Darci Irwin (M.S. ’09)
Director of Alumni Relations
darci.irwin@cornerstone.edu
616.254.1439

Irwin became director of alumni relations in April 2009. She is responsible to provide leadership and direction for all alumni constituent efforts of the university. The position seeks to develop and steward relationships with alumni through events, communication, travel programs and other means that will encourage alumni and help them stay connected to the mission of their alma mater Cornerstone University/Grand Rapids Theological Seminary.

She considers it a privilege to reconnect with our alumni, come alongside them in their journey, remind them how much we value them, honor them for the influencers they have become, and provide avenues and opportunities for alumni to remain engaged with the school. She also considers it important for current students to catch a vision regarding involvement opportunities once they become alumni.

Background: Irwin earned a B.S. in psychology with emphasis in human services and counseling in 2001 and graduated in 2009 from Cornerstone University with her Master’s degree in management. Prior to joining the Cornerstone University team, she served various leadership positions at two local churches for a combined total of seven years. When Irwin came to Cornerstone she first worked in the undergraduate admissions office where she held titles of senior admissions counselor and hospitality coordinator. Some key descriptors of Darci are: activator, positive, strategist, grateful, and gatherer of people. She is motivated by a friendly environment, positive interactions, great ideas, implementing those ideas, relating to others and helping their dreams become reality.

Interests: She and husband, Jay, reside in northeast Grand Rapids and attend Ada Bible Church. Together they enjoy spending time with family and friends, playing tennis, photography, quaint coffee shops, traveling, good movies, being on the lake, and laughing! Darci loves life and often finds herself spending quality time with people, traveling, learning, reading, writing, decorating, singing, exercising, going out to eat, planning a great celebration for others and eating raspberries.

 

 

 

Amanda (Kusneske) Lawrence (B.A. ’12)
Alumni Communication Specialist
amanda.lawrence@cornerstone.edu
616.222.1439



Amanda Lawrence became the Alumni Communication Specialist for Cornerstone University in June 2011. She is responsible for developing and maintaining communication for all university alumni. This position works within the Office of Alumni Relations by overseeing alumni communication content and methods used for interactions between many different internal and external constituencies. Through this role, Amanda desires to serve alumni by being an active participant and enthusiastic partner who seeks to enhance alumni relations through open communication.

Amanda is honored to have the opportunity to interact with and focus on the alumni of Cornerstone University. Through her interactions with alumni, she strives to develop relationships that are geared toward appreciating alumni. She desires to celebrate alumni for who they are, what they do, and how they contribute to Cornerstone and around the world. She hopes that bridge the gap between current students and alumni, encouraging interactions that foster deeper connections and learning experiences for both.

Background: Amanda earned a B.A. from Cornerstone University in 2012. She double-majored in Communications and Biblical Studies, with a minor in Vocal Performance. Prior to joining the Office of Alumni Relations, Amanda served as a Teacher Assistant for one year alongside of Dr. Desiree Duff at Cornerstone University. She also worked for four years at Baker Book House, where she held the position of Night Staff Supervisor. A few qualities that describe Amanda are: maximizer, adaptable, passionate, committed, and connected. She thrives on interactions with people, open communication, brainstorming sessions, and lots of laughter.

Interests: Amanda and her husband, Joel, reside in northwest Grand Rapids. Together they enjoy spending time with family & friends, visiting bookstores, collecting books, traveling, listening to jazz music, and trying out new recipes. Amanda and Joel both share a passion to one day teach at the university level.

   

 

 

 

Josh Thayer (B.S. ’11)
Alumni Events Specialist
josh.thayer@cornerstone.edu 
616.222.1439

 Josh Thayer became the Alumni Events & Programs Specialist for Cornerstone University in December of 2011. As the Alumni Events & Programs Specialist, Josh is responsible for providing leadership to all aspects of alumni events and programs to attract, serve, reunite, and motivate alumni to become involved in their alma mater. Through his position, Josh desires to develop, create, and facilitate events and programs that present Cornerstone University alumni with valuable opportunities to strengthen their relationships within the Cornerstone community. 

 Josh is thrilled to have the opportunity to work as part of the Alumni Relations team and to interact with the alumni of Cornerstone University. Driven by a passion for people and for Cornerstone University, Josh is motivated to develop and provide programs and venues wherein the alumni of Cornerstone University will feel appreciated and proud to remain an integral part of the Cornerstone community. Josh is a confident individual who enjoys being challenged, presented with new opportunities, and thinking in detail. These aspects, along with his vision for Alumni Relations, make him a valuable addition to the Alumni Relations team.

Background:  Josh earned a B.S. from Cornerstone University in 2011. He majored in Bible with a minor is Business/Sports Management. During his time at Cornerstone, Josh served as a volunteer in the Admissions Office, small group leader in his dorms, played on the men’s Junior Varsity Basketball team and then served as the Student Assistant Coach his senior year. Thayer was also employed by the university’s Grounds Department all four years he was at Cornerstone. During his senior year, Josh had the opportunity to serve as the general manager for Cornerstone’s Midnight Madness event. It was this experience with event planning and coordinating, along with his other previous experiences at Cornerstone, which make him a viable piece of our team.

Interests:  Josh loves spending time with his wife Alyssa (Morrow) Thayer (CU ’11), hanging out with his friends, and having a great time. He is an avid sports fan and experiences great enjoyment when participating in athletics as a distance and competitive cyclist. He also loves a great book, spending hours outdoors, and learning about the interesting facets of life. Josh is currently pursuing his M.A. in Sports Management at Western Michigan University.