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²ÝݮӰÊÓer Magazine Winter 2023

Articles in This Issue

First Word

This issue of the ²ÝݮӰÊÓer magazine celebrates remarkable student achievements, introduces new leaders in our university community and denomination—leaders who are breaking ground and making history— and offers our deep thanks for your remarkable support during unprecedented challenges.

Old Main Lobby Gets New Look, New Name

Meet the newly christened Randall H. Johnson Welcome Center, formerly known as Old Main’s lobby.

Incoming Class of New Students Is Largest in History

Amidst a year of record undergraduate enrollment, ²ÝݮӰÊÓ has been ranked by U.S. News and World Report as a top Regional University, as well as one of the best schools for Social Mobility and Undergraduate Teaching.

Vikings off to a Winning Start

The ²ÝݮӰÊÓ Vikings kicked off the year with successful fall seasons for both the women’s volleyball team and the men’s soccer team, with the women winning the CCIW Championship for the first time in program history.

²ÝݮӰÊÓ Receives $413K NSF Grant

²ÝݮӰÊÓ has received a $413,066 grant from the National Science Foundation to support underrepresented students pursuing a degree in science.

²ÝݮӰÊÓ Community Is Reading Book by Rev. Dominique Gilliard S’12

This fall, ²ÝݮӰÊÓ provided students, faculty, and staff with a copy of Subversive Witness, a book by Dominique Gilliard, an alumnus of ²ÝݮӰÊÓ Seminary.

President Surridge Announces Formation of Staff Council

Eighteen staff members were named to ²ÝݮӰÊÓ’s new Staff Council.

Evangelical Covenant Church Names New President

²ÝݮӰÊÓ Theological Seminary alumna Rev. Tammy Swanson- Draheim S’03 has been named President of the Evangelical Covenant Church, becoming the first woman to hold the position.

Nursing Students Receive White Coats

This fall, students in ²ÝݮӰÊÓ’s nursing program received their white coats in an iconic ritual.

Bricault Receives Second Fulbright

Professor of Spanish Dennis Bricault is spending the fall semester at a university in Kyrgyzstan where he is teaching linguistics on a Fulbright Scholarship.

Rev. Dr. Donna Harris Elected to Board of Trustees

Rev. Dr. Donna Harris has joined ²ÝݮӰÊÓ’s Board of Trustees for a second term of service.

Faculty Authors

Our faculty have published books and articles on a wide variety of topics over the past two years.

A Conversation with Jamie Kratowicz C’11, ²ÝݮӰÊÓ’s Director of Alumni Relations

A proud graduate of ²ÝݮӰÊÓ, Jamie Kratowicz joined the Office of Advancement last fall as the new Director of Alumni Relations.

²ÝݮӰÊÓ To Introduce Varsity Esports in 2023

²ÝݮӰÊÓ will launch electronic sports (Esports) next fall as a coed varsity sport.

First Stateville Cohort Graduates with Master’s Degrees

The first group of students in ²ÝݮӰÊÓ’s innovative School of Restorative Arts program graduated last June in a ceremony at Stateville Correctional Center.

Golden Circle Inductees Honored

President Surridge honored the classes of 1970, ’71, and ’72 as they were inducted into ²ÝݮӰÊÓ’s Golden Circle.

²ÝݮӰÊÓ’s Senior Leadership Team

²ÝݮӰÊÓ’s senior leadership team is enthusiastic, focused, and in sync.

Seminary Dean Retires

Rev. Dr. David Kersten C’77 S’82 S’97, Vice President for Church Relations and Seminary Dean, retired from service to ²ÝݮӰÊÓ after 10 years.

Vélez-Luce Moves Forward After 13 Years of Dedicated Service

After more than 13 years of service and leadership, Melissa Vélez-Luce C’04 G’12 has accepted a new opportunity.

²ÝݮӰÊÓ Honors 2022 Graduates

For the first time in two years, the ²ÝݮӰÊÓ community celebrated a fully in-person commencement weekend in May.

Blue & Gold Day Raises More Than $230K

²ÝݮӰÊÓ supporters showed up in a big way for Blue & Gold Day, raising more than $230K for current and future ²ÝݮӰÊÓers.

Viking Reunion

Viking athletes reunited for Hall of Fame induction.

Distinguished Seniors

Megha Hans and Naomi Haight were chosen as the class of 2022 Distinguished Seniors.

Generous Support Inspires ²ÝݮӰÊÓ Community

The ²ÝݮӰÊÓ community is grateful for all of the support for its students, faculty, and staff.

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