Hope International University President John L. Derry has announced his retirement.
Derry will step down on Aug. 15 after 15 years as Hope’s president, HIU said in a news release.
JOHN DERRY
“Over the past several months, Jane and I have been praying and considering when would be the best time for us to transition to retirement,” Derry said. “A decision like this is certainly not easy and in no way reflects on our confidence in the future of the university.”
The Derrys have grandchildren in Texas and Ohio and hope to spend more time with them.
Since becoming president of HIU, Derry has guided the university into a merger with Nebraska Christian College, restructured the university’s academic divisions, and helped the university reach record enrollment.
Derry will step down as HIU is concluding its 90th academic year.
“Our mission to prepare students to serve Christ around the world is an enduring one, and we know that our alumni and friends who embrace and embody that mission will continue to provide continuity and support throughout this transition and for the next administration as well,” Derry said.
The HIU board of trustees has formed a search committee as it looks to hire Derry’s successor.
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NEWS BRIEFS
An Indiana high school basketball player got an idea from his church—Mount Pleasant Christian Church in Greenwood, Ind.—to help out a family in need.
The church has a “Change for a Dollar” program, where it collects one dollar from every person in attendance to help a specific person in need. There are nomination forms as part of the ministry.
Ben Nicoson, a Center Grove High School senior, took that concept and created “Hoops for Haskins.” He is trying to get other high school basketball players across Indiana to donate one dollar to assist the family of Southport High School student and all-state football player Rashawn Haskins, who died in a December car accident.
The Indiana High School Athletic Association has assisted with the project.
IndyStar.com recently wrote a feature article about Nicoson’s effort, which had raised more than $6,711 as of Tuesday morning.
“I feel fortunate we can bring communities together to help one central community in need,” Nicoson told the Star. “It makes me feel blessed to see so many people support me and the Haskins’ family.”
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Batesville (Ind.) Christian Church is hosting a No Regrets Men’s Conference on Saturday.
The church is one of 100 host sites for the live-streamed event from Milwaukee’s Elmbrook Church. Speakers include Rod Hairston, Pete Briscoe, and Bryan Loritts.
Also, BCC will welcome their new lead pastor, Bryce Hotchkiss, on Feb. 8. Hotchkiss is an Ozark Christian College graduate.
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A men’s basketball player for Nebraska Christian College scored 72 points in a recent game. DJ Hanes, a 6-1 senior guard, couldn’t be stopped as the NCC Sentinels faced off against Dordt College on Jan. 19. Unfortunately, the Sentinels lost the game 118-116. This is just the second year since athletic programs were restarted at NCC.
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Pantano Christian Church in Tucson, Ariz., hosted an event aimed at packing 280,000 meals for Feed My Starving Children. According to KVOA News 4, 1,000 students from 23 schools, along with 400 community members, were expected to come together for last week’s event.
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Jim Howard, lead pastor of the Valencia Campus of Real Life Church in California, took his own life on Jan. 23.
At the church’s website and in a Facebook post, Real Life lead pastor Rusty George wrote:
“As all of us who knew Jim can attest, he was a wonderful man with a deep love for Jesus and a passion for sharing the grace of God with anyone he met. He was also a tornado of energy, always looking for new challenges and opportunities to minister to others.
“Sadly, Jim suffered in private with mental health challenges—some of which he bravely discussed in public—and was wrestling with some personal issues in recent months. This week he made the tragic decision to end his pain. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, the RLC family and all those who were blessed to know him.”
The church addressed the tragedy and “the broader crisis of suicide” during services Sunday.
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