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!
2026 Alumni Award Winners
Distinguished Alumni Award: Emmy Arana
Emmy Arana, recipient of Corban University’s 2026 Distinguished Alumni Award, is the founder of Acres of Hope Youth Ranch, a ministry just outside Salem that serves struggling youth through mentorship and equine-assisted learning. A former middle school teacher with a heart for teenagers, Arana created the ranch to provide a place where young people can experience belonging, stability, and healing. Through hands-on horsemanship, students learn responsibility, confidence, and leadership as they care for and guide the horses.
For Arana, the work is rooted in a calling greater than herself. “Acres of Hope was a gift that God gave us,” she says. “This property is not ours; it’s His. And it’s for everyone.”
Distinguished Young Alumni: Dr. Melody Morrison
Dr. Melody Morrison is receiving Corban University’s 2026 Distinguished Young Alumni Award, recognizing her impact in music education, research, and performance. A pianist, educator, and scholar, Morrison recently completed her Ph.D. in Piano Pedagogy at Florida State University and has published and presented research at conferences across North America. She is a member of the faculty at Middle Georgia State University while maintaining an active performance and teaching career.
Professor Mark Stanek reflected on her influence: “Wherever she goes, Melody brings creativity, humility, humor, and the light of Christ.”
Christian Ministry Award: Dr. James Gleason
Dr. James Gleason, Executive Director of Church Venture Northwest, has been named the recipient of Corban’s 2026 Christian Ministry Award, honoring a lifetime of faithful service to the Church. Gleason has served in ministry for nearly four decades, including 25 years as senior pastor of Sonrise Church in Hillsboro, Oregon, and now supports and equips churches across the Northwest in their mission to make disciples.
Reflecting on the recognition, Gleason credits Corban with shaping both his faith and leadership. “So many of my professional accomplishments are tied to the formation that God brought into my life through Corban’s faculty and staff,” he said. “I am humbled to be honored in this way.”
Outstanding Service Award: Justin White
Justin White is this year’s Outstanding Service Award recipient, recognizing his Christ-centered leadership and ongoing service to the Corban community. A Christian artist and songwriter signed with Alpha Records, White has spent more than 15 years using music to serve his community.
Reflecting on the honor, White said the recognition is deeply meaningful as a Corban graduate. “This award means a great deal to me,” he said. “My time at Corban equipped me to pursue excellence in my work while teaching me to live and lead in a Christ-like manner. The friendships, mentorship, and community I found there continue to encourage me as I strive to glorify God in everything I do, from my work to my music.”
Honorary Alumni Award: Norm Berney
Coach Norm Berney, recipient of Corban University’s 2026 Honorary Alumni Award, has spent nearly six decades using athletics to mentor and disciple young people. In 2003, he became the founding coach of Corban’s cross country program and launched the University’s track and field program the following year, building both teams from the ground up. Under his leadership, the programs grew into some of Corban’s largest athletic teams, producing conference titles, numerous All-Americans, and the first individual national champions in school history.
For Berney, coaching has always been about more than competition. “Everywhere I’ve been, I’ve tried to use coaching to reach people,” he says. “It’s not really coaching to me; it’s discipling. It’s all His work.”