CIU Alumni Relations

We’re so thankful for mission trip opportunities for CIU’s nursing students!

CIU alumni - who do you know that would enjoy visiting CIU?
Your neighbor's teenager? Your church's youth group? Your kids or grandkids?

Saturday, March 23rd is CIU Spring Preview Day!

High schoolers can experience CIU and:
• Discover the degree programs offered
• Meet current students and develop friendships that last a lifetime
• Explore campus
• Enjoy a free lunch
• Learn about new scholarship opportunities
AND receive a $500 scholarship for attending!

SHARE this link today! https://bit.ly/49EUYAC

Another CIU (CBC) love story!

CIU Love story 💙💛💙 Jordan ('15) & Ashley ('14)

(From Ashley's POV): We met when I was serving on the worship team as a vocalist and Jordan was auditioning for the team. He walked into Shortess chapel, looking cute with his guitar, and I loved the way our voices sounded together.

We led worship together Fall and Spring of 2013-14, though we didn't start dating until April of 2014. We went from frenemies to best friends to deeply in love and expectant of what God would do in us!

CIU will always be so special to us. It's not only the place we met, but also the place God drew us both into deeper communion with His Spirit. It's the place which launched our marriage and our full-time ministry!

We are still in full-time ministry, and often reference things we learned from our incredible faculty and staff, such as (but not limited to) Dr. Burns, Dr. Jones, Dr. Olshine, and Dr. Rubinson. Each of them encouraged us in our pursuit of holiness, which is something you just cannot put a price on.

We will always thank God for CIU! We look forward to the day we can walk our children around campus and show them where mommy and daddy fell in love!

CIU Love story 💙💛💙 J ('02) & Karen ('00)

Who would have thought attending an evangelism seminar taught by Professor Bill Jones would have such a life-altering impact? But at that seminar I heard a gospel choir I just had to join.

The first Sunday I attended Columbia Christian Fellowship, I spied a Caribbean angel in the soprano section—she was not at the seminar. When I inquired, the man seated next to me—Jack Layman—informed me that Karen was an undergrad Bible and Psychology major at Columbia. I joined the choir that Thursday evening.

Karen worked the college switchboard back when people actually answered phones. I was enrolled as a part-time commuter student and worked full-time by the airport to scrape together enough money for a few classes every semester. Every day, on my lunch hour, I would drive across town to “pick up my mail” and stop for a quick chat at the switchboard. CIU Vice President Bob Kalgren took note and one day said, “J, you had better act quick as you are not the only bee flying around that flower.”

My problem… I was a rascal and there was little chance that Karen would have anything to do with me. So, I began to pray, “Lord, help me be the man you want me to be. I am a defective Christian and I need your help.” The next day the dean of men at CIU, Ken Kirby, asked if I wanted to join him as he discipled a young couple. His first lesson changed my life as I learned what it meant to walk in victory by the Spirit.

God did change me. And I did ask Karen out. At first, she said, “No!” But when I came back around a second time, I asked her to pray for two weeks and talk to people who knew us both—people like Kevin and Lanie McWilliams.

It’s been twenty-three years since I married my best friend and ministry partner. We’ve ministered together in Florida, South America, New York and now Hawaii. Thank God for the CIU community God used to bring us together.

For those of you who are still there and remember us… keep an eye on our son—Jeff Spurling, Class of ’26.

CIU Love story 💙💛💙 Nathan ('00) & Laurel ('98)

Though we first met when she walked past a tree I climbing outside the student center, our relationship really started in a study group. Then we went off to study on our own. Then we were going on slow walks to the point. When a passage from the book of James came up in conversation and she started quoting it at length, I was hooked.

It truly started as a friendship that got closer and closer as time went on. ❤
CIU was a time of growth. We learned to study the Bible more deeply. We had time set aside to draw near to God. The encouragement it was to be surrounded by others who were serious about their faith was priceless.

We have been serving with World Team among the Baka People in Cameroon for over 18 years. After many years of discipleship and church planting, we have started a training center to help the believers learn to use the resources God has given them to live for Him.

We raised three kids on the mission field. They are all back in the States right now. The oldest is also a CIU grad.

CIU Love story 💙💛💙 Aaron ('08) & Katherine ('07)

We met our sophomore year working in the dishpit! It didn't take long to recognize our similar tastes in music, shared love for late-night Steak n Shake runs, and identically speedy T9 texting abilities.

Looking back now 15+ years later, we are both so thankful for the community we experienced with other believers at CIU and for how the Lord brought us together there.

CIU Love story 💙💛💙 Malcolm ('17) & Patricia ('17)

We were both freshmen in 2013. Patricia was studying OT Survey with her cross-country team in the East Building, and I heard some girls talking down the hall. So, I picked up my Western Civilization book, pretended I was reading it, and walked over to where they were.

Later, Patricia told me that she knew I wasn’t reading the book because it was upside down! But it still must’ve made an impact because she made a point to come talk to me during nerd dodgeball later that month and we’ve talked to each other since 💗
CIU brought us together and what we learned at CIU has kept us stronger together.

We are forever grateful for our professors and the knowledge they’ve instilled in us. Now a little over 10 years later, we’re married with three kids. Patricia is at CIU working in the Financial Aid Office, and I am working as a Student Ministries Pastor here in South Carolina.

We’ve been blessed!

Calling all CIU Lovebirds! 💕 Did you meet your spouse at CIU? Was it love at first sight in Fisher or a serendipitous encounter in the cafeteria? We want to hear about it!
Throughout February, CIU’s Office of Alumni Relations wants to celebrate Valentine’s Day by highlighting your heartwarming stories.

Send the following to [email protected] by Friday, Feb. 9th for a chance to be featured!

- Full name of the couple
- A brief description of your journey from campus crush to lifelong love 💑 (How did you meet? What does CIU mean to you both? What are you doing now?) Limit of 300 words
- A photo of you at CIU & a photo of you now

Let's spread the love and show how CIU holds a special place in our hearts! 💙 💛

What graduate program could help you with your next steps? Find out!

Craving some knowledge with a side of deliciousness? Join us for a Graduate School Info Lunch at CIU!
(Free Moe’s lunch is provided! 🌮)

Here's what's on the menu:
- Engage with our top-notch professors
- Listen to real-life stories from current students
- Get insider tips from our Admissions and Financial Aid teams

📅 Friday, February 9th 🕛 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm 📍 Columbia International University

Satisfy your hunger… for knowledge - Come see why CIU is the perfect fit for your graduate journey!
Reserve your spot now! 🍎📝
https://www.ciu.edu/graduate-school-info-lunch

Welcome, Dr. Bill Jones – the first president of the second century of CIU’s history!

Last week students, faculty and staff gathered for a special President’s Chapel. At its conclusion, then Interim President Dr. Rick Christman gathered the CIU family of hundreds around Dr. Jones in prayer:
“As he leads us into the next 100 years, we pray that You will allow him to have the vision and the clarity that comes only from You. And may everything that we seek to do, may it glorify Your Son, Jesus Christ.”

Dr. Jones served as CIU’s 6th president from 2007 – 2017, then as chancellor during Dr. Mark Smith’s presidency, and after a one-year stint working alongside Interim President Dr. Rick Christman, Dr. Jones became the 8th president of CIU.

From the CIU Board of Trustees:
It is with great pleasure and enthusiasm that we announce the appointment of Dr. Bill Jones as the new President of Columbia International University.

Our decision to appoint Dr. Jones as president has been bathed in prayer as we seek wisdom and discernment for the future of CIU. The Board is especially thankful for the dedicated efforts of the search committee.

We are confident that Dr. Jones’ spirit-led leadership will uphold and advance CIU’s and Ben Lippen’s mission to educate students from a Biblical worldview to impact the nations with the message of Christ.

Currently serving as the chancellor and former president of CIU, Dr. Jones brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the position as he preserves and promotes the university’s five core values.

In his previous role as CIU president, Dr. Jones laid the foundation for the university to move into the next century. His strategic, visionary approach included spearheading initiatives such as CIU's first fully online degree program, the Kepha program (which now has an enrollment of 800 students in mainland China), gaining full accreditation for the Prison Initiative, establishing CIU’s intercollegiate athletics, and creating CIU’s School of Business. Under Dr. Jones’ stewardship, CIU’s endowment grew from $12 million to $43 million.

Furthermore, under his leadership, the realization of the vision and construction of CIU's Pine View apartments not only elevated the physical landscape but also enriched the fabric of campus community. Additionally, Dr. Jones catalyzed the historic appointment of the first Ben Lippen parent to serve as the board chair for the K-12 school, marking a significant milestone in its 80-year history.

His Bible teaching ministry to marketplace leaders including state and federal government leaders has changed the spiritual dynamics of the state. Currently, 300 men around the country are taking his popular two-year course “Journey Through Scripture.” Dr. Jones was awarded the Key to the City of Columbia by Mayor Steve Benjamin in 2017, and his efforts were recognized by South Carolina in 2019 when he was awarded the Order of the Palmetto, the state’s highest honor.

Having a passion for communicating the message of God’s love and forgiveness, Dr. Jones co-founded Crossover Global in 1987, an organization that has planted over 4,000 churches among unreached people groups.

On a personal note, Bill is married to Debby Jones, who holds a master's in Christian Education from CIU. Together, they have four married children and eleven grandchildren.

The Board is confident that Dr. Jones’ tenure as president will be marked by the same spirit-led direction that has characterized his previous roles, bringing forth innovation, growth, and a continued commitment to excellence. We also look forward to him continuing to empower the dynamic leadership at Ben Lippen with their track record of achievements.

Dr. Jones will begin serving as president on February 1, 2024. Inauguration details will be forthcoming.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Bill Jones and look forward to the future of CIU and Ben Lippen!

“All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer…” Acts 1:14 (ESV)
Allison and Vanessa have taken this Scripture verse to heart. Every Sunday evening, they open their home in Columbia International University’s Pine View Apartments to other CIU women to join them in time of prayer and Bible study.

To hear about a group of women regularly praying on the CIU campus, it’s natural for those who know CIU’s history, to think back 100 years to another small group of praying women — the women headed up by Emily Dick in the early 1920s, who had a vision for a Bible school in the South. That vision, bolstered by prayer, is CIU.

But the Pine View women’s tie to CIU’s origins is even closer when you consider that Allison's grandmother and Vanessa’s aunt were two members of the original Praying Women. While they are inspired by, and admire their ancestors, the Pine View Praying Women consider themselves their own entity, with the spirit of a new generation yielding to the Lord.

They established this current group of Praying Women with the desire to pray for CIU, unreached people groups, and the personal requests of those in attendance.

“I felt God place on my heart last year to start a prayer group,” Allison said. “Since there was not a group to join in the dorm, I felt led to begin one where we have a focused time of prayer, a time of reading God’s word, and a time of fellowship.”

The group originally met in Founders dorm (named for the original Praying Women) until they moved to Pine View Apartments.

One typical Sunday evening found Allison and Vanessa offering popcorn and tea to their guests. They sat in a circle on the living room floor and opened with prayer, asking God for insight from Esther chapter 2 that they were about to study. Each person took their turn reading a handful of verses and then had a discussion on what was read.

Afterward, prayer requests were exchanged, and each woman offered up petitions for one specific need. One woman prayed on behalf of CIU and the school’s search for a new president. Another prayed over CIU Rams athletics — for the athletes’ safety, health and that they honor the Lord with their skill. Another lifted up the missionaries for their faithful task of making Christ known to unreached people groups across the globe and for the missionaries’ safety. Another prayed for the student body and for the personal requests and struggles of each member of the group.

All this was done in the spirit of another verse that the women take to heart:

“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.” Ephesians 6:18 (NIV)

CIU's Ambassador Choir brought the spirit of the holiday season to the steps of the South Carolina Statehouse in Columbia with the singing of “Joy to the World.”

The Choir sang as the Salvation Army of the Midlands kicked off their 2023 Red Kettle and Angel Tree campaigns.

Major Mark Craddock with the Salvation Army introduced the Ambassador Choir as “a phenomenal group of musicians… composed of students from all around the world, and includes students from almost every major on the Columbia International University campus who unite to worship Jesus Christ through the beautiful avenue of music. Their style is one that exudes passion, conviction and attention to detail.”

Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott and his department was honored with the Bell Ringing Award for the many hours the deputies volunteer to ring the Salvation Army kettle bells. In his remarks, Lott also recognized CIU.

“I am so glad that CIU is out here today,” Lott said. “It’s a great university, and they do such a great job … CIU is about caring about people, spreading God’s message and showing love.”

The event was covered in a report on ABC Columbia and in its entirety on WIS TV.

Learn more about the CIU Ambassador Choir at ciu.edu/choir.

“The ‘R’ in ‘Pray’ is a chance to repent.”

That was the message from evangelist and CIU Board of Trustees member Adrian Despres on the final prayer day of the fall semester hosted by the CIU Athletics Department. Students gathered in Shortess Chapel for heartfelt worship in music led by CIU athletes. The worship session was followed by “popcorn” Scripture reading led by Despres. Students stood up and proclaimed Scripture over the student body. Despres then called students to prayer by giving them the acronym for PRAY: Praise, Repentance, Another, and Yourself.

With an emphasis on James 5:16a “confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed…” Despres emphasized repentance as being vital for the life of the believer. An invitation to the students to come forward and repent of sin in their lives was given. The students kneeled at the Shortess stage, praying for forgiveness, giving support to their peers.

CIU senior Jenea Bradshaw called the time “very encouraging and uplifting … a reminder of true repentance.”

The morning session concluded with corporate prayer for the university, faculty, students and the search for a new president for the university. After lunch, students gathered in Shortess Chapel once again to sing praises to God and after a time of prayer, students went forward to give testimonies of what God has been doing in their lives.

Then came a seasonal opportunity to serve with an Operation Christmas Child packing party in the Rossi Student Center. The ministry of Samaritan’s Purse sends shoeboxes and the gospel to children around the world. Various items were packed into boxes including children’s toys and care items.

For freshman Sarah Andrews, the most exciting part of the packing party was “the impact we’re able to have on people who may not have heard about Jesus before.”

Andrews wanted one message to be known to anyone receiving a Christmas box: “As much love as you feel from all of this, Jesus loves you so much more than we could ever show.”

It was another opportunity for the student body to live out CIU's motto: “To Know Him and to Make Him Known.”

[article & photo by CIU student Chariti Mealing]

It is with profound sadness that we share the devastating news of the passing of our esteemed Athletics Director, Darren Richie. While in Florida supporting the CIU Rams women’s soccer team in the NCCAA national tournament earlier this week, he contracted bacterial meningitis, a sudden inflammation of the brain and spinal cord. Darren was hospitalized, and his family was at his side when he passed into the presence of the Lord.

This loss is deeply felt by our entire university family.

Darren dedicated his passion, energy, and expertise to our athletics program, leaving an indelible mark on the lives of student-athletes, coaches and colleagues alike. More importantly, he loved and served his Savior, Jesus Christ, and worked to point others to Him.

His career spans 3 decades as a successful basketball and baseball coach at the high school and college levels, and Director of Athletics at Colorado Christian University, Webber International University and finally, CIU.

Darren was noted for encouraging spiritual growth among athletes, better moral conduct and buy-in to each school’s Christian mission. While athletic departments under his leadership saw much success, his commitment to Christ-focused athletics had an immeasurable impact.

At CIU, Richie initiated a Bible study for coaches, an athletics retreat, required team chaplains and supported the addition of Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) on campus. Additionally, teams had the opportunity to learn, grow and serve on mission trips to Central America.

One of the most respected names in Christian college athletics, Darren was inducted into the NCCAA Hall of Fame in 2023.

As we navigate this season of grief, let us remember that though he is absent from our sight, Darren Richie is more alive than ever in the presence of our Lord.

CIU's 100th-anniversary festivities included a concert featuring the Ambassador Choir, old and new. About 35 Ambassador Choir alumni joined with the current Ambassador Choir. They were led by former Choir Director Dr. David Osterlund, affectionately known over the years as “Doc O.” He led the combined choir in singing the CIU Alma Mater, as well as an old Charles Wesley hymn that was sung regularly in the early year of the school, “Faith Mighty Faith.”

Faith, mighty faith, the promise sees
And looks to that alone;
Laughs at impossibilities
And cries: It shall be done!
And cries: It shall be done!
And cries: It shall be done!
Laughs at impossibilities
And cries: It shall be done!

What most of the audience didn’t see was that while the choir sang on the stage of Shortess Chapel, quietly taking a seat at the piano behind them was 2003 CIU alumnus Laura Story.

“I guess it’s me now,” Story joked as the choir left the stage. The Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter alumna so warmly addresses the audience that soon the crowd of 800 feels as if she is simply chatting with her friends in a very large living room, reminiscing on the goodness of God. It was a special moment of fellowship and worship.

Laura told humorous stories about why it took her eight years to get her bachelor’s degree, and how much has changed since she was a student, noting the drum set on the stage.

Today, she is a worship leader at Perimeter Church in suburban Atlanta and credits CIU for preparing her for ministry.

“The ministry training I got here — I get to mentor women, teach Bible studies, lead worship services, all sorts of things. It’s my dream job.”

Dr. Paul Tripp says he and his wife Luella “love the atmosphere” of their alma mater, 51 years after they graduated from Columbia International University when it was known as Columbia Bible College.

Tripp is one of CIU’s best-known alumni. The author of 30 books on the Christian life was the keynote speaker for CIU’s 100th anniversary Grand Finale Thursday through Saturday Nov. 2-4.

Surrounded by dozens of well-wishers following his address at a Gala celebration, Tripp said he is please to see that CIU still emphasizes a biblical worldview “that’s rooted in Scripture, and rooted in the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ … and now being applied to all these areas of study,” noting CIU’s expansion of program offerings. “It’s very exciting. The things that are important haven’t changed … and the students have bought into it. That’s very special.”

Speaking to a packed house in the Moore Fitness Center on Friday, Tripp’s Gala message centered on the wonders of being a child of God.

“As much as this gathering is about 100 wonderful years, of a God-centered institution of higher learning, this gathering represents something deeper than that. It represents our inclusion in the family of God … included in the most wonderful story that has ever been told … the grand redemptive purpose of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.”

Then, beginning in the book of Genesis, Tripp subtly began reciting from a biblical study that he and probably most of the alumni in the room had learned while at CIU: “The Progress of Redemption,” attributed to revered CIU Professor Buck Hatch, a 1939 CIU graduate who later served the school as teacher, counselor and administrator for over 40 years.

“Whenever I think of long-term influence, it’s Buck Hatch’s Progress of Redemption,” Tripp said after the Gala. “I think many of us came (to CIU) as students thinking the Bible is a collection of stories, and (Buck Hatch) said, ‘no, no, no, no, no. This is one story.’ We got ahold of that and it became the way that I think about Scripture.”

Friday, November 3rd began with flags. Students alumni, faculty, and staff participated in an international flag parade down CIU’s International Boulevard, carrying flags representing 160 nations where CIU alumni work and minister. A bagpiper led the way playing well-known hymns, while at the rear of the parade was a familiar figure and a different, but well-known sound.

“Bagpipes?” mused CIU Professor Emeritus Dr. Bryan Beyer to those along the parade route. That’s when he drew a breath and sounded his ram horn, familiar to decades of CIU students who have studied under his Old Testament teaching.

Prayer Days are a special time on campus. What are YOUR favorite Prayer Day memories?

c.1965
Ambassador Choir sings on camera.
Do you see any familiar faces here?

Here's a wonderful flashback to 1965 inside the WIS TV studio.

This is the Ambassador Choir performing at WIS.

The photo was found in the Columbia International University archives.

The CIU Ambassador Choir still performs today but in tuxedos and formal black dresses. And updated hairstyles!

As we celebrate our 70th anniversary this year, we appreciate when many of you share memories with us that have connected us over the decades.

Thank you, Bob Holmes of CIU.

Dr. George W. Murray, who served as Columbia International University’s fifth president from 2000-2007, is a highly sought-after speaker around the world, especially on the topic of fulling The Great Commission.

Murray, who is also a CIU alumnus, recently spoke at three churches in Memphis, as well as going on the radio to discuss the “Mandate for World Missions.” He was a guest on the radio show Mid-South Viewpoint, a part of the Christian broadcasting group, The Bott Radio Network.

Murray’s background in missions includes serving as the executive director for The Evangelical Alliance Mission (TEAM) and as general director of Bible Christian Union (BCU), a mission agency that merged with TEAM. Murray and his wife Annette also served as missionaries to Italy for 13 years.

Only a few hours left to give to meet our goal of $1.7 million by June 30!

We see the potential in CIU’s students and their passion for the lost. Our faculty and staff pour their time, talent and resources into our students, preparing them to bring the message of Christ to our world.

Join us in continuing to impact the nations with the message of Christ by investing in CIU students today – you can make your gift right now at: https://fundraise.givesmart.com/form/kW1QEA?vid=ycinw

As CIU celebrates 100 years of His faithfulness, we delight in hearing how alumni continue to creatively make an eternal difference in the world.

CIU alumnus David N. (’22) shares the gospel while teaching welding. What an innovative way to reach his community!

David recently completed a 4-day training in Kathmandu, Nepal, that taught 100 men to weld which will lift their families out of poverty. He did this while giving them the good news of Jesus Christ.

Your support makes a creative impact like this possible! 90% of our students have financial need. Your investment in them by June 30th is critical for their return this fall.

You can give to the CIU Fund at: https://fundraise.givesmart.com/form/kW1QEA?vid=ycinw

Do you have a band instrument just taking up space in the back of your closet? Consider donating it to CIU! Our Music Education program is GROWING and in need of gently used instruments.

Contact CIU’s music department for more information on instrument donations: 803.807.5194

CIU alumnus Luke Perkins is the new president of Crossworld. The Kansas City, Missouri-based mission agency brings together disciple-makers from a variety of professions to the world’s least-reached marketplaces.

Their goal is to use professional skills to benefit local communities around the world. Through relationships built in the marketplace, they share God’s truth and make disciples of Christ.

Perkins graduated from CIU in 2006 with a bachelor’s degree in Bible. He has been with Crossworld since 2016. He also served at the Séminaire de Théologie Evangélique de Port-au-Prince (STEP Seminary) in Haiti as a professor, assistant to the president, and director of development. Additionally, he provided leadership for Crossworld Haiti and at Quisqueya Chapel in Haiti where he served as elder and board chair.

CIU Dean of Intercultural Studies, Dr. Ed Smither, says he is proud to see another CIU graduate take the leadership of a missions organization.

“Luke Perkins has faithfully served in theological education in Haiti for a number of years —many of those in difficult and turbulent circumstances,” Smither said. “His experiences on the field have surely prepared him to give leadership to Crossworld — a wonderful evangelical missions organization committed to making disciples of all peoples.”

The Pointe c. 2008
What worship songs do you remember singing at The Pointe?

Chapel c. 1952
What meaningful chapel messages still play in your mind?