NCU Alums "Ride" for Clean Water in African Villages

Santa Monica, CA – On June 14, 2009, Participants in the Ride: Well Bike Tour strapped on their helmets and climbed onto their bicycles as they departed from the Pacific Coast and begun their coast to coast fundraiser on June 14, 2009. The Ride: Well Tour, powered by Venture Expeditions, is a cross-country cycling campaign that will trek through 10 states and over 3,000 miles. The goal of the ride is to raise both money and awareness for clean water & HIV/AIDS support in Africa by partnering with Blood: Water Mission.

The ’09 Team is comprised of eighteen young riders who convened in Santa Monica to begin the two month ride across the US to Washington DC. Along the way, they’ll participate in community benefit concerts and other Blood: Water Mission fundraising events.

As the lead sponsor of the 2009 Tour, North Central University is proud to contribute through prayer and financial support. NCU is also proud to see so many of its alumni joining the cause. Among those who are a part of this year’s ride include NCU alumni Aaron Smith, Drew Nelson, Jesse Olson, Brianna Olson, and Andrew Black. “We’re so privileged to partner with Venture, the Ride:Well Tour, and the cause of providing tangible assistance to people without access to clean water and necessary medical tools to battle the AIDS crisis in Africa,” said Executive Director of University Relations Nate Ruch. “NCU shares in this mission, both through financial support and the engagement evidenced by our alumni, on this years team. For North Central University, the people on the receiving end of these efforts can hear us say; ‘Your life (is) Our mission’!”

Clean water is the first step in providing the reliable medical care needed to mitigate the HIV/AIDS pandemic. Wells provide a vital “foothold” for empowering African communities to begin latrine and clinic development. Last years’ Ride:Well Tour met its goal of building 1,000 wells in African communities that have little to no clean water.

This year the Venture Expeditions team is aiming even higher, with the goal of providing various necessities that many take for granted to those less fortunate in African villages. Throughout their trip, the riders will keep supporters up to date with pictures, videos, Twitter updates, and blogs as they make their way cross country.

For more information on the Ride: Well Bike Tour and how you can be involved visit www.ridewelltour.org.

NCU Professor selected to receive 2009 Distinguished Educator Award

Minneapolis, MN – North Central University is proud to announce that Professor Dr. Glen Menzies has been selected to receive the 2009 Distinguished Educator Award at the Assembly of God General Council in Orlando, FL on August 5, 2009. Nineteen institutions of Christian higher education are invited to nominate one outstanding faculty member for this prestigious award. 

Dr. Menzies is a leader in thinking and ideas, not only for North Central University, but for Assembly of God higher education,” said Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Thomas Burkman. “He is a strong contributor to the discussion of improved quality and effectiveness in higher education.”

Every two years the General Council selects an award winner, and for the last three Councils a NCU faculty member has been the winner.  The previous two winners were: Fine Arts Executive Director Larry Bach, and English Professor Dr. Carolyn Tennant. 

Along with his full-time faculty status Dr. Menzies serves as the department chair of Bible and Theology and has been part of the North Central University faculty since 1990, and is a member of the North American Patristic Society, the Society for Pentecostal Studies, and Society of Biblical Literature. 

Graduation Pictures are now available online

Pictures from NCU Spring 2009 Commencement are now available for purchase online through Photography at jolesch.com. All orders will be taken and processed directly through Photography; however, you should link through NCU so that you are able to view all of the shared pictures. The shared pictures include the class picture and the individual portraits with Dr. Anderson. To place an order you will need to create your own Photography account.

The Commencement ceremony was also professionally video-taped by Emmanuel Christian Center. This DVD will be of the highest quality and a complimentary copy will be forwarded to each graduate with his or her diploma. Additional copies of the DVD are available for $15. The order forms are available in the Registrar’s office. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Kris Heimer at 612.343.4407 or kmheimer@northcentral.edu, or phone the Registrar’s Office main line at 612.343.4409

Spring Commencement 2009

Spring Lake Park, MN – Years of hard work, dedication, and determination have finally paid off for North Central University’s graduating class of 2009. North Central’s Spring Commencement Ceremony was held on May 8, 2009 at Emmanuel Christian Center in Spring Lake Park, MN. 161 graduates participated in the Commencement Ceremony that included a performance from NCU’s own Concert Chorale as well as the senior address from Salutatorian, Stephanie Christensen.

Rev. G. Robert Cook, D.Min/Executive Vice President of The Alliance for Assemblies of God Higher Education, served as the Commencement Speaker. Dr. Cook’s resounding address included a personal story about a time when he trained and participated in a marathon in Sacramento, CA. His account served as an illustration of what each graduate has to look forward to now that they have finished their studies at NCU. The ups and downs of life can sometimes make us want to give up or give in, but by staying the course and relying solely on God, then the reward will go unmatched.

The Commencement Ceremony concluded with President, Dr. Gordon Anderson awarding each graduate with their own degree along with a time for prayer over each graduate as they turn the page in their personal journey.

NCU Alumnae Named Minnesota Teacher of the Year

Minneapolis, MN – Amber (Place) Damm, a member of the NCU Class of 1998, has been named the 2009 Minnesota Teacher of the Year. Damm received the award that recognizes the state’s top K-12 educator on Sunday, May 3, 2009 at the annual Education Minnesota ceremony in Brooklyn Park, MN. She is the second NCU graduate to receive this honor in the past 7 years, joining Gino Marchetti (Class of ’90), who won the award in 2003.

Damm is a 7th- and 8th-grade English and Language Arts teacher at Clara Barton Open School in Minneapolis, Minnesota.  She was selected from a group of 11 finalists by a panel of civic and business leaders, and will also be Minnesota's nominee for national teacher of the year in 2010.

Teacher of the Year candidates are nominated by students, parents, colleagues and community members.  This year the state had 101 candidates up for the award before the narrowing the field to 11 finalists.

Jason Upton visits NCU chapel

Minneapolis, MN - North Central had the privilege of hosting international recording artist and worship leader Jason Upton in Friday’s chapel. The chapel service was part of the “Engage” series this school year at NCU. In his trademark relaxed demeanor, Jason shared personal family stories and led several songs, tying in mini-teachings about worship and God’s character.

 For Jason Upton’s ministry schedule or general news and information visit www.jasonupton.net