Commencement recognizes Classes of 2008 and 1958
With Graduation fast approaching on May 3, the events for that day have been carefully planned not only for current graduating students but also for those who turned the tassel fifty years ago.
Special recognition will be given to members of the Class of 1958 during Commencement. In addition, honor will be extended to a visiting administrator from Universitas Pelita Harapan in Indonesia.
Four of the remaining twelve members of the Class of 1958 have indicated they’ll be present for Commencement 2008, according to Alumni Director, Deleen Wills. Special seating, recognition during the program, and an afternoon luncheon in honor of all alumni from the decade of the fifties are part of the plans for these “Golden” graduates on May 3. More information on these activities is available at http://www.corban.edu/alumni/events/index.html.
Chosen as speaker for Commencement 2008 was Dr. Matt Lucas, Dean of Education. ’94 alumnus of Corban, he went on to attain his doctorate at Idaho State University in 2003.
 Dr. Matt Lucas, Dean of Education |
He joined the faculty at Corban in 2004 as Director of Graduate Studies, becoming the Dean of Education in 2006.
Joining Lucas on the platform will be Dr. Jonathan Parapak, Rector of UPH. After his remarks, Parapak will be named an honorary professor at Corban.
In his position at UPH, Parapak handles interactions with the Indonesian government and other external affairs and conducts a weekly chapel service with faculty and staff. While on campus, Parapak will be available for meetings with faculty.
 Dr. Jonathan Parapak, Rector, Universitas Pelita Harapan, Lippo Karawaci, Indonesia. |
Dr. Linda Samek, Provost indicated that she is pleased about this opportunity for faculty development and expects that he will discuss, among other things, the challenges a Christian college faces in a Muslim nation.
Also during Commencement exercises, two Corban faculty members will receive promotions from Samek. Floyd Votaw, Director of Library Services, and Jim Dyer, Assistant Professor of Science, both advance to the title of associate professor.
Two hundred fourteen graduates will receive diplomas during Commencement, including those who have earned the Master of Science in Education and bachelor’s degrees through the Adult Degree Programs. Names of the degree recipients will be read by Dr. Jim Hills, Professor of Humanities.
Several members of the Class of 2008, with Corban experiences fresh on their minds, look beyond commencement this May to further education and ministry.
Evan Brammer, who completed his requirements for a social studies education major in December, counted relationships high on his list for staying at Corban.
 Evan Brammer, Class of 2008, with wife Jessica and son Jeremiah. |
Not only did he meet and marry his wife, Jessica Johnston Brammer, ‘07, here at Corban, but he also credited faculty and staff for “helping me tremendously in life.” This summer he and his family will make the move to Indonesia where he will teach at Sekolah Pelita Harapan, a high school located not far from UPH and sharing foundational ties.
“I knew about and accepted the job in part because I knew Dr. Lucas was going to be taking a position at the University,” Brammer explained. “I am very excited to be able to continue my personal and professional relationship with him.”
Senior health science major, Lexie Black, came to Corban with 58 credits from junior colleges yet said she still preferred the small classes and individual attention from instructors through her courses here this spring.
 Lexie Black, Class of 2008 |
“Even though those other schools offer more opportunities, I still value the closeness of classmates and personal attention from the professors, especially when struggling with a difficult subject,” she said. Black will take her medical school admissions test the week after graduation, then start applying to med schools in her goal to become a pediatrician.
Senior Trena Vandeburgt, a business administration major, said she is thankful to know that “I can make a difference in the world in whatever I do.” It was a message she heard over and over in her classes at Corban.
 Trena Vandeburgt, Class of 2008 |
“When I first went into business I was reluctant to do so because I could feel the Lord calling me to serve Him with my whole life, but I didn’t see how I could do this through accounting,” Vandeburgt recalled. “As I’ve taken classes at Corban, however, I can clearly see that this is what the Lord is calling me to do—to be a witness for Him wherever I am. I know without a doubt that the Lord can use me as a Christian businessperson to impact others for Christ.”
Anticipating her job with the Secretary of State Division of Audits beginning in June, Vandeburgt said, “I can’t wait to see what God has in store for me!”
Graduation will take place at 10:00 a.m. in the C. E. Jeffers Sports Center on campus. Doors open at 9:00 a.m. While there is open seating, tickets are required.
Each graduate is provided with six complimentary tickets for his/her guests. Additional complimentary tickets are available from the Registrar’s Office at the graduate’s request. Be sure to confirm ticket availability with your graduate ahead of time.
Handicapped seating is available upon request. If you or another guest need handicapped seating, please ask your graduate to contact the Registrar’s Office.
A photographer will be taking pictures of each graduate as the diploma is presented. Graduates may purchase a photo directly from the photographer. Proofs will be sent to each graduate.
If you have additional questions, contact the Registrar’s Office at 503-375-7017.
- Click here for directions to and maps of the campus
- Click here for hotel accommodations
