Stephen Newby Director, University Ministries and the Center for Worship Stephen Michael Newby is a composer, conductor, gospel/jazz vocalist, and pianist. He is a native of Detroit, Michigan. In December 1984, he received his bachelor of arts in vocal music education and flute performance from Madonna College in Livonia, Michigan. He received a master of music in jazz composition and arranging in May 1987 from the University of Massachusetts in Amherst. There, his studies in composition were under the supervision of Robert Sutton, Frederick Tillis, Jeff Holmes, and Robert Stern. He returned to Michigan to complete his doctorate of musical arts in composition at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, receiving it in December 1994. There, he studied with William Albright, Michael Daugherty, George Wilson, Fred Lerdahl and Pulitzer-Prize winners William Bolcom and Leslie Bassett. Visit Stephen's website here.
Associate Director, University Ministries
Matthew Koenig grew up in Colorado and has studied at the College of William and Mary (B.A.), Princeton Theological Seminary (M.Div), and two universities in Germany. Princeton fed his hunger for theological rigor as well as his desire for a soulmate. One beautiful Princeton afternoon, as Matthew played intramural football, he rushed the quarterback. He failed to tackle the QB, but succeeded in knocking a certain female blocker off her feet. A year later she became his wife. Sara Koenig now teaches in the School of Theology at SPU. Matthew served as associate pastor for three years at Woodside Presbyterian Church in Yardley, Penn. He enjoys searching for theological grundstoff in popular culture and watching his funny dog, Halle. Most of all, he loves getting to know the stories behind students' lives, meeting them at this pivotal point in their lives, and leading them forward in their journey with Jesus Christ.
Bob Zurinsky Assistant Director, Center for Worship Bob grew up in Washington state, living most of his life in the Gig Harbor area. As an undergraduate, he studied at Montana Tech and at SPU where he did a B.A. in biology and a B.S. in biochemistry. After SPU, Bob taught middle school for a year, then moved to Vancouver, Canada, to complete the Master of Christian Studies program at Regent College. Bob's personal and academic interests include Christian spirituality and constructive postfoundational theology. He loves eating food, listening to Björk, looking at plants, and working with students at SPU. Bob is the staff advisor for group.
Minister of Christian Community Formation and Office Manager
Deb has lived in California, Virginia, Indiana, Idaho, Michigan, Ohio, New Hampshire, and Washington. She earned her B.A. from Eastern Washington University and her M.Ed. from Western Washington University. She says her greatest lessons are learned at the feet of the most challenging instructors she’s ever known, her two children, and now three grandchildren. Deb also says there is nothing better in the world than laughing and telling stories around the campfire with family and friends — unless it is walking in the surf along Cannon Beach, Oregon. Deb is the staff advisor for the Chapel Worship Team.
Eric thrives off people. When he is alone, he needs to be in a public space, when he’s with friends he needs the same. He sees his life in perspective of this bigger story that God has for us, thankful for time and process. Eric grew up in Idaho, then moved to Seattle to attend SPU, where he received a B.A. in educational ministries in 2007. Since then, Eric has acquired the skills of a barista, and a Honda Element, both of which he holds dear to his heart. When he is not hanging out with friends, he enjoys coffee, crosswords, and an occasional trip to inexpensive theatres. Nothing will grab his attention more than an offer for a good game of Scrabble.
Mary is passionate about creating spaces for others in which they can learn and grow. Her work at SPU provides opportunities to develop learning opportunities for worship and lay leaders in the greater Seattle area. Mary calls Columbia City (Rainier Valley) her home, and she spends most of her time nurturing her boys: college sweetheart, Joel, and two young sons. If there happens to be more hours in a particular day, Mary might be found in her garden, knitting, finding a new way to use lavender in a recipe, or walking around Seward Park.
Minister of Worship and Production Assistant The director of SPU's rythmn and vocal ensemble Unlimited since 2002, Bobby Jacky was the group's keyboardist for two years before graduating from SPU in 2001. In 2005, he produced Unlimited’s first CD, “How Can I Keep From Singing?” And this year, Bobby also brings his musical expertise to University Ministries and Center for Worship, where he serves as minister of worship and production assistant for worship services and special events.