“Outdo one another in showing honor.” (Romans 12:10b)
Celebration. It’s one of the core values of our Alumni Association and you are invited to participate in the celebration!
The annual distinguished alumni awards of Cornerstone University (including Grand Rapids Theological Seminary) recognize outstanding alumni who have achieved success in their personal and professional lives or who have distinguished themselves through volunteer service to the university. The individuals we’re seeking embody the mission of the university, having become empowered men and women who excel as influencers in our world for Christ. The awards seek to maintain a balance of both achievement and humble service, with hopes to motivate alumni and students, and encourage faculty and staff.
You are invited to nominate alumni who fit the criteria of the six alumni awards. View the current recipients below along with the nomination criteria for each award. *Note: Awards for 2013 have been chosen - feel free to submit a nomination for 2014 Alumni Awards.
Traditional Undergraduate Alumnus/a of the Year
Current Recipient: John Maguire was honored with the Traditional Undergraduate Alumnus of the Year Award for 2013. Maguire graduated from CU in 1986 and currently serves as Pastor at Ogden Church in Adrian, Michigan. John has travelled nationally to churches, universities, music festivals, and schools to speak about racial reconciliation and has authored three workbooks: Seeing 2020, Living in Diverse City, and Seven Steps to the Culturally Diverse Classroom. He also has created the Onion Skin Diversity Audit, a tool for organizations to survey their objectives and practices in regard to racial diversity.
Details/Qualifications
Est. 1960
Oversight: Alumni Relations
Introduction The Traditional Undergraduate Alumnus/a of the Year Award is intended to recognize the faithful service of specific alumni who have made significant contributions in their world for Christ.
Criteria
- Profession: The Undergraduate Alumnus of the Year award is intended to honor the achievement and service of specific traditional undergraduate alumni from a variety of professional fields. Careful consideration will be given to alumni of all professions.
- Influence: The influence that an individual has through his/her faith and calling are priority considerations for this award. Generally, candidates will have demonstrated the ability to influence society, having reflected values of academic excellence and community investment.
- Character/Reputation: Candidates for the award possess a reputation for Godly character, with a daily pursuit of Christ-centered thinking and living.
- Achievement: The achievements of individuals are given careful attention and may be in any field or endeavor, having made such accomplishments while maintaining a Christ-honoring perspective in every aspect of life.
- Involvement: The Undergraduate Alumnus of the Year has exhibited a significant concern for and contribution to the development and success of Cornerstone University following graduation.
Recipients: Offered to alumni (at least 36 completed credits) of Cornerstone University, Cornerstone College, Grand Rapids Baptist College and Grand Rapids School of Bible and Music, who are graduates of at least 10 years.
Award:
- Wood carved mace top replica, affixed with an engraved metal plate, designating the recipient and the date of the presentation.
- Nameplate included on the “Undergraduate Alumnus/a of the Year” plaque that hangs outside the office of alumni relations.
Presentation: The award is presented during the annual Winter Homecoming Gala.
GRTS Alumnus/a of the Year
Current Recipient: Jeffrey Halsted received the Grand Rapids Theological Seminary Alumnus of the Year Award for 2013. He earned both his Master of Divinity and Master of Theology (New Testament) at GRTS and currently serves as the Senior Pastor of Calvary Baptist Church in Grand Rapids. Jeffrey also serves as adjunct professor at Cornerstone University and for Asia Theological Seminary, and as a teacher and mentor for GRTS students.
Details/Qualifications
Est.1960
Oversight: Alumni Relations
Introduction: The Grand Rapids Theological Seminary Alumnus/a of the Year Award is intended to recognize the faithful service of specific alumni of the seminary who have made significant contributions in ministry.
Criteria:
- Field of Ministry: The GRTS Alumnus of the Year award is intended to honor the achievement and faithful service of specific GRTS alumni from a variety of ministry fields. Though the majority of GRTS graduates have engaged in local church ministry, this award is not limited to those involved in full-time pastoral ministry. Careful consideration will be given to alumni from all fields of ministry (i.e., local church, missions, education, para church).
- Length of Ministry: Longevity of ministry and extended faithful service are priority considerations for this award. Generally, candidates will possess a minimum of 15-20 years of full-time ministry involvement.
- Character/Reputation: Candidates for the award should possess a reputation for Godly character.
- Achievement/Influence: Individual achievements and professional influence should be given careful attention. This would include academic achievement, ministry positions, board service and other forms of leadership.
- Biblical/Theological Orientation: Candidates for the award should embrace Conservative Evangelical perspectives on core Christian theology and be engaged in ministry settings which affirm similar commitments.
Recipients: Offered to alumni (at least 12 completed credits) of Grand Rapids Theological Seminary, Grand Rapids Baptist Seminary, Grand Rapids Baptist Theological Seminary and Baptist Bible Institute, who are graduates of at least 10 years.
Award:
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Wood carved mace top replica, affixed with an engraved metal plate, designating the recipient and the date of the presentation.
- Nameplate included on the “GRTS Alumnus/a of the Year” plaque that hangs outside the office of alumni relations.
Presentation: The award is presented during the annual Winter Homecoming Gala.
PGS Alumnus/a of the Year
Current Recipient: Anna Goodsell received the PGS Alumna of the Year Award for 2013. Anna is in her fourth term as Township Clerk for Comstock Charter Township. She is also also heavily involved at her church, Kalamazoo Free Methodist. She is the leader of the Women’s Ministry Team, the assistant treasurer, and a member of the Global Missions team.
Details/Qualifications
Est. 2012
Oversight: Alumni Relations
Introduction: The Professional and Graduate Studies Alumnus/a of the Year Award is intended to recognize the faithful service of specific alumni who have made significant contributions in their world for Christ.
Criteria:
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Profession: The PGS Alumnus of the Year award is intended to honor the achievement and service of specific PGS alumni from a variety of professional fields. Careful consideration will be given to alumni of all professions, including education, business, ministry, social entrepreneurism, etc.
- Influence: The influence that an individual has through his/her faith and calling are priority considerations for this award. Generally, candidates will have demonstrated the ability to influence society and extend impact in their circle of influence.
- Character/Reputation: Candidates for the award possess a reputation for Godly character.
- Achievement Individual achievements should be given careful attention. This would include academic achievement, professional positions, board service and other forms of leadership.
Recipients: Presented to alumni (at least 12 completed credits) of Cornerstone University’s Professional and Graduate Studies (PGS) Program and Adult Continuing Education (ACE) Program.
Award:
- Wood carved mace top replica, affixed with an engraved metal plate, designating the recipient and the date of the presentation.
- Nameplate included on the “PGS Alumnus/a of the Year” plaque that hangs outside the office of alumni relations.
Presentation: The award is presented during the annual Winter Homecoming Gala.
Young Alumnus/a of the Year Award
Current Recipient: Aubree Cantrall received the Young Alumna of the Year Award in 2013. Aubree graduated from CU in 2010 with a degree in Elementary Education with an emphasis in Language Arts. She currently teaches at The Potter's House Christian School, a Christ-centered school that equips students of all income levels and ethnic heritages. She teaches 2nd and 3rd grade at the school.
Details/Qualifications
Est. 2012
Oversight: Alumni Relations
Introduction: The Young Alumnus/a of the Year Award is intended to recognize the faithful service of specific alumni (at least 36 completed credits) who have made significant contributions in their world for Christ. The award is available to graduates of any of the three institutions.
Criteria:
- Age: Recipient must have graduated from the University within ten years from the scheduled presentation of the Award.
- Profession: The Young Alumnus of the Year award is intended to honor the achievement and service of specific traditional undergraduate alumni from a variety of professional fields. Careful consideration will be given to alumni of all professions.
- Influence: The influence that an individual has through his/her faith and calling are priority considerations for this award. Generally, candidates will have demonstrated the ability to influence society, having reflected values of academic excellence and community investment.
- Character/Reputation: Candidates for the award possess a reputation for Godly character, with a daily pursuit of Christ-centered thinking and living.
- Achievement: The achievements of individuals are given careful attention and may be in any field or endeavor, having made such accomplishments while maintaining a Christ-honoring perspective in every aspect of life.
- Involvement: The Young Alumnus of the Year has exhibited a significant concern for and contribution to the development and success of Cornerstone University following graduation.
Recipients: Offered to alumni of Cornerstone University, Grand Rapids Theological Seminary, Cornerstone College, and Grand Rapids Baptist Seminary who are 35 years old and younger.
Award:
- Wood carved mace top replica, affixed with an engraved metal plate, designating the recipient and the date of the presentation.
- Nameplate included on the “Young Alumnus/a of the Year” plaque that hangs outside the office of alumni relations.
Presentation: The award is presented during the annual Winter Homecoming Gala.
Alumni Involvement Award
Current Recipient: Kelly Ellis received the Alumni Involvement of the Year Award for 2013. Kelly attended CU between the years of 1986-1988, studying courses in English, Spanish, and Christian Education. For nearly 10 years, Kelly has worked as the Director of Sabaoth Ministries here in Grand Rapids. She also serves as a large group facilitator for the CU undergraduate Terra Firma program, intentionally interacting with new students and student leaders to form lasting relationships.
Details/Qualifications
Est. 2012
Oversight: Alumni Relations
Introduction: The Alumnus/a Involvement of the Year Award is intended to recognize the faithful service of specific alumni who have made significant contributions on our campus for Christ. The award is available to graduates of any of the three institutions.
Criteria:
- Influence: Candidates have maintained a quality association with Cornerstone University, its programs and/or its students in the form of significant financial aid, time and/or talent, or any combination thereof.
- Character: Candidates for the award possess a reputation for Godly character, with a daily pursuit of Christ-centered thinking and living.
- Involvement: The Alumnus/a Involvement of the Year has exhibited a significant concern for and contribution to the development and success of Cornerstone University following graduation.
Recipients: Offered to alumni (at least 36 completed credits) of Cornerstone University, Grand Rapids Theological Seminary, Cornerstone College, Grand Rapids Baptist College and Seminary, Baptist Bible Institute, and Grand Rapids School of Bible and Music.
Award:
- Wood carved mace top replica, affixed with an engraved metal plate, designating the recipient and the date of the presentation.
- Nameplate included on the “Alumnus/a Involvement of the Year” plaque that hangs outside the office of alumni relations.
Presentation: The award is presented during the annual Winter Homecoming Gala.
Faculty Hall of Honor
Current Recipient: Professor "Gator" Gates was inducted into the Faculty Hall of Honor in 2013. He has served at Cornerstone University for the past 35 years as an associate professor of biology. Greatly loved by students, faculty, and staff, he received the Professor of the Year Award three times, in 1989, 2002, and 2011.
Complete List of Inductees:
Dr. John Wilson 2002
Dr. Leon Wood 2002
Dr. Victor Matthews 2002
Dr. Joe Crawford 2002
Dr. Ralph Abuhl 2002
Dr. Paul Beals 2002
Dr. Orpha Galloway 2003
Dr. Carl Hoch, Jr 2003
Dr. Richard N. Stewart 2003
Gloria Baker, Ed. S 2003
Dr. Ronald B. Mayers 2003
Dr. Dwayne Cole 2006
Prof. Ron Meyers 2006
Prof. Joyce Horn 2006
Details/Qualifications
Established: 2002
Oversight: Alumni Relations
Introduction: The Cornerstone University Alumni Association governing board voted to recognize individuals who have been the backbone, and the heart, of this institution throughout its history. The Cornerstone University Faculty Hall of Honor pays tribute to past and longtime current faculty members for their uncompromising dedication, tireless service and unfailing commitment to the school and its students. Their sacrifice has allowed Cornerstone University to continue and grow to become what it is today. The impact of those “life-changers” is still felt by their students, and God has been glorified in all of it, the most significant measure of success.
Criteria:
1. 10 years of service (minimum)
2. Significant achievement in field of study and advancement in learning
3. Faithful support of CU
4. Ability to effectively communicate in the classroom
5. Active involvement in students’ lives
6. Active involvement in campus activities
7. Demonstrated leadership involving positive CU change
8. Involvement in the community
Recipients: Offered to faculty of Cornerstone University, Grand Rapids Theological Seminary, Cornerstone College, Grand Rapids Baptist College and Seminary, Baptist Bible Institute, and Grand Rapids School of Bible and Music.
Presentation: This award is presented during the annual Winter Homecoming Gala.