Alumni Stories Archives | Corban University

A woman in a graduation gown proudly holds an Distinguished Graduate award, celebrating her academic achievement.

From Slushies to Student Success: How Ali Holcomb’s Corban Degree is Transforming Her Approach to Education

When Ali Holcomb stepped into her unique role teaching kindergarten science at a Christian school, she knew she was stepping into something unexpected—but also something God-ordained. “Science was never my […]

June 2, 2025 | Academics

A woman smiling while holding a stack of childrens books, kneeling beside boxes of books. A banner reads, Alumni Spotlight Jill Nelson against a blue background.

Bridging the Gap: How Corban Alum Jill Nelson Stepped Up for Her Community During Crisis

When looming teacher strikes threatened the stability of her community, Corban alumna Jill Nelson (Steiner ’04) was ready to step into the gap. Nelson, the children’s pastor at The Grove […]

March 16, 2025 | Alumni Stories

Corban Alum Andrew Holbert Serves Veterans as Executive Director of Newly Opened Courtney Place

“For the longest time, I didn’t really know what a ‘veteran’ truly was,” says Andrew Holbert, a Corban alum and executive director of Courtney Place Veterans Housing in Salem, Oregon. […]

May 12, 2024 | Alumni Stories

Two men are in a laboratory with a large machine that has an open compartment. One is explaining something while gesturing towards the machine. They are both wearing casual clothing. Sunlight streams through the window blinds behind them.

Corban Alumni Tyssen and Newman Boost Student Scientific Research Opportunities through Donation of Tandem Mass Spectrometer

Thanks to a generous donation by Corban alumni Mark Newman and Andy Tyssen, Corban University’s science department is now in possession of a unique scientific instrument called a Gas Chromatography […]

May 12, 2024 | Academics

Alumni Award Spotlight: Terry Williams Builds Up His Community Through the Sport of Basketball

“I’ve always been a builder, simple as that,” says Terry Williams, his workman’s hands folded together in front of him. Throughout his nearly 50-year career coaching basketball at virtually every […]

April 16, 2024 | Alumni Stories

Alumni Award Spotlight: Distinguished Alumni Sheryl Rasmussen Impacts Thousands Through Career in Nursing and Nursing Education

“Nurses meet people at very emotionally and physically vulnerable points in their lives,” says Sheryl Rasmussen [Ruhlman] (’86). “I never would have imagined the close and quick connection that often […]

March 3, 2024 | Alumni Stories

A smiling person stands indoors. The image features text: Alumni Awards 2024, Christian Ministry Award, Chad Harms, class of 2005. A shield with a cross is also included in the design.

Alumni Award Spotlight: Chad Harms Receives Christian Ministry Award for 2024

Corban University’s Christian Ministry Award recipient for 2024, Chad Harms (‘05), always knew he wanted to be a pastor, but he had no idea how to get there. “It was […]

January 30, 2024 | Alumni Stories

A person wearing a green cap and dark vest smiles while standing in a grassy field with trees in the background. The scene appears outdoors and cloudy.

Corban University’s First Ag Science Graduate Cultivates Determination in College Journey

Sven (Charles) Lukner, a native of Sedro-Woolley, Washington, is etching his name in Corban University’s history as the first graduate from the agriculture science program, earning his degree this December. […]

December 18, 2023 | Alumni Stories

A person smiling stands outdoors in a field, wearing a white sweatshirt. The text on the right reads: Corban University, Amy Winsor (09), and Founder of Ray of Hope Portraits.

Alumni Spotlight: Ray of Hope Portraits Serves Critically Ill Children and Their Families

“Ray of Hope Portraits is an intersection of several answered prayers,” says Amy Winsor (’09). “I started this in honor of my friend Sara Swenson. She was diagnosed with osteosarcoma […]

December 13, 2023 | Alumni Stories

Corban Alum Mandy Vance Named Oregon Teacher of the Year

“Never stop being a student.” These are the first words of advice from the Teacher of the Year for the state of Oregon. Dr. Mandy Vance (’08), a Corban alum […]

December 13, 2023 | Alumni Stories

A woman with shoulder-length blonde hair smiles while leaning against a beige pillar. She wears a colorful patterned top and a delicate necklace. The background is a wooden door.

Distinguished Alumni Award 2023: Jenni Burke

Corban University is proud to announce that this year’s recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Award is Jenni (Marken) Burke (’04). Jenni is the owner and CEO of Illuminate Literary Agency, […]

April 11, 2023 | Alumni Stories

Seeing God’s Goodness in Every Trial: Grace Maiden

“When most of my friends were talking about what party to go to, and where to attend college, my experience was about ‘how do I survive? Where do I get […]

March 8, 2023 | Alumni Stories

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