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Alumni Awards

Nominate your North Central super hero!

North Central University alumni, faculty, staff, or others in the extended NCU community may nominate a North Central University alumna or alumnus for one of the award categories described below. Nominations are open March 22–April 30. To be considered, all nominations must be submitted by midnight on April 30, 2023. Recipients will be recognized at the Partners for Progress gala in October.

Alumni award categories

  • The Frank J. Lindquist Award – For demonstrating Spirit-filled leadership and excelling in service through church or church-related ministry, mission and service.
  • The Ivan O. Miller Award – For demonstrating Spirit-filled leadership and excelling in service through business and community.
  • The Larry C. Bach Award – For demonstrating Spirit-filled leadership and excelling in service through fine arts.
  • The Dr. Roger Sorbo Award – For demonstrating Spirit-filled leadership and excelling in service through arts and sciences.

Alumni award Nomination Info

Nominations are open from March 22 – April 30, 2023.

Online Form – Alumni Nominations are currently closed.

Past Alumni Award Recipients

2022 Recipients

Read More about the 2022 Alumni Awards winners.

  • Ben Gowell ’02 (Larry C. Bach Award)

Ben has served as a worship leader and pastor for the past twenty years.  He believes the church should lead the way in shaping today’s culture. His experience in the professional music industry helps emphasize creative expression that points people to Jesus. Ben is currently the Executive Pastor at Christ’s Church of the Valley.  He leads Worship, Production, Media Arts, Marketing, and Creative Studio teams. He has been the Executive Producer of several NCU Worship Live recordings. Ben and his wife, Jen, have two children and live in North Phoenix.

  • Jerry Strandquist ’85 (F.J. Lindquist Award)

Jerry invested his storied career pastoring churches in Wisconsin and Minnesota. A leader of leaders, he set the standard in missions giving and church planting locally and nationally. Jerry served for 17 years on the NCU Board of Regents. Beyond his many accomplishments, he is best known for taking the time to connect and invest in people. He has mentored countless emerging ministry leaders. Jerry spends his retirement volunteering at his church and enjoying his three grandchildren in Arizona.

  • Jennifer Meyerson ’07 (Dr. Roger Sorbo Award)

Jennifer is committed to modeling a Kingdom lifestyle among the most vulnerable and marginalized. She has worked with the UN and served thousands of refugees through multiple organizations. She is currently the VP of International Programs for Preemptive Love, an organization dedicated to stopping the violence that leads to war. Jennifer’s efforts focus on Syria, Lebanon, Afghanistan, Mexico, Columbia, and Venezuela. She has become a person of reference for some of the best-known humanitarian organizations in the world.

  • Ben Peters ’14 (Ivan O. Miller Award)

Ben is the Lead Agent and founder of Mission Real Estate Group. His team supports local and global ministries by giving 20% of their profits to missions organizations. This unique business model has generated an impressive client referral rate. Ben’s team has ranked in the top 1% of real estate producers nationwide for two of the past three years. Ben is very involved in his local church yet generously shares his expertise with NCU students. He and his wife Angie have one son.

  • Chauncee Hollingsworth ’20 (Featured Alumnus)

Chauncee is the Founder and Executive Director of Hoops and Christ. His inspirational story was powerfully impacted by the scholarships he received at North Central. His passion is helping people discover their God-given purpose. His nationally recognized program emphasizes skill development for life on and off the court. He trains kids just starting out all the way to elite NBA players. Chauncee is also a successful realtor in the Twin Cities. He looks for opportunities to build pathways for his clients to better themselves with a secure financial future.

Chauncee is a friend to all who know him. His secret to success is treating everyone with Christ’s love and respect. He works hand in hand with his wife, Tara, who is also an NCU alum.

2020/2021 Recipients

Read more about the 2020/2021 Alumni Award winners.

  • Chris ’91 and Monica (Takjbakh ’91) DeLaurentis (F.J. Lindquist Award)
  • Bill Svoboda Jr. ’06 (Ivan O. Miller Award)
  • David Hopkins ’92 (Dr. Roger Sorbo Award)
  • JonCarlos ’18 and Gabriella (Evans-Jones ’12) Velez  (Larry C. Bach Award)

2019 Recipients

Read more about the 2019 Alumni Award winners.

  • Dick Brodgen ’92, Ph.D. (F.J. Lindquist Award)
  • Jennifer (Lindeen ’00) Hickle (Ivan O. Miller Award)
  • Cory Wade ’06, M.Ed. (Dr. Roger Sorbo Award)
  • Ryan Williams ’07 (Larry C. Bach Award)

2018 Recipients

Read more about the 2018 Alumni Award winners.

  • Jason Rhode ’00, Ph.D. (Ivan O. Miller Award)
  • Paul Hurckman ’95, M.A. (Frank J. Lindquist Award)
  • Tatrina Williams ’09, M.A. (Roger Sorbo Award)
  • David Pedde ’85, M.W.S. (Larry Bach Award)

2017 Recipients

  • Jamie McIntosh ’98 (Lindquist Award)
  • Charis (Pirk ’14) Wilson (Miller Award)