Rebecca Driver, Student Event Team volunteers at the Corban University Scholarship Luncheon. (Mary Louise Van Natta/ Special to Salem Reporter)
Corban University is a small, private college perched on a hill far out in South Salem. Formerly Western Baptist, the school boasts over 50 programs of study, a graduate school program is also ranked among U.S. News & World Report’s Best Universities in the West.
On Feb. 24, the school held its annual scholarship luncheon at the Salem Convention Center. Groups of cheerful students, like Rebecca Driver, helped check in guests. Michael Toombs (Corban class of 2022) and Alyssa Davis (class of 2020) entertained guests with the song “Go Light Your World.”
University President Sheldon Nord spoke about the nature of truth and his concern about the condition of the world. He highlighted graduates Kelsey Mentzer, who now works for Child Protective Services and Jeff Coffey who now runs an overseas business that employs those who have escaped the sex trafficking industry. He also runs an organization in Portland that employs refugees. He shared stories about the 1900 students who have received a Corban education in Indonesia and now are teachers.
After a short video presentation, student Josiah Kroontjie, an English and Creative Writing major, joked that he hadn’t worn a suit since his high school prom and his tie still had the same knot in it. He started at Corban in 2016 and spent his spring break helping the homeless right here in Salem. He said a Corban scholarship helped support him through school.
Lizbeth Castaneda-Rodriguez received a bilingual scholarship and was the first in her family to go to college. Her parents are immigrants. She was inspired to be a teacher after volunteering at Chavez Elementary School in Salem.
Finally, Griff Lindell, former dean of the Hoff School of Business, reminded the audience that the funds raised would go to student scholarships and “help students cross the finish line.” This often makes the difference as to whether a student can afford books or even stay in school.
Lakecia Gunter, from the Corban Board of Trustees, helped wrap up the program.
To learn more about Corban visit www.corban.edu.
Katie Costic, Teresa and Terry Hancock attend Corban University Scholarship Luncheon224: Michael Toombs (Corban class of 2022) and Alyssa Davis (class of 2020) perform for the Corban University Scholarship Luncheon. (Mary Louise Van Natta/ Special to Salem Reporter)
Lakecia Gunter from the Corban Board of Trustees speaks at Corban University Scholarship Luncheon. (Mary Louise Van Natta/ Special to Salem Reporter)
Doug Beals and Steve Sammons, VP for Strategic Initiatives at Corban University, attend the Corban University Scholarship Luncheon. (Mary Louise Van Natta/ Special to Salem Reporter)
Griff Lindell tells how Corban students make a difference at the Corban University Scholarship Luncheon. (Mary Louise Van Natta/ Special to Salem Reporter)
