Dear Friends,

I'm writing to make you aware of a change at CPYU which I'm sure that, with me, you'll find to be bittersweet. At the end of March, Derek Melleby, director of our College Transition Initiative (CTI) for the last nine years, will be leaving us to begin work with OneLife, a Gap Year program based locally at Lancaster Bible College.

This move is a sad one for the simple reason that Derek has not only served us with excellence in his position as director of CTI, but he is a trusted and close friend. I am grateful for Derek and his good work. We will miss him. This move is a good one as it is a perfect fit for Derek, his gifts, and his evolving passions to serve a targeted group of young people in an intensive learning environment.

It is clear that God has used Derek's time here at CPYU to uniquely prepare him for his new role. It has been a joy to watch Derek develop and grow, and I am personally excited to see what God has in store for Derek as he uses his gifts and abilities in this new position.

I'm sure that many of you are wondering what will become of CPYU's College Transition Initiative. There is additional good news here as well. We will be continuing the good work of CTI. While it will look a bit different without Derek in the role of director, we are committed to continuing to provide CTI resources. In addition, we are currently examining ways to continue to partner with Derek and his growing expertise in the area of college transition.

Please keep CPYU, Derek, and his family in your prayers during this time of transition. Obviously, there are some unknowns for us all, but we look forward with excitement and anticipation to the experience of seeing God's plan unfold!

Blessings,

Greetings,

As Walt has mentioned above, I have accepted a new position with OneLife, a Gap Year program based at Lancaster Bible College.

I am very excited about this "next step," but I am also sad to see my full-time employment with CPYU come to an end. CPYU has been a tremendous place to work. I am grateful for the opportunity to be stretched and to grow professionally and spiritually over the last nine years.

I have known CPYU president, Walt Mueller, since 2001. I could not ask for a better mentor, supervisor and friend. Working under his leadership has helped me in numerous ways. It has been an honor to work for him and for CPYU.

As for the future of the College Transition Initiative, I am pleased to say that it will continue in some capacity. My position at OneLife begins at the end of this month. At that time I will move to associate staff with CPYU. I will still be able to update and provide resources through the website as well as receive and fulfill speaking requests as I am able.

Working at CPYU has been a blessing. I'm grateful for the many opportunities I was given to serve students and parents across the country.

Our family covets your prayers in this transition. 

In Christ,