Arizona Christian University is excited to announce the recipients of the upcoming inaugural Homecoming Awards to be honored November 4th during ACU’s first Homecoming and Family Weekend BBQ. The on-campus event will feature five award recipients, nominated by their peers and chosen by a diverse group of ACU staff and faculty members. Each of the recipients embody ACU’s mission and have distinguished themselves by transforming culture with truth.
The 2016 Distinguished Alumnus of the Year is Dr. Mark Bailey, class of 1972. Dr. Bailey assumed Dallas Theological Seminary’s presidency after years of service as both a professor in the
Bible Exposition department and as the Vice President for Academic Affairs. In addition to his years at the Seminary, he has pastored various churches in Arizona and Texas. He was a seminar instructor for Walk Thru the Bible Ministries for twenty years and is in demand for Bible conferences and other preaching engagements. His overseas ministries have included Venezuela, Argentina, Hungary, and China. He is also a regular tour leader in Israel, Jordan, Egypt, Turkey, Greece, and Rome. His board service includes Bible Study Fellowship, Insight for Living, Jews for Jesus, and Walk Thru the Bible Ministries. Dr. Bailey began his academic career in the Bible department at ACU (then Southwestern College) and later became Dean of Faculty, for a total of nine years with the school.
The 2016 Outstanding Alumnus of the Year is Grant Botma, class of 2005. Mr. Botma founded Stewardship Mortgage, Insurance, Financial, and Planning in 2007, located in Gilbert, AZ. The business was started and funded entirely on savings. Grant currently employs three other ACU alumni. He has been working in personal finance since he was 15 and graduated in the sixth class of Business Administration graduates at Arizona Christian University. Grant was named “35 Top Arizona Entrepreneurs 35 and Younger” in 2013 by the Arizona Republic. He recently received the Arizona Journal of Real Estate and Business “2016 Mortgage Broker of the Year” award.
The F.I.R.E. Family Award is being given to two deserving families who have exemplified faith, influence, relationship, and excellence in their commitment and service to ACU. The 2016 recipients of this award are the Serwa Family – Mike, Mary and senior Business Administration major, Sammy – and the Shipp Family – John, Kelli, senior Business Administration major Kyle, and 2016 graduate Dean.
Allisa Miller, a sophomore student and member of the ACU softball team and Flock Council, and Student Leadership Campus Events Coordinator has been chosen for the 2016 Stormin’ Norman School Spirit Award.
ACU invites members of the community to attend the Awards BBQ as well as other great events being offered during Homecoming and Family Weekend. For event details and to RSVP, visit: www.arizonachristian.edu/homecomingfamilyweekend