The UNWavering Podcast

This special episode of The UNWavering Podcast was recorded live on Homecoming Friday during Chapel, in front of a room full of UNW students and alumni attending REUNION. Monte and Cassie sit down with four of Northwestern’s 2026 Eagle Award recipients for a conversation full of insight, faith, and stories of what God has done since their days on campus.Dick Jacobs ‘53, Distinguished Alumnus of the Year Dick came to faith in Christ at age 20 while working in an Oregon lumberyard, then returned to Minnesota to study at Northwestern Bible College, graduating in 1953 with a B.A. in Bible. He and his wife, Ruth Siemens ‘51, served for nearly 20 years among the unreached Tagbana people of Ivory Coast, helping develop a written form of their language. Dick later became Director of Africa Ministries for WorldVenture, overseeing about 250 missionaries, and served eight years as Missions Pastor at First Baptist Church of Wheaton. In 2013 he returned to Ivory Coast for the dedication of the completed Tagbana Bible.Dr. Carl Christenson ‘14, Eagle on Mission Award Carl graduated with degrees in Biology and Music and is now a physician anesthesiologist at Indiana University School of Medicine and IU Methodist Hospital, where he serves as Director of Simulation and Director of Pediatric Anesthesia. He established an accredited medical mission program in Tanzania that equips local physicians and trainees, and he has been honored multiple times as Physician Educator of the Year. He and his wife, Christina ‘14, are raising three children in Indiana.Anna Spooner ‘18, Rising Eagle Award Anna earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing with minors in Psychology and Bible. She is a Registered Nurse at University of Iowa Health Care, pursuing doctoral studies while working as a research assistant and adjunct nursing faculty member. She received the 2023 Nurse Preceptor of the Year Award and is preparing to become a pediatric and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner and educator.Deborah (Spooner) Johnson ‘18, Rising Eagle Award Deborah graduated summa cum laude with degrees in Interdisciplinary Studies for Digital Communication & Media and Biblical & Theological Studies. She is the Next Generation Ministry Director at Immanuel Church Nashville, overseeing children’s and student ministries and developing discipleship resources. After a leadership internship at Lifeway, where she became the organization’s youngest marketing strategist, she led youth ministry at Mariners Church in California.From the lumberyard to the mission field, the clinic to the ministry office, these four alumni show what it looks like to follow God’s leading wherever it goes. Hear their advice for their college-aged selves and what it means to live unwavering in faith.🎧 Subscribe and leave a rating wherever you listen. 💬 Know an alum, faculty member, staff, or student of UNW doing amazing things out in the world? Let us know at [email protected].

Dan Stoltz joins The UNWavering Podcast for a delightful conversation filled with nuggets of wisdom. Dan is a 1983 graduate of the University of Northwestern – St. Paul and serves as President and CEO of Blaze Credit Union, one of Minnesota’s largest credit unions. Throughout his career, Dan has been recognized as a respected business leader with a passion for developing people, strengthening organizations, and leading with integrity. Alongside his wife, Robyn, Dan has invested deeply in the mission of Northwestern, including the establishment of the Stoltz School of Business.In this conversation, Dan talks about the cartoon version of himself, the importance of a personal mission statement, and his Northwestern story and family legacy. He also shares why he and Robyn chose to invest in Northwestern through the Stoltz School of Business, reflects on his journey as a CEO, and talks about his upcoming book, Quest to Be Your Best.Dan is passionate about helping people discover their purpose, lead with excellence, and build a legacy that lasts. Whether you’re early in your career or well into your leadership journey, this is a conversation you’ll want to hear.🎧 Subscribe and leave a rating wherever you listen. 💬 Know an alum, faculty member, staff, or student of UNW doing amazing things out in the world? Let us know at [email protected].

Jackie Sommers joins The UNWavering Podcast for an honest and insightful conversation. Jackie is a 2003 graduate of the University of Northwestern – St. Paul and has spent more than two decades serving at Northwestern, where she currently works in Admissions. She’s also an award-winning author, speaker, and creative whose writing has earned national recognition, including the Katherine Paterson Prize for Young Adult and Children’s Writing.In this conversation, Jackie shares a little about her Northwestern story and her writing career before diving deep into her experience with OCD. Jackie is passionate about sharing her story and helping others understand that OCD is treatable and that there is hope. She brings creativity, authenticity, and a deep love for people to everything she does, and it shows in this episode.Whether you live with OCD, love someone who does, or simply want to understand it better, this is a conversation worth hearing.🎧 Subscribe and leave a rating wherever you listen. 💬 Know an alum, faculty member, staff, or student of UNW doing amazing things out in the world? Let us know at [email protected].

This episode is a collection of mini spotlights with members of the University of Northwestern Alumni Council! Get to know each of them a little bit as they share what they’re up to now and why it means so much to them to stay engaged with Northwestern.You’ll hear from:Emily Herman ‘06Jodi Richert ‘92Erin Hosking ‘99Betty Mertens ‘07Morgan Peterson ‘19Hannah Zinn ‘23Tony Rojas ‘05Brian Gilbert ‘90Collin Hemann ‘23Lakka Benti ‘17Bill Abeler ‘81John Benham ‘64Each Council member shares their passion for staying connected, why they volunteer their time, and why they give on Eagle Giving Day. Their stories span more than six decades of Northwestern alumni, and together they show what it looks like to love this place and invest in its future.Ready to get involved? Learn more about Eagle Giving Day: Click here🎧 Subscribe and leave a rating wherever you listen. 💬 Know an alum, faculty member, staff, or student of UNW doing amazing things out in the world? Let us know at [email protected].

Tim Sawyer, Cassie Bechard, and David Kozamchak join The UNWavering Podcast for a behind-the-scenes look at one of Northwestern’s most beloved traditions: Christmas at Northwestern, taking place December 4-6. Tim directs the Northwestern Choir, Cassie leads Bands, and David conducts the Northwestern Orchestra. Together, along with many others, they shape a program that points audiences to the hope of Christ.In this conversation, they preview the theme for Christmas at Northwestern 2026 and pull back the curtain on what goes into the production, from the early planning to how all the pieces finally come together on stage.Whether you’re a longtime attendee or have never been, this episode will help you get ready for a Christmas tradition like no other.Learn more and get your tickets: Click here🎧 Subscribe and leave a rating wherever you listen. 💬 Know an alum, faculty member, staff, or student of UNW doing amazing things out in the world? Let us know at [email protected].

Andy Youso joins The UNWavering Podcast for a conversation that goes behind the mic and behind the red glasses! Andy is a 2005 graduate of the University of Northwestern – St. Paul and an award-winning broadcaster who currently serves as the afternoon host on 98.5 KTIS. After beginning his radio career in South Dakota and Oklahoma, Andy returned to Minnesota and has spent more than a decade encouraging listeners through Christian radio, combining humor, authenticity, and a deep passion for helping people experience God's love. In this episode, Andy shares his Northwestern story, how broadcasting captured his imagination, and what a day in the life of a radio host really looks like (including a few embarrassing radio moments and the answer to whether hosts actually pick their own songs). At the heart of it all is Andy's core mission as a broadcaster: helping people know that God loves them and has a plan for their life. It's the message behind every show, every conversation, and every day on the air.🎧 Subscribe and leave a rating wherever you listen. 💬 Know an alum, faculty member, staff, or student of UNW doing amazing things out in the world? Let us know at [email protected].

Terry Esau joins The UNWavering Podcast for a conversation you won't want to miss! Terry is a 1978 graduate of Northwestern, where he studied music—and he is a member of the University's Music & Theatre Hall of Recognition.From small-town punk to becoming the "Jingle King of Minneapolis," Terry has built a career defined by creativity at scale. He has written and produced music for more than 2,000 television commercials. But his story didn't stop with advertising. A self-described bike-o-holic, Terry went on to launch the nonprofit Free Bikes 4 Kidz in 2010—a movement that has now placed more than 224,000 bicycles into the hands of kids in need. And he's not done yet: Terry recently co-founded Free Guitars 4 Kids, bringing that same model of restoration and generosity to another instrument that shaped his life—putting guitars into the hands of young musicians everywhere.In this episode, Terry shares his Northwestern story, the twists and turns of his career as the "Jingle King," and the heart behind Free Bikes 4 Kidz. We land the conversation on some rich reflection questions about life, leadership, and legacy—the kind of conversation that will stick with you long after it ends.Terry is an author, a builder, and a creative force—and we're so grateful to have him as part of our alumni community and as a guest on today's episode.🚲 Inspired to give back? Free Bikes 4 Kidz collection day is October 3rd! Visit the Free Bikes 4 Kids website to learn how you can donate a bike.🎧 Subscribe and leave a rating wherever you listen. 💬 Know an alum, faculty member, staff, or student of UNW doing amazing things out in the world? Let us know at [email protected].

Jennifer Hunter joins The UNWavering Podcast to preview an exciting new season on stage! Jennifer has served as Professor and Director of Theatre at the University of Northwestern since 2014. She won't say it, but we will — Jennifer is awesome... and kind of a big deal! Beloved in the Theatre Department at Northwestern, she's earned multiple regional and national awards for her productions and has worked alongside acclaimed directors and Broadway casting professionals. In 2023 she received Northwestern's Faculty Award for Excellence in Scholarship, and last season she directed the best-selling show in UNW history: The Prince of Egypt.In this conversation, Jennifer previews the 2026-27 UNW Theatre season, featuring Disney's Frozen, It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play, Oklahoma!, and Uncle Vanya. From a beloved animated classic to a Golden Age musical to a Chekhov masterpiece, this season has something for every kind of theatre lover.Learn more and get your tickets: Click here🎧 Subscribe and leave a rating wherever you listen. 💬 Know an alum, faculty member, staff, or student of UNW doing amazing things out in the world? Let us know at [email protected].

It's no secret that Monte Abeler, Director of Alumni & Family Engagement, and Cassie Plantage, Coordinator, love Homecoming — and this episode flips the script as Matt Anderson steps in as guest host to interview them both about Homecoming & Family Weekend, coming up October 9-10.Monte and Cassie dig into new elements of this year's Homecoming, including REUNION and the Athletic Hall of Fame Ceremony, share their hopes for the returning-Eagles experience, and talk about their favorite parts of the weekend. Along the way, they offer insight into the full lineup of scheduled events.Homecoming is the ultimate Northwestern weekend — and this episode is the ultimate place to hear all about it.🎧 Subscribe and leave a rating wherever you listen. 💬 Know an alum, faculty member, staff, or student of UNW doing amazing things out in the world? Let us know at [email protected].

Dayton Dodge joins the podcast for a conversation on what it means to be Revival Ready. Dayton currently serves as the Assistant Director of Worship Arts and Spiritual Formation programs at the University of Northwestern – St. Paul. He has 20+ years of worship leading experience, most recently serving as the worship pastor at New Hope Church (EFCA). Dayton is a 2001 Northwestern grad in music education and holds a master's degree from Bethel Seminary. His mission is to raise up the next generation of worship leaders by providing opportunities to hone their musical and leadership talent into skill that will expand God's Kingdom at UNW and beyond.Chapel has long been a cornerstone of campus life at Northwestern — a shared rhythm that shapes the spiritual heartbeat of our community each year. In this conversation, Dayton explains this year's chapel theme, "Revival Ready" — how it came to be and what we hope comes from it. We also dig into what it means for each of us to open our hearts and allow the Lord to work in us individually. We want to be ready for Campus-wide revival if that's what the Lord has in mind... but it starts with each one of us.🎧 Subscribe and leave a rating wherever you listen. 💬 Know an alum, faculty member, staff, or student of UNW doing amazing things out in the world? Let us know at [email protected].