Corban Alumni Awards
The true measure of a university’s greatness can be found in the achievements of its alumni.
Corban strives to equip its graduates with a biblically centered education, training, and service so they can make a difference in the world for Jesus Christ. With these tools, countless alumni have gained unique distinction in their professions, ministries, and communities. It is our pleasure as a university to recognize and celebrate these achievements.
Nominate a Candidate
Do you know a fellow alum who is making a difference in the world? Nominate them for an alumni award!
2025 Alumni Award Winners
Distinguished Alumni Award: Dr. Matt Lucas
Dr. Matt Lucas currently serves as the President and CEO of Our Daily Bread Ministries, a Christian ministry with 37 locations around the world serving over 150 countries with resources in 58 languages. As CEO, he leverages his diverse leadership experience and passion for discipleship to make a positive impact on the lives of people worldwide.
Dr. Marty Trammell, Professor of Humanities, shared: “Dr. Lucas exemplifies Corban’s mission with energy and passion. As a Corban student, he demonstrated an appreciation of academic rigor and a delight for learning that carried over into his work as a teacher and an administrator. His desire to train ‘Christian thought leaders’ dramatically impacted Corban while he served as the Vice President for Academics and welcomed him into his position as Chancellor at Indiana Wesleyan. At Our Daily Bread Ministries, he has continued to inspire, expanding their global reach. His determination, drive, and desire for excellence showed up daily in his work and continue to show up in his witness for Jesus and his compassion for the disenfranchised throughout the world.”
Distinguished Young Alumni: Collin Box
Collin Box serves as the executive director of Capital Futbol Club, a position he has held since 2011. Under his direction, CFC has experienced dramatic revitalization and growth, expanding to serve thousands of kids in the local community, using a love of the sport as a vehicle for more. Since 2019, Capital FC has more than doubled its number of participants, serving over 4,000 Salem-area youth, and that number only continues to grow. The club awards over $100,000 in scholarship support, year after year, and has launched programs such as GRASSP (GrassRoots After School Program) and TOPSoccer (a program designed specifically for athletes with special needs) to further their reach and impact on the community.
Dr. Bryce Bernard had this to say about Collin’s award: “Collin has been a source of encouragement and inspiration to all of us who strive each day to ignite a similar passion in the hearts of our students—a passion he exemplifies through his unwavering dedication to serving God and His kingdom. From his time as a student, living among and serving those in need, to leading an organization that impacts countless lives, Collin’s servant heart has always been evident. We are incredibly proud to count him among the alumni of Corban University and to celebrate his commitment as a devoted servant of God.”
Christian Ministry Award: Craig and Debbie Hardinger
Craig and Debbie Hardinger have been immersed in church ministry for well over 40 years, seeing a wide spectrum of service from pastoral ministry, to counseling, to organizational leadership. Most recently, Craig fulfilled the role of Executive Director of Venture Church Network for the Northern California and Nevada area. Now, Craig focuses primarily on his role as Lead Pastor of Arcade Church in Sacramento, California, a position he has held since 2010. At Arcade, Craig has the privilege of serving alongside Debbie, his wife and lifelong partner in ministry, who works as Arcade’s Women’s Ministry Director.
Fellow alum, and current Executive Director of Church Venture Northwest, James Gleason, had this to say about Craig and Debbie: “Both Craig and Debbie Hardinger have consistently exhibited Christlike leadership in their years since leaving Corban University. Whether in local church ministry, regional church directing, or providing for the emotional and physical needs of pastors and their wives, Craig and Debbie have proven their humble leadership skills. It is an honor to serve alongside them. My wife and I are better people because of their leadership and friendship.”
Outstanding Service Award: Mary Louise VanNatta
A graduate of Corban’s MBA program in 2018, Mary Louise VanNatta has cultivated a career of dedicated service to the Salem community, both personally and professionally. As CEO of VanNatta Public Relations, Inc., Mary Louise has worked with countless companies and organizations ranging from small local businesses to globally recognized brands such as the NFL, NBA, Cricket Wireless, and more. She is also the co-owner of Spire Management and proudly serves as Executive Director of the Salem Fire Foundation, aiding those who work so hard to keep our community safe. She has been a continual supporter of Corban, and especially of Corban students, consistently giving of her time to help mentor, educate, and guide current students and graduates in their professional pursuits. She has had dozens of Corban students pass through her internship program at VanNatta Public Relations, and hired nearly just as many over the years.
Corban University Assistant Professor of Business & Marketing, Kelli Gassman, had this to say of Mary Louise: “Mary Louise is a consummate public relations professional who selflessly gives of her time to educate and mentor Corban students through internships, speaking to business classes, and most recently, teaching several professional development workshops at the 2024 Corban Career Day.”