Janice Ardrey (’65) recently retired from a 16-year teaching career in veterinary technology at Cosumnes River College. She also worked for 25 years as a registered veterinary technician and 12 years as Christian education director of Willow Ranch Baptist Church. Janice currently lives in Ione, Calif., with her husband of 48 years, Loren. They have two daughters and three grandchildren. Janice also teaches a women’s Bible study and volunteers in the library of her church.

Lynne Hawkins (’65) recently retired after serving with TEAM in Zimbabwe for 40 years. She now serves the Lord in Fresno, Calif., with Kairos, a ministry to women at Valley State Prison for women, and CASA as a court appointed special advocate for children in foster care.

Robert Seelye (’65) has recently published his autobiography, Amazed By Grace. Coming from a liberal church, he and his wife, Barbara, had some traumatic but faith-building early days. The book traces the shaping of their lives, which resulted in many coming to Christ. Ministry trips were taken abroad, including four two-week evangelistic meetings in Catholic Malta. Evangelism was forbidden for 600 years; a loophole in the law opened the doors. Robert developed a soul-winning tract called “The Gentle Touch” to which people respond based on what (little or much) they already know, trusting Christ when the dots connect. To preview the book, go to www.amazedbygrace.net.

Diane (Nisbet, ’79) Zalk and her husband, Bob, are celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary on Nov. 1. The couple lives in Lakewood Village in Long Beach, Calif., and as of fall 2011 both their sons are Biola students: Tim is in his fourth year at Biola, and Andy is a freshman.

David and Karen Cassidy (’83) finalized the adoption of two older Ethiopian children on July 5, 2011. They welcomed Hosanna, 12, and Leza, 13, to their family. The children join the couple’s two biological children, Sean, 16, and Rachel, 14. The Cassidys live in Arroyo Grande, Calif., and celebrated their 29th wedding anniversary this summer.

Dave Beyer (’84) was named sports information director for Mercer University in January 2010. Beyer has more than 25 years of service in the athletics media relations field, most recently serving in a similar capacity at Benedictine University (Ill.). He has also worked as the SID at Rockford College (Ill.), Loras College (Iowa), Aurora University (Ill.), Cal State-San Bernardino, Rancho Santiago Community College (Calif.) and Biola University during his career. Beyer is a member of the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA) and is in his 11th year sitting on the prestigious Capital One Academic All-America Committee. He is also in his sixth year as a member of CoSIDA’s Publication Contest committee.

This year Bill (M.Div. ’86) and Pam (Rogers, ’83) Farrel launched a new website: www.love-wise.com and released several new books: 10 Best Decisions a Man Can Make, 10 Best Decisions a Single Can Make and 52 Ways to Wow Your Husband (all published by Harvest House). Bill and Pam add, “Our education and the strong network of friends and professors have given us a great foundation to build on to reach many for the kingdom. (Thanks Biola and Talbot!)”

Mikel Del Rosario (’96, M.A. ’03) is a Christian apologetics professor, speaker and trainer in Roseville, Calif. He will begin teaching Christian apologetics courses at Western Seminary and William Jessup University this fall. Mikel also teaches a world religions course at University of Phoenix and now represents Biola University as the Biola alumni chapter leader for the Sacramento area. Mikel was recently featured as a plenary speaker alongside J.P. Moreland, Craig Hazen and Clay Jones at “Reasonable Faith in an Uncertain World” in Rocklin, Calif. Mikel helps Christians defend the faith with confidence. Visit his website at apologeticsguy.com.

Thaddeus Williams (’01, M.A. ’05) recently published Love, Freedom, and Evil: Does Authentic Love Require Free Will? (Rodopi, 2011). Contemporizing insights from Augustine and Edwards, sympathetically handling the arguments of Rob Bell, and bringing theology through the atmosphere to the real world, the book is intended to be a vital resource for anyone seeking to “increase and abound in love.” www.lovefreedomandevil.com.

Michelle Anderson (’06) is a contemporary Christian recording artist and just released a new single, “Do You Know My Name?” While at Biola, Michelle began writing her own music and traveled to Nashville and Richmond to perform and learn from other Christian artists. She took extensive vocal training, and even went to round three in American Idol in 2006. Michelle currently lives in Los Angeles and is working on an album, hopefully to be completed by the new year. You can download Michelle’s song on iTunes and watch the music video at www.vimeo.com/michelleanderson.

William Casey Wells (’06) was recently admitted to the University of Southern California Master of Construction Engineering & Management program and also recently promoted to senior associate/relationship manager at Wells Fargo Real Estate Equity. William is concurrently pursuing an M.S. in biotechnology and M.S. in bioscience regulation at The Johns Hopkins University. In addition to his current academic pursuits, William holds an MBA from USC and an M.S. in real estate finance & development from MIT. William intends to found a private equity firm focused on opportunistic real estate investment and life sciences venture capital.

Richard Williams (’06) recently joined Teach For America’s 2011 Teaching Corps. After six years in church youth ministry, he is now teaching Algebra II to 10th grade students at Animo Leadership Charter High School in Inglewood, Calif. As one of 9,300 corps members teaching in high-need public schools in 43 regions around the country, Richard is thrilled to be working alongside other dedicated educators to give students the educational opportunities they deserve. “I could not be more proud of my students, who are so capable and are working hard every day,” he said. “In their faces, I see future members of the College Class of 2018! And who knows? With my help, perhaps a few of them will be Biolans!”

Joe Miller (D.Min. ’11) recently published his fifth book, More Than Cake: 52 Meditations to Feed Your Team. The book is a compilation of 52 meditations that take on issues of church, culture and theology in a way that will engage your team in a full-orbed discussion of life. Miller is currently an adjunct professor in Southern California teaching a variety of courses in practical theology and leadership. In addition, he coaches multiple church planters. You can purchase his new book online at www.createspace.com/3375589.

 

Weddings

Dr. Roberta (Price, ’74) Zapf married Wiley Roberson (’77) on the island of Kauai on June 9, 2011. Both bride and groom attended Biola in the ’70s and are currently living in Bakersfield, Calif. Debra P. Marquez (’01) and Shane A. Butts were married on March 19, 2011, in Ruidoso, N.M. Donna M. Araujo, Debra’s sister, was matron of honor and Brennan Cross, Shane’s oldest nephew, was best man. Chaplain Darrell Winter of Race Track ministry, where Debra volunteers, presided.

Kevin Wong (’04, M.A. ’08) and Sarah Hannesson (’08) were married at Mariners Church, in Irvine, Calif., on June 12, 2010. They met through Sarah’s sister and maid of honor, Laura Hannesson (’08). Other alumni participants included best man Michael Owen (’05, ’10); groomsmen Clint Stringfellow (’04) and John Burge (’06); bridesmaids Adria Murphy (’09), Gina Centanni (’09) and Amanda Turner (’08); and officiant professor Ben Shin. The couple now lives in Orange County, Calif., where Sarah works for a law office and a Christian nonprofit. Kevin is pursuing further graduate studies at Fuller Theological Seminary while teaching part-time for Biola’s M.A. in Christian apologetics and M.A. in science and religion programs.

Travis Eisenhour and Charlotte Newkirk (’05) were married March 5, 2011, in Lomita, Calif. Biolans in the wedding party were Daniel Newkirk (’03, M.A. ’09), Sarah (North, ’04, M.A. ’09) Fordyce, Jamie Rosenberry (’06), Crystal Sachau (’04) and Joy (Buller, ’05) Walker. The happy couple honeymooned in New Zealand and currently lives in Torrance, Calif. Travis works as an engineer in Redondo Beach and Charlotte is an accounting manager in Anaheim.

Annelise (Guisinger, ’07) and Jason Wiens were married in a traditional Anglican ceremony on April 30, 2011, in Washington, D.C. Biolans in the wedding party included Laura Cuthill (’06). Annelise and Jason met while walking to work on Capitol Hill and continue to work for members of Congress. They attend the Church of the Resurrection.

Amber Brady (’08) and David Briggs were married at Christ’s Church of Tucson on Jan. 15, 2011, in a ceremony officiated by pastor Dale Briggs, the groom’s father. Bridesmaids included Biolans Jocey Rogalski (’08), Ashley Nicolaides (’09) and Megan Brady (’08). The couple now reside in Scottville, Mich., on Briggs Farm. David is a herd manager and Amber works at a Christian pregnancy center.

Amanda (Vidak, ’08) and Hans Frei were married June 25, 2010, in Stockton, Calif. They enjoyed a relaxing and tropical honeymoon in the Caribbean on Carnival Cruise Lines. Amanda teaches fifth grade at a Christian school in Stockton and is working on clearing her teaching credential. Hans is a controls engineer in Modesto. They live in Oakdale.

Lehua Kamakawiwoole (’09) married David Faulkner on May 29, 2011, in Kaneohe, Hawaii. Biolans in the wedding party included Amy Cano (’09) and Katherine Duarte (’09). The couple honeymooned on the big island of Hawaii. Lehua works as an associate graphic designer in the University Communications and Marketing department at Biola, and David works as an assistant editor at Pixwel, a post-production studio in Hollywood.

 

Births

Bill (M.A. ’08) and Angela (Yarrall, ’04) Loudon celebrated the birth of a baby boy, Cedric Thomas Loudon, on May 24. Cedric was born in Bogota, Colombia, where the couple is serving as missionaries. He’s their first baby after 12.5 years of marriage. “We have waited for him for a long time!” Angela said.

Ralph (’01) and Wendy (Pinkham, ’98) Grant welcomed Liam Charles Grant on Dec. 5, 2010. Big sister Ainsley and big brother Rafe love him to pieces. The Grants live in La Mirada, where Ralph is a general contractor and Wendy works lots of hours at home and a few hours at CHOC Children’s Hospital as a physical therapist.

Ricky and Shannon (Hueners, ’02) Vaught are delighted to announce the birth of their son, Titus Richard. He was born July 6, 2010, weighing 7 pounds, 14 ounces and measuring 21 inches. The Vaughts reside in Belleville, Ill.

Steve and Ruby (Burgan, ’03, M.A. ’05) Lin are grateful and blessed to announce the birth of their son, Hudson Stephen. He was born on July 28, 2010 at 12:42 a.m. at 6 pounds, 1 ounce and 19 inches long. Steve works at the University of Southern California as a webmaster. Ruby will begin teaching at Biola this fall as an adjunct teacher in the School of Education.

Jeremy (’03) and Liza (Okazaki) Gant proudly announce the birth of their first son Peyton Tetsu Semucyo Gant on March 3, 2011. Jeremy graduated from the radio, television, film program and currently has his own ministry minded production company, One Ten Pictures. Liza is the kids small groups lead coordinator at Saddleback Church. Together they lead annual children’s PEACE missions trips to Rwanda; hence the second middle name of Semucyo (which means “of the light”).

Steve and Kelley (’04) Crummitt would like to announce the birth of their first baby, Kate Marie Crummitt, on Feb. 19, 2011. She weighed 8 pounds, 2 ounces and was 21 inches long. Kate is the most precious baby and they are thanking God daily for the gift he has given them.

Michael (’05) and Kimi (Payne, ’05) Musser welcomed Quinten Kenichi on May 13, 2011. Michael is a freelance graphic designer who owns his own small business, Anticipate Invitations. Kimi is a speech language pathologist in the surrounding area school districts. They currently reside in Marietta, Pa.

Luke (’07) and Jocelyn (Ventura, ’06) Glaze are proud to announce the birth of their first son, River Luke, born on Feb. 14, 2011, in Amman, Jordan. The Glazes currently live in Jordan and are working for a nonprofit organization.

Gordon (’07) and Sarah (Steele, ’08) Hendrickson welcomed their first baby girl, Corinne Taylor, on July 10, 2010. She weighed 9 pounds, 1 ounce and was 21 inches long. She is happy and healthy and such a joy. Gordon is working as a police officer in Los Angeles and Sarah is substitute teacher and stay-at-home mom.

Garrett (’08) and Lisa (Geerdes, ’08) De Blauw would like to joyfully announce the birth of their beautiful little girl, Emma Jane De Blauw. She was born June 26, 2010, at HOAG in Newport Beach, Calif., and weighed 9 pounds, 5 ounces and was 21 inches long. The family resides in Costa Mesa, Calif. where Garrett works for SER law firm and Lisa manages performing groups at Disneyland.

 

Deaths

Paul Woodrow Rood (’37), son of Biola’s third president, Paul Rood, passed away on May 6, 2011, at Mt. Miguel Covenant Village in Spring Valley, Calif. Born on June 4, 1914, “Woody” spent his childhood in Minnesota, Washington and California. After attending Moody Bible Institute for two years, he transferred to the Bible Institute of Los Angeles in 1935 when his father became president. At Biola, Woodrow studied music and voice under Herbert G. Tovey. A year after graduating, he married Tovey’s daughter, Ruth, in a ceremony officiated by two Biola presidents: his father and Louis Talbot. Over the course of the next 40 years, Woodrow served in pastoral ministry in churches throughout California and Arizona, while also serving on the boards of numerous organizations. In 1949, still early in his ministry career, Biola awarded him an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree. After the death of Ruth in 1987, he later married Leona Horberg, who was his companion for nearly 20 years before her passing in 2006. Woodrow loved to minister and encourage others, and in his limited free time enjoyed golfing. He is survived by his son, Raymond Paul, and daughter-in-law, Mary-Ellen; grandson, Blake Edward, and wife Becky; great-grandson, Jackson Paul; younger brother, Don Rood, and sister-in-law Margaret Ann Rood; and 10 nieces and nephews.

Robert Leslie Carpenter (’44) passed away on May 1, 2011, surrounded by his family. He was 89. Born on Oct. 29, 1921, in San Diego, Calif., Bob moved to Los Angeles as a child. After high school he enrolled in the Bible Institute of Los Angeles, majoring in Bible and graduating in 1944. After graduating from Biola he enrolled in Westmont College, graduating with a degree in history. At Biola and Westmont, he lettered in both basketball and baseball. Bob married Jane Yount in 1945, and in 1950, he became the pastor at the Garden Farms Union Church in Atascadero. During that time they were blessed with the birth of their son, Tim, and their daughter, Carol. In October 1957, Bob became the pastor at Nyeland Community Church in Oxnard. Pastor Bob served as the shepherd of this flock for 31 years. In 1980, Jane went to be with the Lord. Shortly thereafter, their longtime friend, Art Ramey, went home to be with the Lord. In 1982, Bob and Anna Ramey were united in marriage. Bob and Anna continued to serve together until Bob retired from Nyeland Community Church in 1988. Following retirement, Bob, with his helpmate Anna, continued to serve the Lord in a variety of ministries, including as an interim pastor at several churches in Southern California, as well as a year at South Hills Bible Church in Spokane, Wash.

Verna B. Smith (’47) was born in Dallas, Ore., on Feb. 5, 1924, and went to be with her Lord and Savior on June 23, 2011. Verna grew up just outside of Dallas in the Guthrie community. Her parents were Edward and Beulah Pike. She attended Biola College and completed her teaching and counseling degree through Azusa Pacific College Advance Program. Verna married her school sweetheart, Joseph H. Smith, in 1946. They then moved to Southern California, where they eventually established a home in Long Beach. After a successful career in education as a teacher and eventually an administrator, she retired with Joseph to Yreka, Calif., where she remained until her return to the land of her birth. She lived out her final years at the Dallas Retirement Village. Verna was a vivacious Christian who loved people and loved sharing stories of her life and the many adventures she enjoyed throughout her 87 years.

Thomas “Thom” Michael Flavin (’89) of Gilbert, Ariz., was called home to be with his Lord on July 11, 2011, in Chandler, Ariz., at the age of 51. Thom was born in 1960 to Francis and Patricia Flavin in Evergreen Park, Ill. He served his Lord all his life and was an encouragement and example to all who knew him. He is survived by his wife, Susan, four children and four brothers.