ABC News

The Honorary Alumni Award is presented to loyal friends of Appalachian Bible College who, while not alumni, demonstrate the heart of an alumnus through faithful support and participation in the mission of the College.

The 2024 Honorary Alumni are Phil and Cindy Peterson.

Philip and Cindy joined the staff of ABC in 2010, Phil as faculty serving as the Missions Major Chair and Cindy as an Administrative Assistant (currently for the Academic Division). The Petersons are blessed with five children – Kari, Stefan, Julia, Kiki, and David (all of whom have been or are currently in full-time ministry).

Their experience as missionaries in Europe for many years, combined with their great love for people makes them passionate servants as they train the next generation. They host small groups of students and missionaries in their home frequently.

Phil was recently appointed the VP of Missionary Services at IBMGlobal mission agency, but graciously remained to assist in the missions chair transition, serving as a full-time missions adjunct this year. Cindy continued this year as well as the Administrative Assistant to the VP for Academics.

They are faithful and committed in their desire to minister to people, and to equip others to do the same, and their dedicated involvement at ABC shows this. It is our privilege to award them with the status of Honorary Alumni.

Congratulations to the several ABC students who are recipients of the WVICU Circle of Vision Scholarship!

The recipient of the 2024 Diakonos Award is Ronnie Rigney.

Ronnie is a 2007 graduate of ABC. He is married to Janis, and they have three children. Since his graduation, he worked locally, continuing to be a friend and advocate of ABC. He stayed connected in various ways, but especially through his involvement with Alpine Ministries, and his great love for whitewater rafting.

Ronnie attends and serves faithfully at Maxwell Hill Baptist Church, the church he began attending as a student 20 years ago. His pastor, Ken Killen, shares of Ronnie’s involvement, ministry, and the personal blessing that he has been. “I have had the privilege of knowing Ronnie for nearly twenty years. I came to know him first as a student then as an intern and for the past few years as a fellow elder in our church. In each of these roles I have been enriched. When I had Ronnie as a student and as an intern, I sometimes wondered which of us should be the teacher. It is no secret that Ronnie thrives in an academic setting. His ability to grasp complex issues and
explain them in simple terms makes him an exceptional teacher. Over the course of my relationship with Ronnie I have had the privilege of seeing him grow not just in knowledge but also in character. He exemplifies the character that is required of an elder. Just recently, our whole church watched as his faith and character was tested and proven. Both he and his wife Janis inspired us as they became living examples of what it means to be faithful when their daughter was diagnosed with a life threatening disease.”

The Diakonos Award is named for the Greek word “Diakonos” translated in the New Testament as “servant," “minister," or “deacon.” This award is given to dedicated and faithful graduates who serve as laypersons in the church and demonstrate commendable Christian testimony in their family and work.

Ronnie, for your evident testimony of faithfulness and service to the Lord, in the workplace, the church, and the home, it is our honor to present you with this year’s Diakonos Award.

The 2024 Alumni of the Year are Don and Shirley Emerson.

The Alumnus of the Year Award is presented to a diploma or degree graduate of at least 10 years ago, who demonstrates an exemplary testimony as a servant of the Lord in full-time ministry, and actively supports Appalachian Bible College and its ministries.

Don and Shirley Emerson graduated from ABI in 1966, and were then married in 1967. Over the next five years, Don continued his education while also serving in the United States Army, then embarking on a decades long life of full time service to the Lord.

In 1973, Don started Perry Baptist School, where he served as the principle until 1987. During that time he was also active in Perry Baptist Church, serving as both a deacon and a Sunday School teacher, while Shirley taught at the school, taught Sunday School, and was involved in VBS and ladies ministry through the church.

In 1988-1990 they spent time as missionaries in Dominica, as well as providing cover for missionaries as they went on furlough. From 1992-1998 they ministered at Grove Christian School. In 1999 they began an international school in China where they served for the next 20 years, leaving just days before the COVID outbreak in China. They then retired to Greenville, SC, where they continue to be involved with the International School in China, as well as being active in their local church.

Don and Shirley, for your decades of ministry, exemplifying the motto “...because Life is for Service,” it is our privilege to recognize you as Appalachian Bible College’s 2024 Alumni of the Year.

One of the highlights of Christian Educator conventions is connecting with ABC alumni! Our Admissions Team found several alumni at three different conventions over the weekend. ⬇

Photo 1: Southeast Christian School Convention
Photo 2: Keystone Christian Education Association Conference
Photo 3: West Virginia Christian Education Association Convention

📣 Calling runners and walkers of all ages! 📣

Registration is now open for the 10th annual Beautiful Feet 5k. Whether you want to compete in the 5k run, the 5k walk, or the 1 mile fun run, your participation helps support the ABC Missions Conference! 🌍👟

More information and registration: abc.edu/5k

Happy first day of fall...one day late! 🍁

Not that we're biased, but we are pretty excited for campus to look like this again. 👇

The ABC Ladies Auxiliary invites women of all ages to join in their annual Fall Luncheon on Saturday, October 5. Registration is $30 before 9/30, and $35 after 9/30. Pastors' wives and missionaries may attend for half price.

For more information and registration details, visit abc.edu/ladiesauxiliary.

Alumni - Registration is open for Homecoming 2024, and we would love for you to join us as we center around the theme, "Planted to Flourish." Come and be encouraged as we hear from 5-year, 25-year, and 50-year alumni throughout our time together. Additionally, there will be special activities planned for children ages 6 weeks to 18 years. Register today at abc.edu/homecoming.