Generations of Influence

Generations of Influence

Published January 26, 2019 in News, Summit Magazine

Mentorship is a key part of the CSU experience. Here, mentorship goes beyond a transfer of knowledge into a beneficial, biblical relationship in which both mentor and the mentee are transformed further to the image of God. Since CSU has been around for more than 85 years, generations of mentees have become mentors, each sharing wisdom with upcoming leaders. Meet a few members of the CSU family who have been poured into and now serve as influencers.

 

Barb Vermilyea served as resident director of Fletcher Hall in 1984, when Michelle Hammaker began her freshman year as a student. “Barb gave me opportunities to serve on the dorm leadership team,” recalls Hammaker. “She took time to build into my life personally.” Now in her 21st year as a resident director, Hammaker appreciates the lifelong relationship, explaining, “Even though she and Tim were my RDs for only one year, they continued to pursue a relationship with me and encourage me. They’ve been faithful, humble examples who still impact me today.”

As resident director in Carter Hall, Hammaker became a “support system” for student Haley Seboe, who explains, “During my first few years of college, she was available to help me work through different life situations and apply biblical wisdom to them. I always appreciated how she never told me what to do, but simply asked questions and pointed me to the Word of God.” When Seboe became a resident assistant, Hammaker helped her grow as a leader, which has continued after graduation. “She has helped me filter my new experiences and roles with biblical truth,” Seboe says. “I truly believe that if Michelle hadn’t stepped into that role in my life, I would not be the same person I am today.”

Seboe’s leadership encouraged student Tatyana Carmona, who says, “Haley took the time to get to know me and helped me grow spiritually.

Frank Judson has been a mentor to me since I was a student here in 2011,” shares Nathan Miller. “He continues to mentor me through Bible studies and leadership development at work.” Miller works closely with student workers in his current role, including Mail Center employee Titus Emmett. “Nate has taken the time to get to know me and my personal strengths and weaknesses,” Emmett says. “As things would come up at work, he would give me direct ways to apply what I was learning about myself. I think this very personal help made him more of a mentor to me than just a boss at work. Beyond this, Nate has given me a great example of what a young, godly leader can look like.”

 

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