Spring/Summer 2015 IN THIS ISSUE

4 Student Focus 6 Meet the Dean 8 Student Service 9 Trustee Profile 10 Giving Focus

Nursing enhances mission Dear Friend,

his Transform highlights the Simpson TUniversity School of Nursing as a way Interim President: of saying “thank you” to you who have Dr. Robin Dummer Vice President for Advancement: prayed and given to make the school a reality. Gordon Flinn It is also to encourage you and share our Editor: excitement about what God is doing. Candace Brown Staff Writer: In January, a team for the Commission Elise Wilson ‘08 on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) Photographer: visited campus to investigate whether Jessica Law the university’s nursing program met the The Transform is a biannual newsletter standards required for national certification. designed to inform friends of about how their gifts are I was asked how the nursing program fit with making a difference. Simpson’s mission. I shared with the team that nursing was part of the curriculum in

For more information about the 1960s and that our School of Nursing giving to Simpson University, and its new facility represent the fulfillment call 1-800-598-2239 or visit of a long-cherished dream. simpsonu.edu/giving. In 1963 started a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program for On the Cover: Simpson University nursing students Katelyn nurses who already possessed certification Davis, left, and Jeremy Wildoner. See story p. 4. as registered nurses (RNs). A track for those Photo by Jesssica Law. who had not yet completed the requirements to be an RN was offered as well. The primary Simpson University purpose of the program was to enable nurses Mission Statement: to meet the denominational requirements Simpson University is a Christ-centered of the Christian and Missionary Alliance learning community committed to developing each student in mind, faith for service as foreign missionaries. Due to and character for a lifetime of meaning- unsustainably low enrollments, however, the ful work and service in a constantly program was consolidated with the missions changing world. program in 1969.

2 TRANSFORM Spring/Summer 2015 Nursing enhances mission Dr. Robin Dummer Interim President

Who knew that it would be 38 years before the RN-to-BSN program was revived, and 42 years before the full BSN program admitted new students? I am grateful to have witnessed the rebirth of the program as well as the completion of the beautiful facility that enables us to deliver a high-quality education to our students. I am gratified as well that the interest in international service remains strong among our Simpson nursing students. Our nursing students have served in Mexico and, as is noted in this edition of Transform, a team of nursing students will soon travel to India to serve with Project India Compassion Trust. The ministry in India was founded by former Simpson science chair Dr. Solomon Raju and his family. His son, Dr. Solomon Darwin, now heads the ministry. The visiting team from CCNE could not say enough good things about the School of Nursing and Kristie Stephens’ leadership as its dean. The team went to clinical sites to solicit feedback on how Simpson’s nursing students fared in the field, and the message was consistent: Simpson nursing students were the best prepared of any students the sites had supervised, and the Simpson students demonstrated more sensitivity to less fortunate patients and those of other cultures than other students. Competent and compassionate – it doesn’t get any better than that! I want to thank you for supporting the School of Nursing through your prayers and gifts. You have enabled a legacy of healing and caring service that will continue to impact the world for Christ in the years ahead. Please continue to pray with us for gifts to establish a maintenance endowment for the Science and Nursing Building and for the complete retirement of the construction costs. Grace, peace and joy be yours in abundance through Christ Jesus our Lord.

simpsonu.edu / 1-888-9-SIMPSON 3 STUDENT FOCUS Katelyn Davis & Jeremy Wildoner Bachelor of Science in Nursing

atelyn Davis and Jeremy Wildoner are students in Simpson University’s Kfour-year bachelor of science in nursing program. Katelyn, a junior from Salem, Ore., realized she wanted to become a labor and delivery nurse after witnessing her first live birth. Jeremy, a senior from Sonora, hopes to one day use his nursing education to be part of medical missions to underprivileged patients. Both Katelyn and Jeremy transferred to Simpson in 2012 to be a part of the university’s up-and-coming School of Nursing. Katelyn transferred from in Salem, Ore., where she was majoring in health science. “I decided to attend Simpson because I was searching for a Christian school that had a nursing program,” she said. “It wasn’t too far away and supplied me with the academic and spiritual aspects I was looking for.” Jeremy transferred from Columbia Community College. He holds associate degrees in Allied Health and liberal arts. “The maturing nursing program here was, of course, the chief reason for attending; however, I also decided to attend Simpson because of its strong dedication to God and His word over the years,” he said. “The school is a community with genuine faith that is fostered very much by the leadership and faculty of the school.” Katelyn and Jeremy both faced challenges in coming to Simpson. For Katelyn, being away from home has been a struggle. “This was my first time being away from my family for an extended period of time, so that was an adjustment and still is,” she said. “I am a complete homebody, so living in a different state has been an eye-opening experience.” At first, Jeremy was unsure if he would be able to attend Simpson because of finances. But he received grants and scholarships, including Simpson’s Gateway and academic achievement scholarships, which have allowed him to pursue his bachelor’s degree.

4 TRANSFORM Spring/Summer 2015 “I am over-the-moon appreciative for these donors.” — Katelyn Davis, nursing student

“When I was younger, I never thought that I would attend a private Christian college because of the financial cost,” he said. “And yet, with the help of scholarships from donors, I have been blessed to be able to attend Simpson University. Thank you so much. Your giving is immensely appreciated.” Both Jeremy and Katelyn enjoy the personal connection they share with their professors. While at Simpson, Jeremy’s spiritual life has been positively impacted by professors from the School of Nursing and the Division of and Ministry. “In both my Bible classes and nursing classes, I have been greatly encouraged by discussions with my professors about learning, life, and living out our faith,” he said. “I value their spiritual leadership so much as they have helped me grow in both knowledge and faith.” Katelyn’s time has also been influenced by the nursing professors. “The comfortable connection with professors has made my experience at Simpson so worthwhile,” she said. “I know at other colleges I would lack that connection. I am very grateful for this aspect here at Simpson.” In spite of the rigors of the nursing program, Katelyn and Jeremy have been able to participate in other school activities. Katelyn has been involved in intramurals and the Spirit Squad, and she enjoys attending campus sporting events. She also served as a transfer coach, helping new transfer students adjust to life at Simpson. In the summer of 2014, Jeremy went on a mission trip to Mexicali, Mexico, with other Simpson nursing students. He and his team spent their time setting up medical clinics and cared and prayed for the people who came to see them. As members of the nursing program, Katelyn and Jeremy get to use the new Science and Nursing Building, which was dedicated in October 2014. Both are grateful for the real-life experience they are gaining that will help them and future students in their nursing careers. “This new building is such a great facility for us to study in, and with new simulation labs our learning is even more practical and meaningful,” said Jeremy. Katelyn said she is grateful for the role donors played in the completion of the building. “The Science and Nursing Building wouldn’t be here today if it weren’t for generous donations,” she said. “I am over-the-moon appreciative for these donors.” — By Elise Wilson ‘08 / Photos by Jessica Law

Thank you for your gifts to the Science and Nursing Building and to the Scholarship Fund so students like Jeremy and Katelyn can pursue their dreams of serving and caring for others through nursing careers. Visit simpsonu.edu/giving.

simpsonu.edu / 1-888-9-SIMPSON 5 MEET THE DEAN Kristie Stephens School of Nursing

ith over 17 years in the healthcare industry, Kristie Stephens brings a Wwealth of nursing education and administrative experience to the role of dean of Simpson University’s School of Nursing. She is invested in student outcomes and patient-centered care. “Caring and faith are integral aspects of what we do,” she said. “Nursing is a deeply caring activity which includes the cultural, ethical, and spiritual aspects of all mankind. Caring is at the core of nursing.” Stephens learned about the open dean position while she was an assistant professor of nursing at Simpson. The former dean of the School of Nursing encouraged her to apply. Stephens started her role of dean on July 1, 2014. As dean, Stephens oversees approximately 23 staff and faculty members. She is also in charge of the four-year traditional undergraduate bachelor of science in nursing program and the 16-month-long RN-BSN Track. Of the 112 students enrolled in the School of Nursing, 95 are in the traditional undergraduate four-year program, and 17 are in the RN-BSN Track. “I have the ability to help create change and create resources for faculty and students to elevate our program to the next level,” she said. During her time as dean, Stephens supervised moving the School of Nursing from modular buildings to the new Science and Nursing Building, which was

School of Nursing Dean Kristie Stephens, center, talks to students practicing on a manikin in a skills lab.

dedicated in October 2014. The new building houses simulation labs which give students realistic opportunities to practice and gain experience in a safe environment. “It’s important that we teach our students how to think and problem-solve,” she said. “Clinical reasoning, critical thinking and physical assessment are paramount. We are teaching students to be proactive.” Stephens said her ultimate goal for the School of Nursing is for it to be a place of excellence. “I want students who graduate to be at the forefront of healthcare policy, research, and academic matters,” she said. “I want our students to be cutting-edge, quality human beings.”

6 TRANSFORM Spring/Summer 2015 “caring and faith are integral aspects of what we do. caring is at the core of nursing.” — Kristie Stephens

Stephens realizes that donors have a big impact on Simpson’s nursing programs. “They provide resources we need to meet program outcomes,” she said. “They greatly impact the training and experience our students receive.” Stephens first heard about Simpson University when she began looking for nursing faculty positions in Northern in 2012. She served as an assistant professor for two years before becoming dean. As a professor, she taught Nursing Care of Adults III and IV, Nursing Leadership and Management, Senior Capstone Seminar, and Pharmacology. “I felt like Simpson would be a really good fit,” she said. “By working at a private Christian university you can incorporate spirituality with nursing. You can focus on holistic care.” Before coming to Simpson, Stephens’ healthcare roles included bedside staff positions, clinical educator, clinical faculty, staff development educator, nurse manager, project manager, and nursing faculty at another school. She has clinical experience in both the public and private settings, including a large university medical center and community hospitals. Stephens graduated with a B.S.N. from Loma Linda University in Loma Linda, Calif., and later received a M.S.N. with an emphasis in hospital administration and education from University of Phoenix. She also holds a public health credential. When she is not at work, Stephens enjoys spending time with her husband and two children doing outdoor activities, including dirt bike riding, hiking, and kayaking. — By Elise Wilson ‘08 / Photos by Jessica Law

Thank you for your support of Simpson University’s faculty and academic programs. Learn more about the nursing program at simpsonu.edu/nursing.

simpsonu.edu / 1-888-9-SIMPSON 7 STUDENT SERVICE Nursing mission trip Mori, India

Nursing students to make history on India service trip

even nursing students and two leaders will make history by going on SSimpson University’s first official School of Nursing and WorldSERVE mission trip on June 2-18. They will travel to Mori, India, to work with Project India Compassion Trust, a ministry of Hope for People International, which is headquartered in , Calif. It will be the first medically focused student mission trip in Hope for People’s history, board chairman Matt Sanders said. “We’re thrilled that SU is coming alongside what we’re doing,” he said. Kristie Stephens, dean of the School of Nursing, said they’re starting with a small group this year. “The ultimate goal is to be invited back and take larger groups,” she said. Rachel Hinrichsen, a senior from Redding, is one of the students going on the trip. “When an opportunity came up to combine my passion for missions with my passion for nursing, I could not pass it up,” she said. While in India, the Simpson team will help with community health screenings and health education seminars and clinics. The team also will help with day-to-day activities at Subbamma Christian Hospital, including assisting the surgeon during normal births and with C-sections as well as other surgeries in the operating theater. In addition, the team will put on training for nursing students from the surrounding region. “My main anticipation for this trip is to be a light in a dark place and to share the love of Jesus with people who may never have heard His name,” said Rachel (pictured left). “I am excited to bring the gospel into a predominantly Hindu culture, to be Christ’s hands and feet in the medical field, and to serve those less fortunate who lack quality medical care.” The Simpson team will partner with students and faculty members from Azusa (APU) in putting on Vacation Bible School for local villages and Riverside Christian School. “I am very excited about Simpson coming and the coordination with APU,” said Sanders, who is also a biology professor at APU. “We are hoping for many more years of cooperation.” Dean Stephens is also hoping the team can bring one of Simpson’s simulation manikins on the trip and provide training to nursing students from area colleges in India. “It’s an amazing piece of technology the students in India would never have

8 TRANSFORM Spring/Summer 2015 Learn how to support Simpson student missions at simpsonu.edu/supportmissions.

Learn more about Hope for People at hope-for-people.org.

access to,” Sanders said. “It will be a great experience for the Simpson students to teach others.” The Simpson team hopes to also conduct a relationship seminar for Riverside Christian School students, focusing on the treatment of women and untouchables in India . Before leaving for the trip, the nine-person team will participate in intensive preparations, including cultural preparations, and receive training on the programs they will be implementing while in India. Project India Compassion Trust was founded by Dr. Solomon Raju, who was a science professor at Simpson College in San Francisco for 12 years. Dr. Raju started the organization to continue the work of his mother in providing educational, medical, and From left: Dr. Solomon Raju, Jessy Raju and Dr. Solomon Darwin spiritual services to the lower classes in Southeast India. Dr. Raju’s son, Dr. Solomon Darwin, now oversees the organization. Dr. Darwin reached out to Dean Stephens and invited Simpson nursing students to serve at Subbamma Christian Hospital. “As a Christian mission hospital in India, we are looking for nursing schools to partner with for training our nurses and staff,” Dr. Darwin said. “This was a good match.” In the past, Simpson nursing professors and students have formed their own mission trips and served in Mexicali, Mexico, where they set up medical clinics and cared for the people who came to see them. Nursing students have also gone on trips through WorldSERVE. Last summer, Rachel spent three weeks in Bangkok, Thailand, working with a missionary couple who ministers to Buddhist university students. “This trip changed my life and really opened my eyes to missions and serving Christ overseas,” she said. — By Elise Wilson ‘08

simpsonu.edu / 1-888-9-SIMPSON 9 TRUSTEE PROFILE Ray Van Gilst Sacramento, Calif.

“I truly believe Simpson is an integral part of God’s plan in reaching our world for Christ.” — Ray Van Gilst

ew Simpson University trustee Ray Van Gilst has a desire to equip and Nhelp others in their service to God. This is exemplified through his decades of work as a church planter in Wyoming and Utah, more than eight years serving as director of church planting for the Central Pacific District of the Christian and Missionary Alliance, and in his newest role: superintendent of the Central Pacific District. “I was recently asked what three of my guiding principles in life are,” he said in an email interview. “Love God and put myself in a place of hearing his voice; value and honor others; and empower others to succeed in serving God.” Ray joins the Simpson University board with somewhat of an insider’s perspective. He received his master’s degree from Simpson in 1999; and his daughter Abigail is a junior studying psychology. In addition to Abigail, Ray and his wife, Donice, have two sons and a grandson. He is encouraged by what he sees taking place at the university, particularly at A.W. Tozer Theological Seminary. “I love the creativity that is going on right now to try to figure out how best to prepare students for ministry in a way that fits today’s culture, and our culture as a region,” he said. Those who support Simpson University, financially and prayerfully, are making a far-reaching investment, Ray said. “I truly believe Simpson is an integral part of God’s plan in reaching our world for Christ,” he said. “We must support the next generation as they prepare to serve Him.”

We are so thankful for all the men and women who give of their time, talents and resources to serve on Simpson University’s board of trustees. Meet all of our trustees at simpsonu.edu/trustees.

10 TRANSFORM Spring/Summer 2015 GIVING FOCUS Student Scholarship Fund JOIN US Spring Banquet 2015

THURSDAY APRIL 16 W RLDSERVE SPRING STUDENT SCHOLARSHIP BANQUET

WHERE 5:30 – 7:30 PM Simpson University Heritage Student Life Center Featuring 2211 College View Drive, Redding dinner, special RSVP music by the Simpson Dianne Mueller University Phone 530.226.4524 Chorale, Email [email protected] student and Online simpsonu.edu/springbanquet alumni stories, and more.

JOIN US APRIL 16 FOR A SPECIAL FUNDRAISER FOR THE STUDENT SCHOLARSHIP FUND.

The focus of this year’s Spring Scholarship Banquet will be on students who volunteer during the school year and on spring and summer breaks to serve in the community (on “strike teams”), U.S. and overseas (on student-led WorldSERVE teams). Because WorldSERVE students aren’t able to earn income during the weeks they are serving, Simpson University provides them supplemental scholarship aid from the Student Scholarship Fund. More than 95 percent of Simpson’s students receive financial aid. Giving to the Student Scholarship Fund helps students complete their education and reduce the burden of student loans. Your gifts to the fund will also help WorldSERVE teams to continue their global service, giving many students the opportunity to serve the Lord in life-changing ways.

simpsonu.edu / 1-888-9-SIMPSON 11 US POSTAGE HOW TO GIVE NON-CASH PAID NON-PROFIT Your non-cash items could represent thousands of dollars to Simpson University— Permit #113 Red Bluff, CA plus a garage you can park in, cleaned-out drawers and no more storage unit fees. 2211 College View Drive Redding, CA 96003 We have a new online giving system that allows our university to process and 1.888.9.SIMPSON liquidate almost any kind of quality non-cash donation – effortlessly! 530.226.4606 simpsonu.edu WE’VE MADE IT VERY SIMPLE TO DONATE NON-CASH ITEMS:

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Go to our website and find the icon that matches your non-cash donation; or scan the QR code with your smart phone. FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT simpsonu.edu/idonate

or contact Don Merrill at email: [email protected] or phone: 530-226-4935 Thank you for your investment in our future! investment your for you Thank