During spring break, a group of Northwestern students partnered with OneChild and traveled to Nicaragua on a missions trip to serve kids. God worked in ways they did not expect.

In this episode, hear from Elliana Norton and Joel Amancharla (current UNW students) as they share memories and takeaways from this life-changing trip.

The lessons they learned are powerful reminders for all of us: simple obedience, intentional presence, and a willingness to show up can create space for God to work in meaningful ways.

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💬 Know an alum, faculty member, staff, or student of UNW doing amazing things out in the world? Let us know at [email protected]. 

Since the 1990s, the Northwestern community has gathered on-campus in the spring for a dedicated Day of Prayer & Service—a long‑standing tradition when students, staff & faculty pause their regular schedules and spend the day praying, serving, and reconnecting with God and one another.

This year, we invite alumni and families to join in this meaningful community tradition—on campus, online, or from wherever you live around the world. Whether you’ve been part of this day in the past or you’re joining for the very first time, we welcome you to participate in the way that fits your location and rhythm of life.

Full Details: https://www.unwsp.edu/events/day-of-prayer-and-service/

Heidi Lee Anderson (’10) joins us to share her journey. She is an author, speaker, and cancer survivor. Hear as Heidi talks about how God met her in every season and what shaped the heart behind her new book, “All In, All Yours.”

Her new book is a 100-day devotional that takes you through the book of Joshua. Drawing from the Israelites’ journey to the Promised Land, this devotional invites you to live all in, trust God’s promises, and not let the giants of fear or circumstance take over the landscape of your life.  

Learn more about Heidi’s new book, “All In, All Yours”: Click here

Learn more about Heidi’s ministry: Click here

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💬 Know an alum, faculty member, staff, or student of UNW doing amazing things out in the world? Let us know at [email protected]. 

This week, we’re joined by Jason Sharp, Senior VP for Media at Northwestern Media, as he shares his personal journey in radio and faith—and how God has shaped his calling in Christian broadcasting. Jason gives us a look inside Northwestern Media’s network of radio stations, which reach millions of listeners across multiple states with Christ-centered content that is broadcasted live and local. 

He also introduces an exciting new project, The Christ Podcast. This is a unique and immersive audio experience created to make the words of Jesus feel personal and present—like He’s speaking directly to you. Listen to a special sneak peek of The Christ Podcast in this episode and hear why this project will resonate so deeply in the world today. 

Learn more about The Christ Podcast: Click here

Learn more about Northwestern Media: Click here

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💬 Know an alum, faculty member, staff, or student of UNW doing amazing things out in the world? Let us know at [email protected]. 

Patrick Fitzgerald is UNW’s Head Coach for Men’s and Women’s Cross Country and Track and Field teams. In this episode, he shares his vision for a God-honoring athletic program that both challenges and motivates athletes to be their personal best. 

Through providing intentional time to share devotionals and connect, Patrick helps students grow in their faith and equip them for life beyond UNW. When the season ends, his hope is that his athletes are inspired and prepared to use their gifts effectively for the Kingdom and ultimately discipleship.

Learn more about Cross Country and Track and Field at UNW: Click here

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💬 Know an alum, faculty member, staff, or student of UNW doing amazing things out in the world? Let us know at [email protected]. 

Get to know UNW’s new Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Dalene Fisher. At the center of her vision is the belief that academic success starts with discipleship.

Dr. Fisher oversees the university’s academic mission, ensuring that everything from policies to classroom practices reflects UNW’s commitment to Christ-centered education. She believes professors are called not only to teach but to model faithful living, creating a culture where discipleship and mentorship shape every student’s experience.

Her vision for UNW is that students get to experience what it looks like to be a faithful, vibrant follower of Christ—and that they would take that into their careers and callings after graduation.

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💬 Know an alum, faculty member, staff, or student of UNW doing amazing things out in the world? Let us know at [email protected]. 

Never in his wildest dreams did Wayne Pederson imagine he would one day be involved with an international radio broadcasting ministry. In this episode, you'll hear Wayne's remarkable life story—from hosting a make-believe radio show on a tractor as a child, to becoming a beloved 98.5 KTIS personality, to stepping into industry leadership, and eventually helping to bring the Gospel to the airwaves around the world.

Wayne’s journey shows how God uses our unique gifts in unexpected ways. He began his radio career at 98.5 KTIS in 1967, first hired as a weekend personality while still a student at UNW. Over the years, he became Station Manager and helped the station strengthen both its AM and FM signals and expand its reach. Wayne later served as VP of Radio/Broadcasting at Northwestern Media before stepping into national leaderships roles with National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) and later as president of Reach Beyond, a global media ministry. 

He has made a great impact in the world of radio and has faithfully shared the Gospel to many people over the years. Hear how God has guided his life and ministry as Wayne consistently responded with, “Yes, Lord” through every season and opportunity.

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💬 Know an alum, faculty member, staff, or student of UNW doing amazing things out in the world? Let us know at [email protected]. 

At the heart of UNW Tennis is a passion to serve—both on and off the court. In this episode, Matt Swigart, Head Coach of the Men’s and Women’s Tennis teams at Northwestern, shares how he leads the team with a mission that’s deeper than just winning matches. For him, tennis is a tool for discipleship and equipping athletes to grow as future husbands, wives, parents, and followers of Christ.

He also explains how the true heart of Northwestern’s tennis program isn’t measured in records or trophies, but in spiritual maturity, meaningful relationships, and the memorable moments God creates along the way.

Learn more about Northwestern’s tennis program: Click here.

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💬 Know an alum, faculty member, staff, or student of UNW doing amazing things out in the world? Let us know at [email protected]. 

Cell phones are shaping the way we connect—but are they negatively effecting the depth of our closest relationships? Professor Laura Watkins, Instructor of Communication at Northwestern, joins to talk about how our phone habits influence everything from mealtime conversations, emotional quality of our relationships, and how we parent. 

Her recent study found that 70% of people believe that phones at the table make conversations less meaningful, ultimately weakening our relationships. Hear as she shares practical steps anyone can take to connect and communicate well in a world full of digital distractions. 

Laura Watkins also writes about the effects of cell phone use in the classroom in her article, “The Death of Silence in the Classroom: How Demanding a No-Screen Classroom Creates Space for Interaction (and Learning!).”  

Read her article here.

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💬 Know an alum, faculty member, staff, or student of UNW doing amazing things out in the world? Let us know at [email protected].

Mission drives momentum! Here at Northwestern, everything we do begins with our mission (it's our economic engine!). If we do our mission really well, we can expect some positive outcomes.

Northwestern’s president, Dr. Corbin Hoornbeek, sits down with us for an exciting conversation about what God is doing at Northwestern and where He is leading.  

Our conversation covers the following topics:

• Great news about Phase One of the Amplify the Gospel campaign!
• Sneak peak into Phase Two initiatives.
• The announcement of the new Stoltz School of Business. Dan and Robin Stoltz have modeled faithful leadership in their community, and now they’re investing in the next generation of servant leaders at Northwestern.

Through it all, staying anchored on our mission makes a real difference. Strong mission builds great momentum to make a lasting impact for God's Kingdom. 

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💬 Know an alum, faculty member, staff, or student of UNW doing amazing things out in the world? Let us know at [email protected].