COVENANT COLLEGE § SPRING 2008

“Who do you say I am?” The Most Reverend Henry Luke Orombi, archbishop of the Church of Uganda, preached at Covenant on Jesus’ question to His disciples.

Diligence & Genomics § Faces of Business § Alumni of the Year from the PRESIDENT

Greetings in the name of Jesus! SPRING 2008

This issue of The View provides anoth- THE MAGAZINE OF COVENANT COLLEGE er set of remarkable glimpses into the The College of the Presbyterian Church in America

life and impact of Covenant College, Published by the Office of College Communications both off campus and on. Editor Jen Allen Alex ’06 and RiLee Robeson ’06 are researching new treatments for can- Designer Tad Evearitt ’98 cer and Alzheimer’s disease, respec- tively, in their roles at a not-for-profit Contributing Writers Heidi Kaufmann ‘05, Scott Quatro institute in Phoenix, Arizona. Their important work reminds us of the crucial value of bringing aspiration, Contributing Photographers Tad Evearitt ’98, Visionyard Studios Photography learning, and compassion together, an integration that has been the hall- mark of a Covenant education from the very beginning. Alex and RiLee Contact the editor at: represent many Covenant alumni who are putting their education to use Editor, The View Covenant College in the field of scientific and other technical research, for the goodof 14049 Scenic Highway millions. Lookout Mountain GA 30750 Phone: 706.419.1119 E-mail: [email protected] You’ll also get a glimpse into Covenant’s connections with the world of Letters to the editor are welcome. business. Business education at Covenant is grounded in our convic- tions about God’s calling to steward and develop his creation gifts to us: Send alumni notes to: human talents, creativity, the people around us, opportunities to serve Alumni Office Covenant College and bless. The remarkable record of how Christian businessmen and 14049 Scenic Highway businesswomen have created economic value and wealth is a clear testi- Lookout Mountain GA 30750 Phone: 706.419.1649 mony to the order and potentialities of God’s magnificent creation. The E-mail: [email protected] fruit of their labors shows up in the creation of jobs, the ability of fami- Website: covenant.edu lies and communities to sustain themselves economically, the support of © 2008 Covenant College churches and schools and ministries around the world – treasures mined Articles may be reprinted with permission of the editor. through effective and profitable business, to the glory of God. Covenant College complies with federal and state requirements for nondiscrimination on the basis of age, race, Connecting our students’ discovery of their callings to the wider reali- color, gender, handicaps, or national or ethnic origin in the administration of its policies and programs. ties of God’s purposes is fueled often on campus by invited speakers who raise our awareness, fire our imaginations, and inspire us to gospel Opinions expressed are those of the contributors or the editor, and do not necessarily represent the official position of the action around the world. Archbishop Henry Luke Orombi, head of the College. Anglican Communion of Uganda, was with us for five days this past fall MISSION STATEMENT and we are pleased to present here excerpts from his first message to us The View’s purpose is to: Encourage alumni, parents and on September 19, 2007. friends to keep Christ preeminent in all areas of their lives • Give alumni, parents and friends—our most important ambassadors—stories and information about the College, its In the grace and service of Jesus Christ, students, alumni, faculty, and staff • Provide alumni with an ongoing connection to the Covenant community • Give God’s people news about Covenant that will encourage them to praise, thank, and petition our Heavenly Father.

Niel Nielson, Ph.D. President

2 THE VIEW § COVENANT COLLEGE § SPRING 2008 what’s INSIDE

11 14 20

4 ScotStuff A roundup of Covenant news.

7 “Who Do You Say I Am?” The Anglican archbishop of the Church of Uganda paid a visit to Covenant last fall for our annual Neal Conference on True Spiri- tuality. Read excerpts from one of his moving sermons here, and BUILD CAMPAIGN NEWSLETTER listen to the full conference on iTunes U. The BUILD campaign is Covenant’s current five-year, $31 million effort to Diligence & Genomics advance the College’s mission. Read 11 Two years after graduation this young alumni couple is re- about our recent Chattanooga event in the enclosed newsletter. searching new treatments for cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. 14 Faces of Business Hundreds of Covenant alumni make a living in the dynamic environment of the business world, and an increasing number of students are taking that path. Read interviews with a few of them, and find out why they are drawn to business.

19 Faculty View Do you view employees as image bearers and wise investments? Dr. Scott Quatro discusses the theology and business of investing in employees. ON THE COVER The Most Reverend Henry Luke 20 Alumni of the Year Awards Orombi was the distinguished Meet the three alumni we presented with awards at our annual speaker for our annual Neal Homecoming chapel. Conference on True Spirituality. Read about his rescue from 21 Alumni News demonic forces and his ministry Updates and pictures contributed by alumni. in Uganda on pp. 7-10.

SPRING 2008 § COVENANT COLLEGE § THE VIEW 3 SCOTstuff

Covenant on iTunes U until his retirement in 2007. Is Covenant on your iPod yet? He serves on the boards of We’re pleased to announce that we directors of American Ex- have partnered with Apple to launch press, Exxon, Johnson & Covenant College on iTunes U. Apple’s Johnson, Marriott, and the iTunes U program allows colleges and United States Naval Acad- universities to make resources available emy Foundation. free of charge to a worldwide audience. The Brock Lecture Series, Users simply need an Internet connec- named in honor of former tion and Apple’s free iTunes software. Covenant College president Visitors to itunes.covenant.edu Dr. Frank Brock, was estab- Mr. Steve Reinemund (right) was the invited speaker for Covenant’s will find free audio resources such as lished to provide the oppor- second annual Brock Lecture Series on Authentic Christian Leadership, lectures by Covenant’s own faculty and tunity to focus on biblical named in honor of former Covenant president Dr. Frank Brock. invited speakers, as well as sermons by perspectives and applica- New Academic Building President Nielson, Chaplain Messner, tions in business and commerce. Opening This Spring and The Most Reverend Henry Luke Covenant’s newest academic building Parents Weekend Orombi. Dr. Don Petcher’s convocation opens this spring. Located across from Thanks to all the parents who joined us address is available for download, as Carter Hall, between Probasco Alumni/ for a wonderful Parents Weekend 2008 are several conferences. Visitor Center and the Dora Maclellan in early February. We enjoyed fellow- Brown Memorial Chapel, the academic shipping with you, and we know your building is a welcome addition. students were grateful for the chance to It will be the new home of the educa- show you around campus. tion, foreign language, interdisciplinary We look forward to seeing you again studies, and sociology departments, as for Parents Weekend 2009! Stay tuned well as the Chalmers Center. Boasting for details. a prime view of Chattanooga, this new We would also like to remind you building features classrooms, a lecture that if you have not already subscribed hall, faculty offices, a faculty lounge, to the Parents eNewsletter you may do You have the option of listening to and both indoor and outdoor common so at covenant.edu/parents. After sub- tracks online or downloading files to space. See the BUILD campaign news- scribing, you will receive regular e-mail your computer or MP3 player. And you letter inside this issue of The View for updates with information we think you can subscribe to the podcasts of your more news on campus developments. favorite albums. would find helpful.

Brock Lectures Series Features Former PepsiCo CEO On the occasion of the second annual Brock Lecture Series on Authentic Christian Leadership, guest speaker Steve Reinemund addressed the Cov- enant community in chapel and spoke at other focused events for alumni, students, faculty, and the Chattanooga business community. A 23-year PepsiCo veteran, Rein- emund was the company’s CEO from 2001-2006 and chairman of the board

A new academic building on the north end of campus opens this spring.

4 THE VIEW § COVENANT COLLEGE § SPRING 2008 SCOTstuff

Chemistry Department Anne Caudle Rymer, 1920-2007 Receives Donation of Two GC-Mass Spectrometers On December 30, 2007, Anne Caudle Rymer A California laboratory was closing died in a way that reflected how she had lived, and wanted to find a new home for its with great faith, calm, and love. Her family was two GC-mass spectrometers. Dr. Dan with her as she departed after a sudden onset Zuidema, assistant professor of chemis- of pneumonia. try, was instrumental in procuring this Anne Rymer and her late husband Skeet were equipment for Covenant – from an own- loyal and generous friends of Covenant College. er who offered to donate the spectrom- Rymer Hall, where approximately 100 students eters when he learned that they would live, bears testimony to their heart for students. be used for educational and research “When Mrs. Rymer was here in the fall,” said Vice President Troy Duble, “it purposes. was wonderful to see her face light up when she met the students who live GC-mass spectrometers are tools for in Rymer Hall—students we’re preparing at Covenant for their roles in Christ’s determining the identity of organic kingdom.” compounds, and are useful in medicine, We mourn her death, yet give thanks to God for the life and witness of Anne law enforcement, and research. A single Rymer who today is with her Lord. new spectrometer system retails for up- wards of $50,000. The instruments arrived on campus Scots Soccer Wins tapped as an Honorable Mention All- in late January. Regional Title American. The men’s soccer team defeated Milli- Men’s soccer head coach John Migla- Commencement Speaker gan College on November 3, claiming rese was named 2007 AAC Coach of the Rep. Pete Hoekstra the NAIA Region XII championship and Year following a 12-3-1 regular season Congressman Pete Hoekstra of Michi- earning a bid to the national tourna- record. gan is the speaker for Covenant’s ment, eventually falling to MidAmerica 53rd annual commencement ex- Nazarene. The Scots’ squad was ranked ercises on May 3. 25th in the country. Rep. Hoekstra was named Student-athletes from both the men’s chairman of the House Perma- and women’s teams earned post-season nent Select Committee on Intelli- honors, including four First Team All- gence, and he is a senior member Conference players: Kalie Estrada ’09, of the House Committee on Edu- Lydia Jones ’09, Rebecca Sasscer ’08, cation and Labor. He is a member and Jake Warren ’09. Warren was also The men’s soccer team ended the 2007 season ranked 25th in the nation. of several task forces and cau-

2006-07 2005-06 2004-05 Financial Highlights Net Assets Year Ended June 30, 2007 Unrestricted $32,417,592 $31,917,359 $29,154,724 Temporarily Restricted 17,971,615 11,451,032 4,721,146 Permanently Restricted 15,923,475 13,465,930 11,222,131 Covenant has been prudent in its financial Total Net Assets $66,312,682 $56,834,321 $45,098,001 management since its founding over fifty years Tuition and Fees $22,271,867 $20,538,520 $22,257,014 ago and fully discloses its financial statements Less Student Assistance (8,104,953) (7,597,899) (9,402,652) to maintain accountability. Below is an overview Net Tuition and Fees $14,166,914 $12,940,621 $12,854,362

of finances for the fiscal year ended June 30, Gifts $9,708,780 $7,640,847 $4,711,585 2007. If you would like a copy of the most Auxiliary Income 4,674,647 4,123,012 3,921,699 recent President’s Report or audited financial Independent Operations 1,240,689 1,065,172 1,037,088 Investment Gains (Losses) 3,248,191 1,221,715 1,149,990 statement, you may contact Jen Allen at Government and Private Grants 833,085 944,339 848,003 [email protected] with your request. Total Expenses $25,727,421 $23,636,324 $23,143,585

SPRING 2008 § COVENANT COLLEGE § THE VIEW 5 SCOTstuff

goFigure cuses, including the Immigration Reform Caucus and the Congressional Manufacturing Caucus. He is the founding chair of the Education Freedom Caucus and the Congres- sional Caucus on the Netherlands. We are pleased to have Rep. Hoekstra join us as our 15781578 commencement speaker. Year of publication of the oldest Rep. Pete Hoekstra book in Kresge Memorial Library American Premiere of A Bright Particular Star Under the direction of Associate Professor of Communication Camille Hallstrom, the communication department staged the American premiere of award-winning Canadian playwright Ron 411411 Reed’s A Bright Particular Star in February. New donors still needed during the BUILD campaign to meet goal The story is of George MacDonald, famous 19th century novelist and theologian, and his daughter Lilia, a young girl with a passion for the stage. The drama follows Lilia’s journey, urged by admirers such as Mark Twain, Lewis Carroll, and Kate Terry, as she 2626 attempts to pursue her love of theatre in a society that Percentage of student body that believes the stage is not the place for a Christian. Lilia participated in an intercultural trip responds insightfully: “Simply because the battle is or off-campus experience last year difficult, do we hand it over to the enemy?”

Sarah Hamilton ‘08 (left) and Professors Kapic and Allen Hannah Smith ‘08 starred in A Bright Particular Star. Publish Books 1.5361.536 Dr. Kelly Kapic, associate professor of theological studies, Tons of yogurt consumed in the has edited, with Justin Taylor, the book Communion with Great Hall during the academic year the Triune God, published by Crossway Books. “A modern reader’s edition of a classic Puritan work by a classic Puritan author,” says J. I. Packer, Communion with the Triune God “is a powerful Trinitarian profiling 4141 from Scripture of the truth that fellowship with God is and Rats trained in the fall semester by General Psychology students must ever be the inside story of the real Christian’s life. The editing is excellent, and the twenty-seven page intro- duction and the twenty-five page analytical outline make the treatise accessible, even inviting, to any who, with Richard Baxter, see ‘heart-work’ as the essence of Christianity.” 8585 Dr. Richard Allen, professor of organizational management for Covenant’s Percentage of students who Quest program, has authored his first book,The Genesis Principle of Leadership: play intramural sports Claiming & Cultivating Your Created Capacity. “Dick Allen lifts out of the Bible those traits that we can all learn, traits that make us leaders in the best sense of 2727 the word,” says Dr. Frank Brock. In his book, Allen relates that the capacity for great leadership is an inherent, cre- Current students named David ated aptitude within each of us; and God not only equips us to lead, Allen says, He commands us to lead. Communion with the Triune God and The Genesis Princi- ple of Leadership are available in Covenant’s bookstore, the 2727 Tuck Shoppe, and online at covenant.edu/tuckshoppe. Current students named Sarah “Who do you say I am?”

n the fall of 2007, the Most Reverend Henry Luke convened in New Orleans and rejected the call of the An- Orombi paid his first visit to Covenant College. glican Communion to uphold biblical standards regard- I Orombi, archbishop of the Church of Uganda and ing homosexuality, Archbishop Orombi visited Covenant a leader in the global, biblically faithful Anglican move- and proclaimed with boldness and humility the gospel of ment, was named a Daniel of the Year in 2006 by World Jesus Christ and His claim on our lives. The archbishop’s magazine for his courageous leadership. words were strikingly personal; his testimony, evidence of Preaching at the College’s annual Neal Conference on a life lived in obedience to the Lord Jesus. True Spirituality, Orombi explored Jesus’ question to His Following are excerpts from Orombi’s first sermon given disciples, “Who do you say I am?” in a series of five ser- at Covenant. You may listen to the complete conference at mons. While leaders of the American Episcopal church itunes.covenant.edu.

SPRING 2008 § COVENANT COLLEGE § THE VIEW 7 don’t you try Jesus?” So I got I saw the Lord do things in the lives out of bed, knelt by my bed, of young people. This is the reason I and I said a very ugly but believe I need to empty myself into desperate short prayer. I said, young people, because I do know that “Lord, I’m a sinner. I ask you the future of our nations and the future to forgive me. But may you of our church depend on young people. please give me some sleep as And I admit to you, I really honor you, well.” I hadn’t slept for three beloved. When I meet you, I am really nights. filled with great admiration for you, This good God came into because I do believe that among you my life, gave me sleep, forgave the Lord is raising men and women of my life and forgave my sin, tomorrow, men and women who are and gave me new life. The going to be leaders of our nations and morning I woke up, I told also great people in our church. And my dorm-mates: “I met Jesus I do know that God has a plan and a Christ; I made a decision.” purpose for your life. They just laughed at me. . . . I poured my life into the young peo- Jesus came into my life. ple. I brought them in to Jesus Christ. Jesus opened my eyes. Jesus I taught them what it means to walk in The Most Rev. Henry Luke Orombi gives a hug to Shelmun Dashan ‘10, a student from Nigeria. showed me the way. Jesus the Lord. I taught them what it means gave me confidence, and He to be a prayerful man or woman, and I Rescued from Demons gave me identity. Jesus gave taught them what it means to witness. Let me take you back a little bit me new passion and new desire. Jesus And as the young people grew up in from my own background. My father gave me a destiny, and Jesus helped me their faith, then the Lord said to me, was a medium, meaning he had de- to walk His way. “Move on.” And I moved on to become monic forces—twelve of them—in my My dear friends, I stand to proclaim an archdeacon. You see [to be] an own village. My grandfather worshiped the living Jesus with whom I’ve walked archdeacon in my church, you must be these demons, and all of us did; we had for forty years, from the age of eigh- a bald-headed man, or a grey-haired shrines in our village. These demonic teen. I am now fifty-eight. The Lord person. And I was a very young man, forces were so demanding. . . . Jesus Christ has been so dependable. a guitar-flinging young man. I arrived I remember one day I went into the He has been so reliable, that if I’m in this place and everybody looked at shrine, and I sat on the stool in that going to market anybody or anything, me and said, “He’s too young to be the shrine. I called the demonic forces. I the best I can market is the Lord Jesus archdeacon.” But the Jesus I believe in said, “My grandfather’s spirits, if you Christ to you young people. is very old and very understanding. are there, come to me.” I think they For six years I battled with a few did, because I remember that it wasn’t Ministry Beginnings and things. Number one, I battled in that easy for me to come to Jesus Christ. I Spiritual Battles area with demonic forces. Now I am had a battle with God for three solid He called me to be a youth pastor, not sure whether you follow me when nights. I could not sleep. I did not and I began a youth pastor ministry I talk about demonic forces. I used to know what was happening. My heart in the year 1979. I met many young think that demons were in Africa, until was pumping. I was sweating. I just people in that part of Uganda where I came to England and I found them didn’t understand myself. I was a youth pastor. . . . My bishop there too. We did a ministry of exorcism For three nights at conviction I had told me, “You are a teacher. You know in England with people who were under a battle going on inside. The Lord is young people. I give you the young the oppression of the power of dark- calling me and I’m saying “No way. I people, but I don’t have transport for ness. The thing about Africa is that our need my freedom. I want to be myself.” you.” situation is black and white – you can Friends, after three nights I was tired. I started walking. And where I could tell. . . The enemy works in the Western I was fed up. And then the Holy Spirit find young people, I met young people. world in a very subtle manner. He is began to speak to me. Now I know it I shared my heart out with young hidden somewhere and, until God gives was the Holy Spirit. He said, “Why people, and they came to Jesus Christ. you discernment, you can never tell.

8 THE VIEW § COVENANT COLLEGE § SPRING 2008 Assisted by Kat Konieczny ‘09 and David Scott ‘08 and in gratitute for his visit to Covenant, President Nielson presented Archbishop Orombi with a banner created by Doreen Kellogg.

In this area I found the devil at work. Hearts began to open up. It was like and disease, a hundred years ago—that There was occult, there was wizardry, the darkness over the area began to roll passion come back to you, that you may there were all kinds of funny things. . away. Friends, in America, a hundred rise up again, like the great America . . Friends, the very month I got there, or so years ago, did you not used to call politically and militarily, but also in the there were not only occult forces, but Africa “the dark continent”? That is a gospel of Christ. That among you will there were also robbers who came and continent where the sun shines twelve be counted men and women who will attacked a visiting medical team and hours a day, three-hundred and sixty- lay down their lives for the gospel of killed somebody. His body fell next to five days a year. Why were we dark? Jesus Christ. This gospel rolled away our church, and I was frightened. Because we did not know God, the the darkness over my area and people’s I said to God, “I’m in the wrong Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. I want eyes lit up. People began to be happy, place. Will you help me?” The Holy to thank you because your ancestors and we began to again come back. I can Spirit said, “Pray.” And we began pray- brought the gospel to us. tell you: within six years, that little place ing. My wife, myself, two ordained I am sorry to say: the darkness over exploded with salvation, and we were people, a layman—we covenanted, Africa has rolled and has come over given a daughter-son status. I was asked “We’ll pray.” On Fridays from 9:00 to America and over Europe. I was flying to be the first bishop. 6:00 the following day—every Friday we last night all the way from Jacksonville would fall on our faces and ask God for to this place. Your country is well lit A Daughter Dies intervention, for a breakthrough. We by electricity. But the gospel of Christ I remember the day that I was in the cried, and I cried desperately, more or is at stake in this nation. I call upon UK—after three years I had finished my less out of fear. I am so happy that when you young people to take the challenge degree and I was packing to go home. fear drove me to God, that was the right of yet lighting again America with the . . . I gave lunch to my three-year-old place. gospel of Jesus Christ. That the passion daughter, Deborah. I put her to rest and After six months, things began to your ancestors had—and they came to to have a little nap. She never woke up. happen. As I preached the gospel in the us and braved every kind of calamity She died. I was in the house. This little area, people began to receive the Lord. and danger and wild tribe and animal girl, when her mother wanted her for

SPRING 2008 § COVENANT COLLEGE § THE VIEW 9 tea at four o’clock, she picked up a dead The reason I’m here, too, is that I am banking on you, that God will stir child. I’m coming to build a bridge between your heart yet again—that God will let For the first time death entered our Anglicans and Presbyterians, because I you go out and make a sacrifice for the family, and death entered our family believe that when we come on the other Kingdom purpose. The Lord bless you. when I was in the house. My wife put side of eternity, our denominational lev- down the baby and came to me and els will remain here. There we are only A Prayer said, “Deborah is dead.” I went upstairs those who are cleansed by the blood Father, I thank you. I thank you for and I picked up the body of my dear of Jesus Christ and have the identity your church here in the chapel today. I daughter, and I looked at her dead face, from heaven. I come here so that we thank you for the faculty of Covenant and I said to God, “Thank you for giving can begin to work together under the College, the leadership of Covenant us Deborah for three years. Thank you Great Commission that God has called College. Master, you have raised men for allowing her to be with us, as our us to be a witnessing community to a and women here like potters to mold daughter, for three years. Thank you for world that is so desperate. I come here, the next generation. Father, I pray for taking her away.” friends, to allow you to know that the wisdom. I pray for discernment. I ask It took them a week before the body seed of the gospel planted by your an- you, Lord, to teach them in order to of that little girl was put to rest. God cestor has grown up and has born fruit teach the next generation. . . . gave me such an energy to preach at the now. That now, in Africa, we are reaping I pray for the young men and young funeral of my own daughter. The reason the fruits that your ancestors planted women that you have called to come was simple: death is not the final stop. there, and I come to provoke you to and pass through this institution. Death is a passage. I came to under- jealousy, so that you too may get up and Father, I ask that your glory may be stand we don’t lose our loved ones at all go out again. revealed upon them, that your power to death. No, we don’t. We went home I am so sad that once upon a time may rest upon each person, that hearts and left the body of our daughter in a church here that was so passionate will turn to you, that people will know England, but we knew where she was. about mission is no longer the kind what you want them to be tomorrow. Friends, I came to understand that of church that I knew. . . . What has And prepare them now for what you there is something of Christian have for them for tomorrow. hope that other religions don’t Lord, I ask, too, that the Holy have. I will want to proclaim Spirit will speak clearly to many, that as an answer to their dilem- many people about the com- ma and the fear that mankind mission that you have on their has against death. lives—that they will know for cer- tain, “The Lord has claim on my Rejoicing and life and I want to give my life to a Commission Jesus Christ, that He may use me I want to rejoice, finally, to bring transformation to this friends, that in Jesus Christ, world.” I ask for your blessings, God has given me brothers and Lord, on this college. sisters globally. . . . My coming Father, as we stay here for

here really is because [retired Dr. Henry Krabbendam, retired professor of biblical studies, was the next two days, I pray that instrumental in arranging the archbishop’s visit to Covenant. Krabbendam, Covenant College professor] Dr. his daughter, and two grandchildren talk with Orombi following chapel. the mighty presence of God will Krabbendam, a great friend of settle upon this hill. I pray that mine, a man of God, a very determined happened to the passion? What has the peace of the Lord will settle on this teacher of the Word of God, has given happened to the great desire that the hill. I also pray that the release of God his life for the people of Uganda, my Dr. David Livingstone had to come to will bring abundant joy and love here country. May I also thank Covenant Col- the middle of Africa and die in Africa on this hill. And what you purposed lege for sending students to come to my and have his heart buried in Africa? this hill to be, this college to be, will country? Many have come to my coun- What happened? I believe the season honor the name of the only Son of try. Many have shared the gospel with is come for the church of Christ to rise God, the Jesus of Nazareth. And in His my country, with my country people, up again. Now let me just say this: I am mighty name I pray, amen. and we have built a relationship. banking on you, friends, young people,

10 THE VIEW § COVENANT COLLEGE § SPRING 2008 Diligence & Genomics Young Alumni Research Cures for Cancer and Alzheimer’s

hen Alex ’06 and RiLee Herbert Robeson ’06 few short years before. TGen’s mission is to “develop earlier were born in the same hospital in Bethesda diagnostics and smarter treatments” by “employing innova- W twelve days apart, they couldn’t have known tive advances arising from the Human Genome Project and their paths would cross again. Yet not only did they meet applying them to the development of diagnostics, prog- again in college, but both decided to pursue medical nostics and therapies for cancer, neurological disorders, research instead of medical practice during their years at diabetes and other complex diseases.” The institute focuses Covenant as pre-med majors. And they got married to boot. on identifying the genetic causes of diseases rather than on If you talked to RiLee treating the symptoms. They are the couple next door who just happen to be and Alex, you wouldn’t researching the development of new treatments Alex, working in the guess by their down-to-earth for Alzheimer’s and cancer as their day jobs. pharmaceutical genomics tone that they are involved division, sees great po- in advanced medical research using highly sophisticated tential in this type of research. “I think that we are making technology. They are the couple next door who just happen some amazing strides,” he says. “The work that I do is made to be researching the development of new treatments for possible by the fact that researchers identified these differ- Alzheimer’s and cancer as their day jobs. ent genes. Working in Phoenix, Arizona, for a non-profit research “There are going to be better surgeries for people in the organization called the Translational Genomics Research future because of the work that all these people are doing.” Institute (“TGen”), Alex and RiLee find themselves fulfill- RiLee, who works in Alzheimer’s research, agrees. “There ing their callings in ways they had not quite imagined a are people devoting a ton of time to [this research],” she

SPRING 2008 § COVENANT COLLEGE § THE VIEW 11 says. “What we’re trying to do is find “What we’re trying to do is find something we can treat with a drug to something we can treat with a drug to slow hopefully slow [the disease] down or stop it dead in its tracks.” the disease down or stop it dead in its tracks.” The two took somewhat different journeys to get here. The first improba- ble step was their meeting at Covenant. summer of 2005. RiLee walked into internship at TGen that summer. It RiLee had spent her freshman year at Target the next day to pick up an ap- transitioned into a full-time job in the the University of Colorado at Colorado plication, and while she was in Target, fall. They waited until May of 2007 to Springs and then decided to transfer to TGen called and informed her that a get married so that Alex’s brother, who Covenant her sophomore year. Mean- position had opened up. RiLee called was on a tour of duty in Iraq, could be while, Alex was a freshman at Covenant Randolph immediately, and soon the at the wedding. and was planning to transfer to Princ- whole internship was arranged. From “Right around January I began to eton University the next fall to study there, RiLee fell in love with research feel the heat of needing to get a job,” architecture. and decided to forego the medical Alex says. “I had a job at the engi- “At the last minute, he decided to school route that she had planned on. neering company, but it wasn’t going stay, and that was the year we met,” “I paid my dues doing the grunt anywhere. I started exploring in the RiLee says. work that interns always do,” RiLee biology field. It turns out that Phoenix They had just started dating their says. “But we wouldn’t be where we are has a lot more biology research work junior year at Covenant when RiLee right now if it wasn’t for the internship than Greenville.” got a phone call from Alex’s mom ask- program.” A research associate position opened ing kindly what she planned to do that Alex applied to medical schools his up at TGen, and Alex started the job a summer. junior year of college, but he did not week before he and RiLee got married. “I panicked,” RiLee says. Then she get in. “That had me in a bit of a pickle, “Through the whole thing, from the heard about Covenant’s internship so to speak,” Alex says. “And my senior very beginning, we can see God’s hand,” placement program and contacted year I did a bit of soul-searching, won- says RiLee. “His timing was every- then-coordinator Marla Randolph: “I dering what I should pursue.” thing.” said, ‘I’m here, I’m interested in biol- They got engaged three days before The supervisors in the lab think ogy.’” graduation in May of 2006. Alex took highly of RiLee and Alex. Dr. Michael They found out about TGen’s in- a job at an engineering company in Barrett, Alex’s supervisor, says “the ternship program, but were told that Greenville, South Carolina, while RiLee work that Alex is directly doing is the internships were all full for the went back to Phoenix to do another applying very cutting edge genomic profiling of patient samples, including pancreatic tumors, to identify in very sophisticated ways what genes and cellular processes are aberrant in each patient and how to target them effec- tively with therapy.” TGen researchers use the latest technologies to analyze DNA to identify genes that may cause disease. “Research is different from what some people think,” RiLee says. “It’s not as if you’re in the lab and every five minutes someone is shouting ‘Eureka!’ It really challenges your thinking, just to be innovative and say, ‘Let’s look at it from this perspective and move forward.’” The people at TGen make time for RiLee Robeson ‘06 focuses her research on finding a cure for Alzheimer’s disease. She works for TGen, a fun, however. Sometimes they play non-profit research institute in Phoenix where she interned during her years as a Covenant student.

12 THE VIEW § COVENANT COLLEGE § SPRING 2008 In the pharmaceutical genomics division of TGen, Alex Robeson ‘06 works with other researchers to develop new treatments for cancer. pranks. They can wear jeans and t- assistants and were active members jobs, particularly when those jobs are shirts to work every day, and instead of the college community. They name working on ridding the world of cancer of casual Fridays they have “dress-up professors Tim Morris, Jerry Wenger, and Alzheimer’s,” he says. Fridays” when they go out together at Phillip Broussard, and Jack Lothers as As Christians, Alex and RiLee have the end of the day. Overall, the hours having the biggest influence on them at a firm ground from which to approach are flexible and the atmosphere is ener- Covenant. Dr. Morris especially encour- their work. getic. aged them to pursue research. “I’ve been hoping to allow the non- “TGen will open up tours for “Neither were ‘science nerds’,” Mor- science community to realize that people,” Alex says. “There have been ris says. “Their interests were broad science isn’t evil,” RiLee says. “It’s a times when I’m sitting at my desk and and they were fully engaged in campus wonderful thing and it’s created by my boss comes in God. When it’s and he’s kind of Research is different from what some people think. abused it can excited. He’ll say, It’s not as if you’re in the lab and every five minutes someone turn into some- ‘Did you see who thing bad. The came in here?’ . . . is shouting ‘Eureka!’ It really challenges your thinking. past year and a One time a Nobel half has been a Prize winner came through.” life. They enthusiastically sought to year of observation. Not all scientists Alex and RiLee make room for engage in Christian thinking and analy- are atheists.” other activities in their lives as well. sis across a whole range of topics and For Alex and RiLee, scientific re- They have found a good church in issues.” search is about working diligently and Phoenix and have gotten involved with RiLee values the friendships she trusting God at the same time. the youth group there. Youth retreats, made with professors and people in “You can approach [research] by sporting events, and plays are keep- authority on campus. “Dr. Broussard saying whether we figure it out in this ing them busy and connected with the ‘Facebooked’ me today, wanting to lifetime or not, our lives aren’t defined community. They plan to join a softball know how I was doing,” she says. “It by the findings we make,” says Alex. league soon. was just priceless.” “We don’t know how exactly God is Not only are they connected with a Marshall Rowe, Covenant’s director working, but we know God is working. church, but with other Covenant alum- of alumni relations, is excited by the We are called to work to the best of our ni in the area. Both Alex and RiLee work Alex and RiLee are doing so soon abilities.” look back fondly on their experience out of college. “It’s so great to see two — by Heidi Kaufmann ’05 at Covenant. They were both resident alumni who are so excited about their

SPRING 2008 § COVENANT COLLEGE § THE VIEW 13 Philip Vierling ’78 Megan Toms ’99

Andrew Lee ’09 FACES OF BUSINESS Sarina den Dulk ’08 interviews by Jen Allen

f asked about businesspeople we as you will see in the following interviews, Two of these Covenant alumni—Philip know, most of us could rattle off graduates from other majors pursue Vierling ’78 and Megan Toms ’99—and I a dozen or more names. Business business careers as well—and testify that two Covenant students—Sarina den Dulk is the backbone of our economy, even the liberal arts education they received at ’08 and Andrew Lee ’09—reflect on their in trying times. It’s also one of the more Covenant prepared them well for the chal- business careers, or aspirations to careers popular majors at Covenant—evidence that a growing lot of students see a future lenges they face day to day. in business. for themselves in the business world. And,

14 THE VIEW § COVENANT COLLEGE § SPRING 2008 A seasoned executive, Philip Vierling ’78 is CEO of Kalypto Medical, a company in the medical device industry. When he is not in the office, Philip resides with his wife in Minnesota on a hobby farm that includes goats, llamas, and chickens.

Megan Toms ’99 lives in Chattanooga and is a manager at Chattem, Inc., a publicly-traded corporation that saw its revenues rise over 40% in 2007 to a record $423 million.

Describe your experience in business. Q The workplace is full of competing motives VIERLING: My 29 years in the medi- cal device industry provided me the and interests, and resolving conflict becomes opportunity for business roles in sales essential for a healthy business. management, international sales, - Philip Vierling ‘78 business development, marketing, and senior management. Eighteen of these years were with Empi, a Minnesota- but soon realized that I did not have consistently changed over the years based manufacturer of orthopedic what I felt was the “pastor’s heart” which has helped me continue to feel rehabilitation devices, in which my for ministry. So I took a leave from challenged and interested in what I last position was president and CEO. seminary and moved back to Florida to am doing each day. This job has far Currently I am the CEO of Kalypto work in the family business. I pursued exceeded my expectations from when I Medical, a new venture developing a my MBA through the University of was first hired. When I started working medical device to treat wounds associ- South Florida, and discovered that my at Chattem, I thought it would be for a ated with diabetic leg ulcers. giftedness was a better match in the short time period and then I would go business world. After a few years in on to graduate school. Instead, I found TOMS: My title is Wal-Mart Busi- the family business, I was offered an a job where I enjoy what I do, work ness Manager, and I work in the sales opportunity with Empi, which later with great people, and feel that I am department at Chattem, Inc., on the resulted in moving from Florida to able to contribute to the company as a Wal-Mart account. There are five of us Minnesota. whole. that work as a team to sell Chattem’s products to Wal-Mart, manage our TOMS: I have always loved learning What have you learned in inventory in Wal-Mart’s stores around how businesses work and enjoy under-Qyour career? the country, and provide overall service standing the behind-the-scenes pro- to the Wal-Mart account. . . Wal-Mart TOMS: This is a hard question to cesses that make it all come together. is a very challenging customer to work answer since I feel that I have learned When I was at Covenant, I started out with and there is always a new proj- so much in my career at Chattem and as a business major with an accounting ect on my list that pushes me a step that I am continuing to learn each day. concentration, but ended up studying further. This has provided a challeng- One thing that comes to mind is the economics with an accounting concen- ing work environment over the last realization that knowledge will come tration. I did not know what this would eight years as my job has continued to from surprising places. There can lead to, but I knew that I wanted to be evolve as our business has changed. be something to learn from even the involved in some sort of analysis or most frustrating situations, and I often What led you to enter the research field. will come away from what can seem business world? the most mundane task with greater Q How has a career in business met knowledge that I will use in the future. VIERLING: After graduating from Cov- or not met your expectations? Q The times when I enjoy my job the enant with a BA in biblical studies and TOMS: My position at Chattem has most are when all the pieces come to- a minor in Greek, I began seminary,

SPRING 2008 § COVENANT COLLEGE § THE VIEW 15 Being able to step back from a situation, analyze the possibilities, and work with what you have to create a solution is an invaluable and necessary resource in the business world. - Megan Toms ‘99

gether and you see the result that you I find it is at these moments that I can asking a theological question and then have been working toward for months. share my faith. explained the sovereignty of God as my response. VIERLING: Grace. The opportunities TOMS: My faith comes into play in my But on the serious side, Covenant Qthat have been given me are really not work constantly. Trying to glorify God provided me with the opportunity to because I trained for them. Okay, my through my attitude and in my work think critically, to understand different Greek minor did assist me in finding each day is a constant challenge for worldviews, and to begin to grasp the the name Kalypto for my new com- me. Whether it is keeping my temper nature of man which defines human pany, but I have a tremendous ap- in a time-sensitive situation, remem- relationships and conflicts. The size of preciation for seeing how God’s plan bering to treat the worker on the other the school enabled tremendous interac- unfolded in my career. My mentor told end of an e-mail as a real person, or tion between students and professors, me 25 years ago two things about busi- making ethical business decisions, I which helped me refine and defend ness and the advancements I was mak- feel that I am challenged each day to my positions versus just reciting facts. ing with my career. First, he reminded make better decisions than I often do. Business is looking for folks who can me that I was accountable to God in lead by understanding someone else’s all the decisions I make. Second, he What about your Covenant position, thinking through the options, experience prepared you for a challenged me to ask myself each weekQ and then providing clarity. Yes, my how I was furthering the kingdom career in business? biblical studies major equipped me for of God with my career. The wisdom TOMS: So much of what you need to this. gained from the simplicity of these two know in business, or at least in my questions covers the full range of busi- area of experience, you learn on the Do you have any advice for students interested in pursuing ness ethics, stewardship, leadership, job; but one thing that I learned at Q and goal setting. Covenant that prepared me the most a business career? for my career was developing an ability TOMS: I think the tendency when How does your faith come into to think. Being able to step back from you are in college is to ask how all of play in your work? Q a situation, analyze the possibilities, these courses will really help you in VIERLING: I can be a “nice” guy for and work with what you have to create the future and how they will apply to the two hours each Sunday morning a solution is an invaluable and neces- your future job. My advice for stu- in church, but during the 60 hours in sary resource in the business world. dents pursuing a business career is to the workplace, the real me is seen. The My experience at Covenant, specifically understand that you will need to know workplace is full of competing motives in my economics courses, helped me everything you are studying now and and interests, and resolving conflict be- learn to step back from an idea or a sit- so much more. . . Take advantage of comes essential for a healthy business. uation and analyze it more fully from the opportunity you have at Covenant So often the tension that develops in all sides. Covenant’s core curriculum to learn more about the world and how the workplace has nothing to do with combined with my business classes it works. the actual project; the other person is helped me have a knowledge base to struggling with severe family issues or build from as I started my career. VIERLING: Take some additional has a major health concern or a per- courses outside the business offering sonal addiction which is creating anxi- VIERLING: Several years ago I was that will enable you to understand ety or depression. My relationship in deposed as CEO and asked by the relationships. Understand that your the workplace provides me with more plaintiff’s attorney how a Bible major business career will be more than just opportunity to walk alongside this per- from a small Christian college could be your workplace, that this will become son and talk about my faith. A person qualified to lead a $165 million com- the place where God will use your gifts will share his story in the workplace pany. I remember my attorney cringing to get involved in other people’s lives before he ever goes into a church, and when I responded by thanking him for – people who need to hear the gospel.

16 THE VIEW § COVENANT COLLEGE § SPRING 2008 She grew up on a dairy farm in Michigan and was an Academic All- American volleyball player the past two years. Sarina den Dulk ’08 is graduating with a major in business, concentrations in accounting and finance, and a job with the world’s largest investment firm.

Describe your thoughts on the an audience with unbelievers is to role of Christians in business. first demonstrate in your actions that something is drastically different about LEE: The role of Christians in business you – in essence, that you are not your is extremely important! It is a creation own, but belong to Christ. The busi- mandate for mankind to work, and ness world allows for just that daily “It is a creation mandate for mankind to work, and businesses are a tangible result of living Why did you choose to major out that aspect of the created order.” in business? - Andrew Lee ‘09 DEN DULK: I’ve grown up watch- ing my dad run his business, and it businesses are a tangible result of liv- living out of a Christ-like existence. has always fascinated me. I love that ing out that aspect of the created order. Then the world cannot help but stand people in business have the opportu- Also, I have appreciated the em- up and take notice. nity to produce something great or phasis at Covenant of being missions- provide a service to others, that they oriented wherever our “little c” calling DEN DULK: God calls us all to devote are challenged with decision-making in takes us, and I think there is hardly our gifts and our time to Him. Simply a dynamic environment, and that they a more needy and influential mission being a respected and outstanding can work with people and organiza- field than the business world, espe- member of the business community tions to accomplish their goals on a cially in Western society. Most people is an opportunity to witness practical larger scale. will spend the majority of their waking Christianity. Businessmen and -women hours at their job, so could there be a are leaders by necessity, and ideally by LEE: Picking business was the result better place to exhibit a Christ-like life? character as well. They should guide of several factors falling into place. What’s more, a great way to gain First, from a practical standpoint, it is a great choice because having a general knowledge of a business environment Completing his junior is so versatile. Everyone interacts with year, Andrew Lee ’09 is businesses, and most people eventually majoring in business, work in one. Second, a lot of business with concentrations in relies on solid numerical data for deci- sion making, and I love to work with finance and accounting, numbers while knowing the work I do He already has a wealth is tied to practical importance. Third, of internship experience the element of business professional- ism suits my personality and ambitions under his belt and plans well – I always strive to do the best I to become a CPA after can at the tasks assigned to me. he graduates.

SPRING 2008 § COVENANT COLLEGE § THE VIEW 17 Working in financial markets has been a goal of mine because the idea that one can prosper through hard work, an informed understanding and vision of world events, and a willingness to take risks has always intrigued me. - Sarina den Dulk ‘08

their employees and their organiza- market, which trades in Chicago on the Have you been surprised by tions in a loving and Christian manner, Board of Trade. I have a lot of learning anything you’ve learned in exemplifying faultless integrity and ahead of me, and I look forward to the your classes?

work ethic. There are countless possi- challenges that this job will offer. Basi- DEN DULK: I will always learn facts bilities for service in business that will cally, my job entails knowing all the that surprise me simply because facilitate a Christian calling. factors that will contribute to the world I haven’t been exposed to them or supply and demand of grains, and how thought about them enough before. I What are your career goals? they will affect the market. I’ll have to used to be surprised to hear a profes- project where I think the markets are QLEE: In the summer of 2008 I plan on sor say, “This is the widely accepted completing a third summer for Wey- going and why, and I will have a lot of theory, but I don’t agree with it because erhaeuser Company, interning in their very wise and informed investors criti- . . .” or, “Here’s what I think, but you corporate-region Enterprise Account- cally evaluating my advice. Eventually, should evaluate this yourself and decide ing Center. Then after graduation from I would be happy to work in large-scale whether or not you agree.” I am always Covenant in the spring of 2009 I am se- agriculture in a more grass-roots way, surprised when I hear people argue that riously considering enrolling in either but I’m sure I will never get away from businesspeople aren’t serving the Lord a master of accountancy program or the business side of farming, and I’m in their work, because I so wholeheart- an MBA program. This extra school- perfectly happy being trapped there. edly disagree, but this isn’t something ing will complete my prerequisites for I’m taught in my classes. How is Covenant preparing being able to take the CPA exam. With you for a career in the business a CPA certification I have numerous Q LEE: Yes. For one, I have become world? options, such as working for a profes- vastly more informed of the challenges sional services firm, in private industry, DEN DULK: My business education at that my own and future generations of in government, or for a not-for-profit Covenant has been more than adequate Americans will face in an increasingly organization. So I will have to see at preparing me to understand the way flat world. We will have to be intentional where the Lord leads me from there. a business works, how to think strate- in our pursuit of excellence, cognizant gically, and how to evaluate financial that our membership in a powerful, DEN DULK: I have always loved finan- information. It has been exceptional developed nation brings exciting and cial markets and agriculture. Working at teaching me how to think critically, sometimes daunting responsibilities. in financial markets has been a goal to realize the big picture behind the I also appreciated Dr. Quatro’s as- of mine because the idea that one small details, and to communicate my sertion that our employers do not pay can prosper through hard work, an thoughts in a meaningful way. These us so we can explicitly evangelize our informed understanding and vision of last skills will be critically important in co-workers during the work day. Rather, world events, and a willingness to take my job, and I’m sure they will serve me Christians ought to strive for excellence risks has always intrigued me. well in all my endeavors, both in and in their work, trusting God to use our I was born with a love of agricul- out of the workplace. actions as another means of building ture. I grew up on a large dairy farm relationships which hopefully will bear and cultivated a deeply ingrained LEE: Covenant is doing a great job at gospel fruit in the lives of unbelievers. relationship with animals and the land providing a solid liberal arts foundation Dr. Quatro would be the first to admit through seemingly endless chores that that will help me in whatever business this is not a cop-out on evangelism; became an irreplaceable part of life. path I choose. There is a great balance rather, it raises the bar, for our deeds I have recently been hired as the of technical skills training and the must match our words for our words to grain analyst for Mann Financial Glob- “softer” side of business that deals with be most effective. It also reinforces al, the world’s largest investment firm. human interaction, critical thinking that, for Christian business profession- I start work the Monday after gradu- skills, and overall the necessity for an als in particular, the cultural mandate ation. Eventually, I am expected to be intentional devotion to work excellence is equal in importance to the Great an expert on the grain commodities for the sake of our Master in heaven. Commission.

18 THE VIEW § COVENANT COLLEGE § SPRING 2008 FACULTY view

Profitable Image Bearers

t was late on a Friday afternoon when every employee in my work I group at one of my previous em- ployer organizations received a packet. Some received thick packets, others thin. The thick packets included em- ployment contracts, and, in my case, a raise and a promotion offer. Seventeen of my colleagues received thin pack- ets, with letters informing them their jobs had been eliminated. Several of these were highly respected and accom- plished colleagues, including “Mack.” He could not access his e-mail. The lock on his office door was changed. He was escorted off the premises. “Mack” and the others were told that their employ- by Dr. Scott Quatro, Associate Professor of Management ment status had been terminated in pursuit of increased profitability. My sation) have a higher market value—as in all of us that resists being “played” thick packet began to weigh heavily on much as $100,000 per employee—than as a means to the end of profit. my heart, mind, and soul. do organizations that have maintained 2. Image-bearer investment must be con- Unfortunately, scenes like this have a cost-orientation toward employees. sistent. My previous employer was become too common in corporate As Christian business practitioners, inconsistent in its operationalization America, where employees are often we celebrate employees as image-bear- of employee investment. Those thin regarded as expendable resources. Over ers, inherently worthy of dignity. But we packets were proof. The end result the past 25 years, much business school also must see them as wise investments. was further loss of human capital content has reinforced this mindset, ex- Sadly, even many organizations with an due to cognitive dissonance. Today, horting executives to maximize share- explicit Christian mission remain wed- less than one-fifth of the employees holder wealth and to view employment ded to a cost-orientation toward em- that received thick packets remain. relationships as being “at-will.” Howev- ployees. This is both unfortunate and The rest have voluntarily left. er, the empirical and theological reality unacceptable. It is bad theology, and As Christ’s agents, we have an excit- is that there is no resource more pre- bad business. ing opportunity to contribute to God’s cious to business than human beings. Despite the investment my previous creative activity in business by heav- And the belief that financial capital is employer made in me, I left to work ily investing in employees. Imagine the more important than human capital elsewhere. This elucidates two lessons: impact if more organizations adopted is false, as conveyed by the parable of a core purpose of holistically engag- the talents in Matthew 25. Consistent 1. Image-bearer investment must be ing God’s image bearers. What if the with this parable, emerging manage- catalyzed by sound motive. Adopting literal purpose of these organizations ment research demonstrates that hu- an investment-orientation toward was to steward the giftedness of their man capability is the ultimate source employees must not be viewed as a employees? What would be the result? of wealth generation. One prominent means to a more profitable end. Rath- The emerging research suggests that it study found that publicly-traded firms er, improved profitability becomes an would be a healthier bottom line. And which adopt an investment-orientation epiphenomenon of first investing in sound theology suggests it would be a toward employees (spending liberally employees with the motive of fully healthier creation. Not a bad combina- on recruitment, training, and compen- engaging them. There is something tion.

SPRING 2008 § COVENANT COLLEGE § THE VIEW 19 Alumni of the Year Awards t fall during Homecoming these three alumni were honored with Covenant’s annual alumni awards.Last fall during Homecomin ual alumniLast awards. fall duringLast fall Homecoming during Homecoming these three these alumni three were alumni honored were with honored Covenant’s with Covenant’s annual alumni annual awards. alumni awards.

T. March Bell ’78, Alumnus of the Year March Bell is an internationally recognized attorney whose expertise in criminal justice and human rights issues has aided efforts to abolish human trafficking in over thirty countries. March’s experience includes serving as vice president of an international non-governmental organization, where he pioneered and designed law enforcement intervention and after-care models for victims of forced prostitution in the developing world, including the Philippines, Thailand, Cambodia, India, and West Africa. These models emphasize

Director of Alumni Relations Marshall Rowe (left) presented multi-disciplinary task forces, brothel infiltration, and victim rescue and the 2007 Alumnus of the Year Award to March Bell ‘78. restoration. March has litigated complex organized crime and financial fraud cases and has conducted investigations for the Senate Subcommittee on Security and Terrorism and the Government Reform and Oversight Committee. A graduate of Pepperdine University School of Law, March is a ruling elder at McLean Presbyterian Church. He and his wife, Mariam ’78, have hosted Covenant students in their home, shown them around Washington, D.C., and informed them of the atrocities of human trafficking and what is being done to counter it. March recently accepted an appointment to Covenant College’s board of trustees.

Dan Wykoff ’01, Young Alumnus of the Year Jenny Beall Woodruff ’80, Alumni Volunteer of the Year With six siblings and two This energetic alumna eagerly parents who have attended took on a challenge and Covenant, Dan Wykoff is a surpassed all expectations: part of a Covenant family Jenny Beall Woodruff co- legacy. Each year the Las Vegas hosted a fundraising dinner native chauffeurs a vanload of in Annapolis, Maryland, and prospective students from the introduced dozens of new Atlanta area to the College’s friends to Covenant. Making Lookout Mountain campus, and over 150 phone calls, she helped on Covenant College Sunday he recruit 120 attendees from an speaks about his alma mater to area where only thirty Covenant his church family. alumni live. The event raised Dan, an alumnus of Covenant’s business program and over $60,000 for the College. Georgia State’s graduate school, is an accountant with Jenny consistently encourages the students in the youth Mersereau and Lazenby. He is a deacon at Old Peachtree group she helps lead to consider attending Covenant, and she Presbyterian Church and is also the church’s treasurer. hosted in her home a Covenant student who was interning in His dedication to Covenant extends to his financial gifts, Annapolis. his boldness in asking others to support Covenant, and his Jenny is the director of women’s ministries at Evangelical service as an advisor to the board of trustees. Presbyterian Church of Annapolis. She and her husband, Dan and his wife, Kristin ’01, have two children. Glenn, have three sons.

20 THE VIEW § COVENANT COLLEGE § SPRING 2008 the plunge by rob colvin ’00

40” x 40” - oil on canvas

Before changing the name of this piece to “The Plunge,” Rob Colvin ’00 dubbed it “The Baptism.” graces of baptism. . . .” A viewer’s initial read, says Rob, is clownish. The second is despairing. Seeing a redemptive nature behind Rob’s work is represented by Anne Loucks Gallery in Chicago and George Billis Gallery in New York City. He melancholy and despair, Rob points out that the mannequin is falling into a can of pickles. “One of the earliest has taught private lessons in Manhattan and served as an adjunct professor at Covenant College. Rob majored known uses of the Greek word baptisma, from which we get baptism, is in the work of Nicander, a poet, physi- in philosophy and religion at Covenant, while moonlighting in the art department. Deeply influenced by Pro- cian, and grammarian who lived around 200 BC. The context of the word is a recipe for making pickles. The fessor Ed Kellogg, Rob went on to earn a BFA from The School of the Art Institute in Chicago and an MFA from connotations of baptisma are not only to dip or submerge, but also bring about change or transformation—as University of New Hampshire. He spent his summers in Italy. in the cucumber to the pickle. The significance of falling into a can of pickles is metaphoric to the transformative Visit www.robcolvin.com to see more of Rob’s work.

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