Grace College And Seminary Honors Outstanding Alumni
WINONA LAKE — Grace College & Seminary recognized six distinguished alumni and friends at its annual Homecoming Chapel on Oct. 6. Jim Banks, Ashley Durand, Michael Mace, Geraldine Gagle-Velasco and Dale and Jolie Miller were honored for their accomplishments and contributions to Grace and their communities. Each of the men and women awarded represents the mission of Grace College, applying biblical values to strengthen character, sharpen competence and prepare for service.
Rep. Jim Banks
Rep. Jim Banks,of Columbia City, was presented the Alumni of the Year Award. This award is given in recognition of alumni who have enhanced Grace’s mission, reputation or campus morale, and who represent the school with professionalism, enthusiasm and dedication.
In January 2017, Jim Banks became a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, serving Indiana’s Third Congressional District which includes Grace College in Winona Lake, Ind. He previously served as state senator of Indiana Senate District 16 from 2010 to 2016.
“I feel a strong calling to serve and make a difference,” said Jim. “For me, serving in elected office is about improving the lives of Hoosiers and passing on more opportunities and a stronger country to future generations.”
Jim joined the United States Navy Reserve as a supply corps officer in 2012, and attended Grace College where he earned his MBA in 2013. “The Grace MBA program’s reputation, location and flexibility made it the perfect fit for me and my career,” he explained. Since graduating, Jim said he “deeply appreciates the faith-centered curriculum. Every class I took had an intentional scriptural component. The education I received at Grace enhanced my worldview and has helped me better articulate my political ideology and values.”
Ashley (Mazelin) Durand
Ashley (Mazelin) Durand of Colorado Springs, Colo., was given the Young Alumni of the Year Award, which is awarded in recognition of alumni who have made significant contributions to society and/or have made significant professional advancements in their career less than 10 years since their graduation.
Originally from Granger, Ashley arrived at Grace College as an aspiring writer and missionary. Grace’s journalism program honed her skills, which she used writing for the school newspaper. Ashley also founded an anti-human trafficking club at Grace and served as a resident assistant for two years.
Just before graduating (in only three years) with her journalism degree, Ashley accepted a job with 212 Media Studios as a content specialist. After two years in her position, she sensed God was readying her for a new adventure. After sending out multiple résumés and considering law school, Ashley applied for a public relations job with Focus on the Family in Colorado Springs, Colo. While Ashley considered it “a long shot,” she was hired at Focus in 2015 as a publicist and represents the organization to the media, writes press releases, manages podcast recordings, blogs and facilitates internal communications.
Michael Mace
Michael Mace of Chagrin Falls, Ohio, was presented with the Alumni Distinguished Service Award, which is given in recognition of alumni who have exhibited Christian leadership and who have displayed extraordinary service to the increased welfare of Grace.
When Michael arrived on campus, he joined student senate and began earning his double-major degree in secondary education (mathematics) and business administration. But it was the grace he experienced after making some poor decisions that has made Michael a lifelong champion of Grace College & Seminary.
Upon graduation from Grace, Michael taught for several years, and then transitioned to the technology industry. He has worked for The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company for 20 years, currently as a part of the website development team and the global collaboration services team.
For many years, Michael has faithfully prayed for the leadership of Grace and encouraged prospective students to consider attending Grace. Michael also contributes financially to Grace monthly and has designated Grace Schools as a beneficiary in his charitable remainder trust. In 2014, he accepted an invitation to join the Alumni Advisory Council.
Geraldine “Gerry” Gagle-Velasco
Geraldine “Gerry” Gagle-Velasco of New Lebanon, Ohio, was chosen as the Honorary Alumni of the Year Award recipient. This award is given in recognition of non-alumni who have demonstrated a genuine interest in the cause of Christian higher education as represented by and through Grace and who have demonstrated their commitment to the mission of Grace.
Gerry’s association with Grace College began through her involvement at Grace Brethren Church of Phoenix, Ariz., where she taught fourth-grade Sunday school. She loved the Grace Brethren Fellowship and appreciated Grace College’s adherence to the inerrancy of Scripture. Through the years, Gerry became a stalwart promoter and supporter of the institution, welcoming Grace faculty into her home as often as they were traveling through and organizing events and conferences at her local church where Grace was promoted.
Besides being a proud member of the McClain Heritage Society, Gerry has also loyally followed the creation work of Dr. Don DeYoung, professor of physics at Grace. “Gerry has been a strong advocate for Grace Schools,” said Dr. DeYoung. “She prays for and gives gifts to Grace faithfully, and she is keen on ensuring Grace maintains its historic position on biblical creation.”
Dale and Jolie (Eckhardt) Miller
Dale and Jolie (Eckhardt) Miller of Claypool, were given the Parent Distinguished Service Award, which is presented in recognition of parents of a Grace student who have exhibited extraordinary service to the increased welfare of Grace.
Dale and Jolie Miller are deeply invested in Grace. Not only is Jolie a Grace graduate, but both of the Millers’ children attend Grace: Pam is a junior and Sam is a freshman. While at Grace, Jolie played on the softball and basketball teams and in 2011 was inducted into the Lancer Hall of Fame. She now serves on the Lancer Hall of Fame Committee.
In the midst of all their professional responsibilities, they find time to serve on the Grace Parent Council, where Jolie is also the chairman. Additionally, the Millers employ Grace students at their farm, and you’ll regularly find students at their home doing laundry and at their dinner table. They’ve housed Korean students for the education department too.