CENTER STAR

Each quarter, we feature one of the unique opportunities or outstanding outcomes of the Center’s programs as a way of celebrating some of the many stars of SPU.  This quarter we feature Cory Deppe and Jon Viducich who attended the Faith and International Development Conference, "Sustainability: Fruit that Lasts," at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, MI, January 31 - February 2, 2008.  Their attendance at this conference was made possible in part by Undergraduate Scholars Conference Grants awarded by the Center.

The theme of the 2008 Faith and International Development Conference was based on John 15:5, "If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing" (TNIV).  Keynote speakers Ida Mutoigo of Christian Reformed World Relief Committee, Edward M. Cardoza of Partners in Health, Ernso Jean Louis of Partners Worldwide, and Luis Noda of Food for the Hungry presented their views on sustainability in their various fields of community development, healthcare, business and agronomy.  Representatives from dozens of organizations also led breakout sessions on topics ranging from micro-finances to root causes of poverty to political consciousness at a local level.  According to Cory, "The most awe-inspiring dynamic of this gathering was not just the hundreds of impassioned students or all the experienced field workers from around the world, but it was the acknowledgement that we are all rooted in the same vine of Jesus Christ."

Cory Deppe is a junior with a strong interest in social welfare programs.  He is working alongside Dr. Kathleen Braden to create a new Global Development Studies Major at Seattle Pacific University.  He is the ASSP Finance Board Commuter Senator and Vice President of the Young Democrats.  Jon Viducich is a senior with a strong interest in missions.  He is majoring in Engineering and Applied Sciences at SPU.