The Partners in Peace Award celebrates individuals who significantly impact fostering peace, health, and compassion within their communities. Kristina Browne has exemplified these ideals by going above and beyond in her role. She ensures not only the physical well-being of the �������� family but also extends emotional support, often providing a comforting presence in times of need. Her consistent efforts to maintain campus safety and well-being have earned her deep respect from both colleagues and students. Browne’s dedication to her role is evident in the way she frequently goes above and beyond what is expected, not only providing top-tier healthcare services but also offering emotional support and being a trusted presence on campus. Her ability to connect with and care for individuals on a personal level has made her an invaluable asset to the �������� community.

In her role as Campus Healthcare Coordinator, Browne oversees healthcare services, supports students through personal health challenges, and navigates the university through complex health protocols. However, her genuine care for each individual she meets sets her apart. Browne has become a trusted figure on campus, known for her willingness to listen and her compassionate approach to every interaction.

The 34th annual Partners in Peace Awards Breakfast, held on October 11, 2024, by the Community Crisis Center, celebrated leaders in promoting peace and fighting against domestic violence. Kristina Browne’s inclusion in this group of honorees underscores her unwavering commitment to creating a safer, healthier, and more compassionate environment at ��������.

About ��������

�������� is a private Christian institution offering a range of undergraduate, graduate, and adult professional programs. Committed to academic excellence, faith, and community service, �������� provides a supportive environment for its diverse student population.

For more information, visit .

Elgin, IL — �������� is proud to announce that The Right Honourable Stephen J. Harper, former Prime Minister of Canada, will be the distinguished speaker at the 2024 World Leaders Forum. The event will take place on October 3, 2024, at Herrick Chapell on the ��������’s Elgin campus.

Mr. Harper served as the 22nd Prime Minister of Canada from 2006 to 2015, during which he played a pivotal role in navigating Canada through a global financial crisis, advocating for international trade, and strengthening the nation’s economic and security policies. His leadership has left a lasting impact on global politics, making him an exemplary figure for this year’s World Leaders Forum.

The World Leaders Forum provides a unique opportunity for students, faculty, and the broader community to engage with influential global leaders. This event aims to inspire attendees by presenting firsthand insights into world affairs, leadership, and the challenges faced by those at the helm of national governments.

Tickets for the event are available for purchase at . Attendees are encouraged to secure their seats early as this event is expected to sell out quickly.

For more information about the 2024 World Leaders Forum and to purchase tickets, please visit .

About ��������
��������, located in Elgin, Illinois, is a Christian liberal arts university offering a broad range of undergraduate, graduate, and adult professional programs. The University is dedicated to equipping students to become leaders in their chosen fields through a combination of rigorous academics, real-world experience, and a strong emphasis on the development of Christian values.

Ambria College of Nursing has earned a distinguished reputation for its rigorous academic programs, innovative teaching methodologies, and commitment to student success. Led by Jon and Nicole Oliveros, Ambria has been at the forefront of nursing education, producing graduates who are highly skilled, compassionate, and dedicated to providing exceptional patient care.

Dr. Gene C. Crume, President of ��������, expressed enthusiasm about this new partnership stating, “��������’s acquisition of the Ambria College of Nursing is a significant step forward in our mission to innovate higher education. This partnership not only expands our healthcare offerings but also exemplifies our commitment to creating opportunities amidst the challenges facing American higher education. Together, we’re pioneering a pathway for students to excel in healthcare and beyond, embodying values of our Christian faith through compassion, service, and excellence.”

Previous owners of Ambria College of Nursing Jon Oliveros and Nicole Oliveros, who will continue to lead Ambria College of Nursing, shared their excitement about the new collaboration with ��������. Jon states, “I genuinely believe nurses are the cornerstone of healthcare. For almost two decades, Ambria College of Nursing has had an unwavering mission to produce nurses who are critical thinkers, lifelong learners, and leaders in their profession.”

As part of this exciting acquisition, �������� and Ambria College of Nursing are joining forces to elevate nursing education in the Chicagoland area. Nursing students will benefit from an enriched curriculum, state-of-the-art facilities, and extensive academic resources, all designed to support their success in the medical field. Furthermore, both institutions are committed to serving and accommodating first-generation students, offering robust support systems and comprehensive financial aid packages to ensure all students have access to quality education and resources.

The integration of Ambria College of Nursing into the �������� community represents a significant milestone in both institutions’ histories and lays the foundation for continued growth. Together, �������� and Ambria plan to shape the future of nursing education, specifically in the Chicagoland area, while empowering students to become compassionate caregivers, innovative leaders, and advocates for positive change in the world of healthcare.

For more information about �������� and Ambria College of Nursing, visit and 

About ��������:

�������� is a Christian liberal arts university located in Elgin, IL. Founded in 1963, �������� offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs in fields such as business, education, architecture, psychology, and more. Guided by its mission to cultivate whole-person education, �������� is committed to fostering academic excellence, spiritual formation, and community engagement.

About Ambria College of Nursing:

Ambria College of Nursing is a leading provider of nursing education located in Hoffman Estates, IL. Ambria is dedicated to preparing students for successful careers in nursing through rigorous academic programs, hands-on clinical experiences, and personalized support services. Led by experienced nursing professionals, Ambria is committed to maintaining the highest standards of excellence in nursing education and empowering students to make a positive impact in healthcare. The institution also received accreditations by ACEN (Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing) and ABHES (Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools).

At the 10 a.m. commencement ceremony, a diverse cohort of graduates celebrated their achievements. Among them were graduates from the Traditional Architecture and Art and Design program, as well as the Master of Architecture program. Additionally, participants hailed from the Division of Professional Studies, Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership, Master of Arts in Human Service Administration, Master of Business Administration, Master of Arts in Community Music, and Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Five total graduates reigned from the Doctoral Program which included Doctor of Education in Computer Science and Doctor of Education in Literacy.  Not to be overlooked were the dedicated adult undergraduate students, completing their Bachelor of Arts and Associate of Arts degrees, representing the commitment to lifelong learning and academic excellence.

At the 2 p.m. commencement program, graduates from the remaining Traditional Undergraduate programs celebrated their accomplishments. Additionally, �������� graduated seven students with a Certificate of Completion from the RISE (Road to Independent Living, Spiritual Formation and Employment) Program for students with intellectual disabilities. Distinguished academic awards for excellence and leadership were presented to the following students:

Erin Aubrey, a graduating senior from ��������, received the President’s Scholar Award, which is presented to a graduating senior who demonstrates the persistence and commitment. Throughout her four years at ��������, Erin Aubrey has exemplified excellence. She’s not only a member of the Honors Program, pursuing her degree in elementary education, but has also earned endorsements in Special Education, English as a Second Language, and Middle Grades. Balancing rigorous coursework and practicum experiences, Erin has taken on diverse roles as an academic leader, tutor, and community ambassador through programs like the Roeser Scholar and Golden Apple Scholar. Described by supervisors and teachers as exceptionally bright, reflective, and dedicated to meeting the needs of all learners, Erin’s enthusiasm is palpable whether on campus or in the classroom. As she graduates, there’s anticipation for the impact she’ll undoubtedly make as an educator, shaping the next generation with her passion and skill.

Kristopher Barber, of Cary, Ill., is a Business Administration major graduate. Kris was honored with the President’s Scholar Award, which is presented to a graduating senior who demonstrates the persistence and commitment. Kris, an adult learner, has shown exceptional dedication while pursuing a degree in Business Administration with a focus on Entrepreneurship at ��������. Kris served nine years in the US Navy as an Electronics Technician before transitioning to civilian life, where he has excelled in roles at companies like Motorola Solutions and Heuft USA. During his studies, Kris and his wife have welcomed a new addition to their family, yet he still finds time to volunteer at events supporting causes like Crohn’s and Colitis and the American Cancer Society. Kris’s commitment to both academic excellence and supporting his peers, despite the challenges of balancing school with work and family, is truly commendable. As he prepares to embark on graduate studies at NIU, Kris seeks to leverage his technical expertise and leadership skills to make a positive impact in the world. �������� extends its heartfelt congratulations to the Class of 2024 and looks forward to celebrating their achievements.

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�������� is a fully accredited, private Christian institution representing the Church at work in higher education. Nestled along the beautiful Fox River in Elgin, Ill., just 36 miles northwest of Chicago, �������� is home to more than 1,200 students from 41 states and 33 countries. �������� offers degrees in more than 65 different majors and minors for traditional, graduate and adult students and ranks consistently among the Best Regional Universities in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report. �������� has also been recognized as a “Christian College of Distinction.” With an academically challenging environment and encouraging spiritual community, �������� shapes lives that shape the world.

For the first time, �������� honored two individuals with the D. Ray Wilson Volunteer Service Award at the event. While all of the nominees for the D. Ray Wilson Award have given generously of their time and talent to the Fox Valley, two individuals’ long-term and varied service warranted special recognition. In honor of that, ��������’s selection committee recommended that Robert Langlois and Pat Szpekowski both be selected as D. Ray Wilson Award honorees.

Robert “Bob” Langlois retired from Motorola where he was Director of International Relations and served as a key liaison between Motorola’s field offices, corporate headquarters, global business communities, and diplomatic corps in Chicago. Today, he is president of ECO Advanced Technologies, which designs and markets integrated Controlled Environment Agricultural Systems. He also has contributed significantly to the community by serving for 13 years as Chair of the Elgin Zoning Commission, as a board member for Food for Greater Elgin, and as a member of the Elgin Cooperative Ministry, where he has served as Chair and Vice-chair. Bob is the treasurer for Holy Trinity Lutheran Church and is part of Holy Trinity Lutheran’s Service team, where he manages the church’s Soup Kettle. He also serves on the Police Department’s social team to help relocate those needing shelter. He served on the Library Community Board’s Census board and is often the “boots on the grounds” for many food drives and lunch programs to benefit others.

Pat Szpekowski founded her business, PR Strategies and Communications, in 1987. As president of PR Strategies, Pat became an award-winning writer for the Observer, the Catholic Diocese of Rockford’s weekly newspaper, Air Chicago Magazine as well as several other city magazines. She has served as president of the Chicago Suburban Public Relations Society Chapter and is the Immediate Past President of the Northern Illinois News Association. Throughout her career, she has generously served many nonprofits within the Fox Valley. Pat founded the networking group Women in Business, was the first female chairman of the Board for what is now the Northern Kane County Chamber of Commerce, served as Community Leadership Board Chair of Ascension Saint Joseph – Elgin for 10 years, was a member of the Elgin Community College Foundation for 18 years. She also has served on the Planning and Zoning Commission of the Village of Algonquin for the past 25 years.  

�����ܳ��Գܲ���Chad Benavidez, a �������� alumnus and police officer who has volunteered in Elgin at �������� during the 2022-23 academic year, was nominated for the award. Chad has been teaching a police academy designed specifically for the RISE program for students. He also helped organize the annual Special Olympics Basketball game at �������� between the students and the Elgin Police Department. 

“This event is an opportunity to explore the 100^th anniversary of Eric Liddell’s accomplishment and discover what it means for today’s exploration of service and achievement,” said �������� President Dr. Gene Crume, the North American representative of The Eric Liddell Community. “Eric Liddell’s compelling story demonstrates the values and principles that will both inform and inspire future generations. Hearing from our speakers at this World Leaders Forum event will demonstrate the way these values continue today.” 

Previous World Leaders Forum keynote speakers include former President George W. Bush, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, Russian President Mikhail Gorbachev, United Kingdom Prime Minister Tony Blair, Mexican President Felipe Calderón, Her Majesty Queen Noor of Jordan, former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich, former Vermont Governor Howard Dean, U.S. Ambassador to Japan Caroline Kennedy and, most recently, Ret. General David Petraeus.  The goal of the World Leaders Forum is to offer �������� students and the Chicagoland community an opportunity to be inspired by significant thought leaders. Proceeds will fund scholarships for ��������’s Roeser and RISE Programs, support ongoing operations of the World Leaders Forum, and benefit The Eric Liddell Community, which is an Edinburgh care charity and community hub founded in 1980. 

The 2023 World Leaders Forum will feature a community event at 7 p.m. at the �������� Herrick Chapel and a VIP reception starting at 5:30 p.m. At the event, Sir James MacMillan and The Lord Smith of Kelvin, KT CH will each share a keynote address and engage in a question-and-answer session. This conversation will be facilitated by Gus Noble OBE, President of the , which was founded to promote Scottish culture throughout Chicagoland in 1845 and is the oldest charity in Illinois. At the VIP event, guests will have a photo opportunity with both speakers. Additional special guests attending will be announced in the coming months. 

Tickets to the VIP event and the Community event are available to the public beginning January 3. For sponsorship information, visit . Tickets are now available at . 

About Sir James MacMillan
Sir James MacMillan is one of today’s most successful composers and performs internationally as a conductor. MacMillan first became internationally recognized after the extraordinary success of The Confession of Isobel Gowdie at the BBC Proms in 1990. His major works include percussion concerto Veni, Veni, Emmanuel, which has received close to 500 performances, a cello concerto for Mstislav Rostropovich, and five symphonies. Recent major works include his Percussion Concerto No.2 for Colin Currie and his Symphony No.5, written for The Sixteen, which premiered at the Edinburgh International Festival. 

MacMillan enjoys a flourishing career as conductor of his own music alongside a range of contemporary and standard repertoire, praised for the composer’s insight he brings to each score. He has conducted orchestras such as the National Symphony Orchestra Washington, Frankfurt Radio Symphony Orchestra, Baltimore Symphony, Rotterdam Philharmonic, Munich Philharmonic, Vienna Radio Symphony, Gothenburg Symphony, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, BBC Scottish Symphony, Toronto Symphony, Los Angeles Philharmonic, among others. In January 2021 MacMillan conducted the Netherlands Radio Philharmonic Orchestra in the Dutch premiere of his Christmas Oratorio; later that year the work received its UK premiere with the London Philharmonic Orchestra. MacMillan founded the music festival The Cumnock Tryst in October 2014, which takes place annually in his native Ayrshire. MacMillan was awarded a CBE in 2004 and a Knighthood in 2015.

About The Lord Smith of Kelvin KT CH 
One of the United Kingdom’s most experienced chairs, Lord Smith has led organizations in the private, public and voluntary sectors. He was the Chair of SSE until July 2015. In 2014, he chaired the Organizing Committee for Glasgow 2014 (Commonwealth Games) and the Smith Commission on further powers for the Scottish Parliament. A chartered accountant by profession and former President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland, Lord Smith was knighted in 1999, appointed to the House of Lords as an independent cross-bench peer in 2008, appointed Knight of the Thistle in 2013, and awarded the Companion of Honour in 2016. He is currently chair of IMI plc, British Business Bank, Forth Ports Ltd., and the Commonwealth Games Federation Partnership. Additionally, he is Chancellor of the University of Strathclyde.