’s the message: Whoever you are, if God has called you, then He

will equip you and He will use you.” She believes young people want to

serve God and should be properly trained to do so.

ALWAYS A PATRIOT

Brostowski as an alumni guest

speaker in chapel in November 2012

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Brostowski in the women’s alumni vs. Patriots basketball game during Homecoming 2010

In 2011, Brostowski learned that she had breast cancer. Then, in 2013,

she was diagnosed with stage IV metastatic breast cancer of the bones.

The doctors describe her disease as incurable, but she continues to have

faith and to fight. “Some of the greatest lessons I have ever learned in my

life have been through cancer.” Since her diagnosis, she feels God leading

her to preach on hope and encouragement. Hope is found in Jesus Christ

in the darkest times and even through the challenges and adversities,

Brostowski shares, “God is still very much in control of our lives.”

As emotional and spiritual support are intertwined, Brostowski feels

that financial help is also a part of the overall process of supporting

students. She feels that offering financial support is an expression of

love and an important element of being a UVF alumna. To Brostowski,

giving demonstrates to the next generation that you stand behind them.

Looking back to her college years, Brostowski remembers how grateful

she was for the financial help she was given. “I received, so I feel that I

should be the one now giving and blessing the students.”

This past year, Brostowski announced her future gift to UVF once she

is called home. She has set up an endowed scholarship to be given to a

female upperclassman in a ministry major. “Hopefully my encouragement

will go on long after my voice is silenced on this earth.”

UVF is grateful for Brostowski’s continual support of its mission and the

students. Her teachings will resonate with those she reaches now and

those whom she will touch in the future.

Brostowski and classmates reunited at Homecoming 2013

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2014 MAGAZINE

A GANG OF HIS OWN

AS A 17-YEAR-OLD ADOLESCENT IN 2008, ISIAH HASKER OFTEN WALKED ALONE THROUGH THE NEIGHBORHOODS OF HIS HOMETOWN, TRENTON, N.J., MOVING WITH CAUTION AT EVERY TURN. THEN ONE NIGHT, SUDDENLY AND WITHOUT WARNING, HE SUFFERED BLOWS FROM A FELLOW GANG MEMBER. IN A MATTER OF SECONDS, HE FOUND HIMSELF BEATEN, ROBBED AND LEFT ALONE ON THE DARK STREETS. THIS BEATING WAS A RESULT OF HASKER’S DECISION TO LEAVE HIS POSITION AS A RANKING MEMBER OF THE NOTORIOUS BLOODS GANG TO FOLLOW THE TEACHINGS OF JESUS. NOW, SIX YEARS LATER, HASKER IS A SENIOR IN THE SOCIAL WORK PROGRAM AT UNIVERSITY OF VALLEY FORGE (UVF).

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Hasker joined the Bloods at the age of 13, after his mother had been

diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia. It was at this vulnerable time

in his life that one of his closest friends offered him brotherhood and

protection if he agreed to join the gang. Four years later, at the age of 17,

Hasker became the gang’s youngest five-star general after earning the

respect of his peers.

At the time, the large Bloods population in Trenton was primarily

involved in two illicit activities: drugs and violence. These two outlets

consumed Hasker’s life. He woke up early every morning, sold drugs

through the late afternoon and spent his nights in bars and clubs.

Reflecting on this period of his life, Hasker believes he “would be dead or

in jail” had he continued on that lawless and self-destructive path.

While Hasker was an active gang member, the police raided his home and

found a massive stash of illegal drugs. When he came to the realization

that a decade of incarceration awaited him if he was convicted, Hasker

knew his life needed to change dramatically and he looked to his cousin

for discipleship and encouragement. His cousin had recently overcome a

struggle with sexual identity by placing his faith in God. Months later,

Hasker accompanied him to a men’s conference in Atlanta, and it was

there that Hasker offered his life to the Lord.

Hasker realized that following Jesus meant leaving the Bloods, which

would be a serious challenge since gang members do not easily walk

away without repercussions. As soon as the Bloods noticed his increasing

absence, they put a hit on him that gave all members the permission to

jump him.

After weeks of being mugged, Hasker’s pastor stepped in to help and

took Hasker to a prison in Buffalo, N.Y., to have a meeting with the

incarcerated leader of the Northeast Bloods. The purpose of the

meeting was to try to clear Hasker of his responsibilities with the gang.

Unfortunately, the meeting did not go as Hasker had hoped, and he was

not granted permission to leave the gang. Discouraged, he remembers

telling himself, “It’s okay if I die this way.” But God had different plans.

Two weeks later, Hasker received a letter from the imprisoned

Bloods leader in Buffalo, notifying him that he was free to leave

the gang. With the boldness of a liberated man, he chose to stay in

Trenton as a witness to his old neighborhood. “A lot of people in the

urban community don’t know about blessed hope,” says Hasker. “They

don’t know that there is another way out. I feel like it’s my job to better

my life and to let them know.”

In an amazing turn of events, the same man who had jumped and beaten

Hasker in 2008 was one of the first people impacted by his conversion.

Hasker forgave his attacker and signed an affidavit that dropped the

criminal charges, thereby giving the man a new lease on life. Years later,

Hasker learned that this same man had begun following Jesus soon

after the event. He who inadvertently pushed Hasker toward the Lord

through violence is now a committed Christian because of the spiritual

transformation that the beating and its forgiveness brought about.

Getting an education at UVF is another step in Hasker’s transformative

process and evangelism. “Being at Valley Forge has redirected my path

and reformed my worldview.” He continues, “There are not many places

that will create opportunities for you to fulfill what God has called you to

do. … I would be a whole different person if I had not attended VFCC

[UVF].”

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2014 MAGAZINE

As a freshman, Josh VanDusen was one of eight students and staff who

traveled to a Teen Challenge center in Romania. Teen Challenge is a

faith-based drug and alcohol rehabilitation center that has been changing

lives for decades. Inpatients participate in a 12–18 month program and

prepare to live a drug-free life through Jesus Christ and the power of the

Gospel. The team attended daily classes and chapel with the patients,

where VanDusen shared his testimony.

VanDusen struggled with drug addiction for 10 years. He walked out of

many rehabilitation centers not ready to change, until he hit his lowest

point and attempted suicide. Police found him before his attempt was

successful, and a judge ordered him to attend a rehab center again.

That is when VanDusen and his family learned about Teen Challenge.

After attending the program for 14 months, he graduated in July 2013.

VanDusen gives the credit to God, “I don’t believe that, apart from God,

you can become sober or really live a sober life.” On May 5, 2014, he

marked his second anniversary of sobriety.

In Romania, VanDusen faced and overcame past difficulties accepting

God’s grace and saw the greater work of Christ’s kingdom. “He broke

me to use me,” he said. The team met with the drug community living

underground in Romania’s sewer system. It is there where individuals

and families relocate to live in deplorable conditions in the absence

of sunlight. The filthy living spaces are filled with couches, televisions,

cockroaches and an overflow of drugs.

“The big eye-opening part for me was seeing a 2-year-old boy down

there,” VanDusen said. The boy’s mother behaved as if nothing was

wrong, while the father lay unconscious on a couch. The families have

lived there all of their lives and seem content with an impoverished and

drug-centered existence. The UVF team offered what they could: Jesus

and food. “I wanted to cry knowing the conditions this child was living

in,” VanDusen said. “But I was relieved that we could give the family a

meal that night and share the Gospel.”

As VanDusen anxiously stepped into those sewer systems, traveling

down dark and unfamiliar tunnels, he kept reminding himself: “I was

once this person ... I need to be here.” In doing so, VanDusen portrayed

the transformative power of the Gospel and a picture of what could be.

MISSIONS TRIPS STUDENT EXPERIENCES

During the 2013-2014 year, University of Valley Forge (UVF) students and staff served in ten missions trip around the world. For two students, a week

in a foreign country showed them how God uses passions, talents, struggles and past challenges for His glory.

JOSH VANDUSEN

20


Macy Poore, along with 13 other UVF students

and staff members, spent spring break of her

junior year in Nicaragua.

The team partnered with Metanoia Missions

and assisted missionaries Eric and Shanna

Ferguson. The team mainly focused on

ministering to children and sharing God’s

love by hosting children’s church activities and

teaching Bible stories. They also traveled to

various churches where Poore contributed a

unique addition to the ministry: her dancing.

For Poore, dancing is a genuine and especially

emotional expression of praise. In middle school,

she was diagnosed with scoliosis, a sideways

curvature of the spine. The scoliosis progressed,

and in high school, Poore began wearing a back

brace. The doctors told her that she could

continue dancing, but her condition would need

to be monitored closely. She was not required

to wear the back brace while dancing, which,

in her own words, made her feel like it was the

only time she “was allowed to be free.”

As Poore’s condition worsened, the doctors

discussed performing surgery that could

prevent her from dancing ever again. For Poore,

who had been dancing since the age of 3, the

thought of never dancing again devastated her.

“If I could do anything for the rest of my life,

that’s what I would do.” The procedure was

not pursued, and by God’s grace, Poore’s back

remains stable.

Poore combines her ballet and lyrical dance

techniques to worship God. In Nicaragua,

she shared her testimony at churches and

danced to a Spanish version of the popular

song “Oceans” by Hillsong. Her testimony and

the visual presentation of what God has done

proved to be an emotional experience for those

in attendance. Following her performances,

several women hugged Poore with tears in their

eyes and thanked her for sharing her story,

while others were touched and in awe of God’s

protection of her continuing good health.

For Poore, her ability to dance and share her

experience with her team and the people of

Nicaragua served as a blessing and showed

“God’s power through it all.”

MACY POORE

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2014 MAGAZINE

The flags that line the walls of the Flower Chapel represent places around

the world where graduates have gone to serve in ministry. Over the

course of this past academic year, five new flags have been added to the

collection, bringing the total number to 53.

Four of these flags were contributed on Veteran’s Day (Nov. 11, 2013),

each in commemoration of a military branch in which alumni have

enlisted: Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps. This particular

ceremony was marked by several moments of silent prayer for veterans

and active service personnel. Army Chaplain Angel Perez ’96 presented

the flags to the President’s Cabinet. The flags were hung in honor of

University of Valley Forge (UVF) graduates who protect their country

and share the Gospel in the United States Armed Forces. According

to President Don Meyer, Ph.D., the four military flags were hung as a

special reminder to pray for those who serve around the world.

The fifth flag was offered on Jan. 28, 2014, by Rachel DiTrolio ’10 who

presented the flag of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DROC) via

Skype. DiTrolio is currently a missionary associate with Assemblies of

God World Missions, working alongside Pat and Suzanne Hurst with

the people of DROC – offering education programs in business and

English.

“When I was a student … sitting in chapel,” reminisced DiTrolio, “I

would hear Dr. Meyer count those flags, and the idea of going where no

other alumni had gone before thrilled me.” This year, DiTrolio and Perez

finally had the honor and opportunity to celebrate the actualization of

contributing new flags as alumni.

EXPANDING OUR MISSION

PATRIOT WHERE? WHERE IN THE WORLD ARE YOU WEARING

YOUR VALLEY FORGE CLOTHING?

Students and alumni, send us a quality photograph of yourself

wearing our apparel and receive a Valley Forge Patriots t-shirt

to wear while visiting locations of interest. Photos can be taken

locally or around the world but should have a sense of place. Please

submit your photo, along with a description of the location where

it was taken, and your t-shirt size, to the Office of Marketing at

[email protected] by the end of the spring semester.

To view submissions, visit valleyforge.edu/patriotgear.

Please send a high-resolution image only.

Emily Slingerland Nicaragua

22



valleyforge.edu/patriotgear

2013 BLAST FROM THE PAST WINNER

Congratulations to Julie (Wakeman) Paré ’94, the winner of the 2013 Blast from the Past Photo

Contest. She correctly identified the year and three of the people in the photograph of the 3D

Ministry Group from the 1991 yearbook. The people in the photo, clockwise from left, are John Hill

’93, Jeff Davidson ’91, Teri (Cochran) Rising ’95, Cindy (Calhoun) Harris ’92, John Wood ’95, and

Melissa Owens.

BLASTFROM THE PAST

BLAST FROM THE PAST 2014 CONTEST

Do you recognize these people or know the year this photograph

was taken? If you correctly provide the most information

about this photograph (people’s names, year, club name) you

will receive a $50 gift card. Send your contest submission to

[email protected].

The winner will be notified by email, announced on

social media and published in next year’s annual magazine.

Contest deadline is Dec. 31, 2014.

23

2014 MAGAZINE


UVF LIVE AT CREATION FESTIVALMEDIA AND VIDEO PRODUCTION

On June 25, a team of 30 students, alumni, faculty and staff from

University of Valley Forge (UVF) traveled to Mt. Union, Pa., to represent

UVF and provide media and video production for the 2014 Creation

Festival Northeast. For the second consecutive year, UVF served as the

main video production crew, and also became a sponsor of the festival.

President Don Meyer, Ph.D., described this year as “our best year at this

most important event.”

With over 80,000 in attendance, current and former UVF students in

the digital media program gained hands-on experience at the country’s

largest Christian music festival. People from around the country

congregated for a four-day event to enjoy worship with Christian bands,

speakers, sermons, prayer groups, special activities (such as the candle

lighting ceremony), fireworks and outdoor sports. For some students, it

was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be part of an event this large and

with such exposure.

The digital media crew produced live footage from its mobile Media

Command Center (mMCC) next to the festival’s main stage. The mMCC

is a 48-foot, state-of-the-art semi-trailer that houses digital recording

facilities and two soundproof studios that operate independently for

multiple recording sessions with some of the most advanced technology

in the industry.

The mMCC is used as both an audio production facility and as a quality

video production station. The crew managed the video production

from inside the mobile unit using UVF equipment. Several multi-view

monitors and a video mixer lined the inside of the mMCC, providing

live and prerecorded content displayed on two jumbo screens next to the

main stage. The crew controlled all of the five video cameras recording

live footage throughout the event. Doug Smith ’12, marketing office

media specialist, and Ben Franco ’09, faculty member of the digital media

department, led the team. Smith said, “The festival was a great experience

for working under pressure at a professional level.” The crew not only

surpassed expectations at a student level but also produced quality work.

24


A creative side project produced each of the four days by a select team of

UVF students was led by senior Caleb Weidman. The project included

a video spot generated from the experiences of volunteers, campers,

backstage crew, partners and sponsors. The one to three-minute videos

were edited the same day by the UVF team and the final cuts were aired

prior to the start of each evening performance.

As sponsors, UVF Office of

Admissions members were

given the chance to promote

the university on stage each

night. With the rapt attention

of the audience, Carrie

Maurio ’07 and Christian

Delcid ’13 shared information

about the UVF majors, the

Early College Start program,

campus visits and their own

experience at the university.

As someone who is energized

by crowds of people and

meets often with youth,

Maurio served as the ideal spokesperson to grab the attendees’ attention.

“I was surprised, with a crowd that size, how many of them were intently

listening,” she said. “I felt that people really heard us.”

UVF also showcased a crowd-friendly admissions booth that was

made up of 12 UVF representatives, including three admissions

counselors and six students.

Creation attendees flocked

to the booth to inquire

about the university and its

67 undergraduate and seven

graduate programs. They

also received giveaways that

included Patriots apparel

and had their picture taken at the photo booth. UVF also offered a

scholarship to one lucky student who was chosen from a select number

of qualified students.

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2014 MAGAZINE

July 16–19. For the first time, the media crew served there

and provided video production, which included daily live

footage and prerecorded material including the promotional

UVF video. The admissions crew manned an information

booth and Maurio was given the opportunity each day to

speak on stage and connect with students in an effort to

draw them beyond the borders of the Midwestern states to

UVF.

From July 30 to August

2, senior and digital

media intern, Tim

Jackson represented the

capabilities of UVF at

Creation Northwest in

Washington. Jackson, who attended all three Creation

festivals, filmed and produced the daily video recaps that

were viewed by thousands of attendees, applying his studies

and skills in yet another professional setting.

Delcid traveled to Creation as a student, prior to working for UVF. He

remembered the admissions counselors he met and their energy and

encouragement. Returning now as staff, he wanted to

approach students in the same manner. “It takes you

back to a time when someone did that for you and

sparked something in your spirit that motivated you to

become a student at UVF,” he said. “To know that I am

doing the same is incredible.” The team was available

early each day to interact with thousands of students,

parents and pastors. Late into the night the team would

return to its campsite well past midnight before getting

some rest to do it again the next day.

For sophomore Amanda Brito,

who attended Creation as a student

volunteer, it was an opportunity to

promote UVF and share her personal

experience as a student with anyone

she met, especially those who were

unfamiliar with the university. “You’re

igniting something that was not there before,” she said.

An exciting enhancement to the admissions booth featured a technological

advancement: 12 iPads. The iPads allowed the UVF team to collect inquiries from

interested high school students electronically instead of a hard copy form. This

equipped the team to more quickly gather data and eliminate manual data entry of

the forms, in turn, allowing the admissions team to promptly connect with prospective

students.

By the end of the festival, the team had gathered more than 1,500 inquiries from

prospective students. In regard to the inquiries collected, Meyer shared, “Let’s pray

that the seeds which were sown will bring forth an abundant harvest in the days

ahead.”

On account of the fine work produced, UVF was invited to two more Creation

events during the summer. One week after the completion of Creation Northeast,

Smith and Maurio packed up once again with a team of 10 UVF students and hit

the road for Willmar, Minn., the site of the 33rd annual Sonshine Festival from 26


HONOR ROLL CALLCONGRATULATIONS TO THE FOLLOWING STUDENTS WHO GRADUATED WITH HONORS:

Kaylee L. Applegarth

Emily K. Benco

Brandon L. Berrios

Elise N. Brunelle

Sorina A. Corkey

Justin Czubkowski

Sara F. Donnamaria

Dane J. Duncan

Jean Yves Dushime

Jerilyn J. Ellis

Kathryn E. Naylor

Gabriel D. Nye

Dorathia Sherrell Phillips

Timothy Matthew Pollick

Brittany L. Rebstock

Jesse C. Recinos

Kendall Darrell Roberts

Molly S. Rupert

Elizabeth Schwindler

Nicholas C. Seders

Kaitlyn Faraghan

Richard E. Feuerstein

Jessica L. Fox

Nico Louis Giampietro

Michaela Ginder

Rachel E. Gomez

Julia D. Grant

Natalie Jean Hagen

Jordan K. Kadow

Lisa Michelle Kunzweiler

Kyler S. Sederwall

Renee A. Seler

Brooke S. Sheesley

Daniel R. Smith

Joshua C. Smith

Emily A. Stefanec

James M. Tarpey

Janna D. Weiler

Joshua B. Whitelock

Kevin P. Landis

Joshua T. Leake

Ethan P. Ludwick

Elicia MacTarnaghan

Josephine Mariello

Darrick E. Martin

Joshua J. Miller

Kristen Morgan

Lindsey Morrison

Kelsey L. Moses

Jonathan L. Aguiar ’14

Vanessa P. Ames ’14

Luis Alberto Avendano Fullerton ’14

Olivia J. Birkhimer ’14

Alexandra J. Bishop ’14

Izetta R. Britton ’14

Michele C. Brock ’14

Ana Karina Clark ’14

Samantha M. Clemo ’14

Victor J. Davi ’14

Vanessa J. Duncan ’14

Heather S. Ellenwood ’14

Bonnie J. Elliott ’14

Nathaniel C. Feliciano ’14

Autumn S. Granger ’14

Jonathan A. Grove ’14

Robert A. Howell ’14

Matthew V. Jones ’14

Nicholas E. Kline ’14

Janell R. Koos ’14

Matthew R. Lingafelt ’14

Jennifer L. Lintz ’14

Ryan T. McAdams ’14

Kelsey L. Moses ’14

Karen D. Noble ’14

Johnathan R. Norris ’14

Kaitlin M. O’Malley ’14

Timothy Petty ’14

Tyler S. Pfahler ’14

Brandie M. Piljar ’14

Nancy A. Raatz ’14

Labrina R. Ritchey ’14

Kristen Marie Rodriguez ’14

Alexandra Elise Rutkowski ’14

David G. Ryan ’14

Meredith A. Seymour ’14

Rebecca Lynn Skillo ’14

Kinna L. Smith ’14

Amber R. Stevenson ’14

Delena G. Willman ’14

Cum Laude

Cum Laude

Magna Cum Laude

Cum Laude

Cum Laude

Summa Cum Laude

Magna Cum Laude

Cum Laude

Summa Cum Laude

Cum Laude

Magna Cum Laude

Summa Cum Laude

Magna Cum Laude

Magna Cum Laude

Cum Laude

Cum Laude

Summa Cum Laude

Cum Laude

Cum Laude

Summa Cum Laude

Cum Laude

Cum Laude

Cum Laude

Magna Cum Laude

Cum Laude

Magna Cum Laude

Summa Cum Laude

Cum Laude

Summa Cum Laude

Cum Laude

Summa Cum Laude

Cum Laude

Cum Laude

Summa Cum Laude

Magna Cum Laude

Magna Cum Laude

Magna Cum Laude

Cum Laude

Magna Cum Laude

Summa Cum Laude

2013-2014 HONORS PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS:STUDENTS IN THIS PROGRAM MUST COMPLETE 18 CREDITS OF HONORS COURSE WORK AND MUST COMPLETE AN HONORS THESIS DURING

THEIR SENIOR YEAR THAT CONCLUDES WITH A PUBLIC ORAL DEFENSE.

27

2014 MAGAZINE

During the summer of 2014, two teams of University of Valley Forge

(UVF) students traveled through the mid-Atlantic and northeast

regions serving and ministering to youth camps and conferences in an

unforgettable, life-changing music tour as the worship teams Chosen

and Pneuma.

Chosen and Pneuma serve as a ministry extension of UVF. These nine

member teams led worship at the PennDel Youth Convention, the

National Youth Convention and Fine Arts Festival, youth camps, retreats

and churches. These talented musicians are artistic, spiritually mature

leaders who minister on and off the stage.

The ministry began in 1985 when the university’s director of public

relations assembled a traveling music team and a traveling drama

team. The Rev. Robert Stearns ’89, at that time a freshman, seized the

opportunity and joined the first traveling music team known as Vision.

During his remaining years at UVF, he served as the team’s leader.

Years later, Stearns clearly remembers the solid ministry and music

foundation he gained as a team member and leader. As a ministry,

Vision traveled to churches and retreats along the northeast to worship

with pastors and youth groups. The team bonded and formed lasting

friendships, friendships Stearns still holds today. Passionate UVF

professors instilled an appreciation for music in the students and, as

Stearns says now, “The gift of music is one of God’s greatest blessings to

mankind.” He spoke of the blend of lyric, melody and voice that create

a song. “We take it for granted,” he said, “but it is an amazing process.”

Stearns is glad to see that students continue to minister with their talents.

“My prayer today is that the church will continue to experience the

breadth of music,” he said. In the late ’90s, Vision was renamed Chosen

and recorded its first album in 1999. With its success, more students

sought the opportunity to become involved in the music ministry,

creating a need to form two worship teams. The next year, Pneuma was

launched, and both teams traveled and recorded music.

ON AND OFF THE STAGE

THE STORY AND MINISTRY OF CHOSEN AND PNEUMA

28


Now, almost 30 years later,

the music style has evolved,

and the avenues to reach

others have expanded.

However, the teams hold

fast to the themes that

defined the ministry in the

beginning — themes of

service and the power of

music, which go beyond the melody of the songs they perform.

For the past 16 years, assistant professor Leone Bilotta has served as the

teams’ faculty advisor. He auditions and selects the team members, helps

design the repertoires and facilitates the summer tour.

The repertoires consist of popular worship covers and, for the first time

this year, original songs. Chosen and Pneuma wrote and recorded original

tracks with the coaching of accomplished songwriter and worship leader

Dan Macaulay. Junior Kaitlyn Faraghan, Pneuma’s team leader, was one

of the main songwriters. She was excited to share her own lyrics. “These

songs are coming out of experiences of our time at VFCC [UVF] and

what’s happening in our community,” Faraghan said. This opportunity

also led to another album release and the bands’ first original EP, “You

Are Holy,” now available through major digital distributors.

Still, after the hours spent in rehearsal and the recording studio,

music is only a small part of what Chosen and Pneuma do. The

teams stay at several weeklong camps where they serve as counselors or

recreational staff. They interact, eat and live with the campers, in addition

to worship. Their ministry goes beyond the stage to personal experiences

and one-on-one conversations. “You build relationships with the kids,”

junior Elicia MacTarnaghan, Chosen’s bassist, said. “You can see how

your ministry is actually changing people’s lives.” The teams are aware

that the campers remember more than the songs they sing. Campers

remember how the teams acted, what they said and how they related to

them.

At each camp and event, the teams set up informational booths and

take on the role of stand-in admissions counselors. They share their

college experiences and discuss what UVF has to offer. Through the

years, campers expressed interest in becoming involved with the music

ministry; it is a large draw and the reason so many campers become

students at the university. Several members of Chosen and Pneuma were

once those kids who watched UVF students perform and connected with

them at the camps.

For Bilotta, the summer tour is centered on the mission of UVF. Using

their skills and leadership experience, “They are getting ready to go out

and serve the church and the world,” he said, “and they will be ready

when they come back.”

To preview the “You Are Holy” EP, visit iTunes, Amazon or Spotify.

To follow the ministry teams on social media and see photos of their

tour, go to valleyforge.edu/ministryteams. 29

2014 MAGAZINE

valleyforge.edu/ministryteams

· Ten small porticos, complete with lights, shingles and drip edges, were built for previously uncovered residence hall entrances.

· The interiors of Beisel Hall and Damiani Hall received fresh coats of paint and new carpet.

· Roof repair was conducted on Storms Research Center, Shelton Hall, Wells Hall and Heritage Hallway. Additional roofing was completed for Renaissance Academy buildings.

· In an ongoing effort to reduce the risk of power failure and wind damage, a new transformer was installed for Building 7, which houses the Office of Student Life, mailroom, copy center, campus security, health services and counseling.

CAMPUS RENOVATIONS& IMPROVEMENTS

Facilities staff, MAPS (Mission America Placement Service) volunteers

and other members of the university community were hard at work

upgrading areas of the campus this year, especially during the summer

months. We are pleased to highlight some of these enhancements, which

students were able to enjoy with the start of the 2014–2015 academic

year:

DAN & DIANNE EARNEST (NEW JERSEY)

KEITH & LINDA HOLT (NEW JERSEY)

DAVE & LINDA MARACLE (MISSOURI)

PHIL & IRIS MORLOCK (FLORIDA) WITH DAUGHTER KAREN & SON KEVIN

RVers

UVF is truly grateful to those who shared their expertise and gave their time and energy to these projects; they are true examples of servant leadership.

The university also extends a special thanks to the Sodexo facilities team, led by Bill Werkheiser, the MAPS RVers who came to serve under the

direction of Dave and Linda Maracle, 13 representatives of the Yonkers Christian Assembly, from the New York District, led by Student Ministries

Pastor Vincent Buda ’08, and the East Texas District MAPS Construction Team.

30


PATRIOTS ATHLETICS

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2014 MAGAZINE

OBIE L. HARRUP AWARD RECIPIENTS

LANCE HARRIS HARRIS WAS A FOUR-YEAR LETTER RECIPIENT IN MEN’S BASKETBALL, HELPING THE TEAM WIN TWO NCCAA II EAST REGION TITLES. HARRIS ALSO SERVED TWO YEARS ON THE SAAC COMMITTEE AND SERVED AS A START (STRIVING TOWARDS A REAL TOGETHERNESS) TEAM LEADER.

COURTNEY FARABEE FARABEE WAS A FOUR-YEAR LETTER RECIPIENT IN WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL, SERVED FOR TWO YEARS ON SAAC (STUDENT-

ATHLETE ADVISORY COMMITTEE) AND EXCELLED ACADEMICALLY.

THE OBIE L. HARRUP AWARD IS THE HIGHEST HONOR PRESENTED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF ATHLETICS AND IS AWARDED EACH YEAR DURING THE ESPY AWARDS PRESENTATION. THE AWARD RECOGNIZES ONE FEMALE AND ONE MALE STUDENT-ATHLETE WHO DISPLAYED EXCELLENCE IN THEIR RESPECTIVE SPORT, AS WELL AS IN THE CLASSROOM, LEADERSHIP ROLES AND MINISTRY.

32


Freshman runner Molly Rupert

placed first at the Lancaster Bible

Homecoming Invitational 5K race.

Rupert placed fifth out of 41 runners at

the Penn State Harrisburg Invitational

that featured teams from Penn State

Abington, Lancaster Bible College

and Albright College. She also

qualified for the NCCAA II National

Championships.

Freshman women’s basketball player

Mikala Brinson received NCCAA II

All-East Region First Team honors and

was also named the NCCAA II East

Region Newcomer of the Year.

Men’s basketball player Lance

Harris ’14 surpassed the 1,000-point

milestone and ended his career with

1,391 points. Harris was named to

the NCCAA II East Region First

Team and was given the honor of

NCCAA II All-American Second

Team.

Junior women’s soccer player Kelli

Noecker made history in the 2012

season by becoming the youngest

player in the women’s soccer program

to be named an NCCAA II All-

American, an award she received for

the second year in a row in the 2013

season.

Midway through the 2013 season,

women’s volleyball player Courtney

Farabee ’14 became the second

player in program history to record

over 1,000 digs. Farabee ended her

career with a total of 1,153 digs and

was named to the NCCAA II East

Region Second Team.

INDIVIDUAL ACHIEVEMENTS

KELLI NOECKER

COURTNEY FARABEE

LANCE HARRIS

MOLLY RUPERT

MIKALA BRINSON

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2014 MAGAZINE

TEAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS

MEN’S CROSS COUNTRYThe University of Valley Forge (UVF) men’s cross country team

competed in the NCCAA II National Championship on Nov. 16, 2013,

in Circleville, Ohio. The team qualified five runners to compete and

placed seventh out of nine teams.

MEN’S BASKETBALLThe men’s basketball team qualified and competed in its eighth

consecutive NCCAA II Men’s Basketball National Tournament. Despite

losing the East Region Championship, the team qualified based on

significant wins against NCAA III and USCAA II opponents. This

marks the longest active streak among NCCAA II men’s basketball

teams to compete in the NCCAA II National Tournament. The program

made its 15th overall appearance in UVF history, despite 13 newcomers.

BEYOND PLAYUVF athletic teams and members completed the following service

projects that benefited local community organizations and national

charities:

The fall sport teams (cross country, women’s volleyball, women’s soccer

and men’s soccer) dedicated their first day of practice to volunteering

at the Hope Rescue Mission in Reading, Pa. The mission exists to

help provide care and recovery for homeless men dealing with various

addictions. The teams worked together to prepare the food pantry and

clean and organize the mission’s massive donation storage facility.

On Oct. 27, 2013, members of the women’s basketball team participated

in the 2nd Annual Let’s Paint the Town 5K race. The race raised money

to benefit For Pete’s Sake, a local organization that raises money for those

affected by cancer.

SAAC, which serves to enhance the athletic experience for both athletes

and the UVF community, held two large events this past year:

On Oct. 18, 2013, SAAC hosted Midnight Madness, an event that

not only marks the start of the basketball season, but is also a food

drive that supports the Phoenixville Area Community Services

(PACS). The committee donated more than 200 cans to PACS.

On Feb. 22, 2014, members of SAAC raised awareness and funds for

the American Cancer Society by selling t-shirts and dedicating the

final two basketball games of the season to those affected by cancer.

The Department of Athletics and student-athletes look forward to a

new season of serving God through community service projects and

as university teams sporting the new Valley Forge Patriots logo as they

enter their third year as NCAA III provisional members.

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PATRIOTS LOGO DESIGN PROCESSThe Department of Athletics at UVF released the new Patriots logo at the annual Excellence in Sports Performance Yearly (ESPY) awards on May 3,

2014. The logo includes a redesigned Patriots word mark and incorporates a graphic of a Revolutionary War soldier. “This symbol represents the future

of the program and the journey we have been on,” said Athletic Director Jon Mack.

The new logo was a result of more than a year-long collaboration and

many discussions between Mack and two designers from the marketing

office, Doug Smith ’12, media specialist, and senior Caleb Weidman,

assistant graphic designer. As a former student-athlete, Smith wanted

his alma mater to have an iconic design of its own. The Revolutionary

War soldier was inspired by other soldiers from that era and meticulously

designed to portray the Patriots. The details in the design can be seen in

the facial features, which Smith and Weidman spent hours crafting. “We

did not want anything to look menacing or too aggressive but we still

wanted it to have a strong presence,” Smith said.

During the design process, the icon evolved through changes that

included the slant of the nose, the shape of the hat and the shadow effect

on the finalized form. The newly redesigned branding will be visible on

the uniforms and travel gear of the 120 student-athletes who will wear

the Patriots logo with the onset of the 2014–2015 sports seasons.

To view the high impact release video, go to: valleyforge.edu/patriotslogo.

THE TRANSFORMATION OF THE NEW PATRIOTS LOGO

THE THREE OFFICIAL PATRIOTS LOGOS

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2014 MAGAZINE

valleyforge.edu/patriotslogo

FACULTY HIGHLIGHTS

MELANIE BRIDGENSDIGITAL MEDIAAssistant Professor Melanie Bridgens designed a rendering of a residential home that was selected for the March cover artwork of “Homes and Land” magazine.

BEN FRANCO ’09DIGITAL MEDIA

Faculty member Ben Franco ’09 was instrumental in producing a film that was publicly screened at the Philadelphia Mayor’s Office of RISE (Reintegration Services) in March. The 30-minute RISE documentary was created to engage public awareness of the difficulties and challenges that ex-offenders face upon reentry into society. The film became publicly available in July at risedoc.com.

BILL CLARKSON, PH.D.BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION, CHAIR

Bill Clarkson, Ph.D., professor and Department of Business Administration chair, is a recipient of a Kern Fellowship for Acton University 2014 for the third consecutive year. The fellowship assembles Protestant professors to address issues of social ethics, sound anthropology and economic understanding in American seminaries. Recipients of this prestigious award are offered exceptional resources for use in their classrooms and in scholarly advancement.

MARIANNE MODICA, PH.D.EDUCATIONAssociate Professor Marianne Modica, Ph.D., successfully defended her dissertation on Nov. 14, 2013. The dissertation, titled “Race Among Friends: Race, Friendship, and Multicultural Literature in a Suburban School,” examined race relations and racial identity among students and staff at a racially diverse public high school and was completed through Rutgers University, in Camden, N.J.

JAMES WALTER, PH.D.BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

Assistant Professor James Walter, Ph.D., successfully defended his dissertation titled, “Leadership Styles and Effectiveness of Small, Medium and Large Organizations.” Walter earned a Doctorate of Organization and Management from Capella University in March.

JEROME DOUGLAS, PH.D.CHURCH MINISTRIES, CHAIRJerome Douglas, Ph.D., associate professor and Department of Church Ministries chair, presented his second scholarly paper discussing Old Testament biblical literature at the 2014 Society of Biblical Literature (SBL) International Meeting on July 8 at the University of Vienna in Vienna, Austria.

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risedoc.com

NEW EMPLOYEES & PROMOTIONS

DEBRA BROWN, D.MIN.BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES, CHAIRAssociate Professor, Debra Brown, D.Min., has been named the Department of Behavioral Sciences chair and director of the social work program. She returns to UVF with experience as an educator, social worker, minister and counselor. Brown first served at UVF from 2008–2011 in the social work program. Most recently, she served as a human services specialist and vocational rehabilitation counselor at the Department for Children and Family Services in Overland Park, Kan. Brown earned a B.S.W. and M.S.W. in Social Work from St. Louis University and a D.Min. from Assemblies of God Theological Seminary.

DONALD CARTLEDGEMISSIONARY-IN-RESIDENCE Donald Cartledge, and his wife Jacquie, have been missionaries in Central and South America since 1984. Recently they were based in San José, Costa Rica as directors of the Missionary Training Center for Language and Cultural Studies (CINCEL) of the Assemblies of God. His next chapter of ministry it at UVF as a full-time faculty member in the Intercultural Studies Department.

MIKE ANDRIANOEXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, THE CONFERENCE CENTER AT VALLEY FORGE Mike Andriano was named the new executive director of The Conference Center at Valley Forge. Andriano will focus on developing and expanding the conference center programs, as well as managing everyday operations at the property. Andriano comes from River Run Christian Church in Chuluota, Fla., where he planted a church and served as pastor for 15 years and grew the congregation to 1,500 with multiple campuses. Additional experience includes his work at Boeing as a consultant and event manager for a local catering and design company.

DOMINICK GARCIADIGITAL MEDIAAssistant Professor Dominick Garcia comes to UVF with previous experience as a videographer, communications coordinator and educator, as well as a background in biblical studies. Most recently, Garcia taught photography and media history and theory at The Bridges Program during the summers of ’07, ’08 and ’12. He also served as the communications/media coordinator at Riverbend Church from 2012–2013. Garcia earned a B.A. in Visual Arts from University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC), in 2009 and a M.F.A. in Directing from Regent University in 2014. He also received a Film of the Year award in 2008 from UMBC and an award for Top 10 Student Films of 2013 from Regent University.

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2014 MAGAZINE

DAN MORTENSEN, PH.D.EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENTDan Mortensen, Ph.D., was appointed executive vice president at the April 2014 meeting of the Board of Trustees. In his new role, he assumes operational responsibility for the university. In addition to his role as executive vice president, Mortensen also serves as the vice president of development. Mortensen has served at UVF in a variety of roles since leaving Vanguard University in 2001, where he served as the vice president of student affairs. He also worked at Southeastern University for two years (2011–2013) as the vice president of finance and administration before returning to UVF in the summer of 2013.

JOSEPH OCASIODIRECTOR OF ADMISSIONS Joseph Ocasio comes to UVF from Southeastern University (SEU) where he served as the extension site developer/coordinator of the Hispanic Leadership Center. He has extensive leadership experience as a business person, pastor and educator. Ocasio earned a B.S. in Church Leadership and an M.A. in Ministerial Leadership from SEU, as well as an M.B.A. in Management/Marketing from the University of South Florida. He is an ordained Assemblies of God minister with the Spanish Eastern District.

KENNETH LANGBEHAVIORAL SCIENCESAssistant Professor Kenneth Lang has been named director of the new criminal justice program at UVF. He is a 24-year law enforcement veteran and was responsible for managing, reviewing, implementing and maintaining the policies of the Forensic Arts Office of the Baltimore County Police Department. Lang holds a B.S. in Criminal Justice Administration and a M.S. in Criminal Justice Administration from Columbia Southern University. Lang is a published author who has written three novels as part of a true crime homicide series.

KATY McLELLANWOMEN’S RESIDENCE DIRECTOR Katy McLellan comes to us from Teen Challenge Cincinnati in Milford, Ohio, where she worked with young women struggling to break free from life-controlling addictions. McLellan graduated from Evangel University in 2010 with a double major in psychology and biblical studies, and from AGTS in 2013 with a Master of Divinity (spiritual growth and discipleship concentration). As a student, McLellan worked in the registrar’s office and as a research assistant. She also worked two years for a regional girls’ shelter in Springfield, Mo.

NEW EMPLOYEES & PROMOTIONS

38


MYRA OCASIOCONTROLLER Myra Ocasio comes to UVF from Florida, where she worked as the controller at Southeastern University (SEU). At UVF, she is responsible for the business office operations, budget management and financial forecasts. She joined her husband, Joseph Ocasio, and the rest of the UVF staff and faculty in July. Ocasio holds a B.S. in Accounting from the State University of New York in Old Westbury and a M.B.A. in Accounting from SEU in Lakeland, Fla.

ADAM SIKORSKIYOUTH MINISTRYAssistant Professor, Adam Sikorski joined the Department of Church Ministries at the start of the fall semester as an assistant professor of youth ministry. He comes to UVF with 21 years of professional experience, 13 of which were devoted entirely to ministry among teenagers and college students. Most recently, Sikorski served as advisor, youth specialist, adjunct faculty and U.S. cohort director at SUM Bible College. He holds a B.A. in Urban Ministries from North Central University, a Master of Divinity and M.A. in Theological Studies from Southwestern Assemblies of God University and currently in a Doctorate of Ministry program at Assemblies of God Theological Seminary.

BOB THOMASMISSIONARY-IN-RESIDENCEBob Thomas joined UVF as a missionary-in-residence this fall. He is an ordained minister and has more than 26 years of experience in ministry. He served as an associate pastor, a lead pastor and an appointed missionary within the Assemblies of God. Thomas has also served as a faculty and board member at Addis Ababa Bible College and has held leadership positions in the Assemblies of God Michigan District. He holds a B.A. in Bible and a B.A. in Missions from Central Bible College.

STUDENT PHOTOGRAPHY CONTESTThe grand prize winner of the fourth annual Student Photography Contest

is Olivia Birkhimer ’14 for her photograph submitted in the We Prepare for

the Future category. The picture was taken in Philippi, Greece during the

spring break mission trip. Birkhimer describes the photo in this way: “The

person looking out past the gravestones reminds me of certain moments

in my life when I was at a crossroad and knew I needed to change. Like

everyone else, the path chosen determined what came next.”

To view photos of all category winners, go to: valleyforge.edu/photocontest.

PHOTO CAPTION:During life’s journey, we all come to a place

where we must answer the question, “What’s Next?”

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2014 MAGAZINE

valleyforge.edu/photocontest

ALUMNI UPDATES MARRIAGES

ANDRAYA CARMILIA-SMITHBRIGHAM LEE ’06MARCH 7, 2014

ALUMNI IN BRIDAL PARTY:Travis Cogle ’06Jeff Deitrich ’06

MICHELE C. CLARK ’14DAVID E. BROCK ’13MAY 25, 2014

ALUMNI IN BRIDAL PARTY:Alyssa Clark ’12Adam Yaros ’13 Sean Noble ’12Jason Castellente ’11Corey Buck ’13Matthew Milcarek ’13

REBECCA DITROLIO ’11CARL L. CORDERJUNE 1, 2014

ALUMNI IN BRIDAL PARTY:Cassandra Hays ’11Patrick Hays ’12Samuel DiTrolio ’14Anthony Poventud ’13Rachel DiTrolio ’10

GRACE EILER ’10PETER ARMSTRONG ’13JUNE 7, 2014

ALUMNI IN BRIDAL PARTY:Claire M. Eiler ’12Russ Cambria ’02 (officiant)

ROBYN ELLIOTTPETER ENGLERT ’09OCTOBER 20, 2013

ALUMNI IN BRIDAL PARTY:Dan Desrosiers ’05

SANDRA FAZZARI ’09OBERIO VIEIRA ’10OCTOBER 26, 2013

ALUMNI IN BRIDAL PARTY:Francis English ’11Tim Sarajian ’09Michael Vieira ’09Danae (Burris) Fanjoy ’09Nicole (Marino) Thangiah ’11Amber (Schnapp) Vieira ’09

NICOLE FINCH ’12KYLE SHIRVANI ’13MARCH 8, 2013

ALUMNI IN BRIDAL PARTY:Claire Eiler ’12Britney (Rees) Kujawa ’12Erak Christofis ’11Dylan Flickinger ’12

ASHA GEORGE ’11TIM LATIFF ’10OCTOBER 12, 2013

ALUMNI IN BRIDAL PARTY:Alicia King ’11Tiffany Ranous ’10Trinidad (Andino) Trancoso ’12Mark Cernero ’07Mike Nelson ’11Gerson Perez, Class of ’12

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ASHLEY GILLISPIE ’09DANIEL LOVEAPRIL 12, 2014

ALUMNI IN BRIDAL PARTY:Jessica (McKenzie) Kollar, Class of ’09

ANNA NOWELLZACHARY KNOLL ’13JULY 27, 2013

ALUMNI IN BRIDAL PARTY:Aubrey McClanahan ’13Nathaniel Knoll ’13Matthew Lambert, Class of ’10

KELLY ROOS ’12DUSTIN BAIROCTOBER 19, 2013

ALUMNI IN BRIDAL PARTY:Sarah (LaFrance) Bolduc ’12

BRITNEY REES ’12BRANDON KUJAWA ’12MARCH 16, 2013

ALUMNI IN BRIDAL PARTY:Bradley Kujawa ’12Michael Jamison, Class of ’13 Thomas Rees ’84

MANDY SCHMIDT ’10PHIL MONSON ’10SEPTEMBER 21, 2013

ALUMNI IN BRIDAL PARTY:Ruthie Hemler ’11Christine McEvoy ’09John Scritchfield ’11

ASHLEY HOOPS ’09ADRIAN MUNTEANUSEPTEMBER 14, 2013

ALUMNI IN BRIDAL PARTY:Heather Chereb ’11Tiffany Heckard ’09

ELIZABETH PRIEGO ’13RYAN APPLEGARTH ’13APRIL 5, 2014

MICHELLE RUSSELL ’05JOSH LANGJULY 19, 2013

ALUMNI IN BRIDAL PARTY:Lauren Cerce ’05Jackie (Roberts) Danner ’05Jessica (Billings) Hartman ’05Noel (Amey) Heisler ’05Christina O’Connor ’05

ADRIAN ROBINSONMIKE NELSON ’11OCTOBER, 24, 2013

ALUMNI IN BRIDAL PARTY:Joseph O’Maley ’12Kareem Boyd ’13Jason Varkey ’12Gerson Perez, Class of ’12Alisha Logan ’13Frankie Rosario, Class of ’13

MELISSA TUCKER ’07GREG LOWTHERJULY 12, 2014

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2014 MAGAZINE

ALUMNI UPDATESPARENTS

SHEKINAH & GAVIN BROWN ’04SELAH JOY AVERYMay 5, 2014

ASHLEY (DUKEMAN) ’08 & JOSH BURTRAM ’08MALACHI JAMES ALLENOctober 20, 2013

SARAH (ROSS) ’07 & KYLE BURKE ’05

WARREN PATRICKDecember 19, 2013

ELISE (SAVIGNANO) ’01 & THOMAS MAC-BELLO

JARED JOSEPHFebruary 11, 2013

SADIE ELIZABETH ROSEJune 7, 2014

ALICIA & DAN DESROSIERS ’05

PAISLEY HOPEJanuary 26, 2014

KARA (BRAGG) ’07 & ROB GILLEN ’07ELLIANA EDENDecember 30, 2013

KELLY (KOHLER) ’09 & JUSTIN GRUBER ’11

NATHANOctober 31, 2013

JESSICA (MCKENZIE), CLASS OF ’09 & NATHAN KOLLARKENSINGTON NOELLEAugust 10, 2012

JACLYN (AMBROSE), CLASS OF ’08 & ALEX KRANJEC ’12

ANNA JOYJuly 21, 2013

AMY (BUCHANAN) ’05 & ANDREW MATHE ’13CORBAN STEPHEN JOHNJanuary 11, 2014

TIFFANY (HULETT) ’10 & DAVE LANZONE ’08MADELYN MAEJune 10, 2014

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PAM (EVANS) ’06 & DAVID MOORE

GIDEON CHARLESAugust 8, 2013

ESTHER & KENNETH SMITH ’07

ABIGAIL GRACENovember 1, 2013

RHONDA (KAUFFMAN) ’06 & DANIEL RAMOS ’05

RAELYN JOYApril 12, 2014

KRISTIN (DAVIS) ’05 & MIKE SORCINELLI ’04

BARRETTJune 21, 2013

MELISSA & BRIAN MILTON ’12BRYDEN ANDREWSeptember 3, 2013

CARRIE (FISHER) ’98 & GARETT O’NEILL ’98GARRETT CHARLES, JR. November 29, 2013

KAREN (SUMY) ’03 & DOUG SMITH ’12MATTHEW TROYFebruary 11, 2014

BRANDY N. (STEEL) ’11 & JOHN L. SCRITCHFIELD ’11 JACOB REULFebruary 13, 2014

ANGELA (FRANCO) ’05 & ANDREW VAN COTT ’07 SOPHIA JOYApril 15, 2014

PARENTS SEND YOUR BIRTH NEWS AND A PHOTO

FOR THE 2015 MAGAZINE AND GET A UVF BIB!

[email protected]

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2014 MAGAZINE


ALUMNI UPDATESCAREER NEWS

VAUGHN BURKETT, JR. ’92EXECUTIVE/ADMINISTRATIVE PASTORCelebrate Life ChurchNampa, IdahoMay 2014

BEN HENSHAW ’96LEAD PASTORRand Memorial Congregational ChurchSeabrook, N.H.September 2013

SARAH K. DAVIES ’132014 PRACTITIONER OF THE YEARChildhood Education Coalition of Chester CountyChester County, Pa.

SARAH MCADAMS ’13MISSIONARY ASSOCIATE AG World MissionsAlbaniaJuly 2014

KENNETH F. CRAMER ’89DOCTOR OF MINISTRYAG Theological Seminary May 2014

ADAM MASON ’13MEDIA PRODUCERNational Community Church Washington, D.C.June 2013

AMY (BUCHANAN) ’05 & ANDREW MATHE ’13YOUNG COUPLES PASTORSFaith ChurchOklahoma City, Okla.March 2014

DAWN (KNAPP) DIQUATTRO ’00MASTER’S DEGREE IN MARRIAGE AND FAMILY COUNSELINGUniversity of Mobile, May 2014Therapist, AltaPointe Health SystemMobile, Ala.June 2014

BRANDY N. SCRITCHFIELD ’11MASTER’S DEGREE IN THEOLOGICAL STUDIESAward for Excellence in Old Testament Scholarship Regent University School of DivinityAugust 2014

FREDERICK WERKHEISER ’95LICENSED/ORDAINEDPrepare/Enrich Marriage MinistriesMay 2013

ANDREW C. COLON ’11MASTER OF DIVINITYPrinceton Theological SeminaryMay 2014

YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULTS PASTORSouth Attleboro AGSouth Attleboro, Mass.July 2014

DANIEL LIMONCHENKO ’07U.S. ARMY COMMISSIONED OFFICER Georgia National GuardFt. Benning, Ga.May 2014

APRIL (DALTON) DAVIS ’13CHILDREN’S PASTORDestiny House AGEast Liverpool, OhioAugust 2013

CHRISTINE PERERA ’12MASTER’S DEGREE IN INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIESColumbia UniversityDecember 2013 CHILDREN’S MINISTRY DIRECTOREl Bethel AG New York City, N.Y.

TEACHERKIPP AcademyNew York City, N.Y.January 2014

JAMES M. DARLACK ’99ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF GODDARD LIBRARYGordon-Conwell Theological SeminaryRoxbury, Mass.July 2014

STEPHEN MITCHELL ’07SENIOR PASTORTrinity Bible ChurchSeverna, Md.October 2014

DOUG HAMMACK ’87LEAD PASTOROasis of Hope Community Church Palmyra, N.Y. March 2014

GINA M. TRIOLA ’07ASSISTANT DIRECTORDirectors Guild of AmericaLos Angeles, Calif.July 2014

NICOLE M. YOUNG ’12SOCIAL WORKERSocial Services for Children and YouthDauphin County, Pa. November 2013

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WESLEY W. SMITH, CLASS OF ’581935–2014

The Rev. Wesley W. Smith, Class of ’58, entered

heaven on June 18, 2014, leaving behind a life-

impacting legacy. Preceding current President Don

Meyer, Ph.D., Smith served as president of UVF

(then Valley Forge Christian College) from 1985–

1996. Smith’s leadership molded what the university is today. With God’s

provision, Smith convinced the administration to remain in Phoenixville,

Pa., when no one was sure a campus could exist in the former dilapidated

hospital buildings. Early in his presidency, he encouraged more minority

students to enroll and for more female faculty to be hired. In 1988, UVF

was approved as a degree-granting institution by the Commonwealth

of Pennsylvania. During his last years as president, Smith began several

initiatives to enhance the campus.

After his presidency, Smith joined the pastoral staff of Westminster

Presbyterian Church in West Chester, Pa., where he served for 12 years.

After he retired from Westminster in 2008, he returned to UVF as an

adjunct professor and was a beloved mentor and friend. In 2011, he

moved to be with his family in North Carolina and continued to share

his desire to “make God visible, believable and beautiful.”

“Valley Forge Christian College [UVF] will always be indebted to

President Wesley Smith for his caring and devoted service during the

years he served here,” Meyer shared, “We are building upon the wonderful

legacy in which he invested in the lives of our students and the ministries

of VFCC [UVF].”

REMEMBRANCES

JOHN J. PAPROSKI1919–2013

The Rev. John J. Paproski went to his eternal home

on Dec. 27, 2013, at the age of 94. He was a World

War II veteran and was awarded the Bronze Star

for his service. Paproski was a dedicated pastor

known for preaching from the pulpit, without

notes, sharing his message and scriptures from memory. He was a

dedicated teacher who taught at several Bible colleges around the world

including Guam and Bulgaria, and was also an avid golfer who loved

the game since adolescence. Paproski was a kind-hearted man with an

abiding love for God and his family.

Paproski served as district superintendent of the Assemblies of God New

Jersey District from 1972–1988. He served on the University of Valley

Forge (UVF) Board of Trustees from 1965 until his recent passing, as

an honorary member. He was the longest-serving board member in the

history of UVF, supporting the university for 48 years. On Oct. 13, 2011,

a residence hall on campus was named Paproski Hall in recognition of

Paproski’s exemplary life of ministry in the military, pastoral ministry

within the New Jersey District and at UVF. As a final wish, the family

asked that memorial contributions be made in Paproski’s memory to

UVF and the John Paproski Hall Project.

Beatrice V. Berggren ’48 (3.7.14)Rev. Paul E. Boyce, Sr. ’50 (10.9.13)

Robert E. Buckingham, Sr. ’77 (1.4.14)Mary Rose Corvene ’49 (2.12.14)

Dr. Richard Dobbins, Class of ’47 (6.2.14)Dr. Gerald W. Eichhoefer (1.22.14)

Robert D. Holmes ’93 (9.1.13)

Charles S. Kitner, Jr. ’81 (3.4.14)Rev. David Laquintano ’47 (4.29.14)

Irene Laquintano ’47 (10.1.13)Eleanor Magnuson ’45 (7.31.14)

Loren James McRae ’77 (5.21.14)Vera Whittle Meier ’44 (7.19.14)

Lori A. Moody ’89 (3.1.14)

Raul C. Mora ’63 (5.9.14)Jan Nelms ’85 (7.3.14)

Rev. Winston A. Schmock ’50 (11.3.13)J. Clayton Sheridan ’56 (12.28.13)

Scott M. Snyder ’95 (3.18.14)Charles R. Walker, Jr. ’56 (1.21.14)Rev. Elizabeth Ann Wirtz (4.9.14) 45

2014 MAGAZINE

YEAR IN REVIEW

BLACK & WHITE GALASEPTEMBER 21The launch of student activities for the academic year began with the Black & White Gala, a back-to-school mixer for all students. They enjoyed the traditional cheesecake dessert, reconnected with old friends and met new ones.

MISSIONS CONVENTIONSEPTEMBER 18–20

UVF set aside three days in October to focus on the global work of evangelism. The Rev. Bill Snider and his wife, Dr. Kim Snider, led the discussions during this year’s convention,

drawing on 25 years of missionary experience in Southeast Asia.

PUMPKIN PALOOZAOCTOBER 21The SGA fall event was filled with recreation, amusement and many clever costumes. Students dressed up and participated in autumn themed activities and fellowship.

HOMECOMINGOCTOBER 21–25

UVF welcomed back over 250 alumni during Homecoming Week in October 2013. Events included 75th anniversary celebrations, special chapel services, exhibition athletics, class

reunions and a 5K run/walk.

CURTAIN CALL FALL PRODUCTIONOCTOBER 25–27 & NOVEMBER 1–3 For two consecutive weekends, “All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten” was showcased in Krempels Theater during Homecoming. Student co-directors, Loren Metallo and Chris McNaney, led the cast in a successful recreation of the very first show Curtain Call ever presented, in 2003.

MWAMBA CHILDREN’S CHOIROCTOBER 29

The university was blessed by a heartwarming Chapel service in October, when the Flower Chapel was filled with the song and dance of a group of twelve children, ranging from 8–15

years old, all the way from Kampala, the capital city of Uganda.

CHRISTMAS AT VALLEY FORGEDECEMBER 6–7The Music Department kicked off the holiday season with a powerful concert recital that featured the talents of students in Music Performance, Music Education, Church Music, Worship Leading and Music Production. The Wind Ensemble, Patriot Bells, Jazz Ensemble and College Choir all performed Christmas favorites with excellence.

CURTAIN CALL SPRING PRODUCTIONMARCH 28Curtain Call performed a dramatization by Robert Johanson of Charles Dickens’ “Great Expectations” in Krempels Theater. The play welcomed students of the Renaissance Academy theater program to portray the younger characters; directed by UVF alumnus Katherine McInerney ’12.

CAPTIV8 FILM FESTIVALMARCH 23

UVF hosted the Captiv8 Film Festival featuring eight short films written, directed and produced by students from Assemblies of God colleges and universities around the country. Two VFCC production teams (2:30 Productions and Follow Focus Films) and two student

directors (senior Nico Giampietro and Nick Meo ’14) received awards.

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SPRING BANQUETAPRIL 4

The annual Spring Banquet, an SGA event sponsored by the junior class, honored the 2014 graduating seniors. Students, faculty and staff gathered at the semi-formal event to recap the past year and share memories.

SPRING CONCERTAPRIL 26

The Department of Music held its annual Spring Concert where students showcased their musical and vocal performances. The program included classical and modern music

selections.

COMMUNITY SERVICE DAYAPRIL 16

On April 16, students boarded buses and were dropped off at various locations throughout Phoenixville for the 12th annual Community Service Day. They spent the day working in

parks, along streets and sidewalks and at the homes of residents who needed assistance.

COMMENCEMENTMAY 9

On May 9, UVF hosted its 75th commencement and presented the Class of 2014. The day began with a Baccalaureate service and continued with the commencement ceremony on the Green Lane Commons. A total of 132 graduates sealed the accomplishment of their degrees

and joined the alumni family of UVF.

BLESS WITH A DRESSMARCH 29The 6th Annual Bless With a Dress benefit for Project Rescue was held on March 29 and included a fashion flea market, food and live entertainment.

NIGHT OF AWARENESSAPRIL 11April 11 was a time for UVF to focus on the issue of homelessness, featuring an overnight event through Good Samaritan Shelter that highlighted and exposed the reality of destitution in America.

SENIOR FAREWELL BARBECUEMAY 8University members and friends gathered on the UVF campus to celebrate the end of the academic year with the Class of 2014. A barbecue and bonfire were the setting for the final all-campus fellowship event of the spring semester.

READING PHILLIESAPRIL 23UVF sponsored the Fightin Phils friends and family game on April 23. The Patriot mascot took the field as Junior Kayleigh Smith, a church music major, sang “The Star Spangled Banner”.

PATRIOT CLASSICJUNE 6The 12th Annual Patriot Classic Golf Tournament was held on June 6 at the Kimberton Golf Club in Phoenixville, Pa. Alumni and friends came together to raise funds for the scholarship funds and enjoy a round of golf in the rolling hills of Chester County.

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2014 MAGAZINE

In 2001, Assemblies of God

evangelist and author James O. Davis,

Ph.D., launched the Billion Soul

Network (BSN), with the vision to

plant five million churches and evangelize one billion people. Over the

years, Davis discussed his vision with longtime friend, University of Valley

Forge (UVF) President Don Meyer, Ph.D., feeling that there could be an

opportunity to partner together and fulfill this exciting vision.

After careful consideration and planning, Davis and Meyer believed the

time had come for UVF to become the provider of English-language

accredited degree programs for the BSN (billion.tv). The partnership was

officially launched in January 2014 at Synergize 4, a BSN conference

hosted for pastors and leaders in Orlando, Fla.

BSN spans more than 1,300 denominations and organizations, with more

than 400,000 local churches participating. Within the network, Global

HUBS (Harvesting Until a Billion Souls) of Christianity are being

established to synergize international church relationships, standardize

teaching to pastors and leaders through online programs, and strategize

to connect unreached people. These HUBS are ultimately designed to

train between 50,000 to 70,000 pastors, who will each plant at least 50

house churches.

BSN has also developed a Global Church Learning Center, which

provides more than 60 online educational experiences. These experiences

range from 90 minutes to five hours in length and are taught by some of

the world’s most prominent pastors and leaders. A complete Bible and

theology core is expected soon, as well as a comprehensive global church

library. Eventually, the educational experiences and resources will be

translated into the world’s 30 most communicated languages.

The partnership with UVF connects BSN’s global network of Christian

leaders with our online educational programs, in order to provide

international and domestic students the opportunity to earn an accredited

undergraduate or graduate degree.

Regarding this partnership, Meyer shared that it “has the potential to

extend the mission and ministries of UVF beyond almost anything we

can currently imagine. We anticipate incredible days ahead as we walk

through this transformational doorway to reach around the world with

these initiatives.”

BILLION SOUL NETWORK

Plan a retreat, educational or professional training program, meeting

or wedding at the beautiful grounds and facilities of The Conference

Center at Valley Forge.

For more information about accommodations, meeting rooms and dining,

please visit conferencecenter.valleyforge.edu.

1485 Valley Forge Rd.

Phoenixville, PA 19460

610.935.9100 Ext. 117

[email protected]


billion.tv

conferencecenter.valleyforge.edu


JANIS AND DAVID ’54 OLSHEVSKI

Janis (Lucik) and David ’54 Olshevski

met on the Eastern Bible Institute

(EBI) campus in Green Lane, Pa.,

during their first year of college. By their last year they were married

and went on to serve at a church for two years. Both were dedicated

musicians, and from 1960–1981 they traveled and played the saxophone

at various venues nationwide. Following their music ministry, David was

an insurance agent for UVF for 23 years until his retirement.

“VFCC [UVF] is a school of the Holy Spirit,” David said, “a school

worthy of gratitude, and we have a deep gratitude.” In their visits to UVF,

they saw the spiritual environment in chapel, the classrooms, and the

campus in the same way they viewed it when they were students. The

Olshevskis felt called to encourage and support other married students,

and in 2006, they set up a UVF scholarship for married student couples.

This past year, the Holy Spirit prompted them to endow their scholarship

with a generous gift.

Every year, after the scholarship is awarded, David and Janis receive

a letter of thanks from the awarded couple and a photograph of their

family. They save the letters and photographs and faithfully pray for the

recipients. For them, support goes beyond financial means to establishing

a spiritual connection with other Christians through UVF.

LINDA AND DAVE MARACLE

Linda and Dave Maracle are U.S.

MAPS RV (Mission America

Placement Service Recreational

Vehicle) Volunteers, an AG ministry that helps to construct and renovate

buildings at churches and other AG-affiliated sites. Since 2008, they have

lived on the UVF grounds in a 42-foot motorhome from April to August

working as tireless volunteers.

Dave serves with the Sodexo maintenance crew on various campus

improvement projects. One major construction project included the

creation of Jazzman’s Cafe. Linda serves in the Office of the Registrar to

help organize and prepare the office for the next academic year. Unknown

to many, Dave is a retired missile engineer for a defense contractor and is

a Board of Trustees member. The Maracles also set up a UVF scholarship

for ministry majors in honor of their son, Timothy ’97.

Dave and Linda believe it is essential for future servant leaders to study

under professors and learn from others in ministry at institutions such as

UVF. They invest in the future of the university and its students.

In their time spent at UVF, Dave and Linda hope to impress a passion

for God on the next generation through their time, skills, counsel

and emotional and financial support. “What we are building now is

something that will last forever,” said Dave.

DONORUVF would like to thank all of its benefactors, endorsers, donors, alumni

and friends for contributing to building the academic excellence and

spiritual environment of the university. UVF would not be able to fulfill its

mission, to prepare individuals for a life of service and leadership in the

church and in the world, without its generous supporters.

Thank you to the Assemblies of God districts, churches and friends for

their support. UVF is grateful for these donations that create scholarships

for current and future UVF students. UVF also expresses its appreciation

to the many mission trip donors who help students spread God’s word

and love throughout the world. The complete donors list is available at:

valleyforge.edu/donorlist.

DONOR HIGHLIGHTS

Roll CallIF YOU WOULD LIKE MORE INFORMATION ON GIVING VISIT VALLEYFORGE.EDU/GIVE.

49

2014 MAGAZINE

valleyforge.edu/donorlist

valleyforge.edu/give

FINANCIAL REPORT

$0

$3

$6

$9

$12

$15

$18

$21

19.65

14

19.46

13

20.05

12

19.56

11

19.07

10

17.63

09

16.78

08

16.59

0715

.46

06

14.19

05

13.07

04

11.11

03

9.18

02

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

EDUCATION AND GENERAL

ACADEMIC SUPPORT

STUDENT SUPPORT

INSTITUTIONAL SUPPORT

OPERATIONS & MAINTENANCE

INSTITUTIONAL FINANCIAL AID

DEBT

18%

4%

13%

24%

15%

18%

9%

5

4

3

2

6

7

1

OPERATIONAL REVENUE

OPERATIONAL EXPENSES OPERATIONAL REVENUE

76%

16%

<1%

3%

5%

1

2

3

4

5

TUITION & FEES

AUXILIARY ENTERPRISES

GOVERNMENT APPROPRIATIONS

OTHER SOURCES

GIFTS & OFFERINGS

1

2

34

5

If your answer is “yes,” please consider making a contribution to the University of

Valley Forge scholarship fund this year. There is no limit to what our students can

do to help build the Kingdom of God, and they need your support.

Contributing to the scholarship fund is a great way to express your appreciation

for the Christ-centered education that you received at Valley Forge. You can play

an important role to ensure that UVF continues to provide the same learning

experience for future alumni.

DID YOUR EDUCATION AT VALLEY FORGE PLAY AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN YOUR LIFE?

IMPACT THE FUTURE OF UVF. PRESERVE THE UVF TRADITION OF EXCELLENCE.

Support the UVF scholarship fund today!

Use the enclosed envelope or visit: valleyforge.edu/give

50


valleyforge.edu/give

CA M P U SVISITS

E A R L Y COLLEGE S T A R T

If you or someone you know is considering starting or completing a degree program,

schedule a campus visit. Discover the array of opportunities that are offered at

University of Valley Forge and learn how affordable a degree can be! There are 67

undergraduate programs and seven graduate degrees for you to choose from.

Go to valleyforge.edu/campusvisits or call 800-523-8322 to schedule your visit.

High school juniors and seniors are eligible to receive college credits for general education courses. Learn more about the application process and how this program can help lower your college costs.

Learn more at valleyforge.edu/earlystart.

GET A JUMPSTART ON YOURCOLLEGE EDUCATION

valleyforge.edu/campusvisits

valleyforge.edu/earlystart

YOUR UNIVERSITY OF VALLEY FORGE GIFT ANNUITY MATTERS!

Through a charitable gift annuity you can:

• Support UVF students.

• Receive valuable lifetime income for youand your loved one.

• Claim an immediate tax deduction.

• Avoid or defer capital gains taxes ifcontributing appreciated securities.

• Defer payments to a future date, suchas retirement, to receive a higher rate ofincome.

valleyforge.edu/socialmedia

1401 CHARLESTOWN ROAD PHOENIXVILLE, PA 19460VALLEYFORGE.EDU | 800.432.8322 | 610.935.0450

UNIVERSITY OF VALLEY FORGE A TRADITION OF CHRIST-CENTERED EXCELLENCE FOR 75 YEARS

A PLACE TO BELONG, BELIEVE AND BECOME

Learn how a charitable gift annuity can benefit you and the University of Valley Forge by contacting:

Dan Mortensen, Ph.D. Executive Vice President and Vice President of Development 610.917.1412 | [email protected]


Documents

University of Valley Forge 2014 Annual Magazine