Greenville University Announces 2025 Homecoming Honors Award Recipients
Published: October 10, 2025
Greenville University is pleased to announce its 2025 alumni award recipients. This year's honorees will be celebrated during Homecoming & Family Weekend, October 23–26, as the GU community gathers to honor the lives of those who embody Christ-like character, service, and leadership.
2025 Homecoming Honors Awards
Saturday, October 25, 6:30 p.m.
Whitlock Music Center
Distinguished Alumnus Award: Mark Van Valin ’79
A pastor, author, and innovator, Mark Van Valin has invested decades in ministry leadership, from congregations in Missouri, Indiana, and Michigan to directing Detroit's Initiative for Mission Igniter. His vision for planting churches in urban neighborhoods has led to the formation of vibrant congregations and the development of new leaders. An author of several works on discipleship and ecclesiology, Mark reflects GU's mission through a lifetime of service, creativity, and faithfulness.
Outstanding Young Alumnus Award: Luke Schoenhals ’15
Luke Schoenhals serves as production manager and front-of-house engineer for Christian artist Tauren Wells. He has shaped immersive worship experiences for tours such as Elevation Nights, Josiah Queen, Brandon Lake, TobyMac and rapper NF, where his creative expertise in sound and lighting brings audiences into more profound moments of praise and worship. His artistry behind the scenes points people toward God and represents GU values on a national stage.
Robert A. Briner Salt and Light Award: Dan Haseltine ’94
As co-founder of the Grammy-winning band Jars of Clay, Dan Haseltine has used music to proclaim faith with artistry and depth. His non-profit Blood: Water has provided clean water and HIV/AIDS relief to over a million people in Africa. More recently, he has composed for The Chosen, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, The Shift and other visual projects, blending creativity and faith to inspire audiences worldwide. Through his artistry, advocacy, and humility, Dan embodies salt-and-light living—faith in action that transforms culture.
Dr. Gene A. Kamp Loyalty Award: Beckie Smith ’68
A former GU trustee and board chair, Beckie Smith has shown decades of loyalty to her alma mater and her community. A life of faith-rooted service matched her professional career in global human resources leadership—mentoring couples, guiding Bible studies, supporting music ministry, and preparing meals for those in need. Beckie models the humility and steadfastness at the heart of this award.
Ruth (Smith) Winslow Leadership Award (Inaugural): Ruth (Smith) Winslow ’62
This new award bears her name—and Ruth Winslow embodies its spirit. A cross-cultural nurse for 45 years in China and Taiwan, she trained nurses, coordinated mobile eye care units, and founded Hands of Hope. This sewing enterprise gave dignity to women who had been cast aside by society. Her memoir, Love Found a Way, recounts her story of compassion, perseverance, and the power of God's grace.
For updates and a full schedule of GU Homecoming events, visit www.greenville.edu/homecoming.