Northwest University News

Northwest Universitys 76th Commencement

Sat, 05 May 2012 00:00:00 -0700

On May 5, 2012, Northwest University celebrated its 76^th Commencement at Overlake Christian Church, when a record number of 362 students received degrees. Randall Borman, Chief of the Cofán Nation of Ecuador, delivered the Commencement Address.

Known as the “Gringo Chief,” blue-eyed, gray-haired Borman, as Chief of Territories, has been helping the Cofán re-acquire their tribal lands and preserve its rainforests for over 30 years. With a wide range of skills—from monkey-hunting to political savvy—his understanding of both the Cofán and Western cultures has made him a dynamic leader in the fight for rainforest conservation.

Born to American missionaries in Ecuador, Borman grew up in the rainforest deep in the Amazon jungle. His parents came to Ecuador in the 1950s to translate the Bible into the Cofán language. At the age of 20, Borman returned to Ecuador for good with a degree in biological sciences after only two years of college in the States. To his alarm, the tribe was in danger of being pushed out of its land by deforesters and oil seekers. Seeing the growing damage, Borman was determined to help the tribe he was born and raised in, that he felt he belonged to himself. Since then, Borman has helped the Cofáns recover and protect over one million acres of their land. The tribe’s territory is now roughly the size of Delaware.

Borman has won three prestigious awards for his work in conservation biology and renewable resources: the Friends of the United Nations 50th Anniversary Award in Forestry and Renewable Resources, 1995; the World Wide Fund for Nature’s Award for Conservation Excellence, 1997; and the Field Museum of Chicago’s Parker-Gentry Award for Excellence in Conservation Biology, 1998. He also founded an ecotourism program for the Cofáns to support themselves, as well a non-profit organization called the Cofán Survival Fund (www.cofan.org). Northwest University awarded Borman an honorary Doctor of Law degree for his work among the Cofán people as part of the Commencement celebration.

Other highlights of Commencement included honoring Dr. LeRoy Johnson with the Delta Tau Faculty Award of Honor for his 45 years of full-time teaching at Northwest University. Dr. Johnson is retiring this year from full-time teaching, but will continue teaching part-time at NU.

Northwest also awarded its very first doctoral degree, the Doctor of Psychology to Dr. Janet O’Donnell and Brady Beard, a graduate in Biblical Literature, delivered the Student Address.

Third Annual Social Venture Competition

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0700

You are invited to attend Northwest University’s Third Annual Social Venture Competition!

This event is a trade show format where NU students will be presenting business plans that address social needs using sustainable funding. All students, faculty, staff, and the public are invited to evaluate the viability and creativity of the plans and vote for their favorite teams.

Prior to the showcase competition on April 11, teams presented their formal plans during boardroom presentations to outside judges–local business people who volunteered to judge. Teams were scored based on best overall written plan, best presentation, and best social venture idea.

This year, Northwest is offering prize money for the showcase competition on April 11.

There will be a winner and runner-up based on the most points from results of the ballots submitted at the showcase.

This event is free and open to the public, and local business people are encouraged to attend.

April 11, 3 pm – 6 pm
Northwest University
Health and Sciences Center, Room 231

For more information, please email Professor Tim Lucas at tim.lucas@northwestu.edu

Jane Eyre: The Musical

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0700

Don’t miss this inspiring 1820s love story of courage and faith March 27, 28, 29, 30, and 31.

7:30 PM
Millard Drama Hall
Northwest University Campus in Kirkland, WA

Tickets: $8 general admission, $5 NU and HS students with ID at the door or NU bookstore.
425.889.5268 • bookstore@northwestu.edu

Follow Jane's life as she discovers courage, faith and love.

Northwest Choralons Live Recording

Thu, 08 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0800

The Northwest Choralons will be recording their first live worship CD on Monday, March 19 at 10:40 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. in the Butterfield Chapel. The Northwest community is welcome to attend, along with family and friends. Admission is free.

The Northwest Choralons’ tour information can be found at http://www.northwestu.edu/ministry/choralons/.

For more information, please contact Tracy Laas at tracy.laas@northwestu.edu or call 425.889.5307.

Presidential Landing Zone

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0800

On Friday, February 17, President Barack Obama landed on Northwest University’s campus. The former Seattle Seahawks fields were deemed an adequate place for Marine One and six other support helicopters. The President was in town attending a private function in nearby Bellevue.

Secret Service agents roamed the campus as crowds of students and faculty gathered, hoping to catch a glimpse of the action. The mood on campus crackled with anticipation, as drills using several military helicopters, which captured the attention of the campus on Wednesday, preceded the President’s arrival.

“We were thinking of making signs and getting out lawn chairs!” joked junior Brianna Wondra.

Accompanied by dozens of police motorcycles and an imposing collection of black SUVs, President Obama left NU through streets lined with excited students and neighbors from the local community.

Remembering Recent Graduate, Masayuki

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0800

“The Bible says that overwhelming joy and hope lie ahead beyond current pain and sufferings.” Northwest University alum Masayuki (Masa) Konishi made this confident declaration in his 2011 testimony for Seattle’s Japanese x Jesus ministry.

Several years earlier, Masa had plans to leave his hometown of Nara, Japan to pursue a college education in America. But soon before his departure, while being examined for a snowboarding injury, doctors discovered that Masa had polycystic kidney disease (PKD). Upon learning that PKD is hereditary and incurable, Masa felt helpless and hopeless, even contemplating suicide. But with encouragement from family and friends, he decided to keep his plans to go to America and moved to Seattle two years later.

As Masa pursued his associate’s degree at Edmonds Community College, he made some new friends who invited him to church. Though he was raised Buddhist, he attended periodically, searching for answers and struggling to deal emotionally with his illness.

After hearing a sermon about the power of prayer, he sensed God’s presence and knew that God was speaking to him and would give him the strength to deal with this disease.

After accepting Christ, Masa transferred to Northwest University to be part of a Christian community. “It is very important to have a community to be in,” he said. “You can’t live by yourself. . . . it is a great thing to have people to share with and pray for you.”

As Masa continued to struggle with his health, he felt supported by his friends’ and church’s prayers, aware of an almost palpable sense of calm and peace that he knew could only be from God.

Masa’s academic advisor, Professor Kara Heinrichs, described Masa as “a vibrant part of his church community,” commending “his faithfulness even in his difficult struggle” as “a powerful witness to many others.”

Despite undergoing dialysis treatments for his PKD, Masa’s kidneys began to fail in early January. He once again received the support of family, friends, and acquaintances as over 1,500 people around the world prayed for him and his family, flooding the “Pray for Masa” Facebook page with prayers and encouragement.

On January 5, Masa suffered an inoperable brain hemorrhage and lost consciousness.

At age 27, Masa left behind his pain and suffering for the overwhelming joy of heaven on January 7, 2012.

Those who knew Masa will miss his contagious smile and joyful attitude. Former NU student TJ Duffy described Masa as his first friend at NU and a “genuine, warmhearted man of God.”

In memory of Masa, Northwest University has created a scholarship award of $1,000 that will be presented to a Japanese student. “We are grateful for the honor of participating in Masa's life,” said President Castleberry, “and our faith promises us that we will see him again in God's Kingdom.”

Leader in Global Evangelism to Visit Northwest Campus

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0800

After hearing a sermon about the power of prayer, he sensed God’s presence and knew that God was speaking to him and would give him the strength to deal with this disease.

As Masa continued to struggle with his health, he felt supported by his friends’ and church’s prayers, aware of an almost palpable sense of calm and peace that he knew could only be from God.

On January 5, Masa suffered an inoperable brain hemorrhage and lost consciousness.

At age 27, Masa left behind his pain and suffering for the overwhelming joy of heaven on January 7, 2012.

Those who knew Masa will miss his contagious smile and joyful attitude. Former NU student TJ Duffy described Masa as his first friend at NU and a “genuine, warmhearted man of God.”

Dr. Tom Phillips (Vice President of Crusades) from the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association will speak at Northwest University on April 2, 2012. Dr. Phillips is an expert in global evangelism, revival, and church growth and evangelism trends throughout the world. His extensive background of leadership involvements include leading the training program at the Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove, Senior Crusade Director (Billy Graham Crusades), Director of Counseling and Follow-up (BGEA), School of Evangelism (instructor), and numerous other leadership assignments, including serving as the President of Horizon College in San Diego and President of International Students, Inc.

Dr. Phillips will speak in both chapel services as well as at a pastor’s luncheon, and will appear for a question/answer time with faculty and students.

Christmas Traditions at Benaroya Hall

Sat, 05 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0700

The Northwest University Concert Choir and the University Presbyterian Cathedral Choir join the Rainier Symphony to present Christmas Traditions. The concert will be held on December 2, 2011 at 7:30 pm at Beneroya Hall.

Featuring familiar carol arrangements by Mack Wilberg and Peter Hope, music of Rutter, Mealor, Christiansen, Wohlgemuth, and more. Conducted by William Owen and David Waltman.

Tickets range from $12-$36 and are available at:
• benaroyahall.org*
• 206.215.4747*
• Benaroya Hall Ticket Office
• Northwest University Bookstore - 425.889.5268
• Rainier Symphony - 206.781.5618

*(An $8 service fee per phone and online orders will be charged, regardless of the number of tickets purchased.)

Autumn Leaves Fall Jazz Concert

Fri, 04 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0700

The Northwest University Music Department Presents the Autumn Leaves Fall Concert featuring Synergy Vocal Jazz, Northwest University Jazz Band, and the NU Jazz Rhythm combo.

Butterfield Chapel November 17th at 7:30pm
Tickets are available at the NU bookstorepre-concert $6.00/adult - $4.00/student & senior
Tickets at the door: $8.00/adult - $6.00/student & senior

For more info contact music@northwestu.edu or 425.889.5525

The Summoning of Everyman

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0700

The Northwest University Drama Program presents: The Summoning of Everyman in Millard Hall Theatre.

November 3, 4, 5, 11, 12 /// 7:30pm
Tickets: $10/Adult $8/Student with ID
Tickets for sale at the NU Bookstore and at the door.

November 10 /// 10:00am
High School Student Matinee
Tickets: Free - students and groups must RSVP
435.889.5286 or admissions@northwestu.edu

Alumni Chapel 2011

Fri, 07 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0700

On October 7th, NU awarded Alumni of the Year and Young Alumna of the Year in the annual alumni chapel. We were led in worship by Travis Lindseth, heard a word from John Fox (’83 – President of the Alumni Association and business owner), and then enjoyed hearing from our award recipients, Darrel and Gail Johnsen (’79 – Pastors at Faith Assembly in Pasco, Wash.) and Tiffany Zulkosky (’06 – Rural Director to U.S. Senator Mark Begich).

Darrel and Gail Johnsen: Alumni of the Year

I have had the honor of getting to know many amazing NU alums over the last two years. Darrel and Gail are great examples of the amazing people coming out of NU. They have given back to Northwest and are also a part of those investing in NU.

While telling their story in chapel, Gail made a great comment that is a picture of the lives and ministries of the Johnsens. She likened the call of God to a journey, not a destination. And that all those sitting in chapel were able to live out that call each day – there should be no waiting until after graduation, after the job offer, after the ordination, etc. In the short time that I have known them, they live this out in their own lives.

The encouragement that they displayed in the short chapel service was truly an indication of their ministries in the Tri-Cities area where Darrel serves as the Lead Pastor and Gail is the Pastor of Spiritual Formation and Women. Darrel is currently the Executive Presbyter over the Central Region of Washington State.

They tell me that in their spare time, they go on motorcycle trips with other pastors from around the state.

Tiffany Zulkosky: Young Alumna of the Year

Do you remember sitting in chapel wondering how God was going to use you after graduation?

For Tiffany, it was hearing former President, and current Chancellor, Don Argue talk about his involvement in politics and interaction with decision makers. Suddenly, she felt that she had a more specific purpose and calling than she had known before. What would that look like? She had no idea.

After graduation, Tiffany returned home to Bethel, Alaska. She decided to test the political waters and see what God may have in store for her. She ran for the Bethel City Council, which was a statement of her faith in what she understood as God's direction for her life. She won in a landslide. Within a few months, she was elected by her fellow council members to be the new Mayor of Bethel!

Tiffany currently serves Alaskan Senator Mark Bergich as the Rural Director and is able to advocate on behalf of the Native Alaskans – giving voice to those in remote villages and helping to speed racial equality. Her actions have been well received by those she represents as well as those she works with.

All this within five years of graduating from NU! Way to go, Tiffany!

Northwest University Ranks Among Best

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -0700

In the U.S. News & World Report recently released publication, America’s Best Colleges 2012, Northwest University was regionally ranked as a Tier I baccalaureate college. Northwest University received a ranking of 9 in the category, which is an improvement from the 2011 report where Northwest was ranked 14.

Northwest was also recognized as a top 10 baccalaureate college in the category of “Best Value School.” Colleges are selected based on academic quality, as well as the net cost of attendance for the 2010-2011 academic year. Only colleges that are in the top half of their categories and above average academically are included.

“It is an honor to be listed among America’s best colleges,” said Northwest University’s president, Joseph Castleberry. “As Northwest University adds programs and gets bigger, we are even more committed to getting better, providing the highest quality education. This ranking confirms the capabilities and commitment of our faculty and it is a tribute to them.”

Northwest University’s profile and ranking in U.S. News & World Report: America’s Best Colleges 2012 is available HERE.

Faculty Piano Recital - Mizue Fells

Mon, 22 Aug 2011 00:00:00 -0700

Northwest University faculty member Mizue Fells was featured in concert on Friday, September 16 in the Butterfield Chapel at the Kirkland campus. Professor Fells was joined by guest musicians adjunct faculty member Kathy Boone and student Drew Baddeley.

Northwest University Butterfield Chapel
5520 108th Ave. NE, Kirkland, WA 98033

Directions to the Northwest University Kirkland campus.

For more information, contact the Music Department at 425.889.5255.

Northwest to Help Bethany Students

Wed, 15 Jun 2011 00:00:00 -0700

With the recent announcement of the closing of Bethany University, Northwest University is prepared to assist their students by letting them transfer all earned credits with no increase in tuition expense.

"I've been in close contact with President Lewis Shelton throughout his efforts to save Bethany, and all of us at Northwest share in the sense of grief the whole Bethany community is feeling. We're committed to making a generous effort to minimize the financial impact of the closure on Bethany's students," stated Joseph Castleberry, President of Northwest University.

“We will commit to matching their net price, including Cal Grant funds, in that net price for their current enrollees,” stated Dan Neary, Executive Vice President at Northwest University. This offer will be extended for tuition for the 2011-2012 year. Athletic scholarships will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

To facilitate the transfer process, Northwest has created a simplified application form for Bethany students (http://www.northwestu.edu/admissions/apply/). Students can begin the process by filling out the abbreviated application, submitting unofficial transcripts while official transcripts are being processed, and a copy of their most recent financial aid award letter. Students can also add Northwest U to their 2011-2012 FAFSA (Title IV Code: 003783).

Another option for Bethany students is the Northwest University Salem campus located on Bethel Park in Brooks, Ore. For more information about this location check out http://salem.northwestu.edu/.

Applicants for Fall 2011 should complete the Northwest University application online at http://www.northwestu.edu/admissions/apply/. It is not too late to apply for financial aid by completing the FAFSA or adding Northwest to the existing FAFSA (Title IV Code: 003783).

Questions can be directed to the Admissions office at 800.669.3781 or admissions@northwestu.edu.

Former Seahawk Building Named for Randy Barton

Mon, 23 May 2011 00:00:00 -0700

In the 1980s, Barton served as the Vice President for Development at Northwest. It was his idea to develop a relationship with the Seattle Seahawks in which they would construct a building and athletic fields, use it for a contracted period of time, then turn it over to Northwest. That transition has now occurred. The field is used for athletic events and physical education classes, and the building is used for classrooms, offices, the Eagle Fitness Center, and Creatio Studios.

Photos

Article in the Kirkland Reporter

Randall K. Barton Biography

Kathi Goertzen Receives Honorary Doctorate

Wed, 04 May 2011 00:00:00 -0700

Kathi Goertzen, the KOMO TV co-anchor noted for her outstanding professional success, moral example, and indomitable spirit, was presented with the Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree at the 75^th Commencement of Northwest University.

The event was held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, May 7, 2011, at Overlake Christian Church.

“Since 1989, when she was diagnosed with a tumor on the brain stem, Kathi Goertzen has endured numerous surgeries and treatments with a consistent testimony of faith and dignity, truly modeling Christian character to the world,” stated Dr. Joseph Castleberry, the President of Northwest University. “Her professional accomplishments include being the first local American television news correspondent to report live from the scene of the Berlin Wall when it fell. She is a beloved public figure with support from more than 60,000 Facebook fans.”

The Commencement Address was delivered by the Honorable Rob McKenna, Attorney General for the State of Washington. General McKenna received his J.D. from the University of Chicago Law School, where he was a member of the Law Review. He earned a B.A. in Economics, and a B.A. in International Studies, both with honors, from the University of Washington. At UW, he was student body president and graduated Phi Beta Kappa. He began his law career in the Bellevue office of Perkins Coie, one of the Top Fifty law firms in the nation. He serves on President Obama’s Financial Fraud Task Force.

The President’s Award, for significant and meritorious service given to Northwest University, to the community, or to the public welfare of humankind, was presented to Chi-Dooh (Skip) Li, founder of the law firm Ellis, Li, and McKinstry. He was born in Mumbai, India, and grew up in Asia, Australia, and Latin American. He speaks fluent Mandarin, Chinese, and Spanish. In 1992, he pursued a dream of helping the poor in developing countries buy farmland and build economic self-sufficiency through agriculture. That dream has blossomed into a non-profit organization known as Agros International, which has helped create over 37 communities in Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Honduras, and Mexico.

The Northwest University class of 2011 included 341 graduates – 243 baccalaureate degrees and 98 graduate degrees. The Student Commencement Speaker was Lauryn Duffy, an Elementary Education major with a concentration in Humanities.

More Photos.

School of Business and Management Earns ACBSP Accreditation

Tue, 26 Apr 2011 00:00:00 -0700

The Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) Baccalaureate/Graduate Degree Board of Commissioners recently awarded Northwest University initial accreditation of its business programs.

ACBSP accreditation certifies that the teaching and learning processes within the School of Business and Management at Northwest University meet the rigorous educational standards established by ACBSP.

“Northwest University has shown their commitment to teaching excellence and to the process of quality improvement by participating in the accreditation process,” said ACBSP Director of Accreditation Steve Parscale. “This accreditation is evidence that Northwest University is committed to providing the highest quality business education for their students.”

The announcement was made to Teresa Gillespie, Dean of the School of Business and Management.

“This news represents another CHEA-approved professional accreditation at Northwest University,” notes Dr. Joseph Castleberry, the University’s President.

“CHEA is the Council for Higher Education Accreditation, which is authorized by the U.S. government.”

In addition to regional accreditation, which stretches out over the entire institution, it is worthwhile for individual schools and colleges of the University to achieve accreditation by CHEA-approved religious or professional accrediting agencies. Such accreditors would include ATS (Association of Theological Schools) and APA (American Psychological Association).

The Mark and Huldah Buntain School of Nursing at Northwest University already has been CHEA-approved.

In the case of business schools, there are two main accreditation agencies approved by CHEA.

“Our new accreditor (ACBSP) tends to specialize in teaching institutions like Northwest University,” explains Dr. Castleberry. “The other accreditor, known as the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), tends to focus on research-intensive schools like the University of Washington and Seattle Pacific University. These two accrediting agencies are often referred to as ‘Single-A’ and ‘Double-A.’ We’re with the ‘Single A’ group, which is just right for us and represents a major step forward.”

There are other significant forms of academic validation, of course. Northwest University has approval from the State of Washington for our School of Nursing and our School of Education, and we have ecclesiastical endorsement for our College of Ministry.

“Everyone associated with the School of Business and Management worked hard on this, and they all deserve great thanks,” states Dr. Jim Heugel, Provost.

Campus Ministries Releases New Worship CD

Fri, 15 Apr 2011 00:00:00 -0700

Campus Ministries at Northwest University has just finished the latest student-lead worship project, titled “Deeper.” The CD was released at 9:00 p.m. Monday, April 18, in conjunction with the normal Monday Night Pursuit Gathering in the Chapel. This entire project was produced, recorded, mixed, and mastered on the Northwest University campus in cooperation with Creatio and the new studio.

More Photos

According to Aaron Welk, the Associate Campus Pastor at Northwest, “This project grew from the continued vision of Campus Pastor Phil Rasmussen and Campus Ministries to produce music that reflects the sense of worship on campus, and to give our travelling ministry teams something that would serve as another touch point for the University.”

Last summer, Welk began working with students Travis Lindseth and Matthew Lobe to write and arrange the songs for this project. “We wanted the project to serve three purposes,” Welk explains. “First, to be a reflection of the spirit of our six student-lead chapel worship teams. Second, to be an outlet for original music and arranging. And third, to continue to grow the level of musicianship and recording within Campus Ministries as worship to Christ and as good public relations for the University.”

Songs were chosen with these purposes in mind. Lindseth and Lobe wrote a tune together (“Ocean”) with assistance from Welk, and they arranged two songs originally composed by Welk (“It’s Time” and “No One Like Our God”). They also rearranged two hymns (“It is Well” and “Jesus Paid It All”) and other popular worship songs (“The Earth is Yours,” “Lord of Lords,” Beautiful Things” and “Salvation is Here.”) Welk also worked with some members of the Crossing ministry team from last summer, Hannah Moreno and Marissa Monroy, to hone a pair of arrangements they had used over the summer (“How Deep the Fathers Love” and “Beautiful”).

“We compiled players from chapel worship bands to begin practicing the songs in the fall,” explains Welk. “I continued to work with them on the production end, and we began recording tracks mid semester in the fall.”

Welk engineered the project in the new studio.

Beginning in March, Steve Smith of Creatio mixed and mastered the project. He was also able to use some of the tracks to take students in his recording class participate in the mixing process for his recording class.

“Deeper” is available in the Northwest University Bookstore. Within a few weeks it will also be available on iTunes.

“Deeper” Participants:

Students

Travis Lindseth – Writing, Arranging, Lead Vocals, Electric

Matthew Lobe – Writing, Arranging, Keys

Brandon Long – Drums

Ethan Bowe – Bass

Stephen Seybold – Electric Guitar

Ludia Gayvoronskiy – Vocals

Shelby Wells – Vocals

Hannah Moreno – Arranging, Lead Vocals

Marissa Monroy – Arranging, Vocals

Ray Garza – Drums

Emmanuel Garza – Bass

Brandon Simmons – Acoustic

Kenny Priest – Assistant Engineer

Staff

Executive Production – Phil Rasmussen

Production, Engineering, Writing, Arranging – Aaron Welk

Mixing, Mastering – Steve Smith

Costco CEO Speaks at Northwest University

Sat, 02 Apr 2011 00:00:00 -0700

Jim Sinegal, the CEO and co-founder of Costco, spoke at the monthly event of the Northwest University Business Association (NUBA) on Wednesday, March 2. NUBA is a student organization founded and started by NU students who want to establish connections between NU students and companies and professionals in the Seattle area.

MORE PHOTOS

Mr. Sinegal co-founded Costco in 1983. He is considered an atypical CEO because the company spends no money on broadcast advertising, treats its employees extremely well, and his CEO salary is relatively modest for a company its size.

“NUBA has had great success in bringing high quality Christian speakers from businesses and corporations around Seattle in the year and half since it was founded,” stated Brad Brown, the NUBA President. “The evening with Jim Sinegal was the culmination of more than a year of planning, and it couldn't have turned out better.”

More than 150 students, staff, alumni and community members attended the packed event in the Health and Sciences Center at Northwest University. Mr. Sinegal shared a detailed look into the process and success of Costco, throughout its nearly 30 year history.

Costco shares at least one geographic connection with Northwest University. Northwest’s main campus is in Kirkland, Washington. Costco started in Kirkland, and “Kirkland” is the brand for much of Costco’s privately labeled merchandise.

At the end of his presentation, NUBA, on behalf of Northwest University, honored Mr. Sinegal for his generous support of the College Success Foundation. The CSF has enabled over 100 students to attend Northwest University over the last ten years with more than $1 million in scholarship awards. Maxwell Mooney, one of the CSF scholarship recipients for 2010-2011, delivered a personal message of gratitude. Mr. Sinegal was presented with a token of gratitude from Northwest University in the form of a 1983 John F. Kennedy Half Dollar (for the year Costco was founded), inscribed with a quote from JFK: “Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other.”

After the event, Mr. Sinegal remained to answer individual questions, shake hands and take pictures with students.

“These opportunities are the kind of personal interaction that NUBA events provide, which you won't find elsewhere,” said Brad Brown.

The next speaker will be Brian Chapman of Amazon.com at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 13, in Room 104 of the Health and Sciences Center.

Brian is currently responsible for Amazon.com’s affiliate marketing channel. He guides Amazon.com’s technology roadmap, business development, marketing and fraud teams. Prior to joining Amazon, Chapman managed a nine-figure online media and promotions budget to drive customer acquisition for AT&T.

Students, alumni, staff and community members are welcome to attend.

NU Celebrates First Eagle Hall of Fame Event

Thu, 31 Mar 2011 00:00:00 -0700

Three individuals and one team were inducted into the Northwest University Eagle Hall of Fame – and thousands of dollars were raised for athletic scholarships – at the first annual Hall of Fame Dinner and Sports Benefit on March 25, 2011.

PHOTOS

The Hall of Fame inductees were Kristi Brodin, former athletic director and coach; LeRoy Johnson, former coach and current professor and fervent fan; John Brown, former outstanding basketball player; and the national champion women’s basketball team of 1987-88. In addition to the inductees, current student-athletes Lauren Holtz (volleyball) and Greg Peters (basketball) were named NU Female and Male Athletes of the Year.

The event was attended by 245 former players, coaches, fans, family, and friends. It was held in the Donald H. Argue Health and Sciences Center on the Northwest University campus.

In addition to honoring athletes and teams, the evening was designed to raise money for athletic scholarships at Northwest University. More than 80 items were donated, and they were sold at a silent auction before the dinner and at a live action during the event.

Former NU basketball player Wes Davis served as the Master of Ceremonies. Gary McIntosh, Athletic Director and Men’s Soccer Head Coach provided a welcome, and John Bacon, Assistant Professor of Business, and Dustin Shirley, Director for Alumni, conducted the live auction. Dr. Joseph Castleberry, NU’s President, shared a vision for the future of Eagle athletics, and a video highlighted the story of Williwu Seifa, a current student from Liberia who is a soccer player and sprinter.

PROFILES OF THE INDUCTEES

Kristi Brodin

Brodin began her career at Northwest in 1970 after graduating from Seattle Pacific University as a physical education major and two-sport athlete. Kristi established and coached women’s basketball and volleyball at NU. Her teams won five NCCAA national basketball titles in seven years, with the first one coming in 1988. Her volleyball teams qualified for the national tournament three times, placing third in 1989 and second in 1993. She was named national Coach of the Year in 1989. She left coaching in 1998 and served as the NU athletic director for six years until 2009.

LeRoy Johnson

Dr. LeRoy Johnson has been a part of the Kirkland campus since 1967, when he joined the faculty. He served 16 years as an assistant basketball coach. After leaving his coaching duties, Dr. Johnson continued to teach at NU and became the public address announcer. He became the Faculty Athletic Representative (FAR) in 1984, and he has served as the FAR for all sports since then. Dr. Johnson has been a devoted Eagle for 44 years.

John Brown

John Brown was a men’s basketball player at Northwest from 1972-74. He came to what was then Northwest College from Ketchikan, Alaska, via Seattle University. He played on the men’s basketball team from 1972-1974, following his service with the armed forces in Vietnam. Scoring 1,048 points and averaging 20.5 point per game, he was named one of the two best players in the Pacific Northwest College Conference. John led the team to the conference championship and to a National Little College Athletic Association tournament in Ohio his last year playing at Northwest.

After his playing days, John coached the Eagles from 1982 until 1989, when he moved back to Ketchikan, Alaska. John was the first inductee into the Alaska Sports Hall of Fame, and he was selected by Sports Illustrated as one of the top 100 high school basketball players of all time after he led his team to four straight Alaska high school state titles from 1964-1968.

1987-88 Women’s Basketball Team

The 1988 women’s basketball team brought the first national championship to Northwest. The team consisted of only six players for the entire season but they still won the NCCAA Division II Women's national basketball title. This was before Northwest offered athletic scholarships. They played a largely NAIA schedule, which in those days consisted of teams from larger schools such as Seattle Pacific University, Seattle University, Central Washington, Simon Fraser, Whitworth, and Pacific Lutheran University. As a result, their season record was not impressive, at 13-17. However it did prepare the team for a trip to nationals, where they played against smaller institutions similar to Northwest. The result was a national championship for these courageous, disciplined, and committed young women, and for Northwest. This began Coach Kristi Brodin's run of five national titles over seven seasons.

Members of the team were: Aiyanna Marcus Curtis, Chris Montgomery Anderson, Deborah Stamper Davis, Becky Capps, Shelly Schu Beach, and Rachelle Jorgensen Limewood. The assistant coaches were Kari Brodin (Kristi’s sister), Rachel Elenbaas Olson, and Lynnette Murrell Landis.

CCC PODCAST FEATURES KRISTI BRODIN

HOF inductee Kristi Brodin and Athletic Director Gary McIntosh are a part of this week’s Cascade Conference “Cascade Connections” podcast on the CCC web site (www.cascadeconference.org). Their portion of the program is at the end of the podcast as part of the Champions of Character section. “Cascade Connections” is a weekly podcast produced by the CCC which features stories and interviews with athletes, coaches, and administrators around the conference. Check out the podcast and subscribe to future programs.