Awards

Celebration is one of the core values of the Alumni Association and you are invited to participate in the celebration!

The annual distinguished alumni awards of Cornerstone University and 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. 

You are invited to nominate alumni who fit the criteria of the six alumni awards. *Nominations submitted are for 2014 Award Recipients.


Traditional Undergraduate Alumnus of the Year

2013 Recipient: John 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 created the Onion Skin Diversity Audit, a tool for organizations to survey their objectives and practices in regard to racial diversity.  

Qualifications | Previous Recipients | Nomination

GRTS Alumnus of the Year

2013 Recipient: Jeffrey Halsted earned the Master of Divinity and Master of Theology: New Testament at Grand Rapids Theological Seminary. He 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 Biblical Theological Seminary, and as a teacher and mentor for GRTS students. 

Qualifications | Previous Recipients | Nomination

PGS Alumna of the Year

2013 Recipient: Anna Goodsell is in her fourth term as Township Clerk for Comstock Charter Township. She is 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. 

Qualifications | Previous Recipients | Nomination

Young Alumna of the Year

2013 Recipient: Aubree Cantrall graduated from Cornerstone University 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.

Qualifications | Previous Recipients | Nomination

Alumni Involvement

2013 Recipient: Kelly Ellis attended Cornerstone University from 1986 to 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. 

Qualifications | Previous Recipients

Faculty Hall of Honor

2013 Inductee: Professor Raymond "Gator" Gates 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 in 1989, 2002, and 2011.

Qualifications | Previous Recipients | Nomination

Awards