Corban Talks

Professor Scott is the resident expert on flora and fauna of Corban’s campus. He is also the founder of “Westrek,” the club at Corban University that engages students in hiking and other outdoor adventures. Each spring you can find him birding and teaching outdoors with the students in his Birds and Botany of Western Oregon class. Professor Scott serves as a board member for the Willamette Heritage Center, contributes to the historical journal, Willamette Valley Voices, and is a faculty advisor for the creation appreciation club Discover6. His professional interests include genealogy and regional history.

A self-ascribed “gentleman farmer,” Dr. Brice Yocum’s love for farming came at an early age and developed into a lifelong passion. In 2008, Dr. Yocum and his wife, Erin, decided to continue a five-generation legacy of farming on their 17-acre heirloom walnut farm in Central California. Together they have three daughters, including alumna Hannah Belleque (’14). The Yocums now raise rare, heritage poultry for customers across the country. Dr. Yocum is a licensed attorney, former higher-ed. administrator and business faculty member for Fresno Pacific University, and now serves as the CEO of Tucoemas Federal Credit Union. Dr. Yocum is passionate about good food and good stewardship and believes that a deeper connection to creation can heal the world.

Pastor James Gleason is the lead pastor at Sonrise Church in Hillsboro, Oregon. Pastor Gleason is a Corban Alumnus and has a heart to reach the "least, the last, and the lost with the saving message of Jesus Christ." In chapel, he will help us further consider how our appetites and desires both draw us towards and away from Christ.

Patti Williamson is a Corban alumna and local business owner. She also invests her time mentoring women who are recovering from abortion through an organization called SaveOne. Patti will share her personal story of God's transforming power and forgiveness.

Pastor Rick is the founder and lead pastor of Imago Dei Community and has authored six books. He is a nationally known speaker at conferences including Q, Catalyst, and The Justice Conference. In 2012, Portland Monthly magazine voted him one of Portland’s 50 Most Influential People and he is widely respected as a leader who navigates the issues surrounding faith, culture, and the church. Rick lives in Portland, Oregon, with his wife and four children.

Jefferson Bethke is the New York Times bestselling author of Jesus > Religion and It’s Not What You Think. He and his wife Alyssa co-wrote Love That Lasts. Additionally, they make YouTube videos and host a podcast about relationships and faith. Jeff and Alyssa have brought truth and encouragement to many with a unique mix of creativity, humility and purpose. Come be challenged and inspired as Jeff points the Corban community to the words of Jesus.

Ben Bryson pastored Court Street Christian Church for 26 years before following a prompting of the Lord to put his ministry on “pause”. After an extended time of rest, Ben is eager to share with the Corban community what the Lord has been teaching him.

Focus: Keep in Step with the Spirit

Anxiety and depression can be difficult subjects to tackle. Dr. Steve Halliday, Assistant Professor of Media Arts, will share his personal story of anxiety and depression and how he encountered God in the examination of his mental health. This chapel will provide resources of support for those who may benefit from additional information on this subject

Hans is an elder and teaching pastor at Mission Fellowship in Salem. Mission Fellowship has been involved within the foster care system, and internationally through work in West Africa and elsewhere. Hans has his Bachelor of Arts in Business from the University of Notre Dame, where he also played basketball. Prior to vocational ministry, Hans worked in professional athletics, construction, retail strategic planning, and healthcare information technology.

Marcia Mattoso is originally from Brazil where she worked as an Associate Pastor for one of the largest Nazarene churches in South America. The Lord has used Marcia faith journey, her entrepreneurial spirit, and her attentiveness to His calling to make a practical impact in many people's lives. She is the founder and Executive Director of Hope Station Community Services, a non-profit food and clothing bank that serves about 3,000 people in need per month. Come hear her story of hope.