MBBC Business Alumni Blog

Trek Bicycle Internship Opportunities

2012-01-16T17:13:00.002-06:00

Trek Bicycle, a local company doing business globally, is presently offering internship opportunities in Wisconsin.

Please send resumes to Casey Birschbach, Trek’s in-house recruiter at:

Casey_Birschbach@trekbikes.com

Scholarship Opportunity!

2012-01-12T13:48:00.005-06:00

You are making a difference. In your classroom and in your community. If you have the passion to succeed—especially in fields of study important to the automotive and related industries—the Buick Achievers Scholarship Program is looking for you. This year, we will award 1,100 scholarships, including 100 renewable scholarships of up to $25,000 per year.

ARE YOU THE NEXT BUICK ACHIEVER?

It starts with good grades. But goes beyond.

A dedicated student. A leader in school. A volunteer worker. A college-bound and community-minded individual.

The Buick Achievers Scholarship Program wants to reward students who have succeeded both inside and outside of the classroom—and who may not be able to attend college without financial assistance. It's a reward for what you've made of yourself and the difference you are making for others.

The Buick Achievers Scholarship Program is offering:

-- Up to $25,000 per year for 100 first-time freshman or existing college students, renewable up to four years and one additional year for those entering a qualified five-year engineering program.

-- $2,000 one-time awards for an additional 1,000 students.

For More Information:

Program specifics and access to the online application are now available at www.buickachievers.com. Please note that the deadline to apply is February 29, 2012. You must submit your application by February 29 in order for it to be considered.

Unpaid Internship Opportunity (No college credit earned)

2012-01-12T13:31:00.002-06:00

Digital Acumen is looking for someone to work as an account manager (10-12 hours per week) for the Spring 2012 semester. While this is an unpaid internship, "this is an opportunity for students to make political connections and to get involved in conservative politics."

Digital Acumen is looking for an intern who will work alongside social media experts. As an intern at Digital Acumen you will be working at the cutting edge of social media.

Responsibilities include managing Twitter accounts and blog posts, filing reports, and back end application management. "The internship is multidisciplinary in nature and we welcome all majors to apply."

They are looking for "self-starting" students in their Junior or Senior. Prior social media experience is preferred.

If interested, please submit resumes to interns@digital-acumen.com

Position FILLED -- Bookkeeper, Midwest General Repair & Fabrication, Reeseville, WI

2012-01-03T12:12:00.007-06:00

THIS POSITION HAS BEEN FILLED!!

Description: Part-time Bookkeeper (16-24 hours/wk)

Experience: 1+ years bookkeeping experience, or comparable qualifications; experience with QuickBooks helpful

Education & Training: High school; some college preferred

Responsibilities:
• Payroll and banking reconciliations
• Invoice entry
• Check writing
• Inventory control

MGRF is located in Reeseville, WI, and is owned by a Christian man who is very active in the day-to-day activities of the business. If you or someone you know is interested in this position, please contact Art Metcalf directly. You can visit their website at www.mgrf.com.

Contact: Art Metcalf at ametcalf@mgrf.net or 920-927-3851

Midwest General Repair & Fabrication LLC
202 Harrison Street
Reeseville, WI 53579-0039

Welcome, Steve!

2011-12-26T21:38:00.003-06:00

The Department of Business is excited to welcome Mr. Steve Board to its ranks beginning January 1, 2012.

Steve, a member of Maranatha's Board of Trustees from 2003-2011, will join the department after working as VP of Sales and Marketing for Carter Brothers, headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. Prior to joining Carter Brothers, Steve was the Director of Business Development at Barton Malow Company, located in Sterling Heights, Michigan. With over 30 years experience in building design, project and facilities management, marketing and sales, and construction activities, Steve's "real life" experience should be an asset to him (and his students) as he teaches marketing and communication classes this coming spring. Additionally, Steve has served as a deacon, Sunday School teacher, and as the head of the jail ministry team at the federal prison in Hampton, GA.

Please pray for Steve and his wife, Pat, as they transition to this new ministry here at Maranatha.

Year-end Contribution: "Hold for 2012"

2011-12-20T14:28:00.003-06:00

Question:

A church member made a contribution by check this past week and noted in the memo section “2012 donation”. Since they actually made the donation in 2011, what are our options? I know we can't deposit the contribution now and show it on the contributor's giving statement for 2012. Can a church "hold" the check until 2012 and deposit it then? What would be the ideal way to handle this?

Answer:

You could return the check to the donor to amend the issue date to January 1, 2012. I believe s/he should cross out the date with a single line, then record and initial the new, post-dated entry. Of course, a replacement check could also be drafted.

Coming Soon!

2011-12-03T18:34:00.005-06:00

The Department of Business has been pretty busy since Mr. Miller retired last May. With semester projects due and final exams coming right around the corner, it looks like things will remain relatively swamped the next couple weeks.

Nevertheless, it is our goal to communicate announcements, job opportunities, and other on a far more frequent basis than we have in the past. As a matter of fact, we hope to post some very important and exciting announcements before Christmas, so come back soon!

In the meantime, we would like to invite you to send us YOUR updates and information. Drs. Pfaffe and Davis, Mr. Stevens, and Professors Drost and Fell (and the rest of the Maranatha gang) are very interested in hearing about what has been happening in your life, so please feel free to let us know about what's going on with you and your loved ones. We would love to hear from you!

New Posting: Customer Services & Sales Representative, ICON Insurance Service Corp., Hartland, WI

2011-08-05T11:56:00.004-05:00

Create a career at a local independent insurance agency specializing in business-to-business marketing. Full-time @ 40 hrs/week.

Initial Expectations:
• Learn professional insurance etiquette
• Utilize an insurance specific software and company internet sites
• Develop proficient business verbal and written communication skills
• Develop sales and people skills capabilities
• Learn to listen well and ask questions
• Take insurance classes and proceed to get insurance license
• Combine sales and service internet specialty within the insurance products

Skills, traits, and experience:
• Self-motivated and can work independently
• Learn from the bottom mundane tasks
• Proficient computer and internet utilization
• Confident and presentable
• Enjoy supporting a small team
• Always put the customer’s needs first
• Be able to learn quickly
• Make self goals and training plan

Agency provisions:
• Training classes, insurance education licensing paid by the company
• Support provided by office teammates
• Flexible, friendly office environment
• Agency support for networking
• Mentoring by experienced, established agents
• Hourly rate plus sale commission

555 S. Industrial Drive, Ste 8
Hartland, WI 53029
Phone 262-367-7550
Email: ContactUs@IconInsuranceGroup.Com

New Job Posting: Marketing Assistant, Preferred Utilities Manufacturing Corporation, Danbury, CT

2011-07-29T10:47:00.003-05:00

Job Description: This full time position in our Danbury, CT corporate office will report to the National Sales Manager. This position will be responsible for coordinating trade shows and materials, copy writing, proof reading, and assisting with the ideas and development of marketing campaigns.

The position is expected to be comfortable working independently with a large degree of self initiative and will have excellent computer skills including Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative Suite. Exceptional phone skills are required to coordinate events and work with the sales team and other corporate functional departments as required. This position is expected have the confidence and presence to research and communicate directly with potential customers and to attend infrequent trade shows or conferences with our team as required.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Coordinating all trade shows including hotels, booth set up and coordinating exhibit set up
• Writing, editing, and printing sales and marketing materials: articles, press releases, presentations, white papers, etc.
• Updating websites with a marketing friendly tool (no coding needed)
• Validating and fulfilling requests for marketing information, tracking mail campaigns and requests
• Administrative support to the sales team: exhibit and trade show travel, preparing agendas

Skills and Specifications:
• Possess skills in project management and multi-tasking
• Knowledge of general marketing principles
• Excellent copy writing and editing skills
• Excellent attention to detail including grammar, punctuation, presentation, etc.
• Effective presentation and communication skills
• Ability to work individually on both assigned and on self-driven projects
• Capable of writing reports, procedures and business correspondence
• Ability to solve problems and recommend solutions
• Well formed skills in organization, prioritizing and time management
• Must have a high level of product and customer awareness
• Able to work under deadline pressure to meet project needs

Education: Associate's degree in Marketing, Business Administration or Public Relations, Graphic Design

Contact: David G. Bohn, President

Preferred Utilities Manufacturing Corp
31-35 South St
Danbury, CT 06810
(p) 203.743.6741 x101
(f) 203.798.7313

New Job Posting: Bookkeeper, Midwest General Repair & Fabrication, Reeseville, WI

2011-07-29T10:28:00.008-05:00

Experience: 1+ years bookkeeping experience, or comparable qualifications; experience with QuickBooks helpful

Education & Training: High school; some college preferred

Responsibilities:
• Prepare & generate month-end financial statements & reports; maintain fixed asset & depreciation schedules; make monthly adjusting journal entries
• Prepare & process payroll
• Manage accounts payable & liabilities; assist with A/R as needed
• Prepare, file, and pay state forms for manufacturing companies and sales tax
• Assist in problem solving for inventory & accounting process flows

Anticipated Weekly Hours: 24-32 per week

Contact: Art Metcalf at ametcalf@mgrf.net or 920-927-3851

Midwest General Repair & Fabrication LLC
202 Harrison Street
Reeseville, WI 53579-0039

Jessica (Aucoin) Asire (2007)

2010-09-17T21:24:00.004-05:00

In April 2010, Jessica's husband Matt graduated from BM ‘A’ School in Yorktown, VA. He is now a 3rd class (boatswains mate).

Jessica says they now live in "Valdez, Alaska, a tiny little town on the border of Prince William Sound, in South Central Alaska. We are 5 hours from Anchorage, the nearest city. Our town consists of the Coast Guard, a few hotels, a few restaurants, a grocery store, a sportsman’s outfitters, and lots of fishing! People ask- you have a Wal-Mart right? And my response is, sure, about 5 hours away! To really get a feel for how small the town is, you should Google it. We love our little town though! It’s so beautiful here" (see picture).

Jessica works for Doyon Universal Services as the Badging Coordinator. Doyon is contracted by the Alyeska Pipeline to take care of security at the Valdez Marine Terminal (the very end of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline).

Jessica says, "I am really loving my job so far, and have already used so much information that I learned at college.

"When we found out we were moving to Alaska, I started looking up churches. Kim Terpstra contacted me via Facebook to tell me she grew up in Glennallen which is about 2 hours from Valdez. She asked if I knew a Becky Fickes (maiden name Smith) from Maranatha. I told her no. She proceeded to tell me that Becky graduated from Maranatha and lives in Valdez with her husband, Brian, and son, Jonathan. I added Becky as a friend on Facebook, and started praying that this meant there was a good church. Sure enough, I got to Valdez and met Becky, and her father-in-law is the Pastor of Valdez Bible Baptist Church. We have a wonderful little church that we have joined and become actively involved in. When Matt is home he has started helping with the Youth Group. I have become involved helping with the nursery and playing the piano. God really worked through this situation. I was praying for a good church we could be involved in, and Becky was praying for a young couple that would help with the youth group. God answered both prayers!!!"

Zach Mortimer (2004)

2010-09-17T21:14:00.001-05:00

Zach is now an approved candidate for taking on a State Farm agency of his own. That was August 2. He asked for prayer as he considers various open areas. We have not heard in the last few weeks, but perhaps he has his own agency already. We're sure he will keep us posted!

Ken Clark (2008)

2010-09-17T21:05:00.002-05:00

Ken Clark keeps in touch! He and Alysha celebrated their one year wedding anniversary August 1. Now they're expecting a baby in late December!

Ken says,

"Life is really taking off on us; it's all we can do to keep up. Also I recently began a career with New York Life and we moved to Byron, Illinois just south of Rockford to build my practice.

"I feel the Lord has provided this opportunity for me to utilize my business degree and move closer to friends and family."

Will Anderson (2010)

2010-09-17T20:58:00.002-05:00

Will and his wife live in Denver were he received a promotion this summer at Dunbar Armored, Inc. to the post of Operations Manager. Congratulations Will. It's a great blessing to hear of God's blessing in your work.

Trevor Walto (2007)

2010-09-17T20:38:00.002-05:00

It was great to hear from Trevor recently. He says,

"My wife and I are getting ready to celebrate our second anniversary in about a month. We are attending and involved at Brookside Baptist in Brookfield. It is great to see God’s hand in and to be a part of a growing church.

"I recently finished up my Masters Degree in accounting (MPA) at UW Whitewater which gave me the 150 credit hours I needed to sit for the CPA exam. I then spent the summer studying full-time for the exam using the Becker review program. It is unbelievable the amount of information that one needs to take in to be prepared properly. I took the Regulation section in May, which I passed, and took the remaining three sections in July and August. I just found out last week that I passed all of them except Auditing on my first try. I will retake that section in November before the new changes go into effect.

"I am now starting my fourth week at Deloitte and am working in the tax department in the Milwaukee offices. I am still learning a lot of what my job will entail but generally we work with expatriates and inpatriates both in a tax preparation role and in a tax advisory role.

I consider myself very blessed to be in the position I am right now. As I worked through my Masters program at Whitewater, there were many other students that I talked to that were having trouble finding jobs. God has blessed me with a job in this tough economy and not only that but a job at one of the Big Four accounting firms!

"It is amazing to look back over all of my challenging experiences and see God’s guiding hand. I had my own plans for my career and how it would progress but God’s plan was so much better. If I had not let Him work and tried to do things my own way I may not have experienced it."

Stephen White (2010)

2010-09-17T20:24:00.002-05:00

Stephen White shares an update on where God has led him since graduating in December 2009.

"The night before my wedding (May 28, 2010), one of the companies that I had interviewed with in February contacted me and asked if I had found permanent employment. After a four hour interview the week after my honeymoon, I received a job offer. I accepted!

"I am a sales assistant for a manufacturer's representative company outside of Chicago. The company represents suppliers to retail stores (Ace Hardware, True Value, Blaine's Farm and Fleet, etc.).

"Because there are only 7 employees, we all wear multiple hats all the time. I very much enjoy the challenge and risk of the small business. I am responsible for the "upkeep" of relationships with more than 20 different companies. My main role is operational and administrative, but I am always involved with marketing, consulting, customer service and, of course, sales.

"Being a Christian in a small business environment definitely has its challenges and rewards. I would appreciate your prayers as I work at being a light."

Angela (Henry) Silver ('10)

2010-09-02T18:13:00.004-05:00

Angela started a new job September 1 as "the accountant for Spread Truth (check out www.spreadtruth.com). It will be mostly bookkeeping, using Quickbooks."

Angela took Accounting Software for Small Business in her final semester at Maranatha last Spring where she learned much about QuickBooks. Pursuing her CPA designation may be in her near future as well.

Angela received special recognition at graduation last May:

"The Department of Business recognizes Miss Angela Henry as the 2010 Student Achievement Award recipient. As an Accounting Management major, Miss Henry earned a grade point average of 3.94 while maintaining an active extracurricular schedule and gaining the respect of her peers and professors. Miss Henry served as a senior class officer and held multiple other offices and on-campus leadership positions while pursuing her education. She participated in campus music and missions ministries. As a Music Concentration student, Miss Henry qualified as a finalist in the 2010 Commencement Contest in piano, while also preparing for her senior music recital. She traveled to South Africa in the summer of 2009 on a College mission trip. Miss Henry served faithfully in the music and children’s ministries at the Stoughton Baptist Church of Stoughton, Wisconsin. Her fellow seniors consistently acknowledged her superior leadership and accounting skills as a team member for her Senior Capstone team project."

Of course, since her wedding this summer she is Mrs. Brian Silver! :^) Brian serves as College Pastor at Calvary Baptist Church of Normal, Illinois.

Matt Evon ('09)

2010-09-01T21:37:00.003-05:00

Matt and his wife, Kris, bought a house this year where they live in Fort Campbell, Kentucky. They have one child, pictured here. Her name is Ginger.

Matt says, "We are in a VERY good church down here. We have been attending Cross and Crown Baptist Church for 5 months now, and we absolutely love it. The preaching is very good, and the people truly have a heart for the Lord. I’ve been playing the piano consistently for offerings/special music, and Kris and I help out with the youth group on Wednesday nights. Many military personnel attend our church so it is nice to have brothers and sisters in Christ who can relate to the struggles of Army life."

Matt has been training extensively in his finance and accounting role for the US Army. He's also finding some time for golf.

Monica Swaagman ('04)

2010-09-01T21:00:00.002-05:00

Monica has been working hard! and succeeding!

She earned her master's degree in Accounting at UW-Milwaukee and then completed all four sections of the CPA exam. In July, she received notification that she passed all four parts on the first try!

Monica Swaagman has been an Assistant Vice President, Controller, at First Bank Financial Centre in Oconomowoc since January 2009. She's quite confident that her work there will qualify for the experience requirements to gain her CPA license. She can submit her application to the Accounting Examining Board on September 23 and, then, wait to hear if the members agree.

Hopefully, we'll have some more good news to communicate then!

Kristen Kowalcyk ('07)

2010-02-01T07:09:00.002-06:00

Kristen is moving to the Chattanooga, Tennessee area from her home in Michigan to serve as the Administrative Assistant/Office Manager for the Executive Director of AACS (American Association of Christian Schools).

"[The trip down] be an experience" Kristen says. "[T]his past weekend, TN got 2-3 inches of snow/slush/ice. There is barely any snow in MI right now, but it is cold."

We praise the Lord for this wonderful opportunity for Kristen.

Tom ('08) and Kara ('09) (Kuntzelman) Tyson

2010-01-31T15:24:00.003-06:00

Tom and Kara were married October 3, 2009, and spent a week in Jamaica for their honeymoon and loved it (see the happy couple picture here)!

Kara says:

"The day after we got back we packed all my stuff and moved out to Elkhart, Indiana. Tom works in Middlebury still with P and P Imports. He continues to manage and run their store and work with wholesale customers on a daily basis. I work at the Hilton Garden Inn in Elkhart as a Front Desk associate.

"We joined Northside Baptist Church, and we are really enjoying it. The Pastor went to college in Pennsylvania and was taught by my High School Choir director. It's a small world!"

Matt Evon ('09)

2010-01-31T15:01:00.006-06:00

Matt says that he "arrived at [his] 'permanent' duty station of Ft. Campbell, KY just before the Christmas season." As a Finance Officer his official "title" is Platoon Leader/Disbursing Officer.

As they prepare to deploy, Matt says: "God has blessed me with a very good Platoon Sergeant who is an excellent leader. I've mostly been observing what my platoon does on a day-to-day basis and thinking of ways to make our training better."

One of the next steps in Matt's training will repelling out of Blackhawk helicopters! He's excited about that prospect: "cannot wait." Sure! This is exactly what all of his former professors would be saying if they had the same opportunity! NOT! :^)

Fellow Business Alumni, please pray for Matt and his wife as he serves our Country. We are very proud of him and understand that God must protect and guide him.

Pictured here, we dug out of the archives one of (young) Matt's color guard pictures.

New Accounting Major: 150-hour, CPA-track

2010-01-28T11:35:00.015-06:00

Maranatha’s Department of Business faculty announced this month the addition of a 150-hour Accounting major that may lead a graduate to pursue the designation of Certified Public Accountant. This augments the Department’s current Accounting Management major which has led several on the path to become CPAs after completing additional education beyond its 128-hour program.

Expectations for growth in the accounting world exceed many other industries, which means that future accountants will have numerous job opportunities, especially if they hold a bachelor’s degree and their CPA designation.

Professors Ron Miller, CPA, MBA, and Corey Pfaffe, CPA, PhD, will lead the implementation of the 4½-year track, including the introduction of four new courses—required courses Advanced Accounting and Accounting Information Systems; elective courses Federal Income Tax II and Government & Not-for-Profit Accounting.

The new courses will first be offered during the 2010/11 through the 2012/13 school years. Fall 2010 freshman in the 150-hour program begin their studies right away in Financial Accounting. Current Maranatha juniors entering the Fall 2010 semester who are currently enrolled in the Accounting Management major will be able complete all 150-hour Accounting major requirements by the end of the Fall 2012 semester, if they so desire.

Both Mr. Miller and Dr. Pfaffe anticipate applying their considerable experience in private and public accounting to prepare the next generation of Christian financial leaders.

Michael Johnson ('09)

2010-01-23T14:31:00.002-06:00

Michael and his bride were married June 13, 2009. Mike started his accounting job with Jaguar Communications in Owatonna, Minnesota in the same month. Mike says,

"God orchestrated the entire scenario [housing and jobs] for us to stay close to our families, and provided us both with wonderful jobs (working at the same place), and a great place to live. We can work the same hours, take the same lunch break, and go home together every day!

"[In January 2010] we signed the papers for our new house that we are having built for us in Owatonna. God provided us with decent jobs and the financial training necessary to be able to be debt free from school, and still be able to put more than 25% down on our house. So, in that aspect, thank you [business faculty] for your part of that financial training.

"It has been very exciting to get out and apply what I learned in school in the real world. I have enjoyed my job very much. I have been working here seven months now, and was promoted to the Accounting Manager last month. I was able to come in and set up some principles and guidelines for their accounting methods, as well as do some coding and data base work for their accounting software.

"I know that it is nothing more than by the grace of God that I am where I am. He provided my wife and I with what we have and where we are at, and I owe Him so much!"

Praise the Lord, Michael. We like that attitude!

Jeremy Crooks ('98)

2010-01-02T21:43:00.004-06:00

Jeremy writes:

"Our kids continue to grow. Jared is 9, Vanessa 8, Olivia 2 and Erica 1. Even now, we are preparing financially for them to be able to go to MBBC when they finish school. Speaking of school, we are really blessed to have our older 2 in Wyong Christian School.

"In terms of an update of what is happening with us. This year we planted a new church in Wyong (it looks to be about 100 kilometers north of Sydney). It is located in a 'socially needy area' and so getting the right balance of meeting people's physical and spiritual needs is a constant challenge. However, we are encouraged with t

he new relationship inroads we are making into lives of people who have no church background. Don Lawson, Phil Patch and I are elders and we share preaching and pastoral responsibilities. It is a challenge time-wise as we all work vocationally too. However, it means we are able to see a new work established without requiring salaries.

"Stephanie unexpectedly lost both her grandparents this year. We were actually in the US when her grandmother died, so she was able to make the funeral. However, this Christmas has been hard for her - particularly when thinking about her family who she doesn't see often.

"Work-wise, I continue to operate my own HR consultancy business. The Lord has blessed with plenty of work and finances this year, inspite of the financial crisis. While the longer term business outlook is uncertain, I am blessed to have regular and stable clients in the short to medium term. This year I also had Peter Prusak (MBBC business senior) join me for an internship - which was an encouragement."

Andrew Carlson ('05)

2010-01-02T21:26:00.004-06:00

Andrew became engaged to Jeanna Cleland on Monday night 12/21/2009 and also started a new job the same day! We're very grateful for God's accomplishments in Andrew's life.

Andrew says: "Jeanna and I have dated since September 2007. She is a nursing graduate from Loyola University in Chicago. She has been working at a hospital in Waukegan, IL for six months and just got a new job at La Rabida Children's Hospital in Chicago starting January 4th. We are hoping to get married in the fall in Chicago.

"After four interviews with LAZ Parking in Chicago and spending considerable time praying and reflecting on what the right decision was, I decided that I should take the new job with LAZ as their Director of Business Development in Chicago.

"Since these new life developments have not kept me busy enough, I have also gone back to school at the University of Chicago's Grahm School of General Studies to complete their Financial Decision Making Certificate. It is a six course MBA prep program and I begin my next two courses on January 5th. I will then take courses five and six in May and then decide when to start the MBA program."

Kim (Marks) Petrutiu ('98)

2010-01-02T21:21:00.006-06:00

Kim says: "As we finish the year out, we are very grateful for some recent blessings:
1) Marcel got a job!! He is now a courier for Pegasus mailing service. His hours are reasonable along with the pay and he gets to bring the truck home at night eliminating a commute to work.
2) We sold the Land Rover! After one year of constant repairs, we sold the truck to a mechanic who might be better able to take care of it. We are just happy to be rid of it and have the cash to stash because the biggest news is. . . .
3) WE ARE MOVING TO CANADA! We have been praying about this opportunity for a while and the Lord has been opening doors. On November 27, we had an interview with a Canadian official who granted us permanent residence visas contingent on background checks and medical exams. We are currently waiting for our FBI records (or non-records) to process and hope to move to the Montreal area by summer 2010. Montreal is a bilingual city (English & French) in the French area of Canada (Quebec). We are hoping that Marcel will be able to finish his medical degree at one of Montreal’s eleven universities and we both will become fluent in French to prepare us for future ministry. (Marcel studied French in school and I have been working with a tutor for over 2 months so we have a good start.)"

Wayne Mix ('91)

2009-11-27T09:27:00.006-06:00

From his ministry at Ironwood Christian Camp in California, Wayne writes:

"We have been staying busy here at the camp, Praise the Lord! This past weekend was a couples retreat and the Women Counseling Women’s retreat just left yesterday. This is the first weekend without a camp in a couple months.

"I have exciting news regarding support and deputation! I spent several days in Washington, near Seattle and out to Pasco doing some deputation meetings. One of the churches in Kent, WA, voted and took me on for support, how exciting for me and a huge blessing. Their support makes a good dent in covering what was lost last year! There is another church that is praying about supporting me and they vote a little later on this year. I praise the Lord for a good trip and wonderfully gracious churches that let me present ministry and put up with my nervous presentations!!

"All right, time to go find something to eat!! This weekend will be spent working on the bulldozer, it needs to be running so we can prepare for work crews in a week and a half. Thanksgiving break will be spent working on vehicle repairs, catching up with that work and working on the Leadership Live Journal additions for this next year.

Here are some pictures of Wayne, on a bulldozer and being "attacked" by a camper! :^)

Jonathan McCarrell ('07)

2009-11-18T21:11:00.010-06:00

We have pictures! Jonathan and his bride, Julane, are getting established in Michigan. Jonathan says that they're working through Dave Ramsey's Total Money Makeover and finding it a great blessing to start their marriage off on solid financial footing. What a romantic guy! :^)

Jonathan is part of the Administrative Team that oversees two main companies. He oversees Asset Management and Cash Receipts, develops internal financial reports for the companies, and assists the Business Development Officer and the Executives from the two companies with organizational improvement.

Jonathan says, "The Executive Director of the IFCA International (a fellowship that our church is a part of) asked me to serve on the Finance Committee in an advisory role. The Committee meets 5-6 times a year and discusses with the Executive Director and the Finance Director the implications of the various financial decisions we, as a ministry, will be presented with. The Committee consists of several area businessmen with significant management experience, one man with significant Marketing knowledge and experience, and I am being brought on as the Finance/Accounting Advisor.

"I praise the Lord for this awesome opportunity and look forward to applying my finance/accounting knowledge in a ministry setting. And I praise the Lord for his provision in allowing me to complete both a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting and an MBA by the age of 24!"

Melissa (Neisler) Hertbert ('03)

2009-11-18T21:00:00.003-06:00

New daughter Callie Jane Herbert was born Aug 11, 2009 to Aaron & Melissa. It might be her parents by now who need the vacation! We're sure that she's no trouble though.

Nathan Chromy ('09)

2009-10-17T16:02:00.001-05:00

Nathan writes:

"I accepted a position for the State at the Waupun Correctional Facility. My official title is Office Operations Assistant; basically I will be working with coordinating inmate movement, cell assignment, incident reporting, and other paperwork pushing. We are pretty excited."

Nathan and his wife live in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin.

Matt Evon ('09)

2009-10-17T15:58:00.002-05:00

Matt sent an update:

"Finally after a few weeks at the army's Financial Management School I have a good idea of what exactly I will be doing once I graduate and start working at my first duty station in Fort Campbell, KY.

"As a 2LT my job title is the OIC (officer in charge) of Accounts Payable/Disbursing. My primary responsibility is to pay vendors so that my unit has the resources it needs to accomplish its mission. My office consists of just 5 people (4 NCO enlisted personnel and myself), and we are in charge of paying all the vendors for a Brigade (4,000 people!). I'm very excited because down the road there are many opportunities for advancement. In just 3 short years when I get promoted to Captain I could be planning an annual budget for an entire Brigade which would be very interesting.

"I heard that [Maranatha's] ROTC Ranger Challenge Team came in 1st place this past weekend! CDT Furnari called me yesterday and he seemed very excited about it."

Thanks, Matt. As taxpayers, we're also glad to know that you'll making careful use of our tax dollars in defense of our liberties as Americans!

Michael O'Neal ('07)

2009-08-10T21:01:00.005-05:00

Michael writes:

"On St Patrick’s Day, we were blessed with a 6 lbs 11 oz baby boy!! Young Micah Paul has truly been a blessing from the Lord as we have watched him grow over the past four months. We look forward to what God has for our family as we continue to seek His guidance.

"Since graduation, I have been working for the Defense Finance & Accounting Service in Cleveland, OH. I was hired into a program called the Leaders in Motion program, and have had several opportunities to perform various accounting functions for the many Defense agencies (mainly working with the Navy & the Marine Corps). After a few months with the agency, I was given the opportunity to travel to San Diego, CA for three months to work on the transition of the accounting workload from that site to Cleveland. This past May, I was able to attend the American Society of Military Comptroller’s National Professional Development Institute in San Antonio, TX. At this conference, I was presented with the Meritorious Performance Award in the Accounting & Finance category. I am also pursuing my MA Accounting degree from Cleveland State University, and preparing to sit for the CPA exam in the hopefully near future."

"My wife & I have also been actively serving at the Cleveland Baptist Church under Pastor Kevin Folger. I have been serving in the Audio\Video ministry running the live webcasts, preparing the “Challenge For Today” radio broadcasts, and running the sound board equipment. My wife has been working in the deaf ministry, singing special music, working in the nursery, and helping run video cameras."

What a blessing, Mike! It's been a joy for the Business faculty to keep up with Mike and Betsy (Kiper) and to hear from them regularly.

Matt Uplinger ('09)

2009-07-16T13:44:00.003-05:00

Matt has a new job and new location. His wife, Jodi, was transferred closer to Milwaukee from her job in Columbus. Matt and Jodi now live in West Bend.

So Matt writes: "We decided it would be best for us to move closer to her job to save us money on travel and hopefully have a better chance of me finding a job near Milwaukee. At the beginning of June I got a call to come in for a job interview. The interview was a group interview and it was a very different format than I have done before. We were expected to prepare a presentation for the interview and we had to do some other role playing and Q/A time with the rest of the group. While it was a different type of interviewing for me, it was very similar to the way that we held class and I felt very comfortable in it. About a week later I got a call from the company and they offered me a job.

"On June 22nd I started my job as the Local Marketing Specialist for Babies R Us. I am in charge of marketing for the Appleton, Brookfield, and Racine stores. It is my job to go to the OB/GYN offices, hospitals, Family Practices, Pediatrician offices, and anywhere else that would have contact with expectant mothers and create a relationship where we can have them pass out materials promoting the store. I am also in charge of finding various local events and Baby expos to participate in to get the word out about Babies R Us."

The faculty guess that he's now extra thankful for those oral exams and other challenging experiences in the classroom that prepared him to do so well. :^)

Ken Barbic ('02)

2009-07-14T18:26:00.002-05:00

Press Release regarding Ken Barbic:

Western Growers Welcomes New D.C. Director

IRVINE, CA (July 8, 2009) — Western Growers this week welcomed Ken Barbic to the Washington, D.C., office, where he will serve as the association’s new director of federal government affairs.

Most recently, Barbic served as deputy assistant USTR [United States Trade Representative] for congressional affairs at the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative. Prior to that, he worked as a legislative assistant for the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Ways and Means. Barbic completed internships at the White House Office of Public Liaison, the Bakersfield District Office of former Congressman Bill Thomas (R-CA) and the Food Marketing Institute. Barbic grew up in and around agriculture in Bakersfield, Calif., taking on various summer jobs in the industry.

“Ken is a terrific addition to the Western Growers team,” said Cathy Enright, Western Growers’ vice president of federal government affairs. “He brings valuable legislative and practical experience to Western Growers’ issues across the board. Barbic will play a vital role in the success of our organization and the specialty crop industry, at large, as Western Growers’ presence in our nation’s capital continues to grow.”

Barbic earned a B.S. degree in business management and an M.A. degree in Biblical studies from Maranatha Baptist Bible College in Watertown, Wisconsin.

Western Growers is an agricultural trade association whose almost 3,000 members grow, pack and ship 90 percent of the fresh vegetables and nearly 70 percent of the fresh fruit and tree nuts grown in Arizona and California, about one-half of the national’s fresh produce. Western Growers members provide the best medicine in the world.

Daniel Backhaus ('09)

2009-07-14T17:07:00.002-05:00

Daniel says, "Hello from Texas!" In June, he began working for Ryan Wychopan ('08) at Security International in McAllen. The company installs fire alarm and security systems. Daniel's job title is estimator/designer. He researches construction jobs and develops bids for the fire alarm and security systems.

Kim (Marks) Petrutiu ('98)

2009-07-08T14:01:00.004-05:00

What an exciting time for Kim!

Kim writes:

"Married. Can you believe it? After a month of changing my name on documents, signing a new name and learning to say, 'my husband, Marcel,' I am still in awe that the Lord has granted me the privilege of experiencing His love and care through marriage. Marcel and I had the wedding of our dreams followed by a relaxing honeymoon in Paris, France.

... "As we shared in previous letters, Marcel believes that the Lord is leading him to finish nursing school and serve the Lord full-time in medical missions. After much prayer and wise counsel, Marcel and I have decided that it would be best for me to step aside from Baptist Mid-Missions as Marcel finishes his schooling. We will be staying in Oradea , Romania serving at Maranatha Baptist Church (a BMM church plant).

... "We will continue to post regular updates to my website http://www.krazymarks.com/ and covet your prayers as we enter this new phase in our lives: seeking God’s will as a family."

Jordon Brill ('09)

2009-06-26T11:26:00.001-05:00

Jordon's working in Watertown at KD Interactive. It will be great to have him right here!

Matt Evon ('09)

2009-06-24T21:52:00.004-05:00

Matt is now at Ft. Knox, KY at the ROTC Leader's Training Course. He says, "I am working on the S1 Administration Staff, and I absolutely love it. My official job title is OIC (officer in charge) of Cadet Awards. Most of my job includes making sure the correct COL's signature is on each cadet's certificate when they graduate and making sure that each of the Drill SGTs are keeping tabs on the graduation requirements for each of their cadets. Lots of paperwork."

Matt seems to be well adjusted to the Army way: heavy use of acronyms! :^) I've included a picture of Matt's commission ceremony, here with Colonel Pitz in Maranatha's Heritage Room shortly after Commencement on May 9th.

Wayne Mix ('91)

2009-05-29T14:12:00.005-05:00

The 2009 camp season at Ironwood is starting for Wayne and his colleagues. He shares the following ministry prayer requests:

The summer college staff training runs for two weeks, starting Monday (June 1).
The Leadership training runs for one week, starting Monday.
Travelling mercies for everyone coming in Sunday and Monday.
Safety during training.
Spiritual growth in lives during the training.
Resident staff to be well organized, competent and complete in their training.
Summer camp facility preparation.

Also, Wayne has the following personal prayer requests and praises:

A family, good friends, of mine have taken me on for support for $50 a month!!!
Leadership teaching and training and summer projects.
Discipline and Energy!!
Love, wisdom and enthusiasm for the teens.
Additional support needed.

Especially if you graduated with Wayne or find yourself also in Christian ministry, can you pray with us for Wayne's ministry?

Leyanne Oller ('04)

2009-05-11T21:01:00.003-05:00

Leyanne's nephew, Ephraim David, was born on March 5 and joins her one year old niece Lydia. Leyanne said, "It is so much fun to watch them grow." Leyanne is one of the most faithful alumni to key in touch. Thank you!

She says: "It's hard to believe that it's been almost 10 years since I graduated from high school and five years since I graduated from Maranatha."

Jessica (Aucoin) Asire ('07)

2009-05-11T20:42:00.004-05:00

On February 10, 2009, Jessica's husband, Matt, left for eight weeks of basic training for the US Coast Guard. Jessica wrote: "Our only way of communication during this time was by written letter. WOW! That was tough."

Matt graduated on April 3, and is now stationed on the USCGC (US Coast Guard Cutter) Sturgeon Bay. The Asires live at Fort Wadsworth in Staten Island, NY.

Jessica testified: "God really has been good to us. We did not have to search for a church! My church [in New Hampshire] supports missionaries in NYC. Pastor Matt Recker is the pastor of Heritage Baptist Church in Manhattan. We were so thankful that the Lord had this in place for us. I know so many people who move and spend weeks/months/years searching for the right church. Praise God for his provision in having one here for us already."

Jon McCarrell ('07)

2009-05-11T20:32:00.004-05:00

Jon graduated on April 25th with an MBA from Grand Valley State University in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Here's a picture of Jon with his fiancee Julane on his right and his sister Jorie in front of Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids. Jon and Julane's wedding date is June 6th and he promises some more pictures!

Jon says: "I will be transitioning from my current Financial Analyst position to become a Staff Accountant at a regional electrical contracting company."

Kim Marks (for a few more days!) ('98)

2009-05-05T19:35:00.003-05:00

Kim's most recent letter exhibited again her enthusiasm for God's word and her flexibility to His directives. She wrote last week: "With only one month until my wedding, it was a great privilege to celebrate the baptism of 8 people and the dedication of the new building God has provided for Bethlehem Baptist church in Ciumeghiu."

Kim and Marcel's wedding is only days away now. She continued: "As the Lord closes one chapter in my life, He is beginning to open another: a chapter that involves marrying a Romanian man and being more involved in reaching Romanians for Christ. Marcel and I have been regularly attending Maranatha Baptist Church in Oradea , Romania , a Baptist Mid Missions church plant started by my former co-workers over 4 years ago.

"I praise the Lord for His goodness to me and the privilege of witnessing His marvelous life-changing power among the Rom/Gypsy people. As I learn to change from a single missionary to a Romanian helpmate, please pray that the Lord will guide Marcel, my future husband, and I on how to specifically continue to serve Him in Romania while still following God’s call into medical missions."

Thanks, Kim, for the update and we definitely want to see wedding pictures!

Dine Tech Management Team

2009-04-29T21:27:00.002-05:00

Dine Tech team members Andrew and Megan Currie with Bo Wilcox behind them, Chad Yanzito, Jeremy Delay, Phil Sturm, Kara Kuntzelman, and Michael Johnson.

Green Pesticides Crushes the Competition

2009-04-28T21:24:00.002-05:00

...or so they seem to think. Right after their presentation, the confidence shows on the faces of Nathan Chromy, Mike Hackett, Richard Anderson, Matt Evon, Bethany Black, Taylor Hefftner, and Gary Meador.

ThawdNod Presents

2009-04-28T21:06:00.004-05:00

ThawdNod.com team members David Kieckhafer, Bryan Oliver, Renee Sahlstrom, Jordon Brill, Luke Musgrave, Clark Stinson, and Stephen White definitely look happy AND two of their faculty evaluators (Professors Drost and Steven) do as well. The jury is still out whether it's because of the spectacular senior capstone presentation or because of the deal-sweeteners. More later...

Jon Maize ('06)

2009-04-26T07:49:00.004-05:00

Jon and his wife, Kim, welcomed a new addition to their home and lives. Joseph David Maize was born Thursday, April 16th at 4:05 am. He weighed 6 lbs 10 oz and was 19-1/2 inches long.

Jon says: "He has been healthy and is quickly gaining weight. Since his birth it seems that we have had an endless stream of the family and friends visiting and wanting to see the little guy. So he has been quite the popular one. Tomorrow (April 26) will be his first church visit (First Baptist of Pecatonica, IL). It really neat to see the next chapters of our lives to begin to unfold before our eyes."

Here's a couple of pictures. Jon and Kim let loose of Joe just long enough for the doctor to hold him for a bit! :^) Jon supports his family as an Account Manager / Outside Sales at Fastenal in Beloit, WI.

Next Level Takes the Plunge

2009-04-20T21:34:00.006-05:00

The first senior capstone project was presented today. Don't Ben Huseby, Ken Clark, Shannon Crayton, Daniel Fitch, Ryan Davis, Derek Robinson, and Matt Uplinger (left to right) look relieved?!

Katie (Oats) Washetas ('05)

2009-04-20T21:28:00.006-05:00

Congrats to Eddie and Katie (Oats) Washetas! God gave them a healthy precious baby boy on April 18th: Landon, born at 2:22 a.m.--8 pounds 1 ounce and 21 inches long.

Kent Singletary ('93)

2009-03-23T08:10:00.002-05:00

Kent and Merilee Singletary and family are moving to Franklin, Tennessee where Kent has accepted a position with Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University as a "Momentum Coach." He will be the consultant who works with the churches that run on a large scale.

Merilee writes: "Dave Ramsey is the author of 'The Total Money Makeover.' He also has a radio show in the south that is extremely popular. Kent's very excited about the work that Dave is doing across the country to get people out of debt and to help churches teach good stewardship."

Corey Pfaffe read Ramsey's book last summer, along with two other books by Christians to Christians about personal finance. You can find this brief book review at http://www.MinistryCPA.org/. The Pfaffe's have used credit cards for decades paying off the charges in full each month, but switched to a debit card following Dave's recommendation. They have found it to be very wise counsel.

Brandon Martin ('09)

2009-03-03T21:58:00.002-06:00

Brandon finished school in December 2008, but we'll call him a 2009 graduate. The faculty look forward to seeing him at Commencement in May!

Brandon says, "It has actually been cold here in North Carolina of late. (Brandon opened a new office in Wilmington, NC, for the firm he interned with in the summer of 2008-Eshowings.com.) In fact, my employees had not seen snow in almost 10 years and we've already had two snowfalls since I've been here so I guess I brought a little Wisconsin weather with me to North Carolina! :)

"Things at the office are going great; a staff had already been hired for me when I arrived in January, and I have since hired three more operators and a floor manager. I was on a long stretch of consecutive days working for a while, but my schedule has since smoothed out which has been very nice. I am really enjoying the area so far; I have not found a church home as of yet; however, I have visited a few churches in the area and I am looking forward to visiting a new one this coming week."

Jeremy and Jeanna Zajicek ('03)

2009-03-03T21:38:00.007-06:00

We received a great update from Jeremy and Jeanna!

"Much has happened in the course of the last several months. We did move back to MN after 13 months in WI. The move to WI was a great experience for Jeanna and me. The Lord opened so many doors for us to get to WI and then once we were in WI, the Lord started closing doors to making the transition final – the sale of our home in MN. So for 13 months we rented a duplex in WI and also maintained our home in MN.

"Despite the difficult financial times the Lord met our every need.... What a blessing to serve a God who holds the world in his hands! The move was a time of adventure, but more importantly a time of drawing closer to our heavenly father.

"The Lord did open doors for a good job back in Minnesota and we were able to move right back into our home. I have been working for Hennepin County for 9 months now.... I oversee the administration of several benefits and also supervise staff in my unit. The Lord has blessed me with a unique set of leadership skills and I have had the opportunity in many of my jobs to develop into positions above what I was hired for....

"I serve as a Deacon for First Baptist Church in St. Francis. The pastor is Steve Brower, also a graduate from Maranatha. I serve on a number of committees, including our Christian School board. Of course I love spending time with my growing family. The latest edition to our family is Natalie June born on December 23, 2008."

Laurie Pfaffe with her "boys"

2009-03-01T20:08:00.004-06:00

Corey and Laurie Pfaffe have been "adopt-ing" business majors and other students from the College for quite some time. Here's Laurie with three grads (Tim Reinert, Micah Pfaffe and Dan Kaminski (all '08)) and current student Tim Huber.

Informal PIctures After Alumni Forum

2009-03-01T19:59:00.005-06:00

Micah Pfaffe (NC) and Sara Anderson (WI) enjoy the lighter side with senior Jordon. Tim Reinert (MD) with Dan Kaminski (OR) and Dan's sister visiting from Oregon. And Ryan Wychopen (TX) lectures seniors Mike and Mike.

Business Alumni Forum ('08)

2009-02-27T14:36:00.005-06:00

Seven business alumni from the May 2008 graduating class addressed the Spring 2009 Senior Capstone Students: Tara Watterson from WI, Micah Pfaffe from NC, Sara Anderson from WI, Ryan Wychopen from TX, Tim Reinert from MD, Zach Zepke from WI, and Dan Kaminski from OR.

Kim Marks ('98)

2009-02-26T16:53:00.005-06:00

Kim is in the direct channel of blessings from God on her ministry in Romania! She writes:

"How can you deny the power of God when you see a recently illiterate woman now teaching the Bible to a church full of children? It was my great pleasure this last month to see Claudia, the pastor’s wife in Ciumeghiu, teach her first Bible lesson. I have been working with Claudia for two years helping her to learn to read and write. She started helping with kids’ class last summer and then this winter began teaching the children their weekly memory verse. After much work and prayer, Claudia taught the children about the creation of the world. It was awesome to SEE God strengthen this tentative woman to effectively teach and handle a class of restless children. I was so proud of her, but my heart almost burst with pride just two weeks later when Claudia held class all by herself because I was sick in bed. Despite her apprehension, she trusted God to help her serve Him in a new way. Our God still works miracles in this world."

Mary Strahm ('08)

2009-02-26T16:29:00.004-06:00

No, this isn't Mary's bike but it's fun to think that she might have had a part in bringing it to the U.S. Market!

Mary writes: "I worked part-time in Trek's Oconomowoc warehouse while still a student at Maranatha. Around May 2008, I have the opportunity to interview for a starting office position. I applied, got the job, and worked as an Export Document Specialist for about 4 months. I was in charge of processing all Canadian shipments that were leaving our Wisconsin and California warehouses. I had to create spreadsheets that listed all parts exporting out of the country and forward the spreadsheets to our brokers so they could clear the shipments.

"In September, I accepted a promotion to a newly created position. I am currently one of two International Compliance Specialists at Trek Bicycles. (I didn't see that coming or I would have taken International Law!) The main responsibility of my current job is post entry. Post entry involves lots of auditing so attention to detail is a huge must! I currently spend 95% of my time auditing U.S. customs entries. I take entries that have errors to our different brokers and work with them on correcting the entries with customs. I also am working with a team from my department to help resolve an issue that we currently have with our vendors. We have Kaizan meetings about once a month and are working on updating our Import SOP to solve our issue."

Mary was an Assistant Team Leader during the Senior Capstone Project. It's good to see that Trek is recognizing some of the qualities that her faculty and peers recognized while Mary was a student!

Team Vince vs. Dr. Pfaffe

2009-02-25T22:28:00.005-06:00

With a one mile race between freshman Vince Pardo and Dr. Pfaffe only one month away, the two decided that an early volley of competition would be appropriate. On Sunday night, February 22, 2009, Team Vince (some 10 students strong) met at the Pfaffe home for a best-2-out-of-3 pool competition. Well let's just say that Team Vince took its loss in good stride and salved its wounds with chili dogs, chips, and ice cream sandwich dessert (a special recipe that Mrs. Pfaffe prepared for the young Olympic trainee)...

Business Strategy Quiz Competition

2009-02-25T22:19:00.004-06:00

The four senior project teams competed on Wednesday, February 18, 2009, for a pizza party at the Pfaffe home. Derek is proud of his right answers. Andrew has more answers and the winning team congratulates itself: Ben Huseby, Shannon Crayton, Matt Uplinger, Ryan Davis, Derek Robinson, Ken Clark, and Dan Fitch. Today, the celebrants enjoyed homemade Rodeo pizza, brownies, and soft drinks (oh, yes, and baby carrots and broccoli)!

Seeking Business Law Alum Input!

2009-02-18T15:26:00.005-06:00

You ~~suffered through~~ successfully completed and thoroughly enjoyed Business Law at MBBC, so that makes you imminently qualified to help me make the class more interesting for current students! I had Dr. Brock for Business Law back in 1995, and it was a great head start for law school.

I would love to know what you liked a lot and what you liked "not so much" and especially what you actually use in your current employment. Please let me know in the comments, or email me directly with any feedback that comes to mind.

Thanks in advance for your help.

-Matt Davis

Ben Kieckhafer ('04)

2009-02-17T17:34:00.006-06:00

Ben's a dad! He and his wife Jolynn "are now the happy parents of a beautiful baby girl! Brookelynn Anne was born on January 3, 2009. She weighed 8 lbs. 11 oz and was 21 inches long."

Ben says, that he is "still thoroughly enjoying [his] job at Charles Schwab [in Chandler, AZ]. It has been very interesting being a broker over the past few quarters, watching the markets plummet and helping clients react properly to these historical times."

Ben also rubbed it in a bit with his former professors (see golf picture from Ben)!

Senior Capstone Teams-Spring 2009

2009-01-31T14:01:00.006-06:00

Twenty-nine students are forming the four senior capstone teams for this year's Venture Capital competition. Here are some pictures. More later...

Andrew Carlson ('05)

2009-01-04T21:34:00.002-06:00

A picture is worth 1,000 words...
As of December 1, Andrew is a Certified Public Accountant!

Kim Marks ('98) (and fiance!)

2008-12-17T18:45:00.003-06:00

Kim has some exciting news to share:

"This last spring, the Lord brought a wonderful Christian man into my life. His name is Marcel Petruţiu (said Mar-chel Pe-trut-ziu). You can read our story below from Marcel."

A Note from Marcel:

"Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Pacea Domnului (God bless you!). Let me introduce myself. I am a Romanian who grew up in Oradea, Romania. My family has been attending Maranatha Baptist Church (a BMM church plant) for the past two years, but I wasn’t there because I was in the United States.

"I lived in the States for four years while Kim was living in Romania for 4 years. After I returned to Romania, I met this wonderful lady. Actually we were introduced by Maranatha’s pastor, Rev. Valentine Ţenţ. During the time we spent together, we realized that our personalities complemented each other and we believed that the Lord would like us to spend the rest of our lives together serving Him.

"On the 3rd of January, Kim’s parents are coming to Romania and together with my family and Pastor Valentine, we will celebrate our engagement with a traditional Romanian engagement dinner. The wedding will be on May 17, 2009 at Golgotha Baptist Church (Oradea, Romania) where I grew up. After our wedding, we plan on coming to the States for a short visit to celebrate our marriage with family and friends and to meet you, Kim’s faithful supporters.

"We believe the Lord would have us to continue in full-time missionary service. I have a desire to finish my nursing degree so we can help suffering people through a medical ministry. During my schooling, we plan to continue serving the Lord with the BMM Romanian team. We know that it’s not going to be easy, but we trust you will pray for us as we follow our Great God. We wish you all a Merry Christmas and a joyful New Year."

John Voorhis ('08) (and Sam and "new addition")

2008-12-17T18:34:00.002-06:00

John says, "we are doing good here in ole TX. I have been working for Chrysler Financial for five weeks in the remarketing department and Sam just got a job as a teacher for a pre-school. We love it down here. (the weather is great!:) We joined a church here a month ago and we did a puppet show for the kids this past Sunday. We are now looking at a duplex to purchase for us to live in one side and rent the other side (the beginning of our real estate investing also). The Lord has been so good!"

World Championship of Brownies

2008-12-15T19:58:00.012-06:00

'Twas the day before finals and all through the Stevens' house ... well, never mind.

Senior business student, Richard Anderson, challenged Professor Mark Stevens to a contest for the world's best tasting brownie. Now, here, on your own MBBC Business Alumni blog you can enjoy a blow-by-blow account of the dual.

On Sunday, December 14, 2008, judges Sue Kurschner, Laurie Pfaffe, and Judy and Dave Lingle assembled for their most serious deliberations.

Early on, Richard looked worried, but in the end who won? It's hard to tell, isn't it.

Mark and Lindsay Hoots ('02)

2008-12-14T16:03:00.006-06:00

Mark writes "an update of how our family is doing. Alana Grace was born this past February. Carson just turned 3 years this month and Gabrielle will be 5 in February. Lindsay is doing a great job as a stay-at-home Mom. She arranges the music for church and plays the piano there, as well as helping me teach the Teen department at church.

"I was promoted to a Senior Buyer at my company (CB&I) in May, and again to Project Procurement Manager (PPM) in September.

"Our church is growing well, we are in the middle of building our first church building, we teach the teens with another couple, and was asked to serve as a deacon earlier this year."

Kevin Miner (’04) and Phil James (‘04)

2008-12-13T13:38:00.006-06:00

Kevin and James listening intently to Mr. Miller (as usual :^) ) while new professor, Jeff Drost, looks on with amazement during the 40th anniversary of Maranatha!

Kevin is currently working for Kerr Corp as a Master Scheduler/Forecaster in Middleton, Wisconsin. He and his wife, Brooke, are living in Lake Mills. They are serving the Lord at Rock Lake Baptist Church where Kevin is the King’s Kids director and church treasurer.

Phil lives in Morristown, Minnesota and works in Faribault as the dispatcher for the Midwest Regional Terminal for Aldi foods. He works for the company Black Horse Carriers which contracts with Aldi and other companies such as Menards, Pier One, Ford, Affiliated Foods (Shur Fine label), Deli Express, etc. He has been working in Faribault for a year and is spending some of his “free” time working on his house. He attends First Baptist Church in Faribault.

Rocco Fell ('94) and Shannon Sivula ('93)

2008-12-13T12:59:00.001-06:00

While at this fall's 40th reunion, offered an update:

"Rocco is currently working at Brinks, Inc. as a Regional Account Executive in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He has been married to Shannon Sivula (’93) for 14 years now—crazy, I know! They currently have three dogs (chows) and three cats. His life revolves around work and anything with a motor!

"Shannon is currently going to school for Interior Design with a planned graduation date of May 2009. The plan is start an interior design business to go along with the bridal design business she currently owns."

Sara Anderson ('08)

2008-12-13T12:49:00.004-06:00

Sara now knows what it's REALLY like to be busy -- no more school days and easy schedules!

She works in Madison, Wisconsin, as a Leasing Consultant for JEK Properties. Sara says that she has "learned Quickbooks and I actually enjoy it:) I also get to go to the courthouse every so often to file for evictions and other small claims cases."

At Calvary Baptist in Sun Prairie Sara shares: "I am the Sparks Director in the AWANA clubs and I help in Jr. Church on Sunday mornings. I stay pretty busy with that but I love it!"

Her former professors are excited to hear how Sara is putting her training and her enthusiasm to work.

Christina (Adam) Monge (’07)

2008-12-13T12:37:00.000-06:00

Christina and her husband Justin moved near State College, PA this year where Christina serves as an administrative assistant at Manito, Inc., an alternative high school, and Justin teaches at Centre County Christian Academy. They also traveled to Israel in 2008.

Vince ACCEPTS the Challenge...Runs Test Mile

2008-12-10T07:48:00.002-06:00

...he got 22.8 mpg!

His conscience, James Bingham (also a freshman in Introduction to Business), advised him not to claim that he had already run a mile in 22.8 minutes!

Dr. Pfaffe Throws Down the White Board Marker

2008-12-10T07:42:00.004-06:00

But why did he throw down the white board marker? Reportedly, he doesn't own a gauntlet to throw down.

It's all about Vince Pardo, freshman student in Dr. Pfaffe's Introduction to Business class and the-straw-that-broke-the-camel's-back event that occurred at the annual Department of Business Christmas open house at Professor Ron Miller's home on December 9. After a humiliating loss in pool and a crushing defeat in Wii Baseball at the hands of Mr. Pardo, Dr. Pfaffe has challenged "the menace" to a one-mile run on or about the first day of Spring 2009.

Mr. Pardo has yet to respond to the white board marker challenge. More later (hopefully)!

Jeff Finger ('99)

2008-11-16T15:44:00.002-06:00

Jeff and Kristi are homeowners in Watertown. Jeff is accountant for Friskars Brands Inc. Here's Jeff's question for the Introduction to Business students' November 21st quiz:

In the week ended Nov. 15 which was marked by many major retailers announcing huge third quarter losses, what company announced a 10% increase in profit through the third quarter?
a. J.C. Penny Co.
b. Kohl’s Corp.
c. Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
d. Abercrombie & Fitch Co.

Roger Chapman ('93)

2008-11-10T19:20:00.003-06:00

Roger and Karie live in Bridgeport / Stamford, CT. Roger opines:

"We still have three children (without plans for additions). They’re probably getting to be about the ages your kids (Dr. Pfaffe's) were when I attended MBBC! Time waits for no one. I’m still at Edelman Leather. I just passed my tenth anniversary! I’ve been promoted to VP of Finance.

"The company was sold a year ago as a wholly owned subsidiary of Knoll, Inc., primarily an office systems manufacturer. That was a great (and stressful) experience. Aside from 2009 financial planning, I am currently working on opening a business office in Dublin Ireland for Edelman, another incredible experience. We’ll be up and running in January 2009. Karie and I will also take a little vacation in Ireland when I go back to open the office.

"After this semester I will have 5 courses remaining to complete my MBA. I may be able to finish that in 2009 depending upon course availability. I cannot wait. What a drain on my time and energy!

"Our little church is close to going to the town for our building permit. Lord willing we will begin building in the spring. Please pray that He allows us to do so, if He tarries."

Zach Zepke ('08)

2008-11-10T19:11:00.002-06:00

Zach says:

"Sarah and I are still living in Watertown. I am working at Kayser Chrysler as a sales professional and enjoy it so far. I am probably going to be doing some of the financing work in the future, or at least training for it. It is nice to know that I can work at a dealership, and that I do not have to compromise my Christian standards.

"Being married is wonderful, and I am loving everyday that God has given me with Sarah. She has been a great encourager for me since things are going slow at work. God continues to provide for us on a daily basis."

Micah Pfaffe ('08)

2008-11-09T14:34:00.004-06:00

Micah and Mica took off last Friday (11/7/08) for some camping! They live in Cary, NC, where Micah is the IT Manager at Colonial Baptist Church.

Here's his quiz question:

On Friday (11/7/08), General Motors and Ford announced that they had spent down a combined $14.6 billion of their cash reserves in the past three months alone. Which of the following plans has been announced to offset the losses?
A. The two companies are mouthballing a combined 15 US manufacturing plants
B. Ford is slashing more than 2,000 white collar jobs
C. After having recently separating from Chrysler LLC, German automaker Daimler AG is purchasing General Motors.
D. The "Big Three" auto makers are merging under the leadership of CEO Rahm Emanuel

Zach Zepke ('08)

2008-11-03T20:20:00.001-06:00

Check out the happy groom (and Sarah, his bride)!

Kim Marks ('98)

2008-11-03T19:37:00.000-06:00

Quiz Question for Tuesday, November 4, 2008

This week Delta airlines acquired what other airline in a $2.8 billion dollar acquisition that created the worldest largest airline.
a. Continental
b. British Airways
c. Northwest
d. LOT

Jonathan McCarrell ('07)

2008-10-18T11:44:00.004-05:00

Jonathan and his fiance, Julane Foster, will be married on June 6, 2009. He anticipates graduating with his MBA in April.

Following is Jonathan's quiz question:

T/F Although the Dow Jones has suffered historically bad losses over the past two weeks, it has also had one of its largest one-day gains in history. -- correct answer: True

Tammy (Toftum) Orick ('93)

2008-10-17T22:09:00.004-05:00

...the latest from Tammy and husband Gerald...

Hudson Lee Orick "is getting so big. He just turned 2 months on the 15th and weighs 9 lbs. 13 ounces. He rolled from his tummy to his back. I am sure that means that he is really talented! =)"

Dominic Lucente ('98)

2008-10-13T16:32:00.005-05:00

Dominic (and his wife Meredith) treat son, Jack, to whipped cream! :^)

Dominic's Quiz Question:

What SEC restriction expired this week?

a. The practice of off-shore drilling within fifty miles of the US Coastline.
b. The risky market maneuver of “going long” on global agricultural stocks.
c. The selling of a borrowed financial stock in hopes the security will decrease in value. -- correct answer
d. Tiger Woods is reinstated by the PGA.
e. All of the above.

10/07/08 Quiz Question

2008-10-08T08:37:00.001-05:00

How can a Mac be turned into a PC?
a. By installing Windows on a Mac
b. By using Boot Camp or comparable software on a Mac
c. By using a hardware conversion kit available from Parallels, a Swiss-based company
d. By gaining weight and growing older

Kristen Kowalcyk ('07)

2008-10-01T14:33:00.005-05:00

Kristen turned 22 years old this summer (pictured with her brother here, also 22! :^))

Kristen's quiz question:

Which of the following is not a result of the rejection of the $700 billion economic rescue plan on September 29, 2008?

A. Stock market dropped 777 points
B. Credit market tightened
C. JP Morgan Chase bought Washington Mutual -- correct answer
D. The Libor rate increased

9/30/08 WSJ Quiz Question

2008-09-30T11:46:00.004-05:00

The picture (taken at a White House meeting) is not exactly what appeared in the WSJ—Senator McCain sat at the far left (the President’s right) and Senator Obama sat at the far right (the President’s left). What was the topic of discussion for this august group? They were

a. debating offshore oil drilling rights granted to now defunct Standard Oil Company.
b. seeking a reconciliation between the candidates’ excessively negative campaigning.
c. attempting to hammer out a compromise on the government’s $700 billion bailout.
d. comparing notes on the success of their fantasy football teams.

Josh ('03) and Ginny ('03) Logan

2008-09-25T08:21:00.010-05:00

Ginny writes: "Praise the LORD, we bought a house and will be working on it in October so we can move in by the 31st. We didn't think we'd ever be able to afford a house in California. However, the Lord has been very good to us and we were able to get a foreclosed house!

"Josh is currently applying for some city positions. He drives 1 1/2 hours each way to work right now and it's just too far and expensive with gas prices and bridge tolls.

"I'm still working as church secretary from home so I can take care of Jack (just turned 1 in August). I do work in the office one day a week and my mother in law watches Jack. It's an ideal schedule."

This week's quiz question:

Henry M Paulson, US Treasury Secretary, is the former chairman and CEO of which investment bank:

A. Citibank

B. Goldman Sachs -- Correct Answer

C. JPMorgan Chase

D. Royal Bank of Scotland Group

9/23/08 WSJ Quiz Question

2008-09-24T13:02:00.001-05:00

Placing one’s cash between the mattress and the box spring is symbolic of:
a. corruption at the IRS.
b. a lack of trust in banks.
c. poorly manufactured bedroom furniture.
d. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.

What's your guess? :^)

Matt Whitten ('04)

2008-09-22T22:03:00.002-05:00

Matt writes:

"Caleb is getting ready for his 1st birthday coming up on the 30th of [September]. He is a great baby and is growing fast. Anita really enjoys being able to care for him and not having to worry about working. It is such a blessing to be able to support our family with my salary so Caleb can grow up with his own parents raising him. That seems like a rare thing in a busy city like Chicago. We are very grateful for the Lord’s provision for us."

Kim Marks ('98)

2008-09-18T20:08:00.002-05:00

Here's a picture from last Christmas of Kim and the Rom (Gypsy) kids who she teaches in Ciumeghiu, Romania.

Kim believes that there are two qualities that are especially important to an aspiring Christian professional--"fierce integrity and a genuine interest in people."

"Your integrity is the one thing that slips away from you ever so slyly until you find yourself out in left field. Both in the US and outside in other countries, people have told others that they can trust me because of my track record of keeping my word and telling the truth. The few times I have decided to 'only disclose what is necessary' or 'soften the truth' I saw the results later when people were hurt not only by the truth, but also by those who withheld all the necessary details.

"We must value people. People respond when they see your genuine concern for THEIR interests. I have found that getting to know people and their families you raise morale, increase their work ethic and even open the door to share the Gospel with people. When we truly love our neighbors as ourselves, God is glorified, work gets done and we all feel better."

Rachel Roedel ('06)

2008-09-18T13:05:00.005-05:00

Several Tuesday's this semester, the students in Introduction to Business have a quiz on the past week's lecture material and on a small portion of the Wednesday through Friday Wall Street Journal. A bonus question will be provided by business alumni (and the answer the following week). Here's Rachel's (2006 Marketing Management graduate):

Which bank recently agreed to buy out Merrill Lynch in order to help them avoid bankruptcy?

1) J.P. Morgan
2) Citi Bank
3) Bank of America -- Correct Answer!
4) Bear Stearns

The picture includes Rachel, her husband Justin, and his dad while hiking in Glacier National Park.

Lee Music ('95)

2008-09-13T14:22:00.004-05:00

Mr. and Mrs. Lee Music welcomed Audrey Lynn on August 23rd. Lee says that they'll be coming to Maranatha for the 40th Anniversary. Lee's "respons-ibilities at our church are treasurer, trustee, lead the singing, teach Sunday School to young adults and also Wednesday night Kings Kids Program Head Leader." Busy! Busy!

In his spare time Lee operates a Farmers Insurance and Financial Services firm in Flagstaff, Arizona.

Jessica (Aucoin) Asire ('07)

2008-09-13T11:30:00.002-05:00

Jessica, Matt, and Zeta (2 weeks old) pictured here.

Pray for the Asires as Matt continues his pursuit of US Coast Guard Officer Candidate School.

Mark Wichman ('00)

2008-09-09T20:43:00.005-05:00

Mark writes: "I’ve finished my second tour of 2 months here in Amsterdam! I cannot believe how many people I’ve met here from different regions of the world including China, Japan, India, Iceland, Australia, Ukraine, Russia & also a few from the US.

"I’ve been visiting Crossroads Church since I arrived here and have enjoyed the ministry and seeing American missionaries.

"I have been able to see a few more things on my off time including Antwerp and Brussels, Belgium. I tried all the food your supposed to eat as a tourist (the waffles & cream, chocolate, fries etc..) and most lived up to the hype!

"A Russian friend Alisa (only a friend people!) I met while on tour happened to be an atheist and I was able to share my faith with her. I challenged her to read the Bible & e-mail me with any questions she has so please pray that God will work in her life."

Tammy (Toftum) Orick ('93)

2008-08-24T13:58:00.004-05:00

Tammy and her husband Gerald welcomed their "wonder-ful bundle of joy arrived on August 15, 2008. His name is Hudson Lee Orick. He weighed 6 lbs, 12.8 oz and was 19 inches long. We feel blessed of the Lord that He has given us such a sweet little boy who is a joy to our hearts.

"Gerald is still in school at the University of Tennessee. He should graduate in May with his Ph.D. in mathematics. I am staying at home with Hudson. What a blessing to be able to stay at home and take care of my two most favorite people—my husband and my son."

Mya Alyvia Pfaffe

2008-08-19T18:58:00.002-05:00

... Grandpa and Grandma Pfaffe with our newest grandchild and first granddaughter.

Mya was born 8/18/08 at 10:48 pm in Watertown, WI, to Kyle and Kimberly (our middle child and his wife). She weighed 6 lbs, 14.7 oz, and was 20.5 inches long.

Wayne Mix ('91)

2008-07-23T13:27:00.002-05:00

An update from Wayne at Ironwood Christian Camp:

"Last week there were 15 salvation decisions in Rivertown, 3 in Broken I and 2 in Ike’s! Praise the Lord for the watering and sowing that went into those decisions and for the point of decision being presented and accepted!! Please pray for these campers as they head home now and follow-up will be done. Last week was an interesting week with the sponsers too, several of them made some good decisions during the week! It almost seemed like a fourth camper group was here."

Micah Pfaffe ('08)

2008-06-16T11:47:00.006-05:00

Micah and Mica (Lemke) Pfaffe exchanged vows on Friday, June 13! They're moving to North Carolina where Micah will be the IT Manager at Colonial Baptist Church in Cary. Dan Kaminski ('08) and Tim Reinert ('08) arrived from Oregon and Maryland to join the wedding party.

Bob Shaffer ('08)

2008-06-11T15:56:00.006-05:00

Bob popped the BIG QUESTION to Amanda Barrie while they were on Maranatha's Team Turkey trip! Congrats!

Aaron Henkel ('98)

2008-06-07T11:15:00.005-05:00

Colson John was born on May 29, making five now for Aaron and DeAnna. According to DeAnna: "He was a week early, which his mommy was so very thankful for!! He is doing great and gaining weight! We are so excited that he is finally here. The kids love him and are always wanting to hold him."