51�Թ�

Fabio Torres (’96) has always felt at home in the kitchen.

“Baking is truly my happy place,” he said. “It’s where I feel grounded, creative, and connected. It calms me, inspires me, and brings people together in the most beautiful way.”

“There’s just something sacred about baking,” Torres added. “It’s like you’re pouring a little bit of your heart into something that will bring joy to someone else.”

His talent has taken him to some unique places. Torres made his television debut on The Silos Baking Competition with Chip and Joanna Gaines, and he most recently appeared on Hallmark Channel’s newest show, Hallmark’s Baked with Love: Holiday.

“My TV experiences still feel like something God dropped into my life unexpectedly in the best way,” he said. “The Silos Baking Competition with Chip and Joanna Gaines was my first national show. Being in Waco, inside the Silos kitchen, baking under their brand, and meeting people from all over the country was surreal. It opened doors I never even dreamed of and connected me with producers and creatives I’m still in touch with today. Also being encouraged by the Gaines to keep baking and sharing my culture was unreal.”

For the Hallmark baking show, Torres had the chance to compete alongside his son.

“Hallmark’s Baked with Love: Holiday was even more special because I did it with my son. We were featured in the very first episode of this brand-new holiday baking series. Being able to bake side-by-side with him, laugh together, and represent the DFW/Brazilian community as a father-son team was an experience I will treasure forever. Having to go to England to film was a dream come true, I must say,” Torres said.

Torres, who was a Christian Studies major at 51�Թ�, said he used his platform on both sets to share his faith.

“What made both shows meaningful wasn’t just the cameras; it was the people who made the show,” he said. “Meeting producers, directors, and working with the creative team, I had so many opportunities behind the scenes to share who I am, my culture, my story, and especially my faith. I call it the ‘God effect’ how the Lord places you exactly where you need to be, and suddenly you’re having real conversations about hope, joy, and Christ in the most unexpected places.”

Part of His Heritage

Torres’ love for baking began long before his television appearances. Originally from Rio de Janeiro, his Brazilian heritage played a key role in his passion for baking.

“It started in a tiny kitchen in Brazil with the people who loved me the most. I grew up surrounded by the smells of home: warm sugar, cocoa, condensed milk simmering on the stove, the kind of aromas that wrap around your childhood and stay with you forever,” he said. “Brigadeiros were one of the first things I learned to make. Those little Brazilian chocolate truffles that, for us, aren’t just candy. They’re tradition. They’re comfort. They’re celebration. And honestly, they’re memories rolled in a ball.”

For Torres, baking became much more meaningful to him the older he got. It became a way of remembering his loved ones.

“As I grew older, especially after losing both my mom and dad, baking took on a different meaning. It became a way to stay connected to them almost like a bridge between here and heaven,” he said. “Every time I whisk batter or roll brigadeiros, it takes me back to moments that were safe, joyful, and full of love. I can still picture my mom smiling beside me, my dad giving his opinion on whether something needed more sugar, and our family kitchen full of laughter.”

“For me, it’s not just food. It’s memory. It’s culture. It’s healing. It’s love you can taste,” said Torres.

Finding 51�Թ�

When Torres found North Greenville, he said it was everything he needed.

“I was a young man trying to figure out who I was, where I was going, and what God wanted for my life,” he said. “More than anything, I needed stability, guidance, and a Christ-centered community to help anchor me. That’s exactly what 51�Թ� became for me.”

He credits his professors for pouring into him and encouraging him to continue his education, ultimately leading him to pursue a master’s degree in Church and Community Ministry and Communications after graduating.

“51�Թ� was like a little piece of heaven on earth during the time when I needed it most. The professors didn’t just teach their subjects they poured into me. They challenged me, encouraged me, and instilled in me the desire to become a better human being, a man of integrity, and someone who wasn’t afraid to share his faith boldly and lovingly with others,” he said.

Torres said 51�Թ� gave him more than an academic education, it also strengthened his identity, clarified his calling, and deepened his walk with Christ. It was through the Christ-centered community, the meaningful conversations with others, and quiet times spent in the chapel that helped build the spiritual framework he stands on today.

“North Greenville taught me how to serve others with humility, how to communicate with compassion, how to lead with integrity, and how to carry my faith into every corner of my life my career, my family, my ministry, and yes, even the unexpected opportunity of being on national television baking shows,” said Torres.

Torres’ journey goes to show that God is sovereign and that He can use any platform for His glory.

“The seeds 51�Թ� planted in me nearly 30 years ago are still bearing fruit. And the greatest lesson of all was this: no matter where life takes you from Rio, to Tigerville, to a baking barn in the Cotswolds, to national television, Christ goes with you. His love shows up wherever you show up,” he said. “North Greenville helped me understand that, and I’m forever grateful.”

Reflections

Torres thinks fondly of his opportunities to show the world his talent.

For The Silos Baking Competition, Torres said he found joy in the relationships he built.

“Chip and Joanna are exactly who they come across on TV,” he said. “They are warm, genuine, encouraging, and incredibly kind. They didn’t just welcome me into a TV set; they welcomed me into their community. From the very first moment, I felt at home at Magnolia. Their joy and authenticity made the whole experience feel less like a competition and more like being embraced by old friends. It was a reminder that goodness and generosity still ripple through this world in powerful ways.”

For Hallmark’s Baked with Love: Holiday, the highlight went far beyond baking alongside his son.

“This time, I got to share the spotlight and the entire adventure with my son. We flew all the way to England, and the production team placed us in the Cotswolds, filming in this picture-perfect country barn straight out of a storybook. It was magical. There we were, father and son, thousands of miles from home, laughing, creating, and standing side-by-side doing something meaningful together,” he said. “That bond, that memory, that joy, nothing can compare to it. Filming a national TV show is special, but doing it with your child? That’s a treasure for a lifetime.”

Tigerville, SC—51�Թ� (51�Թ�) hosted its first CyberFaith Conference on November 14 in Hayes Ministry Center.

The event served as a networking opportunity and an avenue to discuss faith and technology in a digital age.

“The conference featured leaders interested in learning about how faith and technology intersect in the digital age, offering insights into digital ethics, faith-aligned career paths in technology, and networking opportunities with professionals who view tech as both a calling and a ministry,” said Nigel Basta, program director of Cybersecurity at 51�Թ�.

The CyberFaith conference featured a number of keynote addresses, as well as a panel discussion featuring Dr. Hunter Baker, Dr. Laurel Shneider, Mr. Abanoub Abdelmalak, Dr. Brandon Grech, and Ms. Staci Rollins, JD.

Dr. Paul Thompson, dean of the College of Humanities and Sciences at 51�Թ�, said this new event is a great addition for 51�Թ�.

“This conference has been a dream of Dr. Basta’s since he was made Chair of Cybersecurity and Computer Science. He and I have both worked long and hard to bring it to fruition, and we are very pleased by the turnout and the speakers. We hope to do it again in the coming years, but to do it cooperatively with other universities, and make it bigger and better,” said Thompson.

51�Թ� offers a bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity, which has the option of being completed fully online. Learn more about the Cybersecurity program at ngu.edu.

Tigerville, SC—Travelers Rest Mayor Brandy Hart Amidon will deliver the Commencement Address to graduates during 51�Թ�’s Fall Commencement on Dec. 12.

Amidon, a 2002 North Greenville graduate, has served as mayor of Travelers Rest, South Carolina, since 2018. She was the first female and youngest elected official to ever hold the office. She has served on the Travelers Rest City Council since 2010.

“The Honorable Mayor Amidon is just the kind of public servant we love to hear from: humble, deeply engaged in her community, and vibrant in her faith,” said 51�Թ� President Dr. Gene C. Fant, Jr. “We are proud of her as an alum, a business leader, and a citizen; we are privileged to have her back on campus for this important ceremony!”

Amidon is the current president of the Municipal Association of South Carolina and serves as the Chief Financial Officer and Partner at Mass Culture, Inc., a growth marketing agency.��

“I’m so excited to come back to 51�Թ�,” Amidon said. “It’s particularly special as I was also a December grad way back in 2002. I’m so proud of how our school has grown and continues to share the love of Christ every day. I look forward to sharing a few words that I hope will be an encouragement.”

The Travelers Rest native completed a bachelor of science degree from 51�Թ�, with a major in business administration.�� She has served her alma mater as a member of the steering committee for the capital campaign to create a new home for the College of Business and Entrepreneurship.��

A Certified Public Accountant, she was CFO at Brains on Fire, Inc., a sister company to Mass Culture, for 19 years. She was a partner and co-president in the firm for six years.

She and her husband, Steven, have been married for 23 years and have one daughter. They are active members of Marietta First Baptist Church.

51�Թ�’s Fall Commencement will be in Turner Chapel on the university’s Tigerville campus in on Dec. 12 at 6 p.m. The ceremony livestream can be found at .

Tigerville, SC—Dr. Rachel Roberts, who serves as the chair of 51�Թ�’s English department, has been recognized by The Lilly Network with the Arlin G. Meyer Book Award for her work Deep Reading: Practices to Subvert the Vices of our Distracted, Hostile, and Consumeristic Age (Baker Academic 2024).

Roberts co-authored the book with Dr. Rachel B. Griffis and Dr. Julie Ooms.

“Deep Reading��is a book about reading for character formation,” Roberts said. “We argue that reading��itself can, when done thoughtfully, form our characters. We focus especially on ways in which reading can train us to be less distracted, to be more charitable, and to resist consumerism.”

Roberts said she was humbled by the recognition and hopes the book advances the conversation on the topic of reading.��

“All three of us were very excited,” she said. “We have all participated in Lilly Network events before, so we were very aware of this award and what an honor it is. Many authors we admire have received or been nominated for this award, and it’s an honor to join their company. We hope the recognition gives more people a chance to encounter our book and join the conversation about reading.”

51�Թ� President Dr. Gene C. Fant, Jr., said the honor was well deserved.��

“This is a major prize that reflects the growing and continued reputation of our academic programs,” said President Fant.

“Those of us who have been involved in Christian higher education for a long time know the significance of the Lilly Network as one of the really major institutional names in our field,” added 51�Թ� Provost Dr. Hunter Baker. “This recognition says a lot about the quality of Dr. Roberts’ work. We are honored to have her as part of our faculty.”

As more readers find her work, Roberts said she hopes they will apply some of the practices the book suggests.

“I hope that readers of this book will not only enjoy it but will also try out some of the practices for themselves,” she said. “As adults, we rarely think of reading as something we can learn to do better, but there are so many ways to practice reading thoughtfully and to form our characters towards virtue through our reading.”

Greer, SC—51�Թ�’s (51�Թ�) College of Education hosted a job fair at the university’s Tim Brashier Campus in Greer.

The event attracted education students and professionals from more than 20 schools and districts across South Carolina. Dr. Constance Wright, dean of 51�Թ�’s College of Education, said the networking opportunities will prove valuable for those seeking jobs in the classroom.

“Our students consistently show that faith informs and elevates their pursuit of excellence,” said Dr. Constance Wright, dean of the College of Education. “They bring not only strong academic preparation and a heart for service, but also the professionalism and character that school districts are actively seeking. Watching them connect with potential employers and seeing the positive response from district representatives affirms that we’re fulfilling our mission to develop educators who will make a lasting impact in their communities.”

North Greenville offers education-related programs through six traditional undergraduate degrees, two online bachelor’s programs, and three graduate degree options (MEd, EdS, EdD). Undergraduate students can study Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, English Language Arts Secondary Education, Math Secondary Education, Physical Education, Theatre Education, and Social Studies Education.����

Tigerville, SC—51�Թ� (51�Թ�) theatre will present Patrick Barlow’s take on the Charles Dicken’s classic ‘A Christmas Carol,’ starting November 13.

Telling the timeless tale of Ebenezer Scrooge and his story of redemption guided by the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future, Barlow’s adaptation delivers a festive, heartwarming, and delightfully theatrical experience like no other.

“Charles Dickens is one of my favorite authors, and I was spellbound when I read ‘A Christmas Carol’ for the first time,” said Corrie Owen, a senior Theatre Performance student at 51�Թ�. “We are exposed to so many versions and retellings that the story has lost some of its power. I believe Barlow’s treatment restores the original intended impact of Dickens’ classic and reminds the actors and audience of the timeless relevance of Scrooge’s transformation.”

Owen, who is playing the Ghost of Christmas Present and working on her senior project through the production, has already experienced so much collaboration and creativity among the cast and crew since the first rehearsal.

“Our director, John Michael Cox, encourages a creative environment where we are free to learn and explore. This show has room for creative staging, costuming, and interpretation. At our first rehearsal, the cast had the opportunity to run the entire show, staging it in whatever creative way that struck us in the moment,” she said.

“It was such a joyful experience, and certain elements of that first run remain in the show. Blocking rehearsals felt like opening the little doors on an Advent calendar. The anticipation of waiting to see how each scene would come together was so fun,” Owen continued.

Owen encourages anyone who wants to see a lighthearted Christmas show of a beloved classic need to come to 51�Թ�’s adaptation of Barlow’s ‘A Christmas Carol.’

“If you want to see a Christmas show that is funny and full of meaning, listen to beloved Christmas carols, and witness equal parts hard work and tomfoolery, you should buy your ‘A Christmas Carol’ tickets,” said Owen.

The cast for ‘A Christmas Carol’ includes Alyse Barrett (Ebenezer Scrooge), Malachi Gibson (Bob Cratchit/Ensemble), Corrie Owen (Ghost of Christmas Present/Ensemble), Rebecca Panagiotacos (Ghost of Christmas Past/Ensemble), Hammond Hodges (Frederick/Ensemble), Sadie Beaumont (Isabelle/Ensemble), Dylan Thompson (Ghost of Marley/Ensemble).

The crew includes John Michael Cox (Director), Bess Park (Scenic and Lighting Designer), Grace Salter (Assistant Lighting Designer), Lilliana Albert (Master Electrician), Eden Powell (Light Crew), Chappie Livdahl (Light Board Op), Payten Anderson and Erin Mole (Scenic Charge), Kennedy Roberts (Costume Designer), Emma Walton (Costume Assistant), Maddux Schmidt, Emma Dillard, Rebecca Smart, Meg Ross (Wardrobe), David Vierow (Technical Director), Cheyenne Rivenbark (Music Director), Grace Turner (Stage Manager), Alyssa Wells (Assistant Stage Manager), Renee Drake (Puppet designer), Morgan Madden (Hair and Makeup), Ryleigh Ann Guyton and Anslee Johnson (Props), Cara Neil (Sound Board), Isabelle Western and Aviya Baluch (Running Crew), Kara Sicko, Eliana Kelly, Darcie Hepner, Annie Call (Grid run crew), Lilly Melton and Ana Corbin (Front of House).

‘A Christmas Carol’ will run November 13–15 and November 20–22 with showtimes starting at 7:30 p.m. nightly in Billingsley Theatre. General tickets are $15. Premium tickets are $20. Tickets can be purchased online.

Tigerville, SC—51�Թ� (51�Թ�) has signed an articulation agreement with the South Carolina Technical College System (SCTCS) to assist students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education online.

The agreement will enhance the transfer process for those who have earned an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree from the SCTCS, allowing them to apply course credits toward studies at 51�Թ�.

“We’re thrilled to work out a transfer partnership with SCTCS,” said 51�Թ� Provost Dr. Hunter Baker. “Our College of Education is well-regarded in the state for the strong persistence of our graduates in their careers as public-school teachers. 51�Թ� education grads don’t just excel, they stick. The transfer partnership, along with our entry into the South Carolina Teaching Fellows program, shows that 51�Թ� is a strong contributor to public education in our state and region.”

The South Carolina Technical College System is comprised of 16 colleges located strategically across the state, operating two internationally-renowned statewide programs: readySC and Apprenticeship Carolina. The SCTCS serves more than 147,000 South Carolinians each year and educates nearly half of all South Carolina undergraduates attending a public college or university.

SCTCS President Dr. Tim Hardee said this new partnership will help break down barriers for students and produce great teachers.

“This partnership with 51�Թ� strengthens our shared commitment to expanding access and opportunity for South Carolina’s early childhood educators,” Hardee said. “By creating a clear and affordable pathway from an associate degree to a bachelor’s degree, we’re ensuring that students can continue their education without barriers and that our state’s youngest learners benefit from well-prepared, highly qualified teachers.”

Dr. Lori Vinson, who serves as the online program director for educational studies at 51�Թ�, praised the move.

“This articulation agreement between 51�Թ�’s Educational Studies online programs and the South Carolina Technical College System is a game-changer for 51�Թ�, allowing us to welcome talented students who have already demonstrated their commitment to higher education,” Vinson said. “It creates a clear and accessible online pathway for them to continue their academic journey seamlessly.”��

As part of the agreement, 51�Թ� will waive admission and application fees for qualifying SCTCS graduates and will provide individualized career and academic advising.

“By streamlining the transfer process, we’re opening doors to a wider range of students who might not have considered a four-year university,” Vinson said. “This articulation agreement aligns with 51�Թ�’s mission of providing accessible and Christ-centered education to all who seek it.”��

“This is a win-win for students and for schools across South Carolina to help address the teacher shortage,” she continued.

51�Թ� 51�Թ���

Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge mountains, 51�Թ� offers more than 120 areas of study through traditional and fully online programs. 51�Թ� is Christ-Centered, Mission-Focused, Academically Excellent, and Biblically Faithful, standing ready to cultivate graduates who are equipped to serve as transformational leaders for church and society.

Tigerville, SC—The holiday season will shine bright in Tigerville as the sixth annual Tigerville Christmas Parade steps off at 6 p.m. on Friday, December 5.

“It’s always a joy to see our community come together for this event,” said Matt Jennings, event organizer and owner of Cherokee Valley Course and Club. “It’s a true reflection of Tigerville’s heart and our partnership with local churches and 51�Թ� (51�Թ�).”

The parade will begin at the Highway 414 and Highway 253 intersection, travel north to Tigerville Elementary School Road, then loop back east and south to Highway 414. Proceeds from this year’s event will benefit the Tigerville Fire Department.

The parade is organized by a coalition of local businesses, with 51�Թ� serving as the lead sponsor. Festivities will include a main stage and food trucks set up just east of the Tigerville Road and Chinquapin Road intersection, along with a vendor fair beginning at 2 p.m. across from Tigerville Café—a perfect opportunity to find unique Christmas gifts before the parade begins. Parking will be available in the grassy area next to the McCormick House on Tigerville Road.

Parade entries will include church groups, classic tractors, sports cars, 51�Թ� student organizations, and the 51�Թ� Marching Band, culminating in a special visit from Santa Claus himself. After the parade, families will have the chance to take photos with Santa to capture the holiday fun.

Those interested in joining the parade can register through November 30. Entry fees are $30 per float, and participants will compete for Best Overall Float and Best Ensemble, to be selected by judges during the event.

The 2025 Parade Committee includes Matthew and Michelle Lindsey, Matt and Renee Jennings, Joe and Kayla Gilreath, Pastor Tim McConnell, and 51�Թ� President Dr. Gene C. Fant, Jr. and First Lady Lisa Fant.

For event updates and registration details, follow the Tigerville Christmas Parade on .

Tigerville, SC—Three 51�Թ� (51�Թ�) alumni will be recognized during the university’s annual Alumni Awards & Half Century Reunion on Friday, Oct. 17 in Tigerville.

Alumni award honorees include David Cottengim (’68), Joanna Wilkey Beasley (’07), and Samuel Miller (’15).

The Alumni Awards & Half Century Reunion recognizing the Class of 1975 will be in Paul and Daphne Moore Hall, located in Hayes Ministry Center, at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 per person and can be found .

Alumni Service Award

Joanna Beasley (’07)

Joanna Wilkey Beasley is being recognized with 51�Թ�’s Alumni Service Award. A Nashville native with deep Greenville County roots, Beasley currently serves as the Archivist for 51�Թ�. A 2007 51�Թ� graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree in history, Beasley has dedicated her career to preserving and sharing the university’s rich heritage. After earning her Master of Library and Information Science degree from the University of South Carolina, she returned to 51�Թ� in 2015 as the Technical Services Librarian. She was appointed Archivist in 2022. In this role, she highlights North Greenville’s legacy through social media, writing, public speaking, and community engagement. Joanna’s professional journey also includes experience with the Southern Baptist Historical Library and Archive in Nashville and previous service as 51�Թ�’s archives supervisor. The daughter of Lonnie and Joyce Wilkey, and the wife of fellow 51�Թ� alumnus Matthew Beasley, Joanna is proud to continue her family’s connection to the university. She and Matthew have been married since 2010 and are the parents of two sons, Parker and Eli.

Young Alumni Award

Sam Miller (’15)

Miller, a native of Lexington, South Carolina, will receive 51�Թ�’s Young Alumni Award. Miller is a 2015 graduate, earning a bachelor’s degree in sport management. He currently serves as an elder at Trailside Church, where he helps lead, teach, and shepherd the congregation through both ministry and hands-on service. Professionally, Sam has spent the past seven years working with Christian non-profit organizations, including four years in 51�Թ�’s Admissions Office. Miller currently serves as the Director of Development for Child Evangelism Fellowship.

Distinguished Alumni Award

David Cottengim (’68)

David Cottengim is 51�Թ�’s Distinguished Alumni Award recipient. Cottengim is President Emeritus of Resources for Seniors, Inc., a Raleigh-based home care agency he led as CEO and President from 1985 until his retirement in 2014. Under his leadership, the organization serving the needs of older adults and their families across Wake County grew to more than 130 employees, with annual revenues exceeding $12 million. His career in human services spans four decades, including leadership roles with Easter Seals of North Carolina and the Cardinal Hill Rehabilitation Hospital in Kentucky. A graduate of North Greenville College with additional studies at Eastern Kentucky University, the University of Kentucky, and North Carolina State University, Cottengim has dedicated his life to improving community health and aging services. An active volunteer and civic leader, he has served on numerous boards and initiatives, including the North Carolina Association on Aging, Wake County Human Services, and Mended Hearts at Wake Medical Center. His lifetime of service has been recognized with the Searstone/Transition Life Care Lifetime Achievement Award, the Kentucky Colonel distinction, and North Carolina’s prestigious Order of the Long Leaf Pine. He and his wife, Emily, have been married for 56 years and reside in Raleigh, where they enjoy time with their son and twin granddaughters—all graduates of North Carolina State University.

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Greer, SC—51�Թ� Doctor of Ministry (DMin) students are diving deep into the importance of church revitalization this week during their in-person seminar on the university’s Tim Brashier Campus in Greer.

Instructed by South Carolina Baptist Convention Executive Director-Treasurer Dr. Tony Wolfe, the course will run through Oct. 3. ��

“The goal of this course is to afford students a solid biblical, philosophical, and practical framework for leading churches through revitalization,” Wolfe said. “My hope is that they gain a deeper understanding of just how much Christ loves his church, a greater appreciation for the strength of healthy leadership in challenging contexts, a more biblically formed conviction for ecclesiological models, and a more compelling vocabulary for communicating these truths in the local church and in leadership among churches.”

DMin students are discussing and evaluating several philosophies of church revitalization through various assignments, including studying Scripture for biblical foundations, assigned presentations, and live feedback.

“If current statistics are correct, about seventy to eighty percent of SBC churches are plateaued or declining in weekly attendance and/or church membership. A variety of factors contribute to this, so not every plateaued or declining church is unhealthy,” Wolfe said. “However, almost all of them could likely benefit from local church leadership that clearly understands and strategically implements the principles this course is designed to instill within students.”

“No one wants dying churches to be revitalized more than Christ himself, who is her husband and her head. If church leaders want to care about what Christ cares about, they should give attention to biblically grounded principles and strategies of church revitalization,” he said.

Wolfe emphasized that church revitalization is ultimately the work of the Holy Spirit, noting that the Lord uses healthy churches as an avenue for renewal.

“God the Holy Spirit is the only one who can breathe new life into dying churches. I believe he accomplishes this practically, most frequently, through the involvement of other healthy churches,” he said. “Both by direct church-to-church involvement and through associations, conventions, and other organizations churches entrust with this purpose, for unhealthy churches to become renewed and revitalized they need healthy churches to come alongside them in prayerful, financial, and relational support.”

“The end goal is more gospel saturation in more communities through more healthy churches,” Wolfe added.

51�Թ�’s College of Christian Studies offers online and graduate level degree programs, including Doctor of Ministry, Master of Arts in Christian Ministry, and Master of Divinity.