The 2008 Alumnus of the Year has been decided.

The LifeLong Learning Center, located in the Grand Rapids Theological Seminary, has chosen to honor John Lillis, a GRTS graduate of 1980, as the 2008 Alumnus of the Year.

“I was extremely surprised and deeply moved to find out that I had received the award,” said Lillis. “The Grand Rapids Theological Seminary has played a pivotal and significant role in my personal and spiritual formation. To be named the Alumnus of the Year of this institution is a great personal honor.”

Lillis has served as both faculty and administration at Cornerstone University. “I have worked with and taught at the seminary since I was a student there,” said Lillis.

In 1978-1981, Lillis directed the student internship program at the GRTS. A year later in 1982, he went with his family to Southeast Asia to establish Cornerstone’s Asia Baptist Theological Seminary.

“I was the founder and the director of that program and taught Christian education and missions courses throughout Asia from 1982-1990,” said Lillis.

In returning to Grand Rapids, Lillis conducted jobs as the associate dean of seminary (1990-92), dean of the Adult and Continuing Education program (1993-95), academic vice president of the college (1995-96), and provost/executive vice president of the university (1996-2001).

“John was chosen by many who had spent time with him while he was on staff at Cornerstone University to hold this position of honor,” said Cindy Wessel, executive director of the LifeLong Learning Center. “He was very involved in helping others in their educational pursuits and is remembered by many as one who mentored and coached them.”

Lillis has also served as the professor of Christian education (1992-99) and the professor of spiritual formation (1999-2001). After relocating in July 2001, Lillis is contently the dean and executive officer at Bethel Seminary in San Diego, Calif.

“The seminary has had a tremendous impact on my life through the administrators, faculty and the curriculum that all were a part of the seminary when I was a student there,” said Lillis, recalling his days at GRTS.

Remembering all the teachers and friends that had impacted his life there, Lillis spoke of the influences of Carl Hoch, Leon Rowland, Joe Crawford and many others.

“Victor Matthews helped all of us see that theology is not just a collection of facts to be memorized, but a dynamic, living discipline that must be expressed and lived out in the Christian’s personal daily walk with the Lord,” said Lillis.

Also, Lillis referred to other people of influence such as Paul Beals and Henry Osborn “who helped develop a cultural sensitivity and understanding that continues to serve in his ministry today.”

Lillis has been married 36 years to Gail and is the father of three children, Chris, Tim and Larissa. Lillis will receive the Alumnus of the Year award at the GRTS luncheon on Friday, May 9.