2 SUMMIT MAGAZINE | 2018–19There was a time when I never referred to the outcome of a CSU education as a “career.” After all, Clarks Summit University is all about ministry! And isn’t a career all about making money? Well, no. I could not have been much farther from the center of the target. Three concepts helped adjust my thinking. Let me share them with you. I found that the word “career” descended from the Latin “carrus,” a wheeled vehicle. The carrus allowed a person to get from one place to another, carrying useful material along on the journey. Metaphorically, that’s exactly what we have always offered our students!The modern definition of “career” adjusted my thinking, too. Wikipedia asserts that a career is “an occupation undertaken for a significant period of a person’s life…with opportunities for progress.” Not too long before we turned 40, Diane and I become missionaries. Someone asked if I believed I had been called to career missionary service. “I don’t know,” I said. “I’m called to salvation, which involves a life of service to God. I’ve been serving God for years, and I want to serve for as long as He wants me to do it, wherever He wants me to do it.” After 14 years of teaching at CSU, we served as missionaries for 14 years. We did not expect to stop being missionaries—we loved it! Now we have invested almost 12 more years here at CSU. The constant has been Who we serve, not how or where. That’s a career.Finally, the New Testament use of “ministry” adjusted my thinking. A word study makes it obvious—ministry is service that helps others know Christ and grow in Him. Ministry is an outflow of life in Christ. No matter how we earn our money, we help others know Christ and grow in Him. The New Testament does not present ministry as a career, but ministry makes a career valuable for God’s purposes. So, do you think God is leading you to a career in the local church? Teaching? Counseling? How about accounting or entrepreneurship? CSU offers a lot more than a qualification for “an occupation for a significant period of life.” More than 40 bachelor’s majors, nine master’s degrees and two doctoral degrees meld deep knowledge of God’s Word and Christ-centered living with exceptional career skills. You need to be Christ-centered and career-ready to maximize your service for Christ, and we are committed to helping you get there. Dr. Jim LytlePresidentDr. Jim Lytle (’77, ’81, ’84) is a three-time CSU alumnus and the university’s 10th presidentABOUT THE COVER2018 CSU graduate Rebekah Sayre is ready to go as she steps into her career. The Business Administration major is already working as program coordinator at the Homeschool Legal Defense Association Online Academy in Virginia. Read more about recent grads who were quickly hired in their fields on page 6. Photo by Jessica Eddy6Ready to GoMeet CSU alumni serving in a variety of careers, including two recent graduates already working in their field of study 14Going to College?Former CSU freshmen give high school students insider advice.10Go Back to Move AheadMeet an adult student who went back to school to propel his career and ministry forward.Clarks Summit University 3READY TO GO!“Summit Magazine” Fall 2018 ©2018 Clarks Summit UniversityAll Rights ReservedReady to GoSee our Academic Programs:19 Undergraduate 22 Graduate 27 Seminary20Visit CSUFind the six things you need to do when you come on our campus.22Second ChanceCSU online student learns to help others with addiction.26Newly Designed BBS DegreesNew options are now available for customizable two-year advanced theology degree from Baptist Bible Seminary.32Meaningful MentoringMentors who go on to mentor others: see CSU’s intergenerational chain of influence.Editor: Erika A. Bruckner (’04)Graphic Designers: Michal Rudolph, Dena Cambra (’07)Photographers: Nathan Miller (’15), Jessica Eddy (Communications-Writing major), Greg Allen (’81, ’84), Samuel Correa (Communications–Media major), Eszter Lisztes (Intercultural Studies major), Makaela JohnsonCONNECT WITH USPresidentDr. Jim Lytle (’77, ’81, ’84)jlytle@ClarksSummitU.eduExecutive Director of Development and Alumni Paul Golden (’91, ’95)pgolden@ClarksSummitU.eduDirector of Marketing and CommunicationsDena Cambra (’07)dcambra@ClarksSummitU.edu538 Venard RoadClarks Summit, PA 18411ClarksSummitU.edu570.586.2400communications@ClarksSummitU.eduCLARKS SUMMIT UNIVERSITY offers Christ-centered academic distinction and practical, real-world experience in both on-campus and online learning options. Fully accredited programs span from High School Dual Enrollment to more than 40 undergraduate majors, customizable master’s programs and doctoral degrees.What’s more important: Knowledge of an industry? Experience in the field? Soft skills such as time management, dependability and critical thinking? At CSU, every experience—academic, residential, athletic, social, work-related—is designed to prepare students for life after college. Classes equip students with the latest knowledge in their field. Many programs have experiential learning built right in. In a workforce that considers a degree a minimal requirement, soft skills and character elevate recent graduates as they compete in today’s job market. At CSU, these skills aren’t an optional add-on; they are integrated into every student-life experience.Even more than being prepared for a career, CSU students are prepared for life. That’s because they are immersed in Bible study, encouraged to think from a biblical worldview and given tools they need to serve Christ faithfully.When students choose CSU, they aren’t merely choosing a list of courses that lead to a piece of paper. They are choosing a university that uses every experience to teach them skills they’ll put to use in their careers. When they graduate, they’re truly ready to go. Ready to go land the job. Read to go serve their God. Read to go make a difference.4 SUMMIT MAGAZINE | 2018–19After learning through intentional personal-growth and career-development opportunities, CSU graduates leave truly prepared for their career and equipped to live a Christ-centered life. A classroom education provides knowledge needed in a specific career track. Outside the classroom, students are immersed in additional hands-on career preparation, like the student employment program, which takes education a step farther by teaching the soft skills necessary to catch the eye of today’s employers. 4 SUMMIT MAGAZINE | 2018–19Unique Career Prep Program Equips Grads for the Workforcecan be responsible for campus tasks, and they can make a real difference through their work.” Key Areas for GrowthStudent employees grow in various stages of learning objectives, including valuable career skills such as effective communication, organization, problem solving, teamwork, dependability and customer satisfaction.For Hannah Phelan, a Secondary Education-English major, her work in the Recreation Center strengthened More than one-third of on-campus students take part in the student employment program. This multi-level discipleship program provides mentorship, discipleship and leadership training.More than a JobWhen a student applies for an on-campus job, they quickly learn that it is more than just a paycheck. With a Christ-centered, career-ready focus, student employment builds skills to enhance one’s resume. Dean of Students Frank Judson says, “The student teams are learning that they At Clarks Summit University, graduates leave with more than just a degree. Clarks Summit University 5her ability to work well in a team. “Our group was really good about communication and being willing to work with and for one another,” she admits. She developed communication skills and practiced reliability—skills that are exactly what her future employers will be looking for.Haley Seboe (’17) credits her student employment with providing her the skills necessary to land and succeed in an internship at Regular Baptist Press near Chicago, Illinois. She says, “You can learn do’s and don’ts in the classroom, but having the opportunity to work and have leadership responsibilities as you are learning teaches you how to apply the classroom to real life.” As she worked on campus in the Underground Café and Summer Crew, her supervisors were intentional about developing her work ethic and soft skills that would benefit her in her future career. Seboe continues, “This student employment and discipleship process is something that makes Clarks Summit University very unique. You won’t find the same intentionality or discipleship mentality at many other schools, especially with a program that is so carefully developed and tailored for CSU students.”Students learn time management, punctuality and dependability through regularly scheduled hours. Even tasks like cleaning bathrooms and serving coffee are intentionally structured to produce professional, personal and spiritual growth. Students develop administrative and organizational skills by assigning tasks based on team strengths and weaknesses. In addition, students learn that performing customer service is not just essential, it can also be enjoyable.Providing Leadership and Mentoring Opportunities Student employees work through three layers of leadership, developed by retired faculty member Dennis Wilhite—leading oneself, leading individuals and leading a group or organization. This discipleship model not only strengthens leadership skills; it also shows examples of sacred living in daily tasks. Titus Emmett, a Camping Ministries major, saw this modeled well as he worked in the campus Mail Center. He quickly noticed the student leaders using and teaching what they had learned. He shares, “It has been great to learn about discipleship and leadership in my classes and then to see it applied right away at work.” Seeing older students model leadership has encouraged Emmett to excel in his own leadership roles. He values gaining professional experience under the safety of a boss who is there to help him learn. Judson echoes, “Using teams led by students gives the student employees the opportunity to engage in experiential learning in a safe context.” She developed communication skills and practiced reliability—skills that are exactly what her future employers will be looking for.Christ-Centered DiscipleshipThe discipleship structure includes mentor meetings to encourage spiritual growth. Seboe praises the benefits of required mentor meetings and group Bible study, “These experiences helped each individual process the learning experience, and the individual growth contributed to the team growth.” Phelan agrees, “Our student leaders are being poured into, which helps them pour into their team members, who in turn pour into those around them.” This biblically based model of discipleship forms a solid foundation for CSU graduates to build on.Julie Wilson (’96, ’18) is a Communications-Writing graduate from Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania6 SUMMIT MAGAZINE | 2018–19Where do Grads Go?Ever wonder what people go on to do with their CSU degree? Since CSU’s educational experience prepares students for life, alumni career paths go in many directions! Laura Musser Moore (’97)Owner, Willow Tree Shop, PennsylvaniaDavid Whiting (’91, ’01)Executive Search Consultant, Vanderbloemen Search Group, TexasEmily Noble (’16) Assistant to Director and Office Manager, Ronald McDonald House, Pennsylvania Fred (’70, ’71, ’96) and Rachel (Richmond) (’71, ’78) Whitman Missionaries, Baptist Mid-Missions and Founder, RadioLuce.com Christian radio station, ItalyJoanna Ferbrache (’15) Performer, Shining Light Players, across the U.S.NEPTA’s Best Actress in a Drama, she has performed in off-Broadway productions, on the set of Pitch Perfect 3 and in almost every state in the U.S. Through her current tour, “The Hiding Place,” several audience members have made a profession of faith. Dr. Jared August (’14, ’15, ’16, ’18)Associate Professor of New Testament & Greek, Northeastern Baptist College, Vermont“The professors at BBS always emphasized academics for service. We were trained to think deeply so that we might serve faithfully.”Dean Falavolito, Esq. (’01)Attorney, Jackson Lewis, Pennsylvania and Pennsylvania Super Lawyers Rising Star for five consecutive years “When you know you are going onto grad school, like I did, getting an undergraduate degree in Bible provides an amazing foundation as you move to a more specialized education.”Heidi Depue (’17)Office Manager, VisualizeLED, Pennsylvania“The degree I received is exactly what my job needed, including skills in accounting, communications, marketing and insurance.”Clarks Summit University 7Clarks Summit University 7TJ Dalenberg (’14)Lead HR Coordinator, Jarrett Companies, OhioChuck Pausley (’78)State Representative, The Ohio Association of Regular Baptist Churches, OhioAllie August (’15, ’17)Middle School Teacher, Grace Christian School, VermontKathryn Borne (’16)English Teachers’ Assistant, Penn Foster High School, Pennsylvania“Learning and understanding the Scriptures helped prepare me for everything, not just my career.”Rachel Luann (Auffort) Strayer (’04)Director of Theatre, Keystone College and Co-Founder, Ghostlight Productions, Pennsylvania Playwright, productions in San Francisco and Pennsylvania“Many professors were integral in preparing me to be an educator and theatre artist. I’m so grateful for the excellent education and numerous opportunities afforded to me by going there.”Dr. Robert Ritz (’89, ’91)Executive Vice President of Finance, Liberty University, VirginiaThis graduate level research teacher has been highly involved with the White House supporting work on higher education policy. “CSU gave me a crucial foundation built on absolute truth.”Dr. Steve Wood (’98)Associate Professor of Theatre, Indiana Wesleyan University, Indiana“My time in Clarks Summit was formative and transformational. I owe much of what I’ve accomplished to my time on that mountain.” Sara Cumberland (’18) Kindergarten Teacher, First Baptist Christian School and Director of Children’s Ministry, First Baptist Church, Pennsylvania“My CSU education influences my career in every lesson I teach, in every interaction with my students and in every way that I am able to care for the spiritual and academic growth of each child.”Rebekah Sayre (’18) Program Coordinator, Home School Legal Defense Association’s Online Academy, VirginiaJust graduated.Already hired!”Clarks Summit University 78 SUMMIT MAGAZINE | 2018–19The campus of Clarks Summit University is beautiful. (In fact, it’s been nationally recognized as the Most Beautiful Bible College in the U.S.) But as nice as the campus is, when students come to CSU, they have many opportunities to make an impact off campus and around the world. From Scranton to South Africa, students spread the gospel and embark on learning experiences of a lifetime. Come Here.Northeast Pennsylvania: Missions OutreachStudent Missions Fellowship is a student-led group that meets weekly to listen to and pray for missionaries. The group also provides practical ways students can share the gospel and serve campus neighbors firsthand. They’ve ministered to the homeless in Scranton by serving meals, leading worship and preaching at a local mission. They’ve traveled to Hazleton, going door to door to speak to members of the community. Northeast United States: Hands-On Church PlantingProject Jerusalem churches are making a huge impact in the Northeast. Through this unique training strategy of Baptist Bible Seminary, nine churches have been established by BBS students, in partnership with churches and missions agencies.Las Vegas: Presenting Counseling ResearchCSU students and faculty attended the American Association for the Behavioral and Social Sciences conference in Las Vegas, Nevada. While networking with hundreds of professionals and academics from around the country, they presented research and moderated lectures. Clarks Summit University 9South Africa: Immersive Intercultural StudyStudents travel to Cape Town, South Africa, to earn academic credit as they become more effective global citizens for Christ. Trips are offered in 15-credit, 90-day experiences or six-credit, short-term trips. Dr. Darryl Meekins, a CSU faculty member living in South Africa, leads intercultural studies courses, helping students learn how to think globally through a biblical lens. Another faculty member travels with the group, teaching another area of study in a global context, such as theatre, literature or biology. Go Far.Honduras: Working with Orphans CSU’s dual enrollment program allows high school students to get ahead by earning college credits. A group of dual-enrolled students traveled to Honduras to work with orphans and at-risk kids.Italy: Study AbroadCSU partners with Saints Bible Institute in San Lorenzo, Italy, in a study abroad program, so students can actually experience what they are learning, such as a trip to the Colosseum, instead of just reading about it. The experience is also designed for spiritual growth and helping students live out the great commission. Colleen Noll is a Communications-Writing major from Spring Brook Twp., PennsylvaniaNext >