Hello MHGS grads!  I want to take this opportunity to highlight some practical items and places of connection that are currently available for MHGS alumni.  Remember, there is a voucher for one free class posted under the “alumni/friends” section of the website.  Click HERE for more details.  One voucher per alumni per year can be redeemed, so take advantage of the free continued education opportunity. 

Another important item, the alumni council is meeting at the end of this month (Jan. '08).  If you have suggestions or want to be involved in a specific area, please email me or another council member.  Currently, the alumni council is comprised of the following people in addition to myself:  Kayce Hughlett (MACP, '06), Rich Sclafani, Jr. (MAC, '05), Cindy Wuflestad (MAC, '03), Martha Hopler (MSN, '05), Ken Peer (MAC, '03), Greg Lewis (MAC, '00), and Melissa Medley (MACP, '07 - serving alumni on the east coast).  This is an amazing group of men and women who are all currently involved in the counseling profession in some shape or form.  So, this gives the council great strength and awareness as it relates to connecting with counseling graduates, but leaves us with a large gaping hole for someone to represent the voices of the MDiv Graduates and those alumni who have focused their gifts towards the spiritual direction arena.  Your suggestions and involvement in those areas are greatly appreciated.

Lastly, one of the newest areas for connection is the first networking luncheon, scheduled February 29th at MHGS, from 12:00 - 2:00 p.m.  The luncheon specifics will be posted in the next few weeks at www.mhgs.edu under "alumni/friends" and on MHGS InCircle.  As I've been involved with alumni over the past year, I continue to think about the amazing intellectual capital (a term used to describe the knowledge and intellect housed in a specific group of people) that needs to be shared among MHGS graduates, professionals outside MHGS, and current staff and faculty.  One way to cultivate these links is through a luncheon held at MHGS.  Please join us (the alumni council and other graduates) to become more aware of the amazing resources housed with in MHGS grads, academics, and the larger community.

Staff Invitation  

JPaul Fridenmaker

Director of Development and Alumni Relations

Some of you in the Seattle area may be interested in hearing Jim Wallis (founder and CEO of Sojouners) speak on his newest book The Great Awakening on Friday February 1 at Seattle First Baptist church on Capitol Hill, starting at 7pm.

Per the Amazon.com description of the book, "Wallis reminds us that religious faith was a driving force behind our greatest national reforms, such as the abolition of slavery and the civil rights movement. These 'great awakenings' happened periodically at crucial times in our nation's history to propel us toward the common good. The time is ripe for another movement that will transform this country. With The Great Awakening, Wallis helps us rediscover our moral center and provides both the needed inspiration and a concrete plan to hold politics accountable and find solutions to our greatest challenges."

I know that many of you have been provoked and stirred by Jim Wallis' writing and speaking, and this is a cool opportunity for us to hear what he's thinking firsthand.  The Alumni Council would love to sponsor a group and go together, perhaps grabbing some dinner ahead of time...what say ye?  If you are interested please email Hillary and we'll keep you in the loop on details.

The address for Seattle First Baptist is 1111 Harvard Avenue, Seattle.  For more information and the full list of cities around the U.S. where Jim is speaking, click here.