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Alumni Awards

The Alumni Relations Office celebrates the accomplishments and dedication of individuals who embody the mission of the university. The annual alumni, staff and faculty awards of Cornerstone University and Cornerstone Theological Seminary recognize outstanding members of our community who have achieved success in their personal and professional lives and who have distinguished themselves through service to the university, their communities and throughout the world.

Alumnus of the Year

The Alumnus of the Year Award is intended to recognize the faithful service of one Cornerstone traditional undergraduate alumnus/a, one Cornerstone Theological Seminary alumnus/a and one Professional & Graduate Studies division alumnus/a. This award is presented to alumni who have made significant contributions in the world for Christ and who are graduates of at least 10 years.

Recipients of the Alumnus of the Year award must also meet these requirements:

  • Profession: The Alumnus/a 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 and fields of ministry.
  • Influence: The influence that an individual has through his and/or 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 and Reputation: Candidates for the award possess a reputation for godly character, with a daily pursuit of Christ-centered thinking and living.
  • Achievement: Individual achievements and professional influence are given careful attention, having made such accomplishments while maintaining a Christ-honoring perspective in every aspect of life. This includes academic achievement, professional positions, ministry roles, board service and other forms of leadership.

Submit a Nomination

Faculty Hall of Honor

Established in 2002, the Faculty Hall of Honor recognizes the contribution of current and previous faculty members. The impact of these “life-changers” is still felt by their students, and God has been glorified in all of it, the most significant measure of success.

Inductees of the Faculty Hall of Honor must meet these requirements:

  • Minimum 15 years of service.
  • Significant achievement in field of study and advancement in learning.
  • Faithful support of Cornerstone.
  • Ability to effectively communicate in the classroom.
  • Active involvement in students’ lives.
  • Active involvement in campus activities.
  • Demonstrated leadership involving positive change at Cornerstone.
  • Involvement in the community.

Submit a Nomination

Staff Hall of Honor

Established in 2016, the Staff Hall of Honor recognizes individuals who have been made significant contributions to the success of this institution throughout its history. The Staff Hall of Honor pays tribute to past and longtime current administrators of staff members for their uncompromising dedication, tireless service and unfailing commitment to the school and its students. Current or former presidents of these institutions and current or former faculty members are not eligible for this award.

Inductees of the Staff Hall of Honor must meet these requirements:

  • Minimum 10 years of service.
  • Significant achievement in their area of service to the university.
  • Faithful support of Cornerstone.
  • Impact in students’ lives.
  • Active involvement in campus activities.
  • Demonstrated leadership involving positive change at Cornerstone.
  • Involvement in the community.

Submit a Nomination

Award Recipients

The Cornerstone Alumni Association annually honors individuals who have been the backbone, and the heart, of this institution throughout its history. Presented during Commencement, the awards recognize the accomplishments of distinguished Cornerstone University and Cornerstone Theological Seminary faculty members and alumni.

Year Award Honoree
2023 Traditional Undergraduate Alumnus of the Year Jim Sprague (B.A. ’84)
2023 Grand Rapids Theological Seminary Alumnus of the Year Dr. William J. Amstutz (MRE ’75)
2022 Traditional Undergraduate Alumnus of the Year Kevin Shuneson (B.S. ’83)
2022 Grand Rapids Theological Seminary Alumnus of the Year Rev. Samuel Greer Jr. (M.R.E. ’00)
2022 Professional & Graduate Studies Alumnus of the Year Mark Johnson (MBA ’09)
2021 TUG Alumna of the Year Dr. Stefanie Wise (B.S. ’06)
2021 GRTS Alumna of the Year Anne Parpas (M.A. ’13)
2021 PGS Alumna of the Year Shana Lewis
2021 Staff Hall of Honor Kay Landrum
2021 Faculty Hall of Honor Dr. Ned Keller
2019 GRTS Alumnus of the Year Dr. Christopher Brauns (M.Div. ’93)
2019 Staff Hall of Honor Carol Carpenter
2019 PGS Alumna of the Year Carolyn Koole (B.S. ’99)
2019 Faculty Hall of Honor Bill Riter
2019 TUG Alumnus of the Year Matt Taylor (B.S. ’01, M.S. ’03)
2018 TUG Alumnus of the Year Scott Korpak (B.A. ’93)
2018 GRTS Alumna of the Year Cassandra Hankins (M.A. ’01)
2018 PGS Alumna of the Year Kim Hiltunen (MBA ’09)
2018 Staff Hall of Honor Gail Duhon
2018 Faculty Hall of Honor Daniel Ehnis
2017 Faculty Hall of Honor Dr. Gary T. Meadors
2017 TUG Alumna of the Year Anna Rapa (B.A. ’00)
2017 Staff Hall of Honor Colleen Smith (M.R.Ed. ’94)
2017 Staff Hall of Honor Scott Stewart (B.A. ’87)
2017 GRTS Alumnus of the Year Kyle Thompson (M.A. ’01)
2017 PGS Alumnus of the Year Dennis Van Kampen (B.S. ’99, M.S. ’03)
2016 Faculty Hall of Honor Lawrence J. Bos
2016 TUG Alumnus of the Year Doug Busch (’93)
2016 Staff Hall of Honor Keith DeBoer (B.A. ’78, M.Div. ’86)
2016 Staff Hall of Honor Vi Hager (B.R.E. ’68)
2016 PGS Alumna of the Year Julie Lepzinski (’12)
2016 GRTS Alumnus of the Year Artie Lindsay (’04)
2016 Faculty Hall of Honor David Turner
2016 Staff Hall of Honor Cindy Wiltheiss (A.S. ’07)
2015 Alumna of the Year Katya Covrett (’02)
2015 Faculty Hall of Honor Dr. Judith Fabisch (B.A. ’77, B.A. ’83)
2015 Athletic Hall of Honor Carla Fles
2015 Alumnus of the Year Dr. Stan Jensen (’75, ’79)
2015 Athletic Hall of Honor Mary Koscielniak (B.S. ’08)
2015 Athletic Hall of Honor Andy Smith (B.A. ’77, M.Div. ’81) and Nancie Smith (CU ’75-77)
2015 Athletic Hall of Honor Jeremy Underwood (B.A. ’05)
2015 Athletic Hall of Honor Shannon Underwood (B.A. ’06)
2015 Alumnus of the Year Wade Wyant (’02)
2014 Alumnus of the Year Gary Anderson (’74)
2014 Alumnus of the Year Kelly Bonewell (’03)
2014 Athletic Hall of Honor Dave Damesworth (B.A. ’04)
2014 Faculty Hall of Honor David Kennedy
2014 Faculty Hall of Honor Dr. Brenda King
2014 Athletic Hall of Honor Emily Knudson (B.A. ’06)
2014 Alumna of the Year Senita Lenear (’06)
2014 Athletic Hall of Honor Al Meredith (B.R.E. ’68)
2014 Athletic Hall of Honor Cathi Powell (B.A. ’06)
2014 Athletic Hall of Honor Derek Scott (B.S. ’07)
2013 Alumni Involvement Kelly Ellis (’86-88)
2013 Faculty Hall of Honor Professor Raymond “Gator” Gates
2012 Alumni Involvement Penny Patterson (’66-68)
2006 Faculty Hall of Honor Dr. Dwayne Cole
2006 Faculty Hall of Honor Professor Joyce Horn
2006 Faculty Hall of Honor Professor Ron Meyers
2003 Faculty Hall of Honor Professor Gloria Baker
2003 Faculty Hall of Honor Dr. Orpha Galloway
2003 Faculty Hall of Honor Dr. Carol Hoch Jr.
2003 Faculty Hall of Honor Dr. Ronald B. Mayers
2003 Faculty Hall of Honor Dr. Richard N. Stewart
2002 Faculty Hall of Honor Dr. Ralph Abuhl
2002 Faculty Hall of Honor Dr. Paul Beals
2002 Faculty Hall of Honor Dr. Joe Crawford
2002 Faculty Hall of Honor Dr. Victor Matthews
2002 Faculty Hall of Honor Dr. John Wilson
2002 Faculty Hall of Honor Dr. Leon Wood
Alumnus of the Year Ryan Davis (’04)
Alumna of the Year Leslie Mosher (’04)
Alumnus of the Year Jeffrey Halsted (’99, ’01)
Alumnus of the Year Lee Geysbeek (’93)
Alumna of the Year Jan VanDyke (’92, ’01)
Alumna of the Year Anna Goodsell (’00)
Alumnus of the Year William Rudd (’00)
Alumnus of the Year Clifton Rhodes (’71, ’80, ’98)
Alumnus of the Year Daniel Treier (’96, ’98)
Alumnus of the Year David Livermore (’89, ’94)
Alumnus of the Year Donna Messenger (’90)
Alumnus of the Year John Maguire (’86)
Alumnus of the Year Thomas Hutchison (’85)
Alumnus of the Year James Ellis (’81, ’84)
Alumnus of the Year Gordon Lindsay (’83)
Alumnus of the Year Kevin Krass (’76, ’82)
Alumnus of the Year Louis Konopka (’81)
Alumnus of the Year Noe Palacios (’81)
Alumnus of the Year John H. Lillis (’80)
Alumnus of the Year Michael Goschka (’77)
Alumnus of the Year Jack Horton (’77)
Alumnus of the Year Mark Blocher (’76)
Alumnus of the Year Ed Lewis (’76)
Alumnus of the Year Scot McKnight (’76)
Alumnus of the Year Lois Baker (’75)
Alumna of the Year Brenda King (’72)
Alumnus of the Year Jerry Sheveland (’72)
Alumna of the Year Joyce Horn (’69)
Alumna of the Year Lovila Hager (’68)
Alumnus of the Year Daniel Wielhouwer (’68)
Alumna of the Year Vivian Beals (’67)
Alumnus of the Year Williams Commons (’65)
Alumnus of the Year David Egner (’64)
Alumnus of the Year Albert Joe Crawford (’63)
Alumnus of the Year Dennis Muston (’63)
Alumnus of the Year Charles Alber (’62)
Alumnus of the Year Harry Ambacher (’61)
Alumnus of the Year James Reese (’61)
Alumnus of the Year Thomas Dolph (’60)
Alumnus of the Year Fredric Carlson (’57)
Alumnus of the Year John Venlet (’57)
Alumnus of the Year William & Lois Carmichael (’56, ’54)
Alumnus of the Year Errol Jameson (’56)
Alumnus of the Year Gene Sickler (’56)
Alumna of the Year Geraldine Walcott (’56)
Alumnus of the Year David Jay Walsh (’56)
Alumnus of the Year Joseph Balbach (’53)
Alumnus of the Year Victor Matthews (’53)
Alumnus of the Year Richard Sterkenburg (’53)
Alumnus of the Year Paul Versluis (’53)
Alumnus of the Year Orlan Wilhite (’53)
Alumnus of the Year Jay & Jean Nauta (’52)
Alumnus of the Year John H. Wilson (’52)
Alumnus of the Year Harold Knickerbocker (’51)
Alumnus of the Year Woodrow McCaleb (’51)
Alumnus of the Year David Smith (’51)
Alumnus of the Year Herbert Vanderlugt (’51)
Alumnus of the Year Homer Baker (’50)
Alumna of the Year Bonnie Matthews (’49)
Alumnus of the Year Mr. & Mrs. Fordyce Hough (’46, ’47)
Alumna of the Year Carolyn Hovingh (’46)
Alumnus of the Year William Carmichael, Sr. (’45)
Alumnus of the Year Guy King (’43)

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