At a moment when education, character, and the American Dream are increasingly questioned, educator and co-founder of Vertex Partnership Academies Ian Rowe argues that renewal begins not with rhetoric, but with faith put into action. On Cornerstone University’s Wisdom & Influence podcast, Rowe reflected on how virtue-driven education grounded in Christian faith and personal responsibility can restore opportunity — especially for young people in vulnerable communities.

As culture and institutions increasingly define students by perceived limitations and disadvantages, Rowe challenges educators to move beyond rhetoric. Throughout the conversation hosted by President Gerson Moreno‑Riaño, he emphasized that education should prepare young people to take responsibility for their lives and future rather than internalize narratives of victimhood.

“Unfortunately, many young people today are being marinated in narratives that tell them everything that they can’t do in their lives,” Rowe said. “And it’s created, in some communities, almost this idea of learned helplessness — I can’t control my own destiny. And I push back very hard.”

Rowe grounded this vision in what he calls the FREE model — Family, Religion, Education, and Entrepreneurship — noting that large-scale studies on opportunity consistently point to the importance of family, faith, and education in shaping long-term outcomes.

“Christian influence is a powerful tool,” Rowe said. “But it means nothing if it’s just off to the side and never really utilized. It’s one thing to proselytize, but it’s a whole different thing to actualize.”

That commitment to faith lived out is reflected in Rowe’s work at Vertex Partnership Academies, where character formation is intentionally woven into the life of the school.

“We decided to organize the entire school around the cardinal virtues — courage, justice, temperance, and wisdom,” Rowe said. “And courage is the first, because courage is the virtue that you must exercise in order to practice all the others.”

For Rowe, education at its best forms people prepared to lead self-determined lives marked by moral clarity. That commitment is reflected in his role as a national President’s Fellow, mentoring Cornerstone students, and through Vertex Partnership Academies’ role as a Golden Eagle Partner with Cornerstone University — a shared commitment to education grounded in Christ-centered faith, virtue, and influence for Jesus Christ.

About the Wisdom & Influence Podcast

Wisdom & Influence, the official podcast of Cornerstone University, explores how Biblical wisdom shapes culture, leadership, industry, ministry, and everyday life. Hosted by President Gerson Moreno-Riaño, each episode features thought-provoking conversations with Christian influencers: national thought leaders, professors, students, alumni, and more — sharing actionable insights and inspiring stories to help you spread Biblical truth in our world.

About Ian Rowe

Ian Rowe is an educator, author, and the CEO and co-founder of Vertex Partnership Academies, a virtues-based International Baccalaureate public charter high school in the Bronx organized around the cardinal virtues of courage, justice, temperance, and wisdom. He also serves as a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, where his work focuses on education, upward mobility, and family formation.

Rowe is the author of “Agency: The Four Point Plan (F.R.E.E.).” His career includes leadership roles at Teach For America, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, MTV, and as CEO of the Public Prep charter network. He holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and a bachelor’s degree in computer science engineering from Cornell University.

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Each December, the quiet preparations of Advent disrupt our busy world as we begin a new Christmas season. We welcome Jesus Christ, who became the Word incarnate, and live in longing expectation for His return. As John writes, “Even so, come, Lord Jesus!” (Revelation 22:20).

We live between two Advents — the bookends of history. We celebrate the first coming of Christ and look toward to His second coming as we prepare for the complete restoration that only He can bring to His beloved creation.

The bookends of history — the first and second coming of Christ — and everything in between are extraordinary moments. Nothing about Christ’s comings and life in between these is banal.

Christ’s extraordinary first coming brings moral clarity. To a world that champions doubt, skepticism, and agnosticism, Christ declares that He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6). Christ’s declares that we can know — in head and in heart — that He is the answer to doubt, denial, and darkness.

Christ’s extraordinary second coming motivates moral purity. To a world whose hopelessness has motivated self-indulgence and decadence, Christ declares that He will appear a second time and that those who hope in Him and in His return “purify themselves, just as he is pure” (1 John 3:3). Christ declares that those who actually have the hope of Him and His return within them purify themselves in anticipation of seeing Him.

The extraordinary life in between Christ’s comings brings moral purpose. God’s directive to His people in Babylon to “seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile” and to “pray to the LORD for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper” (Jeremiah 29:7) is vigorously reintroduced throughout the Gospels. The Sermon on the Mount, the Two Great Commands, the Parable of the Good Samaritan, the New Command and countless other teachings direct Christ’s followers to seek the welfare of their cities and all around them. In short, to “occupy, until I come” (Luke 19:13).

The extraordinary life in between Christ’s comings brings moral anticipation. Living life fully in between the Advents of Christ brings the type of moral anticipation emphasized in Hebrews 11. Life with all of its beauty, brevity, and agonies indubitably leaves one unsatisfied and looking for more. To the discerning anticipator, Christ declares that He is preparing a place for us in heaven (John 14:1-3) and that this place is our true country (Greek: patria) and true city (Greek: polis) — (Hebrews 11:13-16). We are citizens of heaven even as we are citizen-pilgrims of earth.

Such truths are humbling, sobering, and energizing! During this holiday season, may we realize the extraordinary opportunities we each have to allow Christ’s first and second coming to transform our in-between lives in our nation and our university — Cornerstone.

As we celebrate this Christmas and look forward to celebrating Cornerstone’s 85th anniversary and America’s 250th Super Centennial, may the reality, goodness, and grandeur of Christ move us to rejoice and to occupy until He comes.

Merry Christmas!

Gerson Moreno-Riaño, Ph.D.
President
Cornerstone University

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Cornerstone University mourns the news of Steve Cochlan’s passing on Monday, December 15, following a multi-year journey of living with ALS.

Throughout his life of faith-centered leadership, Cochlan shared the gospel message of hope and promise of eternal life with individuals across generations. From 2011 to 2019, Cochlan faithfully led as a member of Cornerstone’s Board of Trustees. His work included contributing to the Executive Committee and chairing the CU Finance Committee, helping advance the mission of Christ-centered education entrusted to Cornerstone which will mark 85 years in January 2026.

“Steve exemplified the very best of board service,” reflected Dr. Richard Koole (BRE ’70), chair of the board. “He came to every meeting well prepared, offering thoughtful insights with the wisdom and professionalism that marked his leadership. His love for Christ was evident, as was his deep commitment to Cornerstone University. He is deeply missed by all of us who had the privilege of knowing and serving alongside him.”

Cochlan’s professional experience included founding The Cochlan Group where he served for over three decades as the organization’s president and chief executive officer. His multiple board appointments also included service on the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (Wrestling).

As an award-winning high school student-athlete, Cochlan recognized the recruitment and mentorship opportunities available through collegiate athletics at a Christian university. His generosity provided for Cornerstone’s Steven J. Cochlan Wrestling & Training Center dedicated on October 23, 2021. Through the university’s wrestling program, more than 50 students have received personalized training in their sport and in Biblical virtues for life and leadership.

Following his life-changing health diagnosis, Cochlan identified a ministry need for resources that encourage individuals living with ALS and their caregivers. His desire to steward his time with purpose, along with a willingness to share his personal experience of ALS in Christian community, led him to establish ALS Family of Faith. In March 2021, Christianity Today featured Cochlan’s story of faith and the start of the nonprofit.

Pray for peace and comfort for the Cochlan family and friends as they remember Steve’s life and lasting legacy of hope rooted in the promises of Jesus Christ.

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Across the nation, millions of adults are seeking education that leads to economic mobility, meaningful work, and a better life. And yet traditional pathways often force them to choose between their responsibilities and their future. Employers also need skilled, values-guided talent to meet growing workforce demands. To help address both gaps, Cornerstone University is expanding its SOAR learning platform with two new programs: Associate of Science in Strategic Business Management and the Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership.

High school graduates, working professionals, busy parents, and adults in industries from construction to public service and health care all need education that strengthens the skills their workplaces and communities rely on. And employers want better education options for their teams and leaders to expand their workforce’s capabilities.

Cornerstone created SOAR in response to a pressing national challenge. More than 120 million U.S. adults over age 25 — about 60% of the population — do not hold a bachelor’s degree, and 41 million started college but never finished. Many have the talent and motivation to advance but lack an option that fits their realities. SOAR offers a radically affordable path forward. With tuition at least 50% lower than traditional online programs, it provides a more accessible route to a degree and reduces long-term college debt for students and offers affordable upskilling for organizations.

The associate degree in strategic business management equips adults who are beginning or returning to their education with foundational abilities needed in nearly every sector — communication, financial literacy, customer awareness, team dynamics and essential business operations. The master’s degree in organizational leadership is designed for emerging and experienced leaders ready to deepen their influence through stronger strategic thinking, organizational communication, conflict resolution and values-guided decision-making. These two offerings expand the already available bachelor’s degree in strategic business management to round out core business essentials needed across every industry.

SOAR exists because learning should adapt to life. Its on-demand microlearning format uses short, applied modules, original podcasts, videos, audiobooks and faculty-designed presentations that allow students to learn during the natural pauses in their day — on a lunch break, between shifts or in the carpool line. While flexible and mobile, the experience reflects the academic quality of Cornerstone’s School of Business & Innovation, where faculty with real-world expertise design course work that strengthens both competence and moral character.

These new degrees also support employers seeking to grow workforce talent. SOAR gives organizations a practical, affordable way to strengthen leadership, communication and operational capability at scale. Workforce partnerships are available for employers who want to accelerate skill development and create clear advancement pathways for their teams.

With the addition of these degrees, SOAR expands opportunities for adults who want to begin their education, advance their careers or prepare for leadership roles — while giving employers access to business talent shaped by relevant skills and Christ-centered leadership principles.

SOAR reflects Cornerstone University’s mission to help individuals live out in their calling and make meaningful contributions in their workplaces and communities.

To explore our accredited Cornerstone University degrees offered through SOAR or to partner with Cornerstone to educate your workforce, contact SOAR Online Admissions by calling 616.222.1433 or emailing soaradmissions@cornerstone.edu.

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Cornerstone University is excited to recognize Dr. Jeffery L. Degner, associate professor of economics and dean of the School of Business & Innovation, for his recent national publication on Townhall.com. His op-ed, “Boomers Wanted Grandkids. The Fed Helped Price Them Out of Existence,” takes a closer look at how rising costs — especially housing and everyday living expenses — are making it harder for young adults to get married, buy homes and start families.

“The inflation culture … is here, and it’s leading to an understandable pessimism about the future,” Degner writes. He notes that financial pressures are growing, especially for those just starting out in life, adding:

“For poorer families planning to save for the future … the measly 2.08 percent they would have earned in a typical CD is making them fall further and further behind.”

“Ironically, it’s the older generation who are pining for grandchildren that are nowhere to be found … who seem blissfully unaware that their bulging home equity has a trade-off: fewer baby bumps.”

The op-ed builds on themes from Dr. Degner’s new book, “Inflation and the Family: Monetary Policy’s Impact on Household Life” (Palgrave Macmillan, 2025), where he explores how long-term inflation influences decisions about relationships, homeownership and preparing for the future. His scholarship continues to enter national conversations about how economic systems impact families and communities.

Cornerstone’s School of Business & Innovation helps students become creative problem-solvers and principled leaders. By integrating Biblical wisdom with measurable skills that employers value, students gain a distinctive edge — graduating with the mindset and abilities the marketplace, especially the financial marketplace, needs right now. Through real-world learning and meaningful mentorship, our graduates are equipped to strengthen families, support their communities and contribute to a hopeful future that honors Jesus Christ.

Explore Cornerstone’s School of Business & Innovation’s marketplace-ready accredited degree programs by contacting admissions counselors at admissions@cornerstone.edu or calling 616.222.1426.

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Every human life has God-given worth — a foundational truth that Cornerstone University boldly upholds in its mission and values. That conviction is courageously championed by Dr. Kristin M. Collier — a respected physician and valued member of Cornerstone’s President’s Industry Council — who recently authored a significant op-ed in The Michigan Daily defending the dignity of human life at all stages.

In the December 5 published piece, “Michigan Medicine should remember its best, not its worst,” Dr. Collier — clinical associate professor of internal medicine at the University of Michigan Medical School and director of its program on Health, Spirituality & Religion — challenged Michigan Medicine’s decision to honor Jack Kevorkian, a physician convicted of murder and known for promoting physician-assisted suicide, among the university’s “leaders and best.”

Dr. Collier argues that celebrating Kevorkian undermines the foundational calling of medicine to do no harm — writing that honoring such a legacy “would suggest that the medical school is in favor of suicide.” She emphasizes that “directly enabling the death of a patient under a doctor’s care is antithetical to any coherent understanding of medicine as a vocation that does no harm.”

“Life is neither a political or ideological issue. It is not just a subjective choice. Life — both physical and spiritual — is one of the defining and bedrock foundations of any community or society committed to real human flourishing. Cornerstone’s defense of life is rooted in its unwavering commitment to the centrality of Jesus Christ — the Way, the Truth, and the Life. It is a great joy to have Dr. Collier, a member of Cornerstone’s President’s Industry Council, so eloquently and boldly proclaim and defend the importance of Life.”
— Dr. Gerson Moreno-Riaño, President, Cornerstone University

As part of Cornerstone’s President’s Industry Council, Dr. Collier contributes meaningful real-world insight that strengthens our academic mission — ensuring students are formed not only with professional competence, but with moral clarity grounded in Biblical Truth. Her example gives students direct exposure to a healthcare leader who upholds the sacredness of life — a vital influence as Cornerstone expands its School of Health, Science & Technology to prepare clinicians, scientists and innovators guided by Christ-centered principles.

She has also participated as a guest panelist for Cornerstone’s Wisdom Conversations series, and Community Chapel speaker helping students engage complex cultural challenges through the lens of faith and public responsibility.

Her op-ed arrives at a time when many institutions are redefining long-held values, making moral formation in higher education, and medicine in particular, more essential than ever. The beliefs future physicians — and professionals across scientific and technological fields — are taught today will influence their practice tomorrow: how they view patient care, human dignity, God-honoring social responsibility and the sacredness of life.

Cornerstone University applauds Dr. Collier for her principled public leadership and her dedication to upholding the God-given value of every person.

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In its fourth year, Cornerstone University’s Pack the House event saw the CU and Grand Rapids community show up bigger than ever, packing over 51,000 meals for families in Honduras and in Jamaica affected by Hurricane Melissa — once again surpassing the 50,000 meal goal.

Launched after the pandemic, Pack the House was created to help the CU community reconnect through hands-on service. What began as a way to bring people back together has grown into a tradition that highlights what matters most at Cornerstone: serving Christ through serving others with solutions to challenges and giving hearts.

Cornerstone’s partnerships with Friendship Sports International — a ministry that uses athletics to build relationships and share the Gospel around the world — and IDES (International Disaster Emergency Service) — a Christian organization providing food, relief and long-term development in global crisis settings — play an essential role in distributing the meals and caring for families in need. Through this collaboration, Pack the House has now provided more than 200,000 meals over four years to people experiencing persistent hunger.

“I’m ecstatic about the level of student engagement this year — and so grateful for the students and the locals who came out to support this program,” said Matt Wallace, CU assistant women’s basketball coach, professor and Pack the House coordinator. “It truly shows what we can accomplish when we serve together.”

This year, more than 325 volunteers, including student-athletes, students, faculty, staff, families and church partners, participated through two connected events: a spirited Pack the Gym basketball doubleheader followed by a fast-paced meal-packing effort at the Hansen Center.

“Pack the House is a tangible way to live out Cornerstone University’s mission — to inspire students to embrace service in the here and now and hopefully live out consistently throughout their lives,” Wallace added.

Wallace is particularly excited that, for the first time, students can see their impact firsthand. In May 2026, Women’s Volleyball student-athletes will travel to Honduras to help distribute some of the meals they packed. The trip reflects Golden Eagle Athletics’ commitment to pairing sport with ministry through experiential “vision trips.” And it also aligns with Cornerstone University’s broader mission to offer international service opportunities where students take learning beyond the classroom and into the field to spread the Gospel and hope.

Cornerstone extends sincere appreciation to the partners who helped make this year’s event a success: Chick-fil-A of Grand Rapids, Relevant Church, Toast & Tea, Friendship Sports and IDES.

CU Golden Eagles’ Pack the House reminds students that their gifts, teamwork and compassion can extend far beyond campus.

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Starting your Cornerstone University degree in January 2026 offers students a strategic advantage and enrollment is open to help you accelerate the timeline to invest in your career and calling today. It’s not just earning a degree — it’s gaining career-specific life skills your future will require and living out your Christ-centered calling with purpose and clear direction.

Supported by strong student resources, one of the most affordable tuition rates in the nation, and accessible financial aid, January is a strategic time to start, whether you choose to study on campus, as a commuter, as a transfer student, online, or through SOAR mobile.

The Wall Street Journal has highly ranked Cornerstone as one of America’s top universities and Newsweek has recognized CU as a top online college for three consecutive years. Discover how the Cornerstone Advantage, morally grounded, career-ready preparation rooted in a Christian worldview, can be your pathway to achieve a life of meaning that God has called you to pursue.

Start Now. Accelerate your market-aligned advantage faster: Enter the year with momentum and a purposeful timeline. At Cornerstone, you join a Christ-centered learning community dedicated to helping you grow intellectually, professionally and spiritually. Our 65-plus accredited academic programs, including our new SOAR mobile business degrees, are specifically designed to emphasize practical, marketplace-aligned learning so students can apply new in-demand insights immediately — in the workplace, in internships, in leadership roles and in daily life. Cornerstone offers degrees across a wide range of industries with high-growth potential to secure your future, including business, communication, nursing, health care, engineering, counselling, computer science, education, ministry, and more.

Cornerstone is one of the most affordable Christian universities in the nation and continues to expand access for students. The university recently extended its tuition freeze for traditional campus students through the 2026-27 academic year and renewed the Cornerstone Commitment Grant — a tuition-free partnership for all full Pell Grant and maximum Michigan Achievement Scholarship. Online tuition is already one of the most affordable compared to other national online degrees. CU’s traditional tuition is comparable to many public universities, yet offers the advantages of a private, personalized and Christ-centered learning experience. This commitment to value has helped drive an 18% increase in freshmen and transfer enrollment this year as more students seek both affordability and a meaningful educational environment. We offer up to 75 percent of previous credits to help you finish your degree sooner.

January also aligns with one of the year’s most active hiring periods,* as employers launch new initiatives, reset budgets, and expand teams. It’s the top month of the year for job searches and newly posted opportunities. Pursuing your degree not only helps your resume, but for certain roles, it’s required. And you can stand out with HR and hiring supervisors if you are looking to advance in your current role. Pursuing a college degree enhances your profile. Starting your studies during this season positions you to advance your career goals while developing relevant, in-demand skills like decision-making, communication, leadership and team building. You don’t have to wait until fall to gain the Cornerstone Advantage.

Cornerstone offers flexible pathways for students at every stage of life — on-campus class options for high school graduates and graduate students, commuter-friendly programs, fully online degrees and SOAR, our 100% mobile-first learning platform and business degrees. Across each format, students experience the relational strength of a Christian university where professors mentor, support and guide you toward your calling. And you study alongside peers who share your goals and Christ-centered values.

Turn January into your advantage. Whether you are beginning college for the first time, transferring, returning to finish your degree or advancing professionally as a working adult, January offers a timely and impactful moment to begin.

Your Next-Step Advantage: Let Cornerstone Help You Get Started

• Explore Cornerstone’s 65+ degree programs.
• Apply today for January 2026.
• Connect with an admissions counselor for personalized guidance.
• Check out financial aid and scholarship opportunities.

To begin, contact us at admissions@cornerstone.edu or call 616.222.1426.

Indeed Q&A: When Is the Best Time of Year to Look for a Job?, Hanne Keiling,
June 1, 2025

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Dear Cornerstone Community,

It is my great privilege to share a historic moment for Cornerstone University. Last Tuesday evening, Men’s Basketball Head Coach Kim Elders achieved his 800th career victory at Cornerstone, leading the Golden Eagles to an impressive 89–68 win over Defiance College at Mol Arena.

This milestone places Coach Elders among the most accomplished coaches in NAIA history and strengthens a legacy already marked by excellence. Now in his 33rd season, Coach Elders has built a program synonymous with competitive success and Christ-centered leadership. His 800–303 record, three NAIA Division II National Championships, 11 WHAC regular-season titles, 12 WHAC Tournament championships, and numerous national tournament accomplishments are achievements few programs in the nation can match.

Yet what truly defines Coach Elders’ tenure is not merely the victories or championships — it is his unwavering commitment to developing young men of character, integrity, and faith in Jesus. Generations of student-athletes have been shaped by his mentorship, discipline, and example. His influence reaches far beyond the hardwood and deeply into the heart of our mission as a Christ-centered university.

We also celebrate with gratitude the support of Coach Elders’ family — his wife, Holly, and stepchildren Nic, Zac, Cam and Missy — who have walked alongside him throughout this extraordinary journey.

Please join me in congratulating Coach Elders on this historic achievement and in thanking him for his remarkable service to Cornerstone University. On Wednesday, December 3, before chapel, we will present Coach E with an award and pray for him. We celebrate not only 800 victories, but decades of faithful leadership to our community and to the young men entrusted to his care.

With gratitude,

Gerson Moreno-Riaño, Ph.D.
President, Cornerstone University

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“But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.”
— Luke 6:35 (KJV) —

God — the Highest and Almighty — is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil. The word Jesus uses to speak of God as kind is the Greek word chrestos. Chrestos is the same word used in other parts of the New Testament to denote God’s graciousness and goodness in bringing us to repentance and salvation. It is the word used to speak of the light burden of Christ in comparison to the heavy burden and labor of sin. It is the word used to denote how we, as members of the Body of Christ, should treat one another given how kind God has been to us.

Jesus’s admonition to his followers is sobering — God is kind to the unthankful and evil. Be like Him.

Jesus’s admonition silences my heart and mouth. God showers the unthankful and evil with kindness, goodness, and graciousness. God showers me with kindness, goodness, and graciousness, and He does this despite my ingratitude and vileness.

It is no wonder then why both the Old and New Testament are replete with admonitions to give thanks unto the LORD. These admonitions are not just reminders given our propensity to forgetfulness, ingratitude, and sin. They are a call for us to return continually to God in humble and penitent recognition that He is the source of any kindness, goodness, and graciousness in our lives.

The chrestos of God — the kindness of God — so writes Paul, is what leads us to repentance.

Gratitude and thanksgiving are not just antidotes to ingratitude. Gratitude and thanksgiving are opportunities for us all to return continually to God in repentance and adoration (Romans 2:4), opportunities for us all to return continually to one another in kindness, tenderheartedness, and forgiveness (Ephesians 4:32), and opportunities for us all to return continually to those outside of the Body of Christ in sacrificial love and charity (Luke 6:20-49).

Thanksgiving — one of the most important of our nation’s holidays — is an opportunity for us to return fully to God and to one another.

May this coming Thanksgiving bring about in each of us a great turning to God, to each other, and to all around us.

May we all live as children of the Highest. Amen.

Gerson Moreno-Riaño, Ph.D.
President
Cornerstone University

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