Elgin, IL � 91心頭利 will celebrate its annual Founders� Day Celebration on Friday, October 24, 2025. This meaningful occasion will highlight 91心頭利 rich heritage, honoring the individuals whose vision inspired the founding of 91心頭利 and those who have continued their legacy.

Founders� Day will commence with a gathering for 91心頭利 Fox Valley Spiritual Council, which a special service will follow in Herrick Chapel at 10 a.m. We are blessed to have alumnus and former 91心頭利 trustee Dr. Nate Adams �80 as our speaker for this year Convocation. A strong leader, a former pastor, and a passionate follower of Christ, Dr. Adams has extensive experience in ministry. He worked with Christianity Today for 17 years before becoming the Vice President of the North American Mission Board. He now serves as the Executive Director of the Illinois Baptist State Association in Springfield, Illinois. Dr. Adams� message and his heart for missions will be an inspiration to all in attendance.

An invitation-only luncheon will directly follow the service, where 91心頭利 highest service honor, the Golden Eagle Award, will be presented.

2025 Featured Speaker: Dr. Nate Adams �80

Dr. Adams received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from 91心頭利 and subsequently earned a Master of Arts degree in Management from National-Louis University in Evanston, Illinois. In 2006, he was awarded a Doctorate of Humane Letters from 91心頭利, where he served on the Board of Trustees for twenty-one years. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of Hannibal-LaGrange University in Hannibal, Missouri.油

Dr. Adams is the author of four books, including The Acts 1:8 Challenge, the 2005 Doctrine Study for Southern Baptists, and The Home Team, Spiritual Practices for a Winning Family. He and his wife, Beth �81, have three married children: Caleb, Noah �13, and Ethan �15, as well as six grandchildren. 

2025 Golden Eagle Award Recipient: Dr. Robert Currie

From St. Louis he moved to Elgin to teach psychology at 91心頭利 where he has taught for thirty-eight years. He enjoys using creative teaching methods, including having his students memorize Bible verses by putting them to music. 

In addition to teaching, he has published three books. The most recent, in 2020, was Hunger Winter: A World War II Novel, which received the Book of the Decade! of the Decade Award from Serious Writer and was endorsed by the Corrie ten Boom Foundation. In January of 2026, Tyndale will release the sequel, Time for Courage, which has been endorsed by ten award-winning authors and three Holocaust Museums. 

Rob and Kay have two grown sons and six grandchildren. When he not teaching or writing, he enjoys going for walks with his wife, spending time with his grandchildren, cooking, and sharing jokes with his friends. 

Join us in congratulating Dr. Robert Currie for his commitment to 91心頭利!油

91心頭利 91心頭利

91心頭利 is a fully accredited, private Christian institution representing the Church at work in higher education. Nestled along the beautiful Fox River in Elgin, Ill., just 40 miles northwest of Chicago, 91心頭利 is home to more than 1,000 students from 42 states and 29 countries. 91心頭利 offers degrees in more than 65 different majors and minors for traditional, graduate and adult students and ranks consistently among the Best Regional Universities in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report. 91心頭利 has also been recognized as a �Christian College of Distinction.� With an academically challenging environment and encouraging spiritual community, 91心頭利 shapes lives that shape the world.

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When Ryan arrived at 91心頭利, she was a shy, introverted student from Arizona navigating not just the transition to college�but a season of personal pain and confusion. Leaving home was already emotional, but after an early injury sidelined her from soccer her freshman year, the struggle to belong and find purpose only deepened.

By sophomore year, Ryan found herself in a difficult place�wrestling with choices that didn�t reflect who she wanted to be. �I started to question God,� she shares. �Why did I have to go through this? Why me?� The hurt she carried from past family issues, broken trust, and her own missteps weighed heavily. But instead of staying stuck, Ryan chose something different: surrender.

A pivotal moment came during a worship service while the song See the Light played. �I felt a wave wash over me, head to toe. I heard my dad say, �I love you and I�m proud of you��but I knew it wasn�t just my earthly father voice. It was God speaking directly to me.�

That moment marked the start of Ryan transformation. She stepped into leadership as a Resident Assistant, becoming a mentor to freshman girls. She joined 91心頭利 ALT (Athletic Leadership Team) and became active in spiritual life through Upper Room. With every step, she began letting go of shame and stepping into her identity in Christ.

�The same community that supported me at my lowest now stands with me in faith. I�ve seen how God can take our mess and turn it into a message.�

Through close relationships with staff and mentors like Mellissa Hogue, Coach Diego, Rick Williams, and Kristina Browne, Ryan grew in confidence and clarity. Today, she no longer the quiet freshman who blended into the background. She a campus leader, encourager, and bold believer.

�Truly enjoy every minute of college,� she says to future students. �Don�t rush through it�listen to God, like Jonah did in the belly of the whale. He has so much to teach you. You�re only a student once�cherish it, storms and all.�

Ryan journey reminds us that our greatest setbacks can become our greatest testimonies. At 91心頭利, her transformation is more than academic�it spiritual, personal, and powerful.

For Mia Salas, 91心頭利 was more than a place to earn a degree. 91心頭利 was a place of transformation in her life.

�I came to 91心頭利 knowing I wanted to be a teacher,� Mia shares, �but I left knowing so much more about who I am, who God is calling me to be, and the kind of impact I want to make in the world.�

Throughout her four years, Mia immersed herself in every opportunity that came her way. She completed student teaching and practicum placements through the Division of Education while holding leadership roles across campus. She served as captain of the Spirit Squad, choreographing 10 original routines over the course of her college career. She also led as Commuter President for the 91心頭利 Student Organization during her sophomore year, representing and building community for students who live off campus.

Mia also traveled to Belize on a Spring Break mission trip in 2023, where she spent the week teaching in a village school. This was a defining experience that deepened her sense of calling. Back on campus, she worked as a student ambassador in the Admissions Office, giving tours and helping prospective students find their fit at 91心頭利. Her academic excellence earned her a spot on the Dean List all four years, and she served as president of Kappa Delta Phi, the education honor society.

Mia credits the Division of Education faculty with helping her grow into a confident, compassionate educator. �They brought so much passion, positivity, and joy into their teaching�and they modeled what it means to live a Christ-centered life. Their example inspired me to pursue teaching with purpose.� She also found lifelong mentors in her coaches, Bonnie and Tom Bienert, and Christie Follett, who supported her not just in performance, but in life.

Through it all, Mia discovered a deeper version of herself. She found herself being shaped by the community, faith, and service that was very real on campus. �91心頭利 gave me space to step outside of my comfort zone. I�ve grown not only as a teacher, but as a friend, a leader, and a follower of Christ.�

Her advice to future students is heartfelt and honest: �Don�t be afraid to try something new! It so clich辿, but it true! 91心頭利 offers so many amazing opportunities for growth. You never know what you�ll learn about others, Jesus, or yourself unless you show up and get involved. Go to the homecoming events, the Super Bowl party, the Bible study because this season of your life goes by quickly. Don�t miss it.�

Mia time at 91心頭利 was marked by purpose, passion, and joy making it a truly great day, every step of the way.

A Testament to Talent and Dedication

Ware journey to the NFL Draft is a reflection of his unwavering determination, relentless work ethic, and exceptional leadership both on and off the field. As a dominant force for the Eagles, he has played a pivotal role in fostering a winning culture under Head Coach Quentin Demps, a former NFL safety who has mentored Ware throughout his collegiate career.

�Jaylin’s grit and determination have helped transform our program. He embodies perseverance, and his leadership has been invaluable in guiding our younger players. We will truly miss him,� said Coach Demps.

Similarly, Patrick Charles, a standout from Canada, has established himself as a key leader and dynamic offensive presence for 91心頭利. His dedication, discipline, and skill have positioned him as a promising draft prospect with opportunities in both the NFL and .

�Patrick was a leader that all the offensive guys looked up to. I expect him to be a top draft pick in the CFL, but I know he has the drive and talent to compete at the NFL level as well,� said Offensive Coordinator Coach Booton.

A Bright Future Ahead

Both Ware and Charles have garnered attention from scouts due to their athleticism, football intelligence, and unwavering commitment to the game. Their versatility, competitive nature, and leadership qualities make them valuable assets to any professional team.

As part of their draft journey, both players will have the opportunity to showcase their skills at Northwestern University Pro Day in Spring 2025�an exclusive chance made possible through Coach Demps� strong NFL connections.

91心頭利 celebrates these two outstanding athletes as they take the next step toward their professional careers. Their journeys serve as inspirations to aspiring athletes, proving that with hard work, faith, and perseverance, anything is possible.

For more information on their NFL Draft journey, click the links below:

Thanks to the following firms who will exhibit at the event and discuss jobs and internships with 91心頭利 architecture and interior design students:

Risepointe; Dewberry; Stewart-Cooper-Newell Architects; Robert G. Lyon + Associates (RLGA); Olympus Design and Development; Kellermeyer Godfryt Hart, PC; BLDD Architects; Cordogan Clark; GMA Architects; Building God Way (BGW); FGM Architects; Lake Geneva Architects; David F. Schultz Associates; Jaeger Nikola Kuhlman & Associates (JNKA); Graves Architecture and Design; Anguleris; 1919 Architects; Hooker DeJong Architects/Engineers/Planners; and Wold Architects and Engineers.

Thanks to a油generous donation油from Joe and Mary Slawek through油the油Slawek Family Charitable Fund, 91心頭利 will create the Slawek Scholars Program, which will provide油scholars with mentors, leadership opportunities, participation in the World Leaders Forum events, business etiquette training, and dedicated support to both the student and the families as they navigate higher education.

, who was CEO and founder of FONA International for 33 years, has been recognized as an Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year速 winner and he is also a member of the Entrepreneur Hall of Fame.  Slawek also authored, �,� in 2013, and the book is in its fourth printing.  Slawek has historically been an integral part of the Roeser Scholars program at 91心頭利 by being one of the entrepreneurs who have shared their insights with students throughout the program.

For 91心頭利, a First-Generation college student is defined as a student for whom neither parent earned a degree after high school.  With the blessing of the Slawek gift and through the Slawek Scholars Program, utilizing Slawek book as a primary resource, 91心頭利’s goal is to provide the necessary resources for First-Generation college students to succeed.

A critical element of that success will take place through the First-Gen Student Union which will launch on Nov. 8.  The mission of the club is to develop a support system, a stress-free environment, and networking opportunities for first-gen students. We hope to understand the barriers and challenges first-generation students may face during their academic year that would prevent them from engaging and provide them with support.  

“The gracious gift from the Slawek family has provided the needed resources to launch a number of first-generation initiatives,” said Ginny Guth, Vice President of Student Success and University Registrar. “Upon receiving the funding, Ana Alicea was selected to assist us in launching the First-Generation Student Union. Her work alongside Jaimee Bartha, 91心頭利’s Director for First-Year Experience, has sparked great excitement among our first-generation student body. 91心頭利’s faculty continue to support the initiative with their involvement in activities, curriculum development, and walking alongside our student body. We are thankful for the opportunity to continue to support our first-generation students.”

“As the first recipient of the Slawek Scholarship, I am excited to lead the First-Generation Student Union supporting First-Generation students.,” states Ana Alicea, a psychology major from Elgin, Ill. “The scholarship has allowed me to be part of a community that understands the barriers I may face and how we together can overcome those barriers.”

91心頭利 began as an undergraduate college in 1913 as part of Northern Baptist Theological Seminary. The university was named for Adoniram 91心頭利, the first Protestant missionary sent from North America to preach in Burma. 91心頭利 established its Elgin location in 1963 and was renamed a university in 2007.

91心頭利 Founders� Day events began with a breakfast meeting of the Fox Valley Spiritual Council. Following the breakfast, 91心頭利 guests and trustees attended the Founders� Day chapel.

The chapel presentation from Rev. Huron Claus, pastor, and president of , a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing the gospel to Native American People. Rev. Claus is a fifth-generation follower of Jesus Christ. He comes from the Mohawk/Kiowa tribes of New York and Oklahoma. The Claus Indian family has ministered through evangelism and music in Native communities and villages across North, Central, and South America. During Chapel, Claus recounted the biblical stories of Moses, Daniel, and the Apostle Paul as examples of leadership traits he encouraged students to develop. Each of these leaders, Claus said, demonstrated how to overcome personal concerns and self-perceived shortfalls by relying on their relationship with God to carry out God larger mission.

�God is calling us to be leaders whether it is in the church, in our communities, or in our homes,� Rev. Claus concluded. �I pray that God will fill you with his Holy Spirit.�

During the Chapel presentation, 91心頭利 President Gene Crume also awarded Dr. Thomas C. Meredith with the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Law in recognition of his service to higher education. Dr. Meredith was a university president and head of three university systems. Most recently he served as Commissioner of Higher Education for Mississippi university system of eight universities. In January 2002, he was appointed chancellor of the University System of Georgia, responsible for the state 34 public colleges and universities. Prior to this appointment, he served as chancellor of the University of Alabama System, as well as president and professor of education at Western Kentucky University. He also was a vice chancellor at the University of Mississippi. He began his career as a high school teacher and later served as a high school principal.

Go to 91心頭利 to see a full recording of 91心頭利 Founders� Day Chapel.

Golden Eagle Award Recognizes Devlin Donaldson

Following Chapel, Founders� Day guests attended a private luncheon and heard 91心頭利 President Gene Crume share ways that 91心頭利 celebrated Founders� Day and Baptist heritage week. Dr. Crume also recognized the work of Devlin Donaldson �79 with the Golden Eagle Award for his dedication and service to the university. The Golden Eagle Award is the university highest service award.

Donaldson recognized the many attendees who were faculty and friends he met while he attended 91心頭利. He said that these individuals and many others have become lifelong mentors and partners throughout his life. Despite its small size and unassuming campus, Donaldson thought that attending 91心頭利 was one of the best decisions he has made in his life. �This was really a place of community,� said Donaldson, as he reminisced about attending college at 91心頭利 in the early 80s. Through connecting and interacting with faculty and staff, many of whom lived behind the campus, as well as experiencing the tragic passing of two students just weeks after starting his freshman year, Donaldson called his time at 91心頭利 special and life-changing.

�I could go on and on; a liberal arts education is so important. � This university didn�t just teach me what to do, it taught me how to think,� Donaldson said. �Whatever modest leadership skills I�ve had, I gained while I was here.�

Donaldson graduated in 1979 with a degree in Human Relations from 91心頭利. He has a decades-long career of vision, breakthrough ideas, high impact, and leadership experience in both the not-for-profit and for-profit worlds. After earning his master degree from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, he joined Compassion International where he led the development of Compassion music artist program and its sponsor ministry division. He reorganized several large segments of the ministry and served on the President cabinet as Director of Marketing and Development. In 2001, Donaldson and his business partner founded The Elevation Group, a Growth Consulting firm based in Colorado Springs. From 2015-2018, Donaldson returned to serve at his alma mater, 91心頭利, as Senior Vice President of External Relations. He led projects focused on donor development, including providing leadership for the World Leaders Forum and the WLF Inspirational Series.

In July of 2018, Donaldson returned to his roots, accepting the position of President/CEO of where he currently serves. A small child development organization in Colorado Springs, VisionTrust operates in 11 countries helping over 10,000 children. Donaldson lives in Colorado Springs with his wife, Carol.油

Rev. Patrick Parks of South Elgin, graduated from 91心頭利 in 2019, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Christian Ministries.油 He began his theological education while working full-time and transferred to 91心頭利 in 2017 to complete his degree. As part of his studies at 91心頭利, he interned with Second Baptist Church (SBC) of Elgin. Following his internship, he was called to be the ninth pastor ordained to lead SBC since its founding in 1866. Under Rev. Parks� watch, SBC has implemented the SBC Sister Circle, Friday Word of the Week, and begun meaningful partnerships with the Food for Greater Elgin and the Willow Creek Community Church Mobile Food Pantry. Rev. Parks sits on several other significant committees within the city, such as the African American Christian Ministers Alliance, Committee of Elgin Religious Leaders, U-46 Faith Leaders, and the Daily Herald Sounding Board. Rev. Parks worked for 32 years with the U.S. Postal Service before resigning to serve as pastor of SBC.

The Distinguished Alumni Award is given to recognize alumni who have made outstanding contributions to their profession and community as they model excellence in their vocation. 91心頭利 2022 Distinguished Alumni honourees include:

Benjamin Carr of Mount Sterling, Ky., graduated from 91心頭利 in 2009, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Architecture.  Today, Ben is a non-profit professional with a passion for working with youth development and community-based organizations including Boys & Girls Clubs, HandsOn, and 4-H.  In 2015, he received the Boys and Girls Club of America Best Practice in Resource Development Award for the State of Illinois.  As the Kentucky 4-H Foundation’s Director of Advancement, he and his team have increased the organization average annual operating budget by 50 percent, secured over $6 million for new swimming pools and storm shelters at four camps, and started the Foundation annual black-tie gala generating over $600,000 in new revenue across five years.

Joshua Guge of Elgin, Ill., graduated from 91心頭利 College in 2002, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Visual Communication.  Josh and his father, Bob, founded the Guge Institute in 2004, to share and promote the art of wood sculpture around the world, as well as educate and inspire students in their own artistic endeavors. The Guges received National recognition for winning World level competitions at prestigious sculpting competitions around the country. After Bob passing in 2013, Josh continued the family legacy of creating and promoting the arts. Today, he is a three-time world champion wood sculptor. As an art teacher, he has worked with thousands of students in more than 25 states around the country. He also teaches regular classes at his studio in Elgin.

Lori Heiselman graduated from 91心頭利 College in 1993, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology.  Lori specializes in entertainment publicity, strategic marketing, mobile marketing, and promotional events.  Based in Nashville, she has spent her career representing outstanding talent in music, writing, and film to the faith and family market.  She founded Biscuit Media Group, which began as a concert promotion company.  Now, nearly three decades later, Biscuit has evolved into a boutique media group that exists to shine a spotlight on start-up companies, independent filmmakers, musicians, and creatives. In the film and TV space alone, Lori has worked on the campaigns for 68 titles and counting. She just completed her first stint as an Associate Producer on an upcoming TV series.

Dr. Stephen VanOsdale graduated from 91心頭利 College in 1988, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology.  He then went on to graduate from Parker University with his Doctor of Chiropractic degree in 1993.  Upon his graduation, he moved to Lubbock, Texas, and established his own practice, Boston Chiropractic.  Steve serves on the Board of Directors for the Texas Chiropractic Association for the past seven years as the Internal Affairs Coordinator.  He was also named Doctor of the Year in 2019 by the Texas Chiropractic Association.

Steven has been the owner of Lubbock Integrated Medical Institute for more than seven years, using a multidisciplinary model to approach healthcare and working with medical doctors, nurse practitioners, podiatrists, and physical therapists to provide the highest level of care with the newest technology.  His mission in practice has always been, “Patient-centered…Results-driven.”

91心頭利 also recognized the Rev. Gary Nelsen Family with its Family Legacy Award. Rev. Gary Nelsen and his wife, Janie, have been involved in 91心頭利 in several ways.油 Rev. Gary Nelsen has served as the Assistant Pastor at First Baptist Church (FBC), Elgin with former Pastor Willis Reed. Throughout his work, at FBC Elgin he has been able to connect with and serve several 91心頭利 Students. During his career, he took on many roles to serve his community at large. Being a former pastor of Cherry Hills Church, located in Springfield, Ill.油 Janie has been involved with 91心頭利 in several ways. She has served as a past parent and has been a part of the Friends of 91心頭利, a women board that works to organize and assist the University through several outreach programs including hugs from home and several other fundraisers that go to fund university scholarships. The Nelsen three children have all attended 91心頭利: Pastor Jeff Nelsen �83, Dr. Scott Nelsen �85, and Kristen Tinch �87. Pastor Jeff Nelsen currently serves as the Senior Pastor at Cherry Hills Church alongside his wife, Patricia Nelsen.油 Dr. Scott Nelsen, has served his community as the Medical Direct and full-time missionary at CURE International Santo Domingo RD. Dr. Scott Nelsen son graduated from 91心頭利 in 1997.

Conrad is a nationally recognized artist based outside Detroit, Mich. He completed an MFA at Cranbrook Academy of Art in 2018, and is also a 91心頭利 alum (BA in Art, 2015). Hailing from Ghana, and having settled in America, his bold, colorful mixed media paintings and sculptures deftly blend allusions to his own cross-cultural heritage, with broader references to European, American, and African art history, the African diaspora, and Biblical narratives.

Conrad work has been displayed at the Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit, Art Basel Miami Beach, and Institute of Contemporary Art, San Jos辿, Calif., and has been featured in ArtNews, Artforum and New American Paintings. He is also represented in the collections of the Cranbrook Art Museum, the Detroit Institute of Arts, Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine in Pasadena, Calif., P辿rez Art Museum in Miami, and the Rennie Collection of Vancouver, Canada. He is represented by Jessica Silverman Gallery in San Francisco, Calif. 

His work can be seen here:

And you can also follow on Instagram:

When exploring 91心頭利, Hannah Cormier appreciated the programs and community that the campus offered. �Their Art and Design program felt promising, and the campus environment and community felt very welcoming,� she says.

Hannah hometown is Sugar Grove, Ill., which she describes as �[a] land of never-ending cornfields and the occasional bank.�

Hannah is working towards a certificate in social media marketing, which combines the skillset of both her minors, photography and marketing. She chose to major in Graphic Design saying that she has “always wanted to be a graphic designer since middle school when I took my first digital tech class.�

Hannah has gained valuable experience in two internships, one at  in Geneva, and the other at , located in Chicago.

�Both [internships] have been great experiences and have helped me build collaborative skills,� Hannah reflects. �One Design Company, in particular, has really helped me narrow down what field of graphic design and marketing I want to focus on when I graduate this spring: UX/UI design and social media marketing.�

When she is not , Hannah is singing for the 91心頭利 Choir and the 91心頭利 Chamber Singers. �Worship and music [are ways] for me to step away from my busy day and de-stress,� she explains. �The University Choir tours have been especially influential because as I�m ministering to others, I�m being ministered to as well�it a very humbling and healing experience.�

�I�m surprised that I was able to make as many friends as I did here,� she says, reflecting on her experience. �Some of my friends have told me that I looked intimidating when they first met me and, on top of that, I�m pretty picky about who I hang out with. But I think I�ve made friends with some of the best people and have the best roommates.�

The Christian environment has had a positive impact on Hannah while at 91心頭利. She says, �I�ve never attended a Christian school before, so seeing how that was deeply woven into my educational experience has been a breath of fresh air.�