Written by Dr. Donald Grafton (VP of Academics at NHCC and Alumnus)
From the founders who were part of the Lost Generation (1883-1900) through seven generations later to our Gen Z students (1997–2012), New Hope Christian College has a legacy of transformative leadership. On Jan. 12, 1925 on Seventh and Pearl in Eugene, OR. Bible Standard Theological School under the leadership of Fred Hornshuh. According to J. R. Conlee, the school’s first dean,
“The course or study is chosen to give a real working knowledge of the Word of God and especially those doctrines that are fundamental to a real grounding in the Full Gospel of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. It also gives definite training in personal work and preaching with opportunities for practice.”
My name is Donald Grafton, and my family moved from Salmon, Idaho in 2005 to attend Eugene Bible College, now New Hope Christian College, and I graduated in 2009. Faculty and staff challenged me: Trudy Kutz gave me my first C on a draft in speech class but helped me become a class A speaker; she also helped me to see myself as a potential leader and turned me into a reader. Rick Lewis fascinated me with his stories, though I still don’t know what they had to do with the tests! Beth Bilynskyj and Brad Copp helped me acquire knowledge and achieve understanding beyond what I ever thought was possible. David Ortega facilitated miraculous emotional and spiritual recovery by helping me to think biblically. And Bonnie Lee intimidated me, but also passed on to me the vision of spiritual and intellectual excellence. Late into my senior year, perhaps it was even the senior exit interview, David Cole asked me about my time at the College, to reflect on where I was when I started to where I was when I graduated. It still brings tears to my eyes.
I couldn’t wait to be a part of what God has been doing at New Hope!
Almost twenty years later, I am celebrating my eleventh anniversary at New Hope Christian College and serve as the Vice President of Academic Affairs. I have seen substantial change to the campus. I was there when the Rexius building was built, and I was there when it was transformed into a sanctuary that overflows with praise and people. While classes still take place all over the campus, the College has its primary administration taking place in the Flint building, which we now call the Hub, and that is where my office is. And on my desk, I have a framed copy of some of Fred Hornshuh’s last words. At 98 years of age he encouraged the people of God: “I congratulate you in your present growth and usefulness. But if your goal was set higher, you would reach higher standards…Why be satisfied with minor growth when you could easily be satisfied with a double growth and even more” (Fred Hornshuh, May 14, 1982). His son finished the message with the final charge, “Roll up your sleeves and accomplish great feats which are attainable through your valiant efforts.”
4 One generation will commend your works to another; they will tell of your mighty acts. 5 They will speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty, and I will meditate on your wonderful works. 6 They will tell of the power of your awesome works, and I will proclaim your great deeds. 7 They will celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness.
Ps 145:4-7
Let us continue to celebrate the legacy of supernatural spiritual growth and the dedication of leaders training leaders to declare the praises of Him who called us out of darkness and into His marvelous light!
Join us in celebrating what God has done in and through campus over the last 100 years!
