Clarks Summit University Celebrates 92nd Commencement Clarks Summit University celebrated graduates in their 92nd Commencement on May 11, 2024, at 10 a.m. in the Recreation Center on their Clarks Summit campus. CSU’s graduating class earned degrees in 50 programs of study, including associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral. 92nd Graduating Class 158 graduates were celebrated. The class represented a breadth of academic achievement with 16 different degree types, from associate to doctoral. 161 degrees were conferred across 50 programs of study, including business, counseling, education, organizational leadership, biology, health sciences, ministry and theology. Members of this graduating class hail from 27 states and 10 different countries, including Ethiopia, Japan, South Africa, United Kingdom and Brazil. First Program Graduates Among the graduates were the first graduates of CSU’s Master of Business Administration program. CSU launched the program last fall, and it has earned the distinction of “Best One-Year MBA” by Forbes Advisor. These first graduates completed their MBA online in less than one year. The first graduates with an undergraduate major of Intercultural Entrepreneurship were also part of this graduating class. The first graduates of the Master of Business Administration program are joined by faculty members. CSU president James Lytle, D.Min., speaks at the university’s 92nd Commencement. Commencement Service The invocation was given by Dena Cambra, M.Ed., vice president for Marketing and Communications. Assistant professor Brian Deschaine, M.Ed., read Colossians 1:9–14. The Concert Choir sang “Elijah Rock,” arranged by Roger Emerson, and “Christ is Risen, He is Risen Indeed,” by Keith and Kristyn Getty and Ed Cash, arranged by James Koerts. William Higley, Ph.D., vice president for academics, presented the candidates for graduation. CSU president James Lytle, D.Min., conferred degrees and spoke a prayer of dedication before the audience sang the university hymn, “Holding Fast the Faithful Word,” by Vera Stilwel and W.S. Miller, arranged by David Harris. Dr. Lytle also introduced the commencement speaker, Aaron Marshall, M.A. Commencement Speaker Marshall is the chair of CSU’s Board of Trustees. He spoke on the Colossians passage, challenging graduates to “Live a Worthy Life.” A two-time Clarks Summit University alumnus (’96, ’19), he is also the managing partner of TEAMMarshall LLLP. Marshall has served in pastoral roles and as past president and CEO of BCS, a technology deployment company. Aaron and his wife Jaye T. live in Arkansas and have three children. The couple started the JLE Marshall Endowment for Pediatric Oncology in 2011 to assist in bringing pediatric cancer treatment to Northwest Arkansas. Passionate about helping those experiencing homelessness, Aaron helped establish New Beginnings Village, providing a micro-shelter “bridge housing” community and access to services and programs which holistically help residents. Aaron Marshall, M.A., gives the commencement address at Clarks Summit University’s 92nd Commencement. In his volunteer role as community shepherd at Fellowship Bible Church of NWA, Aaron administrates small group ministry. He serves on the board of Arkansas Children’s Hospital Northwest and is president of the board of New Beginnings Northwest Arkansas. An instructor and two graduating scholar-athletes celebrate during CSU’s 92nd Commencement. Student Testimonies Students from various degree levels were selected to give graduate testimonies. Juan Izquierdo, from Kissimmee, Florida, majored in Biology and Biblical Studies. He said, “It’s been an honor to serve and represent this school academically and athletically. As I look back and reflect on my journey, I can see a man that has grown spiritually in tremendous ways.” Emma Mitten, from Largo, Florida, graduated with Highest Honor with majors in Intercultural Entrepreneurship and Biblical Studies. “I think the biggest way in which I’ve learned from my time here is in the opportunities I have been given, and the people that God has placed in my life,” she said. “From day one, I’ve been challenged by my professors, my RD [resident director], and my friends to always obey God in the things He is calling me to do, even if I’m not too comfortable doing it.” Luke Tice, a Pastoral Ministries and Biblical Studies double-major from Wyalusing, Pennsylvania, graduated with High Honor. He said, “Praise God for all he has done, is doing, and will continue to faithfully do in and through all of us here at CSU. I have the opportunity to take some of the best, most practical classes, meet some of the most solid, Christ-following people, and experience some of the most truthful, heartfelt ministry in my time here.” Kristin Charles represented Master of Education graduates, graduating Magna Cum Laude with a focus in Curriculum and Instruction. She earned her undergraduate degree at Grove City College and is from Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania. “I am grateful to God for all that He has taught me along the way and for the chance to step into the classroom each day to do what I love. I now have renewed energy and the resources I have needed to teach with excellence,” she explained. She completed her degree over 21 years and admitted, “I had wondered if it was too late to finish this degree, but I was reminded that it is never too late to pursue the dreams God has put on our hearts.” Donna Oakes, from Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania, earned two degrees from CSU through the Accelerated Counseling program—her Bachelor of Science in Counseling and Master of Science in Counseling. The South African native shared how her story has changed from someone who failed in high school, had no hope for the future and had suicidal thoughts to someone who was supported by God and others to earn both her undergraduate and graduate degrees in counseling. “Who I am today is a stranger to my yesterdays. You are looking at someone who believed she was intellectually unable to complete high school, much less college. You are looking at someone who believed she had no hope for her future…and now look, here I am. Here I stand with my hands raised high to a Savior that saved my soul and rewrote the story of my life. I am surrounded by people who have been instrumental in changing the course of my life.” Emily McLean, hailing from Ontario, Canada, earned her Master of Divinity from CSU’s Baptist Bible Seminary. She graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Ministry focus. “Throughout all the challenges and blessings and chaos, the grace of God and the discipline of seminary homework deadlines kept me in the Word and brought me back to Its truth again and again and again.” She said, “At the time that I began my seminary degree, I could never have pictured myself on this day, at 31, seven years later. And yet, God knew the work that He was preparing me for even then. He used His living and active Word to equip and challenge and sanctify me, one course at a time.” Ryan Day, a three-time CSU graduate from Peach Bottom, Pennsylvania, earned his Doctor of Ministry degree with a Pastoral Ministry focus. He graduated Magna Cum Laude with a dissertation: “Training Deacons who Dare to Make a Difference.” A high-school student who attended Teen Leadership Conference and eventually earned his bachelor’s, master’s and now doctoral degrees at CSU and Baptist Bible Seminary, Day describes the university as “a special place where God can change your life.” He continued, “I want to thank the faculty here at Baptist Bible Seminary for your unwavering commitment to both truth and love—the truth of the Bible and the love of your students. I praise God today for the incredible impact that CSU and Baptist Bible Seminary have had on my life.”
Clarks Summit University Serves in the Abingtons after Flash Flood More than 200 volunteers from Clarks Summit University took an opportunity to serve in the Abington area, which was overwhelmed by flash flooding during the weekend storm. University leaders canceled daytime classes on Tuesday, September 12, to encourage students to serve the community in clean-up efforts and show the love of Christ tangibly. On Saturday, September 9, a severe storm hit the Clarks Summit region, producing torrential downpours and flash flooding. The storm washed out roadways, inundated homes and tragically resulted in one fatality. Some Defender athletic teams waited out the storm for hours, unable to return to campus even from just a few miles away. The storm left significant and widespread damage. Days later, debris was still prevalent; some roads remained closed, and landscapes were re-shaped from erosion. With great need in the towns surrounding campus, CSU administration reached out to see how the university community could help. As soon as needs were identified, leaders canceled on-campus classes to give students and employees the time to serve. “We want our students to learn that an education at CSU is, at its heart, a means to serve others,” explained Dr. Jim Lytle, CSU’s president. “This was all volunteer work, and I am very grateful for our faculty and staff that joined our students moving mud and tree limbs for the sake of our community. South Abington Township, Clarks Summit and Clarks Green have been our home for 55 years, and we love this place. I’m glad we can show our love in this practical way.” Nearly 180 students and 25 employees set out to help. They dispersed to South Abington Park, Hillside Park, Abington Little Leagues’ Ackerly Field Complex, local businesses and even residential homes. CSU students repair grounds damaged by storm waters at Ackerly Field Complex, home to Abington Little League. Little League – Huge Effort With a tree washed up through the outfield, fences destroyed, and erosion significantly damaging the complex, the Abington Little League was forced to close some of the baseball fields, batting cages and playground area due to the significant damage at Ackerly Field Complex. League officials shared photos of the damage with CSU’s head men’s baseball coach Joshua Knight, but the images couldn’t compare to seeing the destruction firsthand. “Going to see it for ourselves, we knew it would take a lot of hands to get the work done,” said Knight. The nearby creek burst through its banks and ran straight through one field, flooding more fields behind it. Knight led the Defender baseball team, softball team and other students in removing the debris along the fence. The logs, sticks and earth climbed up to four feet along the fencing, revealing the depth of the floodwaters. With debris removed, the fence could be more easily repaired. The baseball team has partnered with the all-volunteer Abington Little League in the past, which made it even sweeter for the student-athletes and coaches to help with the cleanup. “The team talked about it the day before and what it means for us and what it means to give back,” said Knight. “Christ sacrificed not only His time, but He gave His whole life to serve other people in situations which were not the greatest. We need to think about making that positive impact. Sure, we could be using this time for something related to baseball or academics, but we’re here to share the love of Christ.” Serving at the field was nostalgic for many players and coaches. Knight explained, “A lot of us, when we were younger, played Little League ourselves, so it was a positive experience to be back on a smaller field and to be reminded that we are helping a league that has 500 kids that need to play on these fields. It was good to give back to Little League and what it did for us when we were that age.” CSU students repair grounds damaged by storm waters at Ackerly Field Complex, home to Abington Little League. Community-Building Experience At South Abington Park, CSU volunteers raked and collected branches, trees, garbage—whatever the floodwaters brought in. They replaced mulch in the playground area and moved copious amounts of displaced soil. According to Marilyn Luster, director of student employment and career readiness, “Students really were willing to dig in the dirt and make the park look better than when we arrived.” Luster said the CSU community was equally encouraged by community members. “It was so sweet to see the response of the community. One woman dropped off donuts and told us she was grateful…Another woman mentioned how incredible it was that we came out to help…Community members were a huge encouragement to us!” Ryan Spinello, a sophomore Pre-Athletic Training major from Virginia, served at South Abington Park and Clarks Summit Elementary School. He said, “We want the Clarks Summit community to know that we care and more importantly that Christ cares for them…It was cool to see everyone rally around the cause; they jumped in and worked well together. It was a community-building experience for us too. It helped me get to know some people that I would not have known without this opportunity.” Light on the Hillside CSU students who reside in Loescher Hall have made it an annual tradition to help out at Hillside Park during the university’s Community Appreciation Day each fall. This time, the students went to the familiar place to see an unusual level of destruction. They focused their attention on the Dog Park area, shoveling gravel and debris away from the park and back into the parking areas. Loescher Hall Resident Director Holden Goehring also works on CSU’s facilities staff. As he served at Hillside, he realized what a tremendous physical undertaking the job required. “What we were able to do that morning would have been weeks worth trying to clean that mess up with a smaller staff. Having all of those hands really sped up the process for them to restore the grounds and driveway so people can use the dog park.” Goehring appreciated the opportunity for students to serve alongside staff and faculty members. “Students got to see the employees’ servants’ hearts and learn why this kind of impact is important. As a school, we teach them in classes: this is why and how you should serve. This was a unique opportunity to get to apply what they are learning in how to serve each other and the community. Some of the 200+ CSU volunteers gather at South Abington Park after cleaning up flood damage. More Opportunities on Mission CSU students helped residents rip carpet from flooded homes. One group shoveled mud and rock left behind by floodwaters in the parking lots of local businesses like Krispy Kreme and Armetta’s Restaurant and Pizzeria. “This is a rare occasion of a natural disaster that affected our Clarks Summit neighbors, and we have a resource of manpower that we could employ to help to serve our community,” said Dr. Bill Higley, vice president for academics. “It was an easy decision to send our students out to help where they could, and hopefully, to make a difference in people’s lives. That is who we are as Christ-followers, and it is certainly consistent with the mission of CSU.” The university’s goal is to prepare students to become Christ-centered, career-ready graduates. While some of that preparation takes place in the classroom, the faculty and staff are intentional about integrating that mission into every aspect of the student experience. The Christ-centered career preparation is also maximized in on campus employment, through NCAA DIII athletics and fine arts, within the residence halls—and, sometimes, through picking up branches and shoveling mud to be a light for Christ in their community. About Clarks Summit University Clarks Summit University offers Christ-centered academic distinction and practical, real-world experience in an exceptional mix of on-campus and online options for undergraduate, graduate and seminary students. To learn more, visit ClarksSummitU.edu or call 570.586.2400.
Clarks Summit University to Host Job and Ministry Fair Registration is now open for Clarks Summit University’s Job and Ministry Fair. The annual fair gives local businesses, churches and organizations a chance to connect with students to share employment and volunteer opportunities. The fair will be held Friday, Sept. 14, from 10-11 a.m. at CSU’s on-campus Recreation Center. Marilyn Luster, director of student employment and career readiness, sees it as an “opportunity to partner with us in the development of our students.” CSU is committed to preparing Christ-Centered, Career-Ready graduates through academics, co-curriculars and experience-based learning platforms. Off campus jobs and ministries can be part of the intentional student preparation process. Local businesses, churches and other organizations can request a table to present job, ministry and volunteer opportunities at the 2023 Job & Ministry Fair. Hundreds of residential undergraduate students will attend. Employers and organizations will be provided with an eight-foot table and can request an electrical outlet. They will need to supply their own tablecloth, sign and promotional material for the table. Organizations are also welcome to request tickets to enjoy lunch with CSU students and staff beginning at 11:30 a.m. Organizations can request to reserve a table at 2023 Job & Ministry Fair through the registration form here: https://clarkssummitu.wufoo.com/forms/clarks-summit-university-job-ministry-fair-2023. The space is free. There is limited space available, so please make your request by September 1 to be considered to participate in the Job and Ministry Fair.
Clarks Summit University to Host Spring Concert On April 29 at 7 p.m. and April 30 at 6 p.m., Clarks Summit University will present their 2023 Spring Concert “A New Day Has Begun” in the historic Murphy Memorial Library on the Clarks Summit Campus. This concert will have an underlying theme of spring, hopefulness and positive reflection. Attendees will experience a very broad spectrum of repertoire at the concert. With everything from classical to jazz to bluegrass, the 2023 Spring Concert spans many musical genres to appeal to a wide audience. This musical array will be performed by Music Education and Worship Studies majors, and also students from many of CSU’s other programs. The evening will feature duets, a women’s choir, solos and much more. Aside from the concert’s vast musical offerings, the 2023 Spring Concert provides a chance for everyone to reflect on themes of hope communicated through music. Music Department chair and professor Adam Schwamb, said, “in the busyness of life, a concert like this is always a good time to re-center oneself by hearing beautiful things. We have a gem in the community in terms of the arts.” At CSU there’s an active arts scene recognized for its quality. According to Schwamb, many community musicians recognize CSU as a place of high levels of musicianship. “We should be intensely proud of how hard our students are working for something that’s not part of their degree audit. They do it because it’s valuable to them and they want to share it with others.” For more about the Spring Concert and all on-campus happenings, visit ClarksSummitU.edu/events.
Clarks Summit University Provide Free Tax Services At Clarks Summit University, free tax preparation services are available to qualified individuals on Tuesday evenings from 6–9 p.m. through April 11. Appointments are available; walk-ins are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. CSU students took a certification course through the IRS to become qualified tax preparers and are now certified to prepare individual taxes under the IRS program, VITA. VITA is designed by the IRS to supply low-income individuals with free tax preparation services. The volunteers can complete federal, Pennsylvania and local tax returns. It is a strictly volunteer program—the students receive no compensation and no course credit. This experience has given the students practical experience preparing taxes as they provide this service to fellow students and community members. Anna Morrill, a senior in CSU’s Accounting program, is one of the student volunteers. She said, “It has been fun to meet new people and interact with students that I don’t know as well. This is something I want to do because I’m gaining knowledge of how the tax preparation process works and providing a free service to the Clarks Summit area.” This coming summer, Morrill plans to be an intern at an accounting firm where she will be rotating through the different areas of accounting. “This tax service will provide some real-world experience and knowledge that I can take into my internship and my future career,” she said. “I hope that this is the first of many years we are able to run this program on CSU’s campus,” said faculty member Rebekah King. For questions and appointments call 570.585.9216 or email rking@ClarksSummitU.edu
Clarks Summit University Students Travel for Professional Intensive Clarks Summit University students traveled to Orlando, FL, after being selected to participate in the Reclaim Today 2023 Professional Writing and Design Intensive. 80 students from nearly 160 member institutions of the Association for Biblical Higher Education across the United States and Canada applied for the program. Three of the final 30 students selected were from CSU. Lydia Peters, of Allentown, PA, and Josh Fowler, of Chillicothe, OH, both participated in the writing portion of the intensive while Sam Ford, of Montrose, PA, participated in the design portion. These students received a three-year contract to submit work to Reclaim Today with the opportunity to have their work published. Part of Our Daily Bread Ministries, Reclaim Today appeals to the Gen Z and Millennial generations by providing biblical truth and encouragement that allow readers to “connect with God in the ordinary, extraordinary, everyday moments of life.” CSU Associate Professor Sarah Scranta was instrumental in assisting the students during the application and travel process for the Intensive. She says the Intensive poured into the lives of young people who will build the content that points people to Christ. Reclaim Today plans to have two more years of the Intensive in partnership with ABHE. Peters, a sophomore Communications-Writing major with a minor in Youth Ministries, has a heart for missions and a desire for her words to encourage and help others. Peters is an editor and a writer for “Vantage Magazine,” a digital magazine for creative expression, career preparation and community interaction, produced by CSU students. She particularly enjoys writing poetry. Scranta said, “Lydia is dependable, flexible and open to challenges in her academic pursuits. She is a careful thinker and highly regarded by her peers.” A sophomore Accelerated Counseling major, Fowler writes to encourage and to provide hope. Fowler writes primarily journalistic nonfiction pieces and devotionals and is a contributing writer for Vantage Magazine. He said, “I love using my writing to help other people. I want for my creative pieces to teach lessons that you do not hear very often. I want my journalistic nonfiction pieces to inspire those who are going through hardship. I want for my devotional pieces to challenge people to grow in their relationship with Christ.” He continued, “the conversation on mental health is growing in popularity, and it is important that the voices involved in the conversation are speaking the truth of the gospel.” Fowler aspires to use his writing and his counseling training “to publish material in the future that would help families and churches grow in their ability to converse on difficult topics like grief, brokenness, sexuality, forgiveness and identity.” He said, “I believe that I can use my skills to ask questions to bring about discussion, which in turn could bring about change.” Scranta said, “[Fowler] is dependable, flexible, willing to take on learning and writing challenges and is a source of encouragement for his peers.” Ford, a junior Communications major with a minor in Pastoral Ministries, believes design is the best way for him to communicate a message of hope to a culture hungry for it. He said, “I really enjoy design, because although it is a very corporate branch of art; it is effective in its reach, as it can be printed onto anything. A painted canvas in an art gallery is beautiful, but we only view it occasionally; whereas a design, printed onto our favorite item, we will see daily. In summary, ‘art communicates.’” Ford works at CSU’s Underground Café. He served as an intern and produced digital designs for Lincoln Lake Baptist Youth Camp. He also designed his residence hall’s apparel. Scranta said, “[Ford’s] sense of humor and creativity contribute to his academic success. He is also a careful thinker who seeks to serve others through his design work.”
Clarks Summit University Hosts Virtual Master of Education Event Join Clarks Summit University for “Increasing Effectiveness as a Curriculum Leader” In an ever-changing world of education, a foundational worldview of curriculum is essential. In this virtual workshop, educators will focus on the important elements of curriculum development and the assessment cycle. Because curriculum encompasses the entire responsibility of a school, all members of the education team should be equipped to participate in curriculum development. Learn alongside experienced educators as you’re reminded of the importance of curriculum development and take away tools and strategies to implement at your school. Tuesday, March 21, 2023 at 7:00 PM until 8:00 PM Register Today!
Clarks Summit University to Host Lunch & Learn Event Learn from Dr. Crawford Loritts in this resource event presented by Clarks Summit University and Baptist Bible Seminary. Click here to register today! Expand Your Godly Leadership Skills God has called His people to lead in different ways and various settings. No matter where you are leading, you can put four basic concepts into practice to become a more effective, godly leader. Learn from national speaker Dr. Crawford Loritts about the characteristics of brokenness, communion, servanthood andobedience. At the Lunch & Learn Leadership event at Clarks Summit University, Loritts will examine each counter-cultural trait and help you understand a truly biblical view on leadership. His sessions are based on his insightful book, “Leadership as an Identity: The Four Traits of Those Who Wield Lasting Influence.” Details: March 30, 2023Recreation Center Room 209Clarks Summit University538 Venard Road, Clarks Summit, PA $25 per person includes breakfast, Chick-fil-A lunch, three main sessions plus Q&A time.Due to limited seating, registration is required and early registration is encouraged. The first 50 people to register will receive the complementary gift of Loritts’ book: “Leadership as an Identity.” Register today! Schedule: 8:30 a.m. Registration/Continental Breakfast9 a.m. Session 1: Brokenness10 a.m. Session 2: Communion (combined session with CSU students)11 a.m. Session 3: Servanthood & ObedienceNoon Lunch: Chick-fil-A; Q&A time with Dr. Crawford Loritts Meet National Speaker: Dr. Crawford Loritts Loritts speaks at conferences, universities, churches and evangelistic outreaches across the nation and other parts of the world. He’s been the featured speaker at Super Bowls, NCAA Final Four Chapel and the Pentagon. President and founder of “Beyond our Generation,” he is committed to helping shape the next generation of Christian leaders. Loritts has been a church planter, pastor and on staff of Campus Crusade for Christ. He serves on several boards including CRU, FamilyLife and Chick-fil-A. The author of nine books and host of two national radio programs has received five honorary doctorates. The New Jersey native trusted Christ as his Savior when he was a teenager. He met his wife in college; they’ve been married since 1971.
Clarks Summit University Celebrates Hall of Honor Ceremony Clarks Summit University inducted new members into the university’s Athletic Hall of Honor on September 30, on CSU’s campus during Homecoming: Alumni and Family Weekend. The 2022 Hall of Honor inductees are Dr. Bill Higley, Ronnie Chastain and the 1991–92 Defender men’s basketball team. Joining 20 other distinguished members and three teams, the 2022 inductees have achieved significant athletic achievement and demonstrated exemplary character. Higley, a 1984 alumnus of CSU, became Defender softball coach in 2002. He retired in 2019 with 240 wins. He was named conference Coach of the Year twice. The first time was in 2005 as he led the Lady Defenders to their first 20-win season and a spot in the North Eastern Atlantic Conference Championship. Higley’s impact goes beyond the field as he modeled godly character and positively impacted his players. Higley currently serves as CSU’s vice president for academics and has returned to the diamond as head softball coach for the 2022–23 season. Ronnie Chastain, a Clarks Summit resident, has served as CSU’s head athletic trainer since 2004. He has played a major role in the success of Defender athletics. With a reputation for excellence in his field, Chastain often has students from other universities shadow him during their athletic training practicum. “Athletic trainers are allied health care professionals who give care from prevention to workouts to on-the-field/court emergency and daily care as injuries and incidents happen. We follow through with post-injury treatments, rehabilitation, and we team closely with coaches, doctors and PTs to modify activities and return players to full activity.” Chastain said of the honor, “It was a very pleasant surprise and encouraging to be recognized. I consider it a calling, and I love helping athletes, mentoring young professionals and working with the Athletics Department team.” The 1991–92 men’s basketball team was also inducted into CSU’s Hall of Honor. The team won the Division II National Christian College Athletic Association National Championship in 1992. With CSU Athletic Hall of Honor member Russ Howard at the helm, the Defenders finished the season with a 20–7 record and three All-Conference Awards. Howard was named Coach of the Year. Derek Mosher led the team in scoring, averaging 22.6 points per game. Mosher finished the season with 610 total points and earned the NCCAA II Maravich Award. Sharing the First-Team All-Conference title with Mosher, Robbie Stearns had 182 assists and 549 total points. Point guard and coaching legend Mike Show led in three-point field goal percentage with 41.7 percent; he amassed 327 points his final year as a player. Show, a Clarks Summit resident, has been active in the community, leading basketball camps and clinics. He was inducted into CSU’s Hall of Honor in 2006. This year, Show was promoted to CSU’s director of athletics. “It was truly a great team,” said Show of the 1992 squad. “Looking at each of us individually, I don’t know that anyone thought we were championship material. But together, we made an incredible team. Coach Howard did a great job putting us together. He played to our strengths. The thing about that team is that we didn’t care who scored or who got the credit as long as we got the win. We supported and cared for each other, and the team was really cohesive. We had great unity. It was a great group of guys.” The 1992 team included Steve Barton, Dan Brown, Dean Bult, Mark Erikson, Scott Flatt, Paul Gruet, Mark Moody, Derek Mosher, Keith Overholt, Dave Pirrie, Mike Show, Ken Shupp, Rob Stearns, Chris Storr and Oliver Yasay. Russ Howard was head coach with assistants Randy Carman and Doug Loescher. The Clarks Summit University Athletic Hall of Honor was established in 2006 to recognize athletes, coaches, staff and athletic supporters who have made a lasting impression on the Defender Athletics program. Twelve Clarks Summit University teams compete in NCAA Division III’s Colonial States Athletic Conference.
Clarks Summit University Job and Ministry Fair As Clarks Summit University is making preparations for the school year, the Office of Student Development is grateful to reinstate the Job and Ministry Fair on campus. The fair gives local businesses, churches and organizations a chance to connect with students to share employment and volunteer opportunities. The fair will be held Friday, Sept. 10, from 10-11 a.m. at CSU’s on-campus Recreation Center. Marilyn Luster, director of student employment and career readiness, sees it as more than just a chance for students to get a job or sign up to help a non-profit; she wants to give businesses an “opportunity to partner with us in the development of our students.” CSU is committed to preparing Christ-Centered, Career-Ready graduates through academics, co-curriculars and experience-based learning platforms. Off campus jobs and ministries can be part of the intentional student preparation process. “We are thankful for the partnerships we have had with local employers, churches, and non-profits in the greater Scranton area, and we are continuing to seek more partners who are willing to invest in our students,” says Luster. “CSU students have the reputation within our community of having strong character and being honest, hardworking, diligent and consistent. We value the relationships our students have developed with local employers, ministries and non-profits. We are excited for another year to provide the opportunity to send our students into the community to work and serve.” Local businesses, churches and other organizations can reserve a table to present job, ministry and volunteer opportunities at the 2021 Job & Ministry Fair. Hundreds of residential undergraduate students will attend. Employers and organizations will be provided with an eight-foot table and can request an electrical outlet. They are also welcome to request two or more tickets to enjoy lunch with our students and staff beginning at 11:30 a.m. Please bring your own tablecloth, sign and promotional material. Registration is free and quick! Employers and organizations can reserve a table at 2021 Job & Ministry Fair through the Registration Form here: https://clarkssummitu.wufoo.com/forms/clarks-summit-university-job-ministry-fair. There is limited space available, so please register by August 27. Questions can be directed to Marilyn Luster at mluster@clarkssummitu.edu or 570.585.9316. Future employment, internship, volunteer and ministry opportunities for on-campus students can also be directed to Luster throughout the year.
