3 Best Waysto Visit Campus.16Parent-to- Parent Insight24A Look Inside Residence Hall Life35Introducing the New Counseling ProfExemplary Womenin Ministry.2 SUMMIT MAGAZINE | 2017–18Discover.ClarksSummitU.edu/onlineWhen you step up at Clarks Summit University, you are prepared to LEAD in your career— and in your life. Your major is packed with classes that help you EXCEL in your field. You’ll reach out with a biblical foundation and supportive mentors to help you reach your GOALS. Step UpTO CHANGEYOUR WORLDClarks Summit University 3contentsStepping UpSummit Magazine Fall 2017Editor ���������������������Erika A� Bruckner (’04)Graphic Design ���Dawn Jacobs (’77, ’11)Photography �������Nathan Miller (’15), Jessica Eddy (Communications-Writing major), Ryan Buchanan (Business Administration major), Makaela Johnson, Darrell GoemaatConnect with UsPresidentDr� Jim Lytle (’77, ’81, ’84)jlytle@ClarksSummitU.eduDirector of Alumni ServicesPaul Golden (’91, ’95)pgolden@ClarksSummitU.eduDirector of Marketing and CommunicationsDena Cambra (’07)dcambra@ClarksSummitU.eduSummit Magazine is published by538 Venard RoadSouth Abington Twp., PA 18411ClarksSummitU.edu570.586.2400communications@ClarksSummitU.edu©2017 Clarks Summit UniversityAll Rights ReservedClarks 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.One StepMakes a DifferenceSometimes it’s easy to be static, to stay where one is comfortable, to remain on the same level� But, as this issue displays, the people of Clarks Summit University are constantly stepping up—to learn more deeply, to serve more effectively and to reach out to others across the United States and in more than 70 other countries�At CSU, we believe that because every corner of the world needs hope, people who know Christ need to take those steps to engage others in dynamic ministries and deeper relationships.In the next few pages, you’ll read about alumni who are stepping up in full-time ministries and serving Christ in a variety of careers. You’ll meet students who refuse to wait until they receive their diplomas to start making a difference. You’ll see examples of people of all ages who are taking their next steps in education and how CSU is intentionally equipping them through academics, community, hands-on learning experiences and mentorships.Whatever talent God has gifted you, at CSU, we expand it—all for Christ, because He is our reason for stepping up.Now is the time to step up and reach out to your world.About the Cover: Nathan Miller(’15) is a first-year graduate student pursuing his Master of Arts degree with a concentration in Organizational Leadership� He also leads CSU students in the ministry of Mission Scranton� He’s pictured here ascending a staircase at the William J� Nealon Federal Building and U�S� Courthouse in Scranton, Pennsylvania� Photo by Seneca Lewis (’17), Photography by Seneca� Read more about Nathan at ClarksSummitU�edu/stories6See Who’s Stepping Up14Online Programs16Parent-to-Parent Advice19Meet ourLongest-ServingProfessors20Best Ways to Visit Campus26Scholarship Stories35Graduate Programs21UndergraduatePrograms29Seminary Programs37CSUBookshelf24Residence HallCommunity33Women at BBS38Can’t-Miss Events4 SUMMIT MAGAZINE | 2017–18I am pretty sure you can name the first President of the United States (37 years of experience in classrooms and pulpits has taught me to be cautious, though!). However, I doubt that most of you could name Presidents nine through 15. Yet, every one of them was the President of the Unites States, a bigger and more powerful public role than most of us will ever step into. Forgotten. They just didn’t make the same big splash as President Washington.If United States Presidents are forgotten, how much more forgettable must you and I be? It is easy to feel small and insignificant in a culture that seems to define greatness in terms of who or what makes the biggest public splash. Some days it is tempting to think, “Wouldn’t it just be easier to relax and just let those who, by birth or through their connections, would be able to do something great?”The alumni you will read about in this issue of “Summit Magazine” take an entirely different perspective on greatness! They step up to serve God, and then take another step, and then another. God is blessing their steps.STEPPING UP TO GREATNESSHOW TRUE GREATNESS REQUIRES STEPPING DOWN FROM SELFClarks Summit University 5Greatness in HumilityJesus linked greatness to childlike humility when the disciples asked him to identify kingdom greatness in Matthew 18. Knowing your place, your role, in preparing for Christ’s kingdom marks true greatness. Children are dependent on parents. Great believers are dependent on God. They are willing to step up to difficult assignments of service and to reach into dangerous places where Satan’s work is blatant and horrifying.Nearly 150 years ago, C.T. Studd was born again. Almost immediately, he stepped up to serve God and gave away the huge inheritance that he thought would hinder his progress. Then he reached out and invested his life in evangelism in China, then India, and then Africa. Before his death, he recounted some of the key choices he had made, attesting, “My only joys therefore are that when God has given me a work to do, I have not refused it.” That is the sort of humility that Jesus described in Matthew 18.Greatness in DependencyJesus also linked greatness in Luke 9 to serving our peers. The disciples argued about which of them was the greatest. I have always wished I could hear a recording of that argument. Consider what had occurred before they argued, though. In that chapter alone, Jesus had empowered them to cast out demons and cure diseases as they traveled among the villages. Jesus had fed 5,000, and their only job was to pick up the leftovers. Jesus admonished them to take up their cross and follow him. Peter, John and James saw Moses and Elijah, then heard the voice of the Father identify Jesus as the Messiah. His voice commanded them to listen to Christ. Finally, a dad had to bring his demon-possessed son to Jesus for exorcism because the disciples were incapable of casting out the evil spirit.Every event before their argument focused on the greatness and power of the Son of God. Everything the disciples had accomplished was clearly the result of Christ’s willingness to empower them. Their lack of capacity was clear. Yet they wrangled to discover which of them was the greatest. Jesus told them to serve their peers—each other—if they wanted to be great. That sort of humility honors God because we become channels of God’s grace to others. I would be tempted to look down my nose disdainfully at these hapless disciples, but they remind me too much of myself. All that was required of them was to put self aside, step up and reach out in the power and authority of Jesus. You and I have the same responsibility.Greatness in ServiceAt Clarks Summit University, we believe that God still directs people away from self-focus into lives of enduring greatness. Our alumni are the proof of that. Pushing aside a sinful desire to have others focus on them, they invest themselves in service to Christ’s coming kingdom. They reach out, sharing the gospel, helping meet others’ staggering needs and offering humble service to others for Christ’s sake.In the process, they model the sorts of service for God that we watch Jesus do in the Gospels. Love and kindness shown to needy people is like a cup of cold water given in Jesus name. What else would a Christ-follower do except to love others as Jesus did? Not everyone who ate the bread on the mountain followed Jesus. Only one healed blind man returned to seek Christ. But he served them anyway.I hope you enjoy the glimpses into the careers and ministries of graduates who embody biblical greatness. I want us to be inspired to humble service, which is great because it is done for God.Dr. Jim Lytle (’77, ’81, ’84) is a three-time CSU alumnus and the university’s 10th president6 SUMMIT MAGAZINE | 2017–186 SUMMIT MAGAZINE | 2017–18ho’s Stepping UpStepping Up to End Human TraffickingBuddy and Jen RathmellWhen Buddy (’96) and Jen (Rupp) Rathmell (’05) learned about the atrocity of human trafficking, they knew God was calling them to do something about it. The couple responded by founding Stop Slavery in 2010. The organization supports missionaries in Cambodia, India and Thailand and connects churches and individuals who are instrumental in shutting down slave industries in those countries.Igniting a PassionThis passion for missions began at Clarks Summit University’s Global Ministry Conference during Buddy Rathmell’s freshman year. The youth ministry major was a standout soccer captain, active in student government and host of numerous student socials. Rathmell looks back on his days at CSU with thankfulness for the people he met. He says, “The lifelong friendships that I developed at CSU have both encouraged and strengthened me over the years since then.” He also credits his professors and friends for spurring him toward an authentic walk with Jesus. Jen Rathmell graduated from CSU with her Masters in Counseling in 2005.Seneca Lewis (’17, Business Administration)Lives: Montrose, PennsylvaniaWorks: Owner/Photographer, Photography by SenecaSteps Up: Created “Young and Free” program to build into young teen girls, speaks at community events“CSU prepared me in many ways, starting when I was a high school senior in the Dual Enrollment program. It taught me about time management and gave me the opportunity to interact with many different types of people.”Mike Walker (’00, Physical Education)Lives: Newtown Square, PennsylvaniaWorks: Athletic Director at Delaware County Christian SchoolSteps Up: Impacts student athletes through coaching and discipling K–12 students“I grew up in church, but CSU is where my faith became my own. God used sports greatly in my life, and my desire is that every student athlete at Delaware County Christian School is unable to share their testimony without sharing how DC Athletics impacted their life.”&STEPPING UP REACHING OUTCSU Alumni Make A DifferenceChild trafficking in ThailandClarks Summit University 7Clarks Summit University 7Amy Brodrick (’10, Communications)Lives: Roanoke, VirginiaWorks: Executive Producer of Broadcast and Digital, WDBJ7Steps Up: Leads telecommunications producers and digital teams, manages internship program“I loved going on the Appalachian Trail during spring break at CSU. It taught me about endurance and perseverance and showed me I’m stronger than I believe. It was easily one of the best decisions I made.”Discovering a Life MissionDuring a ministry trip in Japan in 2009, the Rathmells learned about human trafficking. They were devastated over it and prayed fervently that God would move and end it. Then, Buddy Rathmell realized God was asking him to be part of the solution. They started Stop Slavery that year and moved to Chiang Mai, Thailand two years following, where they still reside.Stop Slavery started small. So small, in fact, that the Rathmells felt like nothing was happening. They now see that during this time God was laying the foundation for their future. The Rathmells partnered with an organization called Exodus Road to set up The Freedom Foundation, through which they established a school, a church and a few safe houses. Efforts through the Freedom Foundation led to one of the largest trafficking arrests ever, with over 150 arrest warrants and over 94 arrests.Inspiring a New GenerationBuddy Rathmell says, “Whether it has been in corporate America, as a youth pastor, working in anti-human trafficking or business as mission, I have sought to follow Christ with my whole heart, and I am thankful for the professors, staff and other students that God brought into my life at CSU and how they have continued to spur me on in my walk with the Lord.” The Rathmells currently focus on inspiring the younger generation to step into human trafficking ministries and connecting Thai churches with individuals to start new projects in the country. Learn more at StopSlavery.org.Heather (Sagnor) Lieberman (’18) is a Communications-Writing major fromKennett Square, PennsylvaniaChurch construction in Siem Reap, CambodiaJen and Buddy Rathmell with their children (from left) Jack, Adrianne and MeganBuddy Rathmell teaching at a leadership conference for pastors in JapanCody Fraser (’12, Business Administration)Lives: Pittsburgh, PennsylvaniaWorks: Head Teaching Assistant—Building Virtual Worlds, Carnegie Mellon UniversitySteps Up: Creates inspiring, community-building video games“One of the biggest things I operate around is the idea of servant leadership. As a producer, my job is to help my team, and the idea of a servant leader translates perfectly into the roles I work in day-to-day.”8 SUMMIT MAGAZINE | 2017–188 SUMMIT MAGAZINE | 2017–18Stepping Up to Educate in MyanmarLydia Cing LunGrowing up in Yangon City, Myanmar, Lydia Cing Lun (’08, ’10) attended a private middle school and high school. Because of the fees and requirements, many other children were not able to benefit from this kind of education. Lun was grateful for the opportunity, and God gave her a burden to provide affordable education for children and to open doors to share the gospel.Connecting PersonallyAt Clarks Summit University, Lun studied specialized ministries with a focus on Christian education. She graduated with her bachelor’s degree in 2008 and her Master of Arts degree with an emphasis in education and counseling in 2010. She was drawn to CSU because of the personal atmosphere. “I had the opportunity to get to know the staff members and professors on a personal level,” she explains. “I was able to make and build life-long friendships with students by staying in the dorm.” She also found CSU to be financially accessible, and she appreciated the foundation of biblical truth in every class.Joseph Gonzalez (’19, Intercultural Studies)Lives: Glassboro, New JerseySteps Up: Trains fellow CSU students in evangelism; plans to serve as an international church planter and train churches to reach out with the gospel“CSU is preparing me to engage other cultures and disciple cross-culturally with an emphasis on my dependency on God. It is preparing me to further study matters of theology which I do not personally hold (and ask myself why I believe the doctrines I do hold).”&STEPPING UP REACHING OUTCSU Alumni Make A DifferencePagoda landscape in the plain of Bagan, MyanmarMark Meyers (’85, Pre-Seminary)Lives: Warrenton, MissouriWorks: Pastor, Grace Bible ChurchSteps up: Leads the church in outreach through organizing a local softball league, other sports events and a weekly jail ministry“I love doing church life together and reaching out to our community in so many different ways. CSU grounded me in the Word and has given me practical help throughout the years.”Clarks Summit University 9Clarks Summit University 9Reaching ChildrenHer education paved the way for Lun and her husband, Sinwal, to start Hope International School back in Myanmar in 2015. The school opened with pre-K and kindergarten; one grade is added each year. She seeks to reach children from rough backgrounds who otherwise might not be able to afford a good education.“God brings students from different religious backgrounds,” she notes. “Although some families know that we teach the Bible, they are willing to put their children in our school so that they are able to learn English.”Hope International School has no financial support besides the low fee collected from students. Because of this, teachers and staff members often do not receive their full salary. The school, which uses a building of Faith Baptist Theological Seminary, will need its own building soon. Despite these challenges, God is at work. Trials help them to rely on God through prayer and fasting.Planting SeedsIn the future, the couple plans to adopt children, so the school will mix local children with orphaned students. “Our goal and hope for the ministry is that the school will be a place where we plant the seeds of the true Word of God,” she explains. “Then we hope that God will bring people into their lives to water those seeds to make them grow in due time.”Find more about Hope International School at LiveGlobal.org.Haley Seboe (’18) is a Communications-Writing major from Tunkhannock, PennsylvaniaLydia and her husband, Sinwal, (on right) and their staff pray that Hope International School is a place where children can be exposed to the Word of God.Hope International School students enjoy their time at the school’s summer concert.Students at Hope International School come from a variety of religious backgrounds. Without Hope International School, many would not have access to a good education or hear the gospel.Marcie (Mackie) Romig (’66, Education)Lives: Midlothian, VirginiaWorks: Co-Founder and Administrative Secretary, The Computer Solution CompanySteps Up: Co-founded The Computer Solution Company in 1985“Because all my classes were based on the Word of God, I never wavered in my faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as my Savior.”Dr. Daniel Gonzales, (’13, M.A. in Biblical Studies, ’14, M.A. in Biblical Apologetics)Lives: Hazleton, PennsylvaniaWorks: Pastor and Lead Church Planter, Restored ChurchSteps Up: Pastors a bilingual Project Jerusalem church plant“CSU gave me the biblical foundation I needed to go out and continue my education without being swayed from biblical truth. BBS challenged and taught me to be practical in my ecclesiology while being faithful to the authority of Scripture in the foundation and praxis of ministry.”Next >