2015 Grace College and Seminary Alumni Award Recipients (left to right): Bob Fetterhoff, Elizabeth Vastbinder, Carole Gordon, Bill Gordon, Dr. Terry White. (Photo provided)

By AMANDA BANKS
Director of Public Relations, Grace College And Seminary

WINONA LAKE — Part of Grace College & Seminary’s annual homecoming events, today five outstanding men and women received various alumni awards for their accomplishments.

Elizabeth Vastbinder of Warsaw received the Young Alumni of the Year Award, given to a graduate of the previous decade who has made significant contributions to society and/or professional advancements in their career. Elizabeth is a 2009 Grace Graduate with a BA in Social Studies Education and now works as a social studies and Spanish teacher at Lakeview Middle School in Warsaw. While at Grace, Betsey received the Outstanding Prospective Teacher Honorable Mention and the Social Studies Award. In 2014, Betsey received the Teacher of the Year award for Warsaw Community Schools.

Bill and Carole Gordon of Warsaw are recipients of the Honorary Alumni Award, given to a non-alumnus(a) who has demonstrated a commitment to the mission of Grace and a genuine interest in the cause of Christian higher education by and through Grace College and Seminary. Bill and Carole have played an important role on the Grace campus since 1978 when Bill joined the faculty as Assistant Professor of Business. Bill was a charter member of the International Business Institute representing Grace in Europe, he helped develop the Christian Business Faculty Association and served as Grace College Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach for three years. Perhaps one of his biggest accomplishments is the establishment of the Gordon Institute for Enterprise Development.

The Gordons have been long-time supporters of Grace College, living by the motto “All In.” Carole helped start and was the first chairman of the Faculty Womens’ Club, coordinating on campus activities for students. She was also the Director of Children’s Ministry at Winona Lake Grace Brethren Church from 2000-2003, a 5th and 6th grade Sunday school teacher for over 10 years and has taught music at Sacred Heart Elementary School for seven years.

The Alumni Distinguished Service Award was presented to Dr. Terry White of Warsaw. This annual award is given to an alumni who has exhibited Christian leadership and extraordinary service to the increased welfare of Grace College and Seminary. Dr. White graduated from Grace College in 1964 with a Bachelor of Music Education. Since 1966, he has been an adjunct/part-time faculty at Grace, teaching newspaper and magazine journalism. From 1960-1977, Terry was chair of the Grace journalism department. Additionally, he served as the Director of Public Relations and contributed to developmental work in deferred giving and capital fundraising campaigns. Terry continues to use his journalism skills to assist Dr. Katip with writing and editing. In recent years, Terry has voluntarily served as director of the Winona History Center where he provides historical tours of the Grace campus and Winona Lake.

Bob Fetterhoff of Wooster, Ohio, received the Alumni of the Year Award, given to an alumni who has enhanced the mission, reputation or morale of Grace College and Seminary, and represents the schools with professionalism, enthusiasm and dedication. Bob is a 1979 Grace Graduate with a Master of Divinity, and a Master of Arts in Christian School Administration in 1980. Bob became the senior pastor of Wooster Grace Brethren Church in 1980, and this year will be retiring after 35 years of faithful service. He is also the founding pastor of Wooster Christian School and the founding chairman of the Pregnancy Care Center of Wayne County. Bob served as executive director of the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches for two terms, and he currently is chairman of GO2 Ministries. Pastor Bob is passionate about introducing people to a new perspective on reading and understanding the Bible. He hosts a weekly radio broadcast “Minute with the Master” and has led 21 tours of the Holy Land.