We envision graduates who think critically and creatively, lead with high ethical and professional standards,embody the character and compassion of Jesus Christ, and who thereby are prepared to impact the world.

CCU students attending the 2013 Weekend of Welcome event

WESTERN CONSERVATIVE SUMMIT EDITION

Summer 2014

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Dear Friends,

I only know what I read in the newspapers, cowboy philosopher Will Rogers used to say.Well, personally, I wouldnt want to make such a declaration, but if all one knew was what was in the paper, such a person wouldnt doubt that American higher education is in crisis mode:

Most colleges are incredibly liberal; they feed students a steady diet of left-wing ideas about God, government, money, drugs, and sex.

Rising tuition is hitting family budgets hard. Federal and state governments are quietly doing a hostile takeover of the nations

colleges and universities and, among other things, imposing very large compliance costs on the schools.

Colleges and universities do not seem to prepare graduates for the job market; many alumni are left stranded in the workplace.

Colorado Christian University is very different:

We are interested most of all in Jesus, in how he guides us to live and who he wants us to be. Were unashamed on this point. So we teach students to have a biblical view of human nature, an understanding of right versus wrong, and humility before the instruction of the Bible.

We are troubled by whats happening in our nation. Sexual permissiveness, drug abuse, judicial overreach, suffocating effects of big government, and disrespect for traditional valuesthese are moral failings reflecting attitudes and habits of mind that are the opposite of what made America great.

But CCU stands for conservative values in theology, economics, culture, politics, patriotism and lifestyle. These ideals have sustained Western Civilization for centuries. Our faculty and staff proclaim time-tested standards of free markets, natural law, the sanctity of life, the original intent of the Constitution, and traditional families.

This is rare in society today, exceedingly rare among the nations institutions of higher learning. Instead of being politically correct, we aspire to be morally correct and to energetically advocate the great academic and Western tradition, steeped in the love of Jesus Christ. In doing so, we stand with millions of Americans who still hold faith, family, and freedom in the highest regard.

We believe God is calling Colorado Christian University to greatness, to be uncompromising in our testimony and teaching. We pray to be filled with the Holy Spirit and the power to answer His call. Please join us in this noble cause.

Sincerely,

William L. Armstrong President

1945

Denver Bible InstituteBecomes Denver BibleCollege

1948

Western Bible InstituteEstablished

1949

Denver Bible CollegeBecomes RockmontCollege

1914

Denver Bible Institute Established

To add your name to the mail list and to receive other announcements about CCU events or to update your contact information please go to www.ccu.edu/Alumni

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8

5 IMPACTING OUR CULTURE CCU Strategic Objective Brought to Life6 VALS 2014 The Future of the American Dream

FAITH | FAMILY | FREEDOM A Campaign for Colorado Christian University

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

102013 SYMPOSIUMFollowing Christ in a Secular Era

DAVID BECKMAN, 1926 - 2014Memorial Story

UNCONVENTIONAL: A Story of Barbara Hodel

121418

Colorado Christian Connection is a regular publication produced by Colorado Christian University to connect CCU alumni and friends to each other and to CCU. As we build each issue, we strive for complete accuracy, however, we occasionally miss the mark. Please inform us of our errors, and we will address them in the following issue. THIS PUBLICATION IS SPONSORED BY THE OFFICE OF DEVELOPMENT AND ALUMNI RELATIONS:Paul J. Eldridge, J.D. Vice President, Development & Alumni RelationsJavan Greeson Associate Director of Development & Planned GivingMissy Smith Director of Alumni & Parent RelationsEmma Alsdorf Annual Giving, Foundation & Donor Relations CoordinatorKathleen Chandler Database SpecialistJan Otteman Event Planner & Administrative Assistant

THIS PUBLICATION IS PRODUCED BY UNIVERSITY COMMUNICATIONS:Lisa Zeller Director of University Communications Gabe Knipp CopywriterBethany Bender Graphic DesignerTim Roesch Graphic DesignerJustin Jones Graphic Designer

1975

Western Bible Institute Becomes Western Bible College

1983

Colorado BaptistUniversity Established

1985

Western Bible College andRockmont College merge to formColorado Christian College

1989 - Present

Colorado Christian College andColorado Baptist University merge toform Colorado Christian University

| 4 |

Honor Christ and share the love of Christ on campus and around the world;

Teach students to trust the Bible, live holy lives and be evangelists;

Be a magnet for outstanding students and prepare them for positions of significant leadership in the church, business,

government and professions by offering an excellent education in strategic disciplines;

Teach students how to learn;

Teach students how to think for themselves;

Teach students how to speak and write clearly and effectively;

Give students significant opportunities to serve our Lord while they are at CCU and to help them develop a lifetime habit of

such service;

Impact our culture in support of traditional family values, sanctity of life, compassion for the poor, Biblical view of

human nature, limited government, personal freedom, free markets, natural law, original intent of the Constitution and

Western civilization;

Be seekers of truth;

Debunk spent ideas and those who traffic in them;

Ask God to multiply our time and ability to the glory of His great name;

Be a servant of the Church; and

Become a great university

Colorado Christian University shall:

Colorado Christian Universitys strategic objectives were adopted by the CCU Board of Trustees to serve as a guiding compass for the University. They direct the implementation of CCUs long-established mission and vision, and provide context for our first priorityan enduring commitment to Jesus Christ and His Kingdom.

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At Colorado Christian University, we think it is critical

to stand for the values that serve as the foundation

for our country. We do this, in part, by fulfilling the

Strategic Objective that states, as a university, we shall

Impact our culture in support of traditional family values, sanctity of life, compassion for the poor, Biblical view of human nature, limited government, personal freedom, free markets, natural law, original intent of the Constitution and Western civilization. CCUs commitment to these values is a distinguishing

characteristic that is almost wholly unique to CCUas

most other institutions of higher learning show little

concern for these traditional American virtues.

Every year we strive to fulfill this call, and this year was

no different. Our students were equipped, prepared,

and encouraged to engage in the public square and

to impact our culture, bringing life to the Strategic

Objective. They were taught, once again, to think for

themselves, to speak and write clearly, and to trust

the Bible.

CCU has earned a top 2% nationwide ranking for

its comprehensive general education curriculum

because we strive to give each student an education

that teaches honesty, respect, and integrity. For

example, every undergraduate student must take

Economics 215 at CCU, and may not transfer this

credit from a different institution. This cornerstone

course teaches economics, the importance of the

free enterprise system, and the value found in the

ethical aspects of capitalism. Additionally, students

must take Philosophy 315-Worldviews: Philosophical

and Religious Perspectives, Sociology 321-Great

Issues of the 21st Century, and History 185-Western

Civilization. All of these highlight foundational

values, natural law, and the original intent of

the Constitution.

In addition to the core class requirements for our

students, CCU holds an annual Symposium. The 2013

Symposium Redeeming the Time: Following Christ in

a Secular Era addressed the student body, faculty, and

staff on the importance of standing firm on traditional

biblical values when the world around us has come

loose of its moorings.

The Symposium is one example of the opportunities

afforded to students. The School of Business holds

the annual one-day Values-Aligned Leadership

Summit, where business students can network

with local professionals and participate in thought-

provoking discussions, keynoted this year by Allen

West. The topic for VALS 2014 was American Dream:

Crisis or Confidence? and the program was a true

implementation of this Strategic Objective.

Each year, CCU students journey to the nations

capital to further investigate and learn about history,

communications, and the government. This year,

CCU took 40 students, two teaching assistants, and

three faculty members to Washington, D.C., and the

surrounding areas. Highlights include a Capitol Tour

by Senator Hank Brown, visiting the CATO Institute,

and visiting the American Enterprise Institute.

The opportunities our students have to impact culture

are almost limitless. Not only are these opportunities

made readily available, but students are prepared for

them through our curriculum, the annual Symposium,

VALS, and Washington Week. We are confident that

the next generation of leaders attending Colorado

Christian University will continue to engage with the

secular world and impact our culture in support of the

values we hold so dear. E. Alsdorf

IMPACTING

CULTURE;OUR

CCU Strategic Objective Brought to Life

This past April, the 12th annual Values-Aligned Leadership

Summit convened in south Denver, gathering almost 750

business leaders and students from Colorado Christian

University. The theme focused on the American Dream

what it means and whether we can look to its future

confidently.

Dr. Gary Ewen began by defining the American Dream;

The American Dream is not about acquiring possessions

as much as it is about liberty. He went on to tell of his

experience with the American Dream. His grandfather,

Lieutenant Ewen, fought for Britain in World War I, in the

bloody battle of Gallipoli. After the war, the younger Ewen

related, his grandfather vowed he would immigrate to

America, to be free and subject to no man. He earned and

appreciated the privilege of being an American citizen.

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Keynote speaker Allen West

2014

Yet, Dr. Ewen related, the further we get away from

earning the privilege of American citizenship, the cheaper

it becomes.

Personal stories were the order of the day from noted

speakers: what better way to unpack the American Dream

than our own experience with it? Robert Hall, an author

and speaker, spoke of how his father secured a loan during

the Depression when a neighbor agreed to co-signthus

saving the family ranch.

Hall lamented the current breakdown of relationships in

America, asserting that an experience like his fathers would

not often happen today. The breakdown has fractured

social, political, and religious systems, and its costing us at

work, too, he noted.

The plenary speaker, former Congressman Allen West, also told stories

from his time in the Army and from famous battles. He related the tale

of Joshua Chamberlain, a university professor, who ordered a bayonet

charge during the battle of Gettysburg to help turn the momentum. We

need such people with courage, competence, commitment, conviction,

and character, West asserted. And we need more VALS conferences that

focus on our valuesespecially one on Capitol Hill.

The day was peppered with talks and networking opportunities: each

year, students and businesspersons have general admission seating, and

they share tables over lunch and during discussion times for networking.

Students are able to see what it takes to succeed beyond college, and

businesspersons gain motivation and insight as they manage their

businessesalong with potential employees.

Part of this focus on business was seen through a presentation on

Employment Management Services, which is a unique job placement service through CCU. Ron Rex, head of EMS, spoke of how

the employment problem is smaller than were led to believebut the will and ability of potential workers is an issue. By forming

relationships with over 200 local companies, Rex has been able to train CCU students and place them in productive jobsnot

internships, but jobswithin those companies. We have a 96.5% success rate, he noted.

Joanna Bostwick of EMS added advice for millennials, who now make up over 1/3 of the workforce. She encouraged students to

think like employers, and be willing to defer their dream job for a good job where they can work hard and earn their way up.

The day also honored persons who have exhibited Values-Aligned leadership: John Bandimere, Jr., was the Values-Aligned

Executive; Jim Weber was awarded the Values-Aligned Alumnus of CCU; and Gillian Foster received the Values-Aligned Student

award. They joined a legacy of students, alumni, and business leadersboth recipients of Values-Aligned awards and many

withoutwho live with iron-clad values and stand for freedom wherever they are able. G. Knipp

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Gillian FosterClass of 2014ValuesAligned Student

John Bandimere, Jr.PresidentBandimere SpeedwayValues-Aligned Executive

Jim WeberPresident and CEOGlobal Connection InternationalValues-Aligned Alumnus

Networking session before lunch

LIBERAL ARTS EDUCATIONA liberal arts education at Colorado Christian University aims at the original meaning of the wordcreating a free person. By seeing connections between mathematics and English, between business and music, or between biology and theology, students are not simply better adapted for todays changing world. They are able to think critically and creatively, becoming better people in the process.

BECOMING LEADERSWe believe that our world is in desperate need of Christian leaders, and we aim to form men and women to lead wherever God calls them. Thus, our classes have strong hands-on components. Education students begin helping in schools their freshman year. Accounting students examine the actual books of local businesses. Psychology students gain up to 135 internship hours. Political science majors travel to Washington every year.

NEW PROGRAMS

COMPUTER INFORMATION SYSTEMS

Students will master programming, mobile technology, and data processing, earning up to 14 internationally-recognized certifications along the way.

PRE-MEDICINE

Students in the College of Undergraduate Studies will be ably prepared to go on to medical school. Their skills, after gaining the necessary training in biology and chemistry, will translate to excellent placement.

MASTER OF ORGANIZATIONAL LEADERSHIP

Students with an MOL will be trained in research-based practices on how to lead organizations, and how to apply leadership principles to real-world problems.

As each class couples hands-on components with a bedrock foundation of faith, students are challenged to step out, to apply what theyre learning, and examine where they can make a difference in todays world.

3,660

1,110

535

ADULT UNDERGRADUATE

TRADITIONAL UNDERGRADUATE

TOTAL ENROLLMENT: 5,305 2013-14

GRADUATE

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

| 8 |

| 9 |

ACADEMIC HIGHLIGHTS

3.6

14

AverageIncoming GPA

1643 24.2Average SAT Average

Composite ACT

AverageClass Size44

MAJORS

5FULBRIGHT SCHOLARS ON STAFF

9:1STUDENT-FACULTY RATIO

211CONNECTIONS WITH LOCAL BUSINESSES

TO PROVIDE JOBS DURINGAND AFTER SCHOOL

3.6

14

AverageIncoming GPA

1641 24.3Average SAT Average

Composite ACT

AverageClass Size

| 10 |

redCMYK: 32/98/100/45RGB: 111/18/16# 6F1210

blueCMYK: 100/98/37/40RGB: 28/26/75# 1C1A4B

tanCMYK: 31/41/73/5RGB: 174/141/89# AE8D59

As we approach the completion of our first 100 years, we look forward to standing strong in the next 100. To do that, however, our campus must change. Our present campus was built for 600 students, a number we long ago surpassed. One-third of our faculty and staff work off-campus because we dont have the space to house them. This is a crucial time in the history of CCU. We realize that if we are to continueand growwe need a state-of-the-art campus to do so.

PHASE ONEThis summer has seen construction of our redeveloped Lakewood campus move ahead at full steam. Construction on our new 43,000 square foot academic building, which will offer technologically advanced classrooms, a food service area, casual seating for students, and additional staff and faculty offices, is nearly complete. Additionally, we will be re-routing the service road around campus and making infrastructure improvements this year for additional buildings.

School, of course, will continue. Our soccer field has turned into a temporary modular village, with faculty offices and classroom space.

STAY INFORMEDWe also developed a new website to keep you apprised of current developments. Visit ccu.edu/campaign to see the latest in the construction, view fundraising goals, and learn about what will happen next. Its our way of keeping our friends informed while we strive after our strategic goals: to become an ever greater university, growing in academic excellence, and engaging with the key issues of our day.

1400%

$120M PROJECT

3000 PLANTS AND TREES WILL BE PLANTED AS PART OF THE PROJECT

CASUAL SEATING CAPACITY ON CAMPUS

WILL INCREASE BY ROUGHLY

Charitable Support$55M

Other Revenue Sources$65M

Phase 1: $3

0M

$18.775 M

$11.225 M

If you like what youve seen at the Western Conservative Summit; if youve enjoyed hearing from our CCU students; if youve been encouraged by the timeless principles discussed here this weekend; then, I encourage you to give a gift to the work of Centennial Institute and/or to the campus redevelopment project at Colorado Christian University.

A gift to Centennial Institute will allow the Institute to continue to sponsor research, events, and publications that enhance public understanding of the most important issues facing our state and nation. By proclaiming Truth, the Institute aims to foster faith, family, and freedom, teach citizenship, and renew the spirit of 1776.

A gift to the campus redevelopment project will provide a foundationliterally and physicallythat will impact not only individual students, but our society, as a whole, as our students graduate from CCU and positively affect America and the world.

May God bless you, and may God bless the United States of America.

Best regards,

Paul J. Eldridge, J.D.Vice PresidentDevelopment and Alumni Relations

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NEW ACADEMIC BUILDING PHASE ONEDear Friends,

How fantastic this weekend has been! We are so glad you are participating in Colorado Christian Universitys 5th Annual Western Conservative Summit.

As you can see from this edition of the Colorado Christian Connection, there are many outstanding things happening at Colorado Christian University. It has been another amazing year at CCU!

Our students are being taught to impact our culture in support of limited government, personal freedom, free markets, natural law, original intent of the Constitution and Western civilization. These are not partisan concepts. Rather, they are timeless principles.

Unfortunately, these principles are being taught and embraced by far too few universities today. CCUs commitment to the promotion of traditional, conservative principles integrated intentionally and comprehensively with biblical truth is a key distinctive that sets CCU apart from almost every other institution of higher education.

To further the pursuit of the Strategic Objectives outlined on page 4, Colorado Christian University has launched the Faith|Family|Freedom Campaign to completely redevelop our Lakewood campus. CCUs existing physical structures are simply insufficient to meet the present needs of the campus. Through a dramatically transformed campus, the physical plant will visibly communicate the Universitys commitment to continued academic excellence, ongoing growth, and world-class opportunities to engage with key ideas of our day.

This years symposium at CCU focused on how to follow

Christ in the midst of a confusing and turbulent era. Over

1,000 students listened to speakers for two days, reflecting

on whats happening in the world and their place in it.

The news is not overly positive, especially for

people of faith.

As a generation thats often written about, statistics on

millennials are profuse. Nearly one out of two thinks

marriage is obsolete. Nearly 22 million of them have

2013 Symposium | Redeeming the Time:Following Christ in a Secular Era

moved back in with their parents. Sixty-five percent

rarely or never attend worship services; around the same

number dont read the Bible. Even among those who

consider Jesus as their savior, 70% dont list faith as really

important in their lives.

The symposium at CCU is about reversing those trends.

Its about providing students an honest place to explore,

to talk, to see who God is and where He is leading them

especially while so many are choosing not to listen.

Overview of CCUs annual symposium

| 12 |

Speakers such as David Perkins, who serves on staff at New

Life Church in Colorado Springs, called students not just

to know about Jesus, but to know Jesus. His winsome and

humorous delivery inspired students to look at the Bible

with fresh eyes.

Or, Jim Weidmann, a popular author and speaker, talked

about following God with your gifts. Part of his presentation

included a survey to determine a students gifts in order to

give him greater clarity and direction of where God might

be calling. The question and answer session after Jims

talk included students who wanted to know more about

how their gifts fit with Gods kingdom workand they took

the next step in answering those questions.

Esther Fleece, named by Christianity Today as one of

the top 50 women shaping church and culture, exhorted

students to seek after that which is good. She told of her

own journey in following God, listening to his voice, and

going after good things. The word, good, she said, is

profoundly prevalent in the Bible and rarely discussed.

And Roberta Ahmanson reminded everyone that

Christians must be people who look to heaven, who are

obsessed with what will be and how everything will be

right, because it has profound implications for how we

live our lives here and now.

Students left the 2013 Symposium with fresh answers and

new tools. They were encouraged to live out their faith in

an increasingly secular world, using their gifts to further

Gods kingdom. They were reminded to fix their eyes on

Jesus, because doing so will change their lives both now

and forever. G. KnippAssociate Vice President of Academic Affairs,

Dr. Chris Leland

Symposium speaker Roberta Ahmanson

| 13 |

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This past March, CCU friends and family gathered to remember the life of Dr. David Beckman, longtime president of the University. Dr. Beckman passed away on March 6, 2014. He was 87.

Congregating in the School of Music auditorium, those who knew and were impacted by Dr. Beckman shared stories of his life. The mood was not overly sad, but rather triumphant: friends knew Dr. Beckman had lived his life well and has departed to be with Christ, which is better by far.

Dr. BeckmanDr. B to those who knew himfirst served

as president of CCU from 1963 until 1982. At that time, the University was known as Rockmont College. During

his tenure, Dr. Beckman increased enrollment by over 800%, he oversaw accreditation by the North Central Association, and he helped develop the campus where it is today. The schools budget rose from $52,000 to over $2 million.

Significantly, Dr. Beckman continued to teach during

his time as president. His love of students was evident.

He would twice later serve as the schools president during the 1980s and 90s, during times of stress and transition for the school, always providing a stable and competent guiding hand that kept the school afloat

through perilous times.

Notably, however, lives are not measured in statistics, but in stories. And Dr. Beckmans life had stories. At his memorial service, a litany of speakers told of his commitment and Christ-likeness.

Kevin Miller, in CCUs School of Business and Leadership, told of how he met Dr. B in 1991 and saw a man who embodied humility, joy, and great competence.

Mark McAnlis, who graduated from Rockmont in 1974, tells of how he was a non-Christian coming to Rockmont in the late 1960s. I was comfortably numb, McAnlis told it. Sitting under his teaching and watching the life of David Beckman led McAnlis to Christ. I was blind and had my eyes opened. And McAnlis noted a familiar strain of Dr. Beckmans combination of humility and strength.

| 14 |

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CCUs current staff knows Dr. B primarily from his last stint as president, which began under dire circumstances in 1991. Dr. Gary Ewen, dean of the School of Business and Leadership, recalls hearing Dr. Beckman talk of how the staff might not receive their full checks that summer, beginning with those making the most. It was a difficult

time, and a difficult move for a new leader.

Yet, Dr. Beckman was able to make payroll all summer long.

Beckmans influence reached throughout Colorado. He

pastored and spoke in churches and spoke in service clubs. He was listed in Whos Who in American Education. In 2005, the Colorado Legislature passed a resolution honoring his contributions to education in the state.

In summarizing his great legacy, current CCU President Bill Armstrong may have given it most succinctly: This great man of God loved life, loved his family, and loved this university and served it with great distinction. But he loved Jesus even more. G. Knipp

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Employment Management Services places top students in jobs with local businesses. CCU has formed relationships with almost 150 local businesses, and students are able to get real world experience and apply lessons theyve learned in the classroom while reducing college costs and earning college credit.

Its not your everyday job placement service. Rather, its a unique initiative to get students in the workplace, so theyre better prepared and they can reduce college debt.

INTENSIVE TRAININGStudents apply for the EMS program, and then they get training through classes, seminars, and professional coaching. A favorite part of the training is often interview preparation, as students get to experience a mock interview and find out how to prepare. The process ranges from what questions theyll have to answer to what they should wear.

Then, students are placed in jobs. Not internships, but jobs. Theyre more likely to be mentored by a VP than running to fetch anyone coffee.

NOT YOUR EVERYDAY JOB PLACEMENT SERVICE

WHAT THEYRE SAYING:I would not be where I am today without the support and guidance of the EMS staff. They were real with me and facilitated in the development of an outstanding rsum. I then participated in a mock interview. This helped because the environment was real but also allowed me to stop the camera and ask what should I say in this position?

After being hired, I participated with some of the most respected individuals in my firm, was mentored by a fixed income trader, and was offered to stay on after my placement ended! I love what I am doing and am so grateful for the opportunity.

Cassidy BurkeClass of 2013

Worked at Metal TreatmentTechnologies and Janus Capital

I WOULD NOT

BE WHERE I AM

TODAY WITHOUT

THE SUPPORT AND

GUIDANCE OF THE

EMS STAFF.

| EMPLOYMENT MANAGEMENT SERVICESCCU

EMS HAS PLACED

OVER 400 STUDENTS

IN JOBS.

| 16 |

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WORLD CHANGERS SCHOLARSHIP For the second year, CCU has awarded the World Changers Scholarship. This is a competitive merit-based award offered to outstanding high school students. In January, over 100 top students gathered on CCUs campus to experience our culture and compete for three full-tuition World Changers scholarships. The two-day event culminated in interviews with faculty, after students had presented portfolios detailing their accomplishments. The winners were not only chosen by academic merit, but by engagement with the worldwhether they are already making a difference and plan to continue.

CCU also offers various additional levels of merit scholarships, including scholarships for students who have participated in partner institutionsChristian schools, churches, and parachurch ministries whose mission overlaps with that of CCU.

NEED-BASED SUPPORTWere also aggressive in offering grants. In fact, over 95% of CCU students receive some form of financial aid. Our Beckman Scholarship Annual Fund provides need-based support. Through this fund, every dollar donated goes directly to a students education. This year, $11 million in scholarships are making college possible for students who

wouldnt otherwise have the opportunity.

WE UNDERSTAND THE

INVESTMENT STUDENTS

ARE MAKING IN THEIR

EDUCATIONS. WE STRIVE

TO HELP THEM IN THAT

INVESTMENT, THROUGH MERIT

SCHOLARSHIPS AND

NEED-BASED AID.

AT CCU, WE WANT TO INVEST

IN STUDENTS SO THEY CAN GO

OUT AND IMPACT THE WORLD

FOR CHRIST.

| SCHOLARSHIPSCCU

| 18 |

On many evenings during their 56 year marriage, Barbara Hodel would sit at her electronic keyboard and play songs, singing along with her husband, Don. Her voice had a bell-like quality, recalls Don, and she loved to sing.

Its a quaint image for a couple who succeeded tremendously in business and politics. Don served on Ronald Reagans cabinet during the 1980s as Secretary of Energy, and then Secretary of the Interior. Don and Barbaras marriage, however, was anything but conventional.

When we went to Washington, she told me Do your job and Ill take care of everything else. And she did, notes Don. Indeed, Barbara not only managed the family finances, the move, and everything that went with it, but she was a constant presence at her husbands side. Not after work. During work.

She would come into my office often, as many as three times a day. My staff assumed that she would be there, he says.

In fact, Barbara and Don became known as Team Hodel to staff and friends.

Its rare in todays culture to see such sacrifice, and such teamwork. Todays culture speaks of the need to succeed as individuals, but perhaps it misses what Barbara was able to articulate over years of caring for and supporting her husband. We are stronger together than alone.

Barbara is an example of how, by being a team player, she enabled me to do things I couldnt have doneand together we did things that I wouldnt have done without her.

The couple moved to Silverthorne, Colorado, following their Washington years, and Barbara was able to show off her own prodigious talents. She served as the pianist at Dillon Community Church, and Don sang in the choir. It

was one way in which I could do something with her instead of her always doing something with me, adds Don. She also served on the board at Patrick Henry College from 1999 to 2007. In August of 2007, however, Barbara fell down the stairs of their Silverthorne home and became a quadriplegic.

Barbara, accomplished as she was, was not a stranger to tragedy. When their first son, Philip, was 17, he committed suicide. The event, rather than driving the couple apart, brought them to the Lord. In their guilt and confusion, they saw their own need for forgiveness, for resurrection. In later years, they shared their story. Barbara always shared the hard part about Philip: her sincerity and warmth connected with audiences.

That same sincerity and warmth was clear when she passed away in October of 2012. Seven of her home-care nurses were at her bedside. Only one was on duty.

A few months later, Don attended the annual Music Gala at Colorado Christian University. He had supported the school for some time, and knew President Bill Armstrong from Washington. But it was watching those students perform that touched him. I thought a music scholarship in her name would be perfect.

This past spring, Emily Webb received the first $1,000 Barbara Hodel Endowed Scholarship award. Matt Peterson received the $10,000 Barbara Hodel Prize for Superior Performance, which will be awarded annually to the School of Musics top junior performer without regard to need.

Receiving this honor has been huge for me, said Matt. It is confirmation that God wants me to continue music and performing, and I dont have to worry because God provides. Mr. Hodels generosity is a testament to his love for his wife and the Lord, and I thank him deeply for his enormous gift, as I try to live in their legacy by making a difference in the world through the arts.

One can imagine that these scholarships, with Matt and others, will help make possible not only excellent music within the church, but many, many evenings between a husband and wife and the rich tones of their voices. G. Knipp

UNCONVENTIONAL: A story of Barbara Hodel

Don and Barbara Hodel

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Benefits of a CCU Charitable Gift Annuity.71. ATTRACTIVE RATES. When you compare our gift annuity rates with what you might receive from a certificate of deposit you will be pleasantly surprised. (Rates typically average between 4%-9%)*

2. REGULAR PAYMENTS. When you establish your gift annuity, you decide how often you want to receive your payments (with certain restrictions)

3. FIXED INCOME. Your rate will be locked in at the time you obtain your gift annuity.

4. LIFETIME BENEFIT. Gift annuities are for life. And if you have a two-life gift annuity, when one person dies, the other can continue to receive the same amount for the rest of his/her life.

5. DEPENDABLE SOURCE. CCU typically reinsures all gift annuities, so your assets are protected with the backing of a top-rated insurance company.

6. RELIEF FROM TAXES. Since part of your contribution for a gift annuity is considered a charitable gift by the IRS, you will receive an income tax charitable deduction to apply on an itemized tax return.

7. SIMPLE PROCESS. We can provide you with a tailor-made illustration so you can see how it all works with your age and contribution amount included.

Interested in enjoying these benefits? Are you at or near retirement age?

Let us give you more information.Contact: Paul J. Eldridge, J.D.

Vice President of Development and Alumni RelationsColorado Christian University

303-963-3093

*Rates will vary depending upon age and number of beneficiaries.

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Benefits of a CCU Charitable Gift Annuity.71. ATTRACTIVE RATES. When you compare our gift annuity rates with what you might receive from a certificate of deposit you will be pleasantly surprised. (Rates typically average between 4%-9%)*

2. REGULAR PAYMENTS. When you establish your gift annuity, you decide how often you want to receive your payments (with certain restrictions)

3. FIXED INCOME. Your rate will be locked in at the time you obtain your gift annuity.

4. LIFETIME BENEFIT. Gift annuities are for life. And if you have a two-life gift annuity, when one person dies, the other can continue to receive the same amount for the rest of his/her life.

5. DEPENDABLE SOURCE. CCU typically reinsures all gift annuities, so your assets are protected with the backing of a top-rated insurance company.

6. RELIEF FROM TAXES. Since part of your contribution for a gift annuity is considered a charitable gift by the IRS, you will receive an income tax charitable deduction to apply on an itemized tax return.

7. SIMPLE PROCESS. We can provide you with a tailor-made illustration so you can see how it all works with your age and contribution amount included.

Interested in enjoying these benefits? Are you at or near retirement age?

Let us give you more information.Contact: Paul J. Eldridge, J.D.

Vice President of Development and Alumni RelationsColorado Christian University

303-963-3093

*Rates will vary depending upon age and number of beneficiaries.

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Colorado Christian Universitys Board of Trustees is made up of distinguished business, education, ministry, and community leaders. Their combined experience provides a strong foundation for University guidance.

The Board of Trustees exercises ultimate authority over the University, accountable to God and history, and otherwise constrained only by the teaching of Scripture, applicable law, and regulations.

While retaining ultimate policy-making authority, the Board of Trustees has delegated management authority to the President.

Informed by Scripture, academic tradition, and university best practices, the Board of Trustees exercises its institutional authority through statements of mission, vision, and strategic objectives.

CCU | BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Mr. William L. Armstrong Mr. Gary E. ArmstrongChairman

Mr. Terry Considine Dr. Margaret A. Fomer Mrs. Kaye Lynn Fote Vice-Chairwoman

Mr. Harold A. KrauseMr. Sam Kimbriel 83 Dr. Gerald W. May

Ms. Lee McDowell

Mrs. Christine C. Mastin

Dr. Donald W. Sweeting

Ms. Terry Leprino 92

Mr. Tim McTavish 13

Mr. Douglas I. McDonald

Dr. Dale W. Schaefer Mr. Donald Siecke Dr. John A. TurnerMr. William Pauls

Dr. Robert L. Woodson, Sr.

Mr. Don M. Harwell

Mr. Chick Lee

Dr. James S. Dixon

Mr. William J. White

FaithFamilyFreedom