Anchored Through Adventure and Community
By Hope Edwards Class of 2026 As an entrepreneur and lifelong adventurist, Crown Alumnus Bernard “Gene” Iserman values relationships, new and old. He received his associate’s degree in music from Crown in 2010 and his bachelor’s degree in business in 2012. Since then, he has worked in various fields and started multiple businesses. He has […]
Guiding Youth, Growing Community, Glorifying God
By Hope Edwards Class of 2026 Jake Wattenphul grew up near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where his father served as an assistant pastor at Murrysville Alliance Church. When he began seeking colleges, Jake focused on schools in The Christian & Missionary Alliance (C&MA) and ultimately chose Crown College through prayerful guidance and scholarship support. He initially planned […]
Chapters in Life Show Us God’s Sovereignty and Grace
By Hope Edwards Class of 2026 Those who have walked Crown College’s hallways in recent years may be familiar with Harry Williams, the friendly boiler operator with Facilities Management Services (FMS). What might not be as well-known is his time as a Crown student. Harry studied at St. Paul Bible College (now Crown College) in […]
Leadership in Lifelong Community: Student, Alumnus, President
By Hope Edwards Class of 2026 The representative for the School of Business on the Alumni Association Executive Board (AAEB), Joel Clevenger, steps into the role of Alumni Board President. President-Elect Joel Clevenger graduated from Crown College in 2009 with degrees in business administration and biblical studies. He received his MBA in Financial Services at […]
Pursuing God’s Open Doors: The Story of Crown College’s 2025 Alumni of the Year
By Hope Edwards Class of 2026 Jon Fletcher is the president and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Presbyterian Homes & Services (PHS). He is a United States Army veteran and a Crown Alumnus with a heart for community, service, fun, and trusting in the Lord’s plan. Jon’s decision to come to Crown, along with his […]
The Impact of Visionary Leadership: President Lanpher’s Decade at Crown (1987-1997)
In Memoriam: Former Crown College president, Reverend Dr. Bill Lanpher, passed away in January 2026. He had been interviewed for this article in November 2025. “Dr. Lanpher’s dedicated service and visionary leadership have left a lasting imprint on Crown College,” said current College President Dr. Andrew C. Denton. “His impact continues to be evident in […]
Walking Forward, Never Alone
By Hope Edwards Class of 2026 Jonathan and Heidi Royle were among the earliest graduates following the institution’s transition from St. Paul Bible College to Crown College. They came to the College in 1990 and left with diplomas in 1994. Passionate about higher education, Jonathan graduated with a degree in elementary education and Heidi with […]
The Gospel through Paper-Cut Art
By Hope Edwards Class of 2026 At Crown College’s 2025 Homecoming event, many Alumni had the opportunity to bring their children to an author event featuring Breanna Kugel (2015) and her children’s book “The King is on the Way.” The illustrations feature handmade paper-cut artwork, and the stories highlight Biblical characters used by God for […]
The Impact of a Strong Foundation
By Hope Edwards Class of 2026 Nearly a decade after graduating, an alumni couple reflect on the influence of Crown College in their lives. Zach and Haley Jones emphasize the strength that comes from being invested in Crown’s Christian community. Zach received a degree in pastoral leadership from Crown College in 2015, then his master’s […]
From Classroom to Combat: Crown Alum Tony Loween’s Mission of Faith and Service
By Emily Cano Anthony “Tony” Loween’s life is characterized by service. Service to God. Service to his country. Service to his community. Service to his family. “Service is what life is all about,” said the American activist Marian Wright Edelman. For 21 years, Tony served his country in the United States Army. He worked in communities […]
Crown College Announces 2025 Alumni of the Year: Jon Fletcher
ST. BONIFACIUS, Minn. — Crown College proudly announces Jon Fletcher, Class of 2008, as its 2025 Alumni of the Year. A graduate with degrees in music performance and Christian ministry, Fletcher exemplifies the college’s commitment to producing graduates who are boldly Christian, academically excellent, and part of a lifelong authentic community. Currently serving as president […]
Brenda Reutebuch: Never Off-Script
By Jadyn Aldrich Class of 2025 Most people can appreciate a good plot twist, particularly in an intriguing novel or film. However, uncertainty and changes of plan can feel far less comfortable in our own lives. For Brenda Reutebuch, a Crown College Alumna from the class of 1987, plans have not always gone as originally […]
Crown College Builds a Valuable Foundation in Life
By Jadyn Aldrich Class of 2025 Creativity and curiosity mark the well-rounded individual. Even a brief conversation with Crown Alumna Cheryl Hatlevig makes it clear that she represents this truth, as a successful professional who demonstrates not only practical leadership skills but innovation in her current role as a director in marketing. For Cheryl, Crown […]
Committed to Christ: Dr. Marilyn Weldin’s Legacy
By Jadyn Aldrich Class of 2025 While many in higher education are committed to academic excellence, there are perhaps few who live up to the legacy of Crown Alumna and Faculty Emerita Dr. Marilyn Weldin. At 91 years old, Dr. Weldin possesses an extensive record of achievement. Her program initiations and book publications have made […]
The Miracle Campus
By Jadyn Aldrich Class of 2025 Those familiar with Crown College’s campus in St. Bonifacius can attest to its exceptionally beautiful landscape. The campus borders Lake Parley and is surrounded by acres of woods that practically glow with color every fall. The school’s location outside of the greater Twin Cities area not only makes this […]
Coffee Shop Alumni: “Serving Joy”
By Jadyn Aldrich Class of 2025 The Coffee Shop at Crown College is perhaps the favorite spot on campus for students, staff, and faculty alike. Those who frequent enough, whether to study or feed caffeine addictions, have likely noticed two new faces behind the counter: the iconic mother and daughter-duo, Candace “Candy” (Schmidt) Franson and […]
Eric Marx: Beautiful Pictures
By Jadyn Aldrich Class of 2025 A person’s college years can be pivotal, but for Rev. Eric Marx, they were life changing. Marx is a notable Crown College Alumni from the Class of 1983 who graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Bible and Theology. Recently retired, Eric shared that he has spent about 25, faithful […]
The Dawsons: Faith’s Forte in Their Lives
By Jadyn Aldrich Class of 2025 Not everybody stops to appreciate the music. This is why those who do stand out with a certain brightness, which is certainly the case for Crown College Alumni Jared and Shanna Dawson, who have an appreciation of both the literal and metaphorical music in their lives. Christians can be […]
Three Generations of Crown College: The Morin Family
By Joel Willsey Class of 2024 Three Generations of Crown College Crown College has a distinct history of legacy families, which are families with multiple generations who have attended the institution. We had the opportunity to sit down with St. Paul Bible College Alumnus and former Crown College Board of Trustee member Rev. Dean Morin […]
