Alumni Stories
May 8, 2021
Forging New Connections: Alumni Todd Kleppin and Brian Vaughan Start Forge Youth Mentoring Ministry
Todd Kleppinâs (â93) journey toward youth mentoring initially had very little to do with youth. After helping his church team with the city to build a state-of-the-art skate park on their property to connect with and serve the youth of their community, Todd was surprised to see each day that, among the 100-plus kids who flocked to the park, there was never an adult in sight.
March 16, 2021
Corban Alum Mare Johnsonâs COVID Experience Helps Spread Positivity to a National Audience
Long before her story received national attention, Corban alum Mare (Suddarth) Johnson (â15) was just one of the unfortunate first individuals to have contracted the COVID-19 virus.
December 2, 2020
Betty Balyo, Beloved Friend of Corban and Wife of Former President Dr. John G. Balyo, Passes Away
We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of our beloved friend and advocate, Betty Balyo. Betty was a devoted mother, grandmother, constant friend to the University, and loving wife to former University President, Dr. John G. Balyo.
October 1, 2020
A Ministry of Giving: Marvin and Danalee Leadham
Marvin Leadham (class of â57) couldnât sleep. Recently two of the missionaries he supported were set to retire from the field, leaving him with what he considered to be a new hole in his giving
April 13, 2020
Love Sinks In: Alumni Jenni and Courtney Install Sinks for the Homeless in Downtown Portland
When Jenni Burkeâs coworker, Tawney Johnson, first mentioned one of their clientâs new initiatives to set up handwashing sinks for the homeless in impoverished downtown areas
February 18, 2020
âEach Little Victoryâ: Alumna Dani Thoren Helps Empower Women in Transition at Grace House
Most people envision using their intercultural studies degree in an overseas contextâperhaps serving with a missions agency, a relief organization, or even a foreign embassy. But Dani Thoren (â18) has found a way to use her Corban degree without even leaving the city of Salem.
December 16, 2019
Whatâs an Accountant Doing in Missions? Tiana Shares Her Story
âI probably wonât translate a verse in my life,â says Tiana Nisly. Although she works for Pioneer Bible Translators, Tiana isnât actually a translator. Nor is she an evangelist, a pastor, or a church planterâsheâs an accountant. Learn how God called Tiana into missions and why sheâs passionate about working for Pioneer Bible Translators.
October 30, 2019
Corban University Announces Kayli Hanley (â14) as 2019 Young Alum of the Year
Kayli graduated from Corban in 2014 with a Bachelor of Science in Communication. Even before she graduated, Kayli began utilizing her gifts in communications and public speaking as she served on the student newspaper and yearbook staff, interned with Corbanâs advancement department, and engaged in several public speaking events for the University, including the Scholarship Luncheon.
October 17, 2019
Esther Lehmann Cultivates a Heart for Medical Missions at Corban University
Esther Lehmann, class of 2013, was nominated for this yearâs Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU) Young Alumni Award! The Young Alumni Award recognizes an individual (or a team of individuals working in a joint venture) who has achieved uncommon leadership or success in a way that reflects the values of Christian higher education. Learn more of Estherâs story below.
August 4, 2019
Corban University Announces Col. Dean Bonura (â78) as 2019 Distinguished Alum of the Year
Col. Bonura has served in the 101st Airborne (Air Assault) Division, the 3rd Infantry Division (Mechanized), the 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment, and the 1st Armored Division, with whom he deployed to Iraq in 2003-2004. He also served with the 1st Corps Support Command during Operation Desert Shield in Saudi Arabia and Operation Desert Storm in Iraq (1990-1991).
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