Colorado Christian

A Publication to the CCU Community Spring 2011

HIGHLIGHTS:
Academic Offerings Expand page 2

Alumni Spotlight page 3

The Outbreak Conference page 6

A Tribute to Dr. K. Elaine Woodruff page 8

Photo: Mark Mittelberg speaking at The Outbreak Conference.

We envision graduates who think critically and creatively, lead with high ethical and professional standards,
embody the character and compassion of Jesus Christ, and who thereby are prepared to impact the world.
Academic offerings continue
to expand for CCU students
By Dan Westermann

A s Colorado Christian University approaches its 97th academic year,

the University continues to add and expand majors and minors to
meet the growing demands of the evolving student body. Since 1914,
Colorado Christian University, and its predecessor institutions, has sought
to provide students with relevant degree offerings that will ensure success
in their chosen career fields far beyond their brief time at CCU. In keeping
with this commitment, CCU will now offer a 30-credit hour Political Science
major. This will prepare students to interact with political systems, intern at
the State Capitol, Washington, D.C., or in local government. A Political
Science degree will also aid students in gaining an acute understanding
of the original intent of the Constitution, as well as preparing them for a
life of public service, jurisprudence, and/or political consulting.

Additionally, all undergraduate students who are interested in this

discipline are encouraged to attend the Washington Week trip the
second week of May. This trip exposes students to the many aspects
of Washington D.C. including: a tour of the Capitol with former Senator
Hank Brown, a tour of the inner-city with CCU Trustee, Dr. Robert Woodson,
and the Center for Neighborhood Enterprise, engaging conversations
with Arthur Brooks, President of American Enterprise Institute; as well as
visits to the Israeli Embassy, AIPAC, and The Heritage Foundation.

The CCU School of Business and Leadership is also excited to announce

the expansion of minors for business students including: International
Business, Marketing, and Pre-Law. These minors, in conjunction with
new emphases like Camp Management, International Business,
Management, Marketing, Pre-Law, and Wilderness Leadership continue
to effectively equip graduates to go in to the marketplace and impact
the world for Christ.

During their time at CCU students are exposed to a variety of different experiences that often will ultimately
shape their ethical and moral foundation. One of the most unique experiences offered to School of Business
and Leadership students is the annual VALS (Values-Aligned Leadership Summit) conference – held April 7,
2011. This one-day conference enables students to interact with seasoned business executives in an inviting
and engaging format. They have an opportunity to converse about various topics around the issues of business
ethics and values. For many, VALS is a highlight in their academic experience at Colorado Christian
University. 

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 Alumni Spotlight By Jon Watters

Dr. Ben Siebert

Degree Earned: B.S. in Biology
Year: 2003

ce d ur e .
n t pe rf o rm a c ra n ia l p ro
a ss is ta
In fro nt of the Cle vel Ben and an
and Cli nic , one of the
top hos pi tal s in the Un
i ted Sta tes .

B en attended two large public universities

before transferring to CCU, and he was
encouraged by what he discovered here.“I had
great learning resources, practical labs, and
ample opportunities to meet with professors,”
he says. His lifelong medical leanings came
to fruition on mission trips to rural Mexico and
Guatemala in high school and college. There,
Ben got a firsthand look at dismal health care
in poor communities overseas.
Turning to med school, Ben found that St.
George’s University in Grenada had a very
respectable track record of placing graduates
professionally. When the Cleveland Clinic extended
him an internship in general surgery, who could argue?
The multispecialty center is regarded as one of the top-four hospitals in the United States.
A grueling intern year later, with incredible experience under his belt, Ben moved on to pursue his intended field
of physical medicine and rehab, or physiatry. He’s now a second-year resident at Detroit’s Rehabilitation Institute of
Michigan, part of another large multispecialty center. The hours are demanding, yet he’s found a perfect blend of
practice and patient care. “It’s wonderful to sit and talk with patients while evaluating, treating, and helping them
understand their issues,” he says. What’s more, he sees it as serving God by serving others in the best manner he
knows.

Read more about Ben and other alumni at www.ccu.edu/SuccessStories

COLORADO CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY

Do you know of any high-school or transfer students
who would benefit from the CCU Experience?
HELP US GIVE OTHERS THE EXPERIENCE OF A GREAT
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION IN THE ROCKY MOUNTAINS.

Please return the inserted referral card or visit

www.ccu.edu/admissions/Referral
and we will do the rest.
|3|
 Colorado Christian University
Presents a World-Premiere
Production
by Christi Kirchner

A s a part of a year-long emphasis on evangelism,

CCU will present I,Witness, a very human look
at the familiar Gospel account with moments
of comedy that grow out of the behind-the-story
interaction of the disciples. I,Witness does not shy
away from powerful villains and the dark, tragic
events of Jesus’ trial, torture, and execution on a
crude wooden cross for common criminals. The play
continues beyond an empty tomb to tell the whole
story of Jesus life.

Tickets should be purchased in advance to be

assured of seats. I,Witness will be presented April
7-10, 2011. Visit www.ccu.edu/iwitness for details
and to make reservations. 

Values-Aligned Leadership Summit

Thursday, April 7, 2011 The story of Jesus
from hillside sermon
to empty tomb...as told by
T he 2011 VALS conference
will dig deeper into what it
means to do the right thing.
his friend, Levi. April 7-10, 2011
What is true character? How 6 Performances
should business ethics play
out when the rubber meets Thursday, April 7 • 7:30 p.m.
the road? What does integrity Friday, April 8 • 10:30* a.m. & 7:30 p.m.
look like in our work, and
Saturday, April 9 • 2:30* p.m. & 7:30 p.m.
how does a lack of integrity
Mr. Charles Colson Sunday, April 10 • 2:30* p.m.
affect us, our companies,
Breakfast Keynote Speaker and even extend beyond
Author and founder of our professional lives? Come
Prison Fellowship hear testimonies from leading
and BreakPoint professionals in a variety of
industries.

The ninth installment of VALS

will feature Chuck Colson
as the breakfast keynote
speaker, Dr. Timothy George
as the lunch keynote speaker,
and a full morning lineup of
executives who will be sharing
their thoughts about ethics
Dr. Timothy George and business. VALS is an
Lunch Keynote Speaker opportunity for local business
Dean, Beeson Divinity School people to jointly explore
various issues surrounding
value systems in their
professions while influencing
CCU’s undergraduate and
graduate business students –
tomorrow’s leaders. 
|4|
Tickets:
303.963.3333
www.ccu.edu/IWitness
*
Post-show Q&A with director, playwright,
Mr. Jenkins, and cast members at all matinees.
A New Play by C. McNair Wilson
Based on the Novel, The Jesus Chronicles: Matthew’s
Story
Written by Tim LaHaye & Jerry B. Jenkins
Directed by Sanne McCarthy
TICKETS: 303.963.3333 | www.ccu.edu/IWitness
Performances at
Colorado Christian University’s Event Center,
8787 W. Alameda Ave., Lakewood, CO 80226
 T his is a day I have been waiting for! This is the story I have been eager
to tell! Thanks to the Lord and the generosity of many donors, a dream
has become a reality. The Colorado Christian University School of Music
danced and rejoiced this fall over the delivery of a new 9’ 2” Bechstein
concert grand piano to the Music Center! Thank you, thank you, thank
you!

On Friday, October 8th, CCU held a special piano dedication event with
guest pianists, Jerry Nelson and Lance Garrett. It was a wonderful time of
celebration and thanksgiving. The University also surprised us this year
with a new hardwood floor for the stage area in the auditorium. The
Bechstein looks and sounds wonderful on the new stage!

Please join us this spring for the School of Music Gala and Honors Recital
on Saturday, April 16, 2011. Our CCU students and the Bechstein will take
center stage for the recital. We’re grateful for the support of so many
who continue to help us “Passionately Pursue Excellence to the Glory
of God!”

Warmly,

Steven T. Taylor
Dean, School of Music
Colorado Christian University

Beckman Luncheon
by Christi Kirchner

On Friday, February 4, Colorado Christian University celebrated what Sarah Scherling, College of Adult and Graduate
Studies Assistant Vice President of Academic Administration, described as “a hope, an encouragement, and an
opportunity to fulfill a lifelong goal.”

The Fund for Beckman Scholars was established as a tribute to president emeritus, Dr. L. David Beckman, for his
legacy of scholastic excellence, leadership, and heartfelt care for students. This academic year marked the first year
Beckman Fund scholarships were awarded. In total, the $254,000 in scholarships has significantly impacted the lives
of the 236 who make up the inaugural group of Beckman Scholars.

Samuel, a senior theology major, shared how the Fund for Beckman Scholarship has given him opportunities
to attend college after serving six years in the military, including three deployments, and to serve the Church
and the community.

While leader, scholar, pastor, and teacher all describe

Dr. Beckman’s life of service, such words can hardly
do justice to how deeply he impacted students.
Perhaps the greatest gift Dr. Beckman
imparted to students was in being a friend
and brother-in-Christ who spent countless
hours walking alongside them in life and
faith. Through The Fund for Beckman
Scholars, Colorado Christian University
affirms the belief that an investment in
the lives of students will empower them
to impact the world in positive ways. 

To make a gift to the Fund for Beckman Scholars,

contact the Office of Development at 303.963.3330
or ccudevelopment@ccu.edu
 helping churches become highly contagious

Greg Stier Gino Geraci Lee Strobel

O n Friday, January 28th, 2011 Colorado Christian University

5 Amazing Displays of
God’s Workmanship at
The Outbreak Conference
by Brian Carlson
experienced the wonder of God’s working hand as a crowd of just
under 1000 pastors and ministry leaders gathered in the CCU Event
Center for The Outbreak Conference. They assembled to
be equipped by a team of world-class speakers to launch
movements of evangelism in their ministries around the
Rocky Mountain Region as a part of the Year of Evangelism.
God chose to use CCU as a key tool to impact lives
through the event. Here are top 5 observations of God’s workmanship
throughout The Outbreak Conference.

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#1 - 1000 Church leaders unite around the topic of
evangelism
Leaders at Colorado Christian University knew it
would require God’s blessing to successfully present
an evangelism conference designed to bring a diverse
group of pastors together, but this was confirmed
when we initially surveyed several area pastors. While
they loved the idea, many remained skeptical. At the
time the hope was to unite a few hundred pastors and
perhaps even dare to dream about 500+. One pastor
said, “Colorado pastors don’t play nice together. They
don’t like to come together, let alone for a conference
on evangelism.”
Evangelism does seem to have a negative
connotation in our culture. Evangelism can be awkward
and uncomfortable. Most ministries state a value for
evangelism, yet few do it well. In fact, if measured by
baptisms, the average church leads less than three
people to Christ in an average year. More than half of
all churches do not see a single convert in an average
year.
Despite these initial concerns, as registration opened,
it was evident that God was up to something special.
CCU’s original registration goals were exceeded in the
first week. Momentum didn’t stop. We found regardless
of the assumed awkwardness of evangelism, leaders
are hungry to see God reach this region for Jesus Christ.
The day of the event, Colorado Christian University’s
Event Center was packed with almost 1000 pastors,
church staff, and leaders hungry to be equipped with
a practical strategy to launch a wave of evangelism in
their ministries.
#2 - World-class evangelists team up with CCU
Not only did God serendipitously move premier
apologetics and evangelism teachers to the Denver-
metro area; He also laid it upon their hearts to team up
with CCU to craft the program and heart of The Outbreak
Conference – bringing the reality of what God is doing
to a whole new level. The ministries of Lee Strobel, Mark
Mittelberg, and Greg Stier have touched millions of lives
around the globe, and CCU was humbled by the level
of engagement each one demonstrated in developing
the plan to equip church leaders through The Outbreak
Conference.
Additionally, it was thrilling to see the mix of Greg Stier’s
passion and vision, blending with Mark Mittelberg’s
practical teaching, and Lee Strobel’s stories and ability
to challenge. The Lord’s intricate orchestration was
evident throughout the entire day.
#3 - In-depth evangelism training from a broad
perspective
What began with a core of three keynote speakers
ultimately grew to an amazing group of leaders that
brought new perspectives to the conference. Some of
the brilliant additions included: Garry Poole, best-selling
author and key leader for over sixteen years at Willow
Creek Community Church, Rick Long, Senior Pastor of
Grace Church Arvada, and Danny Oertli, musician and
well-known worship leader – together these leaders
helped to complete and enhance the overall Outbreak
experience.
|7|
God’s divine orchestration was evident as Garry Poole
shared a new vision for utilizing church small groups as
an evangelism strategy. Rick Long also exemplified the
heart of The Outbreak Conference as he shared his
experience of shepherding a church that averages
fourteen personal commitments of faith in Christ weekly.
Moreover, Danny Oertli set the tone for the day with his
powerful music and worship leading.
Gino Geraci, Senior Pastor of Calvary Chapel South
Denver and host of the popular Crosswalk Radio
program, played a major role, not only in promoting
Outbreak to his listeners, but by broadcasting his radio
show live from the Colorado Christian University student
center.
God’s creative workmanship continued to be
displayed as CCU welcomed Jerry B. Jenkins, author
of the international best-selling Left Behind series, and
McNair Wilson, to share their collective vision with the
attendees of how they plan to use the upcoming CCU
production I, Witness to reach people for Jesus Christ.
(Performances will be held April 7-10 at the CCU Event
Center.)
#4 - Teamwork
One of the greatest logistical barriers to overcome
was the unavoidable back-to-back scheduling of The
Outbreak Conference and a girl’s youth basketball
tournament. With less than an hour between the two
events it would take a small miracle to transform the
event center. But thanks to Jim McCormick, CCU’s Vice
President of Student Life, and a top-notch facilities team,
the tear down didn’t take an hour as originally planned.
Instead, basketballs were dribbled in the gym a full 15
minutes ahead of schedule! CCU and The Outbreak
Conference team thanks every volunteer, staff member,
and faculty for their help in making this timely transition
possible.
#5 - A benediction by a highly-respected ministry
leader
Listening to H.B. London, the Vice President of Pastoral
Ministries at Focus On The Family, pray a benediction
over the pastors and ministry leaders in attendance was
a true blessing to all. Dr. London is considered by many
to be a “pastor of pastors,” but on this day it seemed he
acted as God’s signature on a day which will impact
the Rocky Mountain region for years to come.
Additionally, Dr. London’s passionate words not only
signified the end of an amazing conference, but
revealed God’s urgency for nearly 1000 leaders to re-
focus their attention on evangelism across Colorado.
Praise the Lord!
To see more pictures or to join the Outbreak
Facebook fan page go to www.facebook.com/
OutbreakConference
1
www.sermoncentral.com/sermons/the-state-of-the-church-2005-d-greg-ebie-
sermon-on-church-purpose-of-75466.asp.
2
Sylvia, Ron, Planting New Churches on Purpose (Lake Forest, CA: Purpose
Driven Publishing, 2006), p. 22.
 by Jon Watters
“Weeping may last through
the night, but joy comes in
the morning.” - Psalm 30:5
A fter staving off stage-four cancer for eight months,
Dr. K. Elaine Woodruff went home to the Lord late
last November. Her battle embodied determination and
faith to the hilt—youthful exuberance poised with eternal
peace—and Elaine spent the final moments content in
the company of loved ones.
An accomplished poet and the author of two books,
including Before the Burning (Edwin Mellen Press, 1994),
Dr. Woodruff’s honors were extensive. She presented
academic papers at Columbia University in New
York City, the University of Salamanca in Spain, and
England’s Cambridge University. Her creative works
prompted invitation back to Britain as a guest speaker
at the esteemed University of Oxford. Dr. Woodruff
was a member of the Academy of American Poets,
International Society of Poets, International Women’s
Writing Guild, and National Women’s Hall of Fame. In 1996
|8|
Elaine was nominated as ISP Poet of the Year, followed
in 1997 with induction into the International Poetry Hall
of Fame. In 1998, she accompanied a women’s-studies
delegation to South Africa, dialoguing with scholars in
Johannesburg, Pretoria, and Cape Town on topics of
post-apartheid reconciliation.
Yet Dr. Woodruff’s greatest accomplishment is perhaps
her legacy as an educator, a brilliant Christian scholar
who spent hours mentoring students toward intellectual
growth as well as personal and spiritual maturity. Among
her final wishes, she desired for an endowed student
scholarship to be established in her name at Colorado
Christian University. Those interested in donating should
contact the CCU Office of Development at 303.963.3330
or ccudevelopment@ccu.edu. We collectively thank Dr.
Woodruff for her years of ministry at Colorado Christian
University and pray for her family during these times. 

CCU Athletics is about more than just
wins, losses, practices, and classes.
We’re passionate about our faith…
An interview with Nick Gill,
men’s basketball player and
chaplain, to gain insight into
what it means to compete at
Colorado Christian University.
I n what ways does your team use discipleship in
team building?
As a team we use the term “discipleship” as a
doorway to the hearts of each player. We are
honest and open, and believe that there is not one
individual or a set of individuals that are “higher”
than any other. There are, however, those who are
more mature, but in any case we can all learn and
grow from each other—no matter where or what
walk of life we are in. This is exactly how Christ would
have had it. We have established a sense of honesty
and openness on the team. This allows each of us to reach out and
be honest with each other when it is needed. As a team we disciple
each other daily by being in fellowship and community with each
other. Discipleship does not work when it’s forced, so we use each
other to grow and learn, and when it is needed, we invest in each
other, speaking truth and life daily.
What is the most meaningful experience you have had on your
team?
This question brings about memory upon memory, and it is hard to
narrow it down to just one. It seems that every time we meet as a team
it is meaningful. One time specifically, on our team retreat, we were
asked by our coach to write down our commitment statement—a
statement that stretches us into the men we one day aspire to be. By
using “I am”, or “I will” statements we speak life and truth into our own
lives. This is used to hold ourselves accountable, as well as motivate
us to become that person we have written about. Not only does it
give self-motivation, it also gives those around you an understanding
of who you want to become. This way they can also hold you
accountable for the things you claim to stand for. Having a team
of men who aspire to be great leaves little room for error. Of course
as humans we have errors but the margin has been significantly
decreased and, in love, our brothers on the team are closer to each
other than ever before.
In what ways does your team try to demonstrate God’s love
in competition?
Often times Christians are viewed as soft and passive when
playing their respective sports. Men’s basketball is not fond
of this reputation that has become the label due to soft
athletes who claim to believe. We feel it is only right to
play as hard as we can and do whatever it takes to be
successful on and off the court. We accomplish this
within in the confines of the rules. We would rather
show Christ with a winning record than reflect
Christ as a soft, passive player. We believe that
in demonstrating Christ’s love on the court it
would be wrong to be soft or passive. God
gave us the gift to play and to not do such
with the best of our ability would be to
hold Him in contempt. 
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 ristian U
Ch

ni
o
Colorad

ve
rsity
CCU
ALUMNI
association

■ 1970s ■ 2000s
William Witt, 1977 - Dr. William Witt is an assistant Mary (Wiles) Nielsen, 2003 –
professor of Systematic Theology at Trinity School for Mary and her husband, Ivan, live
Ministry in Ambridge, PA. After graduating from Rockmont in Denver with their new baby
College, William went on to earn a Master’s degree from girl, Quinn, and dog, Kiya. Ivan is
St. Thomas Seminary and a Ph. D. from Notre Dame. a private pilot out of Steamboat
Springs, and Mary is enjoying
■ 1990s being a stay-at-home mom, as
well as getting her Master’s in
School Counseling.
Tami (Sahr) Kitchen, 1990 – Tami and
her husband, Barry, met at Colorado
Christian College and have been Eric Palmer, 2004 – Congratulations
married for over 20 years! Tami is to Eric and his wife, Deborah (Schug)
managing a thrift store, food shelf, - class of 2003, on a new addition to
and food distribution ministry called their family! Jeremiah Bradley Palmer
‘Samaritan Way’ in Elk River, MN. was born on November 7, 2010
and weighed 8 lbs, 12 oz. Eric also
recently accepted a new teaching
Michael Foster, 1996 – Mr. Foster is position with the Garfield County School District. He
teaching ROTC at Riverbank High will be teaching third grade at Elk Creek Elementary
School, as well as coaching football in New Castle, Colorado.
and basketball. He and his wife,
Patricia, currently reside in Modesto, Kim Christian, 2005 – Kim works for Emporia State
CA. University and manages a freshman residence hall
of 400+ students. Kim directly supervises student staff
who are making an impact in the lives of freshman
students in a secular environment. Additionally,
Yanus Nelson, 1996 – Yanus was recently named she has completed her Master’s Degree in Public
Community Banking president for Wells Fargo - Western Administration at Southern Illinois University –
Colorado. Nelson manages Retail Banking stores for the Carbondale.
Western Slope and Mountain Resort markets. Nelson
graduated from Colorado Christian University with a Linda Cheek, 2007 – Linda is serving as an Associate
degree in accounting in 1996, and also holds an MBA Pastor at Brentwood United Methodist Church in
from Pepperdine University in Irvine, Calif. Denver. Linda enjoys many aspects of her multi-
cultural ministry including: preaching on Sundays,
Jerald Cook, 1997 – After graduating leading confirmation classes and Bible studies,
from CCU, Jerald earned a Master’s baptizing , and performing wedding ceremonies. We
Degree from Regis in 2002. Jerald is pray God’s continued blessing on Brentwood United
employed as Government Project Methodist Church.
Manager and Engineering Lead for
NORAD/USNORTHCOM. Jerald and Jon Becker, 2009 – Congressman Rep. Jon Becker
his spouse, Devona, just celebrated (R-Fort Morgan), from the 63rd district, was appointed
30 years of marriage and have two to the Joint Budget Committee for the State of
children and one grandson. Colorado. Congratulations to Jon on this wonderful
accomplishment!

| 10 |

|6|
1914 1945 1948 1949

Denver Bible Denver Bible Western Bible Rockmont

Institute College Institute College
 CCU Alumni Post-VALS
Jeffrey Dean, 2009 – On January 10,
2011 Jeff completed his certification

Networking Event
with the Project Management
Institute and became a certified
Project Management Professional.
Congratulations to Jeff on this Ch
ristian U

professional milestone!

ni
o
Colorad

ve
rsity
Sharon Morey, 2009 – Sharon, along with her daughter, CCU
Selena (9), moved to the Rosebud Sioux Reservation ALUMNI
association
in south-central South Dakota. Sharon has taken a

job as a chemical dependency counselor for a new
methamphetamine treatment program—the first
Native-American specific methamphetamine treatment
facility in the United States. Sharon also has two other
daughters, Reba (24) and Tashina (20). May God bless
Sharon and her ministry in South Dakota.
Jillian (Anderson) Walkowski,
2009 – Jillian and her husband,
Doug (2010), married at Glen
Eryie in October 2010. They now
live in Chattanooga, TN where
Jillian teaches Kindergarten
and Doug is in Administration
for US Express’s corporate
headquarters.
T
he CCU Alumni Association cordially invites you
to attend the Colorado Christian University Post-
VALS Networking Event. Come join fellow CCU alumni
at the conclusion of VALS 2011 for an afternoon of
networking and business fellowship at Garrity’s in the
Hyatt Regency Denver Tech Center. Discuss the topics
of the day and interact with other business leaders in
the Denver and Front Range area that also attended
the 2011 Values-Aligned Leadership Summit.
DETAILS
Who: CCU Alumni
Cost: FREE with VALS admission
(Note: CCU Alumni are able to attend
the full day VALS conference for only $50!
Register online at www.ccu.edu/vals)

Where: Hyatt Regency Denver Tech Center

7800 East Tufts Avenue, Denver, CO 80237

When: Thursday, April 7th, 2011 @ 2:30 p.m.

(approximately ½ hour after the
conclusion of VALS)

Why: To network with other CCU alumni

This section of the Colorado

Christian Connection is designed RSVP via e-mail to
to encourage alumni to stay
connnected. If you’ve had a recent
alumni@ccu.edu
change in your life (i.e. engagement, Please include your
wedding, birth, new job, promotion, name and title.
or something else exciting), we’d like
to hear about it. Submit your news to We’re looking forward to seeing you there!
www.ccu.edu/alumni/share.asp. If you have any questions please feel free
to contact us at 303.963.3330.

| 11 |

1968 1975 1983 1985 1989

Colorado Baptist Western Bible Colorado Baptist Colorado Christian Colorado Christian
Junior College College University College University
Office of Development: Colorado Christian University
Dr. Keith Wright, Vice President of Development Office of Development
David Nye, Director of Development 8787 W. Alameda Ave.
Dan Westermann, ’04, ’10, Director of Development and Alumni Relations Lakewood, CO 80226
Christi Kirchner, Development Manager

Publication produced by University Communications:

Lisa Zeller, Director of University Communications
Jon Watters, Associate Director of University Communications
Danielle Hull, University Graphic Designer
The Colorado Christian Connection is a quarterly newsletter produced by
Colorado Christian University for the CCU community.

Visit us online at www.ccu.edu/Support; e-mail: ccudevelopment@ccu.edu; phone: 303.963.3330

HOW SWEET THE SOUND by Dan Westermann

I
n many cases, music has the ability to compel its patrons to experience something that
transcends the temporal and often seems to uniquely reflect the eternal. This transcendent
nature proved to be a powerful and effective evangelism tool for Karon. For many years Karon
has used the Colorado Christian University School of Music events and concerts as a way of
introducing Christ to her non-Christians friends. She describes her approach to evangelism by
explaining that,“very often friends did not want to attend church-sponsored events, but they
were and still are just fine in attending CCU music events.” Karon’s invitational approach, in
concert with the School of Music’s mantra to passionately pursue excellence to the glory of
God, has proven to be an effective way to reach out to the community of non-believers.
This journey originally began for Karon in 1996 when she tuned in to KWBI for their 91 hours of Christmas music.
She enjoyed the music and continued listening into the new year when she ultimately heard about some of the
music events at Colorado Christian University. She began attending regularly with her husband, who was not a
follower of Christ, because this became his sole exposure to Christian influences. Throughout the subsequent years,
Karon has continued to make other CCU events (e.g. Values-Aligned Leadership Summit and various Centennial
Institute debates) a part of her evangelistic repertoire.
Karon’s increased exposure to CCU through the concerts and other campus events eventually lead her to
begin supporting CCU financially. She recalls that she donates to Colorado Christian University because she wants
to, “contribute to the success of CCU to not only provide quality education to future musicians, business leaders,
and other professionals, but also because of the proven result of evangelizing Christ.” Her philanthropic journey
also included naming CCU as the primary beneficiary of her 401K assets – a process aided by the CCU’s Director
of Planned Giving, David Nye. As a highly-taxed asset to transfer upon death, designating CCU as the charitable
beneficiary was an excellent tax-advantaged choice. This mutually beneficial planned gift helped Karon to
continue on her evangelistic legacy through the Lord’s work at Colorado Christian University. And in the spirit of the
campus-wide Year of Evangelism focus, Karon continues to invite friends and family to join her at many CCU events
as her own unique way of spreading the good news of Jesus Christ. 

Be a Legacy—Join Karon and become a member of the 1914 Society by making a financial provision for CCU in your will.
For more information about the other creative giving opportunities, visit www.ccu.edu/legacygiving or call 303.963.3330.

YOU’RE INVITED TO THESE COMMUNITY EVENTS

Spring Musical, March 17-19 Centennial Institute – Issue Monday, April 11
7:30 p.m., Lakewood Cultural Center 7:00 p.m., Lakewood Campus, Beckman Center

Values-Aligned Leadership Summit, April 7 School of Music Gala and Honor Recital, April 16
7:30 a.m., Hyatt Regency Denver Tech Center 7:30 p.m., Lakewood Campus, Music Center

I, Witness, April 7 – 10 Commencement, May 7

www.ccu.edu/iwitness for specific times, 10:00 a.m., Cherry Hills Community Church
Lakewood Campus, Event Center
Centennial Institute – Western Conservative Summit, July 29-31
Baseball vs. CSU Pueblo, April 9 Marriott City Center
12:00 p.m., All Star Park

Visit www.ccu.edu/events for additional community event information.