ORIGINALLY WRITTEN
Jack D. Braun, vice president for advancement at Tabor College, has announced his resignation effective June 30.
He will begin work as a stewardship and planned-giving advisor July 1 at Mennonite Brethren Foundation, the stewardship ministry of the U.S. Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches, located in Hillsboro.
Braun is completing his 36th year at Tabor. Through the years, he has filled many roles, including head resident for the women’s residence hall from 1966 to 1970 and 1975 to 1977; assistant professor of drama from 1966 to 1977; chair of the speech and drama department from 1975 to 1977; dean of student development and assistant professor of drama from 1977 to 1989; and vice president of student development, dean of students and assistant professor of drama from 1989 to 1995.
He has served in his current role for the past seven years.
“After being in the ministry of Tabor for 36 years, the decision to leave is not easily made,” said Braun. “As I reflect on the many and varied experiences, both as faculty and administrator, I have truly felt a calling to serve.”
Others have felt his calling as well.
“Jack was able to demonstrate that delicate balance of support and confrontation in his dealing with students in his role as vice president for student development,” said Larry Nikkel, Tabor College president.
“He was able to add financial strength to the organization in working with many individuals and families in their estate planning while he supported the numerous other functions of the advancement department,” Nikkel added.
As a stewardship and planned-giving adviser, Braun will be responsible for facilitating charitable giving, donor contact, planned giving, charitable-estate planning and educating people in principles of biblical stewardship.
He will focus his efforts on the Central and Southern districts of the U.S. Mennonite Brethren Conference.
“One of our primary emphases is to come alongside MB organizations to help them in the area of planned giving,” said Jon Wiebe, MB Foundation president and chief executive officer.
Some of the larger organizations falling under the MB Foundation umbrella are Tabor College, MBMS International, Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary, Fresno Pacific University and the U.S. Conference at large.
Other organizations include local churches and various extended ministries of the local church, including various retirement communities and schools.
The foundation staff includes two other stewardship and planning advisers: Lynford Becker of Enid, Okla., and Ross Merritt of Fresno, Calif.
“Jack brings a wealth of experience, a commitment to Mennonite Brethren mission, strong interpersonal skills and a desire to expand on his current planned-giving abilities for the benefit of our conference,” Wiebe said. “He’s certainly going to continue to help with the ongoing financial support for the College and I’m excited about that.”
Braun is excited about his future, too.
“I am now looking forward to another avenue of service where I can continue using the gifts and abilities God has given me,” Braun said.
