Sterling College: When did you graduate from Sterling College?
1993
SC: What courses of study did you Major(s)/Minor(s) in?
History and Government major
SC: What activities were you involved in while on campus?
I was in the Student Minority Club; I was President of that for a little while. I was in choir and did some acting. I was involved with the Student Missions Club and went on a mission trip to Haiti. I played soccer.
SC: What residence hall did you live in?
I was an RA in Campbell Hall.
SC: What are you doing now?
I am a sergeant in the U.S. Army and am involved in administration. I’ve been in the army for the past 15 years.
SC: Do you have children? What are their names? Did they go to Sterling College?
I have three beautiful little girls: the oldest is nine, her name is Joan; a three-year-old, Eugene; and one who just turned two named Jasmine.
SC: Where do you live?
Lakewood, Washington
SC: How did your experience and time at Sterling College shape you?
I think the greatest experience was the Christian fellowship; the strong Christian grounding I had is what shaped my values throughout life and the military – because the military can be tough, so you need to have good values. I was also involved in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. I want my children to be able to go to Christian college, hopefully Sterling, but wherever they want to go is fine. And as a young man entering the world, that Christian influence is great. Also, the well-rounded education, at a small college I got the opportunities to do many things that I wouldn’t have at a bigger college, and that helped nurture close relationships between students and professors. My father also got involved and taught some classes and that allowed me to share my background, too.
SC: What did you enjoy or appreciate most about Sterling College?
The most important thing I really appreciate – of course the Christian influence, that was very good – was the ability to be outgoing. I think anyone can be outgoing there if they really want to be. At the time I was there, Sterling was a place that allowed people to express themselves both spiritually and mentally and be the best they could be. And I was really encouraged by a history professor named Dr. Bill Long; the History professors were really good. Chaplain David Cornett was also personable and encouraging. I remember, I wasn’t really an actor, but the Klings were really good to me and were really great when I was in The Mikado.
SC: How are you remaining involved on the campus?
In the military life we move all the time and it’s hard, otherwise I would love to go back for alumni stuff. I got letters from the soccer coach to come back and go out with the soccer team to the KCAC championship, but basically I use email and Facebook to try to keep in touch.
SC: Do you mind if we include an email address so people can get a hold of you?
The best way to connect with me is through my wife, Jin Lee Fort. We were married in May 2001: mrs.fort@hotmail.com.
