Season's Greetings from the Alumni Office

May You Find Hope

It's with a deep sense of thanksgiving and gratitude that we cross the finish line for fall semester this week. Having returned home over Thanksgiving weekend, students will complete finals remotely.

This Saturday we will welcome almost 200 new alumni into the association during a virtual winter commencement. While this semester required all of our creative efforts to adapt, I'm so grateful for the many ways our community rallied to the challenges thrown our way. Now we're ready for rest!

As we transition from Thanksgiving to Advent, we have an opportunity to collectively take a moment and reflect as a community. I invite you to set aside some time to watch this recent chapel by President Robin Baker, who draws from history and Scripture to remind us that abiding hope comes from God.

Two Resources for the Season

While our traditional on-campus Christmas events are on hold, there are two resources I'd encourage you to take advantage of this season.

The Office of Spiritual Life put together this thoughtful Advent Reader for our entire community. Additionally, the theatre department is offering a captivating audio drama of A Christmas Carol for your listening enjoyment (more details are below).

Finally, my prayer is that you find rest, peace and enduring hope in God's presence during this Advent season.

"May the God of Hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." - Romans 15:13

Alumni Tidbits

Ben Sand (MDiv, '10) published A Kids Book About White Privilege, which is featured as one of "Oprah's Favorite Things, 2020."

La'Shawanta Spears-Hardy (MA in School Counseling, '13) was named the Oregon Assistant Principal of the Year last week! Congratulations, La'Shawanta!

Carly (Halverson) Pon (Organizational Communication, '13) got married last month and recently relocated to Oregon (from a two-year sojourn in Spokane, Washington).

Mark Ocker (Religion, '83) recently retired from teaching at George Fox and now has more time to pursue two writing projects: his autobiography as requested by his family, and an update on the Friends Church in Alaska from 1978 to present. He also serves as volunteer director of adult education at his church, and spends much more quality time (including camping and hiking) with his wife, Marsha (Jensen) Ocker ('75), and their sons and families.

Jordyn Dunseath (Graphic Design, '18) won the 72-Hour Short Film Challenge with this film! She's still leading Young Life in Newberg, and recently started her own design business.

Aiden Coomer (Fitness Management, '19) is now the youth pastor at Plain Community Church in Leavenworth, Washington, where he is passionate about helping young people pursue life with Christ.

Diane (Marr) Longmire (Christian Studies, '96) was recently promoted to director of outpatient services for Comprehensive Healthcare in Yakima, Washington.

Kristen (Damron) Baluyot (Social Work & Sociology, '03) is caring for those in the homeless populations of the Denver metro area who have been impacted by COVID-19. She and her spouse just purchased a place north of Denver where, much to her delight, her children roam free.

Paula Darling (Management and Organizational Leadership, '16) left her corporate sales job of 30 years and started her own practice at Edwards Jones.

Lauren Labant (Nursing, '19) has the job of her dreams, the house of her dreams, and the puppy of her dreams.

Want a chance to be featured in this space? You guessed it! These tidbits are randomly selected from updates submitted here. Entertain me with your stories!