Dr. Sheldon Nord interviews Obiomachi Abonyi, Jeremy Hale, Evan Olson, Hope White, and Asia Sage Jackson about their college experience at the Corban University Scholarship Luncheon. (Mary Louise VanNatta/Special to Salem Reporter)
Corban University is a private university located in South Salem. It first started as Phoenix Bible Institute in 1935 and later became Western Baptist. The school changed its name to Corban University in 2005. Corban is a biblical word meaning “a gift dedicated to God.” On Feb. 22, the school held its annual scholarship luncheon at the Salem Convention Center.
Under the direction of John Wack, the Corban Chamber Singers performed the song, “In Christ Alone.”
Dr. Sarah Comstock, one of the University‘s professors, welcomed guests. Dr. Sheldon Nord, the university president, provided the keynote address. This event was emotional for him as he announced he would be leaving the University’s presidential post. He celebrated donations of $2.5 million in 2021. These funds will support the new outdoor athletic facility and the agricultural science program.
After a short video presentation, Dr. Nord interviewed a student panel of Obiomachi Abonyi, Jeremy Hale, Evan Olson, Asia Sage Jackson, and Hope White. Students discussed the many opportunities they had at the school, from sports to community outreach.
Finally, Tom and Karen Evan Ellis encouraged attendees to donate to the scholarship fund that would create the potential for students with financial challenges to attend the university.
Corban University offers a variety of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs, both on-campus and online.
Ethan Knopp and Holly Flores check people in at the Corban University Scholarship Luncheon(Mary Louise VanNatta/Special to Salem Reporter)
The Corban Chamber singers attend the Corban University Scholarship Luncheon (Mary Louise VanNatta/Special to Salem Reporter)
Corban University President Dr. Sheldon Nord speaks at the Corban University Scholarship Luncheon. (Mary Louise VanNatta/Special to Salem Reporter)
Faith Treadwell and Darrell White attend the Corban University Scholarship Luncheon (Mary Louise VanNatta/Special to Salem Reporter)
Tom and Karen Avinelis ask guests to help make a difference at the Corban University Scholarship Luncheon. (Mary Louise VanNatta/Special to Salem Reporter)
Mary Louise VanNatta is a Salem public relations professional writing regularly for Salem Reporter. Reach her at [email protected] and follow her on Facebook.
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