MBU News Archives - ��ԭ��

2026 Spring Concert: From Silence to Splendor

Joseph Greene — Fri, 15 May 2026 14:16:48 +0000

��ԭ��’s Spring Concert: “From Silence to Splendor” occurred on Friday, April 24. The school provided a concert of classical and sacred music featuring the Chamber Singers, the Madrigal Choir, the Symphonic Band, and the Chamber Strings. Under the direction of experienced faculty, the musicians delivered a powerful message of hope and encouragement. “From Silence to Splendor” – The title implies that one cannot exist without the other. To experience the heights of splendor, one must see it in contrast to the depth of corresponding silence. Each piece of music performed by the ensembles demonstrated a specific aspect of this journey. Chamber Strings A handful of Band members joined the Chamber Strings to begin the concert with a performance of the first movement Haydn’s Symphony No. 45. Written during a time of uncertainty in Haydn’s life, the piece demonstrated the strings’ excellence as they played the furious arpeggios of Haydn’s masterpiece. Concerto/Aria Competition Winner Earlier this semester, Benton Ellis was announced as the winner of ��ԭ��’s annual Concerto/Aria competition. The story of the Erlkönig races with energy from start to finish. An ominous and threatening tale, the story lingers in the “silence” of the journey of the evening. Accompanied by […]

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Welcome School of Business Faculty Member | John Voorhis

��ԭ�� — Wed, 13 May 2026 14:58:51 +0000

From E-commerce Ventures to the Classroom—Welcome John Voorhis We are pleased to announce alumni John Voorhis (’08) as a new faculty member in the School of Business, effective this fall. John joins us following 15 years of experience in entrepreneurship and strategic sourcing. Over the course of his career, he has built, scaled, and exited two e-commerce brands and led large-scale sourcing initiatives at a Fortune 30 retailer. Drawing on both corporate and entrepreneurial experience, his goal will be to help students apply business concepts in real-world settings. Beyond Business John was raised in a Christian home and trusted Christ as his Savior at the age of five. At eighteen, after wrestling with God’s call on his life, he fully surrendered to the Lord. He testifies, “My walk with Christ has shaped every aspect of my life, guiding both my family and professional calling.” His wife, Samantha, is also a ��ԭ�� graduate (’07), and together they are raising eight children, ranging in age from 16 to 4. John often notes that more than any experience in business or professional life, his responsibility as a husband and father has been the most formative influence on who he is today. The Voorhis […]

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Commencement | May 8, 2026

��ԭ�� — Fri, 08 May 2026 19:29:13 +0000

Preliminaries Music professor Ruth Brown’s grand piano prelude greeted family and friends as they gathered for ��ԭ��’s 57th Convocation on Friday, May 8. As the processional began, the crowd fell silent, watching the surge of bobbing mortarboards and swaying tassels sweep down the aisles. “Thy name, O Jesus, be forever blest,” the processional resounded, as the graduates took their positions at the front. Then, Dr. David Brown led the congregation in singing that regal hymn, “Crown Him With Many Crowns,” celebrating the Lord of life, love, and years. Invocation & Welcome CEO Dr. Matthew Davis offered the invocation, thanking the Lord for the glorious opportunity to celebrate, acknowledging Christ as the source, asking that every aspect of the ceremony would point to Him. He prayed that seniors would reflect on all they had learned and rededicate themselves to living lives honoring to Him. When all were seated, Dr. Davis greeted guests, acknowledging them by groups, asking them to stand. Beginning with the faculty, he applauded their investment in student lives. He thanked parents for their years of prayer and dedication, pastors for their investment in ministering the Word, and board members who safeguard ��ԭ��’s mission and undergird the […]

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Baccalaureate | May 7, 2026

��ԭ�� — Fri, 08 May 2026 11:05:21 +0000

Preliminaries Peter Wright’s rousing prelude established a festive tone for ��ԭ��’s 2026 Baccalaureate service. As he modulated into “All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name” and guests respectfully rose, graduate candidates began their victorious processional into the gymnasium. The music echoed Edward Perronet’s compelling lyrics, bidding all to “Crown Him Lord of all!” Led by the faculty member Dr. Douglas Bachorik, the congregation united in singing Charles Wesley’s lively self-exhortation, “Arise, My Soul, Arise.” Grounded in assurance of Christ’s finished sacrifice, the hymn urges us to confidently “draw nigh” to the Father. As the music ended, President Dr. David Anderson opened with prayer, expressing gratitude to God for salvation and His Spirit who indwells and empowers believers and who enabled the student accomplishments being celebrated. He prayed that the Lord would be honored even as the graduates were recognized, and that He would help students to go on to serve faithfully with awareness of their future accountability. In rich harmony, the Praisemen—seniors Andrew Centifanto, Daniel Earnest, and Kenny Kartman, alongside fellow students Bryce Felber and Jonathan Herbster—sang “God of Light and Love,” maintaining the theme: “All praise and glory to the King!” CEO Dr. Matthew Davis welcomed attendees to this […]

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2026 Outstanding Musician | Gabriella Moore

Joseph Greene — Fri, 08 May 2026 01:30:29 +0000

��ԭ��’s Department of Music announces Gabriella Moore as the 2026 Outstanding Senior Musician. Every year, the music faculty choose a graduate who they believe best exhibits the spirit of ��ԭ�� through music. Considerations include the student’s musicianship, academic merit, spiritual and character qualities, and Christian service. Music Involvement Gabriella pursued a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music with concentrations in String Pedagogy and Performance. At ��ԭ��, she was a member of the Madrigal Choir and Chamber Strings. She held various leadership roles in these groups, directing ensembles, coaching chamber groups, and performing as Chamber Strings Concert Master. Gabriella was active in MBU’s Music Teachers National Association Collegiate Chapter, serving as secretary her senior year. She loved teaching private lessons and coaching string groups through the Music Prep School. This semester, her peers voted for her as the Music Prep Intern of the Year. Teacher Commendations Douglas Bachorik, Department Chair, writes, “Throughout her time at MBU, Gabriella has worked through several significant challenges. One of the things I have most appreciated is her proactive approach – always looking for avenues to accomplish despite the difficulties. Her drive and determination to not only excel but do so for the glory […]

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Nurses Pinning Ceremony | May 7, 2026

��ԭ�� — Thu, 07 May 2026 20:22:46 +0000

Preliminaries A nostalgic digital collage of nursing graduate photographs greeted guests at the 2026 Nurses Pinning Ceremony while Mrs. Heidi Fuller played a delightful piano prelude. Dr. Sarah Urban, Dean of the School of Nursing, opened the service by explaining its purpose as both a time of reflection and a charge to graduate nurses. She commented on student growth from introductory nursing courses to accomplished seniors who had completed more than 200 hours of clinical work. Dr. Urban then introduced nursing faculty and expressed gratitude to clinical partners who provided students with unique learning opportunities. She thanked preceptors for their vital role in the seniors’ capstone experiences, often serving without remuneration. She warmly welcomed parents, siblings, grandparents, spouses, and friends who supported graduates throughout their nursing studies. Briefly presenting the time-honored tradition and significance of the pinning ceremony, Dr. Urban mentioned roots back to the twelfth century and of Florence Nightingale, who in the 1800s acknowledged excellence in her nursing school graduates, bestowing awards. At ��ԭ��, however, the pinning holds deeper meaning, anchored in the biblical worldview of serving God through nursing. Last, she explained lamp lighting as symbolically passing the torch to another generation. Announcing the students who would […]

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Dr. Marty Marriott (1953-2026) | Memorial Service Recap April 24, 2026

��ԭ�� — Tue, 05 May 2026 12:36:44 +0000

Prelude and Processional As relatives, ministry partners, students, and friends gathered at Calvary Baptist Church in Watertown, Wisconsin, senior student Emma Bateman’s prelude filled the sanctuary while a collage of family photos portrayed highlights of Dr. Marty Marriott’s life. When the congregation rose for the processional, Emma Bateman and faculty member Ruth Brown offered a piano duet medley of “Finally Home” and “I Shall Know Him,” the lyrics pointing to the present reality of Dr. Marriott “waking up in Glory and finding it ‘Home.’” Praise in Song and Prayer Son-in-law Joshua Roberts, missionary to Wales, led the congregation in singing “Arise, My Soul, Arise,” an anthem testifying of Christ’s atoning work. Brother-in-law Dr. Steve Love followed with prayer “to the God of the resurrection,” who lifts mourners beyond the “burden of death,” asking His comfort for family members and His blessing on the memorial service. Welcome and Scripture Reading Pastor Bob Loggans welcomed those present and read Psalm 116:15—“Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints,” noting that while the day was marked by sorrow, it was also a celebration of Dr. Marriott’s faithful service to God. Thanking those in attendance, he recognized medical personnel; […]

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An Interview with Guest Speaker Lorraine Alner

Joseph Greene — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 15:22:39 +0000

The Music Department recently had the privilege of inviting Mrs. Lorraine (Yant) Alner to speak for their department chapel. Lorraine graduated from MBU in 2021 with a Bachelor of Arts in Piano Pedagogy and Piano Performance. She has used her degree and her talents well, and we had the chance to ask her several questions regarding her current work, leadership, and ministry opportunities. Q: What are you doing now in Teaching? A: “Managing a private piano studio teaching about fifty students a week, ages five to eighteen. About fifty percent of my students are actively performing in local and state events. About twenty-five percent of my studio is comprised of students who are autistic, have ADHD, or struggle with anxiety, depression etc. “Since this past January, I have been recording every lesson with a first-time beginner student. This has been both encouraging and revealing for me to watch back. This project was incentivized after one of my students started teaching a new beginner themselves. “Outside the studio lesson time, I spend significant time lesson planning and digging for repertoire. I find choosing repertoire is consistently a challenge and ultimately the ‘make or break’ for the lesson with every student. Of course, administrative work is time consuming and involves a ton of communication […]

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2026 Commencement Contest Winners – Piano

Joseph Greene — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 18:25:30 +0000

��ԭ��’s Music Department announces the winners of this year’s Instrumental Commencement Contest. The contest allows student musicians to develop their presentation and performance skills. Instrumentalists and vocalists have the opportunity to compete in separate categories of the Commencement Contest. Catherine Fettig adjudicated the Piano division. Winner Abigail Boorujy won first place, performing of Transcendental Etude No. 12, Chasse Neige, by Liszt. Abigail is a Music Major with concentrations in Performance and String Pedagogy. Fettig commented that “Abigail’s mature artistry and technique make the listener forget how incredibly difficult this piece is. Her performance was an absolute joy.” Competition winners receive a cash prize and a medal to wear at commencement. Runner-up Chloe Meyer delivered a beautiful interpretation of Florence Price’s Song Without Words (Pleading). Chloe is a Junior Music Major with concentrations in Performance and Piano Pedagogy. Adjudicator Catherine Fettig graduated from MBU and continued her studies at Bob Jones University to receive a master’s degree in piano performance. Since then, she has enjoyed performing in the greater Milwaukee area where she also serves in music at Lakewood Baptist Church.

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2026 Commencement Contest Winners – Vocal

Joseph Greene — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 18:24:59 +0000

��ԭ��’s Music Department announces the winners of this year’s Vocal Commencement Contest. The contest allows student musicians to develop their presentation and performance skills. Pianists and Instrumentalists have the opportunity to compete in separate categories of the Commencement Contest. Pastor Dave Zimmerman adjudicated the Vocal division. Winner Accompanied by Jamie Martinez, Cienna Kerr won first place, singing “I Sought the Lord,” by Don Humphreys, and “Der Sandmann” by Robert Schumann. Cienna is a freshman studying Music Education. Adjudicator Dave Zimmerman says, “Everyone I listened to brought me much joy in their music and obvious hard work!” Competition winners receive a cash prize and their name is placed on a perpetual plaque. Runner-up Accompanied by Mrs. Ruth Bachorik, Daniel Earnest won second place, performing “In My Father’s House Are Many Mansions” by Lucian Jewell, and “Bright is the Ring of Words” by Ralph Vaughan Williams. Daniel is a Junior Music Minor with a Voice Proficiency. Adjudicator Dave Zimmermann recently retired after a fulfilling career in education and ministry. He spent 25 years as a public school choir director in Minnesota and Watertown before transitioning to pastoral ministry in 2012 and joining the ministry team at River Valley Alliance Church, where he has […]

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MBU News Archives - ����ԭ��