The first cohort of MBA students who earned their degree through Grace’s new online degree program graduated on May 19 along with other students at the Orthopedic Capital Center in Winona Lake, Ind. Tim Ziebarth, Director of the Department of Online Education stated, “I hope that this group of graduates will be the first of many to see the tangible benefits of alternate degree-earning options that the school now offers.”

The online Masters of Business Administration degree program was initiated with the intention to create a program that would allow students to study business professionally and from a biblical perspective while simultaneously maintaining their careers. Non-traditional, non-residential students who are interested in studying for the online MBA must have already attained their bachelor’s degree. The degree includes an integrative project in which students must use their new skill set to do problem solving in an application-based setting.

Grace is proud to offer degrees to qualified individuals who, according to Department of Online Education, have put hard work into the process and who have been rewarded with a professional, value-based experience.

Grace College and Seminary is an evangelical Christian community of higher education which offers undergraduate and graduate degrees and applies biblical values in strengthening character, sharpening competence, and preparing for service. The Seminary is conservative, evangelical, and has a rich tradition of sound biblical education that prepares men and women for both local and global church ministry. All of the institution’s academic, residential, athletic, and social priorities are designed to encourage intellectual and spiritual growth in a supportive campus community. Grace College also offers convenient and flexible online and hybrid-online graduate degrees and an on-campus or online degree completion program. The newest initiative—Grace College Weber School—is a highly-affordable, easily-accessible two-year degree program in Fort Wayne and Indianapolis. Grace has historically been among the top schools of its size and listed in U.S. News & World Report as one of America’s Best Colleges. The Princeton Review has regularly awarded it the title of a “Best Midwestern College.”  The 180-acre main campus is located in the historic resort town of Winona Lake, near Warsaw, Indiana.

The latest title to come from the talents of Grace faculty was honored with a book reception on Monday, May 14. Dr. “The Activist Impulse”—14-chapter, 400-pages—was co-edited by Jared Burkholder, Associate Professor of History. Both Burkholder and Dr. Mark Norris, Chair of the Department of History and Political Science, had a chapter in the book.

“The Activist Impulse” features a unique perspective of several scholars and historians who offer a thorough analysis on the interweaving history and impact of the Anabaptist and Evangelical communities. Of the book, it’s publishers (Pickwick Publications, Wipf and Stock) say; “…At various points in the past as well as the present, evangelicals and Anabaptists have found ample reason for conversation and much to appreciate about each other. “The Activist Impulse” represents the first book-length examination of the complex relationship between evangelicalism and Anabaptism in the past thirty years.”

The book was highly praised by Christian historians such as Mark Noll who said that it was “the best” work on the particular subject. Burkholder and Norris join a growing number of professionals at Grace College who have published titles in their area of expertise.

Grace College and Seminary is an evangelical Christian community of higher education which offers undergraduate and graduate degrees and applies biblical values in strengthening character, sharpening competence, and preparing for service. The Seminary is conservative, evangelical, and has a rich tradition of sound biblical education that prepares men and women for both local and global church ministry. All of the institution’s academic, residential, athletic, and social priorities are designed to encourage intellectual and spiritual growth in a supportive campus community. Grace College also offers convenient and flexible online and hybrid-online graduate degrees and an on-campus or online degree completion program. The newest initiative—Grace College Weber School—is a highly-affordable, easily-accessible two-year degree program in Fort Wayne and Indianapolis. Grace has historically been among the top schools of its size and listed in U.S. News & World Report as one of America’s Best Colleges. The Princeton Review has regularly awarded it the title of a “Best Midwestern College.”  The 180-acre main campus is located in the historic resort town of Winona Lake, near Warsaw, Indiana.

At Awards Chapel on May 4 the following awards were given:

Dean of Students Award
Brienne E. Cremean and Jordan J. Gillette were awarded the Dean of Students award for 2012 by the Department of Student Affairs for unique and significant leadership on campus, excellence in Christ-like character, sacrificial service, impact as a leader on campus, and a consistent example of the biblical values embraced by Grace College. Brienne is the daughter of James and Cindy Cremean of Sandusky, OH and is a 2008 graduate of Sandusky High School. Jordan is the son of Jordan and Lois Gillette of Covington, VA.

Greatest Contribution to Campus Life
Nicole E. Barlow and Genevieve L. Benson were awarded the Greatest Contribution to Campus Life award by the Department of Student Affairs at Grace College in recognition of their varied and significant contributions to campus life and to the spiritual atmosphere of the college community. Through their faithful service during their time at Grace, they had a wide range of influence, and their leadership and dedication to the campus made a significant impact on the entire student body. Nicole is the daughter of Thomas and Mary Ann Barlow of Birmingham, England and is a 2008 graduate of Marylebone High School. Genevieve is the daughter of Drew and Judy Benson of Egg Harbor City, NJ and is a 2008 graduate of homeschool education.

Student Service Merit Award
Matt Abbitt and Brittany Smith were awarded the 2012 Student Service Merit Award for demonstrating Christian character and maturity, and making a positive contribution to student life through involvement in spiritual, academic and co-curricular activities. Matt is the son of Tom and Cathy Abbitt of Warsaw, IN, and is a 2008 graduate of Warsaw Community High School.

Student Affairs Merit Award
Krystle Hendrick was chosen by the Student Affairs staff to receive the Student Affairs Merit Award, recognizing her involvement in the Grace College community through campus ministries, and example of Godly leadership and service.

Biblical Studies Award
Jordan J. Gillette was awarded the Biblical Studies awards for 2012 by the School of Ministry Studies for demonstrating above average academic achievement in the Biblical Studies major, and having a reputation among the faculty as a competent student of the Scriptures and Theology. This award recognizes evidence of a high and consistent level of spiritual and moral maturity and integrity and involvement in Christian service activities. Jordan is the son of Jordan and Lois Gillette of Covington, VA.

Intercultural Studies Award
Caitlin Park was awarded the Intercultural Studies Award for 2012 by the School of Ministry Studies for demonstrating above average academic achievement in the Intercultural Studies major. Park shines through her hard work, integrity, and personal interactions. Her strong heart and clear thinking for intercultural missions came through in many ways through her time at Grace. Caitlin is the daughter of Patrick and Gail Park of Syracuse, IN, and is a 2008 graduate of homeschool education.

Outstanding Youth Ministry Award
Kati Hock was elected the Outstanding Youth Ministry student for excellence in the classroom as well as in hand-on ministry with the next generation.  This award is given by The National Institute for the Development of Ministries to Youth, a joint venture between Grace College and CE National in conjunction with the Association for Youth Ministry Educators. Kati is the daughter of Douglas and Michelle Hock of Hilliard, OH, and is a 2008 graduate of Hilliard Darby High.

First Year Biology Award
Jason Boyle was the recipient of the First Year Biology Award at Grace College for the 2011-2012 school year. This award is given annually to a freshman biology major who excels in the area of biology in recognition of potential in the field of medicine. Jason is the son of Steven and Susan Boyle of Auburn, IN, and is a graduate of Eastside High School.

First Year Chemistry Award
Jason Boyle, Abigail Miller, Danielle Olson, and Rachel Shebek were the recipients of the First Year Chemistry Award at Grace College for the 2011-2012 school year. This award is given annually to freshman biology majors who excel in the area of chemistry in recognition of potential in the field of medicine. Jason is the son of Steven and Susan Boyle of Auburn, IN, and is a graduate of Eastside High School. Abigail is the daughter of Jeffery and Janine Miller of South Charleston, OH, and is a graduate of Ohio Virtual Academy.  Danielle is the daughter of Robert and Theresa Olson of Gaylord, MI, and is a graduate of Gaylord High School.

Second Year Chemistry Award
Kristen Shoemaker was the recipient of the Second Year Chemistry Award at Grace College for the 2011-2012 school year. This award is given annually to a sophomore biology major who excels in the areas of chemistry in recognition of potential in the field of medicine.

Outstanding Biology Award
Hannah Harmsen and Jonathyn Zapf were the recipients of the Outstanding Biology Award at Grace College for the 2011-2012 school year. This award is given annually to the senior biology major(s) who has the highest GPA. The winner must also be of good character and pass the muster of the faculty. Hannah is the daughter of Larry and Linda Harmsen of Middleville, MI, and is a 2007 graduate of Bob Jones Academy of Home Educators. Jonathyn is the son of Him and Kellie Zapf of Findlay, OH.

Outstanding Mathematics Education Award
Anthony Burkholder was awarded the Outstanding Mathematics Education Award for the 2011-2012 academic year for being the most outstanding senior in the Mathematics Major. Anthony is the son of Wade and Miriam Burkholder of Nappanee, IN.

Outstanding Prospective Elementary Teacher
Alyssa Brumbaugh was named as the Outstanding Prospective Elementary Teacher of the Year by the School of Education at Grace College. Alyssa is the daughter of Eric and Patti Taylor of Warsaw, IN, and is a 2008 graduate of Warsaw Community High School.

The School of Education is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education, is an approved program of the Association of Christian Schools International, and is approved by the Indiana State Department of Education.

Outstanding Prospective Secondary Teacher
Elizabeth Heuss was named as the Outstanding Prospective Secondary Teacher of the Year by the School of Education at Grace College. Elizabeth is the daughter of Matthew and Judy Heuss of Indianapolis, IN, and a 2008 graduate of Covenant Christian High School.

The School of Education is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education, is an approved program of the Association of Christian Schools International, and is approved by the Indiana State Department of Education.

Outstanding Prospective Special Education Teacher
Rachel Bult was named as the Outstanding Prospective Special Education Teacher of the Year by the School of Education at Grace College. Rachel is the daughter of Paul and Nancy Bult of Cedar Lake, IN, and is a 2008 graduate of Lowell High School.

The School of Education is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education, is an approved program of the Association of Christian Schools International, and is approved by the Indiana State Department of Education.

Journalism Award
Octavia Lehman was awarded the Journalism Award for 2012 by the Journalism Department for demonstrating excellence in her position as editor of the school newspaper, the Sounding Board, over the past two years. She has consistently used all of her journalistic and organizational skills to put together a quality newspaper week after week. Octavia is the daughter of Clarence and Christina Lehman of LaGrange, In, and is a 2008 graduate of Lakeland High School.

Social Studies Award
Corey Grandstaff was awarded the Social Studies Award for the 2011-2012 academic year for being the most outstanding senior Social Studies major.  Grandstaff was noted for his outstanding contribution to the department and for his outstanding scholastic abilities. He is an excellent critical thinker, very street smart, and he presents his ideas with confidence. Any challenge that he encounters he immediately views as an opportunity. This fall he was presented with the Dennis Beadles outstanding future social studies teacher award at the Indiana Conference for Social Studies held in Indianapolis. Corey is the son of Benjamin and Tamie Grandstaff of Marengo, OH, and is a 2007 graduate of Ohio State School for the Blind.

History Award
Carrie Halquist and Natalie Huebner were awarded the History Award for the 2010-2011 academic year for being the most outstanding senior History majors. Carrie is the daughter of Daniel and Dorothy Halquist of Fort Wayne, IN, and is a 2008 graduate of North Side High School. Natalie is the daughter of Jeanette Huebner of West Jefferson, OH, and is a 2008 graduate of Grove City Christian School.

English Award
Noelle Haynie was the recipient of the English Award at Grace College for the 2011-2012 academic year in recognition of  her academic achievements and service to the English Department as a teaching assistant.  Noelle brought a personal awareness of cross-cultural concerns to her classes, having grown up in Chile and choosing to complete the second half of her student teaching experience in Turkey. Noelle is the daughter of Shawn and Tina Haynie of flowery Branch, GA, and is a 2008 graduate of Faith Christian High School.

Norman Uphouse Teacher Education Memorial Award

Taylor Golding was the recipient of the Norman Uphouse Teacher Education Memorial Award by the School of Education at Grace College. Taylor is the son of Ken and Connie Golding of Petoskey, MI.

The School of Education is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education, is an approved program of the Association of Christian Schools International, and is approved by the Indiana State Department of Education.

Henry Memorial Award

Natalie Borzeniatow was the recipient of the Henry Memorial Award by the School of Education at Grace College. Natalie is the daughter of Dick Borzeniatow of Goshen, IN, and Mary Rogers of Elkhart, IN.

The School of Education is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education, is an approved program of the Association of Christian Schools International, and is approved by the Indiana State Department of Education.

Micah 6:8 Award

Nathan VanDuyne was the recipient of the Micah 6:8 Award by the School of Education at Grace College.

The School of Education is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education, is an approved program of the Association of Christian Schools International, and is approved by the Indiana State Department of Education.

Art Department Chair Award for Excellence
Natalie Huebner was the recipient of the Art Department Chair Award for Excellence for the 2011-2012 academic year. This award is given in recognition to the senior who shows outstanding achievement in the synthesis of knowledge, skills, and combined capabilities in studio, analysis, history, and technology. Huebner is double majoring in Drawing/Painting and History and while her artwork is grounded in scholarship and faith integration, she excels in a wide variety of creative arts including drawing, painting, ceramics, and design. Natalie is the daughter of Jeanette Huebner of West Jefferson, OH, and is a 2008 graduate of Grove City Christian School.

Art Department Studio Excellence Award
Emily Metcalf was the recipient of the Art Department Studio Excellence Award for the 2011-2012 academic year. This award is given in recognition of excellence in creative work produced utilizing studio-based skills in a variety of media including the fine and graphic arts. Double majoring in Graphic Design and Drawing/Painting, Metcalf’s accomplishments include advanced technology of digital design and illustration and traditional mediums of oil and watercolor painting. Emily is the daughter of Craig and Robin Metcalf of Kailua, HI, and is a 2008 graduate of homeschool education.

Mount Memorial Art Gallery Exhibition Award
Erick Anderson was the recipient of the Mount Memorial Art Gallery Exhibition Award for the 2011-2012 academic year. The Mount Memorial Art Gallery Exhibition Award is given in recognition for Best of Show in the Grace College 38^th Annual Juried Student Art Exhibit. The original oil painting entitled, Abandoned Interior, depicts outstanding achievement in a competitive exhibit. Anderson is majoring in Graphic Design and Drawing/Painting.

Drama Award
Allison Hagedon and Ian Stephenson were awarded the Drama Talent Award for the 2011-2012 academic year for skill in the theatre arts and making a significant contribution to the theatre program at Grace College. Allison is the daughter of William and Linda Hagedon of Englewood, OH, and is a 2008 graduate of Troy Christian High School. Ian is the son of Robert and Joyce Stephenson of Olney, IL, and is a 2008 graduate of homeschool education.

William P. Gordon Excellence in Business Award
Hannah Lengel and Jonathan Allan were the recipients of the William. P. Gordon Excellence in Business Award for the 2011-2012 academic year. Each year the School of Business gives a plaque and cash award to the students who best exemplifies principles esteemed by the School of Business and Grace College.  The mission of the School of Business is “Teaching others to pursue academic excellence, spiritual maturity, and vocational ministry”.  Under the leadership of Professor Bill Gordon, the School of Business embraced integrating Biblical principles into the business curriculum while pursuing academic excellence and spiritual maturity leading to vocational ministry.  Before retiring, Professor Gordon gave 30 years of his life to these pursuits becoming nationally recognized within Christian education for his unwavering stance on Biblical integration into the Business curriculum. Out of all the graduating business majors, the School of Business professors believe Hannah and Jonathan best exemplify academic excellence, spiritual maturity, and vocational ministry. Hannah is the daughter of Dewayne and Julia Lengel of Wabash, IN, and is a 2008 graduate of Southwood High School. Jonathan is the son of Daniel and Holly Allan of Ashland, OH, and is a 2008 graduate of Ashland High School.

Outstanding Sport Management Major Award
Genevieve Benson was the recipient of the Outstanding Sport Management Major Award for the 2011-2012 academic year. This award is given to the senior who shows outstanding achievement in all areas; the classroom, volunteering, internship, service, and great potential for a career in Sport Management. Genevieve is the daughter of Drew and Judy Benson of Egg Harbor City, NJ and is a 2008 graduate of homeschool education.

Foreign Language Award
Bailey Smith was awarded the Foreign Language Award for 2012 by the Department of Languages, Literature, and Communication for demonstrating outstanding academic performance, advanced language proficiency, aptitude in cultural competence, an eagerness to use her linguistic skills in service to others, and a character that reflects Christ. Bailey is the daughter of Rick and Cherry Smith of Indianapolis, IN, and is a 2008 graduate of Covenant Christian high School.

Foreign Language Education Award
Elizabeth Heuss was awarded the Foreign Language Education Award for 2012 by the Department of Languages, Literature, and Communication for demonstrating outstanding knowledge and command of the target language, an ability to engage and motivate her students to learn through her creativity and enthusiasm, and a genuine care for her students that reflects Christ’s love. Elizabeth is the daughter of Matthew and Judy Heuss of Indianapolis, IN, and a 2008 graduate of Covenant Christian High School.

Franchino Memorial Cheerleading Scholarship
Rachel Jensen was awarded the 2012 Franchino Memorial Cheerleading Scholarship at Grace College in the amount of $400. This scholarship is presented to a cheerleader who displays a balanced Christian attitude in all aspects of college and personal life.  She demonstrates excellent cheerleading skills and meets all academic requirements as stated in the college handbook.  Jensen upholds school spirit, unites the squad, and is highly dependable. Rachel is the daughter of  Jim and Mary Beth Jensen of Norton, OH.

Glenn C. Messner Award
Derek Zwier was awarded the Glenn C. Messner Award for 2012, having been selected by the athletic department as the most outstanding multi-sport male athlete who inspired excellence and Christian character on the field of athletic competition. Derek is the son of David and Debby Zwier of Lake Orion, MI, and is a 2008 graduate of Oakland Christian High School.

Yvonne Messner Award
Andrea Knight was awarded the Yvonne Messner Award for 2012, having been selected by the athletic department as the most outstanding multi-sport female athlete who inspired excellence and Christian character on the field of athletic competition. Andrea is the daughter of Thomas and Jonetta Knight of Nineveh, IN, and is a 2008 graduate of Indian Creek High School.

Whippoorwill Community Church is looking for someone to help grow our youth & family ministry.  This is a great opportunity for serving Christ and the church family.  Our church has recently added a beautiful 8,000 square foot addition with a gym, large youth room, kitchen, office, conference room, and large foyer area.

We are a non-denominational, non-charismatic Bible church located 4 ½ miles north of Rochester, Indiana and only 40 minutes from Grace College & Seminary.  Our church family includes a variety of ages, both young and old, and is made up of believers from all walks of life, including farmers, teachers, businessmen, medical professionals, factory workers and others.

We are searching for a single person or couple that has a love for Jesus and young people, a growing faith, a joy in teaching Bible truths.  The youth & family ministry position would include building relationships with teens, helping young people grow in faith and discover God’s life-changing truths, coordinating weekly youth fellowships, and leading a young adult bible study. This would be a part-time ministry based on approximately 20 hours a week with a yearly salary of $15,000, plus mileage and ministry expense reimbursement.

Our current Grace seminary student, Aaron McMillian, has been serving at Whippoorwill for the past two and a half years but is graduating and moving on to a full-time ministry position in Missouri. Any questions about the position can be directed to Aaron at (609) 214-0259, aaron.mcmillian@gmail.com, or the church information is located below as well.

If interested, please send a resume and cover letter (electronic or mail) to:

Pastor Brian Sewell
Whippoorwill Community Church
4795 North 200 West, Rochester, IN 46975

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1026, Rochester, IN 46975
Church Phone: 574-223-3502
Email: wcc@rtcol.com

We are an independent, baptistic church with approximately 90 in regular attendance and minister though Awana, Word of Life and home Bible studies to approximately 100 each week.  We are located in a community of about 4,000 and it is growing moderately and will continue to grow.

Usual full-time duties of the pastor include: preaching/teaching, and administrative/office, overseeing, with the elders, the various ministries of IBC including visitation, counseling, special events like weddings, funerals, and baptism.

$45,000-$50,000 per year which includes salary, housing allowance, and medical coverage.

Interested individuals may contact Andy Sayra, Chairman of  Pastoral Search Committee    email: ajsayre@epix.net

Independent Bible Church
Wellsboro, Pennsylvania.
45 East Avenue
Wellsboro, PA 16901

Pastor Application

I find myself thinking about real-life situations and random events I hear about on the news and trying to relate them to Scripture. Mostly it is because I find myself teaching either mid-week Bible Study or Sunday School. But a good illustration is gold when it comes to making a spiritual truth tangible.

So I’m making an executive decision to take this blog in a more focused direction. I will be sharing the connections I come up with and how they relate to a particular passage or Biblical truth.

The first one comes from a meeting I had at church last Friday. Our sanctuary has just been remodeled and we brought in a professional sound technician to walk us through all of the nuances of sound, lighting, etc. I oversee the PowerPoint team and I enjoyed getting a brief overview of all the ways our sound system can be improved and will improve with the refurbishing that has been done.

The sound tech said something important when it comes to the big-picture. And what he said reminded me of something I’ve heard many times about offensive lineman in football. He said that we will do our job well, when no one notices us. The minute a mic is too hot, or the mix of the band is off, or there is an error in the PowerPoint – people will be distracted from worshiping and have their focus temporarily shifted to us. When you are watching a football game, you don’t notice the offensive linemen until they give up a sack, get a false start, or are flagged for holding. The best offensive lineman are the ones you never notice.

And offensive linesman as well as tech guys are crucial members of their teams. A football team can have the best quarterback in the world, but if he doesn’t have time to throw because his lineman are screwing up, then their offense will not succeed. A church can employ the best singers and worship band in the world, but if their sound and tech people fail, the worship experience will not be all that it could be.

From ushers, to groundskeepers and custodians, to nursery workers, there are dozens of positions within a community of believers that may not get all the human glory and praise, but are crucial to a church’s effectiveness.

22 On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, 23 and on those parts of the body that we think less honorable we bestow the greater honor, and our unpresentable parts are treated with greater modesty, 24 which our more presentable parts do not require. But God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it, 25 that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another.

Grace College and Seminary graduates change emails, jobs and locations making it sometimes hard to keep up with them. Grace has contracted Harris Connect to update contact information for Grace alumni around the world so that our alumni can keep up-to-date on news and activities from campus. Harris will also help produce a beautiful hardcover publication that will allow Grace alumni to find their old college friends and to use for personal and professional networking.

The easiest and fastest way to track down an old college friend is through the Alumni Today publication as it will include up-to-date contact information. The publication will feature an introduction with full color pictures and a history of the school. The publication will also include a section for photos and memories from your days at Grace.

Harris Connect is a leading provider of multi-channel solutions for non-profit organizations. Harris specializes in alumni publications and the data needs involved with this type of project. Grace grads will be contacted – by phone, email and mail – over the next few months to verify and update their contact and career information.

Grace Schools values your privacy and treats your information in a secure manner. You decide whether or not your personal information is published – make your wishes clear to the representative with whom you speak.

Grace College continues to prioritize unique and innovative educational experiences for its students – the most recent of which is the new Applied Learning Program, a part of the Student Affairs Office that works closely with Career Services.  While applied learning has long been available for students majoring in education, it is now a required and invaluable experience for all Grace students.

“Applied Learning” is a concept that emphasizes commitment to analytic inquiry, active learning, real-world problem solving, and innovation.  Students may experience applied learning through both traditional and non-traditional assignments.  The goal is to link knowledge and/or skills acquired in work, community, and/or research activities with knowledge acquired in the classroom and through traditional schoolwork.

Beginning with the Fall 2011 Freshman class, each student will need to have completed 12 credits of applied learning to graduate.  Each credit is equivalent to 40 hours of service, so by the time they graduate, Grace students will have at least 480 hours of applied learning experience in various settings.

One of the ways students will accomplish this is through applied learning experiences that are available in a variety of settings and positions – over 73 unique opportunities are available for students in the Warsaw, Mishawaka, Anderson and Indianapolis areas.  Some of the participating providers include libraries, schools, health care professionals, and banks, among others.

Caitlin Chaney, a sophomore, is one of the 20 Grace students who applied for these experiences this semester.  Chaney is currently connected with Peak Performance in Warsaw, where she observes the physical therapist with patients, participates in conversations with the physical therapist and the patient, prepares the station in-between appointments, and sets up equipment for patients.  The opportunity is ideal for Chaney, who needs to complete observation hours before she applies to graduate school physical therapy programs.  “This program allowed me to get a taste of what my future career may look like. I am able to see the pros and cons of being a physical therapist firsthand, and because of it, I am even more excited about my future than before!” Chaney said.

Andrew LaGioia, a freshman, is completing an applied learning experience at Mutual Bank.  LaGioia has the opportunity to shadow in virtually every department of the branch, including working in the vault, where he learned to count, strap, and organize money. “The biggest benefit from this experience has definitely been the chance for me to get an inside look at how banks work. There is still so much more that I can learn, but I feel that as a result of this applied learning experience, I have come to understand roughly how each department and employee fits into the bank as a whole,” LaGioia said.

Randy Polston, Director of Applied Learning, is enthusiastic about the implementation of the applied learning experiences.  “I am so excited for the students at Grace College.  Because of our Applied Learning Program, our students are now given an opportunity to learn outside the four walls of the classroom. As a 34-year educator with Warsaw Community Schools, I was always working with my teachers to ‘give life in the learning process.’  The Applied Learning Program meets that goal.  Our students are connecting what they are learning in the classrooms at Grace with these new learning opportunities,” Polston said.

Grace College is an evangelical Christian community of higher education, which applies biblical values in strengthening character, sharpening competence, and preparing for service. The academic, residential, athletic, and social aspects of the college are designed to encourage intellectual and spiritual growth in a supportive campus community. The 180-acre main campus is located in the historic resort town of Winona Lake, near Warsaw, Ind. Grace College also offers a new highly affordable and accessible two-year degree program in Fort Wayne and Indianapolis through The Weber School.  Grace College has historically been among the top schools of its size and listed in U.S. News & World Report as one of America’s Best Colleges. The Princeton Review has regularly awarded it the title of a “Best Midwestern College.”

Andrew LaGioia – Applied Learning Internship with Mutual Bank

Caitlin Chaney – Applied Learning Internship with Peak Performance

Joy Itiola – Applied Learning Internship with Bel Kai Designs

Mackenzie Risner – Applied Learning Internship with Heartline Pregnancy Center

Vachal Moore – Applied Learning Internship with The Pizza Shoppe

Carly Sprunger – Applied Learning Internship with The Remnant Trust

Grace College’s 2012 Presidential Scholarship Competition saw 166 prospective students participate in the school’s most prestigious annual scholarship contest this February. Competitors may win anywhere from $1,000-$25,000 per year, but the $25,000 award—known aptly as the Presidential Scholarship—is reserved for one winner. This year, it went to Buffalo Grove, IL resident, 18-year-old Drake Darrah. It could not have been given to a more prepared, more deserving candidate.

Drake’s story is one of perseverance and hope. He was adopted as a young child from a Chinese orphanage by Craig and Sara Darrah. As is not uncommon in China, Drake had been abandoned as a child, likely due to his complete deafness. Nevertheless, the Darrahs, who had already adopted a daughter from India who also had profound deafness, were eager to welcome Drake into their family.

“All of our kids’ referral pictures are hanging up together in the kitchen,” says Drake’s mother. She and her husband have adopted five children now who range in age from 21 to 3. She reads the first words they read about her now college-bound son. “This sweet little boy is robust, healthy, and active. He is deaf and is very smart… He is very ready for a family to love and encourage him.” Though his intelligence level was indeed superior, Drake came to the Darrahs with no language abilities. His parents, however, utilized multiple strategies to make an effort to foster a normal, uninhibited life for their son. In particular, the family used a system called Cued Speech to help him learn English and improve his speech skills.

“When he joined our family, Drake gained access to language for the first time. We watched and waited hopefully for his first single words to emerge,” say his parents. “Drake surprised us with complete sentences after just a few months of immersion in visual language. He skipped the single word stage, jumped right into spontaneous conversation, and became fully bilingual.” Drake taught himself to read prior to starting preschool, and reached grade-level literacy and academic skills before receiving a cochlear implant at age five. This surgically implanted device provided electronic hearing and allowed him to experience sound for the first time.

Drake was reading circles around typically hearing peers, but his speech was completely unintelligible. The cochlear implant, followed by intense speech and auditory therapy, was a key to helping him eventually push through the spoken communication difficulties deaf people often face and pursue his passions to the fullest degree.

Though Drake could have chosen to be surrounded with other kids who struggle with hearing difficulties, he has pursued the life of an exceptionally integrated student. “He’s amazed us at every turn with his abilities and work ethic,” repeats Mrs. Darrah. “He’s always challenged himself, and that has come from within. Drake has never let disability stop him, not even from learning to play the violin, taking Spanish and Mandarin classes, and traveling abroad. He chose during high school to take mostly AP classes, and has wrestled, and he’s always had a fantastic heart.” Drake spent a couple of summers in Africa with Teen Missions International (serving AIDS orphans) getting involved in the hard work of serving rural, impoverished areas where a third world lifestyle is the norm.

Drake had a desire to be in a Christian environment as he pursued a college degree. He spent his early education in a variety of settings—including public and private school—but, though guidance counselors tried to steer him to a school that specialized in higher education for deaf students, Drake wanted to be in a Christ-focused educational environment. At first Grace College was just a stopping point on the journey to find the right fit, but after Drake learned more, and visited the school, he told his parents, “Grace is the place!”  When he emerged the topmost victor of the scholarship competition, the deal was sealed. He is already working with the eager Academic Support Services team at Grace to arrange for the accommodations he’ll need in the classroom.

“He was very excited, and grateful for this opportunity,” says Mrs. Darrah of Drake’s reaction to winning the Presidential Scholarship. “Of course, we were all very proud, thankful, and excited.” And the excitement continues as Drake looks forward to his first semester at Grace this coming fall. He has a deep concern for the travesty of global human trafficking, according to his mother, and plans to pursue a law degree so he can help attack a problem that’s becoming more widely known.

Grace looks forward to welcoming Drake Darrah into the student body as he exemplifies not only a spirit of academic excellence and goal-oriented planning, but a knack for uninhibited perseverance even in the most adverse of circumstances.

Grace College and Seminary is an evangelical Christian community of higher education which offers undergraduate and graduate degrees and applies biblical values in strengthening character, sharpening competence, and preparing for service. The Seminary is conservative, evangelical, and has a rich tradition of sound biblical education that prepares men and women for both local and global church ministry. All of the institution’s academic, residential, athletic, and social priorities are designed to encourage intellectual and spiritual growth in a supportive campus community. Grace College also offers convenient and flexible online and hybrid-online graduate degrees and an on-campus or online degree completion program. The newest initiative—Grace College Weber School—is a highly-affordable, easily-accessible two-year degree program in Fort Wayne and Indianapolis. Grace has historically been among the top schools of its size and listed in U.S. News & World Report as one of America’s Best Colleges. The Princeton Review has regularly awarded it the title of a “Best Midwestern College.”  The 180-acre main campus is located in the historic resort town of Winona Lake, near Warsaw, Indiana.

Greetings Alumni!

The Graduate Dept of Counseling  wants to inform you about a recent job opening with the Bowen Center here in Warsaw.

They are looking for a licensed counselor. Here is the link to the job description and application:

http://www.miracleworkers.com/INTL/JobSeeker/Jobs/JobDetails.aspx?siteid=indeedorgmw&Job_DID=JHS68W5W7WXCXK164XQ

We  hope this information is helpful to you