Archive: Chapel Speaker Bios
Academic Convocation
April 20th, 2009
The Office of the Academic Dean, along with the faculty of Westmont, celebrate the achievements of the graduating class. Each academic department extends their highest honors to outstanding seniors in their discipline who have achieved academic excellence.
Academic Convocation
The Office of the Academic Dean, along with the faculty of Westmont, celebrate the achievements of the graduating class. Each academic department extends their highest honors to outstanding seniors in their discipline who have achieved academic excellence.
Neil Anderson
October 2nd, 2009
Dr. Neil Anderson (EdD, Pepperdine University) is the author of more than twenty books, including the bestselling Victory Over the Darkness and The Bondage Breaker. He is the president of Freedom in Christ Ministries.
Dan Allender
February 4th, 2009
Dr. Dan B. Allender received his M Div from Westminster Theological Seminary and his PhD in Counseling Psychology from Michigan State University. He taught in the Biblical Counseling department of Grace Theological Seminary for seven years (1983-1989). From 1989-1997 he worked as a professor in the Master of Arts in Biblical Counseling program at Colorado Christian University, Denver, CO. Currently, Dan serves as President and Professor of Counseling at Mars Hill Graduate School in Seattle, WA. A therapist in private practice he is a frequent speaker and conference leader. He and his wife Rebecca are parents to three adult children.
Dennis Bakke
Wednesday April 2, 2008
Author and CEO of Imagine Schools
Through his best-selling book, Joy at Work: A Revolutionary Approach to Fun on the Job, successful entrepreneur and CEO Dennis Bakke describes a way for business leaders to organize their operations and relate to the workforce that yielded positive results for him at AES, the energy company he co-founded and led until 2002. He graduated from the University of Puget Sound, Harvard Business School and the National War College. As CEO of Imagine Schools, he oversees charter schools in 10 states.
Dennis Bakke
Successful entrepreneur and CEO Dennis Bakke offers business leaders an exciting new way to live their roles as leaders, to organize their business’s operations and relate to the workforce that, in his own experience, reaped extraordinary performance results. To everyone who works for a living, he brings an inspiring message about the potential for experiencing Joy at Work, the title of his New York Times bestseller. In Joy at Work: A Revolutionary Approach to Fun on the Job, Bakke tells the story of his worldwide energy company, AES Corporation, and the innovations that made AES an unconventional global success story. Dennis Bakke is an excellent speaker with an inspiring and thought-provoking message for business leaders and employees alike.
David Batstone
Wednesday September 26, 2007
Author and Professor, University of San Francisco
Westmont alumnus David Batstone is president and co-founder of the Not for Sale Campaign and professor of ethics at the University of San Francisco. He began his career guarding Salvadoran pastors and literacy teachers from death squads and traveled around the world investigating the slave trade before writing Not For Sale, his most recent book. He helped found Business 2.0 magazine and established the social venture firm Right Reality. He contributes to USA Weekend edition as America ethics guru.
Monday August 27, 2007
Gayle Beebe
President, Westmont College
Gayle Beebe became Westmont eighth president July 1, 2007. He comes from Spring Arbor University, where he served as president for seven years. He earned a doctorate in philosophy of religion and theology from Claremont Graduate University, an M.B.A. from the Peter F. Drucker Center at CGU and an M.Div. from Princeton Theological Seminary. He was general editor of the Renovare Spiritual Formation Study Bible and co-authored (with Richard Foster) Longing for God: Seven Approaches to the Christian Life.
Gayle Beebe
Sept. 2nd and Nov. 18th, 2009; Jan. 11th, Feb. 10th, April 21st, 2010
Gayle Beebe became Westmont eighth president July 1, 2007. He comes from Spring Arbor University, where he served as president for seven years. He earned doctorate in philosophy of religion and theology from Claremont Graduate University, an MBA from the Peter F. Drucker Center at CGU and an M. Div. from Princeton Theological Seminary. He was general editor of the Renovare Spiritual Formation Study Bible and co-authored (with Richard Foster) Longing for God: Seven Approaches to the Christian Life.
Pam Beebe
February 27th, 2009
Pam Beebe received her Bachelor in Arts in Education from George Fox University and her Masters in Christian Counseling from Western Evangelical Seminary. Besides being a teacher for 8 years, Pam has also worked on two church staff both in children's ministry and as the Director of Life Recovery as well as being deeply involved in bereavement ministry for the past 12 years.
Pam is married to Gayle Beebe, President of Westmont College, and they have three children, Anna (16), Elizabeth (14), and Ricky (10).
Alistair Begg
Alistair Begg has been in pastoral ministry for 30 years: eight in Scotland following graduation from The London School of Theology and 22 years at Parkside Church in suburban Cleveland. He has written several books and is heard daily across the nation on the radio program Truth for Life. He recently received an honorary doctorate from Cedarville University. He and his wife, Susan, have been married 31 years and have three grown children.
Alistair Begg
Pastor, Parkside Church, Bainbridge, Ohio
Alistair Begg has been in pastoral ministry for 30 years: eight in Scotland following graduation from The London School of Theology and 22 years at Parkside Church in suburban Cleveland. He has written several books and is heard daily across the nation on the radio program Truth for Life. He recently received an honorary doctorate from Cedarville University. He and his wife, Susan, have been married 31 years and have three grown children.
Father Greg Boyle
October 26th, 2009
Fr. Gregory Boyle – best known as Fr. Greg by all who meet him -- was born in Los Angeles, one of eight children. After graduating from Loyola High School in Los Angeles in 1972, he decided to become a Jesuit and was ordained a priest in 1984.
He received his BA in English from Gonzaga University; an MA in English from Loyola Marymount University; a Master of Divinity from the Weston School of Theology; and a Sacred Theology Masters degree from the Jesuit School of Theology.
Prior to 1986 Fr. Boyle taught at Loyola High School and worked with Christian Base Communities in Cochabamba, Bolivia. He was appointed as Pastor of Dolores Mission in the Boyle Heights neighborhood of Los Angeles in 1986 where he served through 1992. He then served as Chaplain of the Islas Marias Penal Colony in Mexico and Folsom Prison, before returning to Los Angeles and Dolores Mission.
Homeboy Industries traces its roots to “Jobs For A Future” (JFF), a program created in 1988 by Fr. Greg at Dolores Mission parish. In an effort to address the escalating problems and unmet needs of gang-involved youth, Fr. Greg and the community developed positive alternatives, including establishing an elementary school, a day care program and finding legitimate employment for young people. JFF’s success demonstrated the model followed today that many gang members are eager to leave the dangerous and destructive life on the “streets.”
In 2008 Father Greg celebrated the 20th Anniversary of this important work. Homeboy Industries, now located in downtown Los Angeles, is recognized as the largest gang intervention program in the county, and has become a national model.
Father Greg Boyle
Rev. Greg Boyle, S.J., a Jesuit priest renowned for his work with at-risk youth in Los Angeles. Fr. Boyle will describe his work with gang members and others who live in South Central Los Angeles, and how it is guided and strengthened by Jesuit principles. Fr. Boyle, who received an honorary degree from Holy Cross in 1998, has spent much of his life determined to help end gang violence and raise awareness about the causes of gang violence in the U.S. He is the founder and executive director of Jobs for a Future/Homeboy Industries in Los Angeles. His widely-acclaimed organization provides employment, training, counseling and tattoo removal — among other services — for ex-gang members and those at risk of becoming involved in gang culture.
A Los Angeles native, he earned an M. A. from Loyola Marymount University, and the Weston School of Theology, and an S.T.M (Masters of Sacred Theology) from the Jesuit School of Theology at Berkeley. From 1986 to 1992 Fr. Boyle was a pastor of Dolores Mission, the poorest church in the Los Angeles Catholic Archdiocese. The parish is home of the largest public housing developments west of the Mississippi and the highest concentration of gang activity in the city of Los Angeles. He is also the subject of the book G-Dog and the Homeboys by Celeste Fremon (University of New Mexico Press, 2004), which tells the story of his successes with his unconventional ministry.
Benji Bruneel
Benji Bruneel, is the Coordinator of Student Ministries and Missions which provides him with the opportunity to come alongside Westmont students and assist them in their endeavors to bless their neighbors, both near and far. As the advisor to Emmaus Road, Potter’s Clay, Spring Break in the City and Westmont Student Ministries, he gets to work with some of the greatest students on campus. A 2007 graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary, Benji has served in a variety of ministry roles in both California and Texas. The most noteworthy thing Benji ever did was to marry Greta.
Viji Cammauf
October 28th, 2009
Viji Nakka Cammauf received her PhD in theology from the Graduate Theological Union (2003), her Masters of Divinity from the American Baptist Seminary of the West (1988), both in Berkeley, California. She received her Masters of Art from Mills College in Oakland, California (1982).She is a member of the Board for Perspectives on World Christian Movement - Northern California, World Christian Fellowship (Asian American Christian group committed to Global Missions) and the William Carey Heritage Foundation (which is dedicated to helping Serampore College in Calcutta India recapture the vision of William Carey in its theological education and training).
Viji organized the Little Flock Childrens' Home in India in 2004 (littleflockhomes.org). She has a dream of building an orphanage dedicated to transforming the lives of orphans, widows, and their communities through the healing, love, hope, and truth of Christ.Her vision is that widows, who have no means of support, can care for the orphans.She has worked with youth for 7 years and 13 years as the Minister of Missions, Adult Education, and Prayer Ministries at First Covenant Church, in Oakland California (1989-2002). Among other responsibilities, she founded and directed the church's school of laity - The Oakland School of Ministry. She is also an adjunct professor at American Baptist Seminary of the West, Fuller Seminary Northern California, and Logos Evangelical Seminary.Viji will develop ISAAC's lay academy and congregational consultation services.
Viji Nakka Cammauf
Viji Nakka Cammauf serves as an adjunct professor for The American Baptist Seminary of the West, Fuller Northern CLIFORNIA, AND Logos Evangelical Seminary in El Monte California. She is also the Professor for the Perspectives Study Program in Northern California. Most recently she co-led and taught the India Mayterm Program for Westmont College.
Born in Madras, India, to Hindu parents, she came to Christ as a student at Mills College in California. In the past Dr. Cammauf has served in the college ministry and as minister of missions, adult education and prayer ministries at First covenant Church in Oakland, Calif. She earned a master's of divinity degree from The American Baptist Seminary of the West, and holds a doctorate in Theology and the Arts, from The Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley.
Dr. Cammauf serves on the board of The William Carey Heritage Foundation, The Institute for the Study of Asian American Christianity, World Christian Fellowship, Perspectives Northern California, and Little Flock Children’s Homes, Inc.
Francis Chan
Monday February 11, 2008
Senior Pastor, Cornerstone Community Church, Simi Valley, Calif.
Francis is one of the most sought-after youth speakers in California. He has spoken to thousands of young people throughout the United States, Canada, Europe and Asia and can be heard on his radio program, Truth Be Known. He has an outrageous sense of humor, a genuine love for Christ and a commitment to teach straight from the Word of God. He graduated from the Master’s College and Seminary.
Francis Chan
February 9th, 2009
Francis is the pastor of Cornerstone Church in Simi Valley, where he has been serving for the past 13 years. He is also the Chancellor of Eternity Bible College and serves on the board of Children’s Hunger Fund and World Impact.
Francis spends much of his time speaking to high school and college students. His commitment is to teach directly from the words of Scripture. His passion is to see the next generation of American Christians display a much deeper love for Jesus.
Francis is married to Lisa and they have three daughters and one son.
Alister Chapman
January 27th, 2010
Dr. Alister Chapman came to Westmont in 2004. He teaches courses in modern European history and the World History survey. Dr. Chapman was born in London and received all his formal education in England. He did his PhD in modern British history at the University of Cambridge. Alister is married to Margaret, and they have three children: Abigail, Lucy, and James.
Margaret Chapman
November 30th, 2009
Class Chapels
September 21st, 2009
Please meet with members of your class in the following locations:
| Freshman | Murchison Gym |
| Sophomore | Page MPR |
| Junior | Founders Dining Room |
| Senior | Porter Theater |
Shane Claiborne
January 28th, 2009
Shane Claiborne is one of the founding members of a new Monastic community named the Potter Street Community (formerly The Simple Way) in Philadelphia, PA. Claiborne is also a prominent activist for nonviolence and the redistribution of resources to the poor.
A graduate of EAstern University, where he studied sociology and youth ministry, Claiborne did his final academic work for Eastern University at Wheaton College in Illinois. While at Wheaton, Shane did an internship at Willow Creek Community church. He has done some graduate work at Princeton Theological Seminary, but took a leave of absence, and now is part of The Alternative Seminary in Philadelphia.
Christena Cleveland
September 18th, 2009
Toya Cooper
Friday February 29, 2008
College Council, Westmont College
After majoring in political science at Westmont, Toya Cooper earned a law degree at the College of Law at Willamette University. She clerked in the juvenile section of the Marion County District Attorney’s Office. After her admission to the California State Bar, she worked in the private sector in the Bay Area before returning to work at her alma mater.
Toya Cooper
November 13th, 2009
After majoring in political science at Westmont, Toya Cooper earned a law degree at the College of Law at Willamette University. She clerked in the juvenile section of the Marion County District Attorney’s Office. After her admission to the California State Bar, she worked in the private sector in the Bay Area before returning to work at her alma mater.
Renee Curtis
Friday November 16, 2007
Trustee, Westmont College
Renee Curtis has lived in Santa Barbara for 20 years and joined the Westmont board in 1996. She has four children, three grandchildren and has been married to her husband, Bill, for 40 years. Her son Ryan graduated from Westmont in 1996. She is on the Leadership Team at Ocean Hills Covenant Church, where she is involved in women ministry and the speaking team. She believes there should be two G in the alphabet: one for God and one for golf. She pursues them both with passion.
Angela D'Amour
September 28th, 2009
Angela has served as the Director of Campus Life since 2007 and in this position variety is the greatest norm. Highlights of the role include discovering students’ passions, advising WCSA and WAC (Westmont Activities council) and improving the experience of Westmont students through leadership training and creative new programming. Angela is a Westmont alumna with a BS degree in Psychology and she earned a Masters degree in Higher Education from the University of Vermont. She previously worked as an RD and Asst. Dean of First Year Students at Dartmouth College. Angela and her husband Brian have been married for 4 years and they have a little one on the way. Angela and Brian spend much of their free time adventuring in SB, such as finding new trails and rollerblading down State Street at the crack of dawn. They also enjoy getting to know people from different walks of life.
Marva Dawn
February 24th, 2010
Internationally renowned theologian, author, and educator Dr. Marva J. Dawn serves as Teaching Fellow in Spiritual Theology at Regent College in Vancouver, BC, Canada. Under Christians Equipped for Ministry (CEM), she has preached and taught at seminaries, clergy conferences, churches, assemblies, and universities throughout the United States and Canada and in Australia, China and Hong Kong, England, Hungary, Ireland, Japan, Korea, Madagascar, Mexico, New Zealand, Northern Ireland, Norway, Poland, Singapore, and Scotland.
A scholar with four master degrees and a Ph.D. in Christian Ethics and the Scriptures from the University of Notre Dame, Dr. Dawn is also a popular preacher and speaker for people of all ages.
She is the author of numerous articles and over 20 books, several of which have won awards and\or been translated into Chinese, Korean, Portuguese, and other languages.
Marvaand her husband Myron, a retired elementary school teacher,live in southwestern Washington State.
Departmental Chapels
November 11th, 2009
Join with students in your field of study at the following locations:
| Department | Location |
| ART | ART CLASSROOM #101 |
| BIOLOGY | OBSERVATORY CLASSROOM |
| CHEMISTRY | WHITTIER SCIENCE #204 |
| COMMUNICATION | PAGE MPR |
| ECON & BUSINESS | FOUNDERS DINING ROOM |
| EDUCATION | VOSKUYL #108 |
| ENGLISH | KERR STUDENT CENTER LOUNGE |
| HISTORY | REYNOLDS #109 |
| KINESIOLOGY | DANCE CLASSROOM |
| LIBERAL STUDIES | VOSKUYL #108 |
| MATHEMATICS | PORTER CLASSROOM #3 |
| MODERN LANGUAGES | REYNOLDS #209 |
| MUSIC | DEANE CHAPEL |
| PHYSICS | PHYSICS PORTABLE |
| POLITICAL SCIENCE | MONROE DINING ROOM |
| PSYCHOLOGY | CLARK "A" CLASSROOM |
| RELIGIOUS STUDIES | HEIRONYMOUS LOUNGE |
| SOCIOLOGY | PRAYER CHAPEL |
| THEATER ARTS | PORTER THEATER |
Joni Eareckson-Tada
November 4th, 2009
A diving accident in 1967 left 17-year-old Joni Eareckson a quadriplegic in a wheelchair, unable to use her hands. After two years of rehabilitation, Joni re-entered the community with new skills and a fresh determination to help others in similar situations. Joni wrote of her experiences in her international bestselling biography, Joni. Her name is now recognized in countries around the world following the distribution in many languages of her biography and the full-length feature film JONI.
Having been catapulted onto a national stage, Joni founded Joni and Friends (JAF) in 1979 to accelerate Christian ministry in the disability community throughout the world. The impact of Joni’s work is felt beyond the Christian community. Mrs. Tada's role as a disability advocate led to a presidential appointment to the National Council on Disability for three and a half years, during which time the Americans with Disabilities Act became law. In 2005, Joni Eareckson Tada was appointed to the Disability Advisory Committee of the U.S. State Department to advise Dr. Condoleezza Rice on policy and programs which affect disabled persons in the State Department and around the world.
She is the author of more than 35 books. Her latest book, A Lifetime of Wisdom: Embracing the Way God Heals You (Zondervan, March 2009), recounts the hard-won gems of wisdom she has garnered during more than four decades of life in a wheelchair.
Joni and her husband Ken Tada have been married since 1982. Mr. Tada retired from 32 years of teaching in 2004 and ministers alongside Joni as they travel across the country and around the world. Ken Tada, along with Joni, are permanent members of the International Board of Directors of Joni and Friends. In 2001, Mr. Tada received Family Life Ministries’ Robertson McQuilken Award honoring “The Courageous Love of a Marriage Covenant Keeper.”
John Eldredge
March 8th, 2010
John Eldredge is the founder and director of Ransomed Heart™ Ministries in Colorado Springs, Colorado, a fellowship devoted to helping people recover and live from their heart. John is the author of numerous books, including EPIC, WAKING THE DEAD, WILD AT HEART, THE JOURNEY OF DESIRE, and coauthor of CAPTIVATING and THE SACRED ROMANCE.
John lives in Colorado with his wife, Stasi, and their three sons, Samuel, Blaine, and Luke. He loves living in the Rocky Mountains so he can pursue his other passions, including fly-fishing, mountain climbing, and exploring the waters of the West in his canoe.
Mike Erre
February 5th, 2010
Mike Erre is pastor of teaching at ROCKHARBOR Church in Costa Mesa, California. Passionate about finding culturally relevant ways of speaking eternal truth, Mike sets direction for teaching and is the primary teacher for weekend Celebrations.
Prior to joining the ROCKHARBOR staff, Mike worked at Mariners Church [Irvine, CA] as college pastor and student ministries pastor. He earned a BS in Finance from Miami University in Ohio, and an MA in Philosophy of Religion and Ethics from Talbot University in California. Mike is the proud husband of Justina and father of Nathaniel and Hannah.
Richard Allen Farmer
Friday November 2, 2007
Richard Allen Farmer Ministries
Richard uses music as a vehicle for inspiring, motivating, challenging and entertaining the people of God. An experienced pastor and college chaplain, he has served as senior pastor of Bethany Baptist Church in Pittsburgh and as dean of the chapel at both Gordon College and Taylor University. He has ministered in 17 countries and in most of the 50 states.
Richard Allen Farmer
November 2nd, 2009
Richard Allen Farmer, born in New York City and having lived there most of his life, now resides in Dallas, Texas with his wife Rosemary and son, Timothy.
Dr. Farmer began piano studies in NYC at age 11 and became a person of faith at age 12. As his faith and musicianship grew, they were blended. Farmer now uses his music as a vehicle for inspiring, motivating, challenging and entertaining diverse audiences around the world.
A graduate of Nyack College where he earned the Bachelor of Music degree (1975) and Princeton Theological Seminary where he earned the Master of Divinity degree (1980), The Reverend Farmer has been awarded the honorary Doctor of Divinity degree by Gordon College in 1986 and the honorary Doctor of Sacred Theology degree by Houghton College in 1999.
An experienced pastor and college chaplain, Dr. Farmer has served as Senior Pastor of the Bethany Baptist Church in Pittsburgh (1980-1988) and as Dean of the Chapel at both Gordon College (1988-1992) and Taylor University (1999-2002).
Dr. Farmer spends most of his time offering inspirational, informational, verbal and musical presentations that clearly demonstrate passion and excellence.
Richard Allen Farmer
Richard Allen Farmer uses music as a vehicle for inspiring, motivating, challenging and entertaining the people of God. An experienced pastor and college chaplain, he has served as senior pastor of Bethany Baptist Church in Pittsburgh and as dean of the chapel at both Gordon College and Taylor University. He has ministered in 17 countries and in most of the 50 states.
Ken Fong
Kenneth Uyeda Fong (D. Min., Fuller Theological Seminary) is senior pastor of Evergreen Baptist Church of Los Angeles, located in Rosemead, California and is a former member of the Board of Trustees of Westmont College.
Richard Foster
April 3rd, 2009
Richard is the founder of RENOVARÉ and author of six books including Celebration of Discipline, PRAYER: Finding the Heart's True Home, and Streams of Living Water which effectively promote personal spiritual renewal. From his base near Denver, Colorado, where he and Carolyn, his wife, live, Richard travels throughout the world, speaking and teaching on the spiritual life.
Joan Fredrickson
Friday September 14, 2007
Founder, Honeycomb Bible Series
Joan Fredrickson has lived in Santa Barbara for more than 40 years. She is well known in the local church community for her many activities, such as teaching Bible Study Fellowship, leading Bible studies, developing and teaching the Honeycomb Bible Series, and speaking at conferences at Forest Home and numerous church retreats. She and her husband, Phil, have four children, 16 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Luisa Gallagher
April 12th, 2010
Keith and Kristyn Getty
Wednesday February 20, 2008
Irish composers, songwriters and performers
Keith Getty is an Irish composer whose hymns, such as “In Christ Alone” (co-written with Stuart Townend) are sung in churches worldwide. He has written songs, musicals and compositions expressing the Christian faith in creative ways and has composed or arranged commissions for the record, concert, film and television industries. Kristyn Getty is a contemporary gospel singer who performs solos and leads worship. She has co-written many Christian songs with Keith, including “Higher Throne.”
Keith and Kristyn Getty
Keith Getty is an Irish composer whose hymns, such as "In Christ Alone" (co-written with Stuart Townsend) are sung in churches throughout the world. He has also written songs, musicals and compositions expressing the Christian faith in creative ways, and composed or arranged countless commissions for the record, concert,film and television industries. Kristyn Getty is a young contemporary gospel singer whose talent has led to both solo performance and leading worship, as well as occasionally diversifying into the worlds of jazz and celtic music. As a songwriter Kristyn has co-written many popular Christian songs with husband Keith including "Higher throne"and is particularly passionate about teaching children the Christian faith though music." Presently, they are based in Chagrin Falls, Ohio and are touring here in the U.S. for 2 years.
Dave Gibbons
November 6th, 2009
The fringe, the misfits, artists, the poor, students, business executives, and community development specialists are the domains Dave intersects with in many of the major cities of the world. He is the CEO of www.yangdang.com, a ground breaking donor engagement platform that streams resources to amazing projects and leaders locally and globally.
Dave serves on the Board of World Vision US and is also the CVO of Xealot, a community development organization that develops movement leaders. He also is the CVO of NewSong Third Culture Alliance (Multi-site communities in Irvine, NOC, Los Angeles, London, Mexico City, Dallas, India, Seoul, and Bangkok) which catalyzes churches and non-profits with multiple forms and styles. Newsong is considered one of the most innovative churches in America.
Dave shares dynamic insights from his leadership development experience with the next generation both in North America and throughout strategic cities of the world specializing in Asia. He regularly consults with corporate executives, artists and strategic leaders from the business, non-profit, arts, entertainment, sports and financial domains.
He is the author of an exciting new book on global, adaptive leadership called, “The Monkey and the Fish: Liquid Leadership for a Third Culture Church”, foreword by Pulitzer Prize writer, Jeff Brazil.
Ruben and Holly Seguine ‘93 Gil
Monday September 10, 2007
Local Volunteers and Westmont College Alumna
The Gils have been married for 10 years and have four children. Holly, a Westmont alumna, was an educator for 10 years before her children were born, working with low-income, second-language learners. Reuben is a counselor at Santa Barbara Junior High School. They minister to children and their families through Kids Club, which meets in their eastside home.
Betsy Gray
April 1st, 2009
Betsy Gray is the current Executive Director of Life Network, Inc. now doing-business-as Network Medical Pregnancy Resource Center. A native of California, she has a passion for Jesus Christ and the unborn. She has two children, both alums of Westmont College.
Andrea Gurney
January 22nd, 2010
Dr. Gurney earned her Ph.D. at Northeastern University. She spent three years training at Harvard Medical School in individual, child/adolescent, and couples and family therapy before moving to Santa Barbara. She teaches part-time at Westmont, while she devotes the rest of her time to her clinical psychology practice in the community. Her research interests focus on resiliency in children and families. She joined the faculty in 2005.
Walter Hansen
September 11th, 2009
Dr. Walter Hansen joined the Westmont College Board of Trustees in May 2002. He and his wife, Darlene, had previously served on the Parents Council in the 19990's when their sons, Nathaniel ('94) and Jonathan ('96) were students. Walter received a Bachelor of Arts from Wheaton College in 1968, a Master of Divinity from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in 1972 and a Doctor of Theology from the University of Toronto in 1985. He was Professor of New Testament at Fuller Theological Seminary (1995-2005), and has authored numerous books and articles on Paul's writings. He serves as a trustee of the Santa Barbara Rescue Mission, is a member of the Westmont Art Council, and is also the President of Rivendell Stewards’ Trust, a foundation that gives grants for seminary education and microfinance work in Africa and Asia. Previously, he had pastored The Chapel in Cleveland, Ohio and taught at Trinity Theological College in Singapore before moving to Santa Barbara. The Hansens enjoy sailing, horseback riding, and ballroom dancing. They have been married for 42 years and are members and he frequently preaches at All Saints by the Sea Episcopal Church here in Montecito.
Kevin Harney
Kevin G. Harney is the Teaching Pastor and Evangelism Champion at Faith Church in Dyer, Indiana and Central Wesleyan Church in Holland, MI. He is also on the Teaching Team of the campus ministry at Grand Valley State University in Allendale, Michigan. Harney is the author of several books.
Jack Hayford
Friday December 7, 2007
Founding Pastor, Church on the Way, Van Nuys, Calif.
Jack Hayford is president of the International Church of the Foursquare Gospel. He is an internationally recognized scholar and teacher and serves as chancellor of the King College and Seminary. He is also the founding pastor of Church on the Way in Van Nuys, Calif. A prolific author and composer who has written more than three dozen books and 600 hymns and choruses, he has served as president of LIFE Bible College and on various interdenominational committees and councils.
Jane Higa
September 14th, 2009
As Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students, Jane Hideko Higa oversees all of the Student Life programs and personnel at Westmont College. She has held several leadership roles in the student development profession: chair for the Commission of Chief Student Development Officers for the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU), member of the Racial Harmony Commission for the CCCU, and Vice President and President Elect for the Association of Christians in Student Development (ACSD). She has either chaired or served as a member of various audits and program reviews in Christian Colleges across the nation. She has also servedas a member of an accreditation sitevisit under the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
Jane was the Dean for Student Affairs at Biola University in La Mirada, CA, for seven years and was the Dean of Women in the 1980’s for two years. Previously she worked at the University of Southern California (USC) as Associate Director of Residential Life and Director of Resident Student Development. Thirty years ago, she began her career in higher education as Head Resident at USC. A graduate of Westmont College and a recipient of the prestigious Kenneth M. Monroe Award, Dean Higa earned a Master of Science in Education with a major in College Student Personnel Services from USC. Jane’s son and daughter, are both graduates of Westmont College.
Joanne Herdrich
February 8th, 2010
Joanne Herdrich received her Bachelors in Psychology from California State University Long Beach and her Masters in Practical Theology from Talbot Theological Seminary. Joanne worked as the National Director of Press and Public Relations for "Chosen Women," a stadium revival ministry. She has also served as Coordinator for Mothers of Preschoolers and is active in leading women's bible studies at her local church.
Joanne is married to Brian Herdrich and they have two children, Jessica (10), and Chloe (7).
Carol Houston
Monday February 4, 2008
Pastor/Teacher, Bethel Unspeakable Joy Christian Fellowship, Watts, Calif. Trustee, Westmont College
Carol Houston has been involved in the administration of many businesses (including her family’s firm) and has managed the business affairs of several Christian physicians and singing artists. In 1993 she formed Unspeakable Joy Christian Fellowship Church, which later merged with Bethel United Holy Church. She serves as senior pastor and teacher of this congregation. She joined the Westmont board in 1997.
Carol Houston
Pastor Carol ministers in the Watts community of Los Angeles. She serves as senior pastor at Bethel Unspeakable Joy Church with a passion for winning souls and empowering disciples in the Kingdom of God.
Pastor Carol received her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Denver. Her postgraduate studies include Health Education, Recreation, Gerontology, Education Administration, and Speech Communication. She studied Missiology at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, CA. Pastor Carol serves as a trustee of Westmont College and Helping Hands, Inc. in Garden Grove, CA.
Pastor Carol has served in various areas of ministry and taught in secondary schools. She has traveled extensively throughout the world sharing the love of Christ. Her life commitment is to win souls to God through Jesus Christ, empower disciples of Jesus, and send them to do likewise.
Carol Houston
April 9th, 2010
Tracy Howe
Tracy Howe, is sponsored by the San Francisco Urban Program. She is the visionary and lead artist of the musical cooperative “Restoration Village” (restorationvillage.com) , was born in Boulder, CO and now lives in the small mountain town of Woodland Park, CO. She loves backpacking and Colorado winters. She was classically trained on the piano and started composing music and writing stories by the age of 12. Her favorite authors are Thomas Merton, JR Tolkein, CS Lewis, Henri Nouwen, and Madeleine L’Engle. She listens to all types of music and seeks out interesting indie artists. After graduating from Colorado College in 2000, having studied comparative religion and music composition, she spent a year traveling with a missions organization through the Southwest United States, Peru and Bolivia. Since then her dreams of seeing people, communities and nations restored and reconciled to a loving Creator and Father have only grown. She believes that relationship is the primary catalyst for restoration and justice.
Tracy enjoys playing smaller venues where relationships can occur. She has played hundreds of “house concerts” to small groups on several continents, more than 100 university concerts in 40 states. She has also provided concerts and worship leading in prisons, drug rehab centers, inner city shelters in the US and throughout Latin America and the world. She was most recently was the lead worship leader/vocalist for Brian McLaren’s “Everything Must Change” tour. Her recent album “Songs for a Revolution of Hope” comes from a collaboration with McLaren prior to the tour in 2008. Tracy is also beginning her Ph.D. study in Peace making. She has a Great Dane, taught herself Portuguese and likes espresso.
In addition to today’s Chapel, Tracy will be offering a concert representing the SF Urban Program tonight in Page Hall Lounge. There is no charge for the concert and you can hear from students who have completed the SF Urban Program last year.
Greg Hughes
Greg Hughes is Pastor/Head of Staff of Malibu Presbyterian Church. Last October he was interviewed on every major TV network as the pastor who lost his building but not his church, as a result of the fires in Malibu that destroyed the church’s sanctuary, offices, and preschool. He is also a graduate of Princeton Theological Seminary, and is currently working on his Doctorate of Ministry degree at Beeson Divinity School, Stanford University. Greg is a husband and proud father of five, three who live at home with him and his wife, and two that are at home with the Lord.
Walter Isaacson
February 6th, 2009
Walter Isaacson is
president of the Aspen Institute and former chairman and CEO of CNN and editor of Time magazine. An acclaimed author, he has written
biographies of Albert Einstein, Benjamin Franklin and Henry Kissinger. Isaacson graduated from both Harvard and Oxford University, where he was a Rhodes Scholar.
Governor Kathleen Blanco appointed Isaacson to be the vice-chairman of the Louisiana Recovery Authority after Hurricane Katrina hit in 2005. In December 2007, President George W. Bush appointed him to be the chairman of the U.S.-Palestinian Partnership, a government and private sector effort to provide economic and educational opportunities for the Palestinian people. He is the leader of the U.S. Delegation of the U.S.-Vietnam Dialogue Group on Agent Orange/Dioxin, and the chairman of the board of Teach for America. He is on the boards of United Airlines, Tulane University and Science Service. He is on advisory councils of the National Institutes of Health, the National Constitution Center and the Shakespeare Theatre in Washington, D.C.
Don Johnson
Wednesday September 5, 2007
Senior Pastor, Montecito Covenant Church
Don Johnson serves as senior pastor at Montecito Covenant Church. He and his wife, Martha Ensign Johnson, a professional printmaker, have three grown children. Don and Martha have traveled regularly to southern France since a sabbatical leave in 2000, when Don began studying sacred space as seen in Romanesque architecture. His hobbies include coffee, walking, listening to eclectic music and blogging (www.jibstay.blogspot.com).
Reed Jolley
For the past 29 years, Reed Jolley has been one of teaching pastors at Santa Barbara Community Church. An avid surfer and a Westmont Alum, Reed exclaims that he is: "the proud father of three and an even prouder husband of my first wife."
James Kinzler
March 2nd, 2009
James Kinzler is the lead pastor at Coast Community Church of the Nazarene here in Santa Barbara where he has served for all eleven of his years in full-time ministry. His passion is to equip and empower the people of God to carry out the Church's mission to make disciples. Along with his role as a local church pastor, James has been a speaker at camps and retreats and has served on various boards and committees. James and his wife Kyla have been married for 15 years and have two great kids, Cady (7), and Thomas (5). James enjoys making time for playing basketball, snow boarding, reading and spending time with family and friends. James is a graduate of Point Loma Nazarene University and Nazarene Theological Seminary.
Mark Kirchgestner
Mark Kirchgestner, International Justice Mission - California Director of Church Mobilization
After growing up in Orange County, CA and beginning to follow Jesus as a high school student, Mark transferred into Westmont College in 1987. He graduated in 1990, married Lisa (also class of '90), and together they moved to San Francisco. For 18 years they have lived and ministered in that city and now have two kids in high school. Mark was first introduced to San Francisco through Westmont's Urban Program. He served as a Young Life Area Director for 8 years and a Pastor at Golden Gate Community Church for another 8 years. In his current position with IJM Mark is responsible to raise awareness concerning God's heart for justice and to equip the church throughout California for action, advocacy and prayer on behalf of those suffering from violent oppression. His highlight of 2008 was to visit IJM's work in India in order to meet with and assist in the rehabilitation efforts of several recently rescued former slaves.
Peter Kreeft
January 30th, 2009
Peter Kreeft, Ph.D., is a professor of philosophy at Boston College and at the King's College (Empire State Building), in New York City. He is a regular contributor to several Christian publications, is in wide demand as a speaker at conferences, and is the author of over 45 books including:Handbook of Christian Apologetics, Christianity for Modern Pagans, and Fundamental of the Faith.
Marilyn Laszlo
Wednesday October 17, 2007
Founder, Laszlo Mission League
Marilyn Laszlo spent 25 years in Hauna, Papua New Guinea, with Wycliffe Bible Translators, creating an alphabet for an unwritten language, translating the Bible and teaching people to read and write. She speaks frequently, sharing her story as well as the work of Wycliffe. A graduate of Bryan College in Tennessee, she studied linguistics at the University of Oklahoma. Her video, ‚úReturn to Hauna,‚ù won the Angel Award in 1999.
Dennis Leon
Dennis was born in Costa Rica. The youngest of six children with a single mom, he was the only one of his hometown friends to go to high school, but he was so eager to learn that he worked weekends and vacations to pay for his education. He became so proficient in English that when he graduated, he was hired as a tour guide for Gray Line Fantasy Tours Costa Rica.
Excelling in sports, Dennis made the Costa Rica National Surf Team for three consecutive years, and was awarded as the “Best Latin American Surfer of 2000” at the Quick Silver International WQS (world qualifying series) event. It was this accomplishment that got him his USA Visa.
Dennis came to California in 2001, to represent Costa Rica at the “US OPEN” in Huntington Beach, and with the dream of going back and start his own surf camp in Costa Rica. However God had a better plan for him, he married his beautiful wife Kyle Leon (yes I know she has a boy’s name) (a Westmont Alumni) in 2002, and in 2003 he re-started the Christian surfers Santa Barbara Chapter and now he is the Pastor of the Pura Vida Church in Santa Barbara.
For more info about Dennis and his Ministry go to:
www.puravidachurch.blogspot.com
Dennis Leon
Friday February 22, 2008
Pastor, Pura Vida Church, Santa Barbara
Born in Costa Rica, Dennis Leon is the youngest of six children. He grew up in Esterillos Oeste, a small beach town with only one church and five bars. Excelling in sports, he made the Costa Rica National Surf Team for three consecutive years and was recognized as the Best Latin American Surfer of 2000. He came to California in 2001 for a surfing competition and stayed. In 2003, he revived the Santa Barbara chapter of Christian Surfers. His wife, Kyle Schmidt Leon ’05, is a Westmont alumna.
Jamey & Cindy Lewis
Jamie Lisea
Jamie Lisea is an alum of Westmont (’88) and has spent the last 20 years in the ministry of Young Life, with her husband Scott, who is the director of the Gold Coast and Central California Region. Over the years, their ministry has lead them into work with high school students of diverse types and backgrounds, including kids with disabilities, military kids whose families are stationed abroad, national kids in Asia, as well as current, mainstream teens here in the U.S. In recent years, Jamie’s focus has been on training and mentoring college students and young adults in the community to come alongside teens with the message of God’s love for them, while continuing to host and encourage Young Life “clubs.” The Lisea’s currently live in Santa Barbara, with their three sons.
Cliff Lundberg
Monday March 3, 2008
Executive Vice President, Westmont College
Cliff Lundberg became executive vice president at Westmont in 2002 after serving on the board of trustees for nine years and chairing the college’s last capital campaign. He also belonged to the Board of Advisors. A Westmont graduate, he earned an M.B.A. and professional designation in contract management from UCLA. Previously, he was CEO of General Offshore Corp., a multinational telecommunications company and the world’s largest installer of fiber optic cables in shallow water.
Cliff Lundberg
Cliff Lundberg is executive vice president of Westmont College. He holds an MBA and a professional designation in contract management from UCLA and a BA in Economics and Business from Westmont. Cliff was a member of Westmont’s board of trustees from 1993-2002, serving as chair of the development committee and chairing the successful "Embracing the Past, Ensuring the Future" capital campaign. He has also served as a member of the college’s board of advisors.
He was previously CEO of General Offshore Corporation, a multinational telecommunications company and the world’s largest shallow water installer of fiber optic cables.
He has chaired the board of the Kennedy Institute in Washington, DC and served on the boards of the National Kidney Foundation and Parca, a Bay Area organization dedicated to serving the disabled. Cliff is currently on the boards of Sports Outreach Institute, Young Life - Gold Coast Region and Alliance for Christian Education.
Frederica Matthews-Green
Monday March 31, 2008
Author and Columnist
Frederica Matthews-Green is a wide-ranging author whose work has appeared in such diverse publications as the Washington Post, Christianity Today, Smithsonian, the Los Angeles Times and the Wall Street Journal. She is a regular columnist for the multi-faith Web magazine Beliefnet.com. She has published eight books and more than 600 articles. She speaks frequently, especially at college campuses such as Yale, Harvard, Princeton, Wellesley, Cornell, Baylor and Westmont.
Frederica Mathewes-Green
Frederica Mathewes-Green is a wide-ranging author, whose work has appeared in such diverse publications as the Washington Post, Christianity Today, Smithsonian, the Los Angeles Times, First Things, Books & Culture, Sojourners, Touchstone, and the Wall Street Journal. She is a regular columnist for the multi faith web magazine Beliefnet.com, and she writes movie reviews for National Review Online and Christianity Today Movies.
She has published 8 books, including Facing East: A Pilgrim’s Journey into the Mysteries of Orthodoxy (HarperCollins, 1997) and The Illumined Heart: The Ancient Christian Path of Transformation (Paraclete, 2001). In the past, her commentaries have been heard on National Public Radio’s All Things Considered and Morning Edition. Her essays were selected for Best Christian Writing in 2000, 2002, 2004, and 2006, and Best Spiritual Writing in 1998 and 2007. She has published over 600 articles.
She has also appeared as a speaker over 400 times, at places like Yale, Harvard, Princeton, Wellesley, Cornell, Calvin, Baylor, and Westmont; at the Smithsonian Institute, the Aspen Institute, Washington National Cathedral, the Los Angeles Times Book Festival, the American Academy of Religion, the Veritas Forum, the Family Research Council, and the National Right to Life Committee.
She has been interviewed on Prime Time Live, the Diane Rehm Show, the 700 Club, PBS, CNN, NBC, Fox News, and by Time, Newsweek, the New Republic, USA Today, the Chicago Tribune, the Philadelphia Inquirer, and the New York Times.
She lives with her husband, the Rev. Gregory Mathewes-Green, in Baltimore, MD, where he is pastor and she is “Khouria” (“Mother”) of the church they founded, Holy Cross Orthodox Church. Their three children are grown and married, and they have 9 grandchildren. Since 1997, Frederica has been recording books for the blind with the Radio Reading Network of Maryland.
Frederica Mathewes-Green
February 22nd, 2010
Frederica Matthews-Green is a wide-ranging author whose work has appeared in such diverse publications as the Washington Post, Christianity Today, Smithsonian, the Los Angeles Times and the Wall Street Journal. She is a regular columnist for the multi-faith Web magazine Beliefnet.com. She has published eight books and more than 600 articles. She speaks frequently, especially at college campuses such as Yale, Harvard, Princeton, Wellesley, Cornell, Baylor and Westmont.
Britt Merrick
Britt Merrick grew up in the little town of Carpinteria. In his childhood years Britt’s singular passion was surfing, and soon he was making surfboards along side his father (Al Merrick) at the Channel Islands, Inc. surfboard factory for some of the best surfers in the world. Britt was also handling the famous company’s advertising, marketing, and amateur surf team. Shortly after re-committing his life to the Lord in his early twenties Britt began to teach bible studies at his parent’s home for the surfer kids in Carpinteria. These bible studies eventually led to Britt teaching and preaching at a Friday night college ministry at a local church in Santa Barbara. Under his leadership, this ministry grew from about 10, to almost 700 people. In the fall of 2003, sensing a further call to ministry, he and his wife and some close friends started a church called Reality in his hometown of Carpinteria. Reality Carpinteria is active in, and passionate about: youth, community transformation, birthing other churches, sending missionaries overseas, and equipping the next generation of leaders. The Reality network of churches has grown to include churches in Ventura, Los Angeles and Stockton, CA, and soon London and San Francisco. Britt continues to pastor full time and loves his wife Kate, their son Isaiah and daughter Daisy, the Bible and, of course, Jesus and His church.
Michele Mollkoy
March 9th, 2009
Michele served in full-time vocational ministry for seven years before transitioning to work at Westmont. She shares her heart for spiritual formation through her role as Director of First Year Experience and Special Programs at Westmont, as well as serving as adjunct teaching faculty for Antioch University Santa Barbara. A veteran speaker at college retreats and conferences, Michele holds a B. A. in Psychology from the University of California at Davis and an M. A. in Education from Azusa Pacific University. Among her other responsibilities, Michele greatly enjoys advising the many gifted students who work on Orientation and Spring Sing. Her favorite part of her job is getting to know students over a cup of coffee. Michele has been married to Chris for 14 years and they have two sons, Jesse (7) and Sam (4).
Shirley Mullen
March 25th, 2009
Shirley Mullen, the current president of Houghton College, is no stranger to Westmont. She was a member of Westmont's history faculty from 1984-2006. During part of that time, she also served as the interim Dean of the college, and as Westmont's Provost from 2002-2006. While she did not know Dr. Wallace Emerson personally, she came to known him and to appreciate his contribution to Westmont through conversations with Dr. Paul C. Wilt, longtime member of Westmont's history department, and the college archivist, and Mrs. Margaret Voskuyl, who first came to Westmont in the 1940's as an assistant to Dr. Emerson. Shirley's academic training is in the fields of history and philosophy--focused on the Enlightenment and its Legacy. She currently brings her intellectual passion to the task of creating effective and enduring Christian liberal arts colleges for the challenging world of the 21st century.
Jamie Noling
Jamie Noling is the Associate Campus Pastor at Azusa Pacific University. Jamie comes from Gordon College, where she directed student ministries. A native Californian, Noling earned her Doctor of Ministry at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, her M. A. in theology from Fuller Theological Seminary and B. A. in communication from Pepperdine University. She has worked in Christian higher education for the last six years.
Omedi Ochieng
Monday April 14, 2008
Professor of Communication Studies, Westmont College
An expert in African rhetoric, critical rhetoric and the history of rhetoric, Omedi Ochieng completed his bachelor’s degree at Daystar University in Nairobi, Kenya, and his master’s and doctorate degrees from Bowling Green State University in Ohio. His dissertation explored “The Praxis of Sagacious Rhetoric: Sage Philosophy and the Rhetoric of African Philosophy.” He joined the Westmont faculty in 2005.
Omedi Ochieng
John Ortberg
March 26th, 2010
John Ortberg, is passionate about "spiritual formation," which is how people become more like Jesus. His teaching brings Scripture alive and invariably includes practical applications and warm humor. John is the author of many books, including "If You Want to Walk on Water, You've Got to Get Out of the Boat" and "The Life You've Always Wanted: Spiritual Growth for Ordinary People", and his latest book, "Faith & Doubt". He has also contributed to many other books and periodicals.
Nancy Ortberg
Nancy Ortberg served as a teaching pastor for eight years at Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington, Illinois. During that time she lead Network, a ministry that helps people identify their spiritual gifts and find a place of service in the church, and Axis, a weekly gathering for the eighteen- to twenty-something generation.
She is a founding partner of Teamworx2, a business and leadership consulting firm that provides fast-paced, practical, and compelling sessions to leaders and their teams. Teamworx2 works with businesses, schools, nonprofit's, and churches to address issues of organizational effectiveness and teamwork.
Nancy is a gifted communicator who is passionate about helping people connect what they believe with their everyday lives. A highly sought-after speaker, Nancy has been a featured presenter at the Catalyst and Orange conferences, and has been a regular contributor to Rev! Magazine. Nancy is the author of Looking for God: An Unexpected Journey through tattoos, tofu, & pronouns and Unleashing the Power of Rubber Bands, lessons in no-linear leadership.
She and her husband, John, live in the Bay Area and have three children: Laura, Mallory, and Johnny.
Betty Overton-Adkins
Betty Overton is the program director and coordinator of Higher Education programming at the W. K. Kellogg Foundation of Battle Creek, Michigan. In this role, she provides leadership to a team effort, develops and reviews programming priorities, evaluates and recommends proposals for funding, and administers projects. In addition, Dr. Overton is responsible for maintaining accurate and current knowledge about trends, movements and policy developments relating to education, youth and philanthropic organizations. Prior to joining the Foundation, she was dean of the Graduate School at the University of Arkansas, Little Rock. Dr. Overton earned a B. A. and M. A. in English from Tennessee State University and a Ph.D. in English from the George Peabody College of Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee. She served as a faculty member for Session 323, Higher Education: Institutional Structures for the 21st Century, 1995, and is an alumna of the Salzburg Seminar Special Session, Educational Reform in South Africa, 1996.
Walter Owens Jr.
Friday January 18, 2008
Minister of Music and Arts, Salem Baptist Church, Chicago
Walter Owens Jr. serves the Rev. Senator James T. Meeks and the 20,000-member congregation of the Salem Baptist Church of Chicago as minister of music and arts. He graduated from Northwestern University and studied at Butler University, where Michael Shasberger advised and mentored him. He served on the advisory committee of the newly published African American Heritage Hymnal (GIA Publications) and is in demand as a choral clinician. He and his wife, Terri, have a 17-year-old son.
Walter and Terri Owens
January 16th, 2009
Walter Owens, Jr. serves the Rev. Senator James T. Meeks and the 20,000-member congregation of the Salem Baptist Church of Chicago as its Minister of Music and Arts. He completed his undergraduate work at Northwestern University (Evanston, IL) and graduate work at Butler University (Indianapolis, IN) where Dr. Michael Shasberger served as advisor and mentor. He recently served on the Advisory Committee of the newly-published African American Heritage Hymnal (GIA Publications) and is a sought after choral clinician in Sweden, Germany, and Switzerland. His wife, Rev. Terri Owens, is the Dean of Students at the University of Chicago Divinity School and they share the privilege of raising a 16-yr.old son, Walter III, who is pursuing a musical career in composition.
Rev. Terri Hord Owens is the Dean of Students at the University of Chicago Divinity School. As Dean of Students, she is responsible for admissions, financial aid, the formulation and enforcement of academic policy, academic advising and professionalization and placement activities. Prior to entering the ministry and the academy, Rev. Owens spent over 20 years in the information technology industry specializing in data management and data warehousing. She has held leadership positions with such firms as IBM, Ernst & Young, Blue Cross and Blue Shield, and SBC Ameritech. In addition to her teaching and preaching ministry, Rev. Owens is committed to drama ministry as a powerful teaching tool. Her research interests focus on theological models for racial reconciliation. Rev. Owens earned her undergraduate degree in Government from Harvard University and a Master of Divinity from the University of Chicago Divinity School. She is an ordained minister in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Rev. Owens and her husband, Walter, are the proud parents of a son, Mitchell, a talented young composer and musician.
Walter Owens
March 5th, 2010
Walter Owens, Jr. serves the Rev. Senator James T. Meeks and the 20,000-member congregation of the Salem Baptist Church of Chicago as its Minister of Music and Arts. He completed his undergraduate work at Northwestern University (Evanston, IL) and graduate work at Butler University (Indianapolis, IN) where Dr. Michael Shasberger served as advisor and mentor. He recently served on the Advisory Committee of the newly-published African American Heritage Hymnal (GIA Publications) and is a sought after choral clinician in Sweden, Germany, and Switzerland.
His wife, Rev. Terri Owens, is the Dean of Students at the University of Chicago Divinity School and they share the privilege of raising a 16-yr.old son, Walter III, who is pursuing a musical career in composition.
Timothy Park
Friday October 19, 2007
Associate Professor of Asian Mission and Director of Korean Studies, Fuller Theological Seminary
As director of Fuller Korean studies program in the School of Intercultural Studies, Timothy Park tailors missionary theory to fit Asian contexts and researches the history of the church and missions in Asia. He wants his students to humbly learn from the long history of Western missions and to gain insight from the successes and the mistakes of Western missionaries. He earned his doctorate at Fuller.
Ben Patterson
Campus Pastor, Westmont College
Ben Patterson is a contributing editor to Christianity Today and the Leadership Journal. He has written five books, including Serving God (The Grand Essentials), Deepening Your Conversation with God, and He Has Made Me Glad. Previously, he was dean of the chapel at Hope College in Michigan, senior pastor for two congregations and the founding pastor of Irvine Presbyterian Church in California.
Ben Patterson
Dates throughout the semester
Ben Patterson is a contributing editor to Christianity Today and the Leadership Journal. He has written five books, including Serving God (The Grand Essentials), Deepening Your Conversation with God, and He Has Made Me Glad. Previously, he was dean of the chapel at Hope College in Michigan, senior pastor for two congregations and the founding pastor of Irvine Presbyterian Church in California.
Lauretta Patterson
October 9th , 2009
Lauretta Patterson has partnered for 38 years in marriage, family, and ministry with her husband Ben. Through many life seasons and multiple moves, she has found prayer and laughter to be the surest way to cope with disconcerting change. She loves to teach, and often can be found discipling small groups of students on campus, leading women in Bible studies, or opening the door wide to friends and guests.
Leanne Patterson
Monday October 22, 2007
Teacher, Cesar Chavez Dual Language Immersion School and Local Volunteer
Leanne Biehl Patterson, the daughter of two Westmont alumni, grew up in Santa Barbara and graduated from Wheaton College with a degree in Spanish and communications. She worked in Zacatecas, Mexico, as a community development worker before teaching fifth grade in Harlem and earning a master degree in education. She teaches fourth grade at Cesar Chavez in Santa Barbara, a dual-language immersion school. She and her husband, Dan, are involved in ministry to international students at UCSB.
Keith Phillips
Monday October 15, 2007
President, World Impact
Keith Phillips is president of World Impact, a Christian missions organization dedicated to ministering to the inner cities of America. His books include They Dare to Love the Ghetto, The Making of a Disciple, No Quick Fix and Out of Ashes, which chronicles the history of the urban poor in America and explores their present needs and future hope. A graduate of UCLA, he earned master of divinity and doctor of ministry degrees from Fuller Theological Seminary.
John Piper
March 1st, 2010
John Piper is the Pastor for Preaching at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He grew up in Greenville, South Carolina, and studied at Wheaton College, where he first sensed God's call to enter the ministry. He went on to earn degrees from Fuller Theological Seminary (B.D.) and the University of Munich (D.theol.). For six years he taught Biblical Studies at Bethel College in St. Paul, Minnesota, and in 1980 accepted the call to serve as pastor at Bethlehem. John is the author of more than 30 books and more than 25 years of his preaching and teaching is available free at desiringGod.org. John and his wife, Noel, have four sons, one daughter, and an increasing number of grandchildren.
Laurie Polich
Wednesday October 10, 2007
Pastor of Small Groups and Discipleship, Ocean Hills Covenant Church, Santa Barbara
A popular speaker and author, Laurie serves as a pastor at Ocean Hills Covenant Church. An expert on small groups, she speaks at conferences for youth and women at colleges and churches around the country, and for Compassion International. She graduated from Fuller Theological Seminary and has written several books, including Help I‚ôm a Small Group Leader, Small Group Strategies, and a new series called Studies on the Go.
Mary Poplin
Mary Poplin, a native of Texas, began her career teaching elementary school and special education. She developed the current CGU Teacher Education program from 1985-1995 increasing the candidates from 25 to 100 and the percentage of students of color from 6% to 50%. She led the revitalization of the program from 2000-2004 and was Dean of the School of Educational Studies at Claremont Graduate University from 2002-2004.
From 2000-2004, she and John Rivera worked on rethinking education in light of the new emphasis on results, and began to merge in their work the concepts of accountability and social justice. Her work continues to this day in her courses and in the Institute for Education in Transformation that she directs.
Also in recent years, she has begun to study and teach about the history of philosophy in the west and its impact on epistemology - how educators have approached “knowledge,” particularly as it relates to the intellectual history of the university. Her academic work also includes a focus on discerning the differences between Judeo-Christian principles and principles of other world views as it relates to issues such as the contemporary university, education, and justice. In 1996, Mary worked for two months with Mother Teresa in Calcutta and has a book on the experience, Finding Calcutta, to be released summer 2008 by InterVarsity Press.
Presidential Inauguration
Westmont inaugurated Gayle D. Beebe, its eighth president, Friday, April 11, with a day of events and lectures focusing on “The Global Imperative: Education and the Knowledge Society in the 21st Century.” Beebe, who assumed leadership of Westmont July 1, 2007, was installed at a ceremony in Westmont’s Murchison Gym at 10:30 a.m.
Under his leadership, Spring Arbor was named a top-tier university by U.S. News & World Report in its America’s Best Colleges and Universities publication. The Council for Christian Colleges and Universities awarded the university the 2003 Racial Harmony Award, which honors institutions making considerable progress in the areas of diversity, racial harmony and reconciliation. Dr. Beebe was also instrumental in improving campus facilities at Spring Arbor, which completed a $45 million capital campaign during his tenure, including a major academic building.
Prior to leading Spring Arbor, Dr. Beebe served as dean of the school of theology at Azusa Pacific University. In addition to teaching courses in the philosophy of religion and theology there, he chaired the department of ministry and directed the Friends Center. His career includes five years as senior pastor of Sherwood Community Friends Church in Sherwood, Ore., and positions as interim pastor and pastor of adult ministries.
Dr. Beebe has published numerous academic articles and edited several publications. He spent five years working with Richard Foster, Dallas Willard, Lynda Graybeal and Thomas Oden to write the acclaimed “Renovare Study Bible.”
He and his wife, Pam, have three children: Anna, 15, Elizabeth, 13, and Ricky, 9.
Soong Chan Rah
January 15th, 2010
Rev. Dr. Soong-Chan Rah is the Milton B. Engebretson Assistant Professor of Church Growth and Evangelism at North Park Theological Seminary in Chicago, IL. Rah is formerly the founding Senior Pastor of the Cambridge Community Fellowship Church (CCFC), a multiethnic, urban ministry-focused church committed to living out the values of racial reconciliation and social justice in the urban context. Soong-Chan was a plenary speaker at the 2003 Urbana Student Missions Conference, the 2005 Summer Institute for Asian American Ministry and Theology, the 2006 Congress on Urban Ministry, the 2007 ECC Midwinter Conference, the 2007 Urban Youth Workers Institute Conference and the 2008 CCDA National Conference.
Soong-Chan received his B.A. in Political Science and History/ Sociology from Columbia University; his M.Div. from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary; his Th. M. from Harvard University; and his D.Min. from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. He is a contributor author to Growing Healthy Asian-American Churches (IVP). He is the author of The Next Evangelicalism, on the changing face of American Christianity and on the cultural captivity of the American evangelical church (2009).
Soong-Chan, his wife, Sue, who teaches special education, and their two children, Annah and Elijah live in Chicago.
Thomas Reed
Executive Director, Unity Shoppe, Santa Barbara
Thomas has released several CDs and two teaching series as a resource for men who want to follow Christ between Sundays and wish to narrow the gap between what they believe and what they are living. Tom lives in Santa Barbara and works as executive director of Unity Shoppe, a unique non-profit agency that provides food, clothing, household goods and basic necessities to more than 14,000 low-income individuals throughout Santa Barbara County.
Tom Reed
Tom Reed has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Advertising from Michigan State University. He served in the Air Force as a pilot flying C-141 aircraft during the Viet Nam war. In 1974 Tom moved to Auburn, California and devoted his time to real estate development and business limited partnerships. Some business associates helped introduce him to Christ in 1977. Tom married Linda and moved to Reno, Nevada after his home was destroyed by fire.
Tom became the Music & Family Life Director at Reno Christian Fellowship where he served as an elder, teacher, counselor, planned worship services and led the music team with congregational and special music. Tom was involved in the juvenile hall ministry, taught pre-marriage classes and established the ‘Life After Marriage’ seminar.
A devastating mudslide destroyed the Reed’s new home in 1983. This experience, in which a good friend was killed, prompted Tom to more fully pursue God and devote his life to ministry. Relocating back to Auburn, he served as an associate with Western States Fellowship until 1993, when began the Nevada Fellowship as an outreach to middle and upper management businessmen in the workplace.
After a very difficult business partnership, which cost Tom his marriage, he moved to Santa Barbara, California where he is the Executive Director of the Unity Shop, a unique non-profit agency that provides food, clothing, house-hold goods and basic necessities to over 14,000 low incomes throughout Santa Barbara County. Tom is happily married to Marcia.
Helen Rhee
September 25th, 2009
Helen grew up in Seoul, South Korea, and then in Southern California, and developed respect and love forhistory since childhood. She earned her B.A in History at UC Berkeley and her M.Div. and Ph.D. at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, CA.Prior to coming to Westmont in 2004, she has served as pastor of a local church (Buena Park, CA) for a number of years. Helen specializes in early Christian history, especially the second and third century Christian literature, focusing on the diverging Christian self- identities in relation to Greco-Roman culture and society. Her recent book, Early Christian Literature: Christ and Culture in the Second and Third Centuries (Routledge, 2005), explores the very issue. Her scholarly interest, however, extends to other periods and aspects of Christian history as well. Helen is currently writing a book onearly Christian attitudes toward and practices of wealth and poverty and how these contributed to shaping Christian identities within largerGreco-Roman and Jewish contexts.
Jacque Rhodes
February 11th, 2009
Jacqueline Rhodes: After earning a degree in Speech Pathology, Jacque began a career in higher education as a Residence Hall Director at Grand Valley State University. She joined the Calvin College family in 1996 as an Academic Counselor/ Instructor and currently serves as Assistant Dean of Multicultural Student Development. She describes her work as making the invisible – visible. Jacque and husband David, are the proud parents of five children. In her spare time she studies the “Q” section of the dictionary in an effort to maintain her status as Rhodes’ Family Scrabble Champion.
Mel Robeck
Co-Founder and present Director of ReImagine!, a San Francisco based Emergent Church group, Mark is a frequently interacts with SF Urban through a “Spiritual Walk” program (a guided walk for our students to see the spiritual side of the city), guest speaking (both at SF Urban and at Westmont’s main campus) and through his book, “Soul Graffiti” (Jossey-Bass, 2007).
Mark, his wife Lisa and their two daughters, live in the Mission District, where they use their home as a base for ReImagine!, and for welcoming and teaching in the name of Jesus. Students are invited to attend regular seminars led by Mark and his team including the “Sugarlump Theology Salon” and the “Jesus Dojo”, all contemporary dialogues on following Jesus in a post-Christian culture.
Warren Rogers
Friday August 31, 2007
Interim Academic Dean, Westmont College
Warren Rogers became interim academic dean in January 2007. He has taught physics at Westmont since 1994 and served as department chair. A graduate of Harvey Mudd College, he earned his master degree and doctorate at the University of Rochester. He actively involves students in his scholarly research and has been appointed to the prestigious position of fellow of the American Physical Society.
Warren Rogers
January 26th, 2009
Warren Rogers became interim academic dean in January 2007. He has taught physics at Westmont since 1994 and served as department chair. A graduate of Harvey Mudd College, he earned his master’s degree and doctorate at the University of Rochester. He actively involves students in his scholarly research and has been appointed to the prestigious position of fellow of the American Physical Society.
Mark Scandrette
Co-Founder and present Director of ReImagine!, a San Francisco based Emergent Church group, Mark is a frequently interacts with SF Urban through a “Spiritual Walk” program (a guided walk for our students to see the spiritual side of the city), guest speaking (both at SF Urban and at Westmont’s main campus) and through his book, “Soul Graffiti” (Jossey-Bass, 2007).
Mark, his wife Lisa and their two daughters, live in the Mission District, where they use their home as a base for ReImagine!, and for welcoming and teaching in the name of Jesus. Students are invited to attend regular seminars led by Mark and his team including the “Sugarlump Theology Salon” and the “Jesus Dojo”, all contemporary dialogues on following Jesus in a post-Christian culture.
Senior Chapel
April 28th, 2010
The final Chapel of the academic year is a celebration of the Lord's goodness and faithfulness. It is also a time to thank the Lord for our senior class and to celebrate with them in their final Chapel at Westmont as undergraduates. As we send all of our students out to destinations all over the world, we do so with grateful hearts that the Lord has entrusted them into our care and for His faithfulness in growing, maturing, and strengthening each student. The culmination of this Chapel is the serving of communion by senior class representatives to the Westmont Community.
Michael Shasberger
Adams Professor of Music and Worship, Westmont College
Michael Shasberger joined the Westmont faculty in 2005 after a distinguished career in higher education and church music. A graduate of St. Olaf College in Minnesota, he earned a doctorate in choral music, vocal performance and church music at the University of Southern California. He has extensive experience as a conductor and soloist in a wide variety of musical performances, including opera and classic works.
Michael Shasberger
September 7th, 2009
Michael Shasberger joined the Westmont faculty in 2005 after a distinguished career in higher education and church music. A graduate of St. Olaf College in Minnesota, he earned a doctorate in choral music, vocal performance and church music at the University of Southern California. He has extensive experience as a conductor and soloist in a wide variety of musical performances, including opera and classic works.
John Sider
Friday September 28, 2007
Distinguished Professor of English, Westmont College
John Sider is entering his last year of a 36-year career teaching English. Four Europe Semesters are among his most treasured memories. He has taught writing, Shakespeare and British literature, and his writings have featured Shakespeare, earlier English theater, dictionary-making and the parables of Jesus. His current study of the liberal arts at Westmont promises to make a pleasant occupation in retirement. He has been honored as one of the college distinguished professors.
Gerald Sittser
Monday October 29, 2007
Author and Professor, Whitworth College
Gerald Sittser has taught at Whitworth since 1989, specializing in the history of Christianity and American religion. His books include: Water from a Deep Well: Christian Spirituality from Early Martyrs to Modern Missionaries, When God Doesn‚ôt Answer Your Prayer, The Will of God as a Way of Life, and A Grace Disguised: How the Soul Grows through Loss. He earned a doctorate at the University of Chicago and a master of divinity degree from Fuller Theological Seminary.
Kelly Soifer
Monday December 3, 2007
Youth Pastor, Santa Barbara Community Church
Greg Spencer
Since arriving in Santa Barbara in 1987, he has taught Communication Studies at Westmont College. He and his wife of over 30 years, Janet, have raised three daughters: Emily, Hannah, and Laura. The only other male at home is the cat, Willie. When not mentoring students, Greg can be found tending his roses or playing tennis. He has published A Heart for Truth: Taking Your Faith to College and numerous articles on what it means to live in a media-saturated culture. Recently, he has published several poems and two pieces of fiction, "The Welkening," and its sequel, "Guardian of the Veil." Greg is currently is working on his next book, "Living the Quieter Virtues in a Noisy World," which will be published by InterVarsity Press in 2009.
Spring Break Commissioning
Al Staggs
Wednesday September 12, 2007
Minister, comedian and performer
Before becoming a full-time performance artist, Al Staggs served as a Baptist minister for 24 years. He earned a master of theology degree from Harvard Divinity School and a doctorate in ministry from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary. As a Charles E. Merrill fellow at Harvard he studied applied theology under the direction of Harvey Cox. He also completed a one-year internship in clinical pastoral education at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas, Texas.
Student Testimonies
Carri Svoboda
Friday April 18, 2008
Educator, Santa Barbara Christian School
Carri is a gifted teacher who enjoys working with middle school students. Since 2000, she has taught English at Santa Barbara Christian School; previously she spent seven years at Santa Barbara Junior High School. She graduated from UC Santa Barbara with a degree in English and earned her teaching credential there. Carri grew up as the only Christian in her family and attended church with neighbors.
Carri Svoboda
As a young child, Carri Lynn Svoboda moved often as her father, who was in the Air Force, was stationed all over the world. The family finally settled down in Atwater, which is in Central California. After high school, Carri moved to Santa Barbara, where in 1992 she received her Bachelors Degree in English from UCSB and the following year she received her teaching credential from the same institution. Carri taught 8th grade English for seven years at Santa Barbara Junior High and is currently teaching 6,7, & 8 English, 7 Bible & 8 History at Santa Barbara Christian School.
Carri's religious training was eclectic, as her mother was raised in a Mormon home and her dad was raised Catholic. She accepted Christ after a Divine revelation when I was 8. She was the only Christian in my family growing up and attended the local First Southern Baptist Church with her neighbors. Locally, Carri attends the Free Methodist Church.
Anyone who knows Carri is impressed with her wild humor, her infectious laugh, her thoughtful discourse, and her deep devotion to Jesus. She is an avid reader and loves to walk and travel.
Cari Svoboda
March 24th, 2010
Carri is a gifted teacher who enjoys working with middle school students. Since 2000, she has taught English at Santa Barbara Christian School; previously she spent seven years at Santa Barbara Junior High School. She graduated from UC Santa Barbara with a degree in English and earned her teaching credential there. Carri grew up as the only Christian in her family and attended church with neighbors.
Bart Tarman
Friday November 9, 2007
Former Chaplain Westmont College
Bart Tarman spent 18 years at Westmont after working on Young Life staff in Denver and serving as associate pastor at El Montecito Presbyterian Church. He lives in Washington, D.C., where he and his wife, Linda, minister to members of Congress. He has been associated with the National Prayer Breakfast for more than 30 years. An ordained Presbyterian minister, he graduated from Fuller Theological Seminary and the University of Denver. The Tarmans have three children and four grandchildren.
Gary Thomas
February 23rd, 2009
Gary Thomas is a writer and the founder and director of the Center for Evangelical Spirituality, a writing and speaking ministry that integrates Scripture, church history, and the Christian classics. He has served as a campus pastor and is currently an adjunct faculty member at Western Seminary in Portland, Oregon, where he teaches on spiritual formation.
Gary graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in English literature from Western Washington University in 1984, and he holds a master's degree with a concentration in systematic theology from Regent College in Vancouver, B.C., where he studied under Dr. J.I. Packer and served as a teaching assistant for Dr. Gordon Fee. While at Regent, he was awarded the Theology Award, given annually to the outstanding student in the theology department. In 2006, Western seminary is awarding Gary an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree.
Gary enjoys running marathons and spending time with his wife Lisa and his three children: Allison, Graham, and Kelsey. He makes his home in Bellingham, Washington.
Mitchell and Sarah Thomas
Monday March 10, 2008
Assistant Professor of Theatre Arts, Westmont College (Mitchell)
Sarah and Mitchell met while pursuing their M.F.A. degrees in acting at the University of Washington. After graduating, they lived and worked as actors in Los Angeles. Mitchell chairs the theatre arts department at Westmont, where he teaches all levels of acting. Sarah is heavily involved in their church and works as an assistant chaplain at Cottage Hospital. They are the proud parents of Madeleine (4) and Zoe (2).
Mitchell Thomas
Mitchell Thomas is an assistant professor and Chair of the Westmont College Theatre Arts Department. He recently appeared in The Memory of Water with the Ensemble Theatre Company and the American premiere of the Finnish play Queen C at the Lit Moon World Theater Festival. Mitchell played the title role in the award-winning Lit Moon/Westmont College co-production of Richard II for its Santa Barbara run as well as the international tour in Poland, for which he received an “Indie” award for performance. Recent directing projects have focused on the generation of new plays, working directly with playwrights. He served as the curator and producer of The Car Play Project, which featured sixteen original plays written, acted, and directed by Westmont students. He also directed, acted, and produced the world premiere of The Earthquake Predictor Rides the Bus for the Santa Barbara Off Axis Festival. He also commissioned and directed the world premiere of Rogue by the renowned experimental playwright Erik Ehn, which was subsequently invited to play at the 2006 Lit Moon World Shakespeare Festival. Before coming to Westmont, Mitchell was performing in Seattle and Los Angeles, and has appeared at the South Coast Repertory Theatre, A Noise Within, the Pasadena Playhouse, Circle X, Blank Theatre Company, the Colorado Shakespeare Festival, Idaho Repertory Theatre, Interplayers, and PCPA Theaterfest. He is also a member of AEA (Actors Equity Association) and SAG (Screen Actors Guild), the professional performing unions for Theatre and Film/TV. Mitchell has taught acting workshops in Poland and the United States, and has extensive experience in the Alexander Technique, Suzuki Training, Linklater and Fitzmaurice Voice work, Clowning, Stage Combat, Viewpoints, Skinner Releasing, Low Flying Trapeze, Improvisation, and many of the more traditional acting techniques. Mitchell received his MFA from the University of Washington Professional Actor Training Program in Seattle, WA.
Libby Vincent
January 22, 2010
Libby Vincent is a pastor and teaches systematic theology for Fuller Seminary in Northern California. She is passionate about integrating the truths of Christian faith with the realities of daily life. She has a particular interest in working with students and young adults and also speaks regularly at Christian conferences In her spare time Libby enjoys: music, bookstores, working out and her newest adventure, learning how to play drums. She lives in Folsom with her husband Dan, and her children, Maggie and Trent and all of their pets.
Libby Vincent
February 2nd, 2009
Libby Vincent is a pastor and teaches systematic theology for Fuller Seminary in Northern California. She is passionate about integrating the truths of Christian faith with the realities of daily life. She has a particular interest in working with students and young adults and also speaks regularly at Christian conferences In her spare time Libby enjoys: music, bookstores, working out and her newest adventure, learning how to play drums. She lives in Folsom with her husband Dan, and her children, Maggie and Trent and all of their pets.
Dennis Wadley
Dennis served as the High School Pastor at Rolling Hills Covenant Church in LA and then as the Senior Pastor at Community Covenant Church in Goleta. In 2002 Dennis and his wife, Susan started Bridges of Hope International, which is based in Santa Barbara. They moved their family to South Africa in 2003 to create a reproducible model of holistic community development that would be effecting in areas that have been ravaged as a result of the HIV/AIDS pandemic. God has blessed the work and the model is reproducing in multiple communities in South Africa and has begun in Swaziland as well. The Wadley's moved back to Santa Barbara in 2008 and Dennis oversees Bridges of Hope as well as serving as senior pastor at Community Covenant Church in Goleta once again.
Dennis Wadley
Wednesday February 27, 2008
President, Bridges of Hope International
As senior pastor of Community Covenant Church in Goleta, Dennis Wadley and his wife, Susan, started Bridges of Hope International in 2002. A year later, they moved their family to South Africa to create an effective and reproducible model of holistic community development in areas ravaged by the HIV/AIDS pandemic. This model has now been adopted in communities in South Africa and Swaziland. The Wadleys plan to return to Santa Barbara in 2008 to direct Bridges of Hope.
Dennis Wadley
October 5th, 2009
Dennis served for 8 years as the Pastor of High School Ministry and Student Missions at Rolling Hills Covenant Church in Los Angeles. In 1992 he became the senior pastor at Community Covenant Church of Goleta where he served for 11 years. While serving at those two churches Dennis completed my MA in Theology at Talbot Theological Seminary and completed all the coursework for my Doctorate of Ministry at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. He has been living ABD (All But Dissertation) for almost a decade now and hopes to complete it on the topic of Holistic Discipleship as a Model of Development in an HIV/AIDS Ravaged Community.
Dennis along with his wife, Susan, have served as the founding Co-Directors of Bridges of Hope International and Bridges of Hope South Africa. In February of 2001 they read a Time magazine article that changed the course of their lives—it was about the AIDS pandemic in Sub-Saharan Africa. After two visits to South Africa, they moved their family to the Cape Town area in 2003 to begin an AIDS related Community Development program in the deeply impoverished and violent Cape Flats.
During the next five years Bridges of Hope has cared for over 10,000 people in the Cape Flats through our Community Health Program, After School Program, Orphans and Vulnerable Children Ministry, HIV/AIDS Support Groups, Micro-Business Program, and Gang Member Outreach. They have developed a boarding school for AIDS orphans called Bridges Academy, which opened in January 2008. In 2007 the ministry expanded to include the country of Swaziland, which has a 50% AIDS infection rate.
In December 2007, the Wadley family returned to the U.S. where Susan and Dennis continue to direct Bridges of Hope and Dennis is again serviing as the senior pastor at Community Covenant Church of Goleta.
Tommy Walker
Wednesday October 24, 2007
Songwriter and Worship Pastor, Christian Assembly Church
Tommy Walker has led worship at Christian Assembly in Eagle Rock, Calif., since 1990. He writes, arranges and rehearses songs with the worship team, recording many of them with Get Down Ministries. He is always looking for new and fresh ways to worship our gracious God. His ministies includes traveling with Promise Keepers, Harvest Crusades, the Christian Assembly Worship Band and Youth With A Mission. Tommy and his wife, Robin, have four children.
Walt Wangerin Jr.
Wednesday March 5, 2008
Author and Professor, Valparaiso University
Award-winning author Walt Wangerin Jr. joined Valparaiso University’s faculty in 1991 as the Emil and Elfriede Jochum university professor to teach theology and writing. He gained prominence as the author of The Book of the Dun Cow, which won the National Book Award. He is widely known as a speaker, storyteller and the author of more than 30 books, ranging from fiction to children’s stories to practical theology and devotionals. Previously, he served as an inner-city pastor for 16 years.
Walter Wangerin
Award-winning author Walt Wangerin Jr. joined Valparaiso University’s faculty in 1991 as the Emil and Elfriede Jochum University professor and teaches theology and writing. Wangerin first came into national prominence as the author of “The Book of the Dun Cow,” which won the National Book Award. He is widely known as a speaker, storyteller and the author of more than 30 books, ranging from fiction to children’s stories to practical theology and devotionals. His honors include The New York Times’ Best Children’s Book award, six Golden Medallion Book Awards, the American Book Award and the C. S. Lewis Award. Wangerin’s most recent book, “Jesus: A Novel,” was released in the fall of 2005 and focuses on the life of Jesus from his early childhood through his death and resurrection. In February 2006, a musical adaptation of “The Book of the Dun Cow” opened off-Broadway in New York. Wangerin was speaker for the Lutheran Vespers radio program from 1994 through January 2005, and prior to joining Valparaiso’s faculty he served as an inner-city pastor in Evansville, Ind., for 16 years.
Greg Waybright
February 20th, 2009
Gregory L. Waybright is the Senior Pastor at Lake Avenue Church in Pasadena since September, 2007. Prior to serving at Lake Avenue, Dr. Waybright was president of Trinity International University and pastor of three congregations.
Dr. Waybright earned the doctor of philosophy in New Testament theology from Marquette University, a master of divinity from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, a master of arts in communication from Wheaton Graduate School, a bachelor of arts in biblical studies and philosophy from Wheaton College, and a diploma in pastoral studies from Moody Bible Institute. Dr. Waybright has studied and done research at Tyndale House and Cambridge University in England.
He and his wife, Chris, have two children (one of which, Kevin, is a senior at Westmont) and now reside in Pasadena, California.
Denny Wayman
Monday November 12, 2007
Senior Pastor, Free Methodist Church, Santa Barbara
Denny Wayman has been pastor of Free Methodist Church in Santa Barbara since 1976. He maintains a full practice as a pastoral counselor and co-writes a movie commentary, Cinema In Focus. A contributing editor to Human Behavior for Light and Life Magazine, he is assistant superintendent for the Southern California Conference of the Free Methodist Church. He and his wife, Cheryl, clinical director of the Cliff Drive Christian Counseling Center, have two grown sons.
Dallas Willard
Friday September 21, 2007
Author and Professor of Philosophy, USC
Dallas Willard has taught philosophy at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles since 1965. A prolific author and frequent speaker, he is best known for Spirit of the Disciplines: Understanding How God Changes Lives (1988). His book Renovation of the Heart (2002) received Christianity Today 2003 Book Award in the spirituality category, and The Divine Conspiracy (1998) was selected as the magazine Book of the Year for 1999. He earned his doctorate at the University of Wisconsin.
Herma Williams
Monday November 26, 2007
Provost, Fresno Pacific University
Herma Williams became provost and academic vice president at Fresno Pacific University in 2006. Previously, as associate provost at Gordon College, she helped build enrollments of under-represented students and recruit a more diverse faculty. Williams earned her doctorate at Iowa State University, completed post-doctoral studies at Harvard University and was named a Kellogg Foundation and Ford Foundation fellow. She and her husband, Eric, have two grown children.
Telford Work
Telford Work is associate professor of theology at Westmont College. He is the author of Ain’t Too Proud to Beg: Living through the Lord’s Prayer (Eerdmans, 2007) and Living and Active: Scripture in the Economy of Salvation (Eerdmans, 2002), and a contributor and signatory of In One Body through the Cross: the Princeton Proposal for Christian Unity (Eerdmans, 2003). His articles have appeared in Oxford University Press and Eerdmans books, Theology Today, Scottish Journal of Theology, International Journal of Systematic Theology, Pro Ecclesia, Books & Culture, Christianity Today, St. Vladimir’s Seminary Quarterly, Perspectives, The New Pantagruel, Studies in Interreligious Dialogue, and Re:generation Quarterly. He is also an associate editor of Pro Ecclesia. His Ph.D. in religion (theology and ethics) is from Duke University, where he minored in New Testament and Islamic's and distinguished himself by failing to attend even one basketball game. He also holds an M. A. in theological and biblical studies from Fuller Theological Seminary, at whose Santa Barbara extension campus he teaches, and a B. A. in political science from Stanford University. He maintains an extensive web site at http://telfordwork.net/. He and his wife Kim have four children (Jeremy, Daniel, Junia, and Benjamin), and thus he has no time for hobbies.
Mike and Danae Yankoski
Mike and Danae met at Westmont College in 2002 while Mike was studying Computer Science and Danae was studying English. They were married in 2005, and since then have lived in Santa Barbara, central Oregon and have spent five months traveling and researching Social Justice issues in Central & South America and Eastern Africa. Mike & Danae currently live in Vancouver, B.C. with their dog Elliott, where they are both pursuing their Masters of Christian Studies degrees at Regent College. The two love being outside in God's creation, whether that is backpacking, hiking, or running.
Hanan Yaqub
November 9th, 2009
Hanan Yaqub has served since 1979 as Minister of Worship and Music at Trinity United Presbyterian Church of Santa Ana, California, where she directs an outstanding program of 12 choral and instrumental ensembles and plans weekly worship services known for their broad eclecticism. She is a graduate of Occidental College, California State University Fullerton, and the University of Southern California. Dr. Yaqub has taught choral music at the University of Southern California, California State University Fullerton, Chapman University, Scripps College, Cypress College, and Hope International University, and is a past president of the California chapter of the American Choral Directors Association.
Fareed Zakaria
Monday February 25, 2008
Editor of Newsweek International, Columnist, Host of Foreign Exchange on PBS, Analyst for ABC News
Fareed Zakaria oversees Newsweek’s eight editions throughout the world and writes a regular column for the magazine discussing issues such as terrorism, national security and the global economy. He also appears regularly on PBS and ABC . His books include the best-selling The Future of Freedom and From Wealth to Power. A graduate of Yale, he earned a doctorate in political science at Harvard and edited the journal Foreign Affairs.