EQUIPPED FOR THEIR NEXT CHAPTEROn May 10, 2013, Vanguard University held its annual commencement ceremonies, honoring the hard work of 530 students. The event officially marked the point at which graduates will apply the experience of their education – and the Christ-centered development of their emotional and academic maturity encompassed therein—to known and unknown adventures. The following three graduates represent just a small number of the many students empowered by their time at Vanguard.

WE CELEBRATED WITH OVER 500 GRADUATING VANGUARD UNIVERSITY STUDENTS AT THIS YEAR’S COMMENCEMENT CEREMONIES.

As we welcome this newest class to the alumni

community, I reflect on the ways God uses this

University for building His kingdom. The years that

students spend on this campus and the networks that

go with them following graduation are part of a story

God is writing in each of their lives. It is a story of Spirit-empowered lives of Christ-

centered leadership and service. Because of your generosity and support, there is

space and resources for those stories to be written. Thanks to you, we continue to

attract outstanding professor-mentors, improve facilities, and provide much needed

scholarships. Please join me in prayer for these graduates as new doors open for

them in business, ministry, postgraduate degrees, and community life.

Kelly KannwischerVice President for University Advancement

TO INVEST IN VANGUARD, VISIT give.vanguard.edu

FOLLOW VANGUARD ON FACEBOOK AND TWITTER:facebook.com/vanguarduniversitytwitter.com/vanguardu

OFF

ICE

OF

AD

VAN

CEM

ENT

55 F

AIR

DRI

VE, C

OST

A M

ESA

, CA

926

26

giv

e.va

ng

ua

rd.e

du /

71

4.9

66

.54

43

WHEN ALLISON TASH ’13 BEGAN THE PROCESS OF CHOOSING WHERE TO EMBARK ON HER COLLEGE CAREER, SHE WAS INITIALLY DETERMINED THAT IT WOULD NOT BE VANGUARD UNIVERSITY.

Like Mother, Like Daughter

This wasn’t because she had any misapprehensions about the school or the education it could provide her—on the contrary, her mother, Catherine

(Turpin ’77) Tash, was a proud alumna who had made lifelong friends at the college and was constantly extolling the virtues of Vanguard. Allison instead wanted to strike out on her own, and while she valued her mother’s experience, she also felt it necessary to fashion for herself a completely unique journey.

One visit to the campus, however, and Vanguard’s beautiful grounds and warm community reeled her in. “I decided to take a tour,” says Allison, “and I fell in love with it immediately. I knew I was supposed to be here.” Her choice was affirmed by the largesse of Vanguard’s financial aid department; Allison received a number of scholarships for her academic excellence.

Naturally, her mother was overjoyed.

It’s a decision that Allison hasn’t regretted for even a moment. By the time she graduated this year with her religion degree, Allison had been involved in the theatre department, Women’s Chorus, as the student representative on the presidential search committee, and most prominently,

the student government association (SGA). She was SGA president this last year, an experience that she says plugged her into the community of Vanguard in powerful ways. “It was a fantastic opportunity to invest in Vanguard. It gave me a chance to be involved with the vision and dreams of the administration, as well as letting me hear the incredible stories of so many other people.”

Allison also credits Vanguard with equipping her to love Jesus even more. “In addition to a great liberal arts education, I gained a solid foundation for my faith,” she says. In the department of religion, Allison cultivated her passion for ministry, and she will employ this passion in her plans to establish a church in Portland, Oregon. She and three of her close friends will spend the next year in a church-planting residency in preparation for fulfilling that dream.

The love of Vanguard that Allison’s mother initially shared with her was returned in abundance at Allison’s graduation party this spring. In addition to her own friends, Allison also invited all of her mother’s friends from Vanguard. The result was a party that celebrated not just Allison’s achievement, but also the legacy of her family and the friends they made in the singular community of Vanguard University.

I N V E S T I N G I N V A N G U A R D .I S S U E 5 / S U M M E R 2 0 1 3

ALLISON TASH ’13

REBEKAH KILLAM (PICTURED ABOVE RIGHT)

Rebekah Killam ’13 began her time at Vanguard with the intention of pursuing a career in broadcast journalism, but the required film classes in her communication major diverted her passion and opened up a new world of creative possibilities. Work on student films interested her in the specific area of production design. In that discipline, Rebekah found an ideal and challenging mix of design and collaboration. She took as many design classes as she could in the Department of Communication and the Department of Theatre Arts, hungry for experiences that would give her practical knowledge. “As soon as Professor Sue Berkompas knew I was interested in production design,” says Rebekah, “she went out of her way and found specific crew assignments that would prepare me for the graduate level and a professional career.” Rebekah’s hard work and Vanguard’s creative opportunities have paid off; in the fall, she will begin classes in the graduate program at Chapman University’s prestigious Dodge College of Film and Media Arts.

CLINTON MUNOZ

As a business major planning to go into the field of wealth management and beyond, Clinton Munoz ’13 is well-aware of the potential pitfalls of the trade, which is why he is so grateful to have attended a university with such a strong Christian mission. In addition to a practical education that prepared him for internships with high-level financial

organizations, Vanguard grounded him in his faith, setting him free from the concerns that can dominate individuals in the business world. “I loved my internship, and learned so much,” he says of his experience working with a wealth management firm. “But I also saw how money can rule over people’s hearts. And I saw how I can be the light of Christ even there.”

JORI SMITH

Jori Smith’s ’13 emphasis as a cultural anthropology major was in Asian studies, and she’ll be taking her education in that field directly to Asia. This summer she will volunteer at kids camps in South Korea, teaching English as a Second Language (ESL), and allowing God to use her to reach the people there. She first became involved with teaching ESL in high school, and found that when she got to Vanguard, the school grew and nurtured her interest. She is particularly grateful for the way the Department of Anthropology was tailored to her specific goals. “One of my favorite classes was called Applied Anthropology,” she says. “The whole purpose of the class was to show us how our major could be applicable to exactly what we wanted to do in our careers. It also showed us that we were capable of doing so much more than we first thought!”

To invest in the lives of Vanguard students visit give.vanguard.edu or donate via the VU mobile app for iPhone or Android.

ALLISON WITH HER FATHER, GARY, AND MOTHER, CATHERINE

Rich in Faith“WE ARE SO FORTUNATE.”

LINDA FINKENBINDER RECALLS HEARING HER MOTHER SAY THESE WORDS TO HER WHEN LINDA WAS JUST AN EIGHT-YEAR-OLD CHILD, AND HOW IT SEEMED LIKE THEY COULDN’T POSSIBLY BE TRUE.

Linda’s family was poor and life was difficult where

they lived in rural Michigan, so her mother’s words

puzzled her. When her mother completed the

thought, however, Linda’s life ambition blossomed out

of that simple truth. “We are so fortunate,” her mother

had said, “because we know who Jesus is. There are

millions who don’t know his name.”

Since that day, Linda Finkenbinder has dedicated

her long life to serving the Lord and spreading

the Gospel with whatever means she has. She is

91 years old now, and for nearly 70 years, she

ministered to the people of Latin America alongside

her late husband Paul, who was known as Hermano

Pablo to the people he and Linda blessed in their

long careers. Linda and Paul’s ministry reached

hundreds of thousands through radio, books,

television, and crusades. In addition to supporting

her husband, Linda played an active role, leading

marriage seminars and ministering to the specific

needs of women in Latin America. She was even

one of the speakers at Billy Graham’s Congress on

Evangelism in 2000, which she counts as one of the

highlights of her life.

Her regular and generous giving to the Vanguard

University Fund is one of the ways that Linda’s

dedication to sharing the Gospel now finds its

expression. She sees the mission of Vanguard

University reflected in her own: “It’s my hope that

my gifts will enable students to be inspired to serve

God wherever they’re called,” she says. “Vanguard

emphasizes living by faith. Students acquire a

foundation that enables them to live for God

regardless of difficulties or obstacles.”

Linda Finkenbinder’s own life is an example of how

obstacles are surmounted through the provision of

the Lord, and she counts herself still fortunate to help

others discover this beautiful promise. “I believe in

the power of God,” she says. “And I want it known!”

How do you want to be remembered? Do you ever slow down and think about that? Maybe you do from time to time. Hanging on the wall in my office is a plaque which serves as a reminder of the type of person I desire to be. It states, “Be Kind, Daring, Creative, Funny, Positive,

Loving, Loyal, Honest, Genuine, Fearless, Generous, Original, Brave, Optimistic, Grateful, Unique, Happy.”

While these are all qualities worth striving for, I’m only able to have and embrace them through my savior Jesus Christ. When I forget that I’m simply God’s child, who is to focus on him and the power of the Holy Spirit, I become a woman who misses the mark. And that is a woman I would not want to be remembered as, nor would God want me to be.

As we prepare for our 2013-2014 fall semester and welcome new students to the Vanguard family, we do so in celebration of what God has in store for their lives.

With your gracious support, each and every student will have the opportunity to grow into the person God has called him/her to be. At Vanguard, each student will be mentored through truth, service and virtue. Their stories and their lives will be skillfully and artfully shaped so that they leave here more like Christ than when they entered.

How do you want to be remembered? To us, you will forever be remembered for giving to Vanguard University and educating students who will in turn change the world in the name of Jesus Christ.

Thank You,

Jennifer “JJ” Smith, Director of Annual Fund

A Message from the Director of the Annual Fund

LET US RUN THE RACE MARKED OUT FOR US

WHEN LAUREN MINNICK ’13 WAS INTRODUCED BY DEAN OF STUDENTS MIKE WILSON AS THE STUDENT-SPEAKER AT THIS YEAR’S VANGUARD UNIVERSITY COMMENCEMENT CEREMONIES, A HEARTY CHEER ROSE UP FROM HER FELLOW

GRADUATING CLASS, A SIGN OF THEIR AFFECTION FOR HER AND OF THE WAY SHE WAS ABLE TO CONNECT WITH THE COMMUNITY OF VANGUARD.

She spoke about how she was “awed” by the

great things classmates were able to do when they

embraced and delighted in the gifts God gave them.

More than anything, she reflected on the gratitude she

felt for having had the opportunity to be together at

Vanguard with those students.

Lauren’s experience at Vanguard is a testament to the

way the Christ-centered community is able to rally

around what is truly important. Her athletic career

fell short of her own expectations due to injuries, and

through that time her spiritual health was supported as

well as her bodily health. “My coach supported me and

prayed for me always,” she says.

Even though she was a full-time athlete, Lauren made

the decision to work as a Resident Assistant (RA) during

her junior year. It was an enormous task, but she’s glad

she did it. “It was a blessed time,” she recalls. “I was

so honored to invest in the lives of the girls on my floor

and serve as a mentor to them.”

Lauren was also a recipient of mentoring, most

especially by Dr. Terry Zeigler, a professor in the

Department of Kinesiology. “She taught me so much,”

says Lauren. “When I was interviewing for physical

therapy positions, I was surprised by how much I

knew!” And Dr. Zeigler’s instruction didn’t end with

kinesiology. “Her heart is so big for students,” adds

Lauren. “She’s like our mom.”

As she reflects on her time at Vanguard, Lauren also

expresses gratitude towards those donors who are

responsible for making her education possible. The

University’s generosity with its financial aid enabled

her to receive a number of academic and athletic

scholarships, and with her newly-completed education,

she plans to pursue a graduate degree in her field

with the eventual aim of directing an athletic-training

program at the high school level. She is one more

example of how gifts to the school contribute to the

community in tangible ways, and a quick glance at

her story reveals that she has certainly lived up to the

responsibility entrusted to her by these gifts. EQUIP VANGUARD STUDENTS AT GIVE.VANGUARD.EDU

To find out more and join the club, visit give.vanguard.edu

IN THE LIFE OF A

YOU’RE INVITED TO JOIN A VISIONARY GROUP

OF ALUMNI, PARENTS AND FRIENDS WHO HELP

VANGUARD UNIVERSITY GO BEYOND THE EXPECTED.

MAKE A

differencestudent.

Members of the President’s Medallion

Club (PMC) are a distinguished group

of donors that support Vanguard

University by giving a minimum of $1,000

annually. PMC members are leaders in helping

to provide opportunities for today’s students to

become community leaders tomorrow.

BECOME A VANGUARD President’s Medallion Club Member today.

“[WORKING AS A RESIDENT ASSISTANT] WAS A BLESSED TIME. I was so honored to invest in the lives of the girls on my floor and serve as a mentor to them.”

LAUREN MINNICK

“Vanguard emphasizes living by faith. Students acquire a foundation that enables them to live for God regardless of difficulties or obstacles.”

LINDA FINKENBINDER

THE KINESIOLOGY LABI am so thankful that we have such a diverse lab available to use and study with.AMY RAE REYNOLDSJUNIOR, KINESIOLOGY

RELATIONSHIPS WITH FACULTY, STAFF AND PEERSI am thankful for the relationships I have been able to make at Vanguard with both faculty and my peers.MICHAEL AVILAFRESHMAN, PSYCHOLOGY

ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIPSI am extremely thankful for my academic scholarship because it enabled me to go to Vanguard and have the incredible experience I’ve had with students and staff. Without that scholarship, none of that would have been possible.JORDAN GRIPENWALDT, SENIOR, ANTHROPOLOGY

PROFESSORS WHO HAVE MENTORED MEI love how at Vanguard I’m not just a number in the classroom. My professors honestly care not only about my academic growth, but my spiritual and personal growth as well.TAYLOR HOOPERFRESHMAN, HISTORY/POLITICAL SCIENCE

THE CHANCE TO LEARN HOW TO BE A STRONG CHRISTIAN LEADER I’m thankful that I have the opportunity to lead fellow students in the right direction and inspire incoming freshman. OSCAR ISLAS, FRESHMAN, MARKETING

THE GENEROSITY OF DONORSDonors who give so that students like me can attend Vanguard.

If it weren’t for the donors and their generosity, I would not be here at Vanguard. VALERIA CAMPOSJUNIOR, PSYCHOLOGY

RENOVATED LIBRARY WITH NEW STUDY ROOMSI really enjoy having a place on campus with a great study environment. ERICA BIZZELL, JUNIOR, SOCIOLOGY

TOWER’S LOBBY AND PATIOI feel blessed to have made incredible relationships during my freshman year at Vanguard. I am glad we have a great place to socialize and build lasting friendships. JONATHAN SCHALEMBIERFRESHMAN, COMMUNICATIONS

OPPORTUNITY TO GROW IN MY FAITHI am thankful for the opportunities that have been presented for my faith to be challenged. Professors, students and chapel services have taught me how my faith is integrated with my actions.JONATHAN VAZQUEZ, FRESHMAN, RELIGION

WE ASKED VANGUARD STUDENTS WHAT THEY ARE THANKFUL FOR.HERE’S WHAT THEY SAID:

:students say thanks

Rich in Faith“WE ARE SO FORTUNATE.”

LINDA FINKENBINDER RECALLS HEARING HER MOTHER SAY THESE WORDS TO HER WHEN LINDA WAS JUST AN EIGHT-YEAR-OLD CHILD, AND HOW IT SEEMED LIKE THEY COULDN’T POSSIBLY BE TRUE.

Linda’s family was poor and life was difficult where

they lived in rural Michigan, so her mother’s words

puzzled her. When her mother completed the

thought, however, Linda’s life ambition blossomed out

of that simple truth. “We are so fortunate,” her mother

had said, “because we know who Jesus is. There are

millions who don’t know his name.”

Since that day, Linda Finkenbinder has dedicated

her long life to serving the Lord and spreading

the Gospel with whatever means she has. She is

91 years old now, and for nearly 70 years, she

ministered to the people of Latin America alongside

her late husband Paul, who was known as Hermano

Pablo to the people he and Linda blessed in their

long careers. Linda and Paul’s ministry reached

hundreds of thousands through radio, books,

television, and crusades. In addition to supporting

her husband, Linda played an active role, leading

marriage seminars and ministering to the specific

needs of women in Latin America. She was even

one of the speakers at Billy Graham’s Congress on

Evangelism in 2000, which she counts as one of the

highlights of her life.

Her regular and generous giving to the Vanguard

University Fund is one of the ways that Linda’s

dedication to sharing the Gospel now finds its

expression. She sees the mission of Vanguard

University reflected in her own: “It’s my hope that

my gifts will enable students to be inspired to serve

God wherever they’re called,” she says. “Vanguard

emphasizes living by faith. Students acquire a

foundation that enables them to live for God

regardless of difficulties or obstacles.”

Linda Finkenbinder’s own life is an example of how

obstacles are surmounted through the provision of

the Lord, and she counts herself still fortunate to help

others discover this beautiful promise. “I believe in

the power of God,” she says. “And I want it known!”

How do you want to be remembered? Do you ever slow down and think about that? Maybe you do from time to time. Hanging on the wall in my office is a plaque which serves as a reminder of the type of person I desire to be. It states, “Be Kind, Daring, Creative, Funny, Positive,

Loving, Loyal, Honest, Genuine, Fearless, Generous, Original, Brave, Optimistic, Grateful, Unique, Happy.”

While these are all qualities worth striving for, I’m only able to have and embrace them through my savior Jesus Christ. When I forget that I’m simply God’s child, who is to focus on him and the power of the Holy Spirit, I become a woman who misses the mark. And that is a woman I would not want to be remembered as, nor would God want me to be.

As we prepare for our 2013-2014 fall semester and welcome new students to the Vanguard family, we do so in celebration of what God has in store for their lives.

With your gracious support, each and every student will have the opportunity to grow into the person God has called him/her to be. At Vanguard, each student will be mentored through truth, service and virtue. Their stories and their lives will be skillfully and artfully shaped so that they leave here more like Christ than when they entered.

How do you want to be remembered? To us, you will forever be remembered for giving to Vanguard University and educating students who will in turn change the world in the name of Jesus Christ.

Thank You,

Jennifer “JJ” Smith, Director of Annual Fund

A Message from the Director of the Annual Fund

LET US RUN THE RACE MARKED OUT FOR US

WHEN LAUREN MINNICK ’13 WAS INTRODUCED BY DEAN OF STUDENTS MIKE WILSON AS THE STUDENT-SPEAKER AT THIS YEAR’S VANGUARD UNIVERSITY COMMENCEMENT CEREMONIES, A HEARTY CHEER ROSE UP FROM HER FELLOW

GRADUATING CLASS, A SIGN OF THEIR AFFECTION FOR HER AND OF THE WAY SHE WAS ABLE TO CONNECT WITH THE COMMUNITY OF VANGUARD.

She spoke about how she was “awed” by the

great things classmates were able to do when they

embraced and delighted in the gifts God gave them.

More than anything, she reflected on the gratitude she

felt for having had the opportunity to be together at

Vanguard with those students.

Lauren’s experience at Vanguard is a testament to the

way the Christ-centered community is able to rally

around what is truly important. Her athletic career

fell short of her own expectations due to injuries, and

through that time her spiritual health was sustained as

well as her bodily health. “My coach supported me and

prayed for me always,” she says.

Even though she was a full-time athlete, Lauren made

the decision to work as a Resident Assistant (RA) during

her junior year. It was an enormous task, but she’s glad

she did it. “It was a blessed time,” she recalls. “I was

so honored to invest in the lives of the girls on my floor

and serve as a mentor to them.”

Lauren was also a recipient of mentoring, most

especially by Dr. Terry Zeigler, a professor in the

Department of Kinesiology. “She taught me so much,”

says Lauren. “When I was interviewing for physical

therapy positions, I was surprised by how much I

knew!” And Dr. Zeigler’s instruction didn’t end with

kinesiology. “Her heart is so big for students,” adds

Lauren. “She’s like our mom.”

As she reflects on her time at Vanguard, Lauren also

expresses gratitude towards those donors who are

responsible for making her education possible. The

University’s generosity with its financial aid enabled

her to receive a number of academic and athletic

scholarships, and with her newly-completed education,

she plans to pursue a graduate degree in her field

with the eventual aim of directing an athletic-training

program at the high school level. She is one more

example of how gifts to the school contribute to the

community in tangible ways, and a quick glance at

her story reveals that she has certainly lived up to the

responsibility entrusted to her by these gifts. EQUIP VANGUARD STUDENTS AT GIVE.VANGUARD.EDU

To find out more and join the club, visit give.vanguard.edu

IN THE LIFE OF A

YOU’RE INVITED TO JOIN A VISIONARY GROUP

OF ALUMNI, PARENTS AND FRIENDS WHO HELP

VANGUARD UNIVERSITY GO BEYOND THE EXPECTED.

MAKE A

differencestudent.

Members of the President’s Medallion

Club (PMC) are a distinguished group

of donors that support Vanguard

University by giving a minimum of $1,000

annually. PMC members are leaders in helping

to provide opportunities for today’s students to

become community leaders tomorrow.

BECOME A VANGUARD President’s Medallion Club Member today.

“[WORKING AS A RESIDENT ASSISTANT] WAS A BLESSED TIME. I was so honored to invest in the lives of the girls on my floor and serve as a mentor to them.”

LAUREN MINNICK

“Vanguard emphasizes living by faith. Students acquire a foundation that enables them to live for God regardless of difficulties or obstacles.”

LINDA FINKENBINDER

THE KINESIOLOGY LABI am so thankful that we have such a diverse lab available to use and study with.AMY RAE REYNOLDSJUNIOR, KINESIOLOGY

RELATIONSHIPS WITH FACULTY, STAFF AND PEERSI am thankful for the relationships I have been able to make at Vanguard with both faculty and my peers.MICHAEL AVILAFRESHMAN, PSYCHOLOGY

ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIPSI am extremely thankful for my academic scholarship because it enabled me to go to Vanguard and have the incredible experience I’ve had with students and staff. Without that scholarship, none of that would have been possible.JORDAN GRIPENWALDT, SENIOR, ANTHROPOLOGY

PROFESSORS WHO HAVE MENTORED MEI love how at Vanguard I’m not just a number in the classroom. My professors honestly care not only about my academic growth, but my spiritual and personal growth as well.TAYLOR HOOPERFRESHMAN, HISTORY/POLITICAL SCIENCE

THE CHANCE TO LEARN HOW TO BE A STRONG CHRISTIAN LEADER I’m thankful that I have the opportunity to lead fellow students in the right direction and inspire incoming freshman. OSCAR ISLAS, FRESHMAN, MARKETING

THE GENEROSITY OF DONORSDonors who give so that students like me can attend Vanguard.

If it weren’t for the donors and their generosity, I would not be here at Vanguard. VALERIA CAMPOSJUNIOR, PSYCHOLOGY

RENOVATED LIBRARY WITH NEW STUDY ROOMSI really enjoy having a place on campus with a great study environment. ERICA BIZZELL, JUNIOR, SOCIOLOGY

TOWER’S LOBBY AND PATIOI feel blessed to have made incredible relationships during my freshman year at Vanguard. I am glad we have a great place to socialize and build lasting friendships. JONATHAN SCHALEMBIERFRESHMAN, COMMUNICATIONS

OPPORTUNITY TO GROW IN MY FAITHI am thankful for the opportunities that have been presented for my faith to be challenged. Professors, students and chapel services have taught me how my faith is integrated with my actions.JONATHAN VAZQUEZ, FRESHMAN, RELIGION

WE ASKED VANGUARD STUDENTS WHAT THEY ARE THANKFUL FOR.HERE’S WHAT THEY SAID:

:students say thanks

EQUIPPED FOR THEIR NEXT CHAPTEROn May 10, 2013, Vanguard University held its annual commencement ceremonies, honoring the hard work of 530 students. The event officially marked the point at which graduates will apply the experience of their education – and the Christ-centered development of their emotional and academic maturity encompassed therein—to known and unknown adventures. The following three graduates represent just a small number of the many students empowered by their time at Vanguard.

WE CELEBRATED WITH OVER 500 GRADUATING VANGUARD UNIVERSITY STUDENTS AT THIS YEAR’S COMMENCEMENT CEREMONIES.

As we welcome this newest class to the alumni

community, I reflect on the ways God uses this

University for building His kingdom. The years that

students spend on this campus and the networks that

go with them following graduation are part of a story

God is writing in each of their lives. It is a story of Spirit-empowered lives of Christ-

centered leadership and service. Because of your generosity and support, there is

space and resources for those stories to be written. Thanks to you, we continue to

attract outstanding professor-mentors, improve facilities, and provide much needed

scholarships. Please join me in prayer for these graduates as new doors open for

them in business, ministry, postgraduate degrees, and community life.

Kelly KannwischerVice President for University Advancement

TO INVEST IN VANGUARD, VISIT give.vanguard.edu

FOLLOW VANGUARD ON FACEBOOK AND TWITTER:facebook.com/vanguarduniversitytwitter.com/vanguardu

OFF

ICE

OF

AD

VAN

CEM

ENT

55 F

AIR

DRI

VE, C

OST

A M

ESA

, CA

926

26

giv

e.va

ng

ua

rd.e

du /

71

4.9

66

.54

43

WHEN ALLISON TASH ’13 BEGAN THE PROCESS OF CHOOSING WHERE TO EMBARK ON HER COLLEGE CAREER, SHE WAS INITIALLY DETERMINED THAT IT WOULD NOT BE VANGUARD UNIVERSITY.

Like Mother, Like Daughter

This wasn’t because she had any misapprehensions about the school or the education it could provide her—on the contrary, her mother, Catherine

(Turpin ’77) Tash, was a proud alumna who had made lifelong friends at the college and was constantly extolling the virtues of Vanguard. Allison instead wanted to strike out on her own, and while she valued her mother’s experience, she also felt it necessary to fashion for herself a completely unique journey.

One visit to the campus, however, and Vanguard’s beautiful grounds and warm community reeled her in. “I decided to take a tour,” says Allison, “and I fell in love with it immediately. I knew I was supposed to be here.” Her choice was affirmed by the largesse of Vanguard’s financial aid department; Allison received a number of scholarships for her academic excellence.

Naturally, her mother was overjoyed.

It’s a decision that Allison hasn’t regretted for even a moment. By the time she graduated this year with her religion degree, Allison had been involved in the theatre department, Women’s Chorus, as the student representative on the presidential search committee, and most prominently,

the student government association (SGA). She was SGA president this last year, an experience that she says plugged her into the community of Vanguard in powerful ways. “It was a fantastic opportunity to invest in Vanguard. It gave me a chance to be involved with the vision and dreams of the administration, as well as letting me hear the incredible stories of so many other people.”

Allison also credits Vanguard with equipping her to love Jesus even more. “In addition to a great liberal arts education, I gained a solid foundation for my faith,” she says. In the department of religion, Allison cultivated her passion for ministry, and she will employ this passion in her plans to establish a church in Portland, Oregon. She and three of her close friends will spend the next year in a church-planting residency in preparation for fulfilling that dream.

The love of Vanguard that Allison’s mother initially shared with her was returned in abundance at Allison’s graduation party this spring. In addition to her own friends, Allison also invited all of her mother’s friends from Vanguard. The result was a party that celebrated not just Allison’s achievement, but also the legacy of her family and the friends they made in the singular community of Vanguard University.

I N V E S T I N G I N V A N G U A R D .I S S U E 5 / S U M M E R 2 0 1 3

ALLISON TASH ’13

REBEKAH KILLAM (PICTURED ABOVE RIGHT)

Rebekah Killam ’13 began her time at Vanguard with the intention of pursuing a career in broadcast journalism, but the required film classes in her communication major diverted her passion and opened up a new world of creative possibilities. Work on student films interested her in the specific area of production design. In that discipline, Rebekah found an ideal and challenging mix of design and collaboration. She took as many design classes as she could in the Department of Communication and the Department of Theatre Arts, hungry for experiences that would give her practical knowledge. “As soon as Professor Sue Berkompas knew I was interested in production design,” says Rebekah, “she went out of her way and found specific crew assignments that would prepare me for the graduate level and a professional career.” Rebekah’s hard work and Vanguard’s creative opportunities have paid off; in the fall, she will begin classes in the graduate program at Chapman University’s prestigious Dodge College of Film and Media Arts.

CLINTON MUNOZ

As a business major planning to go into the field of wealth management and beyond, Clinton Munoz ’13 is well-aware of the potential pitfalls of the trade, which is why he is so grateful to have attended a university with such a strong Christian mission. In addition to a practical education that prepared him for internships with high-level financial

organizations, Vanguard grounded him in his faith, setting him free from the concerns that can dominate individuals in the business world. “I loved my internship, and learned so much,” he says of his experience working with a wealth management firm. “But I also saw how money can rule over people’s hearts. And I saw how I can be the light of Christ even there.”

JORI SMITH

Jori Smith’s ’13 emphasis as a cultural anthropology major was in Asian studies, and she’ll be taking her education in that field directly to Asia. This summer she will volunteer at kids camps in South Korea, teaching English as a Second Language (ESL), and allowing God to use her to reach the people there. She first became involved with teaching ESL in high school, and found that when she got to Vanguard, the school grew and nurtured her interest. She is particularly grateful for the way the Department of Anthropology was tailored to her specific goals. “One of my favorite classes was called Applied Anthropology,” she says. “The whole purpose of the class was to show us how our major could be applicable to exactly what we wanted to do in our careers. It also showed us that we were capable of doing so much more than we first thought!”

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ALLISON WITH HER FATHER, GARY, AND MOTHER, CATHERINE