2008 Newsletter

A Message from Department Chair Keith Beebe
May 2008
When Whitworth was preparing to become Whitworth University last July, the theology & philosophy department underwent significant changes as well -- including my appointment as department chair after our outgoing chair, Jim Edwards, had provided years of wise and effective leadership. Since that time there have been several new developments that I will highlight in this department news summary: more...

A sad farewell: This month we bid adieu to Associate Chaplain Andi Saccoccio, who is leaving after six years of ministry to our campus community to fill a new position with International Justice Mission in Washington, D.C. While we are saddened by Andi's departure, we are excited about this new opportunity that has opened up for her, and we know that she will be a wonderful addition and blessing to the IJM staff. God bless you in your new endeavor, Andi!

A new departmental home: After outgrowing both of the buildings that our department currently occupies -- the Chapel and Lower Lindaman -- we members of the theology faculty will soon be packing up our belongings and moving into our new departmental home in lower Westminster Hall (which is currently undergoing a $3 million renovation). While we will miss being in close physical proximity to our philosophy colleagues, it will be good to have the theology faculty together under one roof. Our move is scheduled to take place in January.

The new Whitworth Master of Arts in Theology Program: After a busy year of preparation under the excellent direction of Jerry Sittser and Tim Dolan, the first cohort of 25 students is ready to begin classes in our newly launched MA program, which began at the end of May. more...

Howard Redmond, (1957-1990) professor emeritus of theology
Let me share a recent experience. In the second half of April, my wife and I went to Norway, ending up at the North Cape, well within the Arctic Circle and about as close to the North Pole as I'll ever get. more...

Dale Bruner, (1975-1997) professor emeritus of theology
Greetings from the Bruners in Pasadena, California! Thank you for your fidelity to the
gospel! more...

Forrest Baird (1978-present) professor of philosophy
Greetings! This past year we were privileged to have Matthew Roberts join us as a visiting professor. more...

Roger Mohrlang (1978-present) professor of Theology
How quickly the years pass: this is my 30th year at Whitworth! Dottie and I are so grateful to be here: It's been a splendid place for us to serve Christ together. more...

Gerald Sittser (1989-present) professor of Theology
My heart is full of gratitude as I look back on the year, which has been marked by many culminations. more...

Terry McGonigal (1994-present) dean of the chapel
Last fall marked two  milestones in our family life as our son Brandan was married on Aug. 24 to Shawnda Butterfield, '06, here in Spokane, and on Dec. 15 our daughter, Shannon, was married to Dan Vandewarker in Escondido, Calif. more...

James Edwards (1997-present) professor of theology
In my first year in Whitworth's Bruner-Welch Endowed Chair of Theology, I spent the fall semester as a member of the Center of Theological Inquiry in Princeton. more...

Keith Wyma (1998-present) associate professor of philosophy
Hello, all! I hope this update finds you well. Things are hectic, but good, at Haus Wyma West. more...

Kent McDonald (2000-present) assistant professor of theology
This has been a great year of personal development and growth. I actually took my first sabbatical this spring and had a wonderful time. more...

Keith Beebe (2003-present) associate professor of theology
Greetings to you in the name of Christ Jesus! This has been a busy year for me, filled with extra teaching assignments, outside speaking engagements, and new department- chair responsibilities. more...

Karin Heller (2003-present) associate professor of theology
Many warm greetings from France! I enjoyed this last academic year very much, because I was granted a sabbatical. more...

Adam Neder (2004-present) assistant professor of theology
For me, this year was an interesting contrast between two semesters. more...

Tim Dolan (2006-present) director, master of arts in theology and Whitworth Institute for Clergy and Lay Leadership Development
I continue to appreciate being part of the theology & philosophy department at Whitworth University. more...

Scott Starbuck (2006-present) lecturer in the department oftheology 
Barukh haba! more...

Todd Cioffi (2007-present) assistant professor of theology
Dear friends, I would like to take this time to introduce myself. more...

Matt Roberts (2007-08) visiting assistant professor of philosophy
This has been a good year for me here at Whitworth. more...