Juston Wolgemuth, Author at 91�Թ�

Cairn Hosts Successful 2021 World Reach Week

Juston Wolgemuth — Wed, 22 Sep 2021 15:05:42 +0000

From September 13–17, 2021, 91�Թ� hosted its annual World Reach Week. In the third year of its three-year cycle of Discover, Prepare, Commit, this year’s theme was “Commit: Increase your resolve to be part of God’s global work and His heart for the world.”
This year, the theme “Commit” gave students the opportunity to experience the ways God is working through a variety of initiatives to build His church. Through chapel messages and breakout sessions throughout the week, students grappled with how they can serve as God’s ambassador to the world and were challenged to pursue their role in God’s global work.��
Cairn welcomed to campus dozens of mission representatives from organizations doing work all over the world. They shared about their work with students and professors at the beginning of their classes and at their booths set up across campus. Additionally, mission representatives and students took part in sessions throughout the week, such as panel discussions on ministry topics; informational sessions on life in the mission field; and World Feast, an event in which students prepared food from different cultures to share with one another.��
As the 91�Թ� community adapts to the global need of serving our neighbors, World Reach Week continues to be vitally important as students are educated on how to serve Christ in the church, society, and the world.��
For more information on World Reach Week and all the events that were a part of it, visit cairn.edu/worldreachweek.

One Scripture, One University Launches for 2021–2022 Academic Year

Juston Wolgemuth — Tue, 14 Sep 2021 14:49:49 +0000

With the start of the fall semester, the 91�Թ� community draws on a new passage for “One Scripture, One University.” This is an initiative where the Cairn community focuses on one passage of Scripture, creating a climate for spiritual growth both on- and off-campus. The passage for this academic year is Colossians 1:15–17, with special emphasis on verse 17.

“[The Son] is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.”
Colossians 1:15–17

The University has long emphasized Christ and His Word as two central themes of a Cairn education. The Spiritual Life Committee implements One Scripture, One University with the belief that God uses His Word to transform people into the image of His Son Jesus. Focusing on one Scripture passage together will provide a central point from which all other University initiatives can flow.
Through consistent communication of this scripture in classrooms, chapel, and social media, the Spiritual Life Committee prays the Spirit will lead individuals to initiate their own conversations and reflections on this passage.��
For ideas on how to take part in this initiative, visit cairn.edu/one-scripture-one-university. Share your thoughts, reflections, songs, artwork, and more on social media with #OneScriptureOneUniversity.

Works of Artist Grace Carol Bomer On Display in Cairn’s Eastburn Gallery

Juston Wolgemuth — Tue, 14 Sep 2021 12:45:37 +0000

For the Fall 2021 semester, Arts at Cairn welcomes artist to the Connie A. Eastburn Gallery. Bomer’s exhibit is titled Global City Babel, inspired and informed by the biblical account of the Tower of Babel in Genesis 11. With this collection, she examines the nature of language and truth-telling in a postmodern era.
Global City Babel points to the God who created language, who spoke the heavens and earth into existence, and who is the Word made flesh. The work seeks to express that it is he who gives meaning to all language; Bomer explains, “This Living Word redeems our babble and our towers of Babel.”
Grace Carol Bomer is a Canadian-American abstract expressionist painter who maintains a studio in the mountains of North Carolina. She has studied art at UNC Asheville and abroad in Italy and Amsterdam. Her English degree and six years as a teacher influence and inform her work as she scrawls poetic script and introduces motifs and metaphors into her visual storytelling to suggest universal themes of suffering, pilgrimage, and love. Her aesthetic language flows out of this dual love for paint and the human story.
She describes her work as being concerned with “the human condition surprised by the grace of God.” The physicality of oil paint mixed with cold wax medium, often layered on gold leaf, is the process that allows her to create abstract paintings that deal with the transcendence of an eternally relevant story.
Grace Carol Bomer’s work will be on display and available for purchase in the Eastburn Gallery through December 10, 2021. Gallery hours are Monday–Saturday from 8:30 am–4:30 pm.

If you are interested in purchasing a piece or organizing a tour for your church, school, or homeschool group, contact Matt Stemler at mstemler@cairn.edu.

91�Թ� Welcomes New Faculty for Fall 2021 Semester

Juston Wolgemuth — Mon, 06 Sep 2021 15:01:47 +0000

At the start of the Fall 2021 semester, 91�Թ� warmly welcomed new faculty members to the School of Business and the School of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
The School of Business welcomed Matthew Garrison as a full-time faculty member teaching computer science. Matt received a BS and MS in Information Systems at the New Jersey Institute of Technology. Matt brings his extensive professional experience in the private sector designing predictive algorithms, architecting software solutions, and overseeing system implementations.��
Joseph Miller has also joined the School of Business as a full-time faculty member teaching courses in law and business. Joe received his BS in Communication and his JD from Liberty University. As a licensed attorney, Joe has served businesses, churches, nonprofits, municipalities, and the general public. Joe brings to the University his experience as an entrepreneur and his knowledge gained as MBA director, director of legal affairs, and chair of the business department at Houghton College.
The School of Business additionally welcomes Phil Feather as he moves from adjunct to assistant professor and development associate for athletics. Phil earned an MEd in Sports Administration from Temple University as well as a BA in Communications from Penn State University. Phil also brings his unique experience working with the Philadelphia Phillies for over 30 years. He held several positions with the Phillies organization, ending his time as director of ticket services in 2020.��
Joining the School of Liberal Arts and Sciences is Helen Gelinas. Helen will serve the English department as a part-time faculty member. She holds an MA in English and American Studies from the University of Tübingen, Germany, and a BMus from the Hartt School, University of Hartford. Helen brings her experience gained from teaching in both public and Christian schools in Connecticut, as well as her time in higher education teaching English literature at Leibniz Kolleg and the University of Tübingen in Germany. Helen also currently serves as director of transcription for New England’s Hidden Histories in Boston, a project devoted to preserving American Christian history through transcribing and publishing early church records.
To these new faculty and to all the new staff joining the University, welcome to Cairn!

91�Թ� School of Music Now Accepting Applications for Online Worship & Music (MA)

Juston Wolgemuth — Mon, 09 Aug 2021 18:02:19 +0000

Cairn University is excited to announce the new Worship & Music (MA) program. Offered by the School of Music, this fully online program equips students with the musical knowledge and theological foundation needed for effective worship ministry.
This 39-credit program consists of 7-week courses on subjects such as worship technology, applied ethnomusicology, and contemporary arranging. The program culminates in a final project where students will create a self-produced six-track recording of three original songs and three arranged songs for congregational singing.
“There is a great need for theologically sound and artistically capable musicians who are able to lead and serve in complex worship environments,” said Dr. Benjamin Harding, dean of the School of Music. “We are thrilled to be able to serve the church with this program in providing rigorous theological and worship training matched with an in-depth discovery of the capacities of music technology for worship.”
The program will launch in Fall 2022; applications and inquiries are now being accepted. Learn more at cairn.edu/programs/worship-music-ma.

Cairn Faculty, Alumni, and Students Take Part in Newly Formed New Jersey Chamber Orchestra

Juston Wolgemuth — Thu, 15 Jul 2021 12:31:29 +0000

The newly formed (NJCO), composed of accomplished musicians in the Mid-Atlantic region, includes several distinguished members of the 91�Թ� School of Music: maestro Thomas Hong, pianist Benjamin Harding, violinist Natalia Rudoi DaSilva, and violist Rachel Ku. Alumni Hannah Pak and Emilie Park as well as current students Caleb Thompson and Brinson Moore are also taking part in the orchestra.��
leads the NJCO as music director. He has served as the artistic director and conductor of the University of Pennsylvania Orchestras since 2015 and director of the 91�Թ� Symphony Orchestra since 2018. Hong has a history of titled positions in orchestras across the United States and internationally, including orchestras in Dallas, Seattle, Ohio, and the Orchestre National de France. At Cairn, Hong learned under the tutelage of respected instructor Samuel Hsu ’69. He then went on to earn a master’s degree in choral conducting at Temple University and an artist diploma in orchestral conducting from the Curtis Institute of Music, finishing his education at Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music.��
Alongside other exceptional musicians from the greater Philadelphia area and beyond, Dr. Benjamin Harding ’02, dean of the School of Music, will play piano for the orchestra. Dr. Harding has served at the University since 2012. After earning his BMus and BS in Bible at Cairn, he received a MMus and Professional Studies Certificate from the Manhattan School of Music and a DMA from the University of Maryland, College Park. Dr. Harding also serves as the director of worship at Riverstone Church in Yardley, PA.��

Music faculty Natalie Rudoi DaSilva will also perform with the group. DaSilva has served at the University with her expertise in applied violin and symphony orchestra since 2009. Her musical pedigree includes instruction under distinguished music educators and her enrollment in Temple University Music Prep’s Center for Gifted Young Musicians. She has also appeared as soloist with the Kennett Symphony Orchestra, the Manalapan Battleground Symphony Orchestra, and the Cleveland Institute of Music Symphony Orchestra—the institute where she earned her BMus and MMus.

The orchestra also includes Cairn music professor and member of the Philadelphia Orchestra Rachel Ku. Ku began instructing at Cairn in 2013, though she made her musical debut much earlier in Taipei in 1995. In 2004, Ku became the youngest member of the Philadelphia Orchestra at only 19. This renowned and several-award-winning violist holds a BMus from the Curtis Institute of Music and a MMus from the New England Conservatory.
The orchestra also welcomed Cairn alumni Hannah Pak and Emilie Park alongside current music students Caleb Thompson and Brinson Moore.

NJCO held their first performance at The Music Barn, an outdoor venue in Mullica Hill, NJ, on July 9, 2021. Robin Leigh Massie, vocal faculty in the School of Music, participated as a guest performer in this inaugural concert. Drawing on the current cultural ethos of reopenings and fresh starts, the inaugural concert was titled “An American Dream: Music of Aaron Copland.” The ensemble sought to make their performance of Copland’s works “encapsulate the hope, optimism and earnestness of the American spirit present in Copland’s Appalachian Spring and Tender Land Suite.”

26th Annual Golf Classic Raises $112,000 for The Cairn Fund

Juston Wolgemuth — Wed, 02 Jun 2021 12:48:29 +0000

On Monday, May 10, 2021, friends of 91�Թ� assembled for the 26th annual Golf Classic.��
Golfers returned to the renowned Philadelphia Cricket Club in Flourtown, PA for a pleasant day on the links. A record 172 participants took to the course for a day of golf and skills competitions in support of the University’s students, faculty, and facilities. The event generated $112,000 for The Cairn Fund, a University initiative to improve student affordability.��
The Golf Classic was sponsored by many University supporters: Penn Community Bank, Master’s Advisors, Charter Oak Field Services, Clairemont Capital Group, The Seidel Family, Charter Oak Research, Chick-fil-A, Stonecrop Wealth Advisors, LLC, Sovereign Insurance Group, and many other generous sponsors. Thank you, sponsors, for your gifts to the University and our students!
Save the date for next year! The 27th 91�Թ� Golf Classic is set to take place on May 9, 2022.
To reserve your sponsorship or foursome for next year, please contact Graham Thorpe, vice president for stewardship and development, at gthorpe@cairn.edu.

New Academic Programs in Music, Education, and Technology Added for Fall 2021

Juston Wolgemuth — Fri, 30 Apr 2021 18:05:14 +0000

91�Թ� is excited to offer several new academic programs in Fall 2021. These new majors, minors, dual-level programs, and graduate degrees will prepare students in the fields of education, business, technology, and music.
The School of Education will be offering two new minors: the Urban Education Minor and Cross-Cultural Education Minor. Each of these minors pairs well with other majors in the School of Education, offering a particular emphasis on engaging cross-cultural or urban contexts in the broad field of education.��
A new Graduate Certificate in TESOL will also be offered through the School of Education in Fall 2021. This fully online program offers the methodology for teaching English through studies in linguistics, culture and community, grammar, and pronunciation. Additionally, the program includes the benefits of flexibility, integrated field experience, and a tuition discount (up to 50% for teachers working in Christian schools!).
Cairn continues to broaden its technology program offerings with the Cybersecurity Major. Offered by the School of Business, the Cybersecurity major specializes in the concept and implementation of safety and privacy in the technological realm. A Cybersecurity + MBA dual-level program is also available for students.
The new Music (BA) + MBA dual-level program offers students the music knowledge and skill development of a music degree alongside the business know-how of an MBA. This allows participants to develop their passion for music while gaining an understanding of effective business for careers in the arts and elsewhere. Students complete the two degrees in as few as five years, all while maintaining undergraduate scholarships and financial aid.
The School of Music will also offer a new MA in Music and Worship. Participants in this program will develop their music knowledge and performance skills while simultaneously preparing a heart for worship ministry.�� The program will not be offered until Fall 2022, but applications are being accepted.
Whether it’s education, technology, or the arts, all of the University’s new programs will produce biblically minded, well-educated, and professionally competent men and women of character.

Groundbreaking Ceremony Marks the Beginning of Construction for the Stillman Athletic Complex

Juston Wolgemuth — Fri, 16 Apr 2021 20:36:58 +0000

President Williams and Pat Stillman put shovels in the ground near the soon-to-be entrance of the G. Patrick Stillman Athletic Complex.

On Friday, April 16, 2021, 91�Թ� held a groundbreaking ceremony to mark the beginning of construction for the G. Patrick Stillman Athletic Complex. The complex bearing Patrick Stillman’s name will house new soccer, lacrosse, baseball, and softball fields, providing new opportunities for campus life and community gatherings.
Following a special recognition of the new construction in Friday’s chapel, President Todd J. Williams and Patrick Stillman, Board of Trustees member, met at the construction site with a close gathering of students, faculty, staff, friends, and family. After a few words from President Williams, they put shovels in the ground, signifying the official beginning of construction.
A former college athlete himself, Stillman understands the important role athletics can play in personal development and community life. The Stillman Family’s generous gift will create a new physical space for the Cairn community to come together, as well as an upgraded venue for various athletics teams (including the newly added men’s and women’s lacrosse teams) to compete.

Student-athletes and coaching staff from the women’s soccer and men’s lacrosse teams are eager to compete on the new fields later this year.

When 91�Թ� launched their Forward campaign in 2016, they set out to improve student affordability, expand their academic programs, and strengthen campus community with facility upgrades. At that time, Patrick Stillman; his wife, Beulah; and their four children gave $3 million to help create the new athletic complex. Friday’s groundbreaking marked the official beginning of construction and also marks a successful end to the Forward campaign. Through the generous support of donors like the Stillman family, the University has met and exceeded their goals with increased student affordability, new academic programs in science and technology, and several new campus spaces and upgrades.��
To the Stillman family, thank you for your generous and faithful support.��

Matching Gift Week Raises Over $130,000 to Benefit Cairn Students

Juston Wolgemuth — Thu, 08 Apr 2021 16:21:57 +0000

From March 15–19, 2021, many generous donors rallied to raise money for The Cairn Fund during Cairn’s annual Matching Gift Week. Like the several before it, this year’s Matching Gift Week ended with resounding success.��
Each year, faithful donors commit to match up to $50,000 of gifts made to the University during Matching Gift Week. This year, an additional giver committed to matching up to $10,000 more. With a midweek goal change to $60,000, the University’s donors met and exceeded the challenge, bringing in a total of $132,200.��
This year’s Matching Gift Week focused on the effective and timely impact of providing Cairn graduates with a biblical worldview in their areas of study. Cairn highlighted students heading into important fields where being biblically minded is not only uncommon but uniquely effective.��

Politics major Nate Rossi ’21 was one such example. During his time at Cairn, he developed an understanding of how faith informs policy. “We might disagree as Christians,” he explained, “…but our faith needs to inform us on how we treat each other, especially when we’re in political discussion.” Nate completed an internship with Congressman Bryan Fitzpatrick as part of his politics curriculum, giving him the opportunity to put that biblically minded approach into practice even before he graduates. He plans to continue this approach in the future as he hopes to run for state or federal office. See more in his video at cairn.edu/matchinggift.

Matching Gift Week also highlighted social work major Rachel Eelman ’23. Rachel’s in-class and real-world experiences are helping her integrate professional social work competency and biblical thought. Interacting with caring and faithful professors is deepening her understanding of how to model Christlikeness among the people with whom she works. In only her sophomore year, she already serves as the president of the social work club, and she looks forward to starting her first placement next year.��
Because of donations from generous supporters of the University, students like Nate and Rachel can receive the biblical education that our world needs. This continued annual support of The Cairn Fund helps more students receive financial aid to make a college education more accessible.��
Thank you, once again, for generously investing in the success of our students!