Hometown: Kenosha, Wisconsin

When Nathan Gowey arrived at 好色先生TV as a Christian Ministries major, he knew that he didn鈥檛 want to simply learn about Christian leadership鈥攈e wanted to actually practice being a Christian leader himself. Throughout his time at Judson, Nathan has done exactly that. From leading Bible studies to worshiping with fellow students at Upper Room, Nathan feels that Judson has played a key role in strengthening him to go into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature.

Nathan has become actively involved in many different ministries all over campus. For Nathan, Christ is at the center of everything he does. As a player on the baseball team, he chose to lead a Bible study for his teammates. He is also an RA in Lindner Tower and enjoys being a part of the Bible Boys and Upper Room. 鈥淚t鈥檚 worth it to put yourself out there,鈥� Nathan states. He encourages all students to get involved, because that鈥檚 how you鈥檒l make a difference in the lives of others. Simply put, Nathan says, 鈥淢eet people and go to events.鈥� 聽

One of the most impactful moments of Nathan鈥檚 time on campus was witnessing both of his roommates get baptized at his church. It鈥檚 something he鈥檒l never forget, and it will never fail to remind him of how grateful he is to be a part of a group of friends who are committed to Christ. 鈥淚 have found a great group of guys who consistently challenge me in my faith,鈥� he says. 鈥淭hey鈥檙e always there for me.鈥�

Looking back, Nathan believes the word fruitful best describes his experience at Judson. From finding friends in Christ to learning how to serve God and others in practical ways, Nathan has continually felt his faith being stretched and strengthened. Along the way, he鈥檚 learned what it means to be a Christian leader. But even more than that, he knows what it鈥檚 like to actually put what he鈥檚 learned into practice. Following Christ is about loving God and loving others above everything else, and Nathan is committed to never losing sight of that.

Hometown: Monroe, Wisconsin

When Jessi Meyer arrived at Judson to study psychology, she didn鈥檛 realize how much God had in store for her there. Indeed, Judson would not just shape her as a student; it would also shape the person she would become. Now, as a senior, Jessi recognizes the power of community and the importance of actively finding ways to make a difference right where you are.

Jessi was first introduced to Judson by Samantha Collins, Judson鈥檚 Assistant Vice President for Enrollment Management, who continues to make a positive impact on Jessi鈥檚 life today. 鈥淪he鈥檚 always been the support I鈥檝e needed and has been there for me through it all,鈥� Jessi explains.

From the very beginning, Jessi became deeply involved in the Judson community, making friends and volunteering for service opportunities. Jessi plays for the women鈥檚 basketball team, serves as an R.A., volunteers with the RISE program, mentors incoming freshman, and works in the Registrars鈥� office and the student arcade. Additionally, she had the opportunity to go on a global outreach trip to Scotland. Each of these opportunities has grown and shaped her into the person she is today.

鈥淚 couldn鈥檛 imagine where I would be without Judson,鈥� Jessi states. 鈥淚t鈥檚 given me my best friends, my bridesmaids, and my forever mentors, and I鈥檝e grown in my relationship with Christ.鈥�

In addition to her various extracurricular pursuits, Jessi is also an avid student. She is a scholar athlete for basketball and a member of the Psychology Honors Society. She was also accepted into the Master of Clinical Health and Counseling program while still completing her B.A. in Psychology. Following the completion of her bachelor鈥檚 degree, she will continue her studies at Judson and graduate with her master鈥檚 in 2028.

Jessi didn鈥檛 think that she would have so many big opportunities at a smaller school when she first came to Judson. Now, looking back, she states, 鈥淛ust because the school isn鈥檛 big, it doesn鈥檛 mean there aren鈥檛 big opportunities. I have had so many opportunities and have felt so supported at Judson. I would never have experienced that anywhere else.鈥� 

Ultimately, when Jessi reflects on the last four years as a Judson student, she doesn鈥檛 think of it as just another school. Instead, she describes this place as a home and a community for college students. Indeed, it鈥檚 a place where they can find their purpose and make a lasting difference, just like she did.

From the moment the coach bus pulls away, the tour becomes more than just a musical endeavor鈥攊t becomes a testimony of faith, connection, and divine encounters. One of the most cherished aspects of this journey is the homestay ministry, where generous congregants open their homes to choir members after concerts. These moments of hospitality and fellowship leave lasting imprints on hearts, creating bonds that transcend a single evening鈥檚 stay.

As you can imagine, choir tour requires extensive preparation鈥攈ours of practice, rehearsals, and refining every note to maintain a level of excellence. But the true reward of that dedication is seen in the beaming faces of congregation members, the heartfelt words of encouragement shared after concerts, the wide-eyed amazement of schoolchildren who witness the performances, and even the proud smile of Dr. Warren Anderson, our dedicated director. These affirmations remind us why we sing and worship, keeping our songs alive in both our minds and hearts, no matter how many times they are sung.

Beyond the music, the camaraderie and experiences along the way make choir tour a defining highlight of many Judson students’ time at the university. From sightseeing stops at places like the Mall of America and art museums to spontaneous Target runs, mini-golf outings, and Starbucks pit stops, every moment on the road strengthens the bond between choir members. But the most profound connection comes from the Holy Spirit鈥檚 undeniable presence, guiding our voices and uniting us in purpose.

Ministry on tour takes many forms. Sometimes it鈥檚 found in the joy-filled bus ride conversations and impromptu jam sessions. Other times, it鈥檚 the deep theological discussions that challenge and strengthen our faith. It鈥檚 the quiet act of slipping an encouraging note or small gift to a fellow choir member through our SEP (Secret Encouragement Partner) project, revealing our care for one another. It鈥檚 the impact of our performances at schools, homeschool co-ops, and outreach ministries like , where music becomes a bridge to meaningful connections. It鈥檚 in the breathtaking landscapes we encounter, reminding us of God鈥檚 beauty, or in the simple yet powerful moments of prayer and support when a fellow choir member is struggling. And it鈥檚 found in the heartfelt conversations with strangers at churches who share their stories and their homes with us.

Clearly, the Kingdom of God is at work in countless ways during choir tour. To be part of a choir that dedicates time each year to worship on the road is an incredible privilege. These tours remind us that worship is not just about performance鈥攊t鈥檚 about connection, growth, and witnessing how God moves through music and community.

For every member who has stepped onto the bus, lifted their voice in song, and experienced the depth of this journey, choir tour remains a cherished memory and a testimony of faith in motion. All glory to Christ!

Written By: Hana Cunningham

Judson senior Erin Aubrey received the Abraham Lincoln Civic Engagement Award. Every fall, a meritorious senior from each of the four-year, degree-granting colleges and universities in Illinois is awarded the Abraham Lincoln Civic Engagement Award and becomes a Student Laureate.

Aubrey is studying elementary education and has already student-taught as part of her curriculum. Aubrey is as strong teaching first grade as she is teaching sixth grade. She uses her talents as a reflective practitioner to adapt her teaching style. Aubrey is creative and focused in her approach to the needs of her student learners. She utilizes Golden Apple Scholar learning in her classrooms and lessons. Her students are drawn to her friendly smile and calm instruction.

Aubrey was selected as a Roeser Scholar at 好色先生TV, where she has developed her leadership style with incoming scholars through her welcoming manner, empathy and friendly encouragement.  When she is not in class or studying, Aubrey works for the Campus Spirit Store and is instrumental in developing the Spirit Store website. She works collaboratively on and off-site to create a point-of-sale system for athletic events. She also assists the University Football Coach, going above and beyond to assist the program.

Judson began as an undergraduate college in 1913 as part of Northern Baptist Theological Seminary. The university was named for Adoniram Judson, the first Protestant missionary sent from North America to preach in Burma. Judson established its Elgin location in 1963 and was renamed a university in 2007.

Judson鈥檚 Founders鈥� Day events began with a breakfast meeting of the Fox Valley Spiritual Council. Following the breakfast, Judson鈥檚 guests and trustees attended the Founders鈥� Day chapel.

The chapel presentation from Rev. Huron Claus, pastor, and president of , a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing the gospel to Native American People. Rev. Claus is a fifth-generation follower of Jesus Christ. He comes from the Mohawk/Kiowa tribes of New York and Oklahoma. The Claus Indian family has ministered through evangelism and music in Native communities and villages across North, Central, and South America. During Chapel, Claus recounted the biblical stories of Moses, Daniel, and the Apostle Paul as examples of leadership traits he encouraged students to develop. Each of these leaders, Claus said, demonstrated how to overcome personal concerns and self-perceived shortfalls by relying on their relationship with God to carry out God鈥檚 larger mission.

鈥淕od is calling us to be leaders whether it is in the church, in our communities, or in our homes,鈥� Rev. Claus concluded. 鈥淚 pray that God will fill you with his Holy Spirit.鈥�

During the Chapel presentation, Judson President Gene Crume also awarded Dr. Thomas C. Meredith with the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Law in recognition of his service to higher education. Dr. Meredith was a university president and head of three university systems. Most recently he served as Commissioner of Higher Education for Mississippi鈥檚 university system of eight universities. In January 2002, he was appointed chancellor of the University System of Georgia, responsible for the state鈥檚 34 public colleges and universities. Prior to this appointment, he served as chancellor of the University of Alabama System, as well as president and professor of education at Western Kentucky University. He also was a vice chancellor at the University of Mississippi. He began his career as a high school teacher and later served as a high school principal.

Go to Judson鈥檚 to see a full recording of Judson鈥檚 Founders鈥� Day Chapel.

Golden Eagle Award Recognizes Devlin Donaldson

Following Chapel, Founders鈥� Day guests attended a private luncheon and heard Judson President Gene Crume share ways that Judson celebrated Founders鈥� Day and Baptist heritage week. Dr. Crume also recognized the work of Devlin Donaldson 鈥�79 with the Golden Eagle Award for his dedication and service to the university. The Golden Eagle Award is the university鈥檚 highest service award.

Donaldson recognized the many attendees who were faculty and friends he met while he attended Judson. He said that these individuals and many others have become lifelong mentors and partners throughout his life. Despite its small size and unassuming campus, Donaldson thought that attending Judson was one of the best decisions he has made in his life. 鈥淭his was really a place of community,鈥� said Donaldson, as he reminisced about attending college at Judson in the early 80s. Through connecting and interacting with faculty and staff, many of whom lived behind the campus, as well as experiencing the tragic passing of two students just weeks after starting his freshman year, Donaldson called his time at Judson special and life-changing.

鈥淚 could go on and on; a liberal arts education is so important. 鈥� This university didn鈥檛 just teach me what to do, it taught me how to think,鈥� Donaldson said. 鈥淲hatever modest leadership skills I鈥檝e had, I gained while I was here.鈥�

Donaldson graduated in 1979 with a degree in Human Relations from 好色先生TV. He has a decades-long career of vision, breakthrough ideas, high impact, and leadership experience in both the not-for-profit and for-profit worlds. After earning his master鈥檚 degree from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, he joined Compassion International where he led the development of Compassion鈥檚 music artist program and its sponsor ministry division. He reorganized several large segments of the ministry and served on the President鈥檚 cabinet as Director of Marketing and Development. In 2001, Donaldson and his business partner founded The Elevation Group, a Growth Consulting firm based in Colorado Springs. From 2015-2018, Donaldson returned to serve at his alma mater, 好色先生TV, as Senior Vice President of External Relations. He led projects focused on donor development, including providing leadership for the World Leaders Forum and the WLF Inspirational Series.

In July of 2018, Donaldson returned to his roots, accepting the position of President/CEO of where he currently serves. A small child development organization in Colorado Springs, VisionTrust operates in 11 countries helping over 10,000 children. Donaldson lives in Colorado Springs with his wife, Carol.聽

Following the session, the campers will be able to cheer with the team on the sidelines during the second quarter of the 3:00 p.m. football game and participate in the halftime performance. 

Please contact Bonnie Bienert at聽bbienert@judsonu.edu聽to register by October 27 or ask any additional questions.聽

好色先生TV Executive Director of Football Operations Jamie Herrick has been named the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) Coach of the Year for the Northwest Chicago Region.

Coach Herrick has embodied the four FCA values of Serving, Integrity, Teamwork, and Excellence in so many ways this year. He has led his players in bible study, organized chapels for his team, established gospel training for his coaching staff, participated in coaches鈥� bible studies, led his team in prayer, and so much more. He has grown in his own faith while also leading his players to do the same.

Herrick will be honored at the Northwest Chicago FCA Legacy Dinner on Tuesday, November 15, at the BRIX on the Fox in Carpentersville. Reservations can be placed at the . 

The Fellowship of Christian Athletes is touching millions of lives鈥ne heart at a time. Since 1954, FCA has been challenging coaches and athletes on the professional, college, high school, junior high and youth levels to use the powerful platform of sport to reach every coach and every athlete with the transforming power of Jesus Christ. FCA focuses on serving local communities around the globe by engaging, equipping and empowering coaches and athletes to unite, inspire and change the world through the gospel. The FCA has been a longtime partner of 好色先生TV. 

Groppel is most known for co-founding Johnson & Johnson鈥檚 Human Performance Institute, which is internationally recognized as an authority and a pioneer in the science of human performance. Dr. Groppel started the company in 1992 with longtime friend and business partner Dr. Jim Loehr, basing it on sport science principles and applying them to leadership and performance in high-stress arenas in business, military, law enforcement, medicine, and sport.  After Johnson & Johnson鈥檚 purchase of the company in 2008, Dr. Groppel developed the patient athlete program for joint replacement patients, to help them develop a new purpose in life after joint replacement.

Some of Dr. Groppel鈥檚 career accomplishments include delivering three congressional briefings on worksite health promotion, representing the worksite wellness industry at the historic Surgeon General鈥檚 Call to action on Walking and Walkable Communities, and authoring 11 books including The Corporate Athlete and The Corporate Athlete Advantage. His work has been featured in well-respected news sources including the New York Times, Forbes, and the Huffington Post. His public speaking career includes thousands of events spanning six continents.

Dr. Groppel鈥檚 experience in college athletics and academics makes him the ideal person to take over this role. He served as the Head Coach of the University of Illinois鈥� tennis program from 1978-1981 and spent 16 years of service as the founding chairperson of the National Sport Science Committee of the United States Tennis Association. In academics, Groppel has conducted research as an Associate Professor of Kinesiology and of Bioengineering at the University of Illinois, which includes a performance analysis of over 25 sports鈥攚orking with professional athletes in the MLB, NHL, NFL, and the USA Olympic Team. He is a fellow in the American College of Sports Medicine and the American College of Nutrition鈥攚hich he serves as a board-certified nutritionist鈥攁nd serves on the Board of Directors of the Health Enhancement Research Organization. 

Groppel鈥檚 influence is shown within . Former top-ranked players Stan Smith and Billie Jean King were among the individuals who extended congratulations to him.

鈥淐ongratulations to be inducted for being inducted into the USPTA Hall of Fame. You certainly are deserving,鈥� said Smith.

鈥淲e鈥檝e been fortunate to be friends for many years. He is a pioneer in the field of human performance. It鈥檚 an honor to have worked with him, congratulations, Jack, and I am so happy that you are now in the USPTA Hall of Fame,鈥� said King.

The 2022-23 Judson Roeser Scholars are (front row, left to right) Aiden Arnold of Ipswich, Mass., Hana Cunningham of Terre Haute, Ind., Michaela McTighe of Plano, Ill., Keilah Reinhart of Waunakee, Wisc., and Connor Richmond of Marion, Iowa; (back row, left to right) Grace Kidwell of Terre Haute, Ind., Emma Walberg of Belvidere, Ill., Christina Lundquist of Sugar Grove, Ill., and Catherine Hegewald of Eagan, Minn.

好色先生TV is grateful to OTTO Engineering, Inc.鈥檚 support in a 5-year commitment to deepen their partnership to this program. Through this collaboration, the Judson Leadership Program has now become the Roeser Scholars program. This is the most prestigious scholarship that a 好色先生TV student can receive and a limited number of recipients are selected for this honor each year. To be eligible, students must demonstrate creativity, leadership, innovation, mission, and faith. They must also maintain good academic standing.

The Roeser Scholars have access to unique opportunities to cultivate their aptitude for leadership. They receive sponsored tickets to World Leaders Forum events and the opportunity to interview for the World Leaders Forum Internship position during their sophomore, junior and senior years at Judson. Each scholar also participates in monthly meetings with the World Leaders Forum Director and University President that cover a wide range of topics including entrepreneurship, leadership development, business etiquette, and networking. Often scholars hear from experienced leaders from a variety of fields at these meetings.  As part of the program, students are invited to an exclusive VIP reception with Judson鈥檚 president, global thought-leaders who participate in World Leaders Forum events, trustees, and distinguished alumni.

Conrad is a nationally recognized artist based outside Detroit, Mich. He completed an MFA at Cranbrook Academy of Art in 2018, and is also a 好色先生TV alum (BA in Art, 2015). Hailing from Ghana, and having settled in America, his bold, colorful mixed media paintings and sculptures deftly blend allusions to his own cross-cultural heritage, with broader references to European, American, and African art history, the African diaspora, and Biblical narratives.

Conrad鈥檚 work has been displayed at the Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit, Art Basel Miami Beach, and Institute of Contemporary Art, San Jos茅, Calif., and has been featured in ArtNews, Artforum and New American Paintings. He is also represented in the collections of the Cranbrook Art Museum, the Detroit Institute of Arts, Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine in Pasadena, Calif., P茅rez Art Museum in Miami, and the Rennie Collection of Vancouver, Canada. He is represented by Jessica Silverman Gallery in San Francisco, Calif. 

His work can be seen here:

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