Pursuit Fall 2018 by Northwest University

STAND OUT STUDENTS

•

HONORS PROGRAM HIGHLIGHT

•

TWO DEGREES IN FIVE YEARS

T U O D N A T S It’s easy to go with the flow—but that doesn’t mean it’s what we were made for. What would change if you believed you were designed to stand out? In our 80+ years as a university, we continue to be amazed by our students and the ways God has created them to stand out. In the following pages, you’ll read stories of students who are investing in their unique, God-given qualities. Through academics, athletics, leadership, art, and more, these students and their fellow classmates are learning to use their gifts in spectacular ways. At Northwest University, we believe you too were created with specific skills and gifts that the world desperately needs. We would be honored to come alongside you to help those qualities grow. With our Christ-centered community, wide selection of programs, and extensive opportunities on campus and in the surrounding area, the possibilities are nearly endless. We believe God made you for a specific purpose, and we can’t wait to join you on your journey. You were made to stand out.

Z E D N E L E M Y L R E B AM

T U O D N A ST

D E T A E R C S A H D O G O STAND OUT T U YO EMIC S,ART D A C A ,LEADERSHIP C I S MU HOW ARE YOU INVOLVED IN CAMPUS LIFE AT NU? On campus, I am involved in both crosscountry and track. I have participated in track since I was 10 years old, and it has played a huge part in my life. I was recently a part of Team USA’s track team that competed in Taicang, China. DID ANY SCHOLARSHIPS HELP YOU GET TO CAMPUS? I come from a low-income family, and I would not be able to attend Northwest without the financial help from these scholarships: academic merit scholarship, Women’s Cross-Country Scholarship, and the Women’s Track and Field Scholarship.

HOW DOES YOUR FAITH PLAY INTO WHAT YOU DO ON CAMPUS? My faith in God plays a vital role in everything I do, but with being a part of the track and cross-country teams, faith is the daily reminder I need to keep my feet on the ground. My faith reminds me that my identity is and always will be in Christ.

HOW HAS YOUR COMMUNITY SUPPORTED YOU? The NU community has been nothing but supportive to me and my dreams of one day being an Olympian. My teammates and coaches are some of the most caring people I have ever met, and I will forever be grateful for each and every one of them. My professors have also been a big blessing. They constantly check in and ask how my training and races are going. HOW HAS YOUR TIME AT NU HELPED YOU IN YOUR PURSUITS? My time at NU has really allowed me to see my life and dreams in a different perspective—a perspective that includes God in everything I do. This is something I have learned from peers, professors, and mentors I have gotten to know at Northwest University.

ST E P

A S U M O N HA

T U O D N A ST

D E T A E R C S A H D O G O STAND OUT T U YO EMIC S,ART D A C A ,LEADERSHIP C I S MU HOW ARE YOU INVOLVED IN CAMPUS LIFE AT NU? I love being involved with charitable organizations and helping out in any way I can. I work with Hidden Hearts Foundation, a nonprofit organization based in Austin, Texas that runs Osiligi Orphanage in Arusha, Tanzania. Also, I enjoy working in the fashion industry. I model for a few local designers, as well as plan and organize my own fashion shows to build awareness about culture and diversity, and fundraise for charities. On campus, I am involved with Associated Students of Northwest University (ASNU) as the student body president. I am also on the cross-country and track and field teams as a long- and mid-distance runner.

HOW DOES YOUR FAITH PLAY INTO WHAT YOU DO ON CAMPUS? My faith in Christ is the most important thing in my life. I want everything that I do, on and off campus, to bring glory to God. In the fashion industry, I work with people from different faith backgrounds, so I use this as an opportunity to share my faith and love for Christ with so many diverse people.

DID ANY SCHOLARSHIPS HELP YOU GET TO CAMPUS? I have an academic scholarship, an athletic scholarship, and a leadership scholarship. The rest of my school funding comes from the Hidden Hearts Foundation in Austin, Texas, a nonprofit organization that sponsors me.

HOW HAS YOUR TIME AT NU HELPED YOU IN YOUR PURSUITS? Coming from a different culture, NU has accepted me for exactly who I am and allowed me to continue to grow spiritually alongside other followers of Christ. I feel safe, supported, and free to use the gifts that God has given me. With the support of my peers, I am able to stand as NUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s student body president to draw from experiences and perspective to serve our community.

HOW HAS YOUR COMMUNITY SUPPORTED YOU? My communities give me constant prayer support, which I think is the most important support to give or receive. I am in contact with churches and different communities here and back home in Tanzania, and they all pray for me.

ANDR

N O S T R E B O R EW

T U O D N A ST

D E T A E R C S A H D O G O STAND OUT T U YO EMIC S,ART D A C A ,LEADERSHIP C I S MU HOW ARE YOU INVOLVED IN CAMPUS LIFE AT NU? I have been involved in three different areas of leadership, including the Student Activities Board, Residence Life, and Campus Ministries. Having experience in all three of these areas has allowed me to see tons of different perspectives in terms of students and community life at Northwest, as well as grow in my leadership abilities and discover more about myself. I also just joined the Improv team this last year, which is stellar. DID ANY SCHOLARSHIPS HELP YOU GET TO CAMPUS? The two scholarships that aided me the most were the academic merit scholarship for my grades in high school and the Minister’s Dependent Scholarship (my dad is a pastor). These two scholarships alleviated a lot of stress in terms of finances for attending NU.

HOW DOES YOUR FAITH PLAY INTO WHAT YOU DO ON CAMPUS? Growing up as a pastor’s kid, I didn’t really get exposed to a vast amount of perspectives on Christianity and different biblical principles. But after coming to Northwest, I have been able to have really intentional conversations with people and see their heart behind what they believe and how God has worked in their life. Through this, I have been able to formalize and better understand my Christian values and beliefs. Another cool thing is that through music and my marketing position with Campus Ministries, I am able to communicate to people through digital media, which is very relevant and powerful in today’s society.

HOW HAS YOUR COMMUNITY SUPPORTED YOU? The friends and relationships that I have built at Northwest have been some of the most supportive relationships I’ve ever had. One of my biggest passions is creating music. I’ve been producing and writing songs for a couple years now, and allowing other people at Northwest to get involved in my musical projects has been one of the greatest ways of supporting my hobby, as well as their talents. In addition to that, people around NU have really encouraged me by sharing my music and telling me how they love it, which is an absolute blessing. NU has blessed me with the opportunity to serve in so many different capacities and leadership positions, which I am so grateful for. My creativity and ability have not gone unnoticed here, and the community has helped support me as well as build me up, which is so cool. HOW HAS YOUR TIME AT NU HELPED YOU IN YOUR PURSUITS? Northwest has given me so many creative outlets and resources to use. With a large community of talented people, I have been able to craft and collaborate with people to create things that I could have never imagined I would have been able to do. Four years ago, I would have never thought I would have successful musicians as my friends; an audience of my own for my music; some of the best friends, mentors, and leaders I could have ever asked for; and the ability to be in a leadership position that allows me to create even more.

R E T E P O L L O H Y L HOL

T U O D N A ST

D E T A E R C S A H D O G O STAND OUT T U YO EMIC S,ART D A C A ,LEADERSHIP C I S MU COULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR ACADEMIC EXPERIENCE AT NU? Academically speaking, it isn’t the course load that reveals uniqueness—it is the course content. At NU, there is a wide variety of classes that appeal to the interests of our diverse student body. For me specifically, I have taken courses that directly reveal my deepest passions. One class that I think stands out the most was a course dedicated solely to the study of refugees. Through this special topics course, I was able to better understand the past, present, and future of various global refugee crises. In studying this topic, I grew more sensitive toward the injustices that harm humanity internationally, and I was empowered to fight against these injustices even further.

be better doctors, teachers, or musicians. We are learning how to walk with the Lord, serve without ceasing, and love without limits. Regardless of my degree, what I study is inseparable from who I become.

DID ANY SCHOLARSHIPS HELP YOU GET TO CAMPUS? By the grace of God, I had the honor of receiving the Provost Scholarship—a scholarship awarded as a result of academic excellence and leadership potential. It was that scholarship that enabled me to attend NU.

HOW HAS YOUR TIME AT NU HELPED YOU IN YOUR PURSUITS? During my time at Northwest University, I have been surrounded by remarkable leaders. People that honor the Lord; not just with their lips, but with their lives. My time at NU has taught me that it isn’t about fighting to be seen, it is about seeking the God that already sees me, fully. I have come to understand that I don’t have to try to stand out. I know now more than ever that when I stand up for others, I am standing out for Christ. Through pursuing my master’s in international community development here at NU, I am learning how to stand up for others—the vulnerable, oppressed, and marginalized—for the rest of my life.

HOW DOES YOUR FAITH PLAY INTO YOUR ACADEMIC STUDIES? My faith is the most vital component of my campus experience, because it forces me to approach my education holistically. I choose my courses based on which classes will equip me to more effectively operate within my God-given interests. Why? Because students at NU aren’t merely studying to

HOW HAS YOUR COMMUNITY SUPPORTED YOU? Community is crucial. The people of this University—whether student or staff member—care with conviction. I have been surrounded by other students that help me discover what God is leading me to do, while being equipped by professors to understand how I am going to accomplish those things. Whether I am in the dorms or behind my desk, the community at Northwest has been a huge blessing in becoming who I am today.

ISA

Y D O B A E P AC PEABO A.K.A.

T U O D N A ST I A LU M N

D E T A E R C S A H D O G O STAND OUT T U YO EMIC S,ART D A C A ,LEADERSHIP C I S MU WHAT ARE YOU INVOLVED IN THAT HAS MADE YOU STAND OUT UPON GRADUATION? I recently signed a record deal with Centricity Music, a Christian record label in Nashville. Since then, I’ve released my first album, Healthy Snacks, under the stage name PEABOD. It features a collection of “happy hip-hop” music that I wrote and produced. It’s been a blast getting to work with Centricity, and I’m starting to travel to perform the album live which has been incredibly fun. I’ve wanted to be a professional musician for a long time, so I’m humbled and so grateful for this opportunity.

WHAT SCHOLARSHIPS HELPED YOU GET TO CAMPUS? I managed to keep my grades up in high school, so I received a pretty decent academic scholarship. But what really helped me get over the financial fence was my music scholarship. I didn’t know what to expect, but the extra amount of yearly money I received for my bass guitar audition was super important in helping me afford college. HOW DOES YOUR FAITH PLAY INTO WHAT YOU DO? Music has always been a place where I feel that God meets me, so my faith plays a huge role in my writing process and in what I write about. Most of my songs are written from a place of joy, because as a believer, I believe that my true joy is found in Jesus Christ. Some of the songs are about very casual things—like living with roommates or

summer—but they’re written from a place of joy that is founded in Christ. My hope with this music is that Christians will be encouraged to embrace the joy set before them in Jesus, and that nonChristians would be curious about where this joy comes from and ask about Jesus.

HOW HAS YOUR COMMUNITY SUPPORTED YOU AS A MUSICIAN? Though my music is a solo act, my community has been a huge part of the reason I’m able to do what I do. From giving me notes on my lyrics and mixes, to encouraging me when I release something, I rely heavily on the input and feedback of my community. In another way, my community has helped me to grow as a musician and as a believer. Through playing music with my church and my friends from NU, I’ve been able to remain grounded while also embracing opportunities to practice my craft. HOW DID YOUR TIME AT NU HELP YOU TO STAND OUT? On a relational level, I made important friendships that will impact me and what I do for years to come. I also learned so much about playing and recording music. I was a communication major, but I took all of my electives in our recording arts program (Creatio). Without those classes, I don’t know that I would have been able to produce the music that got my record label’s attention. So in a lot of ways, I have NU (and Creatio professor Steve Smith) to thank for where I’m at now.

CAS

N W O R B Y SID

T U O D N A ST I A LU M N

D E T A E R C S A H D O G O STAND OUT T U YO EMIC S,ART D A C A ,LEADERSHIP C I S MU TELL ME ABOUT YOUR INTERNSHIP WITH THE SEAHAWKS FOR THIS UPCOMING SEASON.

can be expressed. When I interact with thousands of

For the 2018 NFL season, I will be the Fan Relations

kindness on behalf of the Seahawks and on behalf

and Ticketing Intern for the Seattle Seahawks. In

of the faith I live by. Also, by making a career out of

this position, I will be working closely with fans to

my biggest passion, I know that I will be honoring

provide them with a great Seahawks experience.

God and the gifts that He’s given me. He created

During the week, I work at the VMAC, which is the

me to love sports and the sports community, so I am

Seahawks’ training facility in Renton. On game days, I

confident that building a career around sports is what

will be at CenturyLink Field. I am the only intern in my

I am meant to do.

department, and I will work alongside mentors who

HOW HAS YOUR COMMUNITY SUPPORTED YOU IN YOUR PURSUITS?

teach me and push me in my pursuit of a career in sports.

fans, I have the opportunity to demonstrate love and

My community, especially the Northwest community,

WHAT SCHOLARSHIPS HELPED YOU GET TO CAMPUS?

has been exceptionally supportive of my journey.

I received an academic scholarship, but what helped

a foot in the door is challenging. Despite these

me the most was receiving a scholarship to be on the

challenges, the faculty and staff at NU stood beside

Northwest cross-country and track and field teams.

me and supported me wholeheartedly. After I first

I have been a runner all my life, and I knew I wanted

decided to pursue a career in sports, I met with a

to compete collegiately. The team at Northwest

professor, Thor Tolo, who had built a career as a

recruited me and helped me get onto campus by

sports broadcaster, and he encouraged me to go for

providing me a scholarship.

it. As I sought endlessly for a way into the industry,

HOW DOES YOUR FAITH PLAY INTO WHAT YOU DO?

NU’s career advisor, Levi Davenport, helped me

Now that I am graduated and off campus, faith still

I landed my first sports internship with the Seattle

plays an important role in my career. After becoming

Thunderbirds. I received my degree in English, and

a Christian at 16, I initially believed the only way to

even though an English degree does not traditionally

incorporate faith into vocation was by becoming a

correlate to a career in sports, the entire English

missionary or going directly into ministry. After a few

department encouraged me, prayed for me, and

semesters of pursuing those vocations, however, I

pushed me to fight for my dreams. I will never be

learned that they were not what I was passionate

able to thank the NU community enough for their

about. Sports—especially the intense and devout

commitment to me and my dreams. There is no way I

community that surrounds sports—were my passion.

could have done this without them.

I learned that even in the sports industry, my faith

The sports industry is highly competitive, and getting

find a team to work for. It was because of him that

WEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;RE IN GOOD COMPANY.

Our 56-acre campus is located in Kirkland, Washington, voted by Money magazine as the Fifth Best Place to Live in the U.S. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re close to recreational opportunities (minutes from Lake Washington),

and we’re surrounded by companies that have changed the world. For students who choose NU, this is a great combination. It means lots of opportunity for fun while you’re here and—even more importantly—excellent opportunities for employment once you graduate.

To see all that Kirkland and NU have to offer, come for a visit. We’d love to show you around. Sign up at northwestu.edu/visit.

NEW HONORS PROGRAM BEGINS AT NORTHWEST UNIVERSITY Core to NU’s mission is a resolute commitment to academic excellence. It is our goal to raise up exceptional scholars who approach the world with a relentless curiosity and who glorify God by expressing their discipline and intellect to the highest degree possible. It is out of this same mission our new honors program was born. Beginning in the fall of 2018, the honors program will provide even more support for the development of students specifically gifted in the academic arena. The honors program empowers these students as scholars, servants, and citizens, holding them to exceptionally high standards, both within the classroom and the community. Students accepted into the honors program will have opportunities as:

“We are seeking students for this program with a voracious appetite for learning—an innate curiosity that crosses disciplinary boundaries and finds signposts in all academic fields that point toward God’s goodness, beauty, and truth.” -Dr. Joshua Meeks

Scholars: To achieve academic excellence through participation in research, production of an honors thesis, and publication in Harvest, NU’s journal of original student research. Servants: To embody spiritual vitality through student leadership, participation in service projects on campus, and local missions projects coordinated with Campus Ministries.

Citizens: To engage with human

score requirements for admission,

need through multicultural life

but an even more crucial factor is a

events, global and local missions

student’s entire intellectual orientation.

trips, and a culminating study trip to Washington, D.C.

More information about the honors program—including specific

According to the program’s director,

requirements for admission—can be

Dr. Joshua Meeks, the new honors

found at northwestu.edu/honors.

program does have GPA and test

SCHOLARS SERVANTS CITIZENS

FIVE YEARS. TWO DEGREES. COMPLETE YOUR BACHELOR’S AND MASTER’S DEGREES AT THE SAME TIME. At Northwest University, we’re always looking for ways to save you time and money while you pursue your degree. To do this, we’ve created academic programs that allow you to earn your bachelor’s degree and your master’s degree in just five years at NU. For students looking to gain an edge, pursuing two degrees in five years is a smart option. As you start your bachelor’s degree, your curriculum will blend in master’s level courses. With help from your advisor, you’ll choose an approved undergrad degree and one of the graduate degrees below:

• Master of Arts in Bible and Theology • Master of Arts in Ministry Leadership • Master in Ministry

• Master of Education (with approved endorsement) • Master in Teaching (with approved endorsement)

COLLEGE of BUSINESS

COLLEGE of SOCIAL & BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES

• Master of Business Administration

• Master of Arts in International Community Development

At the end of your five years at NU, you’ll graduate with two degrees and a significant head start in your industry. Ask your admissions counselor today about earning two degrees in five years.

built for

While most universities overlook your spiritual life,

• 70 Majors and Programs

Christ is foundational at NU. Chapel, student-

• Highest Accreditation Possible

led worship, small groups, urban ministries, and

• Neighbor to World-Class Companies

mission trips are just the beginning. You’ll also

• Internships and Career Preparation

find professors who help you integrate faith into

• Generous Financial Aid

your classroom and career. You’ll be surrounded by fellow students who share and encourage your desire to grow in Christ. Here, you’ll find an education that prepares you well for this life. And the next.

To find out more, go to northwestu.edu or call our Admissions office at 1-800-669-3781 to arrange a tour.

FFOOLLLLOOWW UUSS @NORTHWESTU @NORTHWESTU

Meet your admissions counselors! They will make sure to help you through each step of the admissions process.